Door Unlocked

"When you notice your ego creating drama,

ask yourself, what am I avoiding in this moment?"

Parvati

We enter a long awaited scenario to gather with friends, good food and even a glass of exceptional wine.  Every part of our being wants to be in attendance and to create memories to be stored.  We feel safe, special, and blessed to be present.

In spite of our intention, we hear snarky remarks escape from our lips followed by more detailed criticism.  Our tender heart feels this whiplash as our ego takes control.  Our mind is overloaded with negative thoughts as we wonder what trigger we may have stepped upon.

Silence briefly follows, and the rapport turns to friendly exchanges.  We welcome the pause to realign, wondering what the hell just happened.  We might immediately know what unlocked the door of fear or it may take days to unravel our gnarly outburst.  When understanding surfaces, we can love and heal our wound moving forward gently carrying our soul.

Unintentional Accidents

"The biggest coward is a man who

awakens a woman's love

with no intention of loving her."

Bob Marley

Men can be sensitive and kind just as women can be manipulative and unkind.  Both genders have the ability to bring out the best or worst in themselves and in others.  It is unfair to limit either gender with one label.  It is more accurate to observe the choices of each individual.

The sweetest child can be traumatized through darkness and turn on society with dangerous acts.   The neglected child can rise above all hardships and enhance society with learned wisdom.   The most faithful can betray while the least likely can perform a miracle.

It is ungodly to falsely project an intention of goodness while knowing it will bring pain.  To deliberately harm a person, place or thing lacks total respect for the Divine and ourselves.  Unintentional accidents occur, but they create opportunities of learning how to restore, forgive, and advance into  deeper understanding. With new depth, we can hopefully be more intentional with loving actions.

Strike Out

"If you would learn the secret of right relations

look only for the divine in people and things,

and leave all the rest to God."

J. Allen Boone

Kinship With All Life

We weave a web of truth, judgment, and expectations, stitching too loopy or not tight enough.  Our web can be constructed with too much detail or not quite enough.  Imperfection in our work is often triggered by doubt and lack of trust.

When we invite Spirit to be our partner, we can minimize our fears and shortcomings.  We can observe the goodness in others rather than expecting foul play.  We anticipate embracing our challenges, knowing we will exit safely on the other side.

By not judging others, we have more positive energy to distribute out into the world making it a better place.  Every day is highlighted by the extension of our smile or a few sprinkled words of kindness.  As we see the Divine in every person and each thing, we are unable to strike out against what is holy. 

Success by Design

"Visualizing your goal ~ whether it is simply to accomplish

each task on your agenda or make a large-scale lifestyle change ~

can help you remember what you are working so diligently for and why."

Daily Om

Shakti Gawain wrote the book Creative Visualization. Visualization is the practice of creating   positive scenarios to be revisited as often as possible.  Whether we hold an actual picture or a spread sheet in our mind, we consistently surround it with positive statements.  We may even see ourselves working fluidly towards our goal with ease and success.  It is important to allow our body to feel joy, love, respect, admiration, or completion.

We can support ourselves by reading inspirational material or creating our goals through writing, art, music or day dreaming.  To keep your visualization crisp and vitalizing, a friend may be taken into confidence for encouragement.  The relationship, however, is for supporting us, not redirecting our dreams.

It is ideal if we use creative visualization the moment we wake or prior to sleep.  Throughout the day we can flash on to our images for seconds at a time.  The use of affirmations are also powerful tools. Creative Visualization helps us to tap into our natural goodness and beauty in all of life.  It assists us in becoming a radiant being making positive changes in all areas of our lives.  

  

Ripples into Reality

"Happiness comes when your work and words

are of benefit to yourself and others."

Jack Kornfield

If our passion creates a positive influence, it will not only impact our life, but the lives of others.  The experience of our actions increases our self-confidence and encourages others to have the strength to follow their personal pursuit.

