Sunday, May 3rd

And Still, We Find a Way…

What a beautiful week it’s been. Even amidst all the sadness and hardship this virus has created in our world, people are adapting and persevering, and finding new, creative, and loving ways to connect and gather. Just this morning we watched a live feed of a wedding (Congratulations Valerie and Brandon!!) ~ very different than the one originally planned, but nonetheless indescribably beautiful. It brought laughter and tears and stirred memories of all our years together, not unlike if we’d been able to travel back east and gather in ceremony in person. The bride and groom’s parents watched from different parts of the country, and were “present” on phones set up on tripods so the couple could see them as well. It will no doubt be one of the most memorable weddings we will ever witness in our lifetimes (we wonder if they are still looking for the groom’s ring, which Kosey, the dog ring bearer, lost somewhere in the woods!)!
Yesterday, we participated in a memorial service for one of our Paths community members (our deepest condolences on the loss of your mother, Ann). We were able to provide music in person, though the number of participants was severely restricted, and only 2 people were allowed graveside. Still, maybe because of the restrictions, Betty’s Celebration of Life took on an even greater beauty and significance.
While on the way to the service, we were surprised at a stoplight, when a woman in the car in front of us jumped out of the driver’s seat and up to our window, handing us a small cup of treats with a May Day poem in it ~ “So tired of staying at home, You know we’d rather roam, But we bring you some cheer, ‘Cause May is here! Happy May Day!” To our astonishment and delight, it was actually someone we knew (thank you, Con and Rhonda!), though of course there was no time for words, as the light turned green! What sweet serendipity! And later in the day, we were delivered another May Day gift at our home ~ a viola plant, some flower seeds, a small stone with a message of hope and love, and another May Day poem (thank you, Becky!).
There’s one more poignant and beautiful moment in time we’d like to share from this past week. A group of masked friends gathered (socially distanced) outside the family home of a friend who has just entered hospice. We all signed a huge banner with messages of love and gratitude for all the joy our friend has brought us over the years. At 8 pm, we howled together (as has become the custom in recent weeks), then held up the sign, lit sparklers and candles, and danced wildly to live music (thanks, Dave!) outside our friend’s window (sending so much love B, J, and family!). What a privilege it was to take part in this touching ritual.
Oh, my…such an outpouring of love, kindness, and generosity we bore witness to this week. And we know there are stories like this happening and being shared every day all over the world. This is what we need right now ~ to shine our lights and be there for others in their time of need. As Carrie Newcomer reminds us, “We can do this hard thing” (sending love and light, Deb!). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PRGnftH_g4I

With gratitude and love,
Colleen and Mark

Looking Ahead/Notes of Interest

We’re going to try something new this week! Starting this Sunday, May 3rd, Mark and Colleen will be available each Sunday on Facetime from 10:30 a.m. – noon (when we’d normally be hanging out with you at Paths of Heart).
We’d love to visit with you individually in 10-15 minute increments to just visit or maybe share a poem or a tune that you love. Let us know (you can reply to this newsletter) what time is good for you and we’ll confirm with that time or the closest available. Depending on demand, if all the slots fill up for this week, you’ll be first in line next week! We’ll see how this goes and where it might lead…More is always being revealed!

Gratitudes

We are truly grateful for all the support we’ve had in the past 6 weeks in donations through the mail and on Paypal, even from folks who have never attended Paths of Heart in person. Wow!! It warms our heart that our gatherings and even just our newsletters are an important part of your week and that they bring you inspiration and solace during these days of isolation. Thank you!

This Tuesday, May 5th has been designated #GivingTuesdayNow, a new global day of giving and unity (in addition to the regularly scheduled Dec 1, 2020 #GivingTuesday) serving as an emergency response to the unprecedented need caused by COVID-19. Instead of asking for your donations to Paths of Heart (as you’ve been so generous already!), we invite you to give to other charities that are addressing more immediate needs of folks in this challenging time. For more information and ideas, visit https://now.givingtuesday.org/

“Be mindful. Be grateful. Be positive. Be true. Be kind.” ~ Roy T. Bennett

“We can complain because rose bushes have thorns, or rejoice because thorns have roses.” ~ Alphonse Karr
“Today I choose to live with gratitude for the love that fills my heart, the peace that rests within my spirit, and the voice of hope that says all things are possible.” ~ Anonymous

Sunday, April 26th

Isolation Blues?

