I love hearing these glimpses into your Thai life, Dana. We're also getting drenched every time we leave the house, but for entirely different reasons!
What's been nourishing me this week is the practice of surrender. Giving myself permission (or rather, being forced by my body) to cancel plans and responsibilities. Taking to my bed, and not even trying to do anything useful or productive, while the flu continues to rage through my system. I haven't been this sick in decades, and am curious about what's going on, and whether it's part of the bigger midlife/menopausal transition that seems to have ramped up another notch in the last 6 months. Fortunately, my acupuncturist friend can fit me in this weekend.
It's interesting to hear your reflections on ACIM. I had a brief brush with those teachings years ago, and had a similar response of something feeling off. Feels so important to trust the gut on what resonates, though no doubt there are useful concepts in there too.
Thank you, Vicki. And sending wishes for deep rest and restoration your way! I’m so glad you’re giving yourself permission to do what you need. Surrender: the life lesson I seem to learn over and over and over. ❤️
ACIM is so interesting. Because when I consider and practice with certain teachings - especially from the student workbook that goes with the main text - I find them profoundly resonant and helpful. But some of the other language and framing is not resonant at all for me personally. I’m generally pretty good in those situations with just taking what’s useful and not needing something to be a “perfect fit,” but what feels somewhat different in this case is that the text is quite dogmatic and corrective. And it often feels like it positions my more selective approach as misguided. In any case, the more I think about it, the more I realize I actually appreciate this journey with the text - because even (or maybe especially) the places of tension and dissonance have something important to teach me, helping to refine my own sense of clarity.
What you wrote about something not quite fitting, even when it 'looks right' — I recognize that. In my experience with sobriety, I had to learn the same kind of discernment: what actually works versus what just looks like it should. Sometimes the hardest thing is admitting that something you've invested time and energy into simply isn't it. What's nourishing me right now? Simplicity. Working with people who are looking for a way out. And knowing I don't need to have all the answers — just being present is enough. What am I hungry for? More honest spaces like this one.
Oof, I hear you on that. I have trouble overcoming the sunk costs of a thing (though when I manage it, I pretty predictably feel deep relief, as though a weight has lifted).
Such beautiful places of nourishment. And it truly is so life-giving and expansive to remember we don’t need to know all the answers. Thanks for being here and sharing, Petr!
And thank you so much for sharing - I really get that. I have trouble using my voice even in the most open, welcoming environments. My teacher does invite questions, and I often leave the meetings feeling much better about the text, thanks to his interpretations and explanations. But the ACIM text itself, at least as I read it, speaks more in absolutes, which can feel harder to engage with at times.
Honestly, I respect there is a reason the energy of a birth chart is closed; however, it is usually a matter of patience to allow the energy to open enough to gently engage with. Texts may be something totally different, though. Hmm.
Wishing you a joyous Songkran—my three sons would go nuts over a chance to take to the streets with buckets, hoses, and water guns! The “world’s biggest water fight.” What a visual! Play is so important, and although I realize the significance of Songkran is religious, cultural, and ancestral, certain places strike me as more in-tune with the sacred and the soul’s natural inclination to not just rest but play. You seem to be living in such a place. One day I hope to explore Thailand, but, for now. I savor the chance to visit via your words. A true insider’s perspective. Slowed down and true.
I have done some traveling outside the US in my younger years. Wondrous locations like Sardinia, Scotland, Munich, Lucerne, Cinque Terre, and Pamplona for the Running of the Bulls. Oh, how I long to return and re-experience these places through my clearer and wiser now-sober eyes and body.
What’s nourishing me lately is following my pets’ lead when it comes to daily life: stretch, nap, play, and find a warm, sunny spot to get cozy—bonus points if it’s mid-day. ❤️
Thank you, Jennifer. It truly is such a delight seeing the kids throwing and squirting water from the side of the road and from the backs of pick-up trucks - their excitement and glee are contagious. Plus, they’re joined by their parents and grandparents!
Scotland is high on my wish list for travel. I feel a connection in my bones to that part of the world, though I’ve never been (at least not in this lifetime).