When we witness the perseverance of others, we are inspired to follow suit.  As we step through the barrier of fear, we raise our curiosity and determination towards discovery.  Who is calling to us?  What are we yearning to see?

We never truly know where life will lead us.  We may have distinctive plans to travel towards one destination only to find ourselves later compelled to go in another.  Synchronicity opens unexpected doors altering and enhancing our pursuits.  When we finally arrive at some sense of completion,  the essence of our work ripples into reality to benefit ourselves and others.

In Confidence

"When we feel secure about our future prospects, we feel free to explore opportunities we might otherwise have overlooked.  In security lies the confidence that gives us the courage to step beyond the bounds of society's dictates and concentrate on building individualized lives."   Daily Om Horoscope As our confidence builds, we are more likely to step outside of our comfort zone.  We are willing to extend ourselves both professionally and personally.  Fear does not prevent us from exploring unique and creative inspiration. Remaining mindful that change can be an opportunity to propel us forward in a positive way, we are willing to extend an element of risk to obtain a more meaningful way of embracing our life. Whether we are comfortable or not, we have a tendency to cling to what we know.  Change is uncomfortable even when it leads to better understanding our purpose. With a supportive circle of friends, we can be reminded of our past challenges to bolster our desire to move towards a new stage of learning, blessings and gratitude.

"I am fine"

"I wanted to talk about it

Damn it.

I wanted to scream.

I wanted to yell.

I wanted to shout about it.

But all I could do was whisper,

'I'm fine.'"

Facebook: The Idealist

"My baby's got me locked up in chains" was a song performed by the Beatles, Carole King, and Little       Eva to mention just a few.  The lyrics say the chains cannot be seen, but they bind us and we cannot set ourselves free.  The song references a love that suffocates, dismantles, and disengages personal     preference.

We learn to swallow our words at a very young age.  Our longing to be loved outweighs our need to be seen.  We acquiesce to the whims of others while our own dreams and desires are left ignored.  Our external and internal livelihood may be in disarray and yet we quietly say, "I am fine".

Any one can hold us prisoner ... our relatives, children, spouse, friends, or work. Expectations ingrained in us by church, family, or society are difficult to adjust or release.  We begin by sensing the unseen chains.  We then nurture our own core.  As we realign our intentions, we become strong enough to release whatever binds us.  With this freedom, we can administer to others, but not at the   cost of our lovely selves.

Maintain Our Course

"Don't promise when you're happy.

Do not reply when you're angry

And do not decide when you are sad."

GirlfromParis/Turtle

In the moment of joy, we make commitments that will later be resented.  In a moment of anger words spill out of our mouth that we instantly regret.  In the depth of sadness, we make decisions that bury us deeper.  When we are in these situations, check in with the body, mind, and soul  If we are in alignment, our answers will be more honest and true.

When we trust our bodies to resonate with something good, it assists us in making a decision; but don't stop there.  It only takes a moment to discern if it is the heart responding or if it is the ego.  Within this pause, it is beneficial to visualize both the short and long term impact to all involved.

When these steps become a natural part of our decision making, we become authentic in our life style.  It helps us to stay in the moment, and to use our body, mind, and spirit as instruments to maintain our course for peaceful living. 

Caretakers of the World

"How surely gravity's law,

strong as an ocean current,

takes hold of even the smallest thing

and pulls it toward the heart of the world."

Rainer Maria Rilke

In spite of our resistance, Divine Spirit holds us close to Mother Earth.   We can run, leap or fly, but we will repeatedly be called back to face our fears.  All forms of nature reach out to us ... water, earth, fire or air ... vying to support us in moving forward.

We disrespect our resources by polluting the air and contaminating the waterways.  Species of animals become extinct and abused by the carelessness of man. Our land is filled with chemicals, impacting the quality of food we grow.  We indeed are very poor caretakers of the world.

Rainer Maria Rilke writes, "If we surrendered to earth's intelligence we could rise up rooted like trees." If we would truly listen and live in balance with all there is, we would be healthier and create a higher quality of life for those we leave behind.  It really could be that simple.

