What do you do first in the morning?
I have learned that to enter my day having listened in closely to
what my prayers, a poem, and sitting quietly have to offer me,
I am better suited to happiness and inspiration.
I open up and can sustain this state throughout the day,
even when I am in a place or time that challenges me.
I see cracks where light can enter and I go towards those
opportunities.
So. I am in at my Mother's former home.
Former as in she died on October 10, 2010 and the
home she lived in with my stepfather is now
sitting quietly, watching as my siblings and I
navigate the endings of our parent's lives.
(my stepfather is alive and well and a walking inspiration in wool)
How do I live in relationship to the place where
I grew up, without the grounding of my Mother here?
Where is home?
Does my love for the Upper Peninsula of Michigan,
for the places I know, for the friends and family I have
here, constitute a deep connection?
This is what I am asking of my quiet time today.
And how I am living this week as I
rake leaves off my Mother's grave,
tending what she planted here.
And listening.
I would love to know a question of yours
and how you listen for the answers.
More from the UP as I live it.
With love,
S