Misplaced Journal

 

"One day you will reflect on your journey, and when you recall how bumpy the road

you took was, you will smile and say to yourself, 'thank God I didn't give up."

Michael Bassey Johnson

While dusting, (a very rare occurrence in my home), I came across an old journal that had been misplaced. Anything to avoid the chore of dusting, I settled outside on my patio where there was a gentle breeze by my comfortable chair. Page by page, I fell back into a time occurring numerous years ago, but strangely crisp in my memory.

As I read the words I had penned across the page, I fell down the rabbit's hole rolling into darkness. Too easily I was engulfed in my past fears hearing my harsh self-criticism and judgments. Gently, I closed this outdated journal and brought my focus back to where I was on this day, in this space in time.

Over these most current years, I have bounced between regression and progression. Thankfully, I have moved forward and at long last learned to love myself. I may not like everything about me, but I unconditionally love myself for the first time, ever. I will remain dedicated to the forward movement upon my winding path of life's journey.

Two Sides ...

"Every truth has two sides, it is as well to look at both, 

before we commit ourselves to either."

Aesop

We appreciate light, especially after darkness. There comes an awareness while experiencing both hot and cold. And what is failure without success? There is danger in narrowing our scope too precisely, especially when we are unaware of our own prejudices. When our field of vision becomes too narrow, we need to broaden our view. 

A simple coin held in our palm displays how there can be two differing elements but still be one solid thing. Perhaps we are not called to throw our belief to the side, but to expand information to at least understand an opposing view. This creates a needed element of respect that does not require us to change but consider.  

The old story of two men exploring an elephant from different positions (trunk and tail) is self-explanatory. Before we dig in our heels and become stationary, it is best to do a walk-about collecting information to support or adapt what we choose to hold true. Wisdom thrives in exploration, not confinement. 

 

Sensitivity As a Doorway

 

"Your sensitivity is not a weakness ... it's a doorway."

Lee Harris

Your sensitivity is a tool that helps you navigate through life. It is not a weakness, but a sign of strength that you have earned from trials and tribulations experienced in life. You have not allowed challenges to turn you into bitterness, resentment, and hate. It has taught you compassion, gentleness and general concern for all peoples.

As a tender-hearted human, you are deeply aware of life as it unfolds and experience it deeply. These lessons allow you to be understanding of yourself and others. Your inner light grows lighting up your journey as you find your way. By embracing individual challenges, your wisdom grows.

When you use your sensitivity with other skills, your perspective remains positive as you know there is peace on the other side of darkness. Your example is needed during this time of chaos and confusion as a signal of goodness is yet to come. Do not ever be ashamed of your tears as they are beacons of hope for others. 

Truth Telling

 

"Integrity is telling myself the truth. And honesty is telling the truth to other people."

Spencer Johnson

Truth telling is not an easy task whether we are speaking to ourselves or others. It is tempting to offer answers based on what people want to hear. We think we are taking strides to keep peace, ignoring the unrest growing within from our diligence to avoiding discord. At the onset truth may be difficult, but in the long run, it strengthens our foundation.

A truth teller is open to diversity. They do not expect everyone to agree; they are simply voicing their opinion. And when this is done, they are flexible, willing to consider the beliefs of others in comparison to their own. It can be a learning experience not necessarily triggering division. 

It may be difficult to give voice to our truth, but it increases layers of strength. When we are honest, it increases our sense of integrity and allows others to clearly see who we are.  The manner in which we share our truth can be laced with compassion and sensitivity. Let us be open to truth that initiates openness. 

You Be You!

"The older I get, the less I want to win."

Olivia Ann Clarke

Never have I been competitive and I do realize this could have its disadvantages. Contests, games or races never attracted me. I would be happy to watch and cheer, but hesitant to run the race. If you have to choose between me and someone else, your indecision tells me you need to move on. Take the other person with you.

My motivation is to be an enhanced version of me, not beat you. The desire to keep moving forward to not necessarily to be 'better', but to experience diversity in thought, word, and deed. My desire to change through vast experiences results in being a more interesting human, not a combatant or victor.

There is a saying about 'you be you and I'll be me, and together we will move forward'. Doesn't that sound better than racing forward to conquer our teammate? I do not want to be better than anyone else. I want to experience your authenticity at its best, not some projection of a hyped up, single minded, game player.

