Triple Spiral Wellness

01/26/2026

Reflection copied from Sisters of St.Joseph, Brentwood NY:

"During the past weeks we have witnessed the suffering and disruption caused by needless violence. Constant exposure to violence leads to societal desensitization. Trust is shattered and a culture of fear is created. Violence does not achieve its goals since it erodes the belief in a system of justice and generates hostility. It is directly contrary to Jesus’ description of the nonviolent society of God’s reign. His followers are urged to “love your enemies,” pray for persecutors, and reject retaliation. He reminds us that whatever we do to the least of his people we are doing to him. If we are true to his teaching, we can never support those who accept violence to achieve their goals.

Prayer

Grant me a compassionate spirit.

Action

What are your feelings about the current climate of violence? How does it connect with Catholic social principles? What us your level of acceptance or tolerance? What can you do?

Suggested Reading

Thus says the Lord: Do justice and righteousness, and deliver from the hand of the oppressor him who has been robbed. And do no wrong or violence to the resident alien, the fatherless, and the widow, nor shed innocent blood in this place.
Jeremiah 22:3

Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.
1 Timothy 3:3

You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.
Matthew 7:1-2

Dear friends, with the grace of Christ, let us begin today to build a year of peace, disarming our hearts and refraining from all violence
Pope Leo XIV

The root of violence is the illusion of separation.
Richard Rohr

Violence is eating the heart right out of this country — in private homes and police stations, in personal relationships, playgrounds and public policies. Violence is our national disease. Walking gently through life is our only real hope of gentling the world.
Joan Chittister

I object to violence because when it appears to do good, the good is only temporary; the evil it does is permanent.
Mahatma Gandhi

To prepare for war, to give millions of men and women the opportunity to practice killing day and night in their hearts, is to plant millions of seeds of violence, anger, frustration, and fear that will be passed on for generations to come.
― Thich Nhat Hanh

You do not lead by hitting people over the head.
Dwight Eisenhower

Nonviolence means avoiding not only external physical violence but also internal violence of spirit. You not only refuse to shoot a man, but you refuse to hate him.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

Violence is the last refuge of the incompetent.
Isaac Asimov"

01/25/2026

Photo of me on an Amtrak train returning to NY. I spent a few days taking care of my Mom, who has mid stage dementia, a degenerative lumbar spine and other health issues. Mom lives with my sister and brother in law. I'm grateful she's with them, but it's challenging. Hence, my visit to give them respite and time away to recharge.

I'm reflecting on how interwoven we are, how fragile we may become as we age. As I helped Mom with basic care, I noticed the changes in her body. She's lost inches of height, her posture is stooped and she walks with small, shuffling steps. Sometimes she's lucid, sometimes she can't recall words. Her back pain can be severe and it's awful to witness.

When I looked at her body, I thought: my body is her body. I am a recreation of her, somewhat different. For her, all we can do now is manage her symptoms and prepare a safe environment. For myself, I can intervene and choose actions and strategies that will keep me healthy for as long as possible.

When I was in Massage School, I worked as a Home Health Aide, so I returned to that role of assisting with basic needs. I am a Reiki practitioner, and gave Mom several Reiki treatments that calmed her and helped her feel more comfortable. As tragic as the situation is, it is through involvement and taking responsibility that I can help my family and support them through this challenging time.

I offer this story to communicate that small actions of compassion are what we need now more than ever. As Jane Goodall said, "You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make."

If you have an elder in your life, reach out to them. Visit, play a game, listen to their stories. Offer to help a loved one with chores like grocery shopping or cleaning. As we are in the midst of a snowstorm, check on your elderly family or neighbors. Perhaps you can help them with snow removal or if there's a power loss, make sure they are warm.

We are all responsible for ourselves and each other. Small acts of kindness, compassion and love are stories that need to be shared now. Please feel free to add your story in the comments. Be safe, be healthy, be happy, be loved. Thank you.

01/24/2026

01/16/2026

I highly recommend listening to this Ted Talk about how scientists are using AI to decipher animal languages. Professor Karen Bakker says, "Just because we (humans) cannot perceive something, does not mean it doesn't exist." Food for thought, expansive.

What if we could hear nature's ultrasonic communication -- and talk back? From a bat's shrill speech to a peacock’s infrasound mating call, conservation tech...

01/15/2026

When the news is overwhelming, take a break and do things that are good for you. Eat nutritious foods, hydrate, exercise, call or spend time with a loved one, make art, listen to music.

01/09/2026

Message for today is peace...