Folding Laundry

Folding laundry is one of my favorite meditations. It allows me to accomplish something necessary while quieting my mind in what others may consider an overwhelming task. As I fold laundry, I am present to the feel of the fabric, the effort that went into making and designing the article I am folding whether it is a towel or a pair of pajamas. I practice focusing on the piece I am folding. Those reading this might think this is insane, perhaps yes. However if you lived my life filled to the brim with activity, rushing to and fro, constant emails, phone calls and other inputs to accomplish work related matters also known as my career, those same people may consider this the real insanity. For today, folding the laundry became a blessing manifested in a simple, quiet, and restful day. Bring me another load of laundry.

Sister Sisters

Tuesday night we had the great pleasure of spending an evening of joyful celebration with our beloved Maryknoll sisters. We shared a meal, told stories of our time in Africa, and learned of the good work they are doing with the Dublin women's jail ministry, crisis centers and the teaching of liberation theology at UC Berkeley. The time passed quickly and yet in those few hours together a bond of love transformed a time of tension and chaos that I was experiencing in my work. Being with the sisters of Maryknoll and my sister Bridget was a gift that has been sustaining me this week that is filled with long hours, tension and frustration. It is amazing the ability to recall Tuesday evening into the next day as a reminder of what is most important in my life: family, friends and presence to the relationships we form with colleagues, friends and people. Sometimes we humans are so fragile; we break easily and must find healing through being with "sisters". I hope today to bring the healing of sisterhood to everyone I meet, for I am called to be a sister to my little missionary world called my career. Sr. Ruth, Sr. Nancy, Sr. Joann, Sr. Becky and Sr. Bridget, thank you.