Honoring Our Pets Who Bring Us Joy
Daily Nourishment Read Time: 45 seconds
Pause/Prompt/Practice Time: 15 minutes
“They became my shadows, and my fondness for them grew deep and wide. I once jokingly told friends our home had become a palliative care center for older dogs.” - Charlotte Donlon, The Great Belonging
Pause.
Take six deep breaths with a six-count inhale and a six-count exhale while looking at this painting by Mary Cassatt.
Practice.
Set a timer for 10 minutes and write in response to the art and poems above and/or freewrite about pets you have now, have had in the past, or hope to have in the future.
Write about how animals help you belong to yourself, others, and the broader world.
How can you incorporate some of what you’ve written today in a new or existing poem, story, essay, or letter to a friend?
Want More?
Listen to Charlotte read the chapter “Our Pets Who Bring Us Joy” from The Great Belonging: How Loneliness Leads Us to Each Other.
Read Spiritual Direction for Writers: Everyday Rituals for Your Writing Life
Sign up for Flourish Anyway with Rhythms, Rituals, & Retreats
Today’s Daily Nourishment was provided by Charlotte Donlon.
*Please help us protect our intellectual property, our creative process, and the integrity of our work. Spiritual Direction for Writers® Daily Nourishment is covered under the Spiritual Direction for Writers® trademark. You are welcome to share this link with others, but any other use (written or spoken) is prohibited without written permission from Charlotte Donlon.