Willa White's Blog

Sometimes we cannot avoid being alone; others cannot always be physically at our side. As we make our way through frightening experiences, a meditation that draws on support of others can be helpful.  Prayer that evokes the presence of trusted loved ones can support us even then. Here is a meditation that will help you acknowledge and feel your circle of support: Close your eyes and picture yourself in a calming place. Ask for the highest and the best.  Then invite, one by one, wise people whose love you trust to form a circle around you. These wisdom figures can be living or dead, religious or not. People sometimes choose Jesus, Buddha, Mohammed, a favorite saint or spiritual guide, grandparents and parents, friends and mentors. Once you have filled out your circle, simply BE in the encompassing presence and take in anything that comes to you. Sometimes it is merely a sense of love and comfort. At other times there is shared wisdom. Remember that you can return t...

I am the Guest Speaker at the Unitarian Universalist Church on Sunday. My lecture topic is Spiritual Courage: Living in Heaven's Net. The ability to stay calm is always located within. I will be sharing my thoughts on spiritual courage, grace, and the meaning of the words "living in Heaven's Net". For more info, visit http://www.willawhite.com/ .

I am a book worm and I'm usually making my way through three or four books at a time, depending on my family, work, and other commitments.  I love libraries and I especially enjoy old books.  For my lectures and for my own personal illumination, I continue to research various subjects with gusto.  There is so much to learn! Reading is a such big part of my life that I decided it would fun to share with you what I am reading, from time to time.  Perhaps you will have read the same book.  Or perhaps you will be inspired to read something.  Maybe it will be the Spiritual Food you've been looking for.  So feel free to comment below. Book One: I just finished reading... "The Art Spirit" by Robert Henri.  My artist mother recommended the book and it covers a lot of techiques about portrait painting, however Henri also shares at length his observations of life, people, and philosophy.  For those of you who are unfamiliar with Robert Henri...

During a walk yesterday, my 3 year old son became interested in a big snow pile left by the snowplow.  The snow mound ranged in height from one foot to 4 1/2 feet at its peak.  He began tapping at it with his boot like some men kick car tires.  Then, he looked at me and said, "I want to be on the snowpile.  Help me up, Mommy."  I looked at the snowpile and realized that, with effort, he would be able to climb it without my help if he chose another spot to begin the ascent.   So I called upon one of the sayings my parents used on me: 'If you can't climb up it on your own, then you aren't ready to climb it.'  This is where some of you may be saying, "mean mommy, just give him a hand up - what's the big deal?"  Well... read on. Initially, my son was not happy with my statement either, then he walked along the mushy exterior of the mound, assessing with a mountain climber's focus the nooks and crannies. Soon he was scalin...