Slow Dance with Renaissance Man

                               

                    

"The slow dance of synchronicity 

begins the moment you are born."

Andrea Goeglein

VIRGINIA'S VOICE: Articulating Silence, Deciphering Dreams, and Exploring Inner Landscapes are three elements underlying subject matter for my blog since 2011. This opportunity has allowed me not only to develop writing skills, but to unleash my passion to engage with words.   

Articulating Silence: Our voice is one of the most important tools to be used in life.  It is not about being smart or feedback from others.  We owe it to our lovely selves to honor and be responsible for what we say, think, and feel.  The point is not about being right or wrong.  The surge of energy flows through us when we utter our words, to release them whether out loud, with pen or art.  To speak our truth ... even in silence ... unites our body mind and soul.

Deciphering Dreams:  When we avoid reality, repress our emotions, and deny feelings, our dreams portray what we attempt to hide.  If we do not pay attention, the dreams can turn into nightmares, attempting to gain our attention.  I have recorded my dreams for years and have helped others understand what point is trying to surface.  Dreams can reflect what we hide, our longings, and the existence of multiple life experiences.  

Exploring Inner Landscapes:  Inside each of us exists a world of information.  As we bring light inward, we reduce the darkness from the past as it no longer serves a purpose. We unearth remarkable synchronicity engaging us with Divine connection.  Developing our inner world, we begin to wake up and honor the gifts and talents defining ourselves authentically. 

****Today, June 30, 2018, I celebrate my birth.  I am deeply loved and connected spiritually, as l dance my life away with my long awaited Renaissance Man.  I am deeply grateful to all, and when I transition, perhaps my words will linger with those who loved me so very well.

Gouged Sculpture

"I am my own experiment,

I am my own work of art."

Madonna

From an early age, I have been a seeker.  Hypocrisy edged me to look beyond appearances and rhetoric.  To see the heart of the matter, quickly guided me to those whom I could trust or avoid.  Simply put, I knew the hearts of others.  

The largest obstacle was to not only see the heart of someone, but to realize I was viewing his or her soul and not how they were currently functioning.  I could perceive how they might excel, but overlooked the current level of motivation.

Relationships chiseled away parts of myself leaving distrust, shame, and inferiority.  When one is as low as he or she can possibly regress, there is only one way left ... up.  The journey upward, gathering all parts of my self, allowed me to create my inner core parallel to my purpose or calling.  Indeed, I am a somewhat gouged sculpture roughly drafted, but it is so very good to be me!

Functioning From Either Side

"Feminism is the radical notion that 

women are people."

Marie Shear

In numerous cultures, each person contains a masculine side (doing) and a feminine side (being).  The masculine side is our right side and the left side is the feminine side.  So individuals contain a masculine and a feminine side within one body.

The masculine side is active and gets things done through physical labor or from forceful aggression. They have a desire for power and control over others.  The feminine side is more emotional, understanding and perceptive.  She desires power to create her own creation and not to be dominated or have control over others.   Example being:  a man at work uses his masculine side whereas at home he may use his feminine side.

The goal is be skilled in both sides of the body, being aligned, easily functioning from either side depending upon the situation.  Men are not the masters and women are not the servants.  The beauty in  life grows radiant when the man and women work together, blending their parts for the betterment of all people.

Shame Serves No Purpose

"All children should be taught to unconditionally accept, approve,

admire, appreciated, forgive, trust, and ultimately, 

love their own person."

Asa Don Brown

Human beings thrive when they are nurtured and allowed to cultivate their desires based on personal gifts.  We all need to experience the outcome of making lesser than correct choices, followed by forgiveness and encouragement.  

Shame serves no purpose except to humiliate and destroy confidence.  Shame fuels feelings of guilt repressing personal strengths and triggering negative perceptions.  Yes, there needs to be rules, but following the rules/consequences, nurturing must begin again.  There is a difference between being a bad boy or doing a bad thing ... where the emphasis is placed is important.

It is no secret as children we are brilliant lights that grow dimmer by parental and educational opinions, but does not work well with captive children in tents.  Yes to guidance, but direction needs to be in light of the child, not the expectations of the adult.  It aught not take 40 or 50 or 60 years for a person to break through negative programs to finally say, "I love me!"

No Penis Envy Here

"Of all the nasty outcomes predicted for women's liberation ...

none was more alarming than the suggestion that women would

eventually become just like men."

