Transition In The Breeze

"The best of our stories are those that transform and 

redeem us, ones that both ground us in ourselves by

reminding us what it means to be human and elevate 

us by furnishing an instrument of self-transcendence."

Neil Gaiman

When our stories become too fanciful, we cease to believe them ourselves and satisfaction never appears.  In the dark binds of history, we carry light to divulge a slip of wisdom, but hope to never remain lost and wandering.  Yearning for clarity, we turn to the heavens hoping for transition to expand our understanding.

Too much of one thing is not good for the body or the soul.  A balance  displaying two sides to the coin assists us into crisper reality.  Loss brings appreciation when sorrow ebbs.  Tears cleanse our eyes so we can once again see the beauty surrounding us.  The harsh voice closes ears and the mantra of peace opens the eyes of the world.

A vibration is created as the pendulum of reality swings from one side to the other, creating a momentum that sustains.  The movement prevents us from being stuck in one extreme or the other.  As we learn to tolerate the motion, our transition flows in the breeze. 

The Backdrop Coloring My World

"What a liberation to realize 

that the 'voice in my head' is not who I am."  

Eckhart Tolle

Out of boredom came the idea to give specific color to each random voice in my head.  The easy ones were rapid in association.  Rage was colored with red and fear took on tones of black.  Divine Spirit intonations were gold and angel notions silver.  Water syllables became an easy blue just as the sun shined verbs of orange.  The relentless critic shape shifted as needed.

There are so many voices appearing in my consciousness and then additional ones loiter in  my unconscious.  My head is crammed with so many words, I doubt if there is any original thinking occurring at all.

As some part of self falls behind the voices  flashing colors, I realize I am more of the back drop for my words.  The liquid or emotion of each color rubs against me like a blotter and together the colors run and bleed.  Words string phrases and they create the landscape that colors my world.

Eternal Home

"I've begun to realize that you can listen

to the silence and learn from it.  It has a

quality and a dimension all its own."

Chaim Potok

I walked through the garden gate, immediately surrounded by fragrances lofting in a gentle breeze.  I settled on my favorite bench and sat until all became still.  Peace at last, worries evaporating, and all stress falling away.

As I opened my eyes, I began to glimpse the singing birds and feel the sun shining upon my face.  The warmth melted into my body allowing me to feel perfectly safe.  I could hear the little critters scurrying beneath my feet, reminding me this was their home.

I open my heart to the words hidden in silence, as they are like fragrant flowers with delicate petals,' Each one must be held tenderly, without danger of harm. I fill my body with each breath, wishing this dimension were my eternal home.

Beyond Words

"I have hated words and I have loved them,

and I hope I have made them right."

Markus Zusak

Some words roll around in our head like socks in a drier and when we string them together there is inevitably one missing.  More serious words are closeted in a dark crevice of our mind, planing, organizing, and building  defenses.   Our truest words bask in the warmth of  our heart, soaking in compassion, kindness and insight.  

This being said, where do the words come from that tumble out of our mouth uncensored?  What is the origin of the harsh and brutal words cutting to the quick?  Where is the strong hold storing the words we refuse to express?

It is no wonder we hear nonverbal communication in music or artistic creations.  There are some things impossible to express with words.  The uplifting from the bird's song or the joy of a meadow filled with flowers.  What grace there is in the movement of the dancer moving me beyond words.

Smile On Our Face

"Let your space make you smile."

Michelle Fondin

In hope of not becoming stagnant, we get a new hair style or change the way we dress or update a room in our home.  Sometimes just by adding a bouquet of fresh flowers lifts our spirits or opening a window in early spring chases the blues away.

Our surroundings silently impact us, particularly by weighing us down by things needing to be let go.  If an unused room depresses us, we can designate it as a sewing or reading room or a special room for visitors.  We can relocate all of our books, music or favorite keepsakes to comfort our spirits.

If every space remains the same, we seize seeing the beauty.  It becomes faded loosing the spark to brighten our day.  Switch the furniture around and pick up a few items to refurbish.  Have a swap meet with friends sharing jewelry, clothes and shoes.  Let's spruce up the place and get a smile on our face! 

