Draw the circle wide

Remember in early elementary school when you had the exercise that showed four items, three of which were easy to see related to each other and one was clearly different and the directions were to circle the one that does not belong?

The sad point is folks seemed to have learned that lesson too well.

We divide and wall ourselves off from each other on racial, economic, and religious categories.

In my old age, I have come to realize that we are much stronger and much more whole when we are at our most diverse. There is great benefit to being with different types of folks --- you learn more, have your edges softened, receive a deeper insight, and come to appreciate that you and your views are not the center of the universe.

On this day after the second inauguration of President Obama, I am reminded that the great democratic experiment of America is the continued extension of rights until all are afforded them. The president's great line from yesterday's speech -- "From Seneca Falls to Selma to Stonewall" --- highlighted this fact beautifully.

Let us work on drawing our cirlces wide.

sj;

Let it fly...

I’m not sure when they came into popularity; yet, many people fly a flag in front of their homes. Yes, some may keep it patriotic and fly the American flag. Because black and gold roots run deep, others proudly and, for some, year round, let the Steelers flag whirl in the breeze. Still, others decorate their homes with seasonally and holiday-themed banners.

Each in one's own way is making a statement about one’s homeland, one’s nationality, one’s allegiance, one’s rooting interest.

Why this entire flap about flags?

This morning on my commute into work, while stopped at a traffic light, I glanced up and noticed there was a flag flying above the Children’s Museum on the North Side. It was a baby-blue colored flag and I waited for the wind to unfurl it in such a way as to allow me to read its message.

As the blue flag snapped outward printed on it in bright red letters was the word, “Hi” --- perfect.

Perfect for a place dedicated to children; think about it, when you meet a small child there greeting is often a simple and innocent “Hi.”

Perfect for all of us considering a flag to fly --- what could be more welcoming and more a sign of warm hospitality than unfurling a banner that unassumingly says, “Hi.”

In a world wired for distance, consider how far a simple “Hi” can reach.

sj;

With beauty before me, I journey....

A most happy, happy New Year! Does anyone know how long one should use that phrase? When is the year no longer considered new? When is the year no longer considered happy?

I’m banking that the year 2013 still has a good bit of dew on it and that all is well.

The blog begins another year. As is true for most of us “resolution makers,” I too hope for more discipline and stronger priorities and a commitment to do what brings the most light and peace.

In preparation for this New Year, I spent some time reflecting on 2012. One of the spiritual practices I do each day is along with writing down five things for which I am grateful in that 24-hour period, I also write down where I saw beauty that day. Along with providing a nice close to the day, it is also fun to look back over what I wrote and recall those moments of beauty.

During 2012, my list of where I saw beauty included:

• Bright sun reflected on white snow
• The woman who is always smiling as she sweeps the streets on the
North Side
• Noticing the blooming
• A kid on her first bike ride --- going it solo
• Day baseball at PNC Park
• White trillium filling the hillside
• A doe and two spotted fawns
• Softness of morning light
• Kayakers on the river, paddling under the 9th Street Bridge as a
steady rain falls
• A rainbow arching over the Sound at the Outer Banks, NC

2013 is three days in, where have you seen beauty?

I invite you to try this practice. See if it sticks. Share your list with another.

As the year begins, may you journey with beauty before you, behind you, below you, above you, and all around you.

sj;