Wednesday, May 06, 2009

The Book

A few months back, I was all excited about writing a book about disabled Pagans. The first week back from the convention I was well rested, alert, and wrote a LOT. Then the pain and pain med dance started up and I was only able to work in fits and starts.
The book still needs to be written, and I guess by me, as it has been weighing on me for days now.
To get started, I want to collect stories.

I want to talk to disabled people of all faiths, although the book will focus on Pagans primarily.
A dear Morman friend has shared her views with me, and I look forward to more insights from people of varying faiths.
The basic questions are pretty simple:
What are your experiences regarding your spiritual path and your level of ability?
How has that part of your life affected or impacted your spiritual path? What would you like non-disabled Pagans or members of your faith to know about you?
I have heard tales that made me so sad. One person was told the group did not circle with someone with a disability, as that disabled person would 'take all the energy' needed for the working.
Another group stated that since a person could no longer dance or drink the sacred wine with them, there was no place for them in that path.
(I am paraphrasing).

If you are disabled and a person of faith, any faith, could I give you a call some time this summer? If that would be ok, please send your name and phone number (and guidelines on when, and when not, to call) to ottergal AT comcast DOT net.

Oh, and if you know someone who may be interested in talking to me, please pass this message on.
And thanks.

1 comment:

AlisonH said...

In January I relearned something I already knew: that I can be too ill to walk to the door of my hospital room and still have a profound effect on those around me, simply by acknowledging them and their efforts to make the world around them a better place with my gratitude. I'm thinking here of the housekeeper mopping the floor and my thanking her for making it safer for me, wishing out loud for the day when I too would be able to mop floors again--and then watching her beaming and working extra hard.

I knew she would never forget that moment. And neither will I.

It's all about what we do for each other.