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Read: The Toxic Myth of Hard Work - buttondown.com/spiritworks/...
Reflection #51 The Toxic Myth of Hard Work
Reflection #51: The Toxic Myth of Hard Work Reflection #51: The Toxic Myth of Hard Work I was taughtmy labor was holiness,exhaustion was a kind of...
buttondown.com
April 15, 2026 at 2:23 AM
Read: The Toxic Myth of Hard Work - buttondown.com/spiritworks/...
Pittsburgh No Kings Rally, 20,000 strong.
March 30, 2026 at 4:20 PM
Pittsburgh No Kings Rally, 20,000 strong.
This is a gentling season,
a loosening of hurry,
a softening of edges.
A season of simple lessons
filled with surprise, unadorned moments—
patient teachers.
TO READ MORE: buttondown.com/spiritworks/...
a loosening of hurry,
a softening of edges.
A season of simple lessons
filled with surprise, unadorned moments—
patient teachers.
TO READ MORE: buttondown.com/spiritworks/...
February 18, 2026 at 2:15 PM
This is a gentling season,
a loosening of hurry,
a softening of edges.
A season of simple lessons
filled with surprise, unadorned moments—
patient teachers.
TO READ MORE: buttondown.com/spiritworks/...
a loosening of hurry,
a softening of edges.
A season of simple lessons
filled with surprise, unadorned moments—
patient teachers.
TO READ MORE: buttondown.com/spiritworks/...
Spiritworks Reflections Feedback
Dear Reader, Thank you for your thoughtful feedback. I’m finding that you appreciate the free verse style that makes them a quick read. Access previous postings www.spiritworks.org. Click “Spiritworks Newsletters” choose “ARCHIVES.” buttondown.com/spiritworks/...
Dear Reader, Thank you for your thoughtful feedback. I’m finding that you appreciate the free verse style that makes them a quick read. Access previous postings www.spiritworks.org. Click “Spiritworks Newsletters” choose “ARCHIVES.” buttondown.com/spiritworks/...
February 15, 2026 at 5:46 PM
Spiritworks Reflections Feedback
Dear Reader, Thank you for your thoughtful feedback. I’m finding that you appreciate the free verse style that makes them a quick read. Access previous postings www.spiritworks.org. Click “Spiritworks Newsletters” choose “ARCHIVES.” buttondown.com/spiritworks/...
Dear Reader, Thank you for your thoughtful feedback. I’m finding that you appreciate the free verse style that makes them a quick read. Access previous postings www.spiritworks.org. Click “Spiritworks Newsletters” choose “ARCHIVES.” buttondown.com/spiritworks/...
Reflection #41 Creeping Entitlement
I’ve been caught
with entitlement in my pocket,
thinking life owes interest
on effort well spent.
I worked hard, didn’t I?
Surely there’s a return.
It sneaks in quietly—
this sense of deserving.
In long lines...
TO READ MORE:
buttondown.com/spiritworks/...
I’ve been caught
with entitlement in my pocket,
thinking life owes interest
on effort well spent.
I worked hard, didn’t I?
Surely there’s a return.
It sneaks in quietly—
this sense of deserving.
In long lines...
TO READ MORE:
buttondown.com/spiritworks/...
February 11, 2026 at 2:05 AM
Reflection #41 Creeping Entitlement
I’ve been caught
with entitlement in my pocket,
thinking life owes interest
on effort well spent.
I worked hard, didn’t I?
Surely there’s a return.
It sneaks in quietly—
this sense of deserving.
In long lines...
TO READ MORE:
buttondown.com/spiritworks/...
I’ve been caught
with entitlement in my pocket,
thinking life owes interest
on effort well spent.
I worked hard, didn’t I?
Surely there’s a return.
It sneaks in quietly—
this sense of deserving.
In long lines...
TO READ MORE:
buttondown.com/spiritworks/...
Reflection #40 Forever Young
Some of my earlier steps
were not guided by design
but taken because the road
suddenly bent.
Following where circumstances pointed,
doing what I could,
but often bracing for impact
even when water seemed calm...
To read more go to:
buttondown.com/spiritworks/...
Some of my earlier steps
were not guided by design
but taken because the road
suddenly bent.
Following where circumstances pointed,
doing what I could,
but often bracing for impact
even when water seemed calm...
To read more go to:
buttondown.com/spiritworks/...
February 3, 2026 at 6:13 PM
Reflection #40 Forever Young
Some of my earlier steps
were not guided by design
but taken because the road
suddenly bent.
Following where circumstances pointed,
doing what I could,
but often bracing for impact
even when water seemed calm...
To read more go to:
buttondown.com/spiritworks/...
Some of my earlier steps
were not guided by design
but taken because the road
suddenly bent.
