Moments of Delight and Grace

June 2020 post by Betsy Nero ~ Weeks ago, when things shut down and I settled into some sort of new routine, I found myself really wrestling with the changes and the “what if’s” of these uncertain times.

To ease some of my anxiety I started creating morning mandalas that include a message of hope, love and peace for myself and for the world. As I color, I am leaning into each day and inviting small blessings. I have found many moments of delight and grace.

• The rich colors of the flowers and trees
• The birds at 5 am
• The smell of rain
• Barking dogs
• Purring cats
• Laughter
• Tears
• The kindness of strangers
• The beautiful smell of sautéing vegetables
• Longer conversations
• The pleasure of a car ride with no determined destination
• Walks with my sister
• Worms
• My ten-year old neighbor playing his guitar
• Sending cards
• Joy in the very simple things
• Finding the time and space to slow down so I can be more in sync with our Divine Creator

The challenge lies in the heartbreaking stories of those who are finding themselves lost in this crisis.   Those who have lost their jobs; those being evicted; those dying alone; those slipping through the education cracks; those living in abusive homes; those who have to swallow their pride and line up weekly for food; those who have missed significant life moments; those who are isolated and alone.  There are millions of stories of people doing their best to make their way through this very strange time.  Many of these stories include those who have stepped up and have chosen to walk along-side complete strangers to ease some of their pain.

So I ask myself, how am I evolving in this time and space?  I know that I want to live more intentionally.  I want to be a better version of myself when this is behind us; to value the very smallest of things; to embrace the moments between moments; to have a bigger heart; to slowing down and deeply living the present.

The beauty of Centering Space is how it guides me on this path.  Whether we gather in person or through Zoom, the “community” that gathers is such a part of my evolution.