Author: Michael Tino

Thanks to the new movie Wicked, “make your own magic” is a phrase I’ve been seeing pop up everywhere. A few years ago I would have balked at the “woo woo” idea of making our own magic, but as I get older, I understand more of what that means to me. I can embody the magic of any moment I am in. I can embrace joy by singing at the top of my lungs, I can embrace the love of community when I invite beloved friends over to my home to share a meal. Magic happens in the moments when we are present to life. We are always invited to make our own magic. -Aisha Hauser (CLF)

How do you make your own magic?

Many people I know differentiate between magic and magick (or magik). Our notion of “magic” has so thoroughly become conflated with illusion that some feel that we need a different spelling when we are discussing conjuring a different reality through means that are not obvious.

How do you experience magick?

Last week in worship, CLF Learning Fellow Donté Hilliard asked us whether the definitions of family we have been exposed to allow us to thrive.

How would you redefine “family” in a way that makes your thriving more possible?

Many people welcome animals into their homes who become parts of their family. These animal companions teach us about love, loyalty, care, and grief.

Tell us a story about an animal member of your family.

I shared recently with my coworkers that my Thanksgiving spreadsheet makes my cooking for a big family crowd something I don’t worry about. Apparently, I am not the only person with a secret holiday spreadsheet, and that occasioned a lot of laughter. But the stress and worry reduction is real, and I encourage you to find the tools in your kit to do that for yourself. -Michael Tino (CLF)

What tools do you have to reduce your stress today?