For Equilibrium, a Blessing: by John O’Donohue

Like the joy of the sea coming home to shore,

May the relief of laughter rinse through your soul.

As the wind loves to call things to dance,

May your gravity be lightened by grace.

Like the dignity of moonlight restoring the earth,

May your thoughts incline with reverence and respect.

As water takes whatever shape it is in,

So free may you be about who you become.

As silence smiles on the other side of what’s said,

May your sense of irony bring perspective.

As time remains free of all that it frames,

May your mind stay clear of all it names.

may your prayer of listening deepen enough

to hear in the depths the laughter of God.

— Opening reading chosen and read by Nancy L.

Photos by Kathy L

As I began to walk on these beautiful and wonder filled grounds, I became annoyed at the sound of motor boats on the river — how could they disturb this sacred place of peace and contemplation? I took some deep breaths and realized they were just out enjoying their Saturday – boating, fishing, relaxing… I reminded myself that it all belongs…

Today I also thought about all the history that this place has seen… Indigeonus communities, a plantation with enslaved Africans, an abolitionist son, hurricanes, the sacred life of the monastery and its monks, and so much more. May the arc of the moral universe bend toward justice and may our gravity be lightened by grace.

— Photos and reflection by Nancy L.

The Mepkin Wonder Walkers… a fabulous and wonder filled day!