Following where circumstances pointed,
doing what I could,
but often bracing for impact
even when water seemed calm...
To read more go to:
buttondown.com/spiritworks/...
Spiritworks "Reflections" Feedback: buttondown.com/spiritworks/...
I've been asked about this picture. I took it with my Apple iPhone. No paints or touch ups.
I've been asked about this picture. I took it with my Apple iPhone. No paints or touch ups.
January 28, 2026 at 3:05 PM
Spiritworks "Reflections" Feedback: buttondown.com/spiritworks/...
I've been asked about this picture. I took it with my Apple iPhone. No paints or touch ups.
I've been asked about this picture. I took it with my Apple iPhone. No paints or touch ups.
Reflection #38 — Living with Passion
I want to live with passion,
not as urgency,
but as a steady flame,
alive within me.
Passion is sacred energy,
devotion that endures,
a willingness to stay awake
to what matters.
These years have been my training...
To read more: buttondown.com/spiritworks/...
I want to live with passion,
not as urgency,
but as a steady flame,
alive within me.
Passion is sacred energy,
devotion that endures,
a willingness to stay awake
to what matters.
These years have been my training...
To read more: buttondown.com/spiritworks/...
January 27, 2026 at 7:52 PM
Reflection #38 — Living with Passion
I want to live with passion,
not as urgency,
but as a steady flame,
alive within me.
Passion is sacred energy,
devotion that endures,
a willingness to stay awake
to what matters.
These years have been my training...
To read more: buttondown.com/spiritworks/...
I want to live with passion,
not as urgency,
but as a steady flame,
alive within me.
Passion is sacred energy,
devotion that endures,
a willingness to stay awake
to what matters.
These years have been my training...
To read more: buttondown.com/spiritworks/...
“May you go forward securely, joyfully, and swiftly, on the path of prudent happiness.” --Clare of Assisi
January 23, 2026 at 3:30 PM
“May you go forward securely, joyfully, and swiftly, on the path of prudent happiness.” --Clare of Assisi
Reflection #37 Shifting Gears
In this time of change,
I tend to what is visible
admitting my sight
Is soft around the edges.
Shifting gears slowly,
carrying humility
I seek, yet again, to live
beyond the narrow pull of self.
Yet, what if...
TO READ MORE:
buttondown.com/spiritworks/...
In this time of change,
I tend to what is visible
admitting my sight
Is soft around the edges.
Shifting gears slowly,
carrying humility
I seek, yet again, to live
beyond the narrow pull of self.
Yet, what if...
TO READ MORE:
buttondown.com/spiritworks/...
January 20, 2026 at 9:06 PM
Reflection #37 Shifting Gears
In this time of change,
I tend to what is visible
admitting my sight
Is soft around the edges.
Shifting gears slowly,
carrying humility
I seek, yet again, to live
beyond the narrow pull of self.
Yet, what if...
TO READ MORE:
buttondown.com/spiritworks/...
In this time of change,
I tend to what is visible
admitting my sight
Is soft around the edges.
Shifting gears slowly,
carrying humility
I seek, yet again, to live
beyond the narrow pull of self.
Yet, what if...
TO READ MORE:
buttondown.com/spiritworks/...
Reflection #37 Grandparenting
These days
I am practicing
the fine art
of being useful
to the parents
of my grandchildren—
which mostly means
smiling,
complimenting,
offering words of encouragement.
I’m honing my diplomatic skills,
polishing my
To read more go to: buttondown.com/spiritworks/...
These days
I am practicing
the fine art
of being useful
to the parents
of my grandchildren—
which mostly means
smiling,
complimenting,
offering words of encouragement.
I’m honing my diplomatic skills,
polishing my
To read more go to: buttondown.com/spiritworks/...
January 14, 2026 at 2:00 AM
Reflection #37 Grandparenting
These days
I am practicing
the fine art
of being useful
to the parents
of my grandchildren—
which mostly means
smiling,
complimenting,
offering words of encouragement.
I’m honing my diplomatic skills,
polishing my
To read more go to: buttondown.com/spiritworks/...
These days
I am practicing
the fine art
of being useful
to the parents
of my grandchildren—
which mostly means
smiling,
complimenting,
offering words of encouragement.
I’m honing my diplomatic skills,
polishing my
To read more go to: buttondown.com/spiritworks/...
Today I mark Epiphany--
a day for noticing,
for waking again
to what matters most.
This gentle quiet day
invites me to reconsider
how to shape a life
more whole, more honest.
In this season of winter,
I pause to reflect
to center down
on what truly...
To read more:
buttondown.com/spiritworks/...
a day for noticing,
for waking again
to what matters most.
This gentle quiet day
invites me to reconsider
how to shape a life
more whole, more honest.
In this season of winter,
I pause to reflect
to center down
on what truly...
