Priorities and Perceptions

"The more of me I be, the clearer I can see."

Rachel Andrews

Priorities shift when our perceptions gain clarity. We are often unaware of how much we are projecting into a situation or a person. Are we seeing what we want to see or are we truly viewing reality? We need to be certain what we are choosing is being selected from our heart center rather than ego.

There are numerous benefits to belonging to a group. One of which is learning from other's experiences. As a participant, however, do we know what we are contributing? Maybe we hide ourselves and minimize what is important. Does the gathering feed the soul and expand insights or simply take up our space and time?

When we invest time in ourselves, discovering what resonates or detracts, the more particular our journey becomes. Our choices for how we fill our time become more stimulating and purposeful. Time needs to be spent alone to hear the inner voice which will guide us more specifically.

An Aspect of Healing

"Healing may not be so much about getting better, as about letting go of everything

that isn't you ... all of the expectations, all of the beliefs ... and becoming who you are."

Rachel Naomi Remen

For a moment, think back to when you were a child and hurt some part of the body. What was the first thing you did? Probably, placed your hand on the wound ... a very natural instinct. Glancing over your lifetime, what was the most used gesture when someone was hurting? More than likely, you hugged and held them. Also, a natural reaction.

Women have been historically the victim of losing control over their body, silencing their voice, and minimizing their power. Fortunately, in today's world, we learn of healing energy moving through the body. Through talk therapy, we experience the removal of repression and improved health. Using creative expression, freedom. 

Healing of the body, mind and spirit are necessary considerations in our world as each one impacts the other. When we invest in improvement of the self, a balance occurs which impacts our presence in the world. There is a greater tendency to move towards peace on earth and good will towards all peoples.

Intuition

                                         

"The intuitive mind is a sacred gift and the rational mind is a faithful servant."

Madeleine L'Engle

Children are highly intuitive, but unfortunately, this natural sense becomes suppressed at a very early age. It is an inherent ability, especially in women that can be readily reclaimed and heightened with awareness and practice. Enhanced spiritual connections can also help develop and broaden these abilities.

The deeper we embrace the concept of oneness, our interconnectedness becomes more apparent. While holding our mind open, we find support and insight in thoughts that mysteriously appear. Rather than trying to determine if we are imagining such things, our energy is better used in applying the knowledge we receive. 

Developing the ability to tap into collective unconsciousness, we gain clarity to loosen fixed reality. Free will and free choice expands our present moments. Intuition can take the form of an instant flash or a deep knowing reflecting truth. Begin to pay attention and realize how often we embrace intuition.

Nightmares

 

"A nightmare is like a wound that is trying to heal."

Toko Pa Turner

The more one tries to ignore his or her fears, the more likely they will have nightmares. Nightmares are frequently in reference to unsolved problems. The issues we repress can take the form of distorted dreaming to gain our attention. Our physical health can also play into the darkness of dreamtime.

When we ignore our problems in daytime, they may surface in the form of nightmares. The more we ignore them, the more they may recur. It is healing to explore these dreams and discover the issues they represent. It is especially helpful to remember that fear is often not based upon facts.

Once we identify a problem as a conflict with authority or facing the manipulation by someone, resolution can begin. The basis of the problem may stem from the distance between who we truly are and who we are trying to be. The divide between these two selves can well be the source of dark nightmares.

Beckoning Spirit ...

 

"One of the greatest regrets in life is being what others would want 

you to be, rather than being yourself."

Shannon L. Alder

Finally, the fountain at the park has been turned on. For me, its presence grounds me physically, mentally and spiritually. Water washes over me, figuratively, cleansing my body, mind and soul. It reassures me that I am capable of forward movement into additional

change with deeper understanding.

My journey is taking on new elements for me to understand with my heart rather than with my ego.  With heightened energy, I prepare to meet greater wisdom and souls that will enlighten me. Specifics are no longer needed and expectations are minimal.  I believe that I can embrace and sort out anything coming my way.

I choose to shut out the chaos, fear, and judgment. My arms open to embrace those willing to share diverse wisdom. Awareness presents opportunity to be present for others in thought, word, or deed. Perhaps this is not who others expected me to be, but I will listen to the beckoning of spirit to be the peace I so desperately yearn to see.

