A Fresh Canvas

I am really enjoying Sarah Ban Breathnach’s Simple Abundance , the ‘revised and updated’ version that was published at the end of 2019. In one of the daily readings she tells us that ‘every 24 hours we are given a new canvas to prime and paint.’

I love that idea! I have been thinking about the question, “What’s the best way for me to go about priming and painting the new canvas I am given every morning?”

Right now, as we deal with the reality of coronavirus, I am realizing that when I awaken, I should not look at my smartphone right away. Instead, I am choosing to go downstairs, have a bowl of oatmeal, make a cup of coffee and return to cozy up in bed again for awhile. I am reading the meditation for the day in Simple Abundance while sipping my coffee and savouring 2 or 3 squares of dark chocolate. Then I am reading a few verses from Matthew and engaging with them using the Lectio Divina process. Finally, I am using my prayer beads to remember and pray for each family member and friend, and for my work in the world.

By the time I have finished that, an hour has gone by, and I feel I am ready to engage with the world, from a grounded and settled place. I feel there is more chance that I will create a beautiful painting of my life this 24 hours.

Bless you all today with a settled, grounded, contented day, despite whatever news we discover when we turn on our smartphones today. May you be healthy and may your loved ones be healthy this day.

Love, Sue