 

True Navigator

"The heart is the navigator."

Lee Harris

The body is an informant. All day long it reports to us by using parts of our body. The tongue tells us if something is too hot. Our ears react if the music is too loud. Our stomach growls when we are hungry. Although these are important alerts, our heart navigates our responses, weaving us in and out of these situations.

It is the heart that picks up on emotions and gives us the choice of how we want to react. The heart directs us when we are heavy laden with sorrow. or filled with joy. The heart challenges us to determine if we want to proceed or withdraw. It guides us through darkness and light. 

With each passing day, the world swirls around us. The heart nudges us to feel and distribute empathy or compassion while the ego too often lapses into judgment and criticism. If we want life to be meaningful, false personas need to be dropped.  When the veil is lifted, our authentic self can be led by the heart. 

 

Suffering Optional

"Most people think suffering comes from not being loved enough. But

there is another kind of suffering that hides much deeper."

Michael Pinsker

We readily acknowledge the uncomfortable feeling when we move to a new location, switch jobs, or lose a friend. We rarely explore the distance within when we choose to shut down emotionally. Instead of sitting with our feelings, we increase our activities, distract our thoughts or hide perhaps in overindulgence. 

Each time we bury or minimize our inner reactions, distance creates the sense of separation. The pattern of disengaging with the self becomes a habit, moving us further from our true nature. We may even hear ourselves say, "I don't even know myself anymore." We become dependent upon the affection of others instead of self-reliance.

If we maintain appreciation, respect, and connection with our personal needs, love becomes self-born. Facing life as we know it with confidence and healthy support, we are no longer dependent upon others. If we ignore our emotional needs, a sense of numbness occurs separating us from our true nature. Embrace the self with the love that is craved. 

 

Glitters As an Unspoken Language

 

"A little glitter can turn your whole day around."

Barbara Park

Life can be discouraging no matter how dedicated and aware we are on our journey. The best made plans can erupt or our confidence can suddenly dissipate. Our reaction can cause us to be misled, confused, or depleted. Thank goodness when we remain expectant, there are little glitters reminding us we are not alone.

If we hold our hearts open to seemingly unrelated occurrences, there is an unspoken language of the Divine. Whether a shooting star, an infant's smile, or random reflection, we really are surrounded by encouragement. When we slow down, look around, and hold ourselves open, magic seems to appear reminding us of wholeness.

We must do our part in facilitating this unspoken communication. If we remain mindful that we need support our agendas will include time for meditation, expression, and creativity. No matter the dilemma, we must remember to not only ask for help, but to watch for it as well. There is no limit to the appearance of glitters, so hold thy lovely eyes open!

Blue Moon Significance

"As you look at the blue moon, you may feel a sense of change within yourself."

Spiritual With Liza

The occurrence of the Blue Moon suggests a time for personal inventory, creative intention setting, and shifting our journey. Under the glow of the Blue Moon, one can experience an increase in intuition and strength in aligning desires with our actions. Using a journal or meditation one can enhance the experience. 

Reviewing and releasing our past offers space for new definitions of the self. Through silence we can receive fresh guidance to create a new pathway where we step into a higher definition of the self. We must trust in a new passage that leads to steps of clarity, vision, and fulfillment. 

As we let go, we allow a higher level of self-love to connect us with important relationships, wisdom, and deeper meaning in all that surrounds us. Our energy increases and the connection with all that is increases. We are revitalized by our renewed spirit and creatively attract like-minded humans to travel with us in forward movement.

Existence

"Your uniqueness is a vital part of your life."

Lee Harris

It is unfortunate that we spend years of individuality as a child only to hide our uniqueness as we age. With each denial of the self, we shrink and feel less powerful. Our intentions become rigid with what we feel is expected behavior rather than experiencing joy set by our natural tendencies to be free.

In our busy schedules, there needs to be quiet time where we can get in touch with our body, mind, and spirit. It is within these three areas that our true nature resides. With self-respect we maintain our essence carving out a specific presence meant to unfold during our lifetime. 

Our relationship with others is necessary as we offer our personal contribution and receive benefits from the uniqueness of others. We are not present on this earth to be entirely alone. We are to experience the benefits of giving and receiving as an individual and often times as a team player. We do our best when extending the truest image of the self.