To read more:
buttondown.com/spiritworks/...
January 6, 2026 at 10:59 PM
Today I mark Epiphany--
a day for noticing,
for waking again
to what matters most.
This gentle quiet day
invites me to reconsider
how to shape a life
more whole, more honest.
In this season of winter,
I pause to reflect
to center down
on what truly...
To read more:
buttondown.com/spiritworks/...
a day for noticing,
for waking again
to what matters most.
This gentle quiet day
invites me to reconsider
how to shape a life
more whole, more honest.
In this season of winter,
I pause to reflect
to center down
on what truly...
To read more:
buttondown.com/spiritworks/...
Reflection #34 — A New Year
New years keeps arriving
with beginnings and endings
never dreamed, never rehearsed.
Some step into a New Year
with great excitement,
hope-filled resolutions,
Others tiptoe quietly,
fingers crossed,
To read the rest of this poem, please visit spiritworks.org
New years keeps arriving
with beginnings and endings
never dreamed, never rehearsed.
Some step into a New Year
with great excitement,
hope-filled resolutions,
Others tiptoe quietly,
fingers crossed,
To read the rest of this poem, please visit spiritworks.org
December 30, 2025 at 3:12 PM
Reflection #34 — A New Year
New years keeps arriving
with beginnings and endings
never dreamed, never rehearsed.
Some step into a New Year
with great excitement,
hope-filled resolutions,
Others tiptoe quietly,
fingers crossed,
To read the rest of this poem, please visit spiritworks.org
New years keeps arriving
with beginnings and endings
never dreamed, never rehearsed.
Some step into a New Year
with great excitement,
hope-filled resolutions,
Others tiptoe quietly,
fingers crossed,
To read the rest of this poem, please visit spiritworks.org
Spiritworks Reflections Feedback
Thank you for your thoughtful feedback on “Beginning Again” Reflections. Here are your emails from the past few weeks.
You can access previous postings by visiting www.spiritworks.org, and go to ARCHIVES.
buttondown.com/spiritworks/...
Thank you for your thoughtful feedback on “Beginning Again” Reflections. Here are your emails from the past few weeks.
You can access previous postings by visiting www.spiritworks.org, and go to ARCHIVES.
buttondown.com/spiritworks/...
December 19, 2025 at 3:45 PM
Spiritworks Reflections Feedback
Thank you for your thoughtful feedback on “Beginning Again” Reflections. Here are your emails from the past few weeks.
You can access previous postings by visiting www.spiritworks.org, and go to ARCHIVES.
buttondown.com/spiritworks/...
Thank you for your thoughtful feedback on “Beginning Again” Reflections. Here are your emails from the past few weeks.
You can access previous postings by visiting www.spiritworks.org, and go to ARCHIVES.
buttondown.com/spiritworks/...
Reflection #30 Rooms of Your Heart
I’ve come to see
that happiness is a quiet invitation—
a request to give my attention
to what is life-giving
and release what is not.
Today, I invite us all
to move through our hours
with a softer cheer,
To read more: buttondown.com/spiritworks/...
I’ve come to see
that happiness is a quiet invitation—
a request to give my attention
to what is life-giving
and release what is not.
Today, I invite us all
to move through our hours
with a softer cheer,
To read more: buttondown.com/spiritworks/...
December 9, 2025 at 3:20 PM
Reflection #30 Rooms of Your Heart
I’ve come to see
that happiness is a quiet invitation—
a request to give my attention
to what is life-giving
and release what is not.
Today, I invite us all
to move through our hours
with a softer cheer,
To read more: buttondown.com/spiritworks/...
I’ve come to see
that happiness is a quiet invitation—
a request to give my attention
to what is life-giving
and release what is not.
Today, I invite us all
to move through our hours
with a softer cheer,
To read more: buttondown.com/spiritworks/...
Reflection #29 Room To Breathe
This season in life opens a spaciousness
I hadn’t known I longed for—
time to turn toward myself
with intention,
to listen for what asks to change.
What small shift might let me live lightly?
To read more or subscribe - buttondown.com/spiritworks/...
This season in life opens a spaciousness
I hadn’t known I longed for—
time to turn toward myself
with intention,
to listen for what asks to change.
What small shift might let me live lightly?
To read more or subscribe - buttondown.com/spiritworks/...
December 3, 2025 at 9:17 PM
Reflection #29 Room To Breathe
This season in life opens a spaciousness
I hadn’t known I longed for—
time to turn toward myself
with intention,
to listen for what asks to change.
What small shift might let me live lightly?
To read more or subscribe - buttondown.com/spiritworks/...
This season in life opens a spaciousness
I hadn’t known I longed for—
time to turn toward myself
with intention,
to listen for what asks to change.
