Physical Writing Routine

Physical preparation for writing is a ritual for me.  I generally light a candle, gather a few books or journals, and quiet my mind.  I know in my heart I do not need to be in a specific place to allow my words to flow.  I can be in differing locations for any length of time.  Sometimes, I write more profoundly in a short period of time and more lofty when there is more time allowed.

In the winter, as part of my ritual,  I like to be near a window or in front of a fireplace.  Spring time calls me outdoors to write, but the heat of summer turns me back indoors.  In the fall, my ritual calls me to go for a walk and breathe in everything around me.  I soon feel complete, surrounded by love and accepted through nature's compassion.  When I open my journal, my hand can hardly write fast enough for my pen to express all that I feel.

Physically, my hand writing is probably more emotional than when I use the computer.  I seem to reach deeper inside when my fingers can fly across the keys.  I keep a journal in my purse, car, desk, and by my bed.  If I do not record something immediately, I will forget the exact word and only emotion will remain. So I guess my ritual really is quite flexible depending upon where I am in the moment.

My writing ritual could be reduced to obtaining pen and paper, any where, any time, and with any emotion.  I am a writer, and although I enjoy props to begin my daily practice, the authentic ritual remains in my heart and soul.  It is called beginning.

Moving From Overwhelm To Action

I have always told myself stories about writing.  Tales such as being able to write only in the morning, which is nonsense. Another falsehood is telling myself I write well only when I am depressed.

When I was in high school, my writing was very dark.  Writing was a safe outlet for me, and a coping skill. When I gained more positive control over my life, my writing became lighter in subject matter.  It reflected my ability to appreciate the goodness surrounding me.

Recently, my writing lost its depth.  I had been writing rather intensely, but then it started taking on a different nature.  With observation, I realized what had changed.  I had adopted my dog, Bella, from the animal control shelter.  My interaction with her, taking walks, having chats, and creating a bond has definitely brightened my mood.  I had not realized until Bella’s arrival, how lonely I have been. Loneliness not only alters the mood of my writing, but also causes me to question my ability to write.

Perhaps I am just more expressive when I feel challenged or bothered by an issue or two.  I seem to have more words for sadness than I do joyfulness.  Writing serves a variety of purposes, spanning a wide birth of emotions.   A pause in our writing may be making room for a new style or form of writing.  Maybe an entirely new project is waiting to come forth.

It is important to keep writing no matter what.  Continued use primes the pump for future awareness.

Return to the Arena

"Nonresistance, non judgment, and non attachment

are the three aspects of true freedom and enlightened living."

Eckhart Tolle

Recently, I attended the wedding of my youngest son.  I was so excited for him, but also overwhelmed by the prospect of seeing many people who have been absent from my life for over 20 years.  Mind chatter was on over load with thoughts of who would or wouldn't talk to me; how I have aged; and how would I re-enter an arena I had once chosen to leave.  

A month before the event, I began to send positive energy forward, visualizing myself comfortable, having fun, and being at ease.  I requested sisters of my heart to send prayers for me to be able to present well for my son,  his gathered guests, and my self as well.  Remaining positive, I knew, was the key.

I was determined to remain totally my self.  I avoided the temptation to go back to who I used to be or to see others in judgment based on my own fears.  I let go of all attachments and no longer resisted the opportunity to greet people from the past.

Instead of focusing in on old drama, I used a panoramic lens to view others in their own uneasiness.  I moved forward with warm greetings and inquired about their life without any personal attachment.  I even enjoyed hearing their stories.  

This was such a good opportunity for me to practice what I deeply believe.   Once I turned off my inner critic, I could focus on enjoying the moment ... no resistance, no judgment, and no attachment.  I am free, so very free to be me!

Internal Conversations

"We're the only ones who hear our internal conversations,

who know when we withdraw or feel inspired."

Pema Chodron

We can come up with endless excuses as to why we are not writing.  Excuses can be very real, sincere responsibilities, promised commitments, or necessities of life.  We may believe it is a part of our nature to care take everyone under the sun, using the remaining energy for ourselves ... to climb into bed.  Our character is dependent upon doing for others and we strive to be dependable.  The problem is we could do so much better for others if we nurtured ourselves half as much as we nurtured others.