Barbara Ehrenreich

Equality for women has been a subject matter interlaced throughout my life.  I remember watching my mother struggle and wonder how much happier she might have been if she used not just her exceptional cooking abilities, but her artistic gifts as well.  Prior to her marriage, she was a seamstress with her own business making wedding gowns and women's tailored suites.  That all fell by the wayside and her artistic sketching skills were buried beneath.

My mother suffered from migraines, and one particular day she finally gave in to her pain by lying on the couch.  No sooner had she stretched out, my father came home causing my mother to bolt upright and get busy. (Our home was always immaculate.) This scene became a freeze frame of how I would never be.

I have no desire for a man's physical strength, but indeed I want power over my own life.  I am not attracted to aggressiveness, but I will strive to move forward with assertion.  I need to have power over my own life to decide whether or not to give birth, to raise my children or orchestrate my life as creatively as I wish.  I do not want to be a man ... no penis envy here ... I desire equality for myself and all peoples.  Masculine and feminine working together. each offering strengths, will hold our world together.

Intriguing Artist

"The most intriguing people you will encounter in this life

are people who had insights about you, that you didn't 

know about yourself."

Shannon L. Alder

It was the second day of the Art Fest and thankfully, there was a break in the rain.  Attendance was high and vendors appeared to be pleased with the responses from the buyers.  Although small in nature, the juried  artists presented professional works of art.

The Art Fest had the usual offerings.  Pottery with red and black coloring seemed attractive and unusual. The stained glass display caught my eye as I will never tire of the shape, colors, and styles.  Two artists displayed clay work which gave the appearance of artifacts.  Numerous jewelry vendors were present,  and each were very unique in their personal styles.  Photography was present as well as watercolors and carved wooden  pieces.

I lingered at the very last tent, caught in its magic of modern quilted wall decor, purses, scarves, and unusual jewelry made with blended fabrics.  It nurtured my heart and finalized my expectations for attending.  The artist, Ann Miller Titus,  approached me and we discussed her work, and much to my surprise, she had a very strong sense of what makes me tick.  A compliment makes one feel good, but I was intrigued by the depth of perception this woman displayed and  I felt honored to be so clearly seen by her insightfulness. 

Personal Passport

"A woman's destiny, they say, is not fulfilled

until she holds in her arms her own little book."

Caroline Mytinger 

If you could not reference your lovely self by family name; education; career; church; children nor husband; how would your personal life journey be described?  While defining the self without association, one has no recourse but to turn inward.

What does your existence mean?  Singularly, what is it about you that contributes joy to life?   Do you know what saddens you or what triggers your passion?  Have you allowed passion to flair?  Have you truly appraised yourself lately?

Imagine carrying a small passport reflecting all of your strengths and weaknesses, gains and losses, highlights and downfalls.  Use a highlighter to underscore the challenges that appeared to be dark but resulted in a shift into a healthier direction.  Refer to your personal passport regularly to be uplifted by reminders of accomplishments and kindness you have brought into the world.  This passport will help you navigate and arrive at a perfect destination!

To Give is to Receive

"Each day brings new opportunities, allowing you to constantly

live with love ... be there for others ... bring a little light into

someone's day.  Be grateful and live each day to the fullest."

Roy T. Bennett

THE LIGHT IN THE HEART

Perception is a major element in difficult situations. If we can instruct our ego to sit in a time out chair, our vision becomes uncensored.  Not being distracted by the prattle of negativity, we learn to adjust perception by zooming in or broadening the scope of attention.

The action of zooming in helps us to see precisely what is generating emotional pain ... a hurtful memory, a loss, or other emotions.  When we pull back, broadening the view, pain becomes less as it is now a small detail in a landscape of abundance.  This creates a shift in perspective and diverts our focus.

It is important to recognize our funk, but then push on.  Do not loiter and become stuck, shift focus from the self towards others.  Give a helping hand,  Assist.  Be present.  The more we involve our attention in a broader scope, we minimize our inner stress.  It is an opportunity to become a better parent, friend, neighbor or co-worker.  It is in the giving that we indeed receive.

Souls Blossom by Actions of Friends

"Let us be grateful to the people who make us happy;

they are the charming gardeners

who make our souls blossom."

Marcel Proust

Gratitude is seldom expressed out loud as it may feel embarrassing or awkward; but, as the recipient of gratitude, the heart swells. To verbalize gratitude,  the listener is enhanced.  When we have acted in a caring way in alignment with our nature, we may have easily forgotten the exchange.  So when we receive gratitude, we may struggle to remember what was said or done.

