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Pilates on the Path: Robin's Pilates Article for ADVANCE

Pilates on the Path: Robin's Pilates Article for ADVANCE:

I enjoyed connecting with some new friends this morning. We discussed this article, so I thought I'd quickly share the link again to Spiraling Back to Center: Core Lessons From My Own Pilates Path.

Thanks for your interest!
Robin

last week's gift from the sea (for me)

This was the Earth Day 2012 story I wanted to share...

When I feel all out of sorts, I head for the beach. A long walk, all by myself, helps me to clear out the gunk in my brain. It took at least half an hour last week for me to even begin to get my breathing under control, 

I was wound so incredibly tight.

I saw a very unique coral-tipped shell moments after I vowed silently that this particular morning would not be a time of beach combing for sea glass or any of my other favorite treasures like heart stones or sea beans. 

No, this walk was all about listening to God. No silliness. No self-indulgence. Just hard, fast walking and deep, intentional listening. Though my iPhone was in my pocket, I promised myself I would not even take any photos.

Absolutely NO blogging!
(yeah, right)

And so, I kept on moving...

But soon I noticed more, and more and then still more of these pretty little shells all along the water's edge.

And finally, I could not take it one more moment. I just had to pick one up and hold it in my hand. And I found, it was not a shell at all, but rather a pink-tipped rose petal - just as soft and as delicate as could be.

And so, I told the Ocean, from the bottom of my heart:

"I thank you. I love you. I see you. I hear you. I feel you. And I will protect you."

And that was our newest beginning...

reflections and regrets

Earth Day 2012 has been a rough one for me. I totally wish I could have a "do-over." Ugh...

Our next door neighbors, who we like very much, informed my husband this past Thursday that they are having the very lovely, very tall, very healthy tree removed from our shared courtyard because "it serves no purpose." Apparently, in their opinion, it is too tall to be seen out their window, and it is shedding unwanted leaves on their roof. If the tree were six inches more in the direction of our house, we would share it and get to decide jointly in its fate. But it is not. The decision is entirely their own. And I don't know what to do.

All this weekend, I have been mourning about the imminent death of this majestic tree I have watched grow for the past eight years. This is most likely what led to my outburst at a dear friend after Sunday School today. We were all gathered under the breezeway for coffee, getting shelter from the rain, when a large beetle crawled right up to my foot. I bent down to greet the huge bug and to step sideways, to allow it access past my foot into the grass. Our friend quickly swooped in, pushed me aside and in one motion proudly crushed the bug then proceeded to drag its remains in a long and bloody streak across the pavement. I screamed out and violently slugged him very hard in the shoulder yelling something to the effect of, "It's Earth Day, you jerk!" He is an extremely sweet, gentle and thoughtful person who truly thought he was honestly saving me some great trauma with his action of heroism. He is one of our closest and dearest friends. My extreme reaction caught him utterly and completely by surprise.

I then walked into the sanctuary moments later, still shaking, but hoping for some sort of mention of Earth Day during the sermon. I knew just up the road at the Episcopal Church where the outdoor labyrinth is located, they were having a special Earth Stewardship message and a gathering afterwards of my Green Spirits friends to share in the fellowship of the day with a nature walk at the Japanese gardens. I really had wanted to join them for both, but felt like I needed to show up at our home church instead.

But there was no reference to anything environmentally focused at the Presbyterian church where we are officially members. The sermon was, instead, all about a call to missions. It was a powerful message about finding out what you are passionate about and then making that your mission in your community. The idea started brewing in me that maybe our new church IS my environmental mission field of calling. Perhaps God is calling me to prayerful work inside our own church congregation rather than outside its walls. Aside from one yellow recycling bin at the copy machine in the upstairs office, there appears to be no hint of conservation practices anywhere on campus that I have noticed in the past three years. Why this is, I cannot say. I love my new church family. I just don't always understand them. I suspect they feel the same way about me.

