Mastering the Challenge

May the dreams of your past

be the reality of your future.

Anonymous



In order to create a new outcome, we need to be open to new ways of doing things.   When we are dissatisfied, we need to explore our past and discover where we wandered off our path and how we lost our way.

Change is the catalyst to enable us to achieve our goals.   I believe it was Albert Einstein who said, "Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, expecting different results." 

So we examine our own behaviors to learn where improvement is needed.  I have personally found when giving up the focus on what other people have done incorrectly, I seem to have plenty of time to look at my own indiscretions.

Sometimes the closer we are to a situation, the more difficult it is to be objective and understand the complexities.  We may seek the help of friends, but gaining an audience with a seasoned therapist who really 'gets you' can be most rewarding.

When we love our selves enough to feel safe with embracing personal weaknesses as well as strengths, we can move forward in rekindling hopes and dreams.  When we can release anxiety over what other people may think, and trust the voice of spirit we can gracefully be resilient again.

When we experience any kind of change, minor or major, the importance is in the discovery of the lesson.  It is necessary to ask, "What am I to learn from this?"  Through mastering the challenge, our lives become more authentic and enhanced.

Dreams don't always come true, but if we are faithful servants to the lives we live through honesty, integrity, and kindness, we will find our selves in the midst of joy and happiness.  If we do not find our selves in the midst of a dream, then it is time for change. 

Through self-discovery, I have found my self able and willing to forgive and heal.  By believing in the power of individual change, I am prepared to once again have faith and trust.  The human spirit can experience great things once it is open to the incredible journey of life.  So I return to my dreams in hopes of creating an inspiring future.

  

Calling for Help

Emmanuel

If you were to climb the highest mountain

and look at your world,

you would see

much more Light than Darkness,

much more love than hate,

much more kindness than violence.

It is only that these negative areas

are more vocal.

They are calling for help.

They are like small children, lost and fearful.

Knowing not what else to do,

they shout and scream and strike out.

Pray for them.

Pray for all of them.

and do not fear.

Emmanuel's Book

Compiled by Pat Rodegast and Judith Stanton

I would like to believe 'there is nothing to fear, but fear itself'. Yes, there is darkness in our world, but it is a teacher just like the light.  It can be an opportunity to learn for ourselves or to reach out to another. 

I must admit, I very rarely watch the news or read newspapers unless I am searching for something in particular.  I do not like the way I feel after I have been exposed to overwhelming negativity, rarely balanced by the positive.  All of the crime, violence, death and sad stories make me feel anxious, vulnerable, and disconnected from the source of love.  I don't like to feel this way.

At the risk of sounding like a Pollyanna, I much rather focus on all that is good.  I do not believe I hide my head in the sand as I am well aware of all sides of human nature, but I would rather place my attention on the goodness of my fellow human beings.

There are many authors who encourage readers to place their attention on what they want to 'grow' in their lives.  If our thoughts create our experiences or perceptions, it makes perfect sense to me that we are better off focusing on the light while being aware of the dark.

To be aware of the dark we are much more prepared to help, to bring our light out to shine.  Our light can be a beacon to someone who is stuck in the darkness. 

In many instances life is like the book and movie, Pay It Forward.  There are so many instrumental people who have helped us along our career path that we may never be able to go back and thank them.   There may have been unknown people during an emergency situation who assisted us or our family, but will always go unrecognized.  Of course there have been friends along the way who have helped us countless times.  So we can extend the same generosity to some one else or Pay It Forward!

There is extreme power in prayer, so we don't even have to leave our homes or spend money to reach out.  We don't even have to know the people personally.  We can pray for the children who go to sleep hungry at night.  There are families who have members being murdered in broad day light.  There are soldiers who are protecting our country.  There are those who are fighting an illness fearing death will leave family devastated.  The list is endless. 

Like attracts like, so be positive thinking and generate kindness.  Let fear fall away.  Just for today, see only goodness in the eyes of others and let them see the same in yours.   

  

Shards of a Broken Spirit

 There are three kinds of violence: one, through our deeds; two, through our words; and three, through our thoughts.  Most of what we call violence is in the form of action, and it is with our actions that nonviolence naturally begins.  But as long as our minds harbor violent thoughts, that incipient violence will find its way somehow into our speech and behavior.  The root of all violence is in the world of thoughts, and that is why training the mind is so important.