When No One is Wartching

 

"Strength is found in the quiet moments where we

challenge ourselves without the world watching."

Ava King

Never have I walked a straight line. There has been a tendency for me to wobble while I question my sense of direction. Roads before me rarely have the lure that the unsuspected pathways offer. Strangers have been everywhere, but they quickly become interesting to me. My old boots have walked me across time and space.

Life taught me that having confidence did not necessarily mean arrogance. The more one knew, the more comfortable one could become and present with humility. When one learned patience, hope leaned in closer from the horizon. I learned that peace was readily found in lingering silence.

Extending kindness to others is emotionally rewarding when there are no expectations for return favors. To give without interest in receiving allows compassion to fully flow. As acceptance is perceived in shifting eye exchanges, stability releases all forms of language that previously had been unspoken.

Beyond Limitation

 

"We all have different sides; nobody is just one thing.
Lotte Verbeek

It takes imagination and awareness to unfold into the diverse roles we are capable of experiencing. It is an injustice to feed only parts of the self that appear to be a strong skill set. Portions of us need to be fueled with creativity and honed into a unique gift. Developing multiple parts expands life experiences. 

We may have a passion for playing a musical instrument or singing. No matter how minimal our investment, the benefit may be exhilarating. The buoyant result may support us through our full-time career or difficult times. If we have a passion, no matter the level of our skill, the benefits can be extraordinary. 

Creative thoughts can arrive unexpectedly, going off like lightbulbs in our head. Capture the seemingly random inspiration as it may be a creative piece to add illumination to the darkest parts of life. To embrace imaginative insights, and to choose exploration, we move beyond the limitation of being just one thing.

Permission Denied

"You can choose to disrespect me but I will not give you permission to hurt my spirit."

Lailah Gifty Akita

My mind is held open for diversity and offers respect to you as a person. This does not however mean my beliefs align with yours. I expect the same in return. If critical words sting my heart, my first reaction will be to defend myself. Then the realization appears that this is your own instability causing disrespect, not me.

Your character is reflected in your dishonoring me, and it is a clear sign that my energy no longer needs to be in this scenario. I will not coverup disrespect nor will I tolerate any form of aggression, verbal or physical. I have endeavored to be a good human, and I will not give you permission to change this evaluation.

I do not need to prove my worth to you, but I will learn from this unfortunate exchange. I will use my personal strength to move forward where I can continue to grow. My inner peace will guide me to others who understand tolerance, respect, and compassion. My inner light will continue to grow attracting others who feel safe within themselves.

Eyes Communicate with The Soul

"The face is perhaps the single most expressive part of the body,

since it shows our response to life through our eyes, nose, mouth

and many tiny voluntary muscles of expression."

Aminah Raheem

In childhood, our feelings are immediately strewn across our face. In early adulthood, we learn to moderate that which we reflect through facial expression. As we age, we have numerous masks at our convenience. The eyes, however, are a direct portal to the soul. They can be revealing beyond words.

The eyes have a language of their own. The obvious of course is the glistening of joy or sorrow, but in addition there is mystery. Like other resources, the more one becomes observant of a person's eyes, the more there is to be discovered. When well versed, one begins to understand the communication of the eyes.

It is said that the eyes are portals to the soul. If we observe, we can detect truth in the movement of the eyes, especially when it doesn't align with words being spoken. Emotions are portrayed upon the face, but if we look deeply into the eyes a greater exchange can occur. Watch and listen but take deep dives into the soul.

 

Theoretical Flight

 

"May you never feel the weight of your emotional baggage."

Benito Di Fonzo

Carefully climbing the mountain, the challenged woman left old sorrows in every unsuspecting crevice. Moving upwards, rock by rock, she was determined to reach the top. Words from others filled her head: Get over it! Let it go! Think positive! Although the mountain side was strewn with her garbage, reaching the top, her wings were heavy still.

Holding herself accountable, this kind soul had extended forgiveness to everyone and no longer judged. She creatively used skills to facilitate healing of her brokenness. Images of new futures were held in her head, and yet the tears continued to fall. "Believe," they said, like it was the simplest cure of all.

