Don’t Give Up Before the Miracle*
I loved writing last week’s blog so passionately that I’m receiving whiplash from its aftermath, as I try to focus on birthing this week’s blog. Does passion blur reality? Ya think?
This week, words feel stubborn, having their own experience, separate from mine. It will take a miracle for something of any interest to emerge from me.
Wait! That’s exactly what I considered writing about—miracles. Did a miracle just unfold before our eyes?
Miracle = an extraordinary event manifesting divine intervention in human affairs.
Okay, here’s the story:
Years ago, maybe 5 or so, I was vaguely and tangentially a part of a Berkshire group investigating the possibilities of co-housing. I was conflicted yet slightly interested, so I kept my distance while going through the motions of group involvement, not difficult for an introvert like me.
At one point, it became mandatory in the group to join a working subgroup, in order to do the necessary tasks of the organization, investigate properties, build the group’s presence, etc. As I sketchily remember the options of mandatory subgroups, they were things like:
Outreach too much potential work, didn’t want to
Publicity too much potential work, didn’t want to
Interface with Towns absolutely too much potential work, I didn’t want to
New Properties Search way beyond too much….
And then a kind woman in the group named Susan J. offered a new option, a Miracles Group. Only a few people were interested—it seemed perfect for me. Not signing on for too much, etc., etc. I jumped at the offer, smirkingly enjoying my avoiding a deeper commitment to the group.
Well. Yesterday was our 129th Miracles Group. We have met on Zoom twice a month since our first meeting. We are a group of five (friend Terry died a few years ago). We meet for an hour.
There are several segments to each meeting:
First— Susan shares some quotes she has found as an opening meditation.
Secondly— We each have a few minutes to get current, to get present.
Thirdly— We have a few more minutes to speak of the miracles we have noticed during the past two weeks.
Finally— We offer to the Altar that which we and others need support.
This group has been—miraculous! These women live in my heart deeply. Their reminders, the revelations of their miracles, keep my heart open to the miracles that are around me all the time. Occasionally, I notice one.
I’m on the lookout for miracles. And for this anxious, busy-minded human, that is the right direction to lean.
Oh, funny ending to the story—the Berkshire co-housing group collapsed due to real estate costs here. Our Miracles subgroup lives on!
~~~
Cut to the chase, Aruni—
What I Believe About Miracles:
- They are everywhere, always.
- They take every possible form, feathered, fuzzy, humanoid, concrete.
- The only thing that blocks my seeing them is… what a surprise… me.
- Divine intervention is always available.
My miracles of these past two weeks:
- Witnessing the profound IQI program group of perfect strangers that continued to deepen its connection to themselves and each other.
- Outliving my anxiety and comfortably leading the Ashram Resident Retreat session.
- Noticing the heron hiding in the bushes, both exposed and in disguise, just like me.
What about you?
What miracles have you witnessed?
Please—let me know. All voices welcomed.
All experiences sacred.
~~~
Music….. Here’s a remarkable cover of one of life’s best songs. Thanks to Joni (of course!) and to the singers, Cantus & the Swingles, two Grammy-winning a cappella groups that frequently collaborate:
~~~
Friends,
May we be present.
May we be whole.
May we ride the waves of our lives.
May we live in peace no matter what we are given.
May we continue to open our hearts
To the miracles
That surround us.
May all beings benefit from our shared words.
Blessings,
Aruni
~~~
*Don’t give up before the miracle—a Twelve Step slogan.