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Minnesota is my Red Line

/ Lauri Ann Lumby / 4 Comments

I’m done.  I’m done giving people the benefit of the doubt and trying to find empathy, compassion, or understanding for their political beliefs when these beliefs justify violence (murder) of innocent people. To put it simply, there is absolutely nothing that makes humanity’s inhumanity to “man” right.

What has been happening in Minneapolis/Minnesota has become my final straw. I am all for reasonable immigration laws and the enforcement of those laws, but what the recently appointed ICE army has been doing in Minneapolis is unconscionable. These actions have been both enabled and celebrated by the current administration (Donald Trump) and by those who still support him, including state-funded media who twist visual evidence to justify murder.  It’s disgusting, immoral, and just plain evil.

To me, it is no longer about (truly, it never really was) Republican, Democrat, Socialist, Libertarian, or otherwise, it is a simple matter of human decency. If you cannot have empathy or compassion for someone who hasn’t had it as easy as you, who has skin of a different color, loves differently than you, is of an ethnicity different than your own, has different religious or spiritual beliefs, or god-forbid hasn’t yet learned English or wears a hijab or turban, then I don’t know how I can have a single ounce of respect for you. Actually – I don’t.

I’m not sorry. In my mind, human beings deserve to feel safe, to have access to food, clothing, shelter, an education and healthcare. If one does not have access to these things within their home country, they have the right to seek it elsewhere. If they do not have access to these things in OUR OWN country, they have the right and duty to DEMAND it. And it is the right and duty of those who have to create a path for those who do not have so they can get those needs met. If we don’t do these things for each other, then we have failed as a species.

As it relates to immigration, I’m not talking about open borders. I’m talking about basic human decency – putting ourselves in another’s shoes and asking, “if I was in this situation, what help and support would I need and how would I want to be treated?”  It is as simple as this.

And to the great people of Minnesota who have been standing up for what is right and working together to protect their neighbors and keep them safe, I thank you.  From the bottom of my heart I thank you. The world is watching and I could not be more proud of the example you have set that now others can follow. You have shown the world that it is truly the people who have the power.  Thank you!

Interdimensional Revolutionary

/ Lauri Ann Lumby / Leave a comment

Just staying with the inspiration and process to see where it leads (if anywhere).

Interdimensional:
Working across dimensions supporting humanity’s evolution from division to Love.

Revolutionary:
Envisioning and promoting a radical change in status quo, helping to bring forth an entirely differed paradigm for human existence and interaction –
o In harmony with nature.
o Collaborative and cooperative.
o Rooted in Love.
o Celebrating diversity.

Universal:
Inclusive of all species across all of creation within the known and unknown universe.

Love:
o The creating and guiding Force of the Universe.
o The Source from whence all has come into being and to which all will return.
o Known in the human experience as: unconditional positive regard, care, compassion, kindness, deep listening, and mercy.

Activist:
o Shining a light on disparity and injustice.
o Offering effective, simple solutions.
o Inspiring, equipping, and empowering others.
o Activating and unblocking the flow of Love through healing practices, prayer, and community engagement.

We are at a place in our shared human evolution where together we are ushering in a whole, new world.

The Practice of Bearing Witness

/ Lauri Ann Lumby / Leave a comment

Today has been a weird day – a study of contrasts of sorts. For me, the day began as it normally does – in prayer. Then a friend and I set out on an art adventure. On both of our minds were the ongoing protests in Los Angeles, along with the “No Kings” protests scheduled all around the country for today – purposefully to coincide with the “Big Beautiful Birthday Parade.” Our shared hope was that the protests be peaceful and the protestors safe. Equally, we voiced our concerns over the state of our nation – the threats to our freedoms, along with the failing system of checks and balances that we were taught were supposed to protect these freedoms.

We are living in uncertain times – times that trigger our fears and appropriately incite our righteous anger. The temptation to react to these triggers through violence is strong. A fire burns within us in the face of injustices being done to our fellow human beings, especially the most vulnerable among us. And yet, violence only begets more violence and burning with hatred solves nothing. Instead, we are invited to seek a different path.

For me, the path has always been quiet, solitary, and non-violent. As an introvert, you will never find me at a protest. Neither will you find me inciting violence against the perceived “other.” Even today, in light of the political assassinations in my own hometown of Minneapolis, I cannot feel hatred toward the assassin. I can only feel deep sorrow for one who is so broken to believe this was the right and appropriate thing to do. Further, my prayers go out to the deceased, their families, and friends.

Our nation is profoundly broken. The easy thing is to choose sides, hating on one while celebrating the other. Out of our instinctual need to feel safe, we might spiral into anticipatory planning – imagining every possible scenario while planning our response. In our need to control, we may believe that taking action is the best response including reacting to every trigger thrown our way.

