| This holiday season brought all sorts of ups and downs, losses and gains, pain and pleasure, along with many stressors and extra pressures. So much to reflect and sit with on my annual silent retreat this week. The recent death of Ram Dass has brought yet another awakening to impermanence and the limit to my time with beloved family, friends, colleagues, and teachers, that gave way to deeper feelings of appreciation and longing to dive deeper into practice. Reading Jack Kornfield’s post on Instagram about Ram Dass was so beautiful and further fueled my desire to head off to retreat and practice with so many teachers in my program, including the beautiful guidance of Trish Magyari and Nancy Lasseter. Driving home on Christmas day from the airport, my daughter initiated a game from her summer camp days of sharing your rose, your thorn, and your bud. As I reflected, it was clear that my rose was an unexpected joy of reconciliation and reconnection of my brothers. I awoke one morning at 5:30 am to hear their voices that were loud (not yelling, just their natural tone) and boisterous. My first reaction was anger and judgment, as the rest of the 17 people in the home wished to be sleeping in far later than 5:30 am. Then as I listened more closely, I heard it was just the two of them talking, connecting, and getting along – the first time in several years- and the noise became music to my ears. I rolled over with a smile. Later that day, I read Jack’s email on reconciliation and a meditation practice similar to a lovingkindness practice where one recites phrases and wishes. So I decided to include these phrases each day at the close of the year to invite reconciliation and open the heart toward all beings. The invitation is to breathe in as you recite the line and slowly breathe out allowing the words to sink into your heart. May all mothers and sons be reconciled. May all mothers and daughters be reconciled. May all fathers and sons be reconciled. May all fathers and daughters be reconciled. May all sisters and brothers be reconciled. May all husbands and wives be reconciled. May all partners and lovers be reconciled. May all family members be reconciled. May all employers and employees be reconciled. May all community members be reconciled. May all friends be reconciled. May all women be reconciled. May all men be reconciled. May all men and women be reconciled. May all religions be reconciled. May all races be reconciled. May all nations be reconciled. May all peoples be reconciled. May all creatures be reconciled. May all beings of every form be reconciled. May you let all hurts and wrongdoings go and open your heart to a new beginning in 2020. With love and generosity, Patty |
Patty Thomas Shutt, founder of Sacred Treehouse, is a licensed psychologist and co-owner of Therapeutic Oasis of the Palm Beaches. Dr. Shutt is passionate about helping others discover the benefits of mindfulness and meditation. She offers Beginner Meditation & Advanced Meditation classes at Sacred Treehouse, in addition to Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, Mindful Self-Compassion and various book studies throughout the year.