Eknath Easwaran

Many years ago, I served on a Regional Commission for Domestic Violence Prevention.  Doctors, lawyers, ministers, and many other professionals attended.  The determined fore runner was Mick Addison Lamb.  Through educating the public and private sectors, he paved the way for attitudes to be changed, county police procedures to be updated, and eventually laws to be put into effect.  As an in home counselor for social services, I knew first hand how devastating violence could be individually as well as collectively to a family and community.

As I read the above passage, now years later, I was once again reminded of the link that thoughts needed to be trained or else they can explode into words, not just behavior.  I started to recall the terrible things I had heard people say, threatening things that crippled others mentally, yet avoiding the physical.  It is easy to show physical evidence like a broken bone, but it is next to impossible to display the shards of a broken spirit.

The shards of a broken spirit can go undetected indefinitely and it is most difficult to fit all of the pieces back together again.  It is a mental and physical process in addition to the spiritual healing.  

We all have harsh thougths from time to time.  Strong words may cross our minds and we may wonder, "where did those come from?"  Or in a moment of disagreement, insults might fly out of our mouths reflecting feelings we didn't even know we had. 

It is important for us to remember that we are all capable of some degree of violence.  If we are aware of our thoughts and sift through them rather than burying them deep inside, we are much more apt to use nonviolent behavior and no harmful words. 

We can choose our words carefully and strive to bathe others in loving kindness.  If we have any inkling that we are in danger or are a danger to others, it is imperative to seek immediate help.  There are ministers, therapists, abuse counselors, and many other members of society willing to listen and assist in finding a road to healthy thinking.

Let's not point the finger at others, let's focus on our inner selves.  Be as good as we were intended to be!

Linger in my Heart

If there comes a day

when we can't be together,

keep me in your heart,

I'll stay there forever.

A. A. Milne

Winnie the Pooh

The most valuable gifts in my life have been friendships.  I have always been a person to be surrounded by people, but few did I ever really let in.  The ones I allowed to enter, still linger in my heart.

For me, friendship is best compared to a large old white house with a front porch and a pretty fenced in yard.  There are passers-by I would be happy to hang over the fence and chat with, but I would not want to open my gate.  There are others who I welcomed into my yard, but very few were invited onto my porch.  To make it to my porch swing where stories were shared was quite an accomplishment.  Then there were the small handful who actually made it in through the front door.  They were my forever friends.

It is interesting to look back over my life and recall the women who significantly impacted me.  None are necessarily alike in appearance or life choices, but they all are heart connected. 

Once firmly on my spiritual path, I began to gather a Circle of Women as I needed heart felt exchange, support, and insight.  Since then I have led several circles and learned deeply from them all. 

Then there were the women who somehow grew to be more than friends.  They became Sisters of my Heart and we shared a bond that went beyond words and time. 

I have always been attracted to a diverse population of women.  I have such a thirst to discover all fabrics, to examine all weaves, and to create a rich and colorful tapestry in my life.  Some strands have snagged, some threads have faded, but all of these loved ones continue to be the pattern warming my soul.

I can only hope that I have meant something to them as well, these Circles of Women and Sisters of my Heart.  I linger in their hearts, still.

  

  

Loving in the Moment

To Cherish Your Beloved

When we know that the person we love is impermanent, we will cherish our beloved all the more.  Impermanence teaches us to respect and value every moment and all the precious things around us and inside of us.  When we practice mindfulness of impermanence, we become fresher and more loving.

Thich Nhat Hanh
YOUR TRUE HOME


It is not easy to love all of the time, especially those who are closest to us.  Somehow it is easier to find fault with the ones we love the most, and that is just not right.

When I am with my grandchildren, I find myself to be far more lenient than when I was raising my own kids.  While visiting, I find myself fully present in the moment.  I listen carefully to what they say, try to respond with good comments, and really try to reflect the love I feel for them.

Unfortunately, in many of our most important relationships, we drop the ball.  We seem to develop the attitude that 'they' will understand ... over and over again.  We perhaps say unfiltered things to them that we would never dare say to a stranger or close friend.  This makes no sense to me, and yet it is sadly true. 

There are many old sayings:  "Don't cry over spilt milk!  Don't go to bed angry!  Don't let these be the last words you speak."  Far too many times I have heard people crying over the death of a loved one while saying, "The last words I said to him were awful and I never kissed him good-bye!"

