Easter Sunday, April 12th

Letting Go

Hello dear friends ~ It’s been another difficult week here we must say, and we’re sorry to report that we will not be going online for an Easter Sunday gathering after all.  Neither Mark nor I have ever even been a participant of a Zoom meeting, let alone been a host for one, and the frustration of learning the ins and outs and subleties of this and other video platforms was just one more stresser in an already stressful week. Something had to give.  We felt like we were struggling against the rushing stream that we mostly strive to flow with.  We did not want to disappoint the many folks who encouraged us to try this in the first place, nor the many who reached out to tell us they were so looking forward to it when we announced our intention to do so last week.  But I (Colleen) reached a breaking point yesterday, and found myself sobbing uncontrollably.  It made us realize that we just need to hunker down and take care of ourselves and our family right now; be gentle with ourselves and not take on anything which will cause more stress in an already fragile time.  We do hope you all have a beautiful Sunday with loved ones in whatever way is possible for you at this time.  We plan to be participants in several Zoom meetings this week, and if we become familiar and comfortable enough with it over time, maybe we’ll have another go at it.  We’ll see…

Sending love, light, prayers, comfort, peace, gentleness, kindness, and caring to everyone,  Colleen and Mark

Looking Ahead/Notes of Interest

Easter Sunday, April 12th ~  We’d been thinking of playing these 2 songs for you this Sunday.  So here are links to them instead.  The first is from our “Miracles” CD.  The second is an informal live performance that Colleen and Emma did with our friend and fellow musician, Darryl Purpose, as part of Darryl’s Sunday Songs project back in 2018, right here in our Paths of Heart gathering place.  It is a facebook link, so some of you may not be able to access it if you’re not on Facebook.  Sorry ’bout that!

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ztHNLdLr-Lk 

https://www.facebook.com/DarrylinNed/videos/10213401241480065/

We hope you enjoy them!

Here is a poem by Lynn Ungar we got from yes! magazine in the mail this week that we also planned to read.  So moving!  I found it online and am copying it here for you.

Pandemic

What if you thought of it
as the Jews consider the Sabbath—
the most sacred of times?
Cease from travel.
Cease from buying and selling.
Give up, just for now,
on trying to make the world
different than it is.
Sing. Pray. Touch only those
to whom you commit your life.
Center down.
 
And when your body has become still,
reach out with your heart.
Know that we are connected
in ways that are terrifying and beautiful.
(You could hardly deny it now.)
Know that our lives
are in one another’s hands.
(Surely, that has come clear.)
Do not reach out your hands.
Reach out your heart.
Reach out your words.
Reach out all the tendrils
of compassion that move, invisibly,
where we cannot touch.
 
Promise this world your love–
for better or for worse,
in sickness and in health,
so long as we all shall live.
 
–Lynn Ungar 3/11/20

Be well and be kind and gentle with yourselves, dear ones…

Gratitudes

We are really grateful for all the support we’ve had in the past several weeks in donations through the mail and on Paypal, even from folks who have never attended Paths of Heart in person.  Wow!!  It warms our heart that our gatherings and even just our newsletters are an important part of your week and that they bring you inspiration and solace during these days of isolation.  Thank you!

“The dominant characteristic of an authentic spiritual life is the gratitude that flows from trust – not only for all the gifts that I receive from God, but gratitude for all the suffering. Because in that purifying experience, suffering has often been the shortest path to intimacy with God.” ~ Brennan Manning

“Gratitude turns what we have into enough.” ~ Anonymous

“You cannot do a kindness too soon because you never know how soon it will be too late.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

“Today I choose to live with gratitude for the love that fills my heart, the peace that rests within my spirit, and the voice of hope that says all things are possible.” ~  Anonymous

