All Comments By thea nietfeld

The energy with which one works matters. Self knowledge about happiness and despair is especially important for those us us seeking social change. I shifted from "keeping my nose to the grindstone" as my working class culture promoted, to letting happiness emerge and recognizing that others need the same kinds of things for their happiness to emerge.

The blessing of listening as a spiritual co.panion is the practice of being with another frim their point of view. Imagining what life is from their place in it. These days, what brings me joy is opportunities to immerse in this way. This weeks prompts reminded me how intensely alive I feel at such moments...with the simple practice of listening.

What I have noticed when I was in moments like yours is when I could be open, i saw so many options it became a matter of choosing rather.than finding. The options came from places where i wasnt looking
Best wishes

Making friends wherever I am involves being open to possibility. One cannot know in advance who will become a friend kor know whether the other is open to friendship. Recently, I explored living on The Farm intentional community in rural Tennessee. While I did not choose to live there, the moments of friendship and some ongoing connections reminded me of the beautiful uniqueness that attract us to each other.

To experience heaven in the moment of giving is a blessing. In my experience, this happens when it is not expected or assumed, but allowed.

When I first came to this town, I was received with open -heartedness that was new to me. More than anything, it was this culture of accepting care that attracted me back here. I have also experienced it with a spiritual companion. There is a mutuality in unreserved giving of attention that allows everyone to expand.

Yesterday I moved back to a town where spirituality and connection are prioritized. when I lived here before, I was fundamentally changed by this place. Now in retirement, I am more prepared to be conscious and grateful for the unique gifts of the place and more prepared to give.
The prompt on content and context and reflections help me articulate this.
I appreciate Amrithas response to the fift economy prompt about keeping money in the pocket and not the mind, and Bonnie's shifting her meaning question to What can she give in this moment. I'd like to hear more about Krishnan's approach to live interactive mythological storytelling.
Even with moving challenges, this program has brightened my week. I'm grateful.