Sausalito

I miss ...

Going to The Pub and getting annoyed at the regulars, plus the fact that they don't have wifi, but enjoying the tobacco and the Guinness;

Going to Wrecking Ball despite the fact that I'd vowed never to set foot in there when they forced the change of the name from Gourmet Ghetto to something a little more ... boring;

Going to Manpuku for not-the-best, but perfectly serviceable sushi.

I can go on and on, damn it.

Ven. Viranani on contending with anger

It's like when you go swimming in the ocean, and it's cold. Some people dive right in, but a lot of people, first they get a foot wet and another one and another one ... and once you get in, it's comfortable. But getting in is a slow process. 

Brother Phap Hai on the sacredness of the everyday

But on a profound level, it's developing a capacity to befriend all different parts of ourselves: those things that we feel are unlovable, those things that we feel might be disgusting, those things that we feel might not have anything to do with our spiritual life, the absolutely everyday, to befriend all things. 

Amen

Prayers for Sunday March 29th, 2020

For the layers of comfort and convenience that surrounded our lives and that we never considered a blessing but always just took for granted, forgive us.

For we who must grieve in isolation and not in community, comfort us.

For we who care for the sick, protect us.

For the ability to turn off the fear-mongering and unhelpful commentary and worst-case scenario click bait, strengthen us.

For the times when we are all out of creative ideas for how to get through this with cooped up kids, inspire us. 

For we who are now cutting our own bangs at home, guide us.

For the grace to allow ourselves and others to just be less productive, shower us.

For the generosity needed from those of us who have more resources, empower us.

From our own selfish inclinations, deliver us.

For just being your children, none of whom have done a global pandemic before, love us.

For the days ahead, accompany us.

God unbound by time, help us to know that you are already present in the future we are fearing.

AMEN. 

-Nadia Bolz-Weber

Todd Parr said it best

Isolation

I'm so damn lucky to have my family. I don't know how I would make it through this thing on my own. I can get lonely very easily. That was especially true back in the day. Sometimes I get pissed off and need my space, but I'm damn lucky to have the people I do.