Theoretically taking flight was an adventure into the unknown where life could begin once again. There would be freedom and new beginnings without despair ... that's what the mentors said. Her spirit was strong and courageous, but her wings just wouldn't bend. "Time," they said, "give it more time."

Sovereign

 

"Stay sovereign in your center, not swayed by chaos of others."

Lee Harris

No matter how carefully we protect ourselves, collective energy swirls around us ... both positive and negative. Living fully is not about endless solitude cut off from life experiences of others. Nor is it about living entirely in the fast lane never still enough to experience the deep opportunities of life.

We can compare our energy to money. We have a limited amount, and we strive to distribute it equally with some in savings. The same is true of our energy. When we steadily align ourselves, we will have an anticipated distribution with extra to spare. When we are not monitoring ourselves, we can become overly spent or broken.

We have no control over the chaos of the world nor the collection of its power. If we remain centered and aware, however, an endurance assists us. Protecting the self, we will not emit the fire of destruction nor explode onto others. Keep peace in our center and while interacting with others spread loving kindness.

                     

Diverse and Unknown

"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 I pass by. 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 presented. I know my soul will guide me no matter where my path leads into my diverse and unknown journey.

Life Before Life

"We are travelers on a cosmic journey, stardust swirling and dancing

in the eddies and whirlpools of infinity."

 Paulo Coelho 

What if just prior to being born we sat with wise elders discussing what we wanted to experience in life on earth? Maybe a template was formed with plenty of room for shifting and adjusting with freedom of choice. Surely, we did not agree to return alone. Other souls probably offered to be a part of our human journey.

What if people, places and things are familiar to us because we knew them previously in a different existence? Our experience of awakening may be a subtle recall of what lingers in the archives of the spiritual collective. The deceased appearing in our dreams or apparitions may be alive and well in different realms.  

What if this was not just New Age thinking?  Old documentation in the Bible and stories of Jesus's death and resurrection may have more validity than currently awarded. While we communicate in prayer with the Divine and meditate in nature receiving guidance in return, could this indicate existences that our ego is not willing to define? 

 

Mysteries

"Trust the mystery, walk with the unseen, and let meaning rise in its own season."

Daily Shaman

As we walk through life, our body, mind, and spirit are constantly absorbing information from people, places and things. There may be messages from other realms that are gently stored for when we are ready to receive them. Living is a process with an unfolding for our best interest.

The depth of understanding from loss in our youth or destruction in our adulthood may not be presented until much later in life. No matter the experience, it impacts us on numerous levels which then play out later when we are ready. We are shaped by the actions of others and the accusations we cast upon ourselves. 

Wisdom is abundant through numerous modes of connection. As we walk through nature, everything speaks to us on some level. In meditation, silence soothes the soul. Within the gesture of creativity, we are moved towards our peaceful soul. Within us, there is an abundance of knowledge, just waiting to be perceived.

 

In the Eyes of the Beholder

"Beauty begins the moment you decide to be yourself."

Coco Chanel

Gazing around you, beauty is seen in people, places, and things. What you experience as creative may not be appreciated by anyone else. Words may be alluring, landscapes inspiring, and nature beckoning. Not all would agree, but this does not prevent you from appreciating what you deem to be lovely. 

If you can find yourself moved by tiny aspects of life, why in the world can you not have a sincere appreciation for yourself? Agreed, not everyone is going to see or perhaps understand your shining aspects, but this is not an indicator to hide your beautiful self. With self-respect, you polish your inner glow to shine brighter.

You are called to show others individuality and natural skills. There is necessity in expressing inner beauty to help others stretch and grow. Through your example of wholesome shine, others become encouraged to unveil themselves. The result is coming together to form a unique pattern for appreciating and living life.

 

What's The Point?

"The most powerful thing I even did was decide my peace 

was worth more than my popularity."

Empaths, Old Souls and Introverts

There are times we walk away from a gathering wondering why we wasted our time by attending. We may feel that a better choice would have been to stay at home.  There is a sense of being disconnected when we are in need of a deep conversation. We may find ourselves wondering what's the point of being here.