Trust the Knowings

"It's about self-trust ... a woman learning

                                                   how to trust what she knows to be true,

and acting on it."

Glennon Doyle Melton

WARRIOR IN THE TRENCHES OF LOVE

Women have always had voice, but in fear, swallows her words.  The female gives considerable thought into ways to resolve, rather than reacting with fist or stone.  When she is shamed for using her voice, her goal is not to win, but to quickly restore a sense of balance ... usually for the sake of others and at risk to her self.

Women are learning to project their words and to trust the knowings that enter the heart.  They are discovering their unique importance and carry a greater sense of value to themselves, family and community.

Our daughters of today earn respect and have the freedom to speak.  They have a choice as to when to marry, begin a family or invest in a career.  They have access to circles of women who will encourage them to deeply delve into the mystery of life and to be a brilliant light with grace and strength.  Ancestors, sages, and maidens gently unfold, ushering a better balance into our world.

                     

Usefulness of the Useless

"What Lippmann crafts is a beautiful case for the usefulness 

of useless curiosity and courage, through the sieve of which

all truly useful knowledge and human achievement must pass."

Walter Lippmann 

A library or bookstore offers a reader a cross section of subjects to saturate the curiosity.  It is important to wander out of a comfort zone to gather pieces of information that appear to be unimportant.  If we allow the mind to entertain the unfamiliar wisp of insight, life eventually offers a significant way to apply it.

Nuggets of information flit through our minds daily, with some loitering, waiting to be recalled. Infants, pets, and boats have been named after characters in a book.  Fictional strategy improved with personal creativity resolves issues.  A  travel magazine mentions a location with slight detail, peaking an interest to where one might later relocate.  

A quote from Alexander Flexner: "... the usefulness of useless knowledge ..." encourages us to remember that every person carries a message.  It may seem meaningless at the moment, but at another point in time or when joined with an additional piece of unsolicited information, doors may open to endless manifestation.

Fill in the Width

"I don't want to get to the end of my life

and find that I lived just the length of it.

I want to have lived the width of it as well.

Diane Ackerman

Life is a labyrinth with one way in and one way out and numerous windings in between.  Part of our experience may be complex or gnarly.  Our efforts may be placed in untangling intricate knots or being still to hear the jungle that surrounds us.  We may find our lovely selves repeating the same stretch of road over and over again, or be lost in unfamiliar terrain.

Life is not a race from one point to the other, as it is meant to be lived.  There is no tangible reward for racing full force to flash across the finish line; nor is there one for dawdling, avoiding every form of change. The goal is not to duplicate what has already been achieved, but to enhance every aspect of our individualistic selves.  

Life offers us an eight pack of crayons while we wander down the labyrinth trails.  One person may use purple only while another may use every color in the box.  There will be a few who with experience, will learn to blend colors together making original hues and tones.  Then maybe one other with curiosity, melts the crayons into another form.  Lift up your crayons and fill in the width of life.  The length takes care of itself.

The Hurrier I Go ...

"The hurrier I go,

the behinder I get."

Old Swedish Saying

"Zen12 gives you a full hour's worth of deep meditation, all in just 12 minutes!" (http://zen12.com)  Really?  Has this become our goal, to go faster even when seeking relaxation?  Will 12 minutes give us deep spiritual experience equal to a full hour?  Can the physical body be restored when an hour's massage is compressed into 15 minutes?   I am surprised a woman's pregnancy hasn't been reduced to 3 months or life expansion similar to Benjamin Buttons.  I wonder if Jimmy John's will use drone delivery before Walgreens?

The faster one goes, there is less enjoyment, higher stress, and more time to do what exactly?  In shaving minutes off production, what will we do with the gained time?  Will we spend it with family or take on another job?  And what about quality ... of product, life, and community?