The key question is "What do I need?"  There is nothing selfish about reserving a small portion or a large section of time, actually written on our calendar, just for our lovely selves.  When we check in with our heart, do we feel the need to withdraw from the maddening crowd or do we want to create with our inspired thoughts?  The final decision is made in our minds with our own thought processes.  We are the ones who get in our own way.  Something, perhaps ego or guilt, convinces us we are unworthy or undeserving to stake a claim for what we need.  We may feel as though we don't deserve the private time.  Maybe we are embarrassed to tell others we just want to write.

In reality, we are not required to tell anyone about our writing if we feel challenged by doing so.  If we are obligated to offer an excuse for our absence or private time, just simply report there is business to be tended to or a meeting.  This is not lying, as our writing is our business and we are meeting with our minds, hearts and souls.

The decision to write is created in our own minds.  Distractions are allowed by our selves.  When we take our writing seriously, treat it with respect and honor our authentic thoughts, our words will flow.

Little Deaths towards Truth

"The Crone shows us that this phase involves a truth telling, and for that, a kind of death is required. It requires a letting go, a leave-taking of the aspects of our life that we thought of as permanent: ways of living; modes of communicating; the choices that we make; our relationship to ourselves and others; how we act on the things that matter most to us; how we relate to our bodies – both in health and in illness; how we pursue our life’s purpose. Facing these truths – and acting on them – requires a deconstruction of the old ways of doing and being. It requires both subtle and radical change. It requires a million little deaths."

Kristen Roderick © www.spiritmoving.org | Artwork by by Jeanie Tomanek

To move forward, a person usually has to let go of something to make room for the new.  We can think of it as shedding parts of our selves we no longer use or are no longer an accurate  reflection.  As we evolve, we alter our thoughts, words and actions to be more in alignment with our present day truth.  This release of old ways may involve friends, clothing, habits, or anything we have been associated.  

If we live by the truth and not the fantasy stories we tell our gullible selves, we will be in harmony with our existence.  Maintaining an awareness of our personal truth, it becomes easier to move forward.  It is important not to get emotionally stuck in what we are leaving behind.  We must place our focus on the steps awaiting us, leading us into a better perception of our selves and our purpose.  

When we are diligently paying attention, we will recognize opportunities awaiting us.  Each moment offers an insight and we decide whether to carry it or not.  With the newly provided space within us, we are not interested in just filling it up.  We want to be thoughtful, wise, and intentional in our choices.

It is important to give our selves permission to change.  When we fully embrace the creative space to grow more authentic, we have plenty of room for new growth.  We can stretch into our full truth with more energy and integrity we have ever had! 

What Routine Supports You?

Time for writing is predetermined, so even when I am not in the mood, I slip into my creative space where I am easily inspired. My writing space is always reaching out to welcome me and it is easy for me to settle in.  I am surrounded with things that comfort me. Favorite books inspire me.  Candles beckon the light to find me.  I visualize nature and I feel a connection with all there is.

In this peaceful space, I can easily slide into the flow of writing.  Experience has taught me to just begin.  Get started even if the destination is not clear. Once I stop over-thinking, words begin to flow out of my pen.  Even though I may be unsure of what I want to say, this routine reminds me that something of worth always comes forth.  I know this time allotted for writing is always time well spent.

Routine can be altered or shifted to a different time or space, but to be without it even for a day, I feel less grounded and not as likely to embrace the life around me.  Actually, the word itself (routine) does not appeal to me.  It sounds too rigid, forced, or boring.  It builds resistance within me.

I  no longer tell my self stories about how I can only write with a certain pen or a specific place or only of a morning. I do not restrict my self to a certain journal or computer.  In my heart, I know all of those stories only delay my creative expression. I much prefer to refer to my routine as the special time of my day.

Maintain Balance and Hope

"Don't be swayed 

by external

circumstances."

Mind-Training Slogan of Atisha

When we witness hate in our own communities, it is difficult to know what to do.  It is best to not get overwhelmed by focusing on everything that is failing.  We can best help by remaining calm, centered, and prayerful.  

Collectively and individually, we can hold peace in our body, mind, and spirit.  Every ounce of kindness distributed to others, creates a ripple effect.  When others see us reaching out without judgement, they too will be so inclined.  Through meditation, prayers, contemplation or mindfulness, we can keep light shining to draw in peace.

If we remain mindful of the beauty in this world, and of the loving hearts of others, we will continue to maintain balance and hope.  We need to carry on with our very best intentions, moving goodness forward.  

While society bears down on us, we all have choices ... to hate, to argue. to judge or to love.  Whatever option we create in our lives, it will draw the same to us.  If we can change no other, than at least let us master kindness through our very own actions.