Out With The Old

"Every time you are tempted to react in the same old way,

ask if you want to be a prisoner of the past or a pioneer of the future."

Deepak Chopra

Spring invites us to clean out gardens, bird baths, and flower pots.  Of course it makes sense to clean out the old before we plant the new.  Hours are spent eliminating debris from plots of land. We scrub the bird bath so it will be more inviting to our flying friends.  We want new seeds to be in rich soil and not dried out dirt from last year. 

All of this takes time and commitment.  We become dedicated every spring to clean out and refurbish. This is not so with our emotional makeup.  We read an inspiring article or self-help book expecting to change instantly.  What we learn in the time reading, unfortunately evaporates within a brief period of time.

With new growth, weeds must be extracted with a cleansing of the space.  We begin with new intentions stimulated by hope for change.  Positive action will propel us further into a future of new discovery and insight.  If we believe we can only be comfortable in our present, we will held prisoner by our outgrown ways.

Groom The Beauty

"It is not so much being all that we dream of becoming

as it is un-becoming all that is covering our being."

Sepi

We are encouraged to shed false expectations prior to entering transitions.  It would be helpful if a large bridge crossing into our new experience would raise until we payed the toll of updated self-evaluation.  It would create the necessary time for release of all negativity and increase of positive appreciation.

Our inspiration often spills over into our dream time.  It paints scenarios of possibility that every day living suffocates.  Visions enhance the depth of our personal aspirations and displays 'out of the box' ways of proceeding.

It is never too late to resign from  false projection.  New energy floods our creativity as we once again begin to envision our selves with our heart's desire.  Spring is our time to remove the debris, nurture the seed and groom the beauty of our lives.

Editing Self Concept

"Childhood plays a critical role in forming

our final version of self-concept."

Kilroy J. Oldster

Aspects of childhood surface throughout our lives, trying to rekindle original passions or dreams.  Segments of discarded interests pop up nudging our imaginations to reconnect,  This is also true with trauma, no matter how slight, as it is easily stirred by any remote similarity.

In spite of intention, as children, we assume ownership of any hardship to befall.  "If I had been a better child ... If I had not gone outside ... If I had loved harder ... " are inner thoughts festered by false teachings of a punishing God.  

If we believe we are at the core of any disaster, we will assume responsibility for most anything occurring in our life.  It is when we finally  release child like expectations and embrace core instincts, we move forward in editing our healthy and unlimited self-concept.

  

The Soul Behind The Words

"The true life is not reducible to words spoken or written,

not by anyone, ever.  The true life takes place when we

are alone, thinking feeling, lost in memory, dreamingly

self-aware, the submicroscopic moments."

Don DeLillo

Early in my life, I discovered Kahlil Gibran.  I searched for his poetry with pen in hand,  ready to copy his work into my thickening notebook.  It became a ritual for me, seeking silence in the back of the library, surrounded by Gibran's work while digesting his words.

Years would pass before I became aware of Kahlil Girban's troubled life.  His self-destruction behind his poetic words was concerning.  It was challenging to integrate his beloved writings with his troubled soul.  It was with this integration, however, I began to delve behind words to view the soul.

It does not matter if words are written, spoken or stuck behind clenched teeth.  If we truly listen beyond the physical self, we begin to hear the heart of the story and the suffering of the author.  It is through songs, art, and masterpieces, we become aware of the soul behind the words.

Touch With Loving Energy

"A healer's power stems not from any special ability,

but from maintaining the courage and awareness to

embody and express the universal healing power

that every human being naturally possesses."  

Eric Micha'el Leventhal

Energy workers maintain a connection with some form of universal power outside of themselves.  It can be a relationship with a patron saint, angels or divinity, animals or any form of nature.  The relationship expands and contracts over time depending upon the strength of the connection.

Any person placing a hand upon the forehead of a child or elder is passing energy.  We do this when embracing others, as we pass energy back and forth.  No one needs to be trained as we are all natural healers.  If young children are observed as they cradle dolls, animals or imaginary friends demonstrates the early presence of loving touch.