These people who are nurturing less while expanding stress, are they the ones leading in drug use?  Have you seen the new list for white collar addictions?  Is increased violence an outcome of frustration from not having enough time for more money?  Why can't we realize the hurrier we go, the behinder we get?

God's Other Children

"I know there is strength in the differences between us.

I know there is comfort, where we overlap."

Ani DiFranco

In terms of diversity, I do believe all roads lead to one place.  Each road may offer differing experiences, but the end result will be a union for all.  As we are all unique human beings, it stands to reason we will not all respond to the same stimuli.  In our hearts we may strive for the same peace, but in our life we take different pathways.

Respect and honor is vitally important for each other.  Belief systems within a culture, may be worded differently yet similar.  When the message is heard with an open heart, it resonates within us.  If it does not, without judgment we travel on to search for what does.

Whether our viewpoints come from vision quests, church, or zip lining, they offer diverse ways to respond in our search of Divine. In our uniqueness, we can be exposed to options and discern which resonates best with our personal journey.   When we grow secure and open in our own beliefs, we find room to be compatible with God's other children.

Fitting Together

"In each of us lie good and bad, light and dark, art and pain, choice and regret,

cruelty and sacrifice.  We're each of us our own chiaroscuro, our own bit of 

illusion fighting to emerge into something solid, something real."

Libba Bray

Chiaroscuro is an Italian artistic term used to describe the dramatic effect of contrasting areas of light and dark in artwork or painting.   The technique can create a sense of illusion.  We try to contrast our conflicting characteristics with intentions of presenting with a solid persona, hiding some aspects.

Our thoughts pinpoint people as journalist, student, accountant, artist, or vagrant.  Projecting a certain image unfortunately disguises the multi-sided story.  In fact, if time was spent with the vagrant, he just might be the kindest and most interesting person of them all.

Our core becomes stronger when we accept and embrace both our light and dark sides.  We lead creative lives when we experience a broad spectrum rather than narrow vision.  Our confidence soars as we celebrate all the different parts of ourselves.  Viewing a person is like peeking through a kaleidoscope...seeing independent shapes and colors, but fitting together.  

Extend Attention

"Once upon a time, when women were birds, there was the simple

understanding that to sing at dawn and to sing at dusk was to heal

the world through joy.  The birds still remember what we have 

forgotten, that the world is meant to be celebrated."

Terry Tempest Williams

WHEN WOMEN WERE BIRDS: FIFTY FOUR VARIATIONS ON VOICE

Our heart calls us inward while society directs us out into the world.  We are told to succeed one must get attention over riding our natural instinct to tend to others. Mark Nepo discusses how we are instructed to get recognized as special, even though the threshold to life opens when we extend attention, not receive it.  Life offers extraordinary examples when we recognize the beauty in all things.

Projecting unrealistic dreams of grandeur, we grow to feel unsuccessful and lonely.  This longing to be recognized leads us to a false identity that is empty of love.  We do not love ourselves nor are we capable of how to love others.

When we place our focus on goals that resonate with us, we begin to gather kindred spirits offering encouragement, and acceptance.  Their ability to celebrate and honor life, stems from their celebration of the skills of others.  We find beauty in authentic experiences displaying the peace in our world, not through false pathways to fame.

Frequencies and Vibrations

"If you want to find the secrets of the universe,

think in terms of energy, frequency, and vibration."

Nikola Tesla

The progression of the life span seems to begin with seeking outside of ourselves; in the middle, we begin to explore within; and in the last portion, dissolve into all there is.  It is stated that all things are made of energy which would also create various frequencies and vibrations.

A new born reacts when parents are fighting ... it creates vibrations of fear.  We are voted best flutist in the orchestra ... it creates vibrations of joy.  During a spiritual retreat we are led in a guided meditation ... it creates an awareness of no boundaries, just peace and calm.  We are introduced to a friend's husband and the hair stands out on the back of our neck ... it creates an adverse reaction to one other's vibration.