Weekend greetings to you all ~ We’ve been hearing and seeing lots of comments here and there about how the isolation is getting to folks.  How ’bout you?  And what (if anything) are you doing about it?  Even though the “stay at home order” in Colorado is being lifted on Monday, the general consensus is that we’re still “safer at home”, so that feeling of isolation may linger for a while longer.  It’s tough for those of us that thrive on human touch to refrain from hugging friends and family, or to be intimate with those we’re in relationship with, but don’t live with.  Allow yourself to grieve these things; perhaps journal or meditate on it.  Immerse yourself in nature if you can.  We felt so much better this week after taking a “socially-distanced” hike with some friends, and we’ve been out in the kayaks a time or two.  It was exhilerating!  Above all, keep being kind to yourself and others.  This, too, shall pass, but the love remains.

You’re in our hearts,
Colleen and Mark

Looking Ahead/Notes of Interest

As we look longingly toward a time when we can be together again, we are content with our recent decision not to pursue Paths of Heart Zoom meetings. Thank you for all the notes we’ve gotten affirming to “let that one go!” As one Paths attendee stated (while encouraging us to be kind to ourselves), “Right now, we’re inundated with more online connections and resources than I can manage, and that’s probably true for many other people at Paths.” She had a great suggestion as an alternative ~ anyone who’s been inspired by something they’ve seen on the internet could send us links and we’ll include them in subsequent newsletters. Here’s a video she sent that might remind you of Paths of Heart: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rIm23dJ5Jz8&list=RD-Kf-9kx_oSg&index=7

Gratitudes

We are truly grateful for all the support we’ve had in the past several weeks in donations through the mail and on Paypal, even from folks who have never attended Paths of Heart in person.  Wow!!  It warms our heart that our gatherings and even just our newsletters are an important part of your week and that they bring you inspiration and solace during these days of isolation.  Thank you!

“Gratitude turns what we have into enough.” ~ Anonymous

“You cannot do a kindness too soon because you never know how soon it will be too late.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

“Today I choose to live with gratitude for the love that fills my heart, the peace that rests within my spirit, and the voice of hope that says all things are possible.” ~  Anonymous

Sunday, April 19th

Walking in Gratitude

Greetings dear ones ~ This week seems to have zoomed by (ha ha!) and mostly our minds and hearts have been focused on gratitude.  After the last 2 roller coaster weeks, we were grateful to catch this post by friend and fellow musician, Michelle (Dalziel) Ingrham which noted, “I’m sure I am like so many of you. Some days are harder than others. I feel like crying all the hours of the day because I feel helpless, and other days I feel accomplished and grateful for the gifts God has given me that sustain me. All in all I am grateful for my life and I know this is all temporary and I’m not alone… It is ok to feel all the things we feel through this! It is ok! I think I broke down like 10 times on Saturday, trying to do simple everyday tasks. I’m ok with that because I know it’s not the tasks, it’s the edge of everything!  Just know that I have ugly cried and I have belly laughed just like many of you have. We truly are in this together!”
WOW – same here!  This really helped us put these last few weeks in perspective and led us back to that beautiful state of gratitude, knowing that ultimately – in the grand scheme of this mysterious and magnificent universe – things don’t happen to us, but happen for us (though we KNOW it’s often hard to accept that when we’re in the thick of things!).  We can acknowledge our despair and grief, while at the same time knowing that in everything there is a lesson, and we can be grateful for that teaching. Our response to circumstances can make us bitter, or better, human beings.  AND It’s ok to have a bad day some days.  (that’s a link to a song Michelle wrote about the subject!).

