The Reflective Pen

Simple Wisdom – Because Life Can Be Complicated

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  • Spiritual Growth

    Hello and Goodbye – Which Do You Find Easier?

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    man waving hello and goodbye from a car window

    This reflection begins with seven questions to put a little light on something we spend a lifetime celebrating or agonizing over — whether ’tis easier to say “Hello”…

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Dekker

    Dekker Answers More Questions About Service Dogs – Part ll

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    Dekker

    In this second of a two-part series Dekker answer more questions about what it means to be a service dog and explains the difference between a guide dog,…

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Spiritual Growth

    What do technology and spirituality have in common

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    a woman uses her laptop computer as technology for spiritual growth by connecting with friends all over the world

    Although technology isn't often recognized for its role in spiritual, or inner, growth, this article looks at its role in spirituality as well as creativity.

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Spiritual Growth

    How to find the magic of ‘we’ in a relationship or community

    /
    three woman dancing as they experience the magic of we

    A reflection of the magical power that happens when people are together in relationship or community to share and to grow.

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Spiritual Growth

    Spiritual practice as a path to inner peace

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    man stands at fork in a path in choosing a spiritual practice

    Reflections on the meanings of spiritual practice and how we find ourselves on any particular paths as we go through life.

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Dekker

    Dekker answers questions about service dogs

    /
    Dekker, the service dog, thinking about his answer to aging Ardis Mayo

    Dekker explains about service dogs, what they do, how they're trained and why some animals are pets and some are meant to serve.

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Aging

    How to claim agency in our old age

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    old lady who can claim agency lifting her hand to say stop, saying no

    How we claim agency and remain autonomous as we age is a matter of choice and something to be celebrated, regardless of disability or loss.

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Life Challenges,  Spiritual Growth

    How You Can Make Peace With Your Past

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    man with regrets was told he could make peace with your past

    Making peace with your past may include a number of rituals of surrender that help you get on, not only with today, but the future.

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Life Challenges,  Spiritual Growth

    How to feed your spirit when churches close

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    old church with closed doors

    As more and more places of worship close their doors, people are left to satisfy their spiritual hunger in new ways.

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Dekker,  Spiritual Growth

    Dekker answers several questions on faith

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    Dekker

    Dekker, the wise old service dog, answers questions about forgiveness, prayer, worship and faithfulness from a canine perspective.

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Spiritual Growth

    How to Learn the Art of Listening in a Noisy World

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    silouette of couple practicing art of listening to each other as they sit on a dock. Hard to do when the subject is death.

    The art of listening is really a skill that takes years of practice to learn, much like anything else in life.

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Spiritual Growth

    Slow vs fast. What is the best pace for living?

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    a tortoise with a slow pace for living

    When it comes to the best pace for living, is it better to go slow or fast? A look at the benefits of each pace in living the…

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Life Challenges,  Spiritual Growth

    How to Smile with the Challenge of Downsizing

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    large house with the challenge of downsizing

    With life changes comes an inevitable need to downsize, to eliminate a collection of a lifetime, and to control clutter. Here's one way to crack resistance and get…

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Poetry,  Spiritual Growth

    When I Die

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    sunset over a cove

    "When I Die" is a poem that looks at the continuity of life in the event of death.

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    Ardis Mayo
  • Dekker

    Dekker responds to questions about God

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    Dekker has wisdom about God

    Dekker, a service dog whose wisdom is treasured by many people, turns to questions about the existence and nature of God with his perspective on prayers, heaven and…

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    Ardis Mayo
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Recent posts

  • aging and illness, aging gracefullyThe Myth of Aging Gracefully
    Aging, Life Challenges
  • Dekker the Service Dog waits by a fog with mistDekker on Ice Fishing
    Dekker
  • Finding one clock out of many, chronus timeTwo Kinds of Time
    Life Challenges, Spiritual Growth
  • man facing sunset with suitcase in his hand. HOw to say goodbye. pilgrimageThe Pilgrimage of Aging
    Aging, Life Challenges
  • this Boston terrier knows how to procrastinate with syle with his chin on the arm of the sofaHave You Practiced Yet?
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