As we strongly identify with our core, restrictions fall away and expression begins to be funneled through creativity.  When our wounds heal, our heart remains open and we can feel the vibrations of all things. By attaining a healthy level of vibration, we enhance our body, mind, and spirit. Whether it is through music, the garden or in silence, we discover the alternative frequencies found within powerful vibrations.

Idiosyncratic Ideas

"A study of one hundred Roman Catholics revealed that, 

regardless of similar religious training, 

people develop idiosyncratic ideas about God."

Joan Borysenko

A Woman's Journey To God 

Images of God may be distorted or painful, depending upon childhood experiences.  If parents enhanced the child's sense of self, he or she tended to believe in a merciful God.  If a child experienced abusive parents, he or she was more likely to envision a mean God.  

The capability of our parents dictates our images of God, the world at large, place in community, and self awareness.  If we experience self-value, we embrace God through prayers and actions.  If we have been harmed, our low self appraisal will cause a disconnect with any relationship to God and others.

When childhood wounds are healed, our perspective shifts towards love of the self.    Instead of being closed off, we find courage to open up to others and learn of their experiences. When we regard our lovely selves as worthy, we begin to witness more spirituality and loving kindness in relationships.

Win or Learn

"I never lose,

I either win or learn."

Nelson Mandela

As our culture moves away from negativity and fear, our world opens up to positive learning.  The threat  of losing or being a loser is replaced by everyone either winning or learning.  We help each other succeed and celebrate others as they cultivate and master skills. 

We are all children of the Divine and if we applaud with each baby step and cheer as we pull ourselves up to walk, we move forward together.   Our observations of others will not be for competing, but for shared learning.  We will honor and respect our own special skills and do the same  for the unique skills of others.

Positive living while acknowledging the strengths of others, creates an atmosphere where everyone understands individual purpose and collective thriving.  We may be individually motivated, but our intentions are for everyone to prosper.  We must begin to broaden our perspectives in the present, and allow our kind actions stream into the collective.

Understanding Others

"Any fool can know.

The point is to understand." 

Albert Einstein

Scientists recite detailed formulas, religious leaders quote from the bible, and attorneys know the law. If, however, one does not know how to apply their knowledge, to express it in words for others, there are limitations to the knowledge.  If there is no level of exchange, how does one advance?

We pursue different areas of life, some as mechanics, small business owners or CEO of large corporations.  We each have studied our area of expertise and maintain certain structures for support. It is not, however, until we are called to apply these skills that we begin to embrace knowledge.  

Through hands on experience, we begin to understand how to merge and adjust what we learn.  We become aware of our personal strength, and master appropriate response to those we serve.  It is not until we understand ourselves that we can fully understand others.  

Harsh Sound of Silence

"Silence is a lie that screams at the light."

Shannon L. Alder

In the midst of a deliberate lie, there is nothing worse than the harsh sound of silence.  Anxiety begins to spread through the body as we wait for more words, but the silence persists.  Anger begins its creeping as the blindfold falls to the rock strewn ground.  As our eyes focus from the deceit,  perception broadens falling upon the debris and destruction from hidden agendas.

As the illusion dissolves, cold fear hardens the heart.  Emotions question this sense of betrayal but  denial cannot prevent the dying of the flames.  Gone is our pride, joining the darkness where honor and respect have long ago been placed.   The piercing screams held within beg for the truth.

The silence thickens with the lack of words, as sorrow for our loss streams through the veins.  No longer  the choice to pretend that hope will come with another day.   We yearn for the words to inform it has all been a terrible mistake, but in our broken heart we know it is over.

Imposed or Solicited Change

"One of the greatest regrets in life is being

what others would want you to be,

rather than being yourself."  

Shannon L. Alder

A Roman Catholic Nun left the Benedictine convent and no longer was a teacher at my elementary school.  I watched her trying to adjust to life outside of her religious community.  At the academy, I had the privilege of having a gentleman for a teacher who had been a farmer, factory worker and then back to school to finish his degree.  I listened carefully to his caution to be aware of who was leading our life.  My college English professor was a stay at home mom raising two young daughters until her husband suddenly died, and she returned to teaching.  I could hear the pain in her voice as she searched for words to fit her new situation.

