I’m writing this during the US elections, those never-ending elections. Ah our simple Canadian ballots! I know the elections are south of the border, but their turmoil surges into my life. It hits some deep waters in my family with significant pain in lives close to me as well as an upsurge in my own commitments. The sun is showing up today, the garden awaits but I know I’m not going to get there. One day this week I went to bed with sorrow in my heart and woke to it still being there. Sometimes life feels complicated and chaotic. This week has been one of those for me.
When complications come, I enjoy turning to John O’Donohue. I’ll share a bit of him with you this week. I was flipping through his book ‘To Bless the Space Between Us’ looking for a blessing for someone special and came across his page of questions. I love questions! I slow down, open up and turn another direction when I encounter questions. So my gift to you this week, to your world whether calm or chaotic – some questions. Hope you enjoy them.
What dreams did I create last night?
Where did my eyes linger today?
Where was I blind?
Where was I hurt without anyone noticing?
What did I learn today?
What did I read?
What new thoughts visited me?
What differences did I notice in those closest to me?
Whom did I neglect?
Where did I neglect myself?
What did I begin today that might endure?
How were my conversations?
What did I do today for the poor and the excluded?
Did I remember the dead today?
Where could I have exposed myself to the risk of something different?
Where did I allow myself to receive love?
With whom today did I feel most myself?
What reached me today? How deep did it imprint?
Who saw me today?
What visitations had I from the past and from the future?
What did I avoid today?
From the evidence – why was I given this day?
John O’Donohue, ‘At the End of the Day: A Mirror of Questions’ from “To Bless the Space Between Us”
How do you receive these questions?
Love and prayers
Anne
Mystic in Motion
Companion on the Way with Contemplative Fire, Contemplative Fire Canada, Founder
Society Member with Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation
Companion with The Rivendell Way
Mystic in Motion 
I received these questions now….
I’ll hold them for awhile ….
Before I answer them
But… yes… I receive them with ❤️
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I find they unpeel layers from my day. I see things I hadn’t noticed before
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These questions are very practical. I look forward to using them.
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I’ve been using them each evening this week and enjoy the paths of reflection they open. Enjoy.
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The commentary came from ringing Church bells in Paris and Van Jones from CNN – character and truth do matter. These questions are about nurturing one’s character by subtly penetrating and the clarity and integrity it brings.
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Character and truth do matter. Truth is often inside me what I KNOW not what I hear. And I enjoy the penetrating nature of these questions. Great word. Thanks
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