The point is not to tolerate misbehavior nor withhold disappointment, but to use appropriate words for a loved one.  We can make our point just as easily using a calm and loving voice rather than shouting with anger.  Even when we have unfinished business, we can still temper it with love.  Instead of a cold shoulder, we could be mindful of how much we do love this individual, and give them a hug saying, "I really need to think this over."    This keeps the door to communication open and we are not adding to the already long list of complaints.

Thich Nhat Hanh suggests by staying in the moment, remembering that we are all impermanent, we will cherish our loved ones more.  So it becomes important to treat each other with loving respect, letting the minor offenses fall, as we keep our hearts and minds open.  It becomes most important that our loved ones are continuously told how much they are loved.

"Oh, they know how much I love them," is what many folks say, but people want to hear the loving words and not assume.
In remembering impermanence, we learn to reframe what we say:  "I love you dearly, but I do not like your behavior.  I cannot imagine my life without you, but I cannot agree to these decisions."  So there is a balance to what we say, and it is said calmly with love.  It is honest communication that aligns us.

In each present moment, I will try to be mindful of my own impermanence.  I will endeavor to cherish the good in every one and all things hopefully becoming fresher and more loving.

To Dream of Change

 Dream

and give your self permission

to envision a "YOU"

that you choose to be.

Joy Page

When you are snuggled in the safety of your own bed, you need to give your self a hug of acceptance and love.  You need to stop the words of criticism flowing through your brain and you know exactly the ones I mean.

"You are not good enough!"

"You never do anything right!"

"No one is ever going to love you!"

"If any one ever really knew you ... "

Original words of criticism are words usually spoken to you prior to the age of three.  They are held captive, creating deeper and deeper groves while being played over and over again and collecting other degrading words along the way.  Those words no longer serve you and you need to gently let them go.

Quietly in your bed, you need to focus on a bright light of love, letting it cover us entirely inside and out.  This bright light can be associated with any thing or any one you hold with respect and love.  It can be as simple as a moon beam, sunshine, angels, the light of Christ, or Divine Spirit.  Let this light wash over you, cleansing you of all negative thoughts. 

Allow this light to be unconditional love, bathing you in healing energy, and empowering you to dream of a positive life waiting for you.  Feel that you are surrounded by love and the Universe is encouraging you to move forward into the light.

As you dream, see your self dancing in the light, laughing and being happy while surrounded by loved ones.  Let the sense of worthiness fill your being.  Know with all of your heart that you are perfectly capable of accomplishing your dreams.

As your head rests on your pillow, begin to explore what changes are needed for you to proceed.  Imagine what you might want to do that will trigger the beginning of your dream. Start small with your plans, but visualize the entire dream come true.

You must be willing to change, and to be able to over come your resistance.  Know in your heart that everyone deserves happiness and everyone, including yourself, is deeply loved.  Open your heart to possibilities and dream a little dream.  Relax into it.  Give your self permission to think big.  What truly is your desire.

When a dream takes form, hold it in a sacred space in your heart.  Use all of your senses ... feel it, see it, hear it, touch it, and speak of it out loud.  Be aware of Divine Spirit supporting you and wanting you to succeed.  Ask for support and guidance.  Believe that anything, in time, can happen.

You must begin, however.  You must initiate the first steps and then follow through.  You must see your dream every morning and every night.  It is vitally important to think of it at meal times, mid-morning, and afternoon.  The more you can breathe it into being, the stronger it will become, attracting what you need.  

Be steadfast, disallowing 'ney sayers' but listening to solid advice that will perpetuate your dream.  Believe change will come.  Stand before a mirror and really, (I mean REALLY), look at yourself.  Love the new you before you.  Imagine with all your heart that the light shining through you is a reflection of love you deserve.

Carry your dream wherever you go, noticing the changes going on around you.  As long as you are working towards goodness without any harm to an other, the light will kindle change within you.

Southern Wise Women

For most of history

'anonymous' was a woman.

Virginia Woolf

Upon moving to Nashville, Tennessee, I attended a spiritual discussion group at Scarett~Barrett in hopes of meeting new friends.  The woman I randomly sat next to just happened to have been born in Peoria, Illinois, within an hours drive from where I used to live.  This synchronicity brought surprise, laughter, and the beginnings of friendship.  When Judy learned of my interest in writing, she graciously invited me to attend a writing group at the senior center, Fifty Forward.

