The Mary Christopher Podcast

Meanwhile, back at the farm, grass is growing.  Birds are singing, creeks are flowing, and the Sun is shining.  In city parks, around the world, some very aware people are having lunch beneath lovely trees.  They are breathing fresh Oxygen, and feeling a gentle breeze.  They are soaking up Sunshine which has numerous health benefits, as well as being a “natural antidepressant”!  Sitting with Trees is also known as “forest bathing” and has been studied for many years.  The benefits for Humans are amazing and well-documented!  If you are having a difficult week, find a Tree!

~ Celtic Morning Prayer ~

I arise today, through the Strength of Heaven:

Light of Sun, Radiance of Moon,

Splendour of Fire, Speed of Lightning,

Swiftness of Wind,  Depth of Sea,

Stability of Earth, Firmness of Rock!

~ Celtic Evening Prayer ~

Christ above me, Christ below me,

Christ before me, Christ behind me, 

Christ within me,

Christ be on my right, Christ be on my left,

Christ when I sit down, Christ when I lie down, 

Christ when I arise,

Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me.

Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me.

Christ in every eye that sees me.

Christ in every ear that hears me.

If we actively focus our attention on whatever is good or beautiful in our world or on what is working, our internal system will look for more of that.  We are continually training our attention, indicating where to focus.  Where we focus affects the way our neurons connect.   When we use repetitive prayer or songs or mantras of gratitude or joy or praise, we are reinforcing a specific uplifting awareness.   This is especially true if we focus on Gratitude, or Loving-Kindness, or the Beauty of Creation.

~ Celtic Morning Prayer ~

Grant, O God, Thy Protection;

And, Jesu the Christ, Bearer of our Humanity.

~ Evening Prayer ~

Blessing of the Guardian Angel

O Being of Brightness, Friend of Light, 

From the Blessed Realms of Grace, 

Gently encircle me, sweetly enclosing me, 

Guarding my soul-shrine from harm this day/night.

Keep me from anguish, 

Keep me from danger, 

Encircle my voyage over the seas. 

A Light will you send me, 

To keep and defend me, 

O Beautiful Being, O Guardian this day/night.

Be a Guiding Star above me, 

Illuminate each rock and tide, 

Guide my ship across the waters, 

To the waveless harborside.

In Honor of Mother’s Day, for all Mothers, Everywhere

I grew up in SW Oklahoma.  We raised cattle and horses and sometimes chickens.  We lived the cycle of Nature year round.  We planted wheat and oats in late October.  Depending on the weather, we could harvest truckloads of wheat and oats during the summer.  It was an amazing bounty.  The lesson I learned was this.  If we pay attention and work with Creation, we would do well, even during difficult times.

One of the great blessings of farming is experiencing the rhythms and magic of Creation.  Even now, I am reminded every morning that Creation is the constant expression of a Creator who is more than we can even begin to imagine.  We are continually blessed and nurtured by all of Creation.  Creation expresses Divine Harmony, Beauty, and Bounty, even if we forget.  When the world of humans seems to be teetering on the brink, remember that all of us belong.  We are all blessed by Creation, every day.  Creation nurtures, heals, and sustains us all day and all night, with every breath we take.

~ Morning Prayers ~

Morning has broken like the first morning

Blackbird has spoken like the first bird

Praise for the singing, praise for the morning

Praise for them springing fresh from the Word.

Sweet the rains new fall, sunlit from Heaven

Like the first dewfall on the first grass

Praise for the sweetness of the wet garden

Sprung in completeness where His feet pass.

Mine is the sunlight, mine is the morning

Born of the one light, Eden saw play

Praise with elation, praise every morning

God's recreation of the New Day.

~ Celtic Evening Prayer ~

Deep peace of the running wave to you,

Deep peace of the flowing air to you,

Deep peace of the quiet earth to you,

Deep peace of the shining stars to you,

Deep peace of the gentle night to you.

Deep peace of the Son of Peace to you, 

All through this night.

