DeborahBurkeHenderson.com

SEPTEMBER 2025 – HOPE

“Hope” is the thing with feathers—that perches in the soul—and sings the tune without the words—and never stops—at all— 

This is how American poet Emily Dickinson’s famous verse begins, and it has taken hold in my heart and in my being, despite personal struggles and the overwhelming difficulties we are facing in the world at large.

Where does hope hold you? Have you made space for it in your heart?

Two words—hope and healing—have spoken to me ever since I can remember. These words still resonate within and provide a foundation as I walk each new day. What words carry you forward?

American-born Tibetan Buddhist and ordained nun Pema Chödrön, states, “Let difficulty transform you. And it will. In my experience, we just need help in learning how not to run away.”

Yes, we often do need help in learning how not to run away. Recently, Jon Kabat-Zinn’s “Mountain” meditation has become a grounding force for me. By channeling my inner mountain, I am finding the strength to stand tall, embrace an open heart, and face and move through present challenges, one small step at a time. That, combined with prayer and the love and support of family, friends, and new acquaintances with whom a connection has begun.

American author and moralist William Ellery Channing adds, “Difficulties are meant to rouse, not to discourage. The human spirit is to grow strong by conflict.”

Through this journey, this shaping of our lives, we also have the opportunity to touch others’ lives. Each of us has this opportunity and through it, we help establish and support our common humanity.

The voice of peace activist Cheryl Melody Baskin resonates deeply for me. Her inner wisdom from lived experience offers guidance on standing tall, holding our ground, and learning not to run away.

Through her regular podcast series on Substack entitled “A Light Between the Cracks,” Melody offers hope, guidance about self-care, and encouragement to always have compassion for others. Melody shares that her mission and passion for peace were born from painful experiences early on in life. Again, that transformational process shaping us. As she speaks her truth, hope comes alive in my soul. Her commitment to love, healing, and promoting peace in our world is remarkable, genuine, honest.

Discover “A Light Between the Cracks” for yourself at cherylmelodybaskin.substack.com

Whose voice speaks to you? Where are you finding hope? Look around, be wakeful, be open.

Blessings to you and yours,

Deborah

     ________________________

“The softest things in the world overcome the hardest things in the world.”

—Lao Tzu

My morning mantra:

"I arise this morning with a smile. Twenty-four brand new hours are before me. 

I vow to live fully in each moment and to greet every being I meet with compassion."

        ~ Thich Nhat Hanh, Vietnamese Buddhist monk, peace activist 

                                                                                    [1926 - 2022]