Pets sure do offer a beautiful example! Love that you’re following their lead ❤️
I loved reading about Thai's New Year Festival & smiled as I visualized the world's biggest water fight:) Love the pictures of your kitties, too:)
I hope you find peace as you make a decision about whether to continue one of your spiritual programs. Reading about your situation made me think about a decision I have to make... regarding a bible study starting in May. My mom really wants me to attend. Yes, she wants to spend time with me, but she also needs someone to drive her after dark. I had been considering doing the bible study. For a little back story, the ladies in the group are from my childhood church. The church (and the people) are ultra conservative. After some unfortunate events that happened around the same time covid hit, and having my eyes WIDE opened (even more so since getting sober), I now attend a different church with my sister. However, I still visit the little Brethren church and keep in touch with some of the ladies. Back to the bible study... I wanted to attend with my mom until I received the book - "Abigail: Living With the Difficult in Your Life." Why couldn't it be about something more positive, like hope or joy??? My husband, who is a realist, reminded me that I've worked hard to distance myself from difficult people. Plus, the irony is that my cousin (who was part of the unfortunate events in 2020) is in the study group. With all of that said, I need to make a decision about attending, & it's been weighing on me heavily. I'm hoping the right decision will be revealed.
Thanks so much for being here, and for your wishes for peace, Crystal. Also for sharing your own place of practicing with spiritual and interpersonal discernment.
Sometimes when I’m facing a tough choice, I remind myself that I don’t need to decide everything once and for all. I just need to make the next choice, and trust that more clarity will come from there. That can include changing my mind or choosing something different.
Sending you wishes for clarity around your next steps, and for steadiness and serenity in whatever follows.
I so enjoy reading about your daily routines, esp the foods. I’ve never been to Thailand but hope to someday. Here in Virginia, we are having wide swings of temperature which makes gardening a challenge. Picking a lot of spinach and lettuce and sharing it with friends and neighbors. Have been hiking a lot with groups on the AT where the wildflowers are starting to show.
Thanks so much for being here and sharing, Patti. I love the AT. I have very fond memories of hiking and camping along it. Best wishes with your gardening, and happy spring!
I always enjoy your updates. And I just adore seeing all three cats lounging together. 😻
What’s nourishing me lately is the permission I’ve given myself to be playful. With everything. I can be a serious student with all my daily “lessons”. I’ve loosened my grip and have even thrown on music mid day to just dance with the dogs.
I resonate with how you’re examining faith. The longing itself is so honest. I’ve returned to listening and reading Richard Rohr again (I inhaled him in early sobriety). Sometimes I wonder if I’ll always be spiritually hungry. Maybe that’s a good thing.
Thank you, Allison. And ah, yes. They are quite the trio. This morning’s adventure: Tucker bringing the girls a lizard nearly as long as he is. 😭
I love how you’re weaving playfulness into your day. How deeply nourishing - I could no doubt use a dose of that myself. Furry companions help, I find.
I’ve never read Richard Rohr, but will add him to my ever-growing list. I think you’re right, though. In A. Helwa’s words: “It is our hunger, our thirst, and our emptiness that creates the longing for soul food. If we were full, we would never seek for anything.” ❤️
I was just thinking today how cool it is to be in Thailand during songkran. One of my favourite parts is that you can find yourself down the street with a bunch of people you don't even know and with a single splash of water it feels like we've known each other forever. Before you know it you can become best friends 😭 I think it's like what you spoke about here, a time of year and a culture that aims to not take things too seriously. It's so so special.
Also, have you tried eating green mangoes before they're ripe?? My mouth is watering just thinking about it hahah often eaten with shrimp paste dip or prik glua a blend of sugar, msg, salt, and chilli flakes (maybe not so great for your no sugar at the moment).
I've been battling with some similar decisions around my studies too, so it's helpful to read what you're going through. Thank you for sharing, Dana. ❤️
Happy New Year, Kaitlyn!! And yes! It’s almost like getting into the Songkran spirit allows our inner kids to come out and play - and kids playing together can become fast friends.
I’ve had unripe mangos in som tam, but prefer unripe papayas for that. Still, maybe we should pull down some of our mangos and try - perhaps drizzled with chilis in fish sauce.
Wishing you steadiness and clarity as you sort through the path with your studies. Grateful for your presence here, Kaitlyn ❤️
I love hearing these glimpses into your Thai life, Dana. We're also getting drenched every time we leave the house, but for entirely different reasons!
What's been nourishing me this week is the practice of surrender. Giving myself permission (or rather, being forced by my body) to cancel plans and responsibilities. Taking to my bed, and not even trying to do anything useful or productive, while the flu continues to rage through my system. I haven't been this sick in decades, and am curious about what's going on, and whether it's part of the bigger midlife/menopausal transition that seems to have ramped up another notch in the last 6 months. Fortunately, my acupuncturist friend can fit me in this weekend.
It's interesting to hear your reflections on ACIM. I had a brief brush with those teachings years ago, and had a similar response of something feeling off. Feels so important to trust the gut on what resonates, though no doubt there are useful concepts in there too.