What small shift might let me live lightly?
To read more or subscribe - buttondown.com/spiritworks/...
“We may speak of love and humility as the true flowers of spiritual growth; and they give off a wonderful scent, which benefits all those who come near.” –Teresa of Avila
November 22, 2025 at 2:46 PM
“We may speak of love and humility as the true flowers of spiritual growth; and they give off a wonderful scent, which benefits all those who come near.” –Teresa of Avila
“Just as our contrariness here on earth brings us pain, shame and sorrow, so grace brings us surpassing comfort, glory, and bliss in heaven.” ―Julian of Norwich,
November 22, 2025 at 12:34 AM
“Just as our contrariness here on earth brings us pain, shame and sorrow, so grace brings us surpassing comfort, glory, and bliss in heaven.” ―Julian of Norwich,
Reflection #27 It is Enough
These days I look back
with a quieter mind,
with curiosity and wonder.
What have I made of my life?
What paths have I walked?
To read more, go to - buttondown.com/spiritworks/...
These days I look back
with a quieter mind,
with curiosity and wonder.
What have I made of my life?
What paths have I walked?
To read more, go to - buttondown.com/spiritworks/...
November 18, 2025 at 10:26 PM
Reflection #27 It is Enough
These days I look back
with a quieter mind,
with curiosity and wonder.
What have I made of my life?
What paths have I walked?
To read more, go to - buttondown.com/spiritworks/...
These days I look back
with a quieter mind,
with curiosity and wonder.
What have I made of my life?
What paths have I walked?
To read more, go to - buttondown.com/spiritworks/...
What is a friend but (s)he who knows
The deepest of our cares and woes
And seeks to ease the weary load
To set one on a smoother road.
Whose hands are always at one’s call
Who loves the joyful overall.
Whose tongue is never sharp or curt... to read more go to:
buttondown.com/spiritworks/...
The deepest of our cares and woes
And seeks to ease the weary load
To set one on a smoother road.
Whose hands are always at one’s call
Who loves the joyful overall.
Whose tongue is never sharp or curt... to read more go to:
buttondown.com/spiritworks/...
November 11, 2025 at 9:49 PM
What is a friend but (s)he who knows
The deepest of our cares and woes
And seeks to ease the weary load
To set one on a smoother road.
Whose hands are always at one’s call
Who loves the joyful overall.
Whose tongue is never sharp or curt... to read more go to:
buttondown.com/spiritworks/...
The deepest of our cares and woes
And seeks to ease the weary load
To set one on a smoother road.
Whose hands are always at one’s call
Who loves the joyful overall.
Whose tongue is never sharp or curt... to read more go to:
buttondown.com/spiritworks/...
Here is reader feedback from my weekly free verse postings on Spiritworks.org. My thanks to each of you! buttondown.com/spiritworks/...
Spiritworks Reader Feedback
Dear Reader, Thank you for your thoughtful feedback on “Beginning Again” Reflections I’m finding that you appreciate the free verse style that makes them a...
buttondown.com
November 7, 2025 at 12:28 AM
Here is reader feedback from my weekly free verse postings on Spiritworks.org. My thanks to each of you! buttondown.com/spiritworks/...
Reflection # 28 Two Kinds of Friends
I’ve come to think
there are two kinds of friends.
The first are travelers—
companions on the road.
We share the same route,
the same work over coffee
before paths divide.
As we, with gratitude...
To read more: www.spiritworks.org - Newsletter - Archives.
I’ve come to think
there are two kinds of friends.
The first are travelers—
companions on the road.
We share the same route,
the same work over coffee
before paths divide.
As we, with gratitude...
To read more: www.spiritworks.org - Newsletter - Archives.
November 4, 2025 at 6:41 PM
Reflection # 28 Two Kinds of Friends
I’ve come to think
there are two kinds of friends.
The first are travelers—
companions on the road.
We share the same route,
the same work over coffee
before paths divide.
As we, with gratitude...
To read more: www.spiritworks.org - Newsletter - Archives.
I’ve come to think
there are two kinds of friends.
The first are travelers—
companions on the road.
We share the same route,
the same work over coffee
before paths divide.
As we, with gratitude...
To read more: www.spiritworks.org - Newsletter - Archives.
Here are two friends, 95 & 96 years young. Read more about what true friendship is: buttondown.com/spiritworks/...
October 29, 2025 at 3:21 PM
Here are two friends, 95 & 96 years young. Read more about what true friendship is: buttondown.com/spiritworks/...
You are invited to come meet Mama Arlene from Rwanda. Here is the information for October 25 - buttondown.com/spiritworks/...
October 13, 2025 at 7:52 PM
You are invited to come meet Mama Arlene from Rwanda. Here is the information for October 25 - buttondown.com/spiritworks/...