Words of Wisdom … for the Journey
A New Year …..
Turn the page. Open the door. A fresh start.
What will unfold?
The spiritual life is, then, first of all a matter of keeping awake.
Thomas Merton
Ten times a day something happens to me like this — some strengthening throb of amazement — some good sweet empathic ping and swell. This is the first, the wildest and the wisest thing I know: that the soul exists and is built entirely out of attentiveness.
~ Mary Oliver
It is in the ordinary rather than in the extraordinary that we should seek holiness and meaning.
~ Michael Strassfeld
If you love truth, be a lover of silence. Silence, like the sunlight, will illuminate you in God.
~ Saint Isaac of Syria
Wisdom comes with the ability to be still. Just look and just listen. No more is needed.
~ Eckhart Tolle
Recalibration LIVE!
on Zoom
Join us for this time focused on self-care and healing.
Our Response to Trauma
with Dr. Betty Cartmell
January 20, 2024
1 – 3 pm Eastern
12 noon – 2 pm Central
11 am – 1 pm Mountain
10 am – 12 noon Pacific
Trauma is all around us in this world of ours. It may huge as in Israel and Ukraine, closer to home as in Uvalde and Houston, very personal as in the death of a loved one, or inflicted on us individually.
Our major focus will be on how we deal with various traumas personally, and integrating aspects of healthy self-care into our lives so we can come to a more positive response that can nourish us.
Click here for more information.
Click here to register.
A Word from Our President
Welcome to the New Year! We just celebrated Epiphany; the visit of the wise men.
The wise men were the first to realize that this baby was the Messiah, the one who would change the world. They had an epiphany. Sometimes we have that same aha moment. Something we didn’t know suddenly becomes clear.
It can be exciting and can also be challenging as we start the journey through the days of this year. Exciting because we are looking forward to some event or trip or new opportunity. Challenging because something didn’t get finished from last year or we know something unpleasant is going to happen. We do know that there will be unplanned and unexpected events and decisions that must be made.
As spiritual directors, retreat leaders, and those interested in the spiritual life we know that whatever happens we are not alone. We know that we can trust Jesus to accompany us in the good times and in the bad times.
Let us have compassion for those whose paths cross with ours, and let us have compassion for ourselves. Let us commit once again to our communities to provide support for others and accept that support from others. Let us continue, renew, and begin our spiritual practices to care for ourselves so that we can be present for others.
I pray that this year gives you love, peace, strength, and whatever else you need in the coming year.
Welcome to the New Year!
Rev. Dr. Linda Holbrook, President, Hearts On Fire (Fellowship of United Methodist Spiritual Directors and Retreat Leaders)
An Invitation to Listen
Click here to listen to the Taizé chant “Ubi Caritas.”
Click here for a short clip with Fr. Greg Boyle, speaking about gratitude, joy, and more
Click here for a 14-minute meditation with Brian McLaren.
Click here for burning bowl meditation – a ritual for leaving behind and beginning anew.
Click here to listen to a song/prayer by Sara Thomsen.
Membership In Hearts On Fire
This organization is open to all who are interested in spiritual formation/spiritual direction/retreat leadership, regardless of denominational affiliation.
Enrichment/educational/networking/community zooms are being held at intervals throughout the year.
Additional resources including: daily prayer guide, book reviews, etc.
Please consider becoming a paid member if you are not already.
Click here for the membership page on our website. There you will have the option to complete your member profile and pay online, or print a form and mail a check
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Have an event to share? Wondering what others are reading, or what practices they are finding helpful? Looking for a learning opportunity? Have questions about navigating the uncertainties of our times? Seeking support and encouragement? Want to discuss something in the newsletter?
Click here to check out our Facebook page to engage in the conversation and make connections with others.