From the very first writing group, I felt warmly welcomed by true "Southern Hospitality."  All of these women were seniors to me and they have grown to be the elders I have never had.  Those in attendance, week after week, seemed to be unaware of the wisdom they held.  They are bearers of history, reflectors of family development, and conquerors of life's many challenges.

Each author takes a turn to read a piece of her memoir, poem, or creative writing.  With each testimony, the stories wrap themselves around my heart.  These women share personal insights into lives that I have previously never experienced.  There is no extended family in my life, and these women unknowingly have become respected and admired grandmothers, aunts, and sisters, blessing my life.

Wanda's fingers are always knitting as she listens at the table.  Her words are so descriptive I feel as though I have sat in her son's home up in the mountains appreciating nature's panoramic view.  Carolyn, with all of her southern sweetness shares her next detailed account of family history with names and dates written in exacting penmanship.  After the reading, she neatly folds the letter into a stamped envelope to be mailed to grandchildren and great grandchildren.  Betty's writings bring back my own memories of childhood times spent in Wisconsin.  We have chatted about places of interest we have both visited.  Janie at times seems to be unconcomfortable to have everyone's attention, but she is a natural storyteller of her younger years.  Sharing her early thyroid treatments, her words remain crystal clear.  Sybil is the eldest of the group, I believe in her mid-nineties.  She has a spry and spunky spirit that has experienced a life of adventure with her own sense of style.  Lou is our leader.  I sense that she has held many responsible positions throughout her life, mastering them all.  She appears somewhat stern upon first meeting her, but I have learned that she has a heart filled with gold.  Sitting next to her every week, I have sensed she would extend a loving hand to help anyone if a need should ever arise.  She may have accomplished more serious writing than all of us put together, but it is not her style to show it.  Alice appears as though she has placed her life in God's hands so she can experience life innocently and simply.  Her faith is portrayed between her written words, giving testimony to the presence of God in the midst of her life.  Although there are other remarkable women in this group, I will lastly mention Ann.  She reads from her memoirs and frequently speaks of her grandsons, Harry and Jack, especially Jack.  It is only with the passing of time that I have recognized my self while looking into the heart of this woman.  There is an uncanny parallel between our lives, and I find her to be a kindred spirit!

At this time and place, my ten months in Nashville, Tennessee, are drawing to a close.  I am eternally grateful for the synchronicity in meeting Judy.  Her kind heartedness introduced me to to people, places, and events, but most importantly her heart and home.  I have started the transition back into a full life waiting for me in Illinois.  I will return to Nashville for ample visits with my daughter and perhaps we shall all gather again.

Thank you, thank you, and thank you.

May Divine Spirit always surround you.

Leaving Nashville ...

We must be willing

to let go of the life

we planned

so as to have the life

that is waiting for us.

Johann von Goethe

My move to Nashville ten months ago was a forever move.  I began to create a new life for my self and although it was not what I had, Nashville offered many adventures and opportunities.  At times I became immobile by the process of the old dying away and the new being born.  The challenge or lesson often overwhelmed me.  Through perseverance, however, I made an extraordinaire spiritual transition accompanied by the loving support of my daughter (both emotional and physical), family I met along the way, and sisters of my heart.

I attended classes at The Estuary, Vanderbilt Center for Integrative Health, Scarritt~Bennett, Integrative Health Center, and Kundalini Yoga Center.  Following open hearted meditations daily, my spiritual life opened to forgiveness and healing.  Experiencing many insights into my own personal issues, my perception changed dramatically.  Compassion for my self and others flourished.

During my residence in Nashville, I experienced a synchronistic meeting with a woman who had been born in Peoria, Illinois, not far from where I had lived.  She

was a kindred spirit who introduced me to a Writer’s Group and a Book Club which met my basic needs of writing and reading.  I soon had my library card and

frequented the Nashville branch library.  My daughter brought me to parks,

festivals, art shows, and gatherings allowing me to feel settled in my new surroundings.  We frequented many restaurants that reminded me of growing up in Chicago with wonderful neighborhood eateries.  Ted’s is possibly my favorite restaurant with bison burgers accompanied (right around the building) by Scarlett Begonia my favorite shop offering free trade from Ecuador.   The Nashville Zoo, The Southern Book Festival, Shakespeare in the Park, Centennial Park, Crockett Park, Radnor Lake, all offered walks of contemplation and laughter.  One highlight for sure was watching my dear Joy’s sell out performance with John Paul as “Civil Wars” at the Ryman! 