We go through emotional growth spurts, yearning for new information.  We want to expand beyond what we have experienced. This leads us outside of our comfort zone. Not only do we have to reach out and discover new resources, but we also have to explain why we are making adjustments to our normal routine. 

Personal exploration is a deep dive into the authentic self that offers a sense of acceptance and freedom. When we are comfortable with ourselves, we become aware of the point of our life. Rather than competition, there is the opportunity to learn from each other's differences. Both inner and outer peace thrives.

 

Eavesdropping

                                       

             "Any place is good for eavesdropping, if you know how to eavesdrop."

Tom Waits 

A new coffee shop opened, and I decided to give it a try. I wandered in, ordered a latte and turned to find a place where I could settle in. There was a small table just by a window that looked like a cozy place to be. I casually greeted two older geezers chatting away as I seated myself behind them.

While settling in, I started catching bits and pieces of the conversation going on behind me. These two retired guys seemed to be having a serious conversation. "He just croaked," the one man said. The other responded, "You guys were such great friends!" With sadness written across my face, I turned to face them.

These aged cronies obviously knew I had been eavesdropping. Together they drew me in with stories about how Freddy had been around for years and had so much energy he'd kept them all hopping! Both were very engaging and animated. Then they confessed ...  their friend who 'croaked' was a frog! Eavesdropping at its best! 

Moving Forward

"Be gentle here. You are not lost ... you are on the way."

Buddhism

There are times when people are gathered all around you, and yet you feel isolated. In attempts to engage, there seems to be a lack of connection producing a sense of loneliness. It is a good time to explore what image you are projecting and just how comfortable you are in this scenario. 

Personal growth is vitally important, and it happens in stages not all at once. As you transition, a difference can be felt on the inside as well as on the outside. This is part of the process, and you ought not judge it. Simply observe both the self and others, determining if it is time to move forward.

When you do not know what is waiting ahead, fear can trigger doubt and resistance. There is discomfort in not being in the familiar, but it does not mean it is a wrong direction. Access meditations and positive mantras that will build your inner light. Visualize the joy of expanding yourself while attracting loving and supportive human beings.

 

Departure

                                                

 "Live until you die."

Elizabeth Kubler-Ross

Death is going to happen no matter our age or prevention we seek. Unless we are engaging in suicide, the timeliness of our departure is not in our hands. It matters not if we are religious or spiritual or embrace a diverse belief system, death is inevitable. This fear of death, where did it originate and by whom?

A Native American saying, "It is a good day to die," reflects that each day should be lived to its fullest, goals have been addressed, and there is an appreciation for all people, places, and things. If we have been unproductive and wasted our day, where does the blame lie? If we hold ourselves accountable, the outcome is of our own doing. 

How would our routines shift if we embraced each day as perhaps our last? Would we be checking bank accounts or inventorying material possessions? Would we not want to exchange deep feelings with family, friends, and mentors? Are we certain injustices are forgiven, and poor judgment resolved? Just how well aught our day end?

Dismantle

"Change is inevitable. Growth is optional."

John. C. Maxwell

Whether change is an invited guest or an unexpected intrusion, we choose our response. We can ignore or minimize, but it will return stronger for our attention. Even if we welcome and embrace change, consequences can be shattering. Dismissing right or wrong, fair or unfair, we can choose to use our energy by staying the course.

If something presents in front of us, it is for a reason. If we do not explore the challenge, it will simply return in a different guise. Life persists and there is a need to configure how to proceed with broad observation. Gently dismantle the configuration while creating forward movement addressing the change.

Once we fuel our ability to change, there is less threat and more curiosity. As we slowly adapt to new ways, we will build momentum in believing in ourselves and feel less challenged by others. Perceptions broaden and diversity is no longer threatening. Change offers the opportunity to become more of who we were always meant to be.

With All That Lives

                                                       

"Our spirituality is oneness and an interconnectedness with all that

lives and breathes, even with all that does not live or breathe."