Five Minute Celebrations

A guest, Elaine, at our writers group shared her new five minute celebration.  It involved taking pause to recognize the good we do or the small completions that otherwise may go unnoticed.  Instead of using energy to override the inner critic, why not use it to focus on small achievements.

This  gesture of celebration has lifted my spirits and has had an overall validation of all things great and small.  When I am with a child, I hear myself say, “You did it, you did it!”  When I walk my lovely dog, Bella, I repeatedly tell her, “Good girl, good girl!” So in the briefest of moments sprinkled throughout my day, I now hear my own words, “Good job, good job!”

It takes so little time to make a child smile or a pet wag it’s tail.  Such little effort with wonderful results.  It just requires awareness and a few kind words.  Words, lovely, lovely words.

Diligence in the Face of Criticism

"There is more than one way to burn a book.

And the world is full of people

running about with lit matches."

Ray Bradbury

Within both public and personal libraries, there are shelves holding books that may interest only one reader.  So be it.  The effort and hard work by an author never deserves to be burned.  I can well imagine how many extraordinary writings are nonchalantly stashed into binders or folders, never to be seen until the author passes.  Then with any luck, a grandchild or assistant will discover these unedited pieces with family, friends, and perhaps community.

Julia Cameron is the author of numerous books, one entitled, "The Right to Write".  I love this little book as it is filled with endless examples writers create to discourage themselves from writing, and many strike too close to home.  The motive for our writing aught not be recognized by society. Our intention is the opportunity to share what comes from our heartfelt experiences.

A long time ago, I came across an article about handling criticism.  There were three easy steps.  1.) Listen carefully to the critic.  2.) Honestly discern if any part of what has been stated is true. 3.) If we discover even the slightest reflection of truth, we need to act on the awareness or if no part of the review resonates after careful inspection, then let it go.

It is important to have reminders that we are our own worst critics.  We, the writers, are often more hard on ourselves than others.   Whether a inner or outer critic confronts us, we owe it our efforts to listen as it were an opportunity for growth.  This does not mean we need to take everything to heart and it most definitely means we must routinely sweep the cobwebs out of our heads.  Regard all suggestions as well intended opportunities for growth without insult or threat. Diligence is what keeps a writer moving forward.

Repeat, Then Pause

"In all things in nature

there is something 

of the marvelous."

Aristotle 

(350 BC)

There are some music tapes or Cd's I cannot bear to listen to any more.  I am simply tired of them or they remind me of events I no longer wish to remember.  There are very few books I will read more than once, no matter how dear they are to me.  I would like to think my memory serves me so well, I easily get bored with repetition.  Then again, it might be the result of a short attention span.  

The exception to this pattern of disliking repetition is being in nature.  I routinely return to the ocean, never really ready to leave it, but knowing I must.  There are energy vortexes in Sedona, Arizona, I have visited numerous times, and yet continue to long for another trip.  Trips to Maui, St Thomas or Alaska are revisited.  Then there are trips I have shared with my daughter to Seattle,  San Diego, New York, and San Francisco, I would duplicate any of them in a heart beat.  

This all encompassing world shares nature in a variety of forms.  Any one of them I willingly repeat. There is something about being 'out' in the world that totally stimulates me.  There seems to be an abundance of energy just waiting for me to inhale.  As I breathe in the life surrounding me, I see nothing but beauty with delicate harmony.  Trees, water, expanding skies, mountains, valleys, sunsets and gentle fragrances floating on the edge of a breeze.  What could possibly be more intimate than quietly watching the moon move across the stars.  When I can no longer push the repeat button, I will gladly rest in pause.

What If Your Interest In Writing Dies

 I have passion in  moments of thought, but rarely is it never ending.  My spectrum of topics is very wide, so I never seem to run out of ideas to explore.  So what is it that interrupts my passion for writing?  I find it to be a variety of things:  not enough time; too much time; denial of feelings; or overwhelming incidents.  Clearly, my writing is an outlet and when it is not utilized, my thoughts get cloudy , emotional, and are far from being grounded.

I do not believe my interest in writing would ever die. Writing is an integral part of me.  It is one of the ways I get in touch with my self.  It is important for me to discover just what it is lurking under my surface.

If my interests would die, it would be a bold alert that something was very wrong.  It would reflect a part of me had died, had given up or become totally untethered.  If I have stopped writing, trust me, I would still be writing in my head!

