Happy Luau

Monday, September 8, 2008

Healing Energies and Flowers and Love



I am actually enjoying the recovery from gastroenteritis. I feel just delighted at my growing ability to control my bowels and the utter lack of vomiting. I don't mind the rest. I don't even care that I can't eat solid foods. Today as I got my daily exercise getting up off the couch to walk to the bathroom, I tripped over the hem of my long nightgown and fell AGAIN, this time landing on my right knee. I didn't even mind that too much. That's how nasty that gastro-e is.

I do have to cancel things and ask people for help. But I have lots of time to sit, rest, sleep, and when I'm really feeling ambitious, watch television. And think.

Here is a homily that will move you, I'm thinking, no matter what your beliefs. This is about love. It touched me greatly.



I am starting my nine-month Tend the Fire spiritual formation program tomorrow at my local St. Placid Priory. I am hoping to be up for the drive by then. Just under twenty-four hours from now. It begins with a six-hour retreat, which doesn't sound too strenuous. We shall see. I'm just so wanting to be there. In between now and then I'll try solid food and do what it takes to get there, whatever that might involve.

The reason this is so important to me is that I'm looking to "form" rather than "find" my spirituality. I don't want to adopt someone else's way of being a Christian (which is my new-found spiritual path) and end up being an American caricature of a mean-spirited spiteful nasty person. I've been there and done that, years ago. At this time in my life I'm wanting something fresh, and to continue my journey to grow in love, that's all. Just love. Love.

Then on Wednesday I get to go to Patti Digh's first book reading for her book "Life is a Verb". It is a beautiful and inspirational read, and a stunningly gorgeous book to see and feel and smell as well, illustrated entirely by Patti's blog readers, which include, btw, Rick, Leah, and Kate I. WOW! If you haven't purchased your copy, it is worth it. I will be having dinner with Kate I and some wonderful other bloggers beforehand, so it is a double treat. Even if I only have sweet tea and plain rice, I will be thrilled to be there.

So please pray for a speedy recovery for me :) And Lori-Lyn, maybe some long-distance reiki?



~Photos by LoveHubbie Mark

20 comments:

Angela said...

O,

Glad you're feeling better! I don't think you're in much danger of turning into one of the people you describe. :)

thailandchani said...

I will be very, very interested in hearing about your retreat.. and your discoveries in Christianity!



~*

GreenishLady said...

Hope the tummy's well very soon. I do envy you - going to hear Patti read. I'm about to order my copy today.

Olivia said...

Hi, Angela...I've been missing you, thanks. Hey I WAS one of them, really! I WAS them, and it doesn't feel good. And I didn't know it, either. I thought I was one super gal. Anyway, merci beaucoup, hopefully now I'll see warning signs in my morphing and will pull back, or maybe you all will call me out!! xxoo, good to see you, O

Olivia said...

Thanks, Chani, I'm on my way SOON but glad to get here and to your provocative post before I left...xxoo, O

Olivia said...

Thank you, Imelda, yes yes, please get it. It takes you to a wonderful, simple place...you are probably there honestly already Imelda, but it will affirm it and remind you. Love to you, O

Annie Z said...

Hey Olivia! just wanted to pop in and say hi. It's been such a long time. Glad to hear you are recovering and hope you are now even better still!

Jane said...

You sound like you're doing very well. What a great time to get together with some fellow bloggers!

Rick Hamrick said...

I had not realized how debilitating your illness could be, O! It's so good to hear you continue to recover, and that you have found positive uses for the time you have on your hands.

Certainly, a spiritual yearning is one which you will benefit from answering. Here's hoping for an easy trip to your first session and powerful forming energies discovered there!

Anonymous said...

Speedy recovery, Olivia. I'm in awe of all you are doing for yourself these days. Brava, brava!

Olivia said...

Hi, Annie,

It's good to see you; thank you for your healing wishes, Blessings, O

Olivia said...

Jane,

I am, thanks. It was nice to get to meet 4 bloggers who I only knew via the Internet. Peace tonight, O

Olivia said...

Thanks, Rick, yes, indeed this thing was nasty. In the olden days (pre-antibiotic) it was life-threatening, who knew? Thank you, and I wish you and Julia continued safe travels, Love, O

Olivia said...

Thank you for all of your encouragement, Kelly. It is good to see your smiling words :) Peace and rest, O

Tami said...

I hope you are feeling better now that some time has passed.

Olivia said...

Thank you, tami, I am feeling better. I'm just in a funk about blogging lately and hope to be back soon...blessings, Olivia

patti said...

Hi Olivia. How's your 'tend the fire' spiritual program going? So glad that you're feeling better now.

Olivia said...

I've just got ashes now, but I'll be pulling things together soon.

Seriously, the TTF program will continue this week with my second session on Tuesday, and then three hours every two weeks. I find it very challenging to connect and participate in a group, so I am looking to reach out a bit more in hopes that I'll get more out of it.

I am getting ready to be more present here on my blog too, so you'll be seeing more of me soon :)

Love, O

Anonymous said...

Are you okay? I miss you and wonder.

Olivia said...

Hi, Kelly,

I'm just in one of those places where it takes massive effort for me to move out of myself. Super-withdrawal. But it is so good to hear from you, Kelly...and I am working on moving to a place where I am able to relate and connect and be...a healthier place where I am able to both be myself and to be with others, too. Much love to you,

O