Month: May 2020

Dear Mom

/ phillipamory / 1 Comment

I somehow lost you when your spirit left us.
I was holding your hand when it happened – the moment between here and there…
Everything that you were, instantly morphing into everything that you are.
My gut wrenched as they zipped up the bag as though your humanity was no longer necessary, but rather something to quickly hide from my fragile eyes.
Remembrances, embraces, a simple service, a lovely lunch prepared by the church ladies, a quiet drive home, alone with my thoughts…but there are no tears.
I cried for you while you suffered, but not now. Not because I know you are in a better place, but because I refuse to grieve.
Before I drift into sleep I pray that God allows the gulf between flesh and spirit to be breached.
Surely you will come back to me in my dreams, but there is no visitation.
I put my hand on the gravestone hoping to find a conduit to the connection I seek, but there is no conjuring.

Little by little you’re teaching me to stop looking for you as you were…
You’re the beautiful spirit that emanates from my daughters.
You’re the familiar gleam in the eyes of my granddaughters.
You’re the unconditional love in a pup who lights up when she sees me.
You are in the breeze as I walk through the majestic California redwoods, and reflected in the prisms of the snow capped mountains of the Sierra Nevada.
But I know there is more that you have to tell me, and when I’m capable of hearing, you’ll speak directly.
You have found a most receptive host in your daughter in-law and she graciously tells me the messages of love you have whispered in her ear.
My eyes glisten but the tears will not fall until you say it is time.

Happy Mother’s Day, Mom

Anxiously awaiting your reply…

What’s Your Touchstone?

/ phillipamory / Leave a comment


  • @BirchtreeBarn Palm Stones for Grounding
    BLACK MOONSTONE

It’s said a thousand times a day, in a thousand different ways, that we are living in unprecedented times. By definition an unprecedented event is “without previous instance; never before known or experienced; unexampled or unparalleled.” And while history is replete with other deadly pandemics, COVID-19 and our actions to subdue it have caused massive disruptions to our personal and professional lives.

We are learning as we go to adapt to new ways of educating, cohabitating, telecommuting, meal prepping, conversing, worshipping, and even grieving. The necessity to adapt is no longer a prerogative – as Einstein said, “The measure of intelligence is the ability to change.”

However, even necessary course corrections without foundational grounding can lead to unintended chaos and uncertainty. In my personal mind/body practice, I have found the use of touchstones, also known as palm stones, to be very effective in keeping me focused and engaged on mission-critical objectives. I keep a touchstone on my desk and in my pocket to serve as a visual and physical reminder to adapt only with purpose and intention.

So, what is the touchstone for your life – what’s your grounding, as you adapt? Are you adhering to the sound life principles that you know to be universal and true, regardless of the distracting noise? Are you all-in with supporting the physical, emotional, and spiritual health of yourself, your family, your coworkers and business partners?
We are indeed all in this together and I dare say we need each other more than ever. Let’s be mindful to live with great humility and unabashed gratitude for these lessons learned.