This Week’s Inspiration
As we continue to experience cancellations of plans and events (with their subsequent disappointments), not from the pandemic this time, but from our raging wildfires across Colorado, we’ve been contemplating “The Bigger Picture”. Even though we can’t know what the future holds, we take comfort in trusting that everything happens for a reason in the “grand scheme” of things. It’s tempting to want to know how it’s all going to pan out in any number of situations, but if we did know all those details, chances are we’d be overwhelmed by it all and would lose the ability to act in the moment. And that present moment is where all the magic is! It’s where we learn and grow and face the challenges that make us ultimately stronger and wiser, and hopefully more kind and loving human beings. Stay safe and well out there, do what you can to help others, and we’ll see you in a few weeks (details below).
Colleen and Mark
Quotes to ponder
“There’s always a broader picture. There’s always something beyond the system you’re concentrating on. Never forget that. There are no clear boundaries. Life doesn’t stop at the boundaries of the table. And there are always more than six pockets you can fall into. There is always something beyond. Always, always, always.” ~ Yoav Blum
“On the drive, I stick within sight of the water as it’s always had a calming effect on me. Something about imaging what lurks beneath its surface, in depths that can’t be seen, puts everything in perspective. It reminds me that we are all just small fish in a very big pond.” ~ Melanie A. Smith
“Why do you dwell on things that don’t matter when there are so many things that do?” ~ Dennis Sharpe
“The stretching of your faith is immediate pain that results in ultimate gain. It is in the waiting that we become who we are meant to be.” ~ Mandy Hale
Looking Ahead/Notes of Interest
Friday, Aug. 28th and Sunday, Aug. 30th, 6-8 p.m. – Crosson/Sloniker Family House Concert in the backyard! Please join Mark, Colleen, Myles, and Emma for a special send-off concert before Myles returns to NYC after his 3 month stay in CO. Details here: https://mailchi.mp/86f6ca60c8fc/crossonsloniker-family-house-concert?fbclid=IwAR07tROlzlWfZbn7NmJaJnxGugAleYZN_5rnUGmz2P2WyfKw1oy0yu-bq3U
RSVP and pre-payment required – tickets are already going fast! UPDATE – while writing this newsletter, rsvps were flying in so fast that Sunday sold out, so we added the Friday date. It is close to selling out as well! We will be creating a waiting list if both end up full. We are capping attendance at 35 people each night. Rest assured that we will be spacing seating at least 6 feet apart and masks will be required till everyone is seated and the concert begins. Masks will again be required at intermission when folks are milling about. We care about your safety!
Sunday, September 6th, 10:30 a.m. – Our next Paths of Heart Gathering in our backyard at 117 Evans Dr. in Fort Collins. We will be limiting the number of people on any one Sunday, so reservations (and masks) will be required. We will probably allow a greater number of folks this time (20-25?) and will change the seating arrangement back to rows, as our circle was getting a little too big to space the chairs efficiently, and it was harder to hear folks as they were speaking. Reply to this email or call 970-484-9600 to RSVP. How often we continue to meet outdoors remains fluid. It will most likely be once or twice a month, as we continue to monitor state and local guidelines for gatherings.
“Paths of Heart Labyrinth” Service Opportunity! – We are looking for volunteers who might want to drop by occasionally (or on a regular basis) and help with clearing the labyrinth of debris and weeds. With our frequent high winds, there is a constant need to pick up twigs and limbs that fall from the trees onto the path, and we are finding that even though we put down professional grade weed barrier, our persistent bindweed is finding its way through! You can be as meticulous as you’d like (Colleen has a different word for her particular fastidiousness!), and any help would be appreciated. Thanks!
Know that you are always welcome to drop by and walk the Paths of Heart labyrinth – you do not need to let us know in advance. Do note that we have experienced the outer “halo” of glass blocks to be slippery when wet, so it’s best to come on a dry day!
Gratitudes
We are grateful for everyone who sends us unique and lovely pictures of hearts in Nature! Here’s one from Colleen’s sister!
What are you grateful for today?
“Cultivate the habit of being grateful for every good thing that comes to you, and to give thanks continuously. And because all things have contributed to your advancement, you should include all things in your gratitude.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
“When you are grateful, fear disappears and abundance appears.” ~ Anthony Robbins
“If the only prayer you said was thank you, that would be enough.” ~ Meister Eckhart
About Paths of Heart…
Paths of Heart is a high spirited, heart-centered community where we gather together (in new and creative ways!) for music, poetry, commentary, and dialogue to create and nurture joy, compassion, gratitude, and love – in our own lives and throughout the world. Paths of Heart is a 501(c)(3) Human Services/Educational non-profit organization that uses the arts, especially, to encourage and propel seekers of a better, more peaceful world to find ways to serve, while becoming more kind and compassionate human beings.
We welcome you as we collectively and individually explore the sweet mysteries of life – this is an invitation into co-creation!
Visit us on the web at https://www.pathsofheart.org
We hope our physical paths may cross soon!