(Morning Has Broken, copyright ~ Cat Stevens)

“All that we do now must be done in a sacred manner and in celebration.  We are the ones we have been waiting for.”  The Hopi Elders, Oraibi, Arizona, Hopi Nation  March 17, 2011 (Full Hopi Prophecy trans. Elder Dan Evehema)

Whenever I read, “We are the ones we have been waiting for.”  I remember sitting with 2 of the Hopi Elders in Santa Fe and in Hopi.  It was a rare privilege that I shared with several other good friends, and thanks to my teacher, Beth Hin.  I do not remember the Elders exact words, but I do remember their peacefulness.  Their presence felt unshakeable!  I felt as if I had stepped into another world, which I had.

Hopi is a sovereign nation in northeastern Arizona. The reservation is in part of Coconino and Navajo counties, encompassing more than 1.5 million acres.  It is made up of 12 villages on three mesas. I visited Hopi several times when I lived in Santa Fe and felt a deep respect for their culture.  The name "Hopi" comes from Hopituh Shi-nu-mu, which translates to "The Peaceful People" or "Peace-filled People"

For me, the Hopi and the Celtic spiritual traditions seem very much aligned.  We have greater access to the Celtic traditions, and our language has the same basic roots.  When I think of the Hopi traditions and the meaning of Celtic prayers and blessings, they seem to resonate.  The Hopi, like the Celtic people, care deeply for the Earth.  We are blessed and strengthened by these 2 deeply rooted traditions, existing thousands of miles apart!

This is The Hour…

“You have been telling the people that this is the Eleventh Hour.

Now you must go back and tell the people that this is the Hour.

And there are things to be considered:

Where are you living?

What are you doing?

What are your relationships? Are you in right relation?

Where is your water? Know your garden.

It is time to speak your Truth.

Create your community. Be good to each other.

And do not look outside yourself for the leader.

This could be a good time!

There is a river flowing now very fast.

It is so great and swift that there are those who will be afraid.

They will try to hold on to the shore.

They will feel they are being torn apart, and they will suffer greatly.

Know the river has its destination.

The elders say we must let go of the shore, push off into the middle of the river

Keep our eyes open and our heads above the water.

See who is in there with you

And celebrate.

At this time in history, we are to take nothing personally.

Least of all, ourselves.

For the moment that we do, our spiritual growth and journey comes to a halt.

The time of the lone wolf is over. Gather yourselves!

Banish the word “struggle” from your attitude and your vocabulary.

All that we do now must be done in a sacred manner and in celebration.

We are the ones we’ve been waiting for.”

~ The Elders / Oraibi, Arizona / Hopi Nation 

When the world is just way too much, what can we do?  So, this is what I did Saturday morning.  I sat on the front porch and watched the Birds as they came to feed.  We have 2 feeders in the front yard, and the Birds were busy.  They took turns, zipping in and out, eating a few seeds, then flying into the trees.  Some Sparrows were landing in the grass, hunting for Bugs!  There was constant activity, but it was peaceful activity.  Beautiful Birds, effortlessly flying from feeders to Trees and back again.

As I watched all this activity, I noticed my heart rate began to slow, and my breathing was deeper and easier.  After a while, I realized I really did not want to turn on my computer and “catch up” on the news.   I needed to do my morning writing, so I decided to write a few pages by hand.  Then, I gave myself permission “not to catch up” on the news!  What a relief!  I spent at least 30 minutes having toast and tea with Sparrows, Cardinals, Squirrels, and a Gorgeous Sunrise!  I did my writing, then went to the Farmer’s Market.  Watching Creation is a wonderful way to start the day!

~ Morning Prayer ~

I arise today, through the Strength of Heaven:

Light of Sun, Radiance of Moon,

Splendour of Fire, Speed of Lightening,

Swiftness of Wind, Depth of Sea,

Stability of Earth, Firmness of Rock.

~ Evening Prayer ~

Blessing of the Three

The Sacred Three

My Fortress Be

Encircling Me.

Come and be round,

My hearth, my home.