Numerous people have the gift of touch and report having this talent since early childhood.  Explore the use of loving touch to gardening, writing, painting, or cuddling and as the awareness of light increases, the energy will find a way to flow through! 

Suffering Optional

"The wound is the place where the light enters you."

Jalaluddin Rumi

If we have the perspective of challenge being an opportunity to grow, we can minimize the suffering. We immediately alert ourselves there is a lesson here and begin to solve the puzzle.  If we ask, "What am I to learn?" we immediately focus on correction.    If we ask, "Why is this happening to me?" we become stuck in emotional suffering and pain.

When we explore beyond the incident itself, we begin to see a larger picture.  There are insightful triggers waiting in the broader landscape.  Knowledge leads us towards wisdom and much can be gained, rather than focusing on the pain. 

When we become broken, there is a crack for light to shine in illuminating the darkness.  The warmth of the light initiates healing and our strength begins to build.  As we grow stronger, the light extends  to help us find our way. 

Waiting to be Disvovered

"The beauty of this day

doesn't depend on its lasting forever."  

Marty Rubin

We yearn to have beauty in our life and when our heart comes upon it, we want to capture it forever.  We desire for the infant to remain a baby or the flowering tree to never shed its blossoms.   Disappointment follows, leaving us with a sense of loss.

Beauty, however, comes in all sizes and colors.  There is beauty in every moment and none of it is meant to last forever.  We can capture a memory, but our minds need to move on to discover the magic in the next moment no matter how great or small.  

If we can view life as a non-stop flowing of beauty, we are uplifted by its current throughout our day.  Appreciation for the struggling ant laboriously working its way back to the hill or the unfolding of a lovely orange tulip.  Find humor in the stack of books still waiting to be given away, being thankful for the inspiration they triggered.  While washing dishes find amusement in the soap bubbles or the warmth of the water upon both hands.  In each moment, there is a stroke of beauty just waiting to be discovered.

Stand Back for Wisdom

"Turn your wounds into wisdom." 

Oprah Winfrey

Emotional wounds leave scars, but they are not as readily seen.  We can display our broken arm or a terrible burn, but this is not true of emotional pain.  When time is taken to painfully script the experience of our emotional wound, it is no longer a deep dark secret .  Exposing it lessens the pressure of the wound.

As time passes, we can turn back the pages, viewing our experiences from a less emotional stance.  Our scope of the situation broadens and we begin to observe how the experience has changed our way of thinking or our lifestyle.

When we view the experience with a wider lens, we are on the path to healing.  When we no longer focus on just the pain, we begin to perceive divine intervention, personal growth and emotional healing.  If we stand back, our hearts perceive the wisdom.

Pain Leading to Isolation and Despair

"It has been the desperate attempt to escape from torturing memories,

from a sense of insupportable loneliness

and a dread of some strange impending doom."

Edgar Allan Poe

Pain is life altering whether physical, emotional or spiritual.  In the extreme, pain may be felt in all three areas at one time.  We will choose to hoard this pain, impacting further damage rather than allowing ourselves to heal deeply in the light.

We have a tendency to minimize our pain and we expect ourselves to 'be above' the pain.  Attempts to detach allows pain to fester into anger and desperation.  Pain is a challenge in life, not a way of life.  If given loving attention, it will not lead into isolation and desperation.  

We can compare our pain to the miseries all over the world and 'buck up' to carry our personal pain; when exactly the opposite is true.  We need to recognize the full extent of our pain, and face it with reserved strength.  If we love ourselves deeply, we can ward off numbness and continue moving forward out of the pain.  

In Between Times

"I think you have to develop a kind of resistance

to rejection, and to the disappointments that are 

sure to come your way."

Eldred Gregory Peck

Our dreams can seem beyond our reach and even when we try repeatedly, we still can fall short of our goal.  The enormity of our desire may scare us down to our bones. We may question our sanity, ego, and gauge how long we will persist.  

