Live Virtual Group Session: 12PM EDT May 15th 2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us for this session!

For this session we took a close look at “The Astronomer by Jan Vermeer 1668” and “Christina Koch Astronaut 2026,” posted below.

Our prompt was: Write about contemplating a world anew.

Participants are warmly encouraged to share what you wrote below (“Leave a Reply”), to keep the conversation going here, bearing in mind that the blog of course is a public space where confidentiality is not assured.

Also, we would love to learn more about your experience of these sessions, so if you’re able, please take the time to fill out a follow-up survey of one to two quick questions!

Please join us for our next session Wednesday May 27th at 6pm EDT, with more times listed on our Live Virtual Group Sessions.

The Astronomer by Jan Vermeer 1668

Credit: Jan Vermeer


Christina Koch Astronaut 2026

Credit: NASA Image and Video Library

7 thoughts on “Live Virtual Group Session: 12PM EDT May 15th 2026

  1. michele348's avatar michele348

    About contemplating a world anew~~~

    I wish to move from here to a world transformed…

    A place where there is no fear,

    No hatred, no murder of children

    In the dirty city streets.

    Where the creatures of Nature are free

    To roam in the purity of land, sea, and air.

    Where I can also feel free

    To roam about

    And inhale the pleasures my Creator has given to me…

    The sweet scent of lilac and rose, the melodious tones

    Of scarlet tanager and wood thrush.

    Where gratitude is expressed freely,

    And where compassion is not considered a weakness.

    Where there is peace of mind and soul.

    Oh, what a world this would be!

    Like

    • al3793's avatar al3793

      Michele, isn’t it interesting how many of our senses were engaged by the writing shared today. Your narrative is a perfect example. The aromas and sounds your cite are among my favorites, the thrush my absolute favorite. (They have a double voice box.) It is also interest how our pieces pair. We both considered freedom, roaming and peacefulness. Your speakers comment about a place where compassion is on considered a weakness touched me deeply and needs to be broadcast across the world anew. Thank you.

      Like

      • michele348's avatar michele348

        The wood thrush is one of my favorite returning birds, with its polka dot chest and its welcoming multi-note melody.

        Agreed. Compassion tends to be in limited supply these days, at a time when we need it the most. I feel sorry for those who refuse to acknowledge its importance, not only in medicine but in the world in general.

        Yes, I think we both tend to be roamers… searching out the expanse and peace found in Nature.

        Like

  2. al3793's avatar al3793

    Contemplating a World Anew

    I ponder what the world would be like

    had Adam stepped forth and

    defended Eve?

    I wonder what the world would be

    had they not turned away from

    life in Eden,

    an infinite expanse,

    an ever-green oasis

    of heavenly existence.

    Love.

    God walked with them

    in that place.

    The serpent did not strike at their heel.

    It struck and their pride

    and pried division between them and

    God who walked the garden with them.

    Imagine a world without pride and

    without division

    free to perpetrate joy, love and hope.

    We are free to do that.

    Ponder strolling daily, all day long

    in the endless sanctuary of Eden.

    Like

    • michele348's avatar michele348

      Frankly, I have a bit of trouble visualizing what perfection would be like here on earth. We goofed it up at the beginning, so now we pay the price. I guess I have to be content with the fact that, sometime at the end of the rainbow, I might be able to experience that…but that is yet to be determined. 🙂

      Like

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