“Let everything happen to you
Beauty and terror
Just keep going
No feeling is final” ~ Rainer Maria Rilke

In gratitude for it ALL,
Colleen and Mark

Looking Ahead/Notes of Interest

As we look longingly toward a time when we can be together again, we are content with our recent decision not to pursue Paths of Heart Zoom meetings.  It simply doesn’t feel like a match for us.  Thank you for all the notes we’ve gotten affirming to “let that one go!”  As one Paths attendee stated (while encouraging us to be kind to ourselves), “Right now, we’re inundated with more online connections and resources than I can manage, and that’s probably true for many other people at Paths.”  She had a great suggestion as an alternative ~ anyone who’s been inspired by something they’ve seen on the internet could send us links and we’ll include them in subsequent newsletters.  Here is one of hers, of Canadian female physicians in a virtual choir, singing “We Rise Again.”  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wuiqee-AC-o

Very moving!

Be well, and be kind and gentle with yourselves and others, till we meet again!

Gratitudes

We are really grateful for all the support we’ve had in the past several weeks in donations through the mail and on Paypal, even from folks who have never attended Paths of Heart in person.  Wow!!  It warms our heart that our gatherings and even just our newsletters are an important part of your week and that they bring you inspiration and solace during these days of isolation.  Thank you!

“Gratitude turns what we have into enough.” ~ Anonymous

“You cannot do a kindness too soon because you never know how soon it will be too late.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

“Today I choose to live with gratitude for the love that fills my heart, the peace that rests within my spirit, and the voice of hope that says all things are possible.” ~  Anonymous

Easter Sunday, April 12th

Letting Go

Hello dear friends ~ It’s been another difficult week here we must say, and we’re sorry to report that we will not be going online for an Easter Sunday gathering after all.  Neither Mark nor I have ever even been a participant of a Zoom meeting, let alone been a host for one, and the frustration of learning the ins and outs and subleties of this and other video platforms was just one more stresser in an already stressful week. Something had to give.  We felt like we were struggling against the rushing stream that we mostly strive to flow with.  We did not want to disappoint the many folks who encouraged us to try this in the first place, nor the many who reached out to tell us they were so looking forward to it when we announced our intention to do so last week.  But I (Colleen) reached a breaking point yesterday, and found myself sobbing uncontrollably.  It made us realize that we just need to hunker down and take care of ourselves and our family right now; be gentle with ourselves and not take on anything which will cause more stress in an already fragile time.  We do hope you all have a beautiful Sunday with loved ones in whatever way is possible for you at this time.  We plan to be participants in several Zoom meetings this week, and if we become familiar and comfortable enough with it over time, maybe we’ll have another go at it.  We’ll see…

Sending love, light, prayers, comfort, peace, gentleness, kindness, and caring to everyone,  Colleen and Mark

Looking Ahead/Notes of Interest

Easter Sunday, April 12th ~  We’d been thinking of playing these 2 songs for you this Sunday.  So here are links to them instead.  The first is from our “Miracles” CD.  The second is an informal live performance that Colleen and Emma did with our friend and fellow musician, Darryl Purpose, as part of Darryl’s Sunday Songs project back in 2018, right here in our Paths of Heart gathering place.  It is a facebook link, so some of you may not be able to access it if you’re not on Facebook.  Sorry ’bout that!

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ztHNLdLr-Lk 

https://www.facebook.com/DarrylinNed/videos/10213401241480065/

We hope you enjoy them!

Here is a poem by Lynn Ungar we got from yes! magazine in the mail this week that we also planned to read.  So moving!  I found it online and am copying it here for you.

Pandemic

What if you thought of it
as the Jews consider the Sabbath—
the most sacred of times?
Cease from travel.
Cease from buying and selling.
Give up, just for now,
on trying to make the world
different than it is.
Sing. Pray. Touch only those
to whom you commit your life.
Center down.
 
And when your body has become still,
reach out with your heart.
Know that we are connected
in ways that are terrifying and beautiful.
(You could hardly deny it now.)
Know that our lives
are in one another’s hands.
(Surely, that has come clear.)
Do not reach out your hands.
Reach out your heart.
Reach out your words.
Reach out all the tendrils
of compassion that move, invisibly,
where we cannot touch.
 
Promise this world your love–
for better or for worse,
in sickness and in health,
so long as we all shall live.
 