We are bruised when our goals fall flat and we are discouraged when we give them up entirely.  We may need better connections, do more networking, or gain more knowledge.  Just as important is having appropriate resources to support us during the dreadful in between times.

If we read the stories of those who did not give up on themselves, we will be inspired.  The determination of others encourages us, and we recognize the importance of staying in tune with our inner voice.  We must keep our visions crisp and adjust when life alters progress; but, maintain a cadence that is sung by your soul.

Consistently Aware

"Becoming keenly and consistently aware of what's good, true

and beautiful demands a discipline:  we must open our eyes,

minds, and hearts, and keep them open."

Mary Oliver

Perception is altered by our eye sight.  When we look through a child's eye, we may perceive a playful attitude.  If we study with an educated eye, we cling to the facts and not assumptions.  With a creative eye, we may encounter diverse experiences like looking through a kaleidoscope.

It is important to remember what is true today, but also realize, it may not be the truth of tomorrow.  Life is constantly changing and altering both facts and fiction.  The world is not flat, man can walk on the moon, and hearts can be transplanted.

If we perpetually prop our eyes open, we will be a part of change, but if continuously close our eyes, we will not have a smooth transition.  We are not who we were yesterday, and it is pretty doubtful we will be entirely the same tomorrow.  So bend or stretch, twist or curl, and continue moving or else be stuck in whatever is no longer true.

Breath, Life, and Unknown

"Sometimes I think I need a spare heart

to feel all the things I feel."

Sanober Khan

There are isolated times my heart is weighed down by feelings and I have no idea how to define them.  The emotions are not simple like loneliness nor sadness, and they are complex but without labels.  I am not worried nor am I ecstatic, but I do sense a jumble of sensations sparking incompatible lines.

I find a sense of consolation walking outside where nature can soothe my sharp edges and broaden my perceptions.   Figuratively speaking, I can hold my heart in my hands and ask the difficult questions and attempt to understand the answers I may receive.

The falsehood is thinking I have to identify everything I feel when honestly, I really do not.  There is a time to put away my pen and not organize everything into categories.  I think the calling is to be still in the moment in spite of the garbled mess and just experience breath, life, and the unknown.

Sacred Meanings

"When I am feeling dreary, annoyed, and generally unimpressed by life,

I imagine what it would be like to come back to this world for just a 

day after having been dead."   Amy Krouse Rosenthal

Attachments have been dissolving for no apparent reason.  I no longer feel the lust when browsing in a book store nor do I feel the rush of the hunt at a flea market.  The need to covet material things is simply falling away.  

Perhaps I have outgrown collecting books as I did as a child capturing butterflies.  The patterns I sought in German dish patterns or sugar spoons have somehow shifted upwards to the designs of the lofty clouds or the magical gliding of the hawk's wings.

As I grow older, I find I do not cling to the comfort of people or things.  The emphasis tends to fall upon incidental exchanges and heart rendering exchanges.  Value seems to be in the present moment glimpsing sacred meanings, creating a pathway for the final journey home.

No Reason At All

"Intelligence is composed mostly of imagination,

insight, things that have nothing to do with reason."

Vivienne Westwood

As my gaze falls across the vast mountains, I do not see the face of the cave.  I see trees, boulders and gliding birds, but no doorway to lead me inside.  I know there are passages documented by history,  but I lack the heart of an adventurous explorer.

As I sit at the base of the mountain and lean against a giant tree, I listen to the gurgle of an unrecognized stream.  The sun reflects off the water and forces my eyes to close. The vision begins to visit what at first could not be seen.

Inside of the mountain, caves are filled with bones, tools, and ancient pots. I begin to feel the heat of the fires from years ago, and hear the chanting of elders exploring spiritual realms.  Scribes are drawing upon the walls and I long to understand it all.  I remain at length with my imagination, and insight, for no reason at all.

Shape Shifters

"Among the problems with shame was that it in fact

did not make you shorter or quieter or less visible.

You just felt like you were."

J.R. Ward

Shape-Shifters described in tales of old,  exist in our current world.  They feel like they can conquer violence with peace while at other moments feel like a tiny drop of rain.  There is power in the imagination of all.

