(Please note that many of the Circle of Love letter writers are Amma devotees, it is not a requirement that you be one to be a letter writer. Just letting you know because there will be mention of Amma within this blog, thanks!)
Many times people want a clearer idea of how to write a letter. There
is no correct formula. I polled some of the letter writers and
recipients for feedback. Here are some comments that I received.
I hope they are helpful.
1)"I know its sometime hard to write. But today I got an inspiration. We do worship and talk to God inspite of not hearing from Him...today when i wrote I imagined I was communicating with God ..He is everywhere, right...so now its my worship."
2)I take turns sending out homemade cards and store bought cards.....Many times i go with a Seasonal or Holiday theme. I almost always print out and send one of Amma's quotes, and sometimes the quote goes with the card! If i see a card with beautiful trees on it i might include one of Amma's quotes about planting trees as a gift to the next generation....Many times i send a photo of Amma i have here. Sometimes i write about an event happening in my life, like the arrival of my granddaughter. EVERYBODY knew she was coming and I sent out photos of her when she was born. Sometimes i have a lot to say and sometimes i don't. I don't feel we have to get hung up on what we say as much as the fact that we do take the time to send something out that shows we care about them. Generally i write that i have been thinking of and praying for them, or send little messages of encouragement, depending on their challenge.
3)I have a small accordion file in which I keep stamps, stickers, cards, envelopes; also, quotes (some I keep several copies of), poems, pictures of Amma; on 3 x 5 cards, I write up "incidents" I've observed or experienced that can be helpful, inspirational etc.; also, I buy some collections of inspirational sayings or cards & draw from them when so moved. I keep a couple of pictures of Amma in here too, for ME:) Once I've used something during the 3 month cycle, I move it to another slot in the folder so I don't send the same thing twice
4)helpful:
Amma quotes
quotes in general
a little personal info about the writer
notes that are deep in content sometimes, but light and short other times
beauty- like the inclusion of a photo (not necessarily of Amma, but nature, etc.)
more beauty- some people include something artistic that they have done
some people use fun stickers, colorful note cards, decorations
not so helpful:
typed letters from computer
photo copied material, chapters from Amma or other books (this is hard for me personally because my concentration is bad and I have a hard time reading) Poor concentration is typical for depression, but some others might not have this problem.
Some people miss a week here and there and this feels really ok to me- I hope people don't feel bad about this.
5)I think the main point that I'd like to mention is personalizing the letters. Sharing something of yourself. Adding inspirational quotes or phrases. Talking about your experience. What brings you to this place where you want to share and write letters.
Things to avoid: advise or sympathizing with the person. Just copying down long phrases from a book- the same book every time! Its so much better to mix it up, not stick to one religious or new age text, because when you don't you are assuming the person has the same beliefs as you. Look for phrases that talk about the humanity of all, the common experience of all.
I also think even if you don't know what to say, just a pretty card with a few words saying that you saw this and just wanted to let the person know that they were in your thoughts. Simple is usually the best.
6) What helped me being the writer:
Learning to be positive by sending positive notes/vibes to the recipient
Offering warm wishes and love to someone somehow refill my love cup in turn.
Feeling we are all one when you see others also having issues in their lives, feel less alone. Rushing out to console others and offering strength and prayers for them actually in turn gives me strength to handle my own challenges.
What I feel most touched about receiving the letters:
Spiritual quotes or passages
Motivational stories
Expressing concern, warm greetings and love and offer prayers
Amma's pictures
Cards
Writers who share about who they are and what they are doing, sharing snippets of their lives
Consistency of writing weekly, be it a one liner- show sincerity.
7)I have received hand-made cards,images of Amma and actual photos of the recipients home family etc those type of letters & cards have to be special because it made the COL writer more personal and that they shared something special to them with me. I have keep from one COL writer every uplifting quote & prayers that she sent to me. I often still re-read them for inspiration.
8)As far as letters go, I would like to share a few things I find helpful- Beauty in the card, in the words, in the care and attention of the writer. Whether on a scrap of paper, handmade, purchased, the love in the letter is a huge support. I enjoy interacting with the writers, finding out a bit about them, their lives, the ways that they cope.
I think that what is extraordinary is the variety over time in the ways that love is expressed. The devotion and dedication is truly uplifting and makes my own situation gain perspective. Hearing back from a writer who appreciates the exchange is a wonderful experience that enriches and deepens the months of contact.
I have had a mix of quotes from poets, to Amma, thinkers- all very helpful. I also love to send little inspirational cards, pass along things I have received. I share images of Amma, too. The sheer goodness of passing along blessings, good wishes, encouragement, affirmation is just THE BEST.
Circle of Love Letters
circleofloveletters@hotmail.com