Although cloistered much of the time, I found companionship in the writings of Alan Cohen and Mark Nepo to mention just a few.  Posting on my blog became my daily life line to the outside world.  It was a place to release my expanding and contracting journey with spiritual growth.   My dear spiritual sisters endeavored to SKYPE with me every week while others were with me in spirit offering love, light, and energy. 

After four months of exclusion, I revisited my past relationship back in Illinois discovering the dramatic change that occurred within his own life.  We began

to carefully reconsider what could be rekindled from our past nine year union.

Through a long series of couples counseling in Nashville and individual counseling, hope settled in.  I do not believe if I had not been experiencing open heart meditations, I would have been able to embrace the life which now opened before me.  Reconciliation can be successful only with the convergence of two hard working individuals willing to make changes for the betterment of self and of each other.

In a few weeks, I will transition back to my life in Springfield, Illinois.  Those of you who have remained close will understand how this has come to be.   I will always be indebted with a thankful heart for my daughter’s compassion and enduring love, as I leave one way of living for another.  Although I will frequent Nashville with ample visits, my heart will now stretch and grow back in the Midwest. 

I am letting go of what I had planned and find my self stepping into the life that is waiting for me. 

"Be willing to be a beginner every single morning,"

says Meister Eckhart.

And so I being again ...

Earth Day 2012

We hear many prophecies of catastrophe and doom,

but it seems to me that the worst thing that could happen

would be for things to stay the way they are.

Werner Erhard

There have been so many predictions it becomes difficult to discern the truth.  Part of me says, "Stay in the moment," while another screams, "Prepare!"  Immorality and fear seem to be the basis for the paintings of our future.

Chemicals have damaged the air we breathe, the water we drink, all things in nature and depths of our earth.  Is this all driven by greed and control?  We seem to be living in a toxic civilization and how much longer before Mother Earth simply revolts!

There are transformations happening, but will they be enough to alter the course we seem to be on?  Spiritual groups across the planet have been trying to harmonize human beings through meditations, loving kindness and service to the land.  There are numerous communities turning to a more simple life and a healthier way of existing.  More studies are being made to discover new ways to harness the natural energies that would not be harmful to the earth.

People are demonstrating love and service to strangers across the world.  People are reaching out to help others, no matter who they are or where they live.  Compassion and support rather than domination and greed are becoming more prevalent.  By loving ourselves and each other, negative ways will become smaller and positive action will bring healing.

Perhaps my thinking is too small, but at least I am thinking.  I may not have the money nor the connections to improve a rain forest but I sure can help with a community garden.  I may not be able to save an impoverished community in another country, but I can recognize and improvise to help meet the needs of a neighbor. 

We can begin with a simple plan by asking our selves what we can personally do.  Some women knit or crochet blankets, hats, and mittens.  Some men volunteer with packing and distributing food to specific areas in need.  Retired teachers and builders have spent vacation time in other countries teaching the impoverished how to build shelter, clean their water, and live healthier.  Doctors bring vaccines and dentists repair as they can.  There are programs to teach others how to read or speak English.  Energy workers and prayer groups are praying for the healing of our earth.  Mentors are needed for young unprepared mothers.  Apprentices are being trained to learn a trade that builds self-esteem and contributes to a community.  Children are donating their Christmas presents and even younger ones have donated the money from lemonade stands.  There is something for each of us to do.  We must start!

Our world needs all peoples, not just the highly connected political or military.  It is our world and we must care for it.  We must believe we can make a change even if it is by starting small.  Maybe by gathering a few friends together to brain storm can create a plan of action. 

We are all connected and the barriers placed between us must come down.  Through love and compassion and by embracing diversity we can make this a better place for our children and grandchildren to live. 

I loved to swim ...

With the gift of listening

comes the gift of healing.

Catherine de Hueck

We can learn a lot about our selves when we pay attention to the words we use and the facts we share.  We may even surprise our selves by what unexpectedly comes out. 

Many years ago, while attending a meeting, I was seated by a gentleman I did not know.  He asked me about myself and what I most liked to do.  I immediately responded, "Oh, I love to swim!"  Then I sat with those words for a long time.

As a youngster, I loved the water and I became a life guard when I was a young adult.  I grew up on Lake Michigan, but also had access to a pool on a regular basis.  In college I was a good strong swimmer, but lacked style and grace.   So, yes, I loved to swim ... past tense.