We are the shape-shifters adapting to the various scenarios in our lives.  We move with grace then stumble and fall.  We whisper to a lonely breeze and roar at the indignity of mice and men.  We rage against dishonesty, but for safety play small. 

We have the power to make our lovely selves great or small.  Whether fear or shame, our perception of self creates our inner image.  Do we believe the vulgar words of others and shrink from brutal harm or do we trust in our inner strength to persevere the mighty blows of those remaining unconscious?   

Networks

"Her mind is an unquiet one, 

words and impulses constantly 

crashing into each other."

David Levithan

My unfocused eyes still see beauty in the most ambiguous surroundings.  Spring fragrances float by and birds are singing up in the trees.  I cannot hear the small stalks pushing up from the ground nor do I see the tiny buds form upon branches. Nature's network unfolds like magic.

There is a spring network alerting each plant when to begin, sprout, and bloom, just as there is a network for every season.  It is present, but out of sight.  It is dependable, and successful without overshadowing the process. It perpetuates forward movement without stress or overload. 

In our human network, there are lines of creativity just as there are wires for fear.   The network is unseen, but always dependable. When we are in tune with ourselves, our thoughts, desires, and passions continue to move forward without crashing into each other.  We have control over our impulses and our energy coincides with nature's flow.

Reaction Determines Outcome

"Dwell on the beauty of life.

Watch the stars, and see

yourself running with them."

Marcus Aurelius

The young boy accidentally tossed his baseball too close to the house, cracking the kitchen window.  "Oh no," he thought, "Mom is going to be furious!"  When he heard the screen door slam, he immediately began to cry.  The mother, silently came to his side and cradled him in her arms.  She said, "Look Aaron, see how the glass is cracked?"  He slowly raised his tear stained face and looked into his mom's smiling eyes.  "Isn't that amazing?  Look at that design," the kind mother exclaimed.

This small event could have left a small wound in the child's memory had the mother not treated the incident with kindness.  Acknowledging a negative situation, while focusing on the positive, we can minimize drama and transition with kindness.

Life is continuously altered by events and our reaction determines the outcome.  If we look for the beauty in life and share it with others through our actions,  darkness begins to fade and the light from the stars lead the way.  

Extent of Ability

"The most intriguing people you will encounter 

in this life are the people who had insights about you, 

that you didn't know about yourself."

Shannon L. Alder

Our unique abilities often are taken for granted.   We assume everyone works at our level of skill and cease to value the extent of our ability.  We tend to minimize complements and tell ourselves people are just being nice.  Then one day, a person takes issue with our gift and disallows us to shrug off the attention.

A sincere observation shared out loud can deepen the listener's understanding of self.  Once brought to attention, a person can begin to explore how deeply this vein of talent flows through them.  This history encourages them to go deeper and be more expansive with their gift.

When we follow a personal calling, our creativity increases our confidence and also enriches the lives of others.  As a person of interest, we can use our voice in a sincere way when we are aware of the strength of one other.  Simple things like:  "Your work is taking on a greater reflection of who you are," or "You seem to take small scraps of metal and create sculpture." The key is to be selective and sincere.  The results are uplifting for all involved.

Mystery of Human Psychology

"Human psychology is the most mysterious

thing in the world."

Munia Khan

There are two parts to my self or so it does seem:  1. There is the well educated highly experienced and dedicated problem solver;  and 2.  The wounded emotional hot mess hidden behind my journey for actualized freedom and love.  

I could say my professional self is my light and my personal life the dark, except I have found both light and dark in either scenario.  The imagined structure between the two parts collapses from time to time and parts blend together and surface in differing disarray.

It is with surrender both the weak and the strength blend together.  There is brilliance in feeling whole in spite of lacking perfection.  It is through our pain we discover forgiveness producing love ... for the self.  Yes, love must begin with the self.

Nameless God

"Those with less curiosity or ambition just mumble 

that God works in mysterious ways.  

I intend to catch him in the act."  