I returned from church utterly confused. I ranted in my journal for a while, then proceeded to try to nap away my feelings. I walked Lily in the neighborhood and then came home to photograph the courtyard tree and cry a bit more. I should have gone to the beach as I had planned to pick up trash, but I was just a mess of emotions and totally ineffective to manage to do anything but to stare at the evening clouds and sunset. In short, I succeeded in completely ruining the very day I had set out to honor and to celebrate.

And for what reason? Did anyone benefit from my emotional blow-up? No. Certainly not me. Certainly not my family or my friends. And, most certainly, not the earth or the beautiful tree that is just an arm's reach away from me as I type these words.

Clenched fists hurt others. Clenched fists are unable to pray. I am incapable of hearing God's quiet whispers when all I am doing is shouting. Missions - particularly my missions - are not meant to be militant.

I had really wanted to tell you about my beach walk earlier this week. I wanted to share with you the beauty and the joy of that special morning when God gave me roses from the ocean and poetry started bubbling up again in my heart and washing out onto the page. That was what I had really longed to tell you about tonight.

Maybe tomorrow...

my early Earth Day haiku

in Heaven

beach before breakfast

spooned through sand – sweet crème brûlée

on Earth, as it is.

By, Robin Bradley Hansel

Labyrinthos has just launched a brand-new blog

Be sure and visit and subscribe to the new  "LABYRINTHOS: Labyrinth Resource Center" blog today!

(Photo copyrighted and used only with the permission of Labyrinthos)

You can still enjoy all the incredible information, photos, links and resources on the main Labyrinthos Website and keep up-to-date on events on their Facebook Page. 

***Labyrinthos was founded in 2000 by Jeff Saward & Kimberly Lowelle Saward to provide an information resource for those working with labyrinths and mazes. 

Peace for your Path - Good Friday and Passover

Join us tonight at The Episcopal Church of The Good Shepherd in Tequesta, Florida for the annual Good Friday Candlelight Labyrinth Walk immediately following the Taize service in the sanctuary which begins at 7:30pm. We'll be gathering at the outdoor labyrinth to walk about 8:45pm. 

There is a full moon this evening and Passover begins at sundown. This promises to be a very special night...

All are welcome to this open walk and community event!

Peace for your Path,

Robin

it's not easy being green

Happy St. Patrick's Day Weekend!

Happy International Women's Day 2012

In celebration of International Women's Day today, I have obtained special permission to share this photo of an original painting by acclaimed Bahamian artist, Chantal e.y. Bethel:

"Threshold"

Included below is the Artist's Statement regarding this painting:

 "In a world where violence, hatred, political turmoil and natural disasters are prevalent, human beings crave authentic interconnections to one another, to beauty and tenderness, to justice and peace, and to sustainable hopes for humanity. For the past year I found myself driven by a strong desire for Hope and harmony. With that consciousness, I have created works that invite the viewer to a peaceful positive experience of love, faith, resilience and luminous energy."

"Threshold is one of these pieces inspired by the Labyrinth in Freeport, and I would like to thank Barbara Chester - facilitator and founder of the Grand Bahama Labyrinth - for making this experience possible for all of us on the island." 

“Threshold”  36”x36” oil on canvas:  The experience involving preparing oneself at the threshold, as we follow the single path to the center, spending time in the center, following the same pathway out from the center back to the threshold, and responding to the experience.

Please visit the website of Chantal e.y. Bethel to view more of her incredible paintings, sculptures, carvings and public art projects: www.chantalbethel.com

*Special thanks to my dear friend, Barbara Chester, founder of The Grand Bahama Labyrinth in The Garden of The Groves for introducing me to Threshold and to the rest of Chantal e.y. Bethel's work last April. To read more please visit the labyrinth's page on www.thebahamasweekly.com 

(Thanks also to Editor, Robbin Whachell of The Bahamas Weekly).

like a drink of cool water: Casting Crowns - The Well (with lyrics)

a little devotion

Thanks so much to First Presbyterian Church in North Palm Beach for including two of my writings in their Lenten Devotional for 2012. 