Sunday, April 5th

The Path of Acceptance

This is the path we must be on right now.  The last few days have been exeedingly difficult ~ learning of friends’ loved ones sick and dying, and hearing their anguish in not being able to be there with them for comfort, and then to grieve in the aftermath.  Our family is grieving together today, as we had to let our sweet kitty, Lizzie go from this life where she has brought us such joy for the past 17+ years.  The process of life (and death) has gotten so complicated and alien, making it all the more heartbreaking. The isolation is getting to us, as we are social people and big huggers (!), and sometimes the internet just doesn’t cut it.  And we have many more weeks to go of this strange new existence…
So we contemplate acceptance, and then reacquaint ourselves with the practice of acceptance.  And it does take practice, from our experience anyway.  It’s a process ~ a sometimes daunting and messy one, which includes letting go (in small increments perhaps) and non-attachment to outcomes.  It can, though, lessen our suffering, and maybe we can further transform that suffering by serving and helping others.  We’re getting there, making our way out of the fog, little by little.  We invite you to contemplate and practice acceptance with us this week.

Sending everyone love and light in these confusing times,

Colleen and Mark

Looking Ahead/Notes of Interest

Easter Sunday, April 12th ~  Okay, we’re going to try this “gathering online” thing.  We picked Easter, because it just might take a miracle to get these non- tech savvy folks to figure it out – ha ha!!  Also, we have faith that one day, we will all be able to emerge from our caves and be together once again, and this leap of computer faith is inching our way toward that.  *footnote* We are having you contemplate “acceptance” the week prior, so you may be more forgiving if it doesn’t happen after all!  🙂  Also, with all the press on security and privacy issues with the increasingly popular Zoom platform, we are thinking of trying Cisco Webex.  We will send a link to you mid-week with instructions on how to join in.  What an experience this will be!

During this challenging time, if you have the means to continue your financial support of Paths of Heart, we would be honored and grateful.  Even though Mark and Colleen are not receiving compensation for Sunday gatherings at this time, there are still ongoing expenses such as our monthly charitable contributions to Children International, FOCO Cafe, and Water4, website hosting and maintenance, and office expenses.  You may donate online, https://pathsofheart.org/donate or send a check to Paths of Heart, 117 Evans Dr., Fort Collins, CO 80524.  Thank you so much for considering, and we so appreciate those who have chosen to make a monthly donation, even though they may not attend every week, and now, when we aren’t even meeting!  It means so much.  

Gratitudes

We so appreciate all the love and support you’ve given us over these past 2 weeks, first with Colleen’s illness, and now with the loss of our kitty, Lizzie.  We are grateful to be surrounded by so much light and love.

“The dominant characteristic of an authentic spiritual life is the gratitude that flows from trust – not only for all the gifts that I receive from God, but gratitude for all the suffering. Because in that purifying experience, suffering has often been the shortest path to intimacy with God.” ~ Brennan Manning

“Gratitude turns what we have into enough.” ~ Anonymous

“You cannot do a kindness too soon because you never know how soon it will be too late.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

“Today I choose to live with gratitude for the love that fills my heart, the peace that rests within my spirit, and the voice of hope that says all things are possible.” ~  Anonymous

Sunday, March 29th

Resilience

Good Day Dear Ones ~ It is Sunday morning as we write this, our first Sunday after returning from our vacation and it is so eerily strange not to have the room all set up, waiting for you to arrive.  Instead, there is a 1,000 piece puzzle in mid-completion in the middle of the room, and a Scrabble board on the table.  We returned to a life vastly different from the one we left 2 weeks ago.  Like many of you, our entire family became unemployed overnight, and the future is very uncertain. To top off our re-entry, Colleen fell seriously ill seemingly upon crossing the threshold of our front door and has spent the last 5 days resting and recuperating, after an unexpected visit to the ER.  It does not appear to be the Corona Virus, but we are self quarantining for the suggested period, not unlike the rest of you in self isolation.  These are strange times and we may experience bouts of anxiety, fear, anger, loneliness.  Yet, what we know is that we humans are also highly resourceful, courageous, and resilient and we will get through this together ~ as families, as  communities, as nations, and as a planet, if we move through our days with kindness, generosity, love, and service for the greater good of all.

