Journal of Sacred Work

Day 169 – The Color of Calm

  Gray sea - erie chapman 2014  This Journal passed through its eighth anniversary a week or so ago. I'm not sure whether it is the anniversary or something else that brought a dose of fatigue as I sat down to write to you this week.

   I looked at the photograph (left) I made of the Atlantic a few months back. As you can see, it was a day when it was hard to discern the horizon line between sea and sky. The sea, so often roiling, and the sky, working so hard each day to paint the water, chose a morning to rest. Both looked worn out.  

   Every week, Liz Wessel and I search for the right words and pictures to post here – an ocean that will sitr you, a sky that will brighten your life. Many of you are kind enough to post thoughtful comments and also to click that odd little "Like" button on both Liz's and my Facebook page.

   We want to offer you inspiration and support in your caregiving.  We also know you have such limited time in your very busy schedules. 

    Frankly, there are occasions when I know Liz struggles to come up with something for you. So do I. 

   What are your reflections on how you deal with work  and home responsibilities when you are feeling worn out?

-Erie Chapman

Photograph, "Gray Sea." Erie Chapman, 2014

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11 responses to “Day 169 – The Color of Calm”

  1. Cheri Cancelliere Avatar
    Cheri Cancelliere

    When I am worn out, I try to take a break from the ordinary. A walk, a drive, a moment in nature, a talk with a friend. Most of all, I try to be still before God and listen, so still that I can feel the breath of his spirit, so quiet that I hear the voice of love. On the other hand, sometimes I break all the rules and just order a hot fudge sundae or watch silly cat videos that make me laugh until I cry. In the sacred work that we do, it is so easy to become bowed down, empty, so serious that we lose our joy. We must never do that but remember to return to the source of our joy. His name is love and he is always waiting to teach us something new and wonderful.

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  2. julie laverdiere Avatar
    julie laverdiere

    I can’t believe it has been 8 years. I am blessed by you both when I read your thoughts and prayers. When I am weary, not knowing what to do, I go to the castle of my soul, and ask for guidance to take good care of myself. I start to count blessings, even write them down so I don’t forget. Then in the castle, I surround myself with clouds, and light. God is there always. Thanks for the last 8 years. You have provided me with lots and lots of insight into my soul, so I can take care of others.

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  3. Cheri Cancelliere Avatar
    Cheri Cancelliere

    P.S. Thank you for blessing and encouraging me these past few years. JSW has helped me through both peaks and valleys and has continually reminded me that love is my top priority. You and Liz are greatly valued and appreciated.

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  4. Maureen McDermott Avatar
    Maureen McDermott

    For me to stroll along the beach, watching the waves caress the shore ever so gently or crash against the break wall something within me is restored to harmony. What a gift nature is, to draw us into the wider circle of Life, Energy and Refreshment. The Journal offers such restoration. Thank you Erie and Liz. Congratulations on the inspirations and challenges that have been shared with us over the past eight years.

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  5. ~liz Wessel Avatar
    ~liz Wessel

    I guess what inspires me is that no matter how exhausted we still seem to show up for one another. That is one of the lovely graces of this little Journal community; we show up. I appreciate your honesty, Erie and yes, I can definitely relate.
    The meaningful friendships we have cultivated in this space are uniquely blessed. Congratulations to us on this landmark occasion, the Journal’s eight year! I am ever grateful to you, Erie and to all the Journal readers for caring. Thank you!

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  6. sbeng Avatar
    sbeng

    Thank you Erie and Liz for the beautiful and challenging articles both of you have so painstakingly written to benefit and encourage all caregivers who provide Radical Loving Care. Thank you Liz for the beautiful mandalas with your gorgeous work of art which you painstakingly carve out which we all appreciate and fully enjoy. Nature relaxes us and counters our fatigue. I am reminded of Longfellow’s poem: “I wander lonely as the cloud that floats …when all at once I saw a crowd a host of golden daffodils”. Get refreshed.

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  7. sherry Avatar
    sherry

    After thirty five years in social work in aging,wellness and the last twenty in home health and hospice I found your journal when I retired and it sustains me and I have encouraged loved ones and friends to find you.
    Your words, art, music and photos are so inspiring and we would all miss it and you. Carry on. God bless you all. sherry

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  8. Maria Doglio Avatar
    Maria Doglio

    Erie and Liz:
    We all need to take time out to regain our perspective. This commentary made me think, that if you are feeling worn out and are struggling, maybe it’s an opportunity to regroup. The word JOY comes to mind. If you are not feeling the joy in presenting (that I always felt in both of your commentaries), then maybe, stop, rest and recharge your perspective. Maybe loosen up and don’t do a weekly thing, maybe bi-monthly or monthly. I started writing a blog for my web site – I write something once a month at the very least – sometimes twice – I keep it flexible and spontaneous. It works for me.
    You have both carried me through some hard times through your reflections. I hope you both keep going – but look a how you can change your presentation perspective to preserve the joy, love and inspiration and art that naturally flows from you both. We love your sharing. Rest, regroup and keep going!
    With love, Maria

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  9. sbeng Avatar
    sbeng

    On my recent post: Correction to name of poet who wrote this beautiful poem “I wandered lonely as a cloud” was William Wordsworth.

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  10. Terry Chapman Avatar
    Terry Chapman

    Back in the 1980’s I gave a motivational talk to health care workers at a fancy resort in the Missouri Ozarks. My topic was: “Managing Stress”, a well-worn topic even then! What would be a new approach?
    Somehow, I came up with the idea to be introduced as Dr. Chapman, and entered stage right, juggling three colored balls: one, the green one represented personal growth; the red one family; and the third one was yellow and represented career. My plan was to juggle them well and then suddenly drop the yellow one–career–and tell them as I juggled the remaining two balls: “See, no one can keep all these things balanced in the air at one time!” It got a huge laugh; relieved my tension and theirs, and then I told them some ideas on how to reduce their stress, mostly by balancing their time spent on each of three parts of their lives.
    Take a look at those three–add more balls if it helps–play with many colors, and maybe you will identify a new slant for achieving greater peace and also refreshment. Juggle on!!

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  11. Erie Chapman Foundation Avatar
    Erie Chapman Foundation

    Sent from my BlackBerry 10 smartphone.

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