In this era of suspect surfaces and social distance, now that we are sheltering in place, the pandemic is forcing us out of our usual routines and challenging us to create new patterns. This momentous time in history gives us a chance to “face the barren truth of our lives” and to learn what is truly vital to us. Perhaps our sheltering in place is a cocoon we are weaving for a great transformation, both personally and collectively. What new ways of loving the untouchable in each other are you finding in the era of suspect surfaces and social distance? What old ways in your life would you like to let die during this period of transformation? What new ways would you like to invite? What old ways in the world would you like to be transformed and what new ways would you like to invite into life?

One of the most powerful ways I know to process challenges and difficulties is through writing. I invite you to join me in "writing from the inside out." I will send out weekly writing prompts to inspire you. Click here for a word document with the prompts for the first week (Week 1 Prompt) You are also welcome to attend a weekly zoom meeting "read-around" of the prose and poems that those who wish to share produce. It is totally free and a great way to do your own inner work with the virtual companionship of others.

Writing From The Inside Out! 

Here’s how it works:

• New Prompts posted here every Monday or receive a writing prompt every Monday morning by email

• Use the prompt as a catalyst (or use your own inspiration) to write your original work

• We meet on Friday afternoons at 4 PM PST via zoom to read our work to each other

To participate: 

• On your own: use the prompts and write to your heart’s content! No need to register for that! Prompts are located under the Inside Out Menu below

• In the Group Read-Around: (You don't have to read, you can attend and hear some amazing writing) register here: 

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Prompts Posted on Monday

• April 6: Prompt #1

• April 13: Prompt #

• April 20:  Prompt #3

• April 27: Prompt #4

Lessons From The Pandemic

I can feel the suffering
in the airwaves
and a fear for those
who may crash and burn
now that our wings
have been clipped.
Death is sweeping
a dark hand over us all
regardless of country, or kin,
or faith or party affiliation
but Life welcomes the pause.

The skies seem bluer,
the clouds whiter,
the edges sharper
as if the whole world
is now coming into view.
Sky and sea breathe
a little deeper, soil sinks
more completely into itself,
trees whisper their wish that this
is an awakening and not a dream.

Animals that once obeyed
an invisible barrier from the
relentless flow of humanity,
now roam, alert with wonder,
at a newfound freedom
while we, in our cloistered worlds,
face the barren truth of our lives,
seeking new ways of loving
the untouchable in each other.

It is a great test of our resolve
to learn how we do the most good
by doing the least out in the world.
I do not know if it will be enough
for us to turn the corner after
the dark hand has passed

when we sit again
with loved ones at a table
to share our tears for what
we have lost, and to sing
our gratitude for each other
and for the world in which
we are left to live.  But I hear,
in the background,
Bradley Cooper’s voice
singing: “maybe it’s time
to let the old ways die.”