–Lynn Ungar 3/11/20

Be well and be kind and gentle with yourselves, dear ones…

Gratitudes

We are really grateful for all the support we’ve had in the past several weeks in donations through the mail and on Paypal, even from folks who have never attended Paths of Heart in person.  Wow!!  It warms our heart that our gatherings and even just our newsletters are an important part of your week and that they bring you inspiration and solace during these days of isolation.  Thank you!

“The dominant characteristic of an authentic spiritual life is the gratitude that flows from trust – not only for all the gifts that I receive from God, but gratitude for all the suffering. Because in that purifying experience, suffering has often been the shortest path to intimacy with God.” ~ Brennan Manning

“Gratitude turns what we have into enough.” ~ Anonymous

“You cannot do a kindness too soon because you never know how soon it will be too late.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

“Today I choose to live with gratitude for the love that fills my heart, the peace that rests within my spirit, and the voice of hope that says all things are possible.” ~  Anonymous

Sunday, April 5th

The Path of Acceptance

This is the path we must be on right now.  The last few days have been exeedingly difficult ~ learning of friends’ loved ones sick and dying, and hearing their anguish in not being able to be there with them for comfort, and then to grieve in the aftermath.  Our family is grieving together today, as we had to let our sweet kitty, Lizzie go from this life where she has brought us such joy for the past 17+ years.  The process of life (and death) has gotten so complicated and alien, making it all the more heartbreaking. The isolation is getting to us, as we are social people and big huggers (!), and sometimes the internet just doesn’t cut it.  And we have many more weeks to go of this strange new existence…
So we contemplate acceptance, and then reacquaint ourselves with the practice of acceptance.  And it does take practice, from our experience anyway.  It’s a process ~ a sometimes daunting and messy one, which includes letting go (in small increments perhaps) and non-attachment to outcomes.  It can, though, lessen our suffering, and maybe we can further transform that suffering by serving and helping others.  We’re getting there, making our way out of the fog, little by little.  We invite you to contemplate and practice acceptance with us this week.

Sending everyone love and light in these confusing times,

Colleen and Mark

Looking Ahead/Notes of Interest

Easter Sunday, April 12th ~  Okay, we’re going to try this “gathering online” thing.  We picked Easter, because it just might take a miracle to get these non- tech savvy folks to figure it out – ha ha!!  Also, we have faith that one day, we will all be able to emerge from our caves and be together once again, and this leap of computer faith is inching our way toward that.  *footnote* We are having you contemplate “acceptance” the week prior, so you may be more forgiving if it doesn’t happen after all!  🙂  Also, with all the press on security and privacy issues with the increasingly popular Zoom platform, we are thinking of trying Cisco Webex.  We will send a link to you mid-week with instructions on how to join in.  What an experience this will be!

During this challenging time, if you have the means to continue your financial support of Paths of Heart, we would be honored and grateful.  Even though Mark and Colleen are not receiving compensation for Sunday gatherings at this time, there are still ongoing expenses such as our monthly charitable contributions to Children International, FOCO Cafe, and Water4, website hosting and maintenance, and office expenses.  You may donate online, https://pathsofheart.org/donate or send a check to Paths of Heart, 117 Evans Dr., Fort Collins, CO 80524.  Thank you so much for considering, and we so appreciate those who have chosen to make a monthly donation, even though they may not attend every week, and now, when we aren’t even meeting!  It means so much.  

Gratitudes

We so appreciate all the love and support you’ve given us over these past 2 weeks, first with Colleen’s illness, and now with the loss of our kitty, Lizzie.  We are grateful to be surrounded by so much light and love.

“The dominant characteristic of an authentic spiritual life is the gratitude that flows from trust – not only for all the gifts that I receive from God, but gratitude for all the suffering. Because in that purifying experience, suffering has often been the shortest path to intimacy with God.” ~ Brennan Manning

“Gratitude turns what we have into enough.” ~ Anonymous

“You cannot do a kindness too soon because you never know how soon it will be too late.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

“Today I choose to live with gratitude for the love that fills my heart, the peace that rests within my spirit, and the voice of hope that says all things are possible.” ~  Anonymous