 

Personalizing Ritual

"Most cultures have a rite or ritual of some kind that marks the end of childhood and the assumption of the responsibilities and standing of an adult."

William Kent Krueger

Rituals are not for church alone and they are no longer restricted to religious ceremony. People began to personalize their faith outside of the established form using candles, flowers, and newly created spaces. Expanded ceremonies included meditation, visualization, chanting, music and of course candles. 

Whether in the garden or on a nature trail, rituals expand our personal faith. Rather than waiting for Sunday church or Saturday temple, one could be supported more regularly. Individuals created rituals whether grand or small to utilize a stronger belief system. No longer limited to birthdays or anniversaries, celebrations expanded.

Creating our rituals assists us in maintaining a stronger connection with the Divine.  We do not have to be at a special establishment to engage, as Spirit dwells within us. Increasing the awareness of the presence of God, enrichens our life, lifts our spirits, and impacts our presence in the busyness of living. 

 

Dream Work

"You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one. I hope someday

you'll join us. And the world will live as one."

John Lennon 

Dreams can occur in numerous ways and in a broad range of subject matter. If we choose to pay attention, we can create our own dream dictionary broadening and deepening the messages we are meant to receive. Dreams can be of healing, prediction, creativity, visits from other realms, and reflections of what we are avoiding.

Through dream work, we can connect with guides, explore unseen possibilities, and connect with the departed. Retaining dream content, we can explore it in greater depth with visualization. Basically, it is about how much time one is willing to invest and explore his or her hidden routes to fulfillment. 

Numerous cultures embrace the art of dreaming, daily share experiences, and make application of what is learned. Ideally, one maintains a dream journal over a period of time. When looking back over what has been recorded, a pattern emerges from dreams that individually appeared to be unrelated. Dreamtime contains a plethora of information.

Messages Abound

"Anyone who takes the sure road is as good as dead."

C. G. Jung

Native Indians honored dreamtime and routinely exchanged received messages. The Shaman was referred to as "one who dreams." The women in native tribes were often revered as healers and additionally were honored for information they received during dreams experienced in the Moon Lodge. 

The road of life opens before us and we can move forward, looking down at our feet or we can cast our gaze up to the sky. Life is adventurous when we acknowledge dreams hovering around us as they stretch our minds to lofty possibilities. If we believe Divine Spirit whispers inspiration to us, we best be paying attention.

Whether nocturnal or day dreaming, messages abound. When we truly pay attention, we begin to link dreams and insights to form a dreamlike or artistic pattern. We have choice to pay attention or write off experiences as figments of our imagination. The choice is ours ... walk a dreary path or create an adventurous journey. 

Inner Knowing

 

"Be the same person in different situations."

Kyle Draper

The only person I can be is me and the only person who can change me is me. Guides and mentors can point me in the right direction, but until I embrace what I have learned, I will stay the same. Until I invest in myself, a lack of depth proceeds. When I align thought, word, and deed, my progression will be seen.

I experience bliss when I settle in to being myself. With confidence, I can move forward towards things appealing to me. When I develop a new routine, a sense of freedom with less anxiety propels me forward. If I find myself feeling too singular, I can explore new thoughts and creative expression.

When I have clarity, there is less distraction and more direction. This does not mean I do not experience dead ends, but they are not wasted endeavors. There is an inner knowing that I am moving closer to who I really am. There is less worry about fitting in, as I am happier just being me, not someone you want me to be.

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Propelled In the River

 

"Our lives and the lives of those we love merge to create a river whose current carries us forward from our beginning to our end. The river each of us remembers is different."

William Kent Krueger

We walk side by side, experiencing the exact same thing, and yet, we remember differently. As ripples in the river, we move together gathering impressions through our own eyes, gently being pulled forward by an unseen current. Each of us has a beginning and an ending that present time does not reveal.

There are numerous inner versions of the self and bystanders may observe something entirely different. Although the persona we project may be altered, each one holds an element of truth. If we are lost in the dark, other people's perception of us may be more accurate than our own. 

Watching the movement in the river, we realize there is importance in flowing side by side, allowing independence and yet a compatible union. Keep flowing, moving through change that redefines us but still allow the water to propel us home. Our perceptions of the river may differ, but there is always an element of truth for all.

