My Dearest Nahalat Shalom Family,
I am awed and amazed by what we are accomplishing during this time of crisis. It is such an honor to be part of this community. I miss you all and look forward to seeing you all soon at the other end of this difficult period in our lives. Please keep in touch whether through text, phone, fb, email... it is important to stay connected with each other. There are so many ways that we can help others and receive help as listed in our most recent Nahalat Shalom Enews Voice of the Va'ad.
It is also important - and healthy - to stay connected with nature and our beloved earth. As I write this, spring migrating robins are singing their little hearts out just outside my window. Finches, woodpeckers and other local birds have been singing, drumming, pairing up and getting ready to nest. We are so fortunate to have beautiful natural surroundings and lots of open spaces to enjoy, to be one with, and to be thankful for. Even if screens (TV, computer, phone, etc..) are part of your work and/or one of your main diversions, try to take a break and go outside: breath, look around, look up in the trees, on the ground, in the sky, be still, feel and listen-- sit down or go for walk -say the shehechianu (who has given us life) blessing if you are so inspired.
I want to share this poem with you that continues to provide much inspiration and a source of deep thought and focus for me. You may have seen it already as it has been circulating around the internet:
And the People Stayed Home by Kitty O'Meara.
And the people stayed home. And read books, and listened, and rested, and exercised, and made art, and played games, and learned new ways of being, and were still. And listened more deeply. Some meditated, some prayed, some danced. Some met their shadows. And the people began to think differently.
And the people healed. And, in the absence of people living in ignorant, dangerous, mindless, and heartless ways, the earth began to heal.
And when the danger passed, and the people joined together again, they grieved their losses, and made new choices, and dreamed new images, and created new ways to live and heal the earth fully, as they had been healed.
Sending you all love and inspiration!
Zayt Gezint! (Be well)
Elbows bumps, toe-taps and Mr. Spock signs to all!
Keep in touch!
Cantor Beth