This is the point, of course, to be extending kindness naturally without seeking praise or recognition.  When we intentionally use kindness towards others, it becomes a habit we wear well.  There is enjoyment to see a smile spread across a person's face by having the most simple complement.

A while back, a "sister of the heart'  anonymously mailed unsigned cards to her friends, recognizing the value of the relationship.  When together, the friends were asking if they too had received an unsigned card.  Everyone had, but only a few determined who had sent the cards of joy.  Imagine how this effort  generated  genuine praise, recognition and mystery.   Be creative doing simple acts of kindness and experience the uplifting of our own spirit.

Expanding and Contracting

Both the Winter and Summer Solstices are expressions of love.  They show 

us the opposition of light and dark, expansion and contraction, 

that characterizes our experiences in the Earth school 

so that we can recognize our options as we move

through our lives.  

Gary Zukav

We cycle through life in rotation, expanding and then contracting.  We experience highs and then dip into periods of low.  At times we feel illustriously bright while during others, disturbingly dark.  Round and round we go, challenged by experiences for lessons to be learned.

The summer solstice brings us longer days, offering lengthier stretches of daylight.  As the sun encourages nature to be at its best, we too respond to the surrounding radiant growth.  Our spirits are more easily lifted by fragrances, colors, and the endurance to thrive through rains and storms.  

As the world spins around us, we can embrace what unfolds or resist the inevitable.  If we have rigid boundaries, the forces of nature may be stronger than necessary.  Let us be alert to recognize instantly when we are being taught, and unfold with the experience in a gentle way rather than fighting all odds.

Nature Rampant

"Don't try to swim against the tide of your own life journey.

Go with it.  The Divine is there waiting for you."

Alana Fairchild

RUMI

The forces of nature are rampant in our world:  water, air, fire, earth.  Each element seems to be reigning against us with force.    Unleashed tropical storms (water);  tornadoes (air); uncontrollable burnings (fire); and earthquakes and landslides (earth); reflect a force of change.  Planets are shifting exerting pressure on the stars, moon, and sky, as well as our own personal vibration.

Arenas are being electrified with hatred, anxiety and fear.... political, religious, environmental, and health.  Change is rarely comfortable, but the ability to leave what one knows in exchange for what may come, may not be a choice at all.

My focus has shifted from growing fear and anxiety or chaos and violence, to watching for the intervention of goodness and kindness presently overshadowed.  My attention rests upon the compassionate hearts of others and the unfolding sacred path of harmony and love.  Where we place our focus, our intention will attract more energy and expand.  Be deliberate in the unseen actions and believe in the power of spirit to overcome our fears.  

Fascination or Terror

"As I lounged in the park or strolled down Piccadilly,

I used to look at everyone who passed me, and wonder

with mad curiosity, what sort of of lives they led.  Some

of them fascinated me.  Others fill me with terror."

Oscar Wilde

It is my nature to be aware of people whether familiar or strangers.  I notice eyes first, then body language, followed by level of energy.  Observations or unexplainable knowings allow me to see a part of them they may believe is well hidden.  

To receive unsolicited information is not necessarily pleasant.  Depending upon the vibration I feel, my spirit can swiftly embrace or just as easily flee. There is a striking difference between witnessing the rapture of a friend or jolted by the rage of the unknown.  

I looked into a self-created hell as it loitered in the eyes of a man I accidentally bumped into.  I will never forget the penetrating cold stare nor the dark energy vibrating from his body.  Then again, I once dove into the eyes of a total stranger who held nothing but pools of unconditional love.  His energy was as soft as a rose petal and as gentle as a single drop of rain. I realize it is advantageous to maintain a slight layer of protection wherever the feet happen to roam.

Necessary Ingredient

"Strangeness is a necessary ingredient in beauty."

Krystal Sutherland

It is in the absence of our friends we become aware of diversity.  Rather than referring to them as a gathering, or a circle, or sisters of the heart, individuality seeps back up to the surface.  The  grouping dissolves and the individuality is seen again.

From a distance, we are reminded of what attracted us in the beginning.  It was the contribution of each soul sharing in the formation of a group.  The intrigue of authentic wisdom had a greater pull than name, numbers, or breeding.  The confirmation of speculations and wisps of deep artistry lured my spirit. 