Facing this unknown gentleman, he immediately picked up on the pensive look on my face.  Being a good listener, he encouraged me to explain.  As we often bare our souls to total strangers, I proceeded to tell him I had just realized how disconnected I apparently was with my self.  Yes, I had loved to swim, but had not been in a bathing suit for years.  The very thought of being in a bathing suit gave me the willies!

Sorting out my feelings while I talked, I soon realized that it was the water I always loved and still loved.  It doesn't matter if it is an ocean, lake, pond, stream or bath tub, I am calmed just by being by the water.  The water some how relaxes and comforts me.  It is also cleansing.

After my meeting and the nice man departed, I continued to ponder his original question, "What do I like to do?"  This innocent question sent me on a quest to rediscover myself and to determine what no longer suited me.  What did I want to bring more of into my life?  There was so much to choose from:  painting, writing, reading, and collecting antique dishes, spoons, boxes, napkins, etc ...

Eventually, I updated the activities in my life and found more creative ways to express who I was.  I began listening to others about their own passions and what how these interests played out in their lives.  I listened more attentively to community announcements finding classes and workshops to expand my skills.

So the art of listening works both ways.  We must first listen to our inner voice to really connect with our heart's desire.  It helps to monitor our own conversations for authentic reflection.  Then as we listen to others we can enhance our understanding and skill.  We can creatively act upon our dreams and desires, but if we don't first listen, how will we ever know?

Crisp Clarity

In order to be full

you have to empty yourself

completely of yourself.

Eknath Easwaran

Thoughts for the Day

This morning I eagerly took my coffee onto the back patio to sit in my white wicker rocker and to enjoy the beauty of the morn.  The sun was out and the singing of the birds floated on the currents of the spring breeze. 

I, of course, was not alone.  I was accompanied by the inspirational writings of Mark Nepo, Alan Cohen, and a large collection of poems.  I feel open to breathe in the beauty of the morning and willing to experience new thought.  I was prepared.

Eknath Easwaran in the Thought for the Day, speaks of how we must empty our inner self in order to have room for fullness.  For me, this is not new news.  I find my self doing an internal 'spring cleaning' pretty much every day.  I endeavor to discard all that no longer supports me and everything that is nothing more than emotional baggage.  And yet, as I read these words this morning, I can only sigh in acknowledgement of having too much still attached within me.

I stretch my awareness in hopes of recognizing the criticisms and negative attitudes lurking in my mind.  I long for crisp clarity which will allow me to hear the slightest spiritual motion bringing me into the true sense of the presence of now. 

I realize spiritual moments are fleeting and it is impossible to live endlessly in bliss while navigating through this physical experience we call life.  It is unrealistic to expect to be in splendor all day long, so I seek it of the morning.  I wait for it in the early hours as my day begins.  If by chance I can glimpse a magical moment with insight or wisdom, I can face my day with calm and kindness.

And what if I cannot capture this experience during my morning coffee?  Well, of course the perfect answer might be to remain present in my white wicker rocker well into a meditation with lunch!  Maybe only rain will drive me back in without the support I need.  When asked what I have done today, "Spring cleaning," always seems to keep further questions at bay. 

When Family Gathers ...

 

Love does not dominate;

it cultivates.

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Gathering dear friends through the front door, I glanced down to discover the clematis I planted last year.  It had several deep purple blossoms fully opened graciously greeting our guests.  It had already began its climb up the trellis with plenty of new buds.

Everyone had brought food to share and delicious aromas filled the air.  Monkey Bread, Egg Casserole, Cheesy Potatoes, Fresh Fruit Salad, Spinach Salad, Biltmore's Famous Bacon/Cheese/Onion Dip with lots of veggies, Ham, and a Summer Delight Strawberry Dessert.  There were plenty of Mimosas and Sangrias passed around as these wonderful human beings formed a community of love around the dining room table.

Funny stories were once again told and updates of other friends were shared.  The conversation was relaxed, fun, and nurturing as we counted our blessings and shared thoughts about our families of origin spread across the United States.

Ignoring the dirty dishes, we spilled outside to the patio table and chairs where the hours leisurely slipped by.  A few folks continued on to other commitments, but the original core remained in the beautiful outdoors soaking up the sunshine and passing our new little Juniper Rose around, now nearly three months old.