The reality is this mess is not going to resolve itself overnight. We cannot anticipate the direction this current unfolding of the American experiment will take. We cannot predict what the horse loose in the hospital will do or attempt to do. Really, all we can do is be present to this moment, wait, breathe, and watch. If we are called to respond, take action, speak out, etc., it is only in the present moment that the proper response will be revealed.

For me, this ongoing unfolding/unraveling of the “American Dream” has provided an opportunity for me to hone my practice of non-action as demonstrated in my call to simply be witness. Further, it has shown me over and over my tendency to want to control, change, or fix what I perceive to be disordered or wrong. This practice has carried over not only in relation to American politics, but also into my everyday life.

You see, I’m a recovering perfectionist. For sixty years, I believed it was my job to fix and change everything that (to me) appears to be wrong. With great moral certitude and an eye for judgment, I have spent my life with a gavel in one hand and my pen of righteousness in the other. With troubleshooting as a highly cultivated defense mechanism, resentment and self-righteousness have fueled my journey as I try to share my “gifts” and get met with a brick wall.

Oh yes, I could most definitely be right about what is wrong and I may even know how to fix it……but, is that really my job? Is that why I was put here, to “heal and save the world?” With the amount of resistance I’ve faced because of my “gifts,” I would say “probably not.”

It’s not my job to save the world. It’s not my job to save our nation. It’s not my job to fix what is broken or repair what has gone wrong. Instead, it is my job to cultivate my own peace while bearing witness to all that is happening before me, and to be here for those who might need support in cultivating their own peace in a world gone mad, or to provide comfort to those who find themselves in their own personal battles trying to get through this thing called life.

Life is hard enough without making every conflict our own. As much as it grieves me to admit this, I have found that when we allow things to unfold on their own, they tend to find their own resolution – the horse will one day either find its way out of the hospital or it will die trying.

Hold the Line

/ Lauri Ann Lumby / 3 Comments

Hold the Line

Love isn’t always on time.

These are the words that keep dancing around in my head. As we are continuing to be witness to the collapse of the world as we have known it, these are important words to remember.

Love does not come in our time.  Love comes in “God’s” time. We are not in charge of the unfolding of current events. Instead, we are witnesses and Love-bearers.

As witnesses our job is to watch, observe, and hold space for all the many faces of grief we will experience in the face of the death-throes of the patriarchy. As Love-bearers, we are meant to observe the unfolding from a place of non-judgment and detachment.

Love is universal. All are made by and for Love. Even (especially) those we perceive to be living a life contrary to Love. Jesus said “Love thy neighbor,” and “Pray for your enemies.”  Our neighbors are those we perceive to be like us. Our enemies – well, we know who they are. We are called to Love them – one and all.

I know, easier said than done. When we watch humans being cruel toward each other, treating one another with disrespect, acting as if some are deserving of liberties and others are not, it is hard.

When it is hard, we are called to pray for ourselves.  “Help me in my unbelief.” “Forgive them, they know not what they do.” “Into your hands I commend my spirit.”  “Teach me how to Love.”

All are wounded seeking to be free. Some know they are wounded and are seeking their own healing. Most aren’t even aware they’re wounded and are simply acting out of those wounds.

Love one another. Pray for each other’s healing.

And don’t interfere. It is said “you can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink.”  The same is true of humans. The difference between horses and humans is that humans can’t even be led. All we can do is our own work of being Love in the world and being that Love more fully. Sometimes, our presence awakens others to the Love within themselves, and to the invitation to knowing that Love. Sometimes our presence pisses people off. Neither is within our control. It’s not personal. It’s none of our business.

Each of our names are written on the palm of God’s hands. Our lives are written in Her book. If you are reading this, you are here simply for the purpose of Love. Be that Love and live from that Love and that is all you need to know.

Hold the line. The Love that you are is always on time.

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Don’t Miss Our Archives

/ Lauri Ann Lumby / Leave a comment

Again, welcome to new subscribers. As a new arrival to this community, I wanted to give you the opportunity to get caught up on some topics that might be important to you! Click on the links below for topical articles and lessons.

Mary Magdalene

Modern Monasticism

Jesus in the Modern World

Scripture through an Informed Lens

Mindfulness

Self-Actualization

Raised Catholic

Thank you for allowing yourself to receive the nourishment and support through these “musings.” I appreciate your presence here and your contribution to the ongoing unfolding of human evolution!

With love,

Lauri

Welcome New Subscribers!

/ Lauri Ann Lumby / 2 Comments

I want to officially and gratefully welcome all my new subscribers! Subscribing to my blog is the best way to receive FREE content including inspirational support, educational insights, and more. This is also where I will share updates on new courses, course discounts, LIVE gatherings, books, and icon art.

