Events & News (09/30/23)
Do you desire to know the art of living?
The Saturday Spark
Tell us: How do you make creative use of suffering?
My friend, I’ve just returned from more than a week out of studio to discover that this post was published as scheduled but was somehow never distributed through email. I can’t explain that—mysteries never cease! But here you go—last Saturday’s Events & News. Better late than never! — PCD
Act now for these events, starting as early as tomorrow!
In case you missed it . . .
No replays of free Raft events this week as I’ve been out of studio.
Next week on The Raft . . .
Poetry Pick-Me-Up (Zoom, Thursday, 12-1PM Central). A casual weekly gathering for poetry-sharing, celebration, and discussion. Hop on the Zoom at this link. Bring a poem you like to read to the group. Or, just come to listen to poems offered by other Rafters and to participate in informal but wholehearted conversation. Can’t make it? Watch for the video replay in this newsletter!
Grateful, grateful!
My heartfelt thanks to these folks for their recent gifts in support of The Raft: Carol Langenfeld, Mark Primavesi, Julie Roehm, Lanette Sweeney, Jari Thymian, mr.palm, and ritesofpassage.
Whew! That's all for now. Stay well. Stay witty. Stay tuned into your true spot and create from your radiant, beautiful self.
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Not sure I'm making good use of suffering. I'm not in pain. My suffering feels so trivial, even in so far it is identifiable. Don't feel satisfied about what I do. Spending time doing puzzles. Then rushing around not doing things like keeping a tidier house.
Beautiful gift from a Thich Nhat Hanh Monastic. When nuisance thoughts and feelings arise, he stops; gets present; and sings them a little song; relates to them and welcomes them. Am determined to try this practice till something shifts (or not!). Here are the words of the song and a link to him singing it:
Hello, hello
something in me.
I am aware that you are in there
and you sure have got a good reason to be.
Hello hello
something in me
I am aware that you are in there
and I'm going to keep you company.
https://youtu.be/jejxfFmX-vs?t=2369
Love to hear anyone's thoughts about this.
Like it or not, suffering is a part of life. In our vulnerability our hearts crack open & we grow.
Our compassion for others is a part of the growth our suffering brings.
“To live is to suffer, to survive is to find some meaning in the suffering.” ~ Friedrich Nietzsche
“Life is a tragedy full of joy.” ~ Bernard Malamud