I learned of my Aunt Libby’s passing two weeks ago and the news did not come easily to me. She came to Asheville, NC the same year that I did- for me to begin my adult life as a college freshman and her to end hers. She moved to an assisted living facility there that offered end-of-life care. The serendipity of this still baffles and amazes me. We spent countless hours together throughout the eleven years that we shared a zip code and she served as my primary family support throughout my twenties. I have been reflecting a lot on our time together and attempting to hold onto the lovely memories of her that I hope to cherish for a lifetime. I want to introduce her to you as a way to honor her. Continue reading
Monthly Archives: October 2014
Creating Families
Last week in my clinical skills class we began talking about making genograms to map our familial relations and connections. After a long phone call to my parents and discussing my family tree, I was not sure the people on my family tree, outside of my family of origin, were the people I would frequently bring up when talking about the people I interact with. However, I would consider several of my friends family members because of the close knit relationship we have. Continue reading
Disclosing Compassion
Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost, 25A, October 26, 2014; The Rev. Pamela L. Werntz
Exodus 20:1-4,7-9, 12-20. Do not fear.
Philippians 2:1-13. But this one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead.
Matthew 21:33-46. Listen to another parable.
Philippians 2:1-13. But this one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead.
Matthew 21:33-46. Listen to another parable.
O God of grace, may we have the wisdom, the strength, and the courage to seek always and everywhere after truth – come when it may and cost what it will.
This morning in our reading from Deuteronomy, we heard the very last part of the Torah. Last weekend was the joyful Jewish holiday of Simchat Torah (simchat means rejoicing). On Simchat Torah, this portion of Deuteronomy is read in synagogues, followed by a reading of the first portion from Genesis. On Simchat Torah, as many people as possible ascend to the blessing of reading, rather than just the usual two or three readers. Afterwards, the congregations dances and sings. It’s the celebration of endings leading to new beginnings. Continue reading
Something in the Way We Move
Recently I was asked why I chose to study Dance/Movement Therapy. My answer was that it has proved to serve me in my experiences and I desire to bring Dance/Movement Therapy to the world and that I aspire to be more qualified in the realm of Expressive Arts Therapy and Mental Health Counseling. After some reflection of my answer I realized that the essence of my statement is a desire for connection and movement. I love to move. I have experienced the transformative power of movement in my life. My desire to be more qualified is really an effort or desire to connect with others on a deeper level and to better understand where someone is in that moment. It was this question that led me to look at the way in which I relate to others and how I can make these connections on a body level. How does the way I move effect or relate to the connections I make, particularly in my three internship areas? Continue reading
Need for Connection
Over the last two weeks one of the themes I have seen rise time and time again is the human need for connection and belonging. Being with one another in a meaningful way can make all the difference in someone’s life. Brené Brown says, “We cultivate love when we allow our most vulnerable and powerful selves to be deeply seen and known, and when we honor the spiritual connection that grows from that offering with trust, respect, kindness and affection.” I feel this speaks perfectly to the wonderful people the interns and volunteers get the opportunity to experience firsthand through Common Art, Café Emmanuel and the Art and Spirituality program at the Suffolk County House of Correction.
The artists at Common Art have been creating beautiful works which they presented and sold in a show this past Sunday. Some images show literal connection such as couples while other pieces elicit connection through conversation over the art as it is viewed. They are sharing their memories, dreams and imaginations with the greater community through their art.
Abundant Life
Twenty-first Sunday after Pentecost, 22A, October 5, 2014; The Rev. Pamela L. Werntz
Exodus 20:1-4,7-9, 12-20 Do not fear.
Philippians 2:1-13 But this one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead.
Matthew 21:33-46 Listen to another parable.
Philippians 2:1-13 But this one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead.
Matthew 21:33-46 Listen to another parable.
O God of grace, may we have the wisdom, the strength, and the courage to seek always and everywhere after truth – come when it may and cost what it will.
In our first lesson this morning we heard one of the most famous passages of scripture in the whole Bible. You don’t have to be Jewish or Christian to have heard of what are commonly known as “The Ten Commandments.” In our church tradition, this passage is called the Decalogue – literally “ten words” from God because of references in Deuteronomy to the ten words or ten things that were written in stone on Sinai – ten things that Moses reported hearing from the Source of all being on the Holy Mountain.
Here is the oldest example in our scripture of instructions for how to live long and well in community. The passage begins by telling us that God the Author spoke all these words, reminding the people first that it was God Who brought the people out of the house of slavery. It was God Who brought the people out of the narrow places – mitzrayim – between rocks and hard places – also called Egypt in the Hebrew Bible. This moment marks their new beginning – a fresh starting point for the community – another chance to live in an entirely new way. And God is expressing God’s will – God’s desire for God’s people. “Listen,” God is saying, “I have moved you out from a place of dishonor and disrespect. You are free. You are no longer trapped. You are not enslaved. I have redeemed you. You are valuable. You are precious to me. And here’s how you, my beloved, will behave when you have no other gods more important than me. Here’s how it will be when you know deep in your hearts that you are my people.” Continue reading
Holding Space
While reflecting on the past three weeks working with common art, Café Emmanuel and the Art and Spirituality group at the Suffolk county corrections facility I noticed that I have been doing a lot of listening. Holding space is something we talk about often in my courses at Lesley. We talk about holding space in a therapeutic context yet I feel it is applicable in everyday life. For me holding space means engaging on a body level, using my posture to communicate attentiveness and support, and bringing myself into a group and participating cognitively through listening and responding when appropriate. I find that when I am holding space I am receiving so much from others who are given an opportunity to be and express themselves in an authentic way. Continue reading