What My Writings Can Do For Others

Although writers are very individualistic, we often share similar incidents.  Our reactions to situations may be diverse, but experiencing another perspective can either challenge us to raise questions or bring us to peace with new understandings.

Writings are all words that have been stated before. , perhaps in a different style.  My individual slant may awaken a past forgotten concept. It may trigger a reverie where the reader can escape with their own situation.

My hope is if I share my writing, another person may be called to do the same.  My intention is not to teach, but to stimulate someone else into personal insight.  My words are verbs for the Universe to use as instruments  to reach the minds of others.  I trust the Divine will have my words take on meaning that will best fit each reader.

The benefit of my writing is some what self-serving, but also a gesture to connect with like minded souls who are seeking or experiencing a similar spiritual path.  Through my words, I can create a connection that might not otherwise be experienced.

Option: Change the End of the Story

Writing has always been my escape and with creativity I have generously contributed to stories.  Like anything else, too much of one thing can become a negative.  Not only were my stories presented on paper, they continuously played out in my head, drilling in the exact same ending.

Not too long ago, I was living a life of spiritual content.  Oh the lofty visions and inspirations! When I rescued my dog, Bella, from the shelter, I became grounded in every way.  As my time with her extended, my spiritual lore lifted and I found myself surrounded by reality.

As a story teller, living in reality is not as much fun as the delusion of epic fantasy.  So I learned to combine my newly discovered reality with the beauty of my spiritual beliefs.  I began to change my story.

The stories portraying me in a negative scenario soon fell away.  My grounded realizations brought the comfort of singing birds, swaying trees, and the dance of the moon.

Stars still call to me from the sky, but I look up at them rather than swing from them.  My feet are firmly placed upon this gentle earth, and I find myself to be the benefactor of both worlds.

A Place to Begin

"But to be brave without compassion,

or generous without self-restraint,

or to take the lead,

is fatal.

Compassion wins the battle

and holds the fort;

it is the bulwark set

around those heaven helps.

Lao Tzu

Every one of us desires to feel good about ourselves.  We may accept that we will indeed not hit stardom or become a rocket scientist, but we want encouragement to carry on.  As human beings, we want to make a difference either large or small.  

The key is to help empower someone by using our words.  If we take the time to recognize their particular strength or their history of performance, we can remind them of battles they have already won.  When they hold their strengths in their own hands, they can readily sift through debris to allow positive action to surface. 

When we experience true compassion for someone else, we can reflect the goodness we see.  We can remind them of what they have forgotten with the results of attempting to begin again. We do not know what is best for a person and even if we did, the person needs to learn it for his or her self in order to build a solid foundation.

If we are in a position, we may be tempted to use money to bail someone out of undesirable conditions, but that often turns into enabling.  In our eagerness to assist, we may take a person 'under our wing' but that can lead to further complications.  

To just listen and offer feedback from what we have just heard from one who is struggling, we can be giving valuable gifts ... the gift of self.  We do not need to form out of the box ideas.  We do not have to create an escape for anyone.  With compassionate responses, a person is more likely to find his or her way without us misdirecting them.  Words filled with loving kindness will help to heal, restore, and rekindle self-esteem.  It is a place to begin, and it will feel good about ourselves as well.  We have helped without breaking boundaries, unnecessary investments, and with good intentions misdirecting.  We have validated a person, so that he or she can find the best passage back into life.

Communication With Inner Self

I am proud of your determination to think better of me. I really do support you and always follow your lead. I follow that lead no matter if it is to e nice to you or not.

When you tell me to be small, I can do that. When you tell me to be happy when you are close to tears, yes, I can do that as well. When you say “eat” I eat whether you are hungry or not.

I wanted to say to you that if feels good to finally be a team working together to make us happy, balanced, and strong. I love you dearly and will do my very best to align our intentions.

Together, we can seek horizons we never thought we’d get to see. We may never be perfect, but we will be well matched in our new love for each other.

I have more energy now that I am not fighting with you. We can use our forces together to move into alignment.

We are never alone if we remember we have each other. Challenges will always come, but together we will do our best.

Again, I just wanted to say, I love you, and thank you for inviting me into your life with honor, respect, and love.

Let Go

If I would let go, I would probably laugh a lot more and worry less.  The sense of freedom might propel me into some sort of free fall.  No, not free fall, but flight, soaring up above the clouds.  If I would let go, my light would shine more brightly and I would be called to the touch of others.