Thank you, Vicki. And sending wishes for deep rest and restoration your way! I’m so glad you’re giving yourself permission to do what you need. Surrender: the life lesson I seem to learn over and over and over. ❤️
ACIM is so interesting. Because when I consider and practice with certain teachings - especially from the student workbook that goes with the main text - I find them profoundly resonant and helpful. But some of the other language and framing is not resonant at all for me personally. I’m generally pretty good in those situations with just taking what’s useful and not needing something to be a “perfect fit,” but what feels somewhat different in this case is that the text is quite dogmatic and corrective. And it often feels like it positions my more selective approach as misguided. In any case, the more I think about it, the more I realize I actually appreciate this journey with the text - because even (or maybe especially) the places of tension and dissonance have something important to teach me, helping to refine my own sense of clarity.
Thanks Dana. And yes! Maybe the teaching is exactly that - discernment and self-trust, not handing over absolute authority to any external source.
Dang… I miss Thailand so much after reading this.
It really is sweet here.
I love these vulnerable updates!
- I've started to exercise regularly for the first time in my adult life and it is truly nourishing every part of me!
- I'm hungry for deep belly laughs with people I love. I feel like I haven't been laughing enough lately.
- I'm on a journey to regaining trust within myself. It makes all the difference in this life.
Thank you, Natalie! And all that sounds body-mind-spirit delicious ❤️
What you wrote about something not quite fitting, even when it 'looks right' — I recognize that. In my experience with sobriety, I had to learn the same kind of discernment: what actually works versus what just looks like it should. Sometimes the hardest thing is admitting that something you've invested time and energy into simply isn't it. What's nourishing me right now? Simplicity. Working with people who are looking for a way out. And knowing I don't need to have all the answers — just being present is enough. What am I hungry for? More honest spaces like this one.
Oof, I hear you on that. I have trouble overcoming the sunk costs of a thing (though when I manage it, I pretty predictably feel deep relief, as though a weight has lifted).
Such beautiful places of nourishment. And it truly is so life-giving and expansive to remember we don’t need to know all the answers. Thanks for being here and sharing, Petr!
1) Well, I am jealous of the mango situation you have going on! Delish.
2) Hmmm. 🤔 you prompted a reflection, Dana!
It's hard for me to feel safe and valued in an environment in which my questions are not welcome, either implicitly or explicitly.
This hasn't always been the case (prior life as a fawn 🦌).
The mangos are incredible!
And thank you so much for sharing - I really get that. I have trouble using my voice even in the most open, welcoming environments. My teacher does invite questions, and I often leave the meetings feeling much better about the text, thanks to his interpretations and explanations. But the ACIM text itself, at least as I read it, speaks more in absolutes, which can feel harder to engage with at times.
Interesting. I find that some birth charts have closed energies and do not welcome engagement. Sounds a bit similar!
Oh, and I love the photos of your sweet temple cat. 🐈
Very intriguing! Only if you don’t mind sharing, what helped you shift your response in those situations, or your relationship to them?
He’s truly such a sweetie! Pretends to be tough but wants love, love, love.
Honestly, I respect there is a reason the energy of a birth chart is closed; however, it is usually a matter of patience to allow the energy to open enough to gently engage with. Texts may be something totally different, though. Hmm.
Patience and time sure do hold beautiful, even unexpected gifts ❤️
Wishing you a joyous Songkran—my three sons would go nuts over a chance to take to the streets with buckets, hoses, and water guns! The “world’s biggest water fight.” What a visual! Play is so important, and although I realize the significance of Songkran is religious, cultural, and ancestral, certain places strike me as more in-tune with the sacred and the soul’s natural inclination to not just rest but play. You seem to be living in such a place. One day I hope to explore Thailand, but, for now. I savor the chance to visit via your words. A true insider’s perspective. Slowed down and true.
I have done some traveling outside the US in my younger years. Wondrous locations like Sardinia, Scotland, Munich, Lucerne, Cinque Terre, and Pamplona for the Running of the Bulls. Oh, how I long to return and re-experience these places through my clearer and wiser now-sober eyes and body.
What’s nourishing me lately is following my pets’ lead when it comes to daily life: stretch, nap, play, and find a warm, sunny spot to get cozy—bonus points if it’s mid-day. ❤️
Thank you, Jennifer. It truly is such a delight seeing the kids throwing and squirting water from the side of the road and from the backs of pick-up trucks - their excitement and glee are contagious. Plus, they’re joined by their parents and grandparents!
Scotland is high on my wish list for travel. I feel a connection in my bones to that part of the world, though I’ve never been (at least not in this lifetime).
