Dear Ones,

I am thrilled for the bursting greens on so many of the trees, for the dandelions and hostas and lilies and more poking out of the brown leaves still covering my flowerbeds. This is the beauty to which I turn to escape the anxiety I place upon myself when I watch too much news of war and domination and crisis. And here is a bit of a poem that provides some solace as well, adapted from words by the Rev. Bob Janis-Dillon, Partnership Minister of the Merseyside Unitarian Ministerial Partnership in Northwest England: Oh, spirit of soil and sunlight, Endless energy of growth, …help us to grow all the good things of our lives, [Spirit of Life], we see around us many examples of abundant beauty; We do not know if we could create such beauty on our own, but we don’t need to, no, we partner With you, with the wind and the rain…

And if you find that you need more support controlling the anxiety that threatens your wellbeing, here is a podcast for some humor and support https://lemonadamedia.com/podcast/30-how-do-i-manage-my-anxiety-with-kelsey-darragh/ and a link to mental health support finding services and providers https://namimn.org/ .

May you remember that you deserve beauty, compassion, and companionship, as you remember also that you are loved, you are worthy, you are welcome, and you are needed. May you feel it so, and may it be so.

Blessings, Rev. Rita