The people who have had a great impact on my life are those who have repeatedly altered the life they were living.  There are times we choose change and other times when life forces us to change.
If we go kicking and screaming into our new future,  years later we find ourselves surprised at how much meaning glistens from our life.  If we take courageous strides into the unknown, we eventually discover our very core and the realms we are able to travel.

The most earth changing movement, perhaps, is the action of traveling inward.  If a person delves into both their strengths and weaknesses, they become brave and courageous.  As we learn to love and respect our inner creativity, we stretch into far more than we ever expected.  Change repeatedly brings us closer to being a fully dimensional child of the Universe.

Depths of Despair

"I hope you live a life you're proud of.

If you find that you're not, I hope you

have the courage to start all over again."

Eric Roth

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button Screenplay

It is not until we change for the better that we realize how poorly we have been.  We are unaware of the screaming inside of our head and how tightly our fists are clenched.  The burning acid in our belly and the immobility of our shoulders and neck are felt more keenly when we are ready to face how rancid  emotions have been.

It isn't until time passes and we have safely transitioned into a better situation that we can honestly face the depths of our despair.  Even when we release avoidance and denial, the tentacles of fear do not remain at bay.  

To be frozen with indecision is much worse than gathering our wits and moving blindly into an unknown future.  When we dig ourselves out of the present situation, we best be prepared to actively recall what led us astray.  If not, we will find ourselves repeating the hellish lesson with even more despair.  It takes courage, my friend, to start all over again.

Columbus or Jung?

"...Columbus was searching with a predetermined sense of conquest ... 

and Carl Jung was searching inwardly with an undetermined sense of love."

Mark Nepo

The story I was originally told in history class about Christopher Columbus is a far cry from my understanding today.  The concepts of Carl Jung were basic to my learning, but not necessarily my chosen techniques.  Both Columbus and Jung had agendas, but motivations were drastically different.

What is your intention for the day?  Have you given it any thought?  And what motivates this action? Is it to improve life, to preserve what we have or create our heart's desire?  Without intention, we may wander without production.  Not having motivation, we may not even wander.

If we maintain an awareness of how we treat others or how we treat ourselves, we will pass through life intending to assist others as well as ourselves.  If we are mindful of being driven for the good of all, we benefit personally and collectively.  We get to choose whether we intend to conquer like Columbus or to motivate like Jung with a sense of love. 

Relax and Release

"The wise person remains centered enough

to let go  every time  the energy shifts into

a defensive mode. The moment the energy

moves and you feel your consciousness start

to get drawn into it, you relax and release."

Michael A. Singer

the untethered soul

We have discussions with kindred spirits for the sake of connection and learning.  A subject can surface from the past, but it does not need to be revived with new energy. Ideally, we remain in the moment maintaining balance.

We are passionate people, however, and an old fire can burst into flames, drawing us off balance.  A few may focus on staying in the moment while others silently back away from the flames, detached.  Another might stand loyal and once again witnesses the original pain and fury, getting sucked back in.  Eventually, lingering emotions burn themselves out.

When we all return to the same center and realize we have allowed our energy to run rampant, we individually return to center. We desire to remain in a neutral experiential frame, but to do this we must choose where our energy goes.  We must be cognizant of shifts in order not to engage, but to relax and release.

Before They Fray

"In the midst of movement and chaos

keep stillness inside you."

Deepak Chopra

There are many jewels that can be taken from us and we are challenged when stripped of our gowns.  We cling to our crown for as long as we can, but the inevitable falling from great white pillars can be seen by all.  This leaves us with nothing more than what we brought into life at birth, and perhaps this is where we will find the best tools of all.