Pets sure do offer a beautiful example! Love that you’re following their lead ❤️
I loved reading about Thai's New Year Festival & smiled as I visualized the world's biggest water fight:) Love the pictures of your kitties, too:)
I hope you find peace as you make a decision about whether to continue one of your spiritual programs. Reading about your situation made me think about a decision I have to make... regarding a bible study starting in May. My mom really wants me to attend. Yes, she wants to spend time with me, but she also needs someone to drive her after dark. I had been considering doing the bible study. For a little back story, the ladies in the group are from my childhood church. The church (and the people) are ultra conservative. After some unfortunate events that happened around the same time covid hit, and having my eyes WIDE opened (even more so since getting sober), I now attend a different church with my sister. However, I still visit the little Brethren church and keep in touch with some of the ladies. Back to the bible study... I wanted to attend with my mom until I received the book - "Abigail: Living With the Difficult in Your Life." Why couldn't it be about something more positive, like hope or joy??? My husband, who is a realist, reminded me that I've worked hard to distance myself from difficult people. Plus, the irony is that my cousin (who was part of the unfortunate events in 2020) is in the study group. With all of that said, I need to make a decision about attending, & it's been weighing on me heavily. I'm hoping the right decision will be revealed.
Thanks so much for being here, and for your wishes for peace, Crystal. Also for sharing your own place of practicing with spiritual and interpersonal discernment.
Sometimes when I’m facing a tough choice, I remind myself that I don’t need to decide everything once and for all. I just need to make the next choice, and trust that more clarity will come from there. That can include changing my mind or choosing something different.
Sending you wishes for clarity around your next steps, and for steadiness and serenity in whatever follows.
I so enjoy reading about your daily routines, esp the foods. I’ve never been to Thailand but hope to someday. Here in Virginia, we are having wide swings of temperature which makes gardening a challenge. Picking a lot of spinach and lettuce and sharing it with friends and neighbors. Have been hiking a lot with groups on the AT where the wildflowers are starting to show.
Thanks so much for being here and sharing, Patti. I love the AT. I have very fond memories of hiking and camping along it. Best wishes with your gardening, and happy spring!
Just finishing an Ayurvedic spring cleanse deeply nourishing and nature nourishes me, warm smiles from the heart and heart filled laughter 💕
Beautiful, Lucy! Thank you for sharing ❤️
Have fun this week! Your dinner sounds amazing!
Thank you! It’s definitely my kind of comfort food. ❤️
Happy Thai New year!
I always enjoy your updates. And I just adore seeing all three cats lounging together. 😻
What’s nourishing me lately is the permission I’ve given myself to be playful. With everything. I can be a serious student with all my daily “lessons”. I’ve loosened my grip and have even thrown on music mid day to just dance with the dogs.
I resonate with how you’re examining faith. The longing itself is so honest. I’ve returned to listening and reading Richard Rohr again (I inhaled him in early sobriety). Sometimes I wonder if I’ll always be spiritually hungry. Maybe that’s a good thing.
Thank you, Allison. And ah, yes. They are quite the trio. This morning’s adventure: Tucker bringing the girls a lizard nearly as long as he is. 😭
I love how you’re weaving playfulness into your day. How deeply nourishing - I could no doubt use a dose of that myself. Furry companions help, I find.
I’ve never read Richard Rohr, but will add him to my ever-growing list. I think you’re right, though. In A. Helwa’s words: “It is our hunger, our thirst, and our emptiness that creates the longing for soul food. If we were full, we would never seek for anything.” ❤️
I love that quote - never heard it. It fits 💕
❤️❤️
Hearts to you, Susan! ❤️
Happy Thai New Year, Dana!!
I was just thinking today how cool it is to be in Thailand during songkran. One of my favourite parts is that you can find yourself down the street with a bunch of people you don't even know and with a single splash of water it feels like we've known each other forever. Before you know it you can become best friends 😭 I think it's like what you spoke about here, a time of year and a culture that aims to not take things too seriously. It's so so special.
Also, have you tried eating green mangoes before they're ripe?? My mouth is watering just thinking about it hahah often eaten with shrimp paste dip or prik glua a blend of sugar, msg, salt, and chilli flakes (maybe not so great for your no sugar at the moment).
I've been battling with some similar decisions around my studies too, so it's helpful to read what you're going through. Thank you for sharing, Dana. ❤️
Happy New Year, Kaitlyn!! And yes! It’s almost like getting into the Songkran spirit allows our inner kids to come out and play - and kids playing together can become fast friends.
I’ve had unripe mangos in som tam, but prefer unripe papayas for that. Still, maybe we should pull down some of our mangos and try - perhaps drizzled with chilis in fish sauce.
Wishing you steadiness and clarity as you sort through the path with your studies. Grateful for your presence here, Kaitlyn ❤️
Let me know if you try them and what you think!
Thank you, Dana ❤️