Transition -vs- Change

"Transition is the psychological process people go through 

to come to terms with the new situation."

William Bridges

It is helpful to remember that change is something that happens outside of us and transition is the internal shift. Change can be an automatic adjustment to a situation whereas transition is a process that is mentally transpiring. Change can be a behavioral action and transition a mental elongated undertaking.

We may notice a change that we are making physically, faster than an internal transition. The change is happening before our very eyes, but internally, our process may not be so easily noticeable. Even when we become aware of our internal movement, we may experience denial or resistance.

It can be frightening to give up what is happening within us. Even when we long to be motivated forward, uncertainty can be frightening. We need to trust our inner guidance and pay less attention to those opposing our deeper growth. Remain connected with the higher self and never hesitate to pray for deeper support. Be gentle with the change. 

Reenforce Connection

"...connecting with them is more important than continuing to judge them."

Gary Zukav

Gary Zukav has had my attention for numerous years. Recently, I was reading a passage of his reminding me about being present with someone who is in pain. He says when someone hurts our feelings, it means they are struggling, needing compassion, not judgment. When people are emotionally frightened, we could help by being present. 

When a close friend lashes out at us, our automatic reaction can be first hurt then anger with the desire to retaliate. If a highly regarded person in our life harshly criticizes us, we can immediately devalue our own credibility and become self-deprecating. Seldom is our immediate response an assessment of the speaker's current mindset. 

We often are not aware of people's inner turmoil, even if we share an exceptional connection. It is easy to accept responsibility for criticism or judgment. When we are mindful, detecting anger in the speaker, a shift in creating a safe space for them will reenforce the connection, rather than destroying it. 

 

Embraced Offer

"Although she had never been a beauty, she'd finally learned to see what was beautiful about her, and she tried to look at other people with the same forgiving eye, and this had made a vast difference in how she embraced what life offered."

William Kent Krueger

The saying, "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder" might be old but still rings true. When we engage deeply with a person, physical aspects tend to fall away, and we become appreciative of inner non-physical qualities. Limiting beauty to superficial appearances lacks depth and limits perceptions. 

When our physical looks become the gauge for successful living, life can become shallow, and lonely. Conversely, when we appreciate the tone of someone's voice, the bird flying in nature, the giggling of a child, our lives become enhanced, allowing us to feel a deeper connection with beauty in our world.

When we become less critical of those around us, self-criticism lessens. Gratitude gains momentum and definition of beauty swells. We admire small pieces within the design rather than gaping at a lifeless portrait. Allowing new awareness of beauty to flow through us, appreciation kindles the soul.

 

Bounce Back

 

"Forgive yourself, this is a school."

Archeology for the Women's Soul

As children, we fell on the playground but jumped back up to try again. We were not always accepted by the cool kids, nor did we consistently excel scholastically. Experiences were different. Sometimes we may have been filled with lofty thoughts swinging on a swing or harshly hitting dirt at the bottom of the slide.

Life continues to be a school, teaching us lessons on different levels. Some of the teachers excel in communicating while others may have zero connection with students. In the process of learning, we may have to endure timeouts or skip a grade. Learning experiences abound if we pay attention and seek the wisdom.

Whatever level we find ourselves, there is a necessity in nurturing our dreams, desires, and expectations. Replenishing our thoughts impacts our drive. Clarity fuels our visions. Errors, miscalculations, and regression are unavoidable, but it is our bounce back ability that impacts our progression in this school.

Healer, Heal Thyself

 

"May all the healers of the earth find their own healing."

Starhawk

Everyone around us is a healer, either through challenge or kindness. The same is true for a teacher, one does not require a teaching certificate to enlighten the life of one other. Even with healers deliberately working to better the mental or physical health of a person, it is the energy that passes through them that makes the impact.

As we gather wisdom and healing energy, the outcome depends upon how we absorb and apply what we learn. Every individual is in need of improvement, both healer and teacher.  Moving forward requires new knowledge which in result changes us. Change does not occur if we do not shift. Staying the same is stagnant.

A therapist is not free from personal issues, a healer is not free from ailments, and a teacher does not have all of the answers. We all have options as to what means we will use for growing and healing. By activating choice, we begin the passage to greater understanding which is a goal for life. 