Sunday, March 29th

Resilience

Good Day Dear Ones ~ It is Sunday morning as we write this, our first Sunday after returning from our vacation and it is so eerily strange not to have the room all set up, waiting for you to arrive.  Instead, there is a 1,000 piece puzzle in mid-completion in the middle of the room, and a Scrabble board on the table.  We returned to a life vastly different from the one we left 2 weeks ago.  Like many of you, our entire family became unemployed overnight, and the future is very uncertain. To top off our re-entry, Colleen fell seriously ill seemingly upon crossing the threshold of our front door and has spent the last 5 days resting and recuperating, after an unexpected visit to the ER.  It does not appear to be the Corona Virus, but we are self quarantining for the suggested period, not unlike the rest of you in self isolation.  These are strange times and we may experience bouts of anxiety, fear, anger, loneliness.  Yet, what we know is that we humans are also highly resourceful, courageous, and resilient and we will get through this together ~ as families, as  communities, as nations, and as a planet, if we move through our days with kindness, generosity, love, and service for the greater good of all.

One of the reasons we wanted to go back to the Big Island of Hawai’i this year was to see the changes that had taken place since we were there 2 years ago, right before the 2018 eruption of Kīlauea Volcano.  We were awestruck by the vast stretches of newly formed volcanic rock, the utter disappearance of some of the magical places we had last visited, and the immense destruction that had taken place.  Yet we also noticed new life amidst the ruination ~ if you look closely in the picture above you will see little ferns growing in the solidified lava’s crevices, and we walked on long stretches of new black sand beaches created by Pele.  We drove down smooth, newly constructed roads with lava still steaming on either side, and witnessed new construction of houses to replace the ones buried and destroyed by fire and lava.

Our affirmation is that we will emerge from this current situation as better, more caring people, with even more awareness of and gratitude for the beauty that exists in great abundance in this world, if we but open our eyes to it and become a very part of it.  We will learn a new way of living, with even more awareness that we are indeed connected to all living things, and that we need one another to survive.  Be safe and be well!  Colleen and Mark

Looking Ahead/Notes of Interest

Once we get our grounding, we will continue to pursue new ways to gather with you at Paths of Heart during this time.  We are considering a Zoom platform for Sunday gatherings, if that is something our community would like, and if anyone has any other ideas, please share them.  We could also just continue to send a weekly newsletter with inspirational writings, quotes, links to music, etc.  Let us know which you’d prefer!  In the meantime, we would love hearing from you, how you are doing, what “coping strategies” you are finding helpful, what new lessons you may be gleaning from these times.  We look forward to the time we can all be together again and I’m sure we’ll have a grand potluck celebration when all is clear!

During this challenging time, if you have the means to continue your financial support of Paths of Heart, we would be most grateful.  Even though Mark and Colleen are not receiving compensation for Sunday gatherings at this time, there are still ongoing expenses such as our monthly charitable contributions to Children International, FOCO Cafe, and Water4, website hosting and maintenance, and office expenses.  You may donate online, https://pathsofheart.org/donate or send a check to Paths of Heart, 117 Evans Dr., Fort Collins, CO 80524.  Thank you so much for considering! 

Remember to reside in love and not fear, always.  So much love to you all!!

Gratitudes

“The dominant characteristic of an authentic spiritual life is the gratitude that flows from trust – not only for all the gifts that I receive from God, but gratitude for all the suffering. Because in that purifying experience, suffering has often been the shortest path to intimacy with God.” ~ Brennan Manning

“Gratitude turns what we have into enough.” ~ Anonymous

“You cannot do a kindness too soon because you never know how soon it will be too late.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

“Today I choose to live with gratitude for the love that fills my heart, the peace that rests within my spirit, and the voice of hope that says all things are possible.” ~  Anonymous

“When you get to the end of all the light you know and it’s time to step into the darkness of the unknown, faith is knowing that one of two things shall happen: either you will be given something solid to stand on, or you will be taught how to fly.” 
~ Edward Teller

Dear friends of Paths of Heart ~ In light of what is happening in our community and our world, we’re sure it comes as no surprise to you that our physical Paths of Heart gatherings will need to go on hiatus till further notice.  We will surely miss our Sundays together and will be working on ideas to connect with our community in other ways over the coming weeks. We are grateful for your continued support during this challenging time. We affirm good health and wellness for all and know we can get through this with loving cooperation, kindness, compassion, patience, and empathy for others.  We hope you find time for quiet contemplation and for time outside in the fresh air and sunshine as spring unfolds in all her glory.  We will be in touch again soon. Much love and gratitude, Colleen and Mark