My contributions were a little bit unconventional this year (i.e. one regarding Facebook and the other about Turkey Buzzards), so I especially appreciate the loving kindness (and good-hearted humor) of my treasured friend, Sara M., for including them.

Here they are: 

(photo above courtesy of Wikipedia Commons)

Saturday, March 17, 2012

“You must first understand this, my beloved: let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger; for your anger does not produce God’s righteousness.” – James 1: 19-20 (NRSV)

            Facebook – do you love it or hate it? Maybe, like me, you simultaneously feel both emotions about the popular social media outlet. At times, my visit to the site uplifts me. I delight to read an inspirational article or quote shared by a friend. Other times, I am plunged into utter despair when I read hateful and judgmental statements which - more often than not - are sadly made by fellow Christians.

            I was in just such a frustrated state the other morning when an online friend complimented me about my good listening skills. Suddenly, I was rendered speechless. I realized with utter clarity that I had completely lost my spiritual gift for Sacred Listening when it came to Facebook. I was guilty of an intense, ego-driven need to constantly share my own thoughts, interests, and opinions. I began to consider that if everyone else was as consumed as I was with what they were personally saying, then could anyone really be listening to anyone else? And if no one was actually listening, then why in the world did we all continue to keep talking, talking, and TALKING?

            Five minutes later I posted a statement declaring my profile page a “Sacred Listening Space.” For the past week, I have (mostly) only permitted myself to listen intently to the conversations of my friends. I comment just when I have something positive to say. In fairness, I also force myself to read the postings of viewpoints with which I do not personally agree. I then try to use the period after my Facebook time for prayer and reflection rather than give into the sinful emotions of anger like I used to do.

            The wisdom I am learning through this ongoing exercise of discipline continues to bless me daily. With Christ’s help, I am learning ways to better love the people I dare to call my “Friends.”

“Holy Father, please zip my lips whenever I am tempted to speak on my own accord. Keep me silent until you directly place into my throat the words you wish me to share aloud. Grant me the courage to then speak those words with Love in Christ’s holy name - Amen.”

Robin Bradley Hansel

(photo above courtesy of Dr. Ron Hilliard) 

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

“For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence; he will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.” – Psalm 91: 3-4 (NRSV)

The Turkey Buzzards are back. They are staring straight at me from atop my neighbor’s roof. In the past, I’ve counted up to ten of their dark, shadowy figures. Today, there are only three.

For me, the vultures’ presence used to elicit an ominous feeling of trouble on the horizon. This morning, I observe them with a peaceful soul for I know they merely symbolize the shedding of an old, decayed sin from my heart. Today, I am a witness to the beauty and grace of each awkward bird. They stretch their giant wings and shine brilliantly in the late morning light.

Interestingly, I’d found a Turkey Buzzard feather earlier in the week while walking our dog. Not realizing its origin at the time, I lovingly placed it on my writing desk dreaming of great majestic cranes, eagles, hawks and osprey. During dinner, I brought it proudly to the table to show my family. They burst into laughter recognizing immediately what it was. I angrily rushed to grab my laptop to properly identify it but found, unfortunately, that they were absolutely correct. I promptly threw the feather in the garbage and set about disinfecting my hands and every household surface that it had touched.

But today, on this quiet morning of reflection, I can laugh aloud for it suddenly makes perfect sense. First, I believe I needed to really take a long, hard look at my own brokenness. It was important for me to pick it up, hold it in my hand and turn it over for awhile. Eventually, I had to stop trying to justify the ugly significance of my sin and see it as death and destruction. I had to ask God to help me cast it out of my life. Only then would the Holy Spirit arrive with winged wisdom and reveal to me that through Christ’s love and sacrifice I was already washed clean.

“Loving Father, thank you for all the quiet ways you speak to me through your Creation.  – Amen”

Robin Bradley Hansel


P.S. Thanks, God, for this inspiration: http://greenletterbible.com/index.php

my first frost

Also shared on my WordPress blog: http://greentreehousemedia.wordpress.com/2012/02/28/a-favorite-first/

yesterday. a year.