Aboriginal Proverb

Ever so excited, I lace up my walking shoes and rush to the park. My feet easily ground themselves with the earth which feels like receiving a hug from home. I do not strive for a particular rhythm, just a balanced momentum. Physically, I am on automatic pilot, freeing my spirit to connect with this favorite space.

The warmth of the sun sinks into me, and I cannot help but smile. I silently greet the trees now so familiar on this sacred journey. Individual travelers pass by with sweet smiles knowing how we each honor this place. Birds return to the pond, gently flying with sacred grace and one can almost hear the flowers growing in place.

Too soon I see the end of my trail. I breathe in the spring air overly thankful for my mobility and opportunity to have visited this park for several decades. It holds both my joys and sorrows, always welcoming me back no matter my pace. Loitering on a bench, I add this jaunt to my collection of memories, returning home with joy.

 

Follow ...

 

"It's on the strength of observation and reflection that one finds a way.

So we must dig and delve increasingly."

Claude Monet

Think back to when you were very young. How did people describe you and what were their expectations? Considering how we change with every passing year, there ought to be very few of these opinions that remain accurate. If our energy is invested in who we used to be, there will not be enough to explore who we long to be. 

When we stifle our growth, loneliness settles in. We may become bored and make poor choices as to how to feed the soul. It is in the quiet of the day that self-exploration can stimulate further search into who we are meant to be. We have choice to either remain stuck or become curious with new thought.

With discovery, we learn to be accepting of our unique ways. We follow paths leading to exploration not redundancy. There is purpose in 'being' and making a difference in our current life. There is comfort in accepting our flaws, and joy in living to our full potential. Love yourself, and others will follow. 

Bending

 

"The little reed, bending to the force of the wind, soon stood upright again

when the storm had passed over." 

Aesop 

If we feel secure, we are willing to be flexible. When we feel our body yelling to be careful, there is a need to be hesitant. Life is meant to be laced with curiosity in order to stretch and grow. Flexibility assists in being in balance with others. Rigidity tends to lead us into isolation or false reality.

When we hold a particular belief, it should be strong enough to entertain opposite opinions. Exploration frequently reenforces what we believe. It is out of respect that we live side by side with opposing views. This does not mean, however, that force or oppression is to be tolerated. 

As life experience deepens our understanding, we change. Some people accept this while others will become critical. It is important to be aware when change is transitional or not beneficial. As we continue to stretch and grow, updating our belief system helps endure high winds that temporarily cause us to bend.

Sunrise and Sunset ...

 

"May every sunrise hold more promise and every sunset hold more peace."

Umair Siddiqui

Courageously, the sun pushes itself above the horizon for all to see. The piercing radiance easily captivates attention. It sets the example of moving forward without knowing what the day will bring. Later, the sun falls into the horizon with peaceful grace and awe-inspiring beauty bringing closure to the day.

It is easy to forget about the long passage the sun travels throughout the day. Frequently, it is confronted with inclement weather passing above and below. Still, it carries on. The sun may require bravery to stay the course and trust it will arrive at its destination with perfect timing and flow.

It makes one wonder what it would take for humans to duplicate this steadiness of pace. Could we masterfully collect bravery and courage while trusting in our progress sight unseen? Maybe chaos would be minimized and anxiety diminished. Trust and consistency may be the answer to radiant peace. 

Released

 

               "And when we bring what is within us out into the world, miracles happen."                      Henry David Thoreau 

Within each one of us resides wisdom. We may not have magnificent brain function, but not all revelations come from superior intelligence. Inside of each one of us, we have seeds of insight waiting to be cultivated. There are numerous ways for ideas to enter our subconscious, and it is our decision to share that furthers dreams.

When random thoughts are shared with others, we have no idea how they will grow either inside our realm or outside on a different horizon. Like a gardener cultivates all seeds, not just one, all thoughts need our attention. Just as flowers form a bouquet, gathered ideas can shape a new reality.

It is important to carry our ideas into a broader arena. Whether we are verbalizing, writing or creating art, tiny glimpses can become extraordinary contributions. In this way, we honor not only ourselves, but the higher source of giving. Placing gestures outside of ourselves, enhances our sense of connection. 

