If a Tree Falls

About the Book

Some of us are in the habit of thinking about what we know; what we have experienced and are experiencing; and what we would like to focus on more deeply. While this habit is evidenced in differing ways it is clearly a process that seems to form part of the essence of who human beings are. And there is plenty to think about every day. Furthermore, this habit of thinking about life, has resulting in many interesting inventions, movements, and even inspiration about life. This is important. For when we are limited in our ability to engage in self-reflection, we stand a chance of becoming unbalanced. For it is possible to have what might be called a poverty in thinking and making sense of those thoughts, feelings, and beliefs. While it is also possible to think so much that one is stuck and in a ruminating rut that can cause disorders of the mind, heart, and soul. While it is not usually good to have a sparsity of thoughts and experiences it is also not usually good to be overwhelmed by them What is good is to have an appropriate abundance of wonderment that leads to stimulation of person and community. And so here we are – at the beginning of a book consisting of many pages containing thoughts about what the author and others know; what she and others have experienced; and some things many would like to focus on more deeply. And this time the material will be presented in a format similar to the previous publication, One Lesson at a Time 1– as a model for structured journaling, including content for contemplation, and hopefully rich sources for reframing memory, and furthering inspiration that leads to growth and development on the reader’s personal and perhaps communal levels.

About the Author

Junietta Baker McCall, D. Min. is the previous director of pastoral psychotherapy and counseling education at Beverly Hospital, Beverly, Massachusetts. For twenty-two years she served as director of pastoral services at New Hampshire Hospital in Concord. A retired licensed pastoral psychotherapist, diplomate in the American Association of Pastoral Counselors and ordained minister of The United Church of Christ, she is the author of Grief Education for Caregivers of the Elderly; A Practical Guide to Hospital Ministry; Bereavement Counseling: Pastoral Care for Complicated Grieving; Building Hope During Challenging Times; With Wings Widespread: Reflections on Life and Hospital Ministry; Co-author of Living Well as You Age; and her recent publication: One Lesson at a Time: a Year of Living Thoughtfully. Dr. McCall has served as adjunct faculty member in pastoral counseling at Andover newton Theological School and as associate pastor of South Congregational Church in Concord. She is currently retired and remains in Concord, New Hampshire, where she is working on two new pieces temporarily titled ‘One Life to Live’ and ‘Living a Grateful Life’.