Fend thou my kin

And every sleeping thing within

From scathe, from sin.

Thy care, our peace

Through mid of night

To light’s release.

Christ Is the Light ~ Christ is the Consciousness that permeates and sustains all Creation, all day and all night, always.

Christ is the Presence that heals.  Christ is the Presence that can transform sorrow and grief into a peaceful heart.  Christ belongs to all Creation, shining through every Sunrise, in every Ocean breeze, in the Heart of every Mountain, and deep within the noise of human existence.

When we have lost hope, or try to distract ourselves from the madness of the world at war, Christ is Present.  Christ belongs to Everyone and links us to each other through our Hearts.  We are the World.  We are the Whole Family.  This is how Jesus walked thru the world, always recognizing the Light within each person, his Heart always available.  Being that Present and available is challenging and not easy, but always possible.  Being that Present is not easy, but always possible, always.  This is the Way of Christ.

 ~ Morning Prayer ~

Deep peace of the empty tomb. 

Deep peace of the morning garden. 

The eye of the Risen Christ be upon us

 in waking and sleeping. 

The Risen Christ beside us always. 

The Risen Christ within us always. 

The Risen Christ go with us, this day and always.

~ Evening Prayer ~

Christ, the light to illumine and guide me. 

Christ, a shield to overshadow and protect me. 

Christ be under me.  Christ be over me. 

Christ beside me on my left and my right. 

This night be the Light within me and all around me. 

This night be the Light that guards and heals me.

This night be all around my house and home,

Be with those I know and love.

Be with all Creatures who share our lives.

Be in the hearts of friends and neighbors.

Be with those who now rest with you in heaven. 

Through this night be within me and all around me. 

Christ as Light. 

Christ as my shield. 

Christ be always with me.

Christ, the Light of the World.

Spring has arrived in the Northern Hemisphere!  This means Fall is beginning in the Southern Hemisphere.  Farmers and Gardeners in the Southern Hemisphere are harvesting crops and getting ready for Winter.  In the Northern Hemisphere, we are waiting to get our native plants and vegetable seedlings in the ground.  For gardeners, Spring means tending new seedlings,  and watching the daily high and low temperatures.  

It is very important to wait until after the last frost of the season before planting any seedlings outdoors.  There are often late frosts that can damage young plants.  Sometimes we wait and wait and still have a very late frost with no warning.  It is usually worth the effort to wait as long as possible.

In the southeast and south central United States, early flowers are budding and getting ready to burst into bloom.  Most trees are showing tiny leaves and may have tiny buds that will burst into bloom overnight.  This is a magical time of year with amazing colors, blue skies, and often windy days.

This past Sunday afternoon, I was sitting with one of my favorite pine trees, looking at the tiny blossoms in the grass and checking the sky for birds.  Before too long, I saw one hawk making a large circle over the field, and then I saw 2 more, all making circles.  They were just floating on the higher air currents, occasionally moving their wings.  Their flight was so elegant and effortless, it was amazing to watch!  I could have watched for hours.

Creation is amazing, if only we take the time to pay attention.  Every time I sit and rest with a tree, I always relax.  And, after a few minutes, my heart rate begins to slow down, and I take longer and deeper breaths.  Recent studies have shown that the health effects of regular “tree sitting” are very specific and can last for several days.  Most of us know if we are calm and relaxed, our whole system functions more efficiently.  Our blood pressure goes down, our digestion improves, and our immune system functions much better.  And, we are usually in a better mood!

Maintaining our health is so important right now because of all the drama and nonsense in our world.  As we know, if our stress levels are high, we may not be sleeping very well.  Tree sitting is an excellent remedy for ongoing stress and insomnia.  Sometimes I can even take a nap, sitting with a protective tree.  And, I love to meditate with trees.  My meditations are usually longer and deeper when I am sitting with a tree.