Hope

           

"Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness."

Desmond Tutu

Preparation for safety and stability does not remove us from the path of darkness. It may ease our passage, but hope helps us withstand challenges. Like a guiding light, hope distracts us from falling deeper into night shades. It is like a bit of fresh air washing over us and lifting our heavy thoughts.

At a young age, we learn of hope and it is carried with us into our adult years. It touches our emotions and gently sweeps anxiety away. There are times hope becomes our only lifeline. If we do not recognize our guidance nor actively pursue correction, we sink to the bowels of despair. Thankfully, hope is there.

Hope is a reprieve or an abundant boost available to all peoples. It may take on different disguises, but it is available to all. As an unrestricted bright light, it offers warmth to an isolated cold environment or a boost in Divine connection. It is an instant connection with non-descript energy carrying us on our way. 

 

Overridden by Desire

"You are creating your world with your intentions."

Gary Zukav

When you exchange with others, do you ask questions sincerely? Are you curious about them and patiently await their answer? Do you hold yourself open to them and attempt to understand what they say? Is there a desire to contribute in hopes of forming a connection? If not, why are you even with them?

Where we place our attention impacts our thoughts, words, and deeds. This is why it is important to be honest about where we go and who we share time with. Sometimes we are called simply to be present, but other times we are needing to be heard. When we realize we are not being 'seen' or heard, it is time to shift.

There comes a time when the comfort of being with those you know is overridden by the desire for expansion. We want to be stimulated and heighten our awareness. If your current friends cannot share this sense of adventure, then perhaps it is time to seek out new acquaintances.

 

Belly Laughs

 

"A good laugh is sunshine in the soul."

Max Eastman

The sunshine in one's soul can be stimulated by belly laughs. The kind of laughter that falls down to the feet and bounces back up, through the soul, and exits the top of the head. This laughter is beyond giggling or snickering. It is guffawing with abandonment. It is temporarily releasing every negative or dark thought loitering in the mind.

As the head tips back, heavy laughter is being projected upward and into the sun. There is a warmth flooding the face and a heartfelt connection that is surely bliss. Perhaps this is similar to an out of body experience. We forget everything ... worry, sadness, loss, and illness of the body, mind and spirit.

On April Fool's Day numerous pranks and jokes escalate. Laughter abounds and even the most juvenile action triggers laughter. This happiness doesn't last long, but this sense of gaiety can be easily found when we glance up towards the sun. If we let the bright light fall upon us and open our hearts, laughter is restored. 

 

Disclosure

"The impulse to over explain often comes from a history of not feeling truly heard."

Dr. Sara Kuburie

If we were to write an essay on a topic familiar to us, words might be difficult to find. Conversely, when writing with passion, we may discover an endless trail of phrases. Our mind is filled with thoughts needing expression. Not only is there a desire to share, but the comfort of being understood is present as well. 

As we download our stored information to a person, eye contact, body language and verbal responses create the level of sharing. If we sense we are not being supported, effort is made to explain in differing ways. In the midst, there comes a time where being understood is more important than the actual subject at hand.

It is one thing for someone's ears not being open, but when the heart is closed, emotions flood our thinking. We may even turn on ourselves questioning if we are right or wrong, aligned or weird. The resulting emotions may become stockpiled in our memory, impeding future disclosures. 

 

Upside

"Some people become so fixed in their ways that they 

adopt the belief that all change is bad."

Nedra Glover Tawwab

Adjusting the time of a meeting can be incidental. Changing the location of the meeting can be inconvenient. Learning the leader cancelled and you are the stand-in can be overwhelming. Change can be annoying, but with flexibility, it can be handled without too much stress.

Change can also be exhilarating, like receiving a raise or manifesting a lifelong dream. Maybe a new haircut or exceptional weight loss can be exciting as well. Discovering a unique shop or new friend can be stimulating. Life is good when change is uplifting. Going with the flow seems easy. 

There are numerous ways change can bring our world crashing down ... death, divorce, discrimination, or demotion. Response, an attitude, contributes to the depth of despair. Pushing through dismay, and imagining something good emerging from the ashes, life will return to the upside of change.