It is the authenticity of a soul's  journey that catches my eye, wanting to explore the challenges and lessons where I have not yet been.  I long to see inside the human suit, the splashes of art upon the walls and the scars of the broken heart.  To witness  the secrets of Spirit's strength so that I may see beauty again . 

Sadness with a Smile

"I am intrigued by the smile upon your face,

and the sadness within your eyes."

Jeremy Aldana

There was sadness in your eyes in spite of the smile stretched across your face.  Even the pitch of your voice sounded strained.  The dark circles under your eyes made me wonder if you had been sleeping at night or even eating during the day.

I watched your hands clenching and unclenching, wringing the handles of your bag as though you wished them to be crushed.  Wrinkled clothing and uncombed hair added to my concern.  The heart that so often extended compassion, seemed absent, not present at all.

Not knowing what to do, I reached for you, pulling you into a warm embrace.  Your body sighed, going limp as I felt the tears streaming from your face onto mine.  What in the world is going on, I wondered helplessly.  You pulled away, so I let you go.  As your unsteady gait furthered you down the road,  I cried in silence, praying for Spirit to enter your soul.

Curiosity, Prompt for Creative Flame

"Curiosity is an impulse that just taps you on the shoulder

  very lightly and invites you to turn your head a quarter of an inch  

and look a little closer at something that has intrigued you.  

Your life itself then becomes a work of art."

Elizabeth Gilbert

CHOOSING CURIOSITY OVER FEAR

There is beauty in  life created by a simple glimpse or a sudden awareness.  Inside the soul there is endless art collaborated with the outer world guiding us back to creativity within ourselves.  Uncensored inside, we can splash paint, sketch with ink, and diagram mappings from in the sky.  

What prompts curiosity?  Is it a hidden sentence within a book, just waiting for our eyes alone?  Might it be an unidentified sound luring us deeper into silence?  The twinkle in a person's eye can light a fire that lost its inspiration long ago.  The actions and behaviors of others can make us yearn for what is yet to come.

Curiosity is a prop for creativity.  It pokes at us hoping for our attention.  It is wisdom speaking to us through thought, word and deed.  It hopes for inspiration and the action of our unique abilities.  It is the kindling for our creative flame.  Follow the unexpected nudge as it leads us to our dreams.

Bound in Fear

"Be at peace, old fear. Thank you for your teachings.

Return to the Earth Mother now, I no longer bind you to me."

RUMI:  Alana Fairchild

The years applied heavy layers of fear upon the wounded heart.  As if applying band aids for pristine healing, well intended interventions were stacked, one upon another.  And still, the wound bled. Lacking exposure to pure light, the wound festered in darkness.

At what point does compassion turn inward?  Is it when a person crumbles, turning into rubble?
Perhaps it is then when healing words begin to take form and we mutter: "No more!" When the dust settles and vision clears, a sliver of hope beckons us forward for a better sense of self.

In the forthcoming years, strips of decay are peeled from body, mind, and soul.  It is a painful process, but not as demeaning as wallowing in self hate, repulsion and fear. In small increments, the wound does indeed heal.   When the scars begin to fade and heavenly light appears, our heart soars, no longer bound by  fear.

How Long Will The Flag Be Free

"MAY WE THINK OF FREEDOM,

NOT AS THE RIGHT TO DO AS WE PLEASE,

BUT AS THE OPPORTUNITY TO DO WHAT IS RIGHT."

PETER MARSHALL

The American Flag tends to become more meaningful to me every year.  Watching it billow in the wind with such grace and dignity somehow touches my heart.  It stirs memories of celebrations, festivals, losses, and wars.  

This symbol, the American Flag, has detailed meaning for a variety of people.  The definition, however, changes from generation to generation and person to person.  Old Glory has triggered discussions remolding what, where, and how the flag should be.

I hear the words, "Let freedom ring," and the sounds of war are captured in the background.  The second waving of the flag creates sorrow in the loss of high school and college friends who were killed in Vietnam.  The fear of my boys being called to serve is deeply embedded in me. We believe we should serve our country, while those in power tend to be driven with cravings for greed and control.  I wonder how long the flag will be free to fly and how skillful the definition will be edited.

Dysfunctional Merry Go Round?

"When we align with what is,

we access the source of lasting 

peace and contentment.

