Earth Etude for Elul 28

Hineni- A Heart-centered Etude for this Season

by Maxine Lyons

I am practicing “active hope”– focusing my efforts to align with others dedicated to showing up to be counted together, to make a positive difference in this broken world and to express gratitude for the source of life.

Hineni - Here I am - proclaiming the abundance and beauty of nature, to the wind that guides my steps in the forests and at the beaches, moving me along on my path to refresh mind and body. 

Hineni - for my diverse gardens, encouraging me to attend to the natural fullness of life, imagining the garden also being the blessing of our hearts: planting seeds that nourish all beings, grateful for the relief I feel in the growth of flowers, berry bushes, cherry tomatoes and tall grasses that open the door to true wonder.

Hineni - ready to begin my preparations for the holiness of Elul, to practice teshuvah, to calm those parts within me yearning for solace, for compassion and acting from hope.

Hineni - turning to more openness, choosing softness and restraint in place of anger and despair, for bold new steps to correct my mistakes, and growing closer to the slow but steady evolving of the spirit.

Hineni - to my sweet, ever-changing grandkids who enchant me with their precious
“Hi Grammy” voices spoken with charm and delight.

Hineni - to my children with whom I share many joys and sadness, learning from their wisdoms and struggles.

Hineni - to close friends whose reciprocal love, trust, and affection we share together over time and space.

Hineni - to show up for some hurting souls looking to regain some part of their fullness amidst life’s assaults and tribulations.

Hineni - to my life’s companion for holding each other close, enjoying many light moments, entwined in our warmth and love together.

Hineni - for growth and kindness in the coming year, to embrace and surround myself with goodness, the promise of peace and to pass it on to others!


Maxine Lyons is a retired educator for older adults, practiced in creating life reviews for one’s Elderhood, and currently writing her own. She is an active participant in interfaith work participating in weekly services with unhoused community members through Walthams’ Chaplains on the Way. She is also an involved Grammy with two wonderfully adorable five-year-old grandchildren.