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Help, Thanks, Wow.

caroltoni — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 01:00:54 +0000

Author Anne Lamott offers simple instructions on how to pray in her new book, HELP, THANKS, WOW, THE THREE ESSENTIAL PRAYERS. Her wisdom is earthy, funny and helpful. In these prayers: “Help,” “Thanks,” and “Wow,” we learn how to ask for assistance, appreciate the good witness and feel awe at the world. This guidance helps us get through the day and shows us the way forward. This is a must read. Toni

The Spirit of Running

caroltoni — Mon, 27 May 2013 15:05:48 +0000

I ran my first 5K this morning, the Jubilee Jog at St. Joseph’s in Wilmette. I’m late to running and abhorred it in my earlier years. A doctor suggested it as a way to stave off bone deterioration so I’ve been dutifully dragging my, um, backside, around the neighborhood for the past year or so. Here’s what surprised me about this morning (in addition to even finishing the dang thing): I felt both alone and very much a part of something bigger. I know I ran faster than I usually do and while it was a challenge, it was inspirational to “step up” my pace and I wouldn’t have done it by myself. It was a wonderful slice of humanity that I suppose I’m just discovering since I’ve never entered into the organized running world. Spirit was everywhere, from the little curly-haired 5-year old who scooted her way along the route, to the floppy-eared dog wearing an official t-shirt, to the folks cheering on the hundreds of participants. The air was cool with a canopy of beautiful green leaves provided by the trees and fragrant flowers to enjoy along the route. Yikes! It sounds like I may just do it again!

Grateful

caroltoni — Sun, 18 Nov 2012 18:52:12 +0000

Today at church, our pastor closed the service with these words:

“Gratefulness leads to great fullness.”

Wishing you great fullness as you approach Thanksgiving.

A full belly is nice but a full heart is even better!

Carol

Onstage at Wilmette Theatre

caroltoni — Sat, 10 Nov 2012 14:22:45 +0000

We were thrilled to be a part of a panel for Marjie Killeen’s Sex and the Suburbs

recent show at Wilmette Theatre. Thanks again Marjie!

Carol and Toni

Sex and Intimacy

caroltoni — Tue, 18 Sep 2012 16:13:32 +0000

Carol and I are looking forward to being a part of the panel of Sex and the Suburbs Sept 27th at the Wilmette Theatre. I agree with the author Dorthy Heyden, who reminds us that sex is by definition, an intimate act that is enhanced by the lovers knowing themselves and the other. If lovers are not able to know and disclose their deepest needs and wants to each other sex becomes mechanical. This kind of knowing and communicating about wants, needs and fantasies requires a foundation of trust and safety that can be found in a loving relationship. We are looking forward to a lively discussion. We hope you can join us. Blessings, Toni

Sex and the Suburbs

caroltoni — Sat, 08 Sep 2012 01:32:11 +0000

Toni and I are excited to be part of the panel for this upcoming event

at the Wilmette Theater, introduced by Linda Yu, WLS TV News

Anchor and hosted by “Make it Better” columnist, Marjie Killeen,

who writes the popular “Sex and the Suburbs” column. We will be

talking about the spirituality of sex. It promises to be an exciting and

informative evening.

Peace, Carol

Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life

caroltoni — Sun, 12 Aug 2012 23:27:21 +0000

“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos into order, confusion into clarity…. It turns problems into gifts, failures into success, the unexpected into perfect timing, and mistakes into important events. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today and creates a vision for tomorrow.” – Melody Beattie

Four Immutable Laws of the Spirit

caroltoni — Sat, 28 Jul 2012 19:47:03 +0000

I’m a big Anne Lamott fan and right now I am reading Some Assembly Required: A Journal of My Son’s First Son by Anne Lamott and her son, Sam Lamott. I find her wisdom, humanity and spirituality inspiring and humbling and this book, like all her others, doesn’t disappoint. When describing a memorial service for her uncle that was attended by a wide range of people, she referred to the Four Immutable Laws of the Spirit (listed below). These “laws” were actually named by Harrison Owen, an organizational expert. Here they are:

1. Whoever is present are the right people.
2. Whenever it begins is the right time.
3. Whatever happens is the only thing that could have happened.
4. When it’s over, it’s over.
I love them all. They’re such simple and elegant lessons in acceptance. What do you think?
Carol

Forgiveness: A Meditation

caroltoni — Wed, 18 Jul 2012 15:16:13 +0000

Forgiving ourselves: “May I be happy, May I be well, May I be filled with kindness and peace.”

Forgiving others: “May you be happy, May you be well , May you be filled with kindness and peace.”

from How God Changes Our Brains by Newberg and Waldman pg207

5 questions to ponder

caroltoni — Wed, 11 Jul 2012 00:10:36 +0000

Most of us, at one time or another, have had difficulty knowing whether getting involved in a new activity or project is a great idea or a burden, or both. In the wake of our last few blogs, I’ve received some very helpful ideas for future posts, one of which I’ll share below from Esther Weiss, which provides some provocative questions aimed at getting below the surface of a situation to help clarify whether an intent is ego or heart-driven.

5 questions to ask before an activity or project or involvement:

Does it open my heart or does it close my heart?

Does it energize me or does it exhaust me? Enliven or deaden me?

Does it allow me to trust myself or does it tilt me towards being frightened of myself?

Do I feel closer to what really matters to me or do I feel further away?

When I get to the end of this hour/day/week/year/life will this be something that I will be glad I spent my time on?

Try it and let me know what you discover.

Thank you Esther!

Peace, Carol