Christine Valters Paintner had a conversation on Creativity, Chronic Illness, and Contemplation with Mike Petrow on his podcast The Healer with a Thousand Faces (also available through audio podcast channels). Joins us in Lent 2027 for the retreat The Wisdom of Our Wounds: Chronic Illness
I am delighted to share another beautiful submission to our Monk in the World guest post series from the community. Read on for Jaqui Eicher’s reflection and poem. After reading Christine Valters Paintner’s poem, “St. Gall and the Bear,” I responded in writing to the prompt:
For Deeper Gratitude*Spirit of Generosity,we come to you with heartsoverflowing with gratitudefor your abundant creation.As we awaken each morning,help us to rememberthis day is a gift,this breath is a grace,this life a wonder.Remind uswith every flower we see,every act of kindness,every moment of connectionto something
7 Responses
Excellent piece of poetic inspiration
Bette, I believe that Mary Oliver does have a new book of poems coming out this fall called Thirst. Spiritus is a lovely journal, but quite academic in nature. Blessings, Christine
i see now that Mary’s poem was published in Spiritus: A Journal of Christian Spirituality, Spring 2006! i shall look into this publication :)
thank you for mentioning Mary’s new book. i shall have to get it and read more of her.
this meditational poem just told me to not think or try too hard! i’ve been too hard on my muse.
good advice :)
Hi Susie, Glad you stopped by! Thanks for sharing how this touched you, Mary Oliver is amazing, isn’t she? Blessings, Christine
I really appreciate this poem. It fits where I am right now with a summer theatre project, and the image of a “doorway into thanks” makes a great mantra for my me as I begin this work.
Thank you!
Wow.