Journal of Sacred Work

Days 156-157 – Journal’s Seventh Anniversary.

   The Journal of Sacred Work was launched June 7, 2006. Since then, more than fourteen hundred essays have been posted. In seven years about 300,000 visitors have viewed the site. Thousands have posted comments.

   When I looked back to the first edition (click on Archives in right column) I noticed that the third comment ever posted was by our weekend writer Liz Wessel. Thank you to Liz and to each of you who have stayed with us as regular participants or who may have visited here just once. 

   The goal of the Journal has always been to support caregivers in their hard work and to provide a forum for sharing. Most of the Journal's essays have been about communication – with each other and with ourselves.

   Among your deepest needs to be heard. When a friend sent me a link to a ninety-second comedy short on male-female communication I decided to share it with you as part of our anniversary celebration. This little film may say more on this subject in a minute and a half than I have said in seven years. 

Click on the link below. (You can also go to http://www.jasonheadley.com and click on the video titled "It's Not About the Nail.")

http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=it%27s+not+about+the+nail&view=detail&mid=318342F4FD59A77FF3D8318342F4FD59A77FF3D8&first=0&FORM=NVPFVR 

-Erie Chapman

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8 responses to “Days 156-157 – Journal’s Seventh Anniversary.”

  1. Woody Wessel Avatar
    Woody Wessel

    Some people can’t see a problem that is right in front of their face. It gives them something to hang on to, or in this case someting to hang your hat on.

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  2. ~liz Wessel Avatar
    ~liz Wessel

    In 2006, Erie, your first entry highlights the Journal’s purpose:
    The Journal will:
    • publish significant commentary on the loving care movement & the role of spiritual care,
    • publish poetry & meditations to support caregivers & caregiving,
    • recognize organizations & individuals engaged in best practices,
    • provide an opportunity for caregivers to offer comments & personal reflections on the caregiving experience via this blog.
    The Journal has delivered on all that it set out to offer and more. Congratulations, Erie and thank you for continuing to walk this sacred journey with caregivers from around the world.
    I attended the Coalition for Compassionate Care: National Palliative Care Conference this past week. I heard some of the greats like Betty Ferrill PhD and Ira Byock MD speak to what really matters. Betty’s definition of quality palliative care, “the healthcare you would want for your loved one”. In your words, “The Mother Test” (Chapman, 2002). This guiding principle is what fuels my passion every day. Ira’s definition of what matters is Love; YES! Radical Loving Care(Chapman, 2002).When I think of what is healing in my own experience and what matters most is to be seen, really seen, of someone listening, really listening-not fixing (ha, quite a video).
    Yet, all kidding aside, what matters most to me is this opportunity to express Love. I have learned a great deal about opening and expressing my love through my encounters with all of you here.
    Thank you for sticking it out with us caregivers, Erie, through thick and thin, interesting, and I imagine at times; complete boredom. But showing up none the less, week after week, offering encouragement, mystery, challenges, poetry, art, photography, controversy, wisdom, secrets, generosity, Beauty, vulnerability, darkness, light, inspiration love, and above all else, your sacred self to us.
    May God bless and keep you in the warmth of Her ever Loving heart!

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  3. Erie Chapman Foundation Avatar
    Erie Chapman Foundation

    Good one, Woody! And thank you, Liz!

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  4. julie laverdiere Avatar
    julie laverdiere

    Erie, your thoughts have had a profound effect on me. The language of caregiving is not often discussed, and you gave us a forum to listen and to discuss all things. I value your insights, and have used them often in my practice and in my life. Liz, you too have given me perspectives that are valuable and kind. Thanks to everyone who shares our struggles and triumphs as caregivers.

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  5. Cheri Cancelliere Avatar
    Cheri Cancelliere

    Erie, Thank you so much for your reflections that encourage, inspire and remind us why we continue to choose love. Your words have lifted me up and refreshed me at the times when I most needed to hear them. Each post is like a long, cool drink of water after a marathon in the desert! Thank you too, Liz, for your beautiful art and thoughts, and for sharing Erie’s journal with me. It is a great treasure and blessing to my life.

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  6. Stephanie Avatar
    Stephanie

    Erie, Thank you for providing a forum for discovering and discussing the sacred in caregiving. That can be a risky proposition in our hurried, outcome-oriented society, and yet so incredibly important for our souls, and for the health of our patients, on many levels. Thank you, Liz, for telling me about this forum, and both of you for continuing to inspire.

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  7. Maria Doglio Avatar
    Maria Doglio

    Thank you for these years of sharing love and wisdom and a forum for exchange of wisdom on caring, and living within the framework of love.The Journal and journey goes on.

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  8. sbeng@roadrunner.com Avatar
    sbeng@roadrunner.com

    Erie: thank you Erie for all the the postings in this Journal. There is beauty in the photograpy and paintings displayed, interesting essays and meaningful quotations, articles with insights relating to self and to God etc. There are the encourageing tips to help the caregivers replendish themselves as they go on there journey in caregiving. Thanks also to your co-writer Liz Wessel (who introduced me to this journal) for her rich contribution in writings, art expressions with the colorful mandalas and photography. May the Lord bless both of you as you continue in this utmost endeavour to enrich the lives of caregivers throughout the world. Adel.

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