“Should you shield the canyons from the windstorms you would never see the true beauty of their carvings.” ~ Elisabeth Kubler-Ross

Sunday, March 8th

It’s About Time

Since this Sunday is the start of Daylight Saving Time (remember to turn your clocks AHEAD one hour on Saturday night!), we decided to have a “time” theme.  What kind of relationship do you have with time?  Do you feel like there’s never enough, that it goes by too fast, that you’re racing against it, that you’ve wasted your precious time?  Or do you affirm that you have all the time in the world, all the time there is, that time is an abundant and precious gift and that you prioritize it wisely?  We hope even with one less hour of sleep, you can still make it here on time and join the conversation!  🙂

Looking Ahead/Notes of Interest

Sunday, March 8th – Due to unforeseen circumstances, Frank Bonifazi will not be speaking on the 8th.  Colleen and Mark will present a topic instead.

Sunday, March 15th – Paths of Heart will take a Sunday off and be back on March 22nd.

Sunday, April 12th – Annual Easter Potluck

Gratitudes

Sunday, March 1st

Zooming In

What unsettling times we are in ~ news of floods, fires, Corona Virus, stock market woes, and heightened unrest in our country and world can be overwhelming, laid on top of our own sometimes topsy-turvy lives.  When darkness looms, it helps us to “zoom in” and look for the beauty that IS all around us, if we but seek it.  Spring is almost here, a time of renewal, when bits of green are daring to peak out from underneath the rotting leaves and icy snow.  It’s easy to miss, unless one slows down and takes the time to look closely.  Nature promises new life and new hope.  We encourage you to seek out her soothing balm amid the chaos ~ she is ALWAYS there to help us heal.

Looking Ahead/Notes of Interest

Sunday, March 8th – Due to unforeseen circumstances, Frank Bonifazi will not be speaking on the 8th.  We are working on scheduling another guest presenter and will keep you posted.  In the meantime, remember March 8th also marks the beginning of Daylight Saving Time, so remember to turn your clocks forward one hour on Saturday night!

Sunday, March 15th – Paths of Heart will take a Sunday off and be back on March 22nd.

Gratitudes

We appreciate all of you and the gifts you bring to our Paths of Heart Community.   We couldn’t do this without you!

“Gratitude is the fairest blossom which springs from the soul.” ~ Henry Ward Beecher

 

 

Sunday, February 23rd

Caregiving

In the past couple of weeks, we talked a lot about self love and care at “Paths”.  During this time, we’ve been caring for our elderly and ailing cat, and navigating the changes that lie ahead.  It got us to thinking about the role of caregiver and what we’ve witnessed recently as our friends embody that role, caring for differently-abled children and adults, aging parents, and yes, ill or aging pets.  This Sunday, we’ll reflect on our caregiving experiences and what they have taught us.

Looking Ahead/Notes of Interest

Sunday, March 8th – Frank “Francesco” Bonifazi will be our guest speaker.  He’ll share his thoughts on time, space, gravity and consciousness, and has written an original song called, “Everything is Connected” to accompany his talk!  March 8th also marks the beginning of Daylight Saving Time, so remember to turn your clocks forward one hour on Saturday night!

Sunday, March 15th – Paths of Heart will take a Sunday off and be back on March 22nd.

We recently received last quarter’s check from King Soopers Community Rewards Program and we want to remind you again how beneficial this program is for Paths of Heart!  Just link your King Soopers loyalty card to Paths of Heart and we get a percentage of what you spend there, with no cost to you!  We’d love to see more folks signed up.  Let us know if you’d like help linking your card – it’s really easy!  Thanks!   https://www.kingsoopers.com/topic/king-soopers-community-rewards

Gratitudes

We appreciate all of you and the gifts you bring to our Paths of Heart Community.   We couldn’t do this without you!

“At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.”
~ Albert Schweitzer