People living deeply have no fear of death.

~Anaiïs Nin

Happy Tuesday Everyone!

The weather here is cloudy and cool this morning---but the fresh Spring air is wonderful for the lungs and the heart. Amber and I got up early and went to work out this morning. When we were finished we decided to take a bit of a walk outside in the fresh air. We walked up to the Abbey cemetery and around the Abbey grounds. It was a wonderful way to start the day. We walked around the cemetery for awhile looking at all of the names on the headstones, wondering what this Monk had devoted his life to. It was quite interesting and it brought up wonderful topics of conversation between us. How lovely it was to walk with one of my very best friends in the morning, talking with the heart, and enjoying the fresh morning air. It is a humbling experience to walk around a cemetery of a Monastery. I feel as if I am walking on holy ground--there is a sense of comfort. I have always been hesitant of cemeteries, but I have grown to appreciate them--especially the cemeteries at the Mount & Abbey. There is a sense of comfort that wraps you up as you walk around. I was once walking with a Sister in the Mount cemetery. I asked her if it made her sad to look at all of these headstones of people that she has known and loved. She looked at me and very confidently said "No, does it you?" I don't even know most of the names on the headstones, but I thought about the ones I did and admitted it does make me sad. She replied simply with a "but just think they are all praying for you." I have never forgotten that moment. She was so right. Those that have gone before us that we have known & loved & even those we do not know intercede for us. They are there to offer up their prayers on a whole new level. I like to think since they are in Heaven they have a direct line to God and can be of great help. My thoughts this morning were not of sadness for those who have passed, but of gratitude for their presence in my life when they were alive, and their presences and intercession of their love & spirit now.

I am back in Atchison safe and sound. My NYC plans did not work out, however, everything happens for a reason and I was able to enjoy some much needed time with my family and catch up on rest. The good news is I still have my tickets and will be able to use them when life allows.

Happy Tuesday to you all. Remember, ask for the intercession of those you love--it's amazing at how it will change your heart. I just bought a new book for my Lenten reading, The Universe In A Single Atom: The Convergence of Science and Spirituality by the love of my life, His Holiness, The Dalai Lama. I am anxious to read it and see how the Dalai Lama brings science and spirituality together, two of my passions written by a man I adore, what could be better?

Picture: The beautiful Des Moines Capital Building. I think it is gorgeous. I took this when I was downtown one day over Spring Break.