I turned 28 years old yesterday. 28. That sound so weird to someone who's never felt her age. The number seems arbitrary, meaningless. And, then to have this day devoted to celebrating myself... even weirder. Yesterday, I had to keep reminding myself that it was my birthday. It felt like any other day. I had … Continue reading Birthday Blog
Are we afraid of passion?
I recently attended a training for work. Yes, I still work at a brewery and, yes, we're required to learn about the beers we serve, how beer is made, etc. etc. Please don't ask me any questions because most of my brain space is already dedicated to other, more spiritually uplifting, matters. Six other young … Continue reading Are we afraid of passion?
My Healing Manifesto
I am on this planet to help heal the world. By “healing” I don't mean simply repairing. I mean, imagine that your arms get cut off. Instead of just sewing up the wounds to scar over, your arms are replaced with wings. This is healing that isn't just filling a hole; it's planting new earth … Continue reading My Healing Manifesto
What does it mean to be a minister?
In a matter of days, I shall be ordained as an interfaith-interspiritual minister. This grants me the title of “Reverend.” The Reverend Chelsea MacMillan. Whoa. When I began seminary, I was pretty resistant to this word. Reverend. I thought it too Christian, too laden with baggage from myself and others. I was sure I would … Continue reading What does it mean to be a minister?
Funeral for the Earth
It's been a while since I've posted a blog! So much has been going on with the end of seminary work that I've barely had time to write anything extra. That being said, even though I'm done with all of my assignments (YAY!), I want to post some work that I've done for seminary - … Continue reading Funeral for the Earth
What is your healing modality? What is your art form?
A few nights ago, I met a woman (an incredible activist nun, in fact!) who said that she was tired of asking people, "What do you do?" Personally, I've often experienced irritation at people constantly asking me what I do as the connotation of this seemingly innocent question perpetuates this idea that we are defined … Continue reading What is your healing modality? What is your art form?
What do you want to say?
As the homework due this weekend is an inspirational talk/sermon (homework that I still haven't written because I can't find that thread of inspiration from which to weave a 20minute talk!), a dream I had about two months ago is re-sparked in my mind's eye... I dreamed that I was some sort of conference with … Continue reading What do you want to say?
Anatomy of a burned-out sacred activist
I could probably write a novel on my personal experience with burnout, but I won't because I simply don't have the time. I'm in seminary and a sound healing program; I work for a nonprofit, at a restaurant, and for myself as a healer and coach; I live in a collective household and must devote … Continue reading Anatomy of a burned-out sacred activist
What is my body telling me?
Recently I have felt oddly sick or like I'm about to get sick. You know that hot and cold feeling you get when you're coming down with the flu or a bad cold? I had that for three days straight without getting worse or better. The sensation came with the advent of spring. The days … Continue reading What is my body telling me?
What inspired you today? Part 4
I recently listened to Krista Tippett's interview of Desmond Tutu on her podcast, On Being. Quite a lot inspired me as he talked of his faith, fighting apartheid in South Africa, and the work toward truth and reconciliation. Here are a few choice tidbits: “I mean, when you discover that apartheid sought to mislead people … Continue reading What inspired you today? Part 4
On A Question 