One of the reasons we wanted to go back to the Big Island of Hawai’i this year was to see the changes that had taken place since we were there 2 years ago, right before the 2018 eruption of Kīlauea Volcano.  We were awestruck by the vast stretches of newly formed volcanic rock, the utter disappearance of some of the magical places we had last visited, and the immense destruction that had taken place.  Yet we also noticed new life amidst the ruination ~ if you look closely in the picture above you will see little ferns growing in the solidified lava’s crevices, and we walked on long stretches of new black sand beaches created by Pele.  We drove down smooth, newly constructed roads with lava still steaming on either side, and witnessed new construction of houses to replace the ones buried and destroyed by fire and lava.

Our affirmation is that we will emerge from this current situation as better, more caring people, with even more awareness of and gratitude for the beauty that exists in great abundance in this world, if we but open our eyes to it and become a very part of it.  We will learn a new way of living, with even more awareness that we are indeed connected to all living things, and that we need one another to survive.  Be safe and be well!  Colleen and Mark

Looking Ahead/Notes of Interest

Once we get our grounding, we will continue to pursue new ways to gather with you at Paths of Heart during this time.  We are considering a Zoom platform for Sunday gatherings, if that is something our community would like, and if anyone has any other ideas, please share them.  We could also just continue to send a weekly newsletter with inspirational writings, quotes, links to music, etc.  Let us know which you’d prefer!  In the meantime, we would love hearing from you, how you are doing, what “coping strategies” you are finding helpful, what new lessons you may be gleaning from these times.  We look forward to the time we can all be together again and I’m sure we’ll have a grand potluck celebration when all is clear!

During this challenging time, if you have the means to continue your financial support of Paths of Heart, we would be most grateful.  Even though Mark and Colleen are not receiving compensation for Sunday gatherings at this time, there are still ongoing expenses such as our monthly charitable contributions to Children International, FOCO Cafe, and Water4, website hosting and maintenance, and office expenses.  You may donate online, https://pathsofheart.org/donate or send a check to Paths of Heart, 117 Evans Dr., Fort Collins, CO 80524.  Thank you so much for considering! 

Remember to reside in love and not fear, always.  So much love to you all!!

Gratitudes

“The dominant characteristic of an authentic spiritual life is the gratitude that flows from trust – not only for all the gifts that I receive from God, but gratitude for all the suffering. Because in that purifying experience, suffering has often been the shortest path to intimacy with God.” ~ Brennan Manning

“Gratitude turns what we have into enough.” ~ Anonymous

“You cannot do a kindness too soon because you never know how soon it will be too late.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

“Today I choose to live with gratitude for the love that fills my heart, the peace that rests within my spirit, and the voice of hope that says all things are possible.” ~  Anonymous

“When you get to the end of all the light you know and it’s time to step into the darkness of the unknown, faith is knowing that one of two things shall happen: either you will be given something solid to stand on, or you will be taught how to fly.” 
~ Edward Teller

Dear friends of Paths of Heart ~ In light of what is happening in our community and our world, we’re sure it comes as no surprise to you that our physical Paths of Heart gatherings will need to go on hiatus till further notice.  We will surely miss our Sundays together and will be working on ideas to connect with our community in other ways over the coming weeks. We are grateful for your continued support during this challenging time. We affirm good health and wellness for all and know we can get through this with loving cooperation, kindness, compassion, patience, and empathy for others.  We hope you find time for quiet contemplation and for time outside in the fresh air and sunshine as spring unfolds in all her glory.  We will be in touch again soon. Much love and gratitude, Colleen and Mark

“Should you shield the canyons from the windstorms you would never see the true beauty of their carvings.” ~ Elisabeth Kubler-Ross

Sunday, March 8th

It’s About Time

Since this Sunday is the start of Daylight Saving Time (remember to turn your clocks AHEAD one hour on Saturday night!), we decided to have a “time” theme.  What kind of relationship do you have with time?  Do you feel like there’s never enough, that it goes by too fast, that you’re racing against it, that you’ve wasted your precious time?  Or do you affirm that you have all the time in the world, all the time there is, that time is an abundant and precious gift and that you prioritize it wisely?  We hope even with one less hour of sleep, you can still make it here on time and join the conversation!  🙂

Looking Ahead/Notes of Interest

Sunday, March 8th – Due to unforeseen circumstances, Frank Bonifazi will not be speaking on the 8th.  Colleen and Mark will present a topic instead.

