They say that after just a few weeks of quiet
The sky is no longer thick with fumes
But blue and grey and clear.
They say that in the streets of Assisi
People are singing to each other across the empty squares, keeping their windows open
so that those who are alone may hear
the sounds of family around them.
They say that a hotel in the West of Ireland
Is offering free meals and delivery to the housebound.
Today a young woman I know is busy spreading fliers with her number through the neighbourhood
So that the elders may have someone to call on.
Today Churches, Synagogues, Mosques and Temples are preparing to welcome and shelter the homeless, the sick, the weary
All over the world people are slowing down and reflecting
All over the world people are looking at their neighbours in a new way
All over the world people are waking up to a new reality
To how big we really are.
To how little control we really have.
To what really matters.
To Love.
So we pray and we remember that
Yes there is fear. But there does not have to be hate.
Yes there is isolation. But there does not have to be loneliness.
Yes there is panic buying. But there does not have to be meanness.
Yes there is sickness.But there does not have to be disease of the soul.
Yes there is even death. But there can always be a rebirth of love.
Wake to the choices you make as to how to live now.
Today, breathe.
Listen, behind the factory noises of your panic
The birds are singing again
The sky is clearing,
Spring is coming, And we are always
encompassed by Love.
Open the windows of your soul And though you may not be able to touch across the empty square, Sing. ”

-Richard Hendrick (Brother Richard)

Today, breathe, reach out, slow down, reflect, do what you can, realize what really matters, treasure your home and those in it, and take care of yourself and each other.

*I don’t usually explain the pictures  that pair with my posts and quotes – there’s always a reason, some more obvious that others! In this case though, I wanted to share the meaning of the photo to me.

The shadow is mine appearing on the snow in the photo  and to me represents not living in shadow but in the light – and those little trees that are puncturing my heart chakra and third eye speak to me of  being broken open by the outer events of the world, growing through it as best as I can, while being completely present and literally and figuratively solidly at home.  And the image at the top is that home that I so treasure.