Eckhart Tolle

The decision to fight against the current or go with the flow is up to you.  Even when situations appear to be insurmountable, there is still a choice.  The choice might not be illustrious, but by making it, we will create movement.  Otherwise, we remain stuck or swept away by the current.

The ability to pause allows us time to weigh our actions.  Which steps will fill the desires of others and what ones will help to create balance in our own life?  When we activate the ability to stand still in spite of our circumstances, we can sense a small aspect of control.

Our lives offer peace when we align our desires with our actions.  A sense of contentment occurs when we utilize our actions to support our dreams.  As we tell our children to grasp the brass ring,  are we stuck on a dysfunctional merry go round?  When we tell our aging parents to enjoy life while they can, are we rotting on our own vine?  When we face reality and eliminate redundant routines, we make a path for better things ahead.

Unseen Network

"An invisible thread connects those who are destined to meet, 

regardless of time, place, and circumstance.

The thread may stretch or tangle.  But it will never break."

Ancient Chinese Proverb

An invisible grid is how I like to refer to the unseen network hovering above us.  We may be like strangers passing in the night, but at some point the inevitable happens ... our  threads cross to form a stitch in the tapestry of life.

I am uncertain as to who the keepers of the thread might be.  The control may rest with Divine Spirit or be shared with angels or Mother Nature.  The word synchronicity is often used to describe the chance meeting or maybe fate or destiny.  The source is not as important as the exchange between fellow strangers who ultimately impact each other.

Complex and inspirational contact may transpire in the briefest of meetings.  The depth of unspoken words may not register with us until a later time.  A flashback to a stranger's comment may finally make sense.  A glance, words shared, or spontaneous actions trigger a shift within us without supplying a language to appropriately describe the incident.  Truly, nothing happens by accident.

Emotional Craving for Inner Security

"she is free

her home is wherever she wants it to be

because true security

can only be found within herself."

Kristin Michelle Elizabeth

THIS WILL SET ME FREE

I have had the privilege of meeting a woman who created a million dollar business.  She could afford to live exclusively and her clothes were those of high society.  She knew people of the higher ranks  and traveled in circles I can only read about.  The sad part was her heart was still wounded from when she grew up in absolute poverty.  Money could not produce the inner security which she emotionally craved.  She kept her past hidden, let no one inside and her true self remained captive.

The cords that bind us are often emotional or delusional.  The boundaries keeping us captive can be the mind casting shadows.  Either way, the fear pounding within us prevents healthy movement forward.  One used to hope for a knight from the castle on a white horse or for the hunter from the woods of Little Red Riding Hood; but today, money is falsely seen as the answer to all things.

We live in rotating cycles and each of us experience them in differing ways.  The constant, however, is looking out side of our lovely selves for healing, security, and freedom to be who we were always hoping to be.  It matters not if we are rich or poor.  Resolution is found during the inner journey towards discovery and love of the self.

Energy As A Gift

"There is a beautiful thing inside you that is thousands of years old.

Too old to be captured in poems.  Too old to be loved by everyone.

But loved so very deeply by a chosen few."

Nikita Gill

I can easily tune into the vibrations of others, especially if it is coming from the darker depths.  It is interesting for me to silently project positive energy towards them to bring a better sense of balance.  There are those who attract my attention as I know they are ill or suffering.  I extend energy to support them in decisions regarding healing or transitioning into an another realm.

As folks share their stories, body language reflects areas of concern.  These areas can be associated with the chakras which reflect where energy is not flowing.  Determining the placement of their concern, the masculine side/right side  and  the feminine side/left side adds additional material.  My energetic response is an action of compassion not judgment without any intention.  The extended energy is a gift to the recipient, to be utilized or ignored which I have no control over.

There is a capacity within me to see what is not physically seen and to feel what is not physically reflected.  There is an ability to recognize others simply through vibrations, as entities from life times ago.  Everyone or anyone can be a light worker if they choose to heighten his or her natural tendency.  These workings of light and energy acknowledge time expansion and the fabrication of death.

Rarely Elevated by Critiques

"If we feel secure in the depths of our heart,

We shall not challenge anybody for inner confidence,"

Sri Chinmoy

THE WINGS OF JOY: FINDING YOUR PATH TO INNER PEACE

When we are comfortable in our own skin, those who surround us rarely annoy us.  They might nudge us a little by his or her behavior, but we find it to be humorous without the need to judge.  If our confidence needs a boost, we are rarely elevated by the critiques of others.  True confirmation of the spirit resides within our very soul.