It is also through the blog and engaging with my site that we can grow our community so that more can benefit from the resources provided here, along with discussion through the blog comment section.

I’m grateful for your presence and for your continued engagement. Together, we just might succeed in helping our world turn to Love.

With love,

Lauri Ann Lumby

lauri@lauriannlumby.com

PS If you’re seeing this and aren’t yet a subscriber, scroll to the bottom of this page and enter your email into the subscribe area below, then hit “subscribe.” We look forward to your presence!

Living Against the Grain

/ Lauri Ann Lumby / 2 Comments

Monastic Living in the Modern World is ultimately about living against the grain. In every way, shape, and form, choosing to live monastically requires us to step away, disconnect, and decondition ourselves from all that society has set out as its values and goals.

Living monastically has nothing to do with capitalistic definitions of success including the search for fame, wealth, and power. Living monastically is not about driving, striving, or achieving. Monastic living is not about working hard, and it has nothing to do with society’s constant pressure to do. Living monastically is not about being seen, heard, or known. Choosing to live monastically is not the path if we wish to be considered valuable or appreciated by those outside of us.

By society’s standards, choosing to live monastically is a thankless choice, but for those called to this way of life, it is our soul that gives us thanks.

The monastic calling is one that honors a certain type of soul with a unique kind of temperament. Those called to this way of life often have a deep connection with Mystery – otherwise known as: God/Transcendence/Spirit/Presence/The Source of All that Is. They are often people of learning – driven to explore the knowledge of others so as to find their own truth. Those called to a monastic kind of life are sometimes extroverts but are more likely to be inclined toward introversion. They are deep thinkers and even deeper feelers. They are often creatives with a penchant toward self-expression through writing, drawing, painting, sculpting, etc. They see wonder in all things, especially nature and art. They may be single or coupled while treasuring their solitude. They seek after quiet and long to move gently upon this human plane. They thrive equally in the company of beauty and simplicity.

Ultimately, those called to live monastically seek to live simply in a world that on most days looks absolutely mad.

There is a reason why those called to monastic living have historically separated themselves from society. Whether a hermit in the desert, a witch in the woods, or a nun in a monastery, monastics have never fit in with the status quo. They have never fit in with the surrounding or presiding culture. They have always been called to live their lives against the grain. Moreover, their sensitive nature made it near impossible for them to live among the chaos of the everyday world. As such, they sought or created their abodes elsewhere. Even if the monastery was in the midst of a bustling city, their homes were sequestered with ample time and space for prayer, quietude, silence, and a gentle way of living. Unless cloistered, direct service to others arose out of the service they were doing first to “God,” and secondly to themselves.

In our modern and increasingly pluralistic world where many monastics are no longer called to live out their calling within the confines of a religious institution, the expression of that calling requires ingenuity. How do we carve out a place for our calling in a world that expects us to be everything but what our soul wants? The answer is both simple and complicated. We first have to acknowledge the calling. Then, we must free ourselves from every single shred of societal, cultural, and familial conditioning that would hinder us from living out that calling. We have to learn to say yes to our soul’s longings and NO to what culture expects of us – including our culture’s expectations around work and provision. Yes, we still have to “chop wood and carry water,” but maybe a 40-hour, 9-5 work week doesn’t work for us. Perhaps we don’t have to make a six-figure salary. Maybe we can find creative ways to provide for ourselves while creating ample space in which our soul might thrive. Who knows, we just might find peace living below the mean. Finally, we have to exorcise ourselves from our attachment to other people’s approval and get comfortable with the questioning looks, raised eyebrows, and blank stares from those who just cannot comprehend our decision to live against the grain. Believe me, your soul will thank you!

Online Course Closure Announcement

/ Lauri Ann Lumby / Leave a comment

Online Class Portal Closing Notice

I am writing to inform you that unless something dramatic changes, I will be closing my online course offerings effective December 31, 2024.

This is a decision that I am not making lightly. I have arrived at this decision only after many months of careful discernment and various attempts to keep these programs running. The reality is that the online courses are no longer providing a sustainable income and have been operating at a loss for the past couple years. It is simply time to let them go. 

With this notice, effective immediately I will no longer be accepting students into my Magdalene Formation Program as the programs duration outlasts the platform closure deadline. I will be working directly with those remaining in the program to help them complete the training in the time remaining, and for those needing more time, to work with them in disseminating the training by other means. 

As of now, I will continue to offer the membership community online gatherings in addition to my spiritual direction and Reiki services. 

Thank you for your many years of support and participation in the gifts I have shared with the world.  I am looking forward to what the Universe next has in store for me. 

With love,

Lauri Ann Lumby

lauri@lauriannlumby.com