Mary-Jane Slaby, JCOnline: Back straight, legs crossed and with the back of her hands on her knees, the Rev. Hilary Cooke’s palms faced upward, open and ready to receive whatever may come her way.
She focused on one word — her mantra — repeated over and over to herself.
“Compassion.” It’s a feeling she has for herself and for others.
“Compassion.” Avoid distractions and don’t think about what to make for dinner.
“Compassion.” It’s three syllables, just like the beat of a waltz.
“Compassion.”
The corner of her office at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Lafayette, where Cooke is the associate priest for …
