Do you know the feeling of being sick, beyond control, when your body takes over and does what your body needs to do to get rid of an illness? In bed with the flu this week, I have learned from my body more about losing control, about being present to chaos, about choosing to be in solidarity with my body and so many other bodies around the world.

I am convinced I am at home in bed so that my focus can be more on prayer and contemplation, sending healing hope to the workers at the nuclear plant, love to the Cote Ivorian women swaying tree branches of peace, courage to the people finding their voices in Bahrain, Libya, and Milwaukee, and solidarity with the mourning for so many dead. 

Please join me in taking a moment to pray with and for this Japanese Self Defense Force soldier, who prays as he removes the body of an earthquake and tsunami victim.

Together we pray on this one week anniversary of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, and the one month anniversary of the earthquake in New Zealand. I feel particularly connected to and grateful for our connection as spiritual companions around the world and across traditions. Our prayers, meditations, and contemplative practices matter.

This animated short video illustrates how waves from the tsunami move and the power of their course. Perhaps our prayers are like these waves of energy, especially when our prayers join with prayers of others for peace, for well-being, for healing. 

In silence, as a global learning community of Spiritual Directors International we pray in solidarity, responding to great suffering, creating an immense wave of love and comfort to every being in need.

Peace be with you,
Liz Ellmann, MDiv
Executive Director, Spiritual Directors International