Palmer Trinity School

Aerie: Summer 2017

An independent, college preparatory, co-ed, Episcopal Day School serves a community of students in grades 6-12.

Issue link: http://palmertrinityschool.uberflip.com/i/838548

Contents of this Issue

Navigation

Page 23 of 63

24 W W W. PA L M E R T R I N I T Y. O R G Understanding Our Journeys Ulysses by Lord Alfred Tennyson I cannot rest from travel: I will drink Life to the lees: All times I have enjoy'd Greatly, have suffer'd greatly, both with those at loved me, and alone, on shore, ...To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield. Understanding the journey is not always possible. We are all on a journey. And as we travel through the minutes, hours, and days of our lives, we glance at eternity in brief moments. is semester, Palmer Trinity has pondered what it means to travel and grow as individuals. Our students and faculty are journeying to many places in the world, meeting new people, and exploring new cities. As we explore, we learn not only about our new environments but also about ourselves and who we are becoming. In January, Jennifer Pharr Davis spoke to the community about her work, Becoming Odyssa, and shared her odyssey through the Appalachian Trail on foot from Georgia to Maine. e experience was life changing and brought her to a profound understanding of both what it means to be self- reliant, and how to engage others and be a healthy participant in the community. In February, Denis Belliveau, co- author of In the Footsteps of Marco Polo, explored with students and faculty the gift of going to new places and encountering diverse cultures. is exploration leads one to a deeper knowledge of oneself. In March, Lama Tenzin Yignyen — Tibetan Buddhist monk from Hobart Smith College — created a sand mandala over four days, applying deep contemplation and skill. Students watched and learned about the power of focus and the impermanence of this life as symbolized by the artistry. We are stardust. Recently, poet Richard Blanco celebrated the written word with our students. His search for home enlightened the community with the recognition that we are becoming part of our own memories. His powerful words flowed through our souls, touching each one of us in different ways. Each visitor provided a lens to view the impact and transitions that each of us as human beings experience during our lifetime, and to contemplate the mystery of where our journeys may take us. Our hope creates for us a faithful accompaniment on the journey. A prayer from Jennifer Pharr Davis' visit clearly articulates the power of the journey: O God, who is our companion on along the journey of life, be with us, Emmanuel, during times of joy and suffering. Let us engage in the world and be inspired by the power of nature. Help us to take the time to appreciate the small wonders of creation. Enable us to be silent and alone, as well as in community with each other, to learn about ourselves and others in the world. We pray this in the name of the One God, who is the Creator of our World and who said at creation, "It is good." Amen. BY RE V. DR . M A RY E L L E N CAS SINI, CH A PL A IN

Articles in this issue

view archives of Palmer Trinity School - Aerie: Summer 2017