The Inspiring Connections Blog

Wisdom for the Journey

The efficiency of inefficiency: video of presentation by Dr. Victoria Sweet

Following up from one of my previous posts, here is a video of a presentation given by Dr. Victoria Sweet, author of the book, God’s Hotel: A Doctor, A Hospital, and A Pilgrimage to the Heart of Medicine. In the video, Dr. Sweet shares some content from the book, talks about the concept of veriditas, the “efficiency of inefficiency”, and of the power of utilizing both fast medicine and slow medicine. Read more ›

in Practices and Resources

Mindfulness includes mindfulness of the chaotic mind (not only of the pretty flowers)

In the book, Mindful Compassion, you will find an important sub-heading: “Mindfulness of the Chaotic Mind, Not Just the Still Mind” (see chapter five). The book is written by psychologist, Paul Gilbert, and mindfulness and compassion meditation instructor, Choden. The 10-word sub-heading is so important, containing a key concept, practice, and lesson in and of itself. Read more ›

in Beautiful Foundations

You are a sunset (free download)

I wrote a poem today. (More apt, I mostly jotted down words on a scrap piece of paper and called them a poem.) I decided to share the poem because to me it feels relevant to many people’s journeys toward self-acceptance and compassion, relevant also to a significant part of the work so many people do to support this journey in themselves and others.

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in Poetry & Reflection

Reading the book, “God’s Hotel,” by physician, Victoria Sweet

I am currently reading the biography, God’s Hotel: A Doctor, A Hospital, and a Pilgrimage to the Heart of Medicine by Victoria Sweet (copyright 2012). From this reading, I have learned many things not limited to but including

  1. the word, viriditas
  2. that viriditas comes from the Latin word for green, and
  3. that one meaning of viriditas that was used by Hildegard during a period of premodern medicine is “the analogous power of human beings to grow, to give birth, and to heal” (p. 86).

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in Beautiful Foundations

Outer space, lactic acid, and a bathroom stall—inspiration

In her book, The Compassionate-Mind Guide to Building Social Confidence, Lynne Henderson wrote

There are people everywhere who are working to make the world a better place and to build trust among all peoples. (2010, p. 55)

Each time I recall this line, I find it comforting, uplifting, and connecting—connecting to so many people everywhere trying to make a positive difference, showing courage and care. Read more ›

in Everyday Wisdom

Heroes and the Heroic, Thank You

Yesterday I watched from my neighborhood as Canadian military personnel arrived in a helicopter and, from that hovering helicopter, rescued a crane operator who was trapped at the end of the arm of the crane, due to a huge fire and smoke below the crane (and the crane’s cab). I also witnessed, as so many others have, the swift, prolonged, and skilled actions of numerous fire fighters, police, and other emergency responders and technicians, as well as volunteers Read more ›

in Articles,Compassion

The Beautiful Song, Sisters of Mercy

The first time I heard the song, Sisters of Mercy, written by Leonard Cohen and performed in this instance by Serena Ryder (studio version), I was riveted. At the song’s conclusion, I took a deep breath and uttered, “Wow”. Needless to say, I really like this song. Read more ›

in Articles,Compassion