Spring is a great time for catching up on Sunshine and Fresh Oxygen.  Spring is also an excellent time for “Birding” and counting those lovely light yellow butterflies that are flitting through our yards and parks.  If possible, leave the leaves in your yard as long as possible.  Tiny Creatures like Fireflies, Lady Beetles, worms, and all the ones that we can barely see need more time and protection from the weather to survive and thrive!  Fireflies need 2 seasons to mature, so if you want to see Fireflies this season and next year, leave the leaves and don’t use pesticides !!!

Remember, if we take care of Creation, Creation will always take care of us!

Spring has arrived in the northern hemisphere!  Winter is for resting while Spring is for Being Outside, breathing fresh air, and enjoying the Beauty of Creation.  Spring is tiny flowers opening in green grass, a new foal learning to run in the pasture, and buds showing up on fruit trees.  We are seeing new visitors at our bird feeders. Dandelions are everywhere in the yard.  Spring is radiant color and pure joy for us to savor.

As we are well aware, the world of humans can be extremely difficult.  We can’t ignore our responsibilities in the world, but we can heal our hearts by soaking up the beauty and wonder of Spring.  The world is often “too much with us” as my mom used to say.  At the same time, Creation is with us and all around us, and within us.  We are part of Creation!  The Beauty of Creation is also the Beauty and Light living within each of us.  We can always celebrate that Light.  Spring offers Renewal and Light and Hope.

~ Morning Prayers ~

Christ above me,   Christ below me,

Christ before me,   Christ behind me,

Christ within me.

Christ be on my right,    Christ be on my left,

Christ when I sit down,   Christ when I lie down,

Christ when I arise.

Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me.

Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me.

Christ in every eye that sees me.

Christ in every ear that hears me.

~ Evening Prayers ~

May the Angels watch me

As I lie down to sleep.

May Angels guard me 

As I sleep tonight.

Uriel be at my feet.

Ariel be at my back.

Gabriel be at my head.

Raphael be at my side.

Michael protect my Soul

With the strong shield of Love.

And the healing Son of Mary

Touch my eyes with Blessedness.

Mary Christopher

Celtic Spirituality Study Group

This morning when I woke up, I could tell it was windy outside.  I turned on my phone, checked the weather, and discovered it was 22 degrees outside and windy.  The wind chill was 12 degrees!  Brrrrrrrr….. !!!  So much for my morning walk!

I find my morning walk makes a big difference in my energy during the day, as well as my focus and concentration.  So, I do miss my morning walk, especially since the weather has been dry and warmer.  Regardless, I was not going for a walk with the wind chill of 12 degrees.  So, I did a few  breathing exercises to open my lungs and increase my circulation.  Then I did my morning meditation.

I have found that my early morning “spiritual workouts” are even more essential now due to all the chaos, confusion, and devastation in the world.  I need more time to get centered, relaxed, and at ease with myself.  This is one of the reasons that I am waking up earlier.  I need that extra time.  When there is so much violence and destruction and death on our planet, we all feel it, whether we understand how deeply we are connected or not!

We are related because we belong to the same species.  We are all Homo sapiens.  We descended from a small group of ancestors who lived in Africa approximately 300,000 years ago, give or take a few thousand years.  Regardless of our differences in appearance, all humans are 99.9% genetically identical.  This makes us one of the most closely related species on the planet!  If you trace your family tree back just a few thousand years, your ancestors - and the ancestors of someone on the opposite side of the planet - intermarried.  So, that works out to all of us being Cousins, x number of times removed.

Living in a chaotic and increasingly dangerous world does not help us to sleep, or digest, or make good decisions!  Wars and rumors of war always increase our anxiety and cortisol levels.  As we go into higher and higher states of alertness, our whole system usually slides into “fight, flight, or freeze” mode.  And, our amygdala is shouting “Danger, Danger, Danger”.  This is not good, unless we are actually in Danger!

Our amygdala is an almond-shaped structure within our brain's limbic system.  It is responsible for processing emotions, particularly fear, anxiety, and aggression.  It is focused primarily on our survival and reacts to any kind of danger or perceived danger like a fast-acting "smoke detector".  It triggers our fight-or-flight responses and regulates social behaviors.

