Emotions Need Motion
When normal is gone, we grieve its loss. Some of that dis-ease, discomfort, and disturbance you’re feeling right now in the midst of this pandemic is grief.
Soundings
The Blog of Mercy by the Sea
We at Mercy by the Sea have so much we want to share with you:
- Inspiring and transformational quotes, prayers, poems, videos and books we discover or rediscover
- Conversations with upcoming presenters
- News and events about what's happening at Mercy by the Sea
- Resources and thoughts on contemplative prayer, spiritual direction, the second half of life, emerging leadership, creativity, our relationship with nature and much more!
You'll find seasonal photos of the grounds — vegetation, trees and winged and four-legged creatures that make their homes here. We'll capture changes in the light and colors as the seasons change. So bookmark this page and come back regularly. or subscribe to our weekly eNewsletter where these posts will be sent to your email inbox.
Soil and Spirit: A fear of pruning
Quite honestly, I am terrified of pruning. Even though, I’ve read countless articles and studied numerous videos, I remain hesitant. Reclining on the therapeutic couch of gardening, I’ve analyzed my irrational fear. It wasn’t until this time of “social distancing” that I realized why I don’t like to prune. It wasn’t until I was forced to prune casual outings with friends, to cancel daily gym workouts, and to use technology for family gatherings that I understood my reluctance. I don’t prune because I am afraid that I will accidentally remove a branch that is essential to the shrub’s health and growth (translate to remove activities that I thought were necessary). Only after “pruning” my daily interactions and reducing my weekly consumption, did I realize I didn’t lose anything. I continue to feel emotionally connected to loved ones, I’ve maintained a healthy regime through walking and reducing portions (prevents frequent trips to the grocery store), and I’ve grown spiritually thanks to amazing on-line worship opportunities. Yes, certain things were pruned but the results were positive. So, with pruning shears in hand, I shall go boldly into the light of day and chop away.
Spring pruning tips…
Don’t prune Buddleias and Caryopteris
Only prune Roses when they are showing real growth
Prune Rhododendrons, Azaleas, Mountain Laurel, and Lilacs right after they bloom
Remember most Hydrangeas flower on old wood. You may remove dead or broken branches but don’t prune.
Mindfulness in Challenging Times
One day this week was pouring rain and the next day the sun was shining. Reflecting on this made me think about how quickly things change. These are uncertain times and we can all see how in the past few weeks all our lives have changed in ways we never imagined.
The Signature of Being
As published in Mark’s Weekly Reflections: Field Notes on Living, March 23, 2020