Be Still and Listen ...

 

"The quieter you become, the more you are able to hear."

Rumi

Sitting quietly at the table, I cleared my mind of thought and filled it with gentle white light. I remained still, allowing my mind to be like a curious child. I did not want to be tainted by the past nor fascinated by an imaginary future. I yearned to simply be present while listening for the Divine plan to be whispered from my soul.

With the passing of winter, blackened snow had been shoveled away and the new year sorted through options of what might be at bay. Alas, spring has come with high winds blowing old layers away. New growth is pushing up offering an array of options to answer the question of how does my garden grow.

Without pen or paper, my mind is quiet and gentle images float through this inner light of mine. There finally has been enough healing that my sense of self has become sturdy without needing personal acceptance or approval. In this stillness, I feel the best of everything gently sliding my way.

Multi-Sensory Perceptions

 

"We are evolving from five-sensory humans into multisensory humans ...

The perceptions of the multi-sensory human extend beyond physical

reality to the larger dynamical system of which our physical reality is a part."

Gary Zukav

Through unique experiences, we are beginning to be aware of differing ways to receive information beyond physical means. We can think of this as receiving knowings that resonate within us. Our old limitations may trigger criticism and judgment. Deep trust in  this process eliminates unnecessary layers for understanding.

There is nothing required other than being open and paying attention. This is not something new occurring, we are simply expanding our awareness. Information comes to us and asks us to relate in different ways without filters. It asks us to use more clarity and less need for confirmation. There is no immediate need to agree or disagree, but to be open.

There is more presence in the multi-sensory process. Our ability to participate with this develops over time. We find ourselves knowing something without documentation which can be challenging. Understanding gently propels us forward engaging with other spirits or realms. Similar to meditation, we embrace life without veils.

Childlike ...

 

"The most mature human beings are also childlike."

Abraham Maslow

With maturity comes an acceptance of who we are. We are less likely to project a false image or keep ourselves small. Childlike ways allow us to be comfortable in our own skin. We may experience things more deeply but take them less seriously. Laughter truly is the best medicine for the soul.

Engaging with grandchildren lifts our spirits, but not all of us have access to them or they too have grown old. There are numerous choices, however: blowing bubbles, walking barefoot through the grass or mindlessly coloring. Getting ice cream recalibrates numerous parts of our body, mind, and soul.

In day to day living, there are opportunities to interact with children, either in our neighborhood or outlying areas. We can volunteer our time or donate toys or clothes to area charities. We can give ourselves permission to be giving like that of a child ... freely without expected payback. 

Release and Restore

 

"A walk in nature walks the soul back home."

Mary Davis

A heaviness falls upon me without definition. I cannot quite place what is wrong, but something is off and the more I try to ignore it, the more it grows. Clueless, I head outside into the sun and upon my favorite path. I walk knowing the way so all of my attention can be squandered on the lovely nature surrounding me.

Almost instantly, my body relaxes. My senses are distracted in the most delightful ways. The physical movement is beneficial, but the gentle lifting of my spirit is the gift. I am distracted by bird songs and the vibrant colors of the flowers. As the sun falls upon my face, I cry, knowing I am safe again.

There are times I never puzzle out what was bothering me, but the relief is so great that I am once again aligned. With each step returning me home, I realize I am better prepared to face whatever is waiting. I know my soul will guide me no matter where my path leads into my unknown journey.

Unlocked

  

"In every burden lies the seed of growth and transformation."

Sara Cook

Whether physical, mental or spiritual, we internally carry burdens. We repress what we are not yet ready to face, ignore what is right before us, and cause harm to our stability. Very few situations can be remedied on the spot so there is need for a healthy way to assess. What is actually disturbing personal peace?

Once the detriment is identified, an evaluation reflects if it is something that simply needs to be adjusted or unleashed. Often, the disturbance is a lesson in simply experiencing how one feels, not requiring action. The issue may be about embracing what has happened and then the need to unlock.

Not everything can be repaired, especially if it is stored from the past. When we hoard our emotions, they will begin to impact us on all levels ... physical, mental, spiritual. Accepting we cannot resolve issue, there is a calling to return to the path of wholeness. Through growth and transformation, we experience healing and move forward. 

Savoring Spaces

"You learn to say goodbye to places, to keep them in your heart and go on."