Is this your angel-eye view of my coffee table right now? I hope so.

I miss you.

I meant to mark anniversary of your ascent in an extremely special way yesterday. I intended to write you a poem - or some other fitting kind of tribute - or conduct a private ceremony or make some unique remembrance of Love.

 But, I did not. Yet I did remember. All of us did. All day long.

What I did do, today, just now, was read a bit of Thomas Merton, take a nap, wake up slowly with you in my heart, sit quietly and perfectly still,  pet my dog, walk the labyrinth with my fingers (the same one you walked, too) while taking the time to really FEEL every crevice and turn completely, and then, finally, I lit a candle in your honor. 

It's oh so many colors, Virginia, - a mosaic of brilliance - flaming bright in the center of our Circle of Friends. Just like you.

And it shall burn all day and then on and on in my heart for all days - for always...

Peace for your Path, Friend. 

I  love you,

Robin

join us tomorrow for "Third Thursdays on the Labyrinth"

Drop by anytime between 10am and 12pm to walk the outdoor labyrinth with me. This is a free, ongoing community event. Visit www.goodsheponline.org for details. Peace for your Path, Robin

welcome to my newest office space: greentreehousemedia.com

The view is spectacular! 

Come on up and have a look around: 

Blog, Mini-Website, Facebook, Twitter

in the flow

Many happy things to share with you, kind readers and fellow walkers!

(Photo courtesy of Wikipedia Commons: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:UnderwoodKeyboard.jpg)

I'll soon be unveiling my newest little site devoted exclusively to my freelance writing/editing and social media consulting services. I've secured the domain name (which I really LOVE), and I've started the blog, but I still have much to do before the big unveiling...Please stay tuned!

Until then, let me know if there are any creative writing or editing services I might be able to assist you with as I'd be happy to help. Perhaps you are starting a new blog and need a bit of help installing widgets, plug-ins, etc.? Or maybe you want to add a Facebook Page to your personal profile or start learning how to use Twitter, Pinterest or LinkedIn to promote your own products and services? 

I'd be happy to talk with you and design a proposal that easily fits within your time frame and budget. No assignment is too small (or too large). If you are a little overwhelmed by all of this web-wonderment and just need someone who has "been there" to discuss how to learn-it-yourself, well, we can absolutely create a simple plan for that, too!

Peace for your Path,

Robin

labyrinths 101

In preparation for a labyrinth walk I will be facilitating tonight with a new group, I thought I'd quickly put together an easily accessible blog post with several of my favorite links about labyrinths all in one place.

This is just a very brief overview of resources. I hope you'll find it useful as you take your first steps on the labyrinth.

Veriditas: Guidelines for Walking the Labyrinth

The Labyrinth Society: Downloadable Labyrinths to Share and also a Virtual On-line Labyrinth Walk

The World-Wide Labyrinth Locator: Enter your Zip Code or City to Find Local Labyrinths to Walk

Labyrinthos: Extensive Labyrinth History and Incredible Photographs

Lauren Artress: Books and Resources

Walking the Labyrinth: My Article for Devozine

The Spirit of Veriditas, Voices From the Labyrinth: Latest Issue of our Quarterly Journal

Feel free to contact me with any questions.

Peace for your Path,
Robin

this is my favorite issue yet!

But I think I say that every quarter, don't I?

As always, if you work professionally with labyrinths, or if you simply love to walk and share them with others, please contact me with your ideas for future articles and features.

Peace for your Path,
Robin
journal@veriditas.org

Robin Bradley Hansel, Editor
The Spirit of Veriditas, Voices From the Labyrinth

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE ISSUE TO SHARE!

Listening for the Sacred

 http://pinterest.com/pin/226024475018402679/ 

I want to hear the whispers behind your words. I want to ask you questions and then create a silent, sacred space that allows me to hear the your answers - not my own.

I want to become a Listener...