The Soulistry Blog

Is the story true?  Did it really happen?    I like to believe that in every legend, every parable, every story, there is a tidbit of ‘something’ that can bring good news.   The legend of the Poinsettia plant might be such a story - if it is true.   But even if it is...

In this part of the world - the days are short - the nights are long - the weather is dreary.Many are experiencing darkness regardless of the weather, the time of the year/day.Darkness of the soul. Darkness of the mind. Darkness.When the darkness seems to permeate,...

Grief is such a powerful emotion. Being able to participate in a funeral, a Celebration of Life, a Memorial service for someone who has died, can be a helpful ritual. But what about when such events aren't happening, or Mother Nature interferes and travel is...

This Sunday begins the third week in the Season of Advent ... the week of joy ... and a story that is true.The baby was given two names at birth. Gene (her father was expecting a boy) and Dolores. And so began the life of Gene Dolores. Raised in poverty, Gene...

Oh, how our world needs peace. Oh how we, our families, our communities, our neighbourhoods, our countries, our world needs peace. But fear, busyness, worry, grief, physical pain, guilt, sleepless nights, and those “what-if’s” creep in. And then there are the actions...

A still, small voice ... whispers “Where is the hope?”A circle of friends gather, light candles and through tears, gasp “There must be hope.”Nations of people ... shake their heads and mumble “Is hope possible?” Phrases like... "It's hopeless"... "I can't even hope...

Whether we like it or not, stores are beginning to display Christmas decorations and play Christmas music; Christmas trees are going up in homes, businesses and offices; inflatable Santas are appearing on lawns - and it's not even the month of December yet!    Why the...

I cannot stop thinking of the people in Ukraine, still living in terror as explosions deafen. Today, food shortages are critical, the cold and snow will soon gnaw at bodies, medical supplies and services are almost non-existent and visible exhaustion is on the faces...

I love watching them poke their heads above the ground, changing their location every year in the back yard, making their appearance in so many different varieties. Intriguing and delightful, they put a smile on my face every year. What are "they"? Mushrooms! It's...

"Joy can spring like a flower even from the cliffs of despair" wrote author and aviator Anne Morrow Lindbergh.  Is it possible?   Can joy ever spring from the cliffs of despair? I remember despair emerging as I heard responses by government officials when...

Grief.It appears unexpectedly. ... wears different costumes. ... sometimes puts a smile on our face. ... often brings sadness to our heart.... is not predictable either in timing or outcome.Today and the coming days, weeks and months, grief is being and will be felt-...

As part of our national recognition of Remembrance Day each year in Canada on this day, November 11th, we sing "O Canada, we stand on guard for thee."    Over the years, women and men have stood "on guard," defending borders and peacekeeping far away from Canada. ...

Today is 'Dia de Los Muertos' - 'Day of the Dead - November 2nd, every year. The first time I learned about Day of the Dead was the Disney movie "Coco" and as a result, I wanted to learn more about the Mexican holiday known as Dia de Los Muertos. On November 2nd,...

November, welcome!   In this part of the world , you bring wind.  You bring rain.  And politically this year, you bring ongoing devastations of war, growing tension, escalating fear and great global uncertainty.  But I don't want to focus on those. Where I live,...

For many around the world, last night was All Hallow's Eve (Hallowe'en). Today is All Saints Day. Tomorrow is both All Souls Day and Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). Together, the three days form what is known as "AllHallowTide." If you've seen the movie "Coco,"...

A big of history ... in some parts of the world, this night begins the ancient Christian three-day observance of AllHallowTide, predated from Celtic harvest festivals such as Samhain, designed as a time to remember those who have died.   All Hallows' Eve is the...

For those living on the East Coast of Canada and the US, the Fall season is glorious in colour at this time of the year.  Living on the West Coast, while the Fall changing of colours is a beautiful sight to behold, I admit to missing the red colours and the Maple...

Fragility ... the quality of being broken, damaged, delicate, vulnerable, wounded, weak.   These days, many want to live in a world that is healthy, durable, safe and strong.  They don't want to live in a world that is fragile.   Many want to be perceived and perceive...

In the midst of the political rhetoric/reality/anxiety in many parts of the word, this weekend, Canadians are marking Harvest Thanksgiving - a time and opportunity to express 'giving thanks.' Thanksgiving.But these days, many struggle to find something - anything -...

There are no winners in war. Onlylives lostlives destroyedanger released for generationsMay there be peace.שָׁלוֹםسلامpaxpeacepeacein heartsin mindsin soulsin bodiesin familiesin countriesbetween countries~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~© June...