There is nothing like sitting in a circle of friends where dreams, disappointments and fears can be safely shared.  I find myself amazed at the lengthy journeys already made by some people who are only thirty.  It pleases my heart to hear them report how they navigated through their challenges and in spite of the odds became wiser for the wear and tear.  Several times I felt my spirit lift in celebration of the resilience of the storyteller.  It isn't always the case to find a wiser soul at the end of a story.  When the challenge has not been mastered a bitter and unhappy person stands before you ... still struggling  ... still waiting to be rescued ... and all one can do is extend love, light, and energy. 

As evening drew near, we retreated into the house and snuggled into the family room where the conversation shifted to still another level.  We began to focus on things unseen and the world at large.  Our minds began to embrace new and different ideas accompanied by personal revelations. 

Ah, the safety of friends deemed 'family'.  I looked into the faces of those surrounding me and I felt inspired, loved, and hopeful.  I was inspired by individual stories that could only be told in safe boundaries.  I felt loved by the acceptance and compassion received from those who listened.  I was extremely hopeful that more and more people were reaching inside and configuring new dreams based upon their now recognizable strengths.  And laughter, the great healing agent when family gathers!

Little Opportunities

Opportunities multiply

as they are seized.

Sun Tzu

There is much to be said for major life changing experiences requiring deep thought and consideration.  We frequently forget, however, the little opportunities that can collectively shape the direction of our lives.

When paying attention, our daily lives are filled with small exchanges that when acted upon, adjusts our self-respect and shifts our perception of others.  When we stay in the moment, we are much more apt to catch the little opportunities to bring a breath of fresh air or a ray of sunshine into life.

The other day, I was sitting at an outdoor cafe enjoying coffee.  I am a people watcher, love to sketch, and frequently jot notes into my journal.  While I enjoyed my morning, the behavior of the people around me became teachers of the gifts found in the little moments of our day.

At a table near by, a woman sat by herself staring into her cup of coffee.  A muffin sat on her plate, untouched.  Her body language reflected an attitude of loneliness, slouched as though she were carrying a heavy weight.   A small part of me thought of striking up a conversation (Spirit probably nudging me), but I was settled in and looked the other way.

A short time passed and the tables were full.  A new woman was carrying around her breakfast tray looking for a place to sit.  She approached the woman whom appeared lonely and asked, "Might I join you just for a little bit?"  The body language of the lonely woman immediately shifted.  She perked up, sat straighter, and a warm smile spread across her face as she replied, "Oh, please do!"  As I watched, they ended up sharing their food and fell into a lively conversation like old friends. 

This was a little opportunity, nothing earth shattering or life changing, but significant changes were made.  The lonely woman's spirit was lifted, she felt included, and with the possibility of a new friend.  The other woman more than likely felt so glad she acted upon the nudge she felt to join the lonely woman.  She, too, must have felt happier and appreciated. 

Through out our day, we have little incidents pop up where we can decide to act selfishly or to honor the spirit of an other.   We may find a perfect parking spot right near the door, but choose the one three cars down as a gift to someone else.  We may allow the person with a grocery cart with only a few items to cut in line in front of us or wave another driver of a car to get in line ahead of us when the traffic is jammed. 

There are millions of little things.  A simple smile for a stranger, assistance to someone who is struggling with a door, help gather papers that have just been dropped or send a short random e-mail to a friend who has been on your mind.

Small and seemingly insignificant actions can change the attitude of someone for the remainder of the day.  Simple attention to a small detail may allow a loner to feel a part of a group.  To be included, rather than shut-out of a conversation can lift self-esteem and change the immediate perception of life. 

We don't have to wait for a financial wind fall to help others.  We don't need to wait for the perfect volunteer position. Through little opportunites, we can become instruments of peace, happiness, and kindness.  In return, our spirits will soar!

Hope Resides

I find hope in the darkest of days,
and focus in the brightest.
I do not judge the universe.

Dalai Lama



The twisted spell in my darkened mind has finally shattered and hope resides! This beautiful spring day fills my heart once again with joy, and fear no longer holds me in place.

I am reminded of what I learned from Eckhart Tolle in THE NEW EARTH. He wisely spoke of the pain body residing within us begging for drama and to be fed with extreme emotion. He advised that we stay present in the moment, be aware of the demands of the pain body, and to quietly wait for calm to return. He suggests we do not allow ego to pull us further into the drama or pain. This can be accomplished by staying in the moment.