If I would let go, I would hold more faces in my hands of light and easily give a hug to others.  I would bring more light into my life and the lives of others.

There was a time, I was afraid my light would burn itself out, but now I know I will share my light forever.  When the time comes for me to die, you will see me, a shooting star up in the sky.  Now that would be letting go!

Attend A Retreat

My desire is to spend uncensored and extended time with my writers group.  Each writer is sincerely gifted and it would be truly heartfelt to see them in the midst of their creativity.

Gathered in one place, inspired conversation can unfold, rather than false reporting. There would be time for each person to truly share a larger section of their focus, to broaden our understanding of their intent and purpose.

It would be an added blessing to experience silence together, meditating, writing, or walking a labyrinth. Bonds are strengthened while experiencing nothingness.  As we invest time together, our spirits intertwine.

For me, I imagine a collage:  drumming, chanting, dance, yoga, art, and writing. Through group sharing, we will come together, linking our hearts, minds, and spirits. Contributions of positive energy will be made not only to ourselves, but to our community and out into our world.

Buttons

I love little buttons and have collected all sizes from garage sales, good will stores, and antique shops.  I have put them in jars and have used them on collages, knitting projects or quilts.  Wooden, pearly, big or small, I simply love them all.

As a wee child, I would leave our apartment and go down to visit my  grandmother in her apartment.  She was from Sweden and did not speak any English.  She immigrated from Sweden to Springfield, Illinois, where she became a domestic for a large family.  It was in Springfield she met my grandfather, a train engineer.  He, too, was from Sweden and although unrelated, they had the same last name of Carlson.

My grandfather died when I was a baby, and by the time I formed a relationship with my grandmother, she was bedridden. Her bed was near a window and she would watch me play.  This very room would later become my own bedroom.  She would tap on the window, beckoning me to come in from play.  She would take my Dale Evans gun belt and make stitches in the fleecy holster.  As I kissed her cheek,  impatiently waiting to flee, she would place a button in my little hand.  I would swiftly run out the back door, throwing the worthless buttons into the alleyway behind the apartment building.

It wasn’t until years later something triggered the memory of the buttons and my long deceased Swedish grandmother.  It was then I began to create my collection of buttons.  A few more years passed before  I asked my older sister if she too had been given buttons.  ”Buttons,” she asked.  ”Those were not buttons, they were Swedish coins!”

Enthusiasm, Rather Than Discipline

Enthusiasm will carry me farther than well intended discipline.  I can be disciplined and yet not have one thought to write. With enthusiasm words jump onto the page to bring life to the reader.  If I am not enthusiastic about what I write, why would anyone else want to read it? I believe the word enthusiasm is well connected with the word passion.

When writing with passion, energy flows through words and enthusiasm escorts the thoughts onto the page.  Enthusiasm and passion can be the approach, the process, and the happy ending.  The word discipline feels heavy and dense.  It sounds rigid and unforgiving.  It can be seen as a hash task master.

Enthusiasm is abundant and playful., or intense and painful.  It is a symbol for creative expression whether writing, conversing, or playing a musical instrument.  If I had to choose between enthusiasm and discipline, enthusiasm would win hands down … hands down and writing frantically!

The Tender Spot

"It was odd, (Tessa thought),

what brought out tenderness in people."

Cassandra Clare

CLOCKWORK ANGEL

The numbers 9/11 will always touch my tender spot.  The numerals ignite a plethora of emotions all at the same time:  fear, horror, loss, compassion, healing, inadequacy, silence, and rage to name just a few. I imagine anyone who can identify with 9/11 experiences much the same.

My heart opens to those who were directly sacrificed and to those who were left behind.  Admiration and respect soars for those who gallantly moved forward in spite of their own fear and danger.  Testimonies of witnesses will always hand in my heart.

Governments, corporations, organizations, volunteers and charities were accompanied by every day people reaching out to help in spite of not understanding.  I don't know of the day of understanding will ever arrive.  

I do know my heart was so filled by the loving kindness of others, there was little room left for hate.  Whatever negatives remained, dissipated as my focus mainlined the need for prayer and light.  I participated in around-the-clock sending of energy by healers.  Healers of all kinds, of all modalities, and techniques.  A constant vigil was held in the midst of small gatherings as well as those linked only by time and space.  Our yearnings for peace were never ending.