Sunday, March 15th – Paths of Heart will take a Sunday off and be back on March 22nd.

Sunday, April 12th – Annual Easter Potluck

Gratitudes

Sunday, March 1st

Zooming In

What unsettling times we are in ~ news of floods, fires, Corona Virus, stock market woes, and heightened unrest in our country and world can be overwhelming, laid on top of our own sometimes topsy-turvy lives.  When darkness looms, it helps us to “zoom in” and look for the beauty that IS all around us, if we but seek it.  Spring is almost here, a time of renewal, when bits of green are daring to peak out from underneath the rotting leaves and icy snow.  It’s easy to miss, unless one slows down and takes the time to look closely.  Nature promises new life and new hope.  We encourage you to seek out her soothing balm amid the chaos ~ she is ALWAYS there to help us heal.

Looking Ahead/Notes of Interest

Sunday, March 8th – Due to unforeseen circumstances, Frank Bonifazi will not be speaking on the 8th.  We are working on scheduling another guest presenter and will keep you posted.  In the meantime, remember March 8th also marks the beginning of Daylight Saving Time, so remember to turn your clocks forward one hour on Saturday night!

Sunday, March 15th – Paths of Heart will take a Sunday off and be back on March 22nd.

Gratitudes

We appreciate all of you and the gifts you bring to our Paths of Heart Community.   We couldn’t do this without you!

“Gratitude is the fairest blossom which springs from the soul.” ~ Henry Ward Beecher

 

 

Sunday, February 23rd

Caregiving

In the past couple of weeks, we talked a lot about self love and care at “Paths”.  During this time, we’ve been caring for our elderly and ailing cat, and navigating the changes that lie ahead.  It got us to thinking about the role of caregiver and what we’ve witnessed recently as our friends embody that role, caring for differently-abled children and adults, aging parents, and yes, ill or aging pets.  This Sunday, we’ll reflect on our caregiving experiences and what they have taught us.

Looking Ahead/Notes of Interest

Sunday, March 8th – Frank “Francesco” Bonifazi will be our guest speaker.  He’ll share his thoughts on time, space, gravity and consciousness, and has written an original song called, “Everything is Connected” to accompany his talk!  March 8th also marks the beginning of Daylight Saving Time, so remember to turn your clocks forward one hour on Saturday night!

Sunday, March 15th – Paths of Heart will take a Sunday off and be back on March 22nd.

We recently received last quarter’s check from King Soopers Community Rewards Program and we want to remind you again how beneficial this program is for Paths of Heart!  Just link your King Soopers loyalty card to Paths of Heart and we get a percentage of what you spend there, with no cost to you!  We’d love to see more folks signed up.  Let us know if you’d like help linking your card – it’s really easy!  Thanks!   https://www.kingsoopers.com/topic/king-soopers-community-rewards

Gratitudes

We appreciate all of you and the gifts you bring to our Paths of Heart Community.   We couldn’t do this without you!

“At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.”
~ Albert Schweitzer

Sunday, February 16th

On the Path of Self Love

We thought we’d continue our conversation pertaining to self love ~ such an important precursor to all the other love relationships we’ll experience during our lives.  For many of us, it’s way easier to show love, kindness, and compassion to others than it is to be loving toward ourselves, both in thought and in deed.  Give yourself some Valentine’s Day love, and come Sunday we’ll converse about ways to nurture and love ourselves more. 

Looking Ahead/Notes of Interest

Sunday, March 8th – Frank “Francesco” Bonifazi will be our guest speaker.  He’ll share his thoughts on time, space, gravity and consciousness, and has written an original song called, “Everything is Connected” to accompany his talk!  We look forward to his sharing.

Sunday, March 15th – Paths of Heart will take a Sunday off and be back on March 22nd.