Hope is pulling me forward today, tomorrow, and the next.   Feeling somewhat rebirthed, after loitering in the labor of darkness, I am building inner strength to be my 'old' self again.  I am once again ready to trust, to believe, and to experience hope eternal! 

Precious Moment

Don't let the thought of future

(or past)

obscure the preciousness

of the present.

Eckhart Tolle

Over the years, I learned that for me personally, I cannot dwell on the past or else I get overwhelmed with sadness; I cannot look too far into the future as I too easily get overwhelmed; but if I stay in the present moment, I can manage just fine.  And I sense this is what Eckhart Tolle is suggesting to us.

Our fast paced society has us believing we must be "doing" something each and every minute rather than "being" in each available minute.  This is not to say we should be sitting around like zombies. 

The importance is to remember each moment offers calm or beauty or messages.  If we are too much in a hurry, our stress will build.  If we have our heads buried in reports not looking up, we may miss the lovely flower outside of our window.  If we are totally occupied in our own thoughts rather than listening in the moment, we may miss a message that the Universe provides.

So as our lives go speeding by, let us try to slow down while maintaining an awareness of precious moments happening right now.  The gift may be just a gentle moment of calm, a sweet fragrance drifting in the air, or an insightful comment spoken by another.  Simply be aware in each moment and notice the difference.

Perceptions and Alignment

Equally, we require a collective past ~

hence the endless reinterpretations of history,

frequently to suit the perceptions of the present.

Penelope Lively

Perceptions govern our lives.  What we see, feel or do are based on how we perceive truth.  It may not be someone else's truth, but it will be our personal perception of the occurrence of things.  At times, our perceptions may be perfectly aligned with some one else's or even from the collective consciousness accumulating over time and space.  When such alignment occurs, we can find ourselves experiencing overwhelming emotion.

Dr. Wayne Dyer has been a world wide presenter and author for many years.  He isn't just 'seasoned.'  In my perception, he is a willing instrument of Spirit, and is used frequently to touch the hearts of those who hear or read his work. 

Dr. Dyer was on tour and presented one of his lectures at the San Pietro Abbey in Assisi, Italy.  His words were based on the life of St. Francis of Assisi.  The audience was filled with eager listeners and found themselves experiencing Wayne Dyer aligned with the perceptions of the man, Francis.

Towards the end of his presentation, Dr. Dyer told a story that had been passed down in time about St. Francis meeting a leper.  St. Francis was very afraid of lepers, but he forced him self to interact with this particular leper.  He extended kindness in spite of his overwhelming fear.  In this story, the leper turns out to be Jesus thanking St. Francis for his faithful attention to others in spite of his personal safety and fears.  Reportedly, St. Francis was overwhelmed by emotion and broke down in tears. 

At the ending of this story, the audience noticed Wayne Dyer with tears streaming down his face.  He did not try to wipe them away nor did he try to explain the alignment he felt at that moment with the feelings of St. Francis.  In support of the unusual moment, the audience lifted their hands in silence while Wayne Dyer wept.

This experience with perceptions and alignment can happen to any one at any time or any place.  It most generally will catch the person off guard, totally unsuspecting of the possibility and experiencing overwhelming emotion.  Often times, the person will respond by saying, "I don't know what came over me."

I have had such an experience, and perhaps one day I will share it.  It happened when I aligned myself with the stars ...

Rainmaker by Clarissa Pinkola Estes

RAINMAKER: YOU COULD BE THE WATER ...

By the scent of water alone,

the withered vine comes back to life,

and thus ... wherever the land is dry and hard,

you could be the water;

or you could be the iron blade

disking the earth open;

or you could be the 'acequia',

the mother ditch, carrying the water

from the river to the fields

to grow the flowers for the farmers;

or you could be the honest engineer

mapping the dams that must be taken down,

and those dams which could remain to serve

the venerable all, instead of only the very few.

You could be the battered vessel

for carrying the water by hand;

or you could be the one

who stores the water.

You could be the one who

protects the water,

or the one who blesses it,

or the one who pours it.

Or you could be the tired ground

that receives it;

or you could be the scorched seed

that drinks it;

or you could be the vine,

green-growing overland,

in all your wild audacity ...

Untie the Strong Woman

Clarissa Pinkola Estes, PhD

It is important for each one of us to discover the role we play in the greater scheme of things.  We must identify our strengths and use them accordingly.  There is no role too small or insignificant as we all form the whole together.