This day will always be a somber one for me.  My heart  calls to me for solitude, reflection, and loving kindness to all.  This tender spot will always remind me of the enormous capacity of  humans to reach out to those in dire need ... even to those we don't understand.

Hide the Body

How many ways can I hide my body?  I can wear bland clothes and fade into most any landscape.  I can wear  unusual clothing, and hope people will focus on my fanciness, never getting down to my basic frame.

I can sit in the midst of a crowd where my body is surrounded by unsuspecting others. If I become a recluse, I can hide my body indefinitely, out of the sight of others.  Perhaps if I wear strange hats, people will admire the top of my head, never letting their vision wander down to my body. If I wore large sunglasses, I could pretend my entire body was hidden behind them.

At this point, I ask my lovely self why hide my body at all?  My body has given me the strength to be a competitive swimmer, to canoe, to portage into Canada, and birth four healthy babies.

My body may be some what unshapely, but it is healthy with a strong immune system.  It has housed me most comfortably.

I have a gathering awareness of the shame I have been carrying regarding my body.  How grateful I am that it never has listened to me!

It’s Okay To Lie When …

I don’t believe it is ever acceptable to lie.  Even if directly approached, I will not lie. Perhaps, abstaining is a lie in itself.

In general, I have learned to not comment if there is no direct relation to myself, regarding values, beliefs, or state of mind.  Sometimes I find a person is not even interested in my answer.  They are just opening a subject up to their liking.

If my truth is important or would add to a conversation, I will be honest rather than lie.  I try to be careful with my words.  The fewer words I speak, the deeper reflection they will have.

It is very misleading to not share our truth.  It may feel easier at the moment to lie, but in the long run, it becomes more difficult.  Walt Whitman states, “If you tell the truth, there is less to remember.”

Network or Grid, Unseen

"But I'll tell you what hermits realize.

If you go off into a far, far forest

and get very, very quiet,

you'll come to understand

that you're connected with everything."

Alan Watts

What a wonderful experience to be at a party, seminar, or meeting and get introduced to someone new.  Through extended conversation, we come to realize we have a definite connection with this person and our lives previously crossed without our awareness.  

Although trivial, I was at the meat counter talking with the butcher, and something was said about the St Louis Cardinals, and the butcher replied he was a died in the wool Chicago Cub Fan.  I couldn't help my self, "Did you grow up in Chicago?"  As the conversation was extended, I learned that we were both not only from Chicago, but we had grown up in neighboring communities.  He knew exactly where I had lived in the city and I easily remembered his old neighborhood.  Nothing spectacular here, but a few moments of feeling connected.

I believe this to be true in many situations whether it is at a shopping mall, school function, or forest grove.  If we fully step into the moment, and be observant, we begin to sense a network or a grid that might very well be unseen, but definitely present.  This is true on a subway train or silent meditation.

It is easy for me to imagine spirits surrounding us, cheering us on and whispering in our ears.  In our daily lives, we are so narrowly focused, we are not aware of the audience observing from afar.  It now comes easy for me to say to these gathered souls, "I am not getting this!  Start over, please."  Then I wait for new insight or a clearer picture to develop.

When we choose to extend ourselves, it is then our awareness grows.  Pay attention with all of our senses and we will soon visualize what cannot be seen.  It is just as easy to imagine a safety grid around us as it is to create a state of loneliness.  Get connected, just try.

Holding Space For Wisdom

"I am different, not less."

Temple Grandin

As a new mother, it was infinitely easy to love my new born.  When I was pregnant with my second child, I wondered how I could divide my love to accommodate both my first born and this new little being.  Experiencing motherhood with four children, I quickly learned how the abundance of love magically expands, never taking away one from the other.   My four children are definitely different from each other, but this does not make any one lesser than the others. 

The goal is to teach individuals to focus on personal strengths rather than trying to duplicate the gifts of others.  Energy invested in who we are not meant to be, is wasted.  If we pay attention, we discover what we are good at, then nurture it so it will grow, and use it with passion to create our authentic experience of life.

If we allow ourselves and our children to unfold in an original way, we develop an appreciation for differences rather than be threatened by not being the same.  Instead of seeking outside of our selves, we look inside to discover who we are and who we are meant to be.

Paying attention to our dreams allows a stream of guidance to appear.  Exploring our inner landscapes through contemplation puts us in touch with our inner desires.  Then we can carry a clear sense of 'self' by speaking our truth, our opinions or our values while still holding space for the wisdom of others.