When we live with such easy access to the “news of latest disasters” or bombings or major weather events, our amygdala can easily be constantly triggered.  This means we are living in and adapting to higher and higher levels of stress and alertness.  We are prepared for “danger”, but have no clear idea what that danger looks like.  Human beings are very adaptable, which is usually an excellent trait until we keep adapting to higher and higher levels of stress and our “danger hormones”.

When we are “super-stressed” and walking around feeling hyper-alert, our amazing physical and emotional bodies are primed for danger.  This is exhausting and can affect our perception of events, as well as our response to everyday challenges.  We may have difficulty “falling asleep” or digesting our food.  Or, we may indulge in food that is higher in sugar or salt, or drink more alcohol.

When we are living in chaotic and dangerous times, we need to take good care of ourselves.  In most cases, this begins with recognizing when we are “stressed-out”!  It also means knowing how to “unwind” ourselves and calm down so we can “rest and digest”.

This is why I look forward to my morning walk and give myself almost twice as much time to relax and slip into a calmer and more centered state.  I do this just so I can start my day with a good meditation.  When we can shift out of hyperdrive and back into “cruise mode”, our mind begins to clear, and our heart rate will slow down.  Our digestion begins to function better, and our immune system comes back online.  We may even make better decisions!

So, take the time you need to restore peace and calm to your system.  Be aware of your heart rate and where your “train of thought” is headed.  If you catch yourself having negative or fearful thoughts, then do whatever you need to do to restore your sanity.

As always, Creation is available to help us restore our sanity and good humor.  Remember, Creation is always providing Fresh Air, Water, Flowers, Food, Honey, and Butterflies.  Squirrels are still having a great time chasing each other up and down trees.  Sunrise is always dependable, and photosynthesis is working just fine!  Thank Goodness !!!

Take really good care of yourself.  We will get through this current Insanity.  See you next week !!!

Instinctively, we know that “caring for Creation” is directly related to our survival as Human Beings as well as the health and well-being of this Precious Planet.  These go hand-in-hand.

We are blessed beyond our understanding by the Beauty and Resilience of Nature.  When I have time to walk in a forest or sit with an old-growth tree for a while, I feel so Blessed.  After an hour or two, I feel calmer and more centered, and much more at ease with myself.  Now that we are going through such insanity and devastation, I find I need even more time with Trees, Sunshine, and lots of Fresh Air.

This is also one of the reasons many people are putting in vegetable gardens this Spring.  Gardening is Grounding and Healing!  And, we have fresh vegetables and maybe even fruit or watermelons!  When was the last time on a hot afternoon, you sat in a cool spot, under a Tree, and ate fresh Watermelon?  Probably too long ago … !  Remember, Watermelon is one of the very best ways to treat dehydration!  It is Nature’s answer!

When was the last time you walked into your new garden, picked a few ripe cherry Tomatoes and popped them in your mouth?  That is exactly what I will be doing this summer, because we are putting in a Garden this Spring! 

Hanging out in the Woods with lovely Trees will lower your anxiety, slow your heart rate, restore your appetite, and your ability to taste food.  You will sleep better, and your immune system will start functioning again.  In general, Organic Gardeners are healthier, happier, and generally have more energy than people who are sitting in front of screens all day.

We will get through this current political insanity and cultural devastation.  It will not go on forever.  As we find our way through these absurd and violent times, we can create a better future by the way we care for the Earth and take care of ourselves.  Every tiny heirloom seed or small native plant that we put into the ground is our investment in the Future!

Here is one of my favorite morning prayers.  I like to read it outside, standing in the Sunshine.  I always feel stronger,  more grounded, and very Blessed by Creation and the Creator! 

~ Morning Prayer ~

I arise today,

through the Strength of Heaven:

Light of Sun,

Radiance of Moon,

Splendour of Fire,

Speed of Lightening,

Swiftness of Wind,

Depth of Sea,

Stability of Earth,

Firmness of Rock.