We recently received last quarter’s check from King Soopers Community Rewards Program and we want to remind you again how beneficial this program is for Paths of Heart!  Just link your King Soopers loyalty card to Paths of Heart and we get a percentage of what you spend there, with no cost to you!  We’d love to see more folks signed up.  Let us know if you’d like help linking your card – it’s really easy!  Thanks!   https://www.kingsoopers.com/topic/king-soopers-community-rewards

Gratitudes

We appreciate all of you and the gifts you bring to our Paths of Heart Community.  Happy “Love Everybody” Day!

“At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.”
~ Albert Schweitzer

Sunday, 02/07/20

Shadows, Love, and Celebration

Wow – what a powerful discussion we had last week on our “shadow selves”, and we only barely skimmed the surface, so we may delve in some more!  Mateo Sol says, “To completely experience self love, we must learn to honestly face our shadow selves…”, and with that day dedicated to love coming up next week, a LOVE theme will dovetail in nicely.  Then, there’s our celebration of Paths of Heart’s 6 year anniversary!  It’s hard to believe (and a wonderful thing!) that a decision to meet informally with a small group of kind-hearted souls 6 years ago serendipitously led to the creation of this human services non-profit which continues to touch lives near and far with its mission to create and nurture joy, compassion, gratitude, and love – in our own lives and throughout the world.  Please join us as we celebrate ALL of us, and stay afterwards for our community potluck!

Looking Ahead/Notes of Interest

Sunday, February 9th – Paths of Heart’s 6th Anniversary Celebration and Potluck!  Judi Lucero, “instrumental” in the creation of Paths of Heart, was so hoping to make it to our celebration.  Alas, the snow is preventing her from making the drive through the mountains.  We will miss her and her flute playing!  For those staying for the potluck, please remember to bring your own plates and utensils – this helps us tremendously with clean-up!  As always, Paths of Heart provides cloth napkins, cups, and a variety of beverages to compliment our meal.

Sunday, March 7th – Frank “Francesco” Bonifazi will be our guest speaker.  He’ll share his thoughts on time, space, gravity and consciousness, and has written an original song called, “Everything is Connected” to accompany his talk!  We look forward to his sharing.

Sunday, March 15th – Paths of Heart will take a Sunday off and be back on March 22nd.

We recently received last quarter’s check from King Soopers Community Rewards Program and we want to remind you again how beneficial this program is for Paths of Heart!  Just link your King Soopers loyalty card to Paths of Heart and we get a percentage of what you spend there, with no cost to you!  We’d love to see more folks signed up.  Let us know if you’d like help linking your card – it’s really easy!  Thanks!   https://www.kingsoopers.com/topic/king-soopers-community-rewards

Gratitudes

We appreciate all of you and the gifts you bring to our Paths of Heart Community.  Happy 6th Anniversary to YOU!

“At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.”
~ Albert Schweitzer

Sunday, 02/02/20

Me and My Shadow

Gosh, there’s so much we could talk about today, it being Super Bowl Sunday, Groundhog Day, and a date that’s a rare, 8 digit palindrome!  But since Groundhog Day is Mark’s favorite religious holiday, we’re going to visit our shadow selves and discuss how we might embrace our inner darkness.  Don’t be afraid to face your shadow!  🙂

Looking Ahead/Notes of Interest

Sunday, February 9th – Paths of Heart’s 6th Anniversary Celebration and Potluck!  More details to follow.

We have just received last quarter’s check from King Soopers Community Rewards Program and we want to remind you again how beneficial this program is for Paths of Heart!  Just link your King Soopers loyalty card to Paths of Heart and we get a percentage of what you spend there, with no cost to you!  We’d love to see more folks signed up.  Let us know if you’d like help linking your card – it’s really easy!  Thanks!   https://www.kingsoopers.com/topic/king-soopers-community-rewards

Gratitudes

We loved our Sunday together last week ~ talking about birds, listening to their calls, and hearing your fun stories.  We are blessed to share these times with you all!

“At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.”
~ Albert Schweitzer