Although we are all different, it does not mean we have to be separate.  We can gather together in spite of our differences with respect and honor.  When we learn to validate ourselves without distracting from others, we will allow our life and our communities to unfold in a higher vibration of creativity.

Footprints on the Path

"Walking, I am listening to a deeper way.

Suddenly, all my ancestors are behind me.

Be still, they say. Watch and listen.

You are the result of the love of thousands."

Linda Hogan 

Native American Writer

In our busy culture, our land of opportunity, it is easy to become isolated and withdrawn.  We feel like a lone traveler in this life experience.  If we, however, sit in stillness, opening our minds to seen and unseen energy surrounding us, we would come to understand the collective.

There are many ways to describe 'collective'.  It is better understood when we experience it for ourselves without having to put the occurrence into words.  When we become aware of all of the energies whirling around us, we can begin to determine what energy is ours and what is the collective.  

Many take great lengths to discover their ancestors, and genealogy has become a hobby for many.  It as though a thread has been picked up and is now being followed back through time.  It is learning of the hardships of many who have come before us, paving the way for us to continue the thread forward.

We all leave footprints on the path of life, but the path has been traveled many times before.  If one can imagine those who have passed, still wanting to know how the story proceeds, remain in the floating clouds, cheering us on and marveling at the strides we, ourselves, have taken.  The steps we take forward are not for us alone, but for those who have lived before us and for those who travel long after us.

Slight Chance for Queen Bees

"One ought, every day at least, 

to hear a little song,

read a good poem,

see a fine picture,

and if possible,

to speak a few reasonable words."

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

The thesaurus offers these options for the word busy when used as an adjective:  bustling, energetic, full, hectic, tireless, working and buried.  It seems as though the word 'busy' has become an over used buzz word (no pun intended as in busy bee).  It is not only a label to describe one's life, but it is also a blanket to cover a mirage of unnamed things.  It is so overly used that it has become bland and almost irritating.  Let's face it, we are all busy!

It doesn't matter if we are gainfully employed, engaged or retired.  We individually fill our schedules through our own choosing.  If we find ourselves overwhelmed, we can usually discover we have not been discerning.  We hate to say 'no', but then who pays that price?  It is amazing to discover once we withdraw our name, how quickly replacements are found.

I like to think of removing one's self  as an opportunity for some one else to discover the experience we are  leaving behind.  Fresh opinions frequently generate new energies that revitalize for the better.  With an open space on the docket, once we have declined, what do we do with this newly created space?  Do we accept the pressure from another demand, do we fill it with a more pleasant pursuit or do we sit back and enjoy, at least for a while, the room for nothingness?

When determined to find balance within our days and nights, we must use as much energy in creating our pleasure as we use in framing our work.  I am not talking about the length of time, but the presence of pleasure within a schedule.  If necessary, we need to block out space in our planners for simple 'me' time.  

Life isn't a race and the busiest bee has little chance to be nominated Queen Bee.  Who are we trying to impress with our busy-ness, anyway.  What would happen if we just stopped in mid-flight?  What do you fear will happen if time just stood still?

Beads on a String

"I just string words together,"

we writers say.

We finger words like beads,

choosing one over the other."

Julia Cameron

THE RIGHT TO WRITE

If I could choose only one book for the rest of my life, it would probably be an empty thick journal or a thesaurus.   I love words, not slang nor coined phrases; but, words that have survived centuries.   

I was an avid spelling bee contestant and thrived on diagramming sentences.  I was amazed how a few certain words could be joined together one way, but take on a totally different meaning when strewn together in a different way.  I easily recall the intrigue of reading an advanced library book, searching for an unknown word.  Discovering words unknown to me was an all afternoon adventure.  

There came a time when fictional words no longer filled the void ever increasing within me.  I began to expand into non-fictional books wondering where they might lead me.  Not having the gift of elders in my life, non-fictional writers became my wisdom keepers.  

Rather than romance, my mind became filled with biographies of the insights of the sightless, the voices of the speechless, and the risks of the paralyzed.  These personal stories were composed of  bravery and courage.  There was radiance to be found in the midst of the darkest shadows.  

Words are for everyone, young and old alike.  We are all storytellers and when we use our words creatively, we can easily enchant others.  When set to music, words create a rhythm for foot tapping or lullaby.    The words we choose reflect our character, integrity, and personality.  Let them be as beautiful and diverse as beads on a string.