Ursula K. Le Guin

Unexpectedly, we come upon a place where heightened responses occur. Our reaction may be of joy or great sorrow. Either way, body, mind, and spirit react in a hyper way. If we are traveling, the particular area will remain logged in our memory where we can return instantly. If we are in our imagination, the same elements remain true.

We may have been overly invested in discovering a safe space, but once it is logged into our mind, we can effortlessly return. We can furnish it with comfort and build an arsenal of memories. It becomes a sacred place where one easily enters and finally feels at home. It becomes a housing unit for special aspects of our existence. 

As an example, there is a rock formation bordering a lake that has been occasionally visited but frequented consistently in memory. It is without fancy decorations, somewhat isolated, and the sole sound of lapping water. In the closing of the eyes, one is fully present and refreshed even though it's been years since I've been.

Flexible Adjustments

"No" is a complete sentence."

Annie Lamott

As we continue to advance our skill in adjusting boundaries, our energy is disbursed in a more efficient way. Our awareness grows about where we are most vulnerable and how to regulate exposure to situations that drain us. Boundaries are needed physically, emotionally, intellectually, and with time allotment.

As we grow more comfortable with our fluctuation between accepting and declining, we remain more evenly keeled. Detrimental patterns become apparent and can be better diffused. As we monitor our lovely selves, we learn about our personal preferences and our approach to life improves.

Responding with 'no' is equal to saying 'yes'. Neither is right nor wrong as they are both reflective of choice. The emphasis is on our preference not upon response. To be effective, we need to be aligned with our nature, so checking in is a vital action for our stabilization in the physical, emotional, intellectual and time allotment. 

 

Wrong Audience

"Being safe is about being seen and heard and allowed to be 

who you are and to speak your truth."

Rachel Naomi Remen

Choose to speak from the heart revealing personal truth without fear of being misunderstood. If our thoughts are ignored or minimized, it does not mean they are not of value. It generally means that we are sharing ourselves with a disinterested person. If time cannot be invested in understanding us, then we are speaking to the wrong audience.

When a listener fails to respond or minimizes what we have just shared, it does not mean that we have lacked clarity or our thoughts are invalid. Perhaps we need to explore the reality of our value to this person. If we are not prioritized, it is doubtful he or she will hold safe space for us.

Communication usually is not the problem. It is about the listener's ability to quietly be present. They do not need to have answers, as ultimately, we are just wanting to vent and release. Right or wrong, we have the right to speak truth as we know it. As we listen to ourselves speak, we gain insight as well. 

 

And then there were four ...

 

"Words are not enough to express the unconditional love 

that exists between a mother and a daughter."

Caitlin Houston

Delivering my fourth child, I was anticipating another son. Instead, I gave birth to my daughter, and it was Mother's Day! Throughout the years, the boys educated, cherished and protected her. She is a gift that keeps on giving. No matter her age, mindset or location, our bond expands, contracts, and strengthens. 

Today, her birthday, awakens old memories of laughter, tears, and adventure. Far from a prissy little girl, she was authentic, fun loving, and thrived through learning. Life was not always easy for her, but enhanced skills propelled her forward. She maintained deep friendships, strong religious beliefs, and love for nature.

Currently, she is a psychology professor at a university, therapist in private practice, published writer and engaging speaker. She is a devoted wife and amazing mother.  Her compassion and kindhearted applications are readily apparent in her children. Through her unconditional love, she changed my life forever. And I am just so proud! 

Honoring the Second One

 

"I may not see my son every day, but every day I think of him."

Allison Banfield

The three boys arrived first and then a girl born on Mother's Day. My second son has a birthday today, and so I'd like to honor him. Out of the four children, he was the most challenging. Hyper energy of his required constant monitoring, and by doing so, I created a very strong bond with him.

His childhood defiance and determination contributed to his exceptional success in the adult world. Yes, there remains some scarring reflective from his early years, but his huge heart remains hidden beneath his stern assessments and forceful humor. I have deeply loved this child through thick and thin and admire the human being he has chosen to become.

When a mother is so invested in a child, it is quite difficult when life moves him farther and farther away. It is challenging to trust the world with him, and stressful waiting for him to have the loving family he deserves. I celebrate my son's life every day as he challenged me to be who I am today.