Easter, 2022

Easter happens each year on the first Sunday after the first full moon occurring after the Spring Equinox. So for all who are asking "why is Easter is so late this year?" that is the reason. AND unfortunately it is also happening during a disturbance "in the force" of planetary wellness/wholeness.

Soul of the Earth, sanctify me.

Body of the Earth, save me.

Blood of the Earth, fill me with love.

Water from Earth’s side, wash me.

Passion of Earth, strengthen me.

Resurrection of Earth, empower me.

Good Earth, hear me.

Within your wounds, hide me.

Never let me be separated from you.

From the power of evil, protect me.

At the hour of my death, call me

That with your living ones I may thank you

For all eternity. Amen.

                       ADAPTED BY JANE PELLOWSKI

                                                                 FROM ANIMA CHRISTI

Between Earth and Sky by Dwight Sims with
  Penstemon eatonii (‘Firecracker’ penstemon)

This sculpture has always spoken to me, perhaps because for me it calls for connection to Mother Earth as in the poem above. Dwight's sculpture figure raises her arms skyward in desire for all to awaken. Also, Joan Halifax's compassionate offering during these troubling and difficult times, especially for the Ukraine peoples led by their awesome president Volodymyr Zelenskyy, calls us to awaken. 

        Offering Compassion to Ukraine and All Afflicted by War                                                                                                                                                     

                        May suffering arising from hatred be remedied.

                        May those in the grip of fear be released to the safety of understanding.

                        May those lost in confusion find relief in wisdom.

                        May those in refugee camps find their way home.

                        May those who are unsheltered find a safe harbor in community.

                        May those suffering from grief and the ravages of war find peace.

                        May those who care for the wounded and sick find support as they serve 

                             others.

                        May those who have died in the ravages of war be liberated from 

                            confusion.

                        May all awaken and awaken others.    

                                                                                                            Roshi Joan Halifax    

We here at PageRefuge have been struck by the outpouring of support for the Ukrainian peoples. There is a man in Denver, Colorado, who went to buy a Ukrainian flag only to be told it was the last one. He came home and began making, along with a multitude of family members, Ukrainian flags out of wood from pallets. All of the proceeds from selling these flags are being donated to benefit the displaced Ukrainians. And a local female teenager violin player is also raising money by playing her instrument and donating all her proceeds likewise. Then, the most touching story of compassion was of a seven year old autistic boy who wrote a letter to Putin to stop the war since so many children in Ukraine do not have a home anymore. His father sent the letter to our local NBC station. His letter was featured on the 5 o'clock program we watched Tuesday and he was interviewed. Such demonstrations of compassion is so good for each and everyone of our souls during this disturbance "in the force" of planetary wellness/wholeness                                                                               

So as we all awaken, and pray for not only the unwarranted killing to stop in Ukraine but also for peace and compassion here at home in the United States, may we