Why is it that our minds are overwhelmed by the growing to-do list, endless obligations, and the pressure to have a “perfect” holiday?

Jane has been through many changes in her life. She’s had numerous doctor appointments, countless falls, and she’s seen several important relationships come and go over the years. Did I mention Jane is my 2 ½ year old granddaughter?

More recently, though, grief specialists have begun to say that grief does not follow predictable stages. And that “closure,” as we call it, may not be possible or even desirable.

We live in an era characterized by uncertainty, fear, and increasing isolation in the face of change. Human history is rife with examples of reactivity toward change at both the individual and the collective levels.

Through the past two years, we have collectively experienced numerous challenges in our personal lives, our communities, our nation and our world. With no clear end in sight, many of us feel worn out and emotionally uneasy. We need an infusion of something positive to recharge ourselves.

Being a dancer my whole life, I am very familiar with the physicality of rebounding after falling to the floor or bouncing back out of a partner’s hold or using momentum to launch out of gravity’s pull. I didn’t realize these lessons would extend into my life.

Change is inevitable. It seems to happen frequently in our lives, especially these days. And it can be difficult to know how to embrace – or even endure – it. Because the truth is, many of us prefer to stay the course of the tried-and-true when faced with change.

Spiritual direction is not therapy. Instead, working with a spiritual director provides an opportunity to explore your questions, as well as any situations causing them.

In one week’s time, our future son-in-law arrived in America, we hosted a bridal shower, and our first grandchild was born. And then the world shut down.

In today’s world, it’s easy to confuse the number of “likes” and followers on social media for friendship and community. But what really defines a friend?