We are born with wisdom that gently fades, and our keen awareness distinguishes repetitive words from loving care.  Although physically limited and highly dependent upon others, knowledge resides within the beginner's brain.  Watch the eyes of this new life.  As the babe awakens, the eyes are all consuming, capturing every detail seen and unseen.

So when losses have been many and names no longer resonate, we stand in our original skin wondering what it has all been about.  In the stillness within, we idly purvey wisdom and recall views once seen behind the veils.  The truth about living has been securely stitched into our memories. If we follow the colored threads before they completely fray, surely we will be led safely home.

Hollow Echo

"Sometimes surrender means giving up trying

to understand and becoming comfortable

with not knowing."

Eckhart Tolle

The wall of protection we build around ourselves deflects in coming blessings.  When asked to lay down our swords, we may feel hesitant. When the draw bridge is lowered, exposing our heart, we might feel too vulnerable.  Stepping out of the comfort of our kingdom, we hope to enter a safe haven.

Once there is an opening, we shift parts of our selves around until we feel balanced.  Withstanding the urge to withdraw, we are aligned with whatever openness surrounds us.  Our energies blend, and we experience comfort in simply being.

In a singular moment, our questions cease and our demand for answers are but a hollow echo.  In an instant all fades away and yet we see into eternity.  Without words, wisdom flows through our veins and our hearts join the Divine, embracing all there is.

Living the Question

"There is an art to living your questions.  You peel them.

You listen to them. You let them spawn new questions.

You hold the unknowing inside.  You linger with it

instead of rushing into half-baked answers."

Sue Monk Kidd

When we become more active in our personal journey,  we become more aware of the Divine.  Our questions expand into deeper forms of prayer, meditation or contemplation.  When we linger with patience, the answers unfold with exquisite design.

When our focus is broad and our mind is open we encounter numerous scenarios. Deciding whether we are here by design or random chance, is not as important as understanding the now.  Through our thoughts, we are guided to authentic creative expression which stimulates a connection with all things.

Living our questions facilitates answers from various sources.   Listening with an open heart discerns what resonates as truth.   Not all answers are welcomed, but in time we grow to understand that Divine Sight sees farther than our own. 

Lingering In My Absence

"'None of it happened, and all of it's true' 

might be the very definition of good fiction."

Ann Patchett

COMMONWEALTH

What words will linger in our vacated space when we move on?  Will we be remembered for having an acid tongue, biased opinions or distorted views?  Will we be quoted for our words of wisdom or insightful reactions?  Will our imaginative whimsy or precision with truth be recalled?

Fictional writers often base characters on people they have met, but alter the story line; or the content is positively true, but the characters imagined.  Non-fictional authors give voice to people, places, and things which may have just been discovered, and yet  existed prior to discovery.  Each generation contributes and/or changes definitions and creates passwords or codes.

When I vacate this space, I hope the words lingering in my absence will include: Articulating Silence (writing and presentations), Deciphering Dreams (unfolding a language in itself) and Exploring Inner Landscapes (parallel lives and diverse realms).  I endeavor to leave behind words of kindness, passion, and creative expression .

In Silence At The Foot Of The Tree

"Let silence take you to the core of life."

Rumi

This morning, I woke up agitated.  It must have been caused by a conflict in my dream.  Then I was highly annoyed by a squirrel hanging upside down on my bird feeder.  My skin turned prickly as I remembered it was garbage day and I had neglected to put my bin by the curb.

Escaping to my computer, I was drawn into the drama of politics, religions, and communities.  In my mind, people took on the images of horses wearing blinders, seeing only straight in front of them.  Then there was a damn donkey braying like an ignorant ass.

Saddened by my perspective, judgment and intolerance, I wandered outside.  I sat at the foot of a tree and let the sun shine down on me.  Watching the leaves gently blowing in the wind reminded me to just let go and not let anything cling to me.  Closing my eyes, I returned to my core where love overflows.  It washed away my intolerance and judgment, reminding me of the importance of just being me.