Damien Echols

With humor, I recall early stories of God separating seas, turning bushes into fire, and turning a woman into salt as she cast her glance back.   These stories created an image of an extraordinary male who could snip, snap or twist to simply prove a point.

Thankfully, my image of God is now genderless and nameless.  This powerful energy is loving, kind, and supportive.   I now believe it is the human being who threatens with power, devastation and isolation, as God has given us free will.

I no longer wait for claps of thunder or dramatic miracles to recognize the presence of this great energy.  I feel the presence of God in the slight movement of the wind blowing through the trees or the delicate rhythm of a humming bird.  I see love and kindness reflected back to me and I know it is my nameless God.

Scrutinize the Moment

"The enemy uses those things your insecure about.

Free yourself and take your power back by being secure 

in who you are - flaws and all."

Yvonne Pierre

At the first sense of discomfort, we sharpen our senses to discern what triggered our happy state of being.  The conversation plays through our head while we visualize the actions of those around us.  We gently push our caution button and stand alert.

As we scrutinize the present moment, we begin to realize our reaction was triggered by our own insecurity.  The conversation may have touched upon one of our less perfect abilities and physically we feel like a bruise has been unnecessarily pushed.

To gaze at the faces surrounding us, we notice a climate of no harm. no foul.  Every one else has moved on with the situation except for our selves.  We have  become stuck in our own false assessments, criticism and sarcasm.  When we learn to accept ourselves unconditionally,  personal power assists us in maintaining balance by embracing our flaws and honoring our strengths.

Wander and Be Alive

"To wander is to be alive."

Roman Payne

Walk out of your front door right now.  When you reach the sidewalk, turn whichever way the wind is blowing.  Before you cross the street, observe the clouds above, then go in the same direction.  Let your forehead be warmed by the sun, and your feet embrace the earth.

Have no destination, just keep walking.  Unclench your hands and let all that is familiar fade away.  Notice things you have been too busy to appreciate.  Hear the laughter of a child or the song of a bird. Smell fragrances offered by the trees.

Be a child again, noticing all of the colors surrounding you.  You will come across a welcoming rock or bench to sit and enjoy a moment of nothingness.  Close your eyes and let physical boundaries give way to becoming one with all of the thriving abundance in our flowering world.

Canvas of Life

"There are as many worlds 

as there are kinds of days,

and as an opal changes its colors 

and its fire to match the nature of the day,

so do I."    John Steinbeck

In our youth, our days are dictated by the routines of parents and education;  in our adult years, our days are orchestrated by family routines and career.  As we age, we begin to create a rhythm that begins to resonate with  our desires.

The better we can define ourselves, our living styles surface with greater distinction.  No longer abiding by tradition or modern decor, we design an atmosphere emotionally and physically fitting.  Comfort abounds by the affect of what we hold to be dear.

What we gather, gives meaning to our life and perception.   Art, antiques or books  can bring color into the dim hue of a day.  Passion ignites when tending a thriving garden or sharing an array of freshly baked bread.   Creative expression, no matter what form it takes, brings color to the canvas of a life well lived.

Trust and Peaceful Living

"Some people can't be fooled on April Fool's Day

because they were fooled too many times during

their entire lifetime." 

Akash B Chandran

With a perfectly straight face, I thoroughly enjoy telling a person a tale while looking them straight in the eyes.  I like to see their facial expressions change, watch the eyes grow larger and hear the catch in their breath.  Then I quickly tell them "Just kidding," and watch them break into laughter.

The tricks life has played on me have not been as much fun.  When the heart is open, I am quite vulnerable to the falsehoods of others.  Fortunately, as my intuition developed I was able to detect a level of truthfulness.  Insight into a person's nature also helped me to detect truth tellers.

What is that saying: "Fool me once, shame on you.  Fool me twice, shame on me."  As life runs its crazy course, any day could be April Fool's Day.  Deception will often be followed by, "I really didn't mean it," or the sting of sarcasm followed by "I was just kidding!"  I must hold myself responsible to be a truth teller on every day.  It builds trust and peaceful living.