Asking others for information is a good thing, but we must weigh it carefully to understand if it resonates for our lovely self.  Does it inspire, motivate, and encourage us?  At times we can catch a glimpse of an unique approach we can remodel to  fit our particular needs.

Who we are or who we yearn to be needs to be based on our true nature, passion, and assertiveness.  Acknowledging and supporting our talents and gifts points us in the right direction.  We must fuel our fire to build passion to see us through the other side of doubt and fear.  As we assert ourselves, we become even more empowered to find our authentic path leading to a purposeful life.  

Get Up and Take Action!

"My point is that you do not need me or anyone else around

to bring this new kind of light in your life.  It is simply waiting

out there for you to grasp it, and all you have to do is reach for it.  

The only person you are fighting is yourself and your stubbornness

to engage in new circumstances."

Jon Krakauer

Into the Wild

We must be brave and courageous to fully grow into our lovely selves.  We must set aside accomplishments we struggled so hard in creating and set firm boundaries to offer room for new opportunities.  We must be vigilant and focused to become aligned.

If we simply wait for some kind of miraculous ascension, we will wait for a very long time.  We must participate and articulate.  We must look within to discover our own power and begin to decipher our dreams.  It is the exploration of the inner landscape which moves us further in our journey.

For a brief time, set books and gurus aside.  Turn off on line stimulants and settle into stillness.  When we recognize the inner voice we must also learn to listen to it.  Then as we turn back out into the world, we watch for information, situations, and opportunities to unfold.  We must do our part by connecting with our light within and then allowing it to shine  on the outside to attract and join with others.

Required Pause

"I like libraries.  It makes me feel comfortable and secure

to have walls of words, beautiful and wise, all around me.

I always feel better when I can see that there is something

to hold back the shadows."

Roger Zelazny

 NINE PRINCES IN AMBER

As a regular visitor to the branch of the Chicago Library, I became well acquainted with the librarians.  As a very young reader, I was only allowed to check out books in my age range.  When I accomplished reading all of those, I asked for permission to move on to the next section.  The kind librarians did not just turn me loose, but handpicked appropriate literature to carry me farther into the world of words.

My library card was my safety pass allowing me to visit the lives of many authors.  I walked passed this sacred place every day on my way to and from school.  At least once a week I would excitedly return my books in exchange for new ones.  I was recognized, encouraged, and allowed to discuss various authors at my level without judgment or censorship.

Growing up, each of us had a safe place whether it was a grandmother's home, best friend's house or Mother Nature her lovely self.  It was a haven where we could drop our shoulders and breathe without fear of misconduct.  Maybe significant words were never spoken; but, the unconditional greeting of a hug, the unsolicited kindness of one other, or the connection with the earth distanced us from our shadows.  It was our required pause in order to carry on.

Passion Replacing Tension

 

"The answer to control is practicing surrender."

Madisyn Taylor

Surrender can be quite curious as we associate a variety of emotions and actions to this word.  To some, it may mean servitude, acquiescing, chains, or squelched. Underneath, there is a layer of fear.

Surrender, however, can be an exciting challenge ending with a new makeover emotionally or spiritually.  We are called to surrender to the mystery of life which ultimately leads to freedom or expansion.  It is when we allow trust to trump fear.

When we no longer tense up or become rigid or paralyzed by fear,  we allow our body, mind, and spirit to see into the magic of life.  New opportunities or original ideas or extensive creativity may swarm into our consciousness, leaving us filled with passion and not tension.

Align the Interior Self with the Exterior Self

"It's not the years,

it's the experience."

Maria V. Snyder

Sea Glass

We deliberately strive to create a professional image, life style and reputation, but often this leaves us with a sense of emptiness or falsehood.  The images we creatively project perhaps are aspects of ourselves, but these might not include pieces of our authentic self.

When we are able to project both our inner and outer selves, there will be a greater sense of authentic living.  We no longer expect our lovely selves to act one way professionally and a different way privately.  When we learn to combine all parts of our selves, life experience is enhanced.

When we are aligned, managing to be the same person no matter where we are, there is a greater comfort as anxiety and stress tend to fall away.  There is strength in being our original self when being in the presence of anyone.  There is no pressure to remember how we are supposed to be or what we have previously claimed.  Confident, we simply allow ourselves to be.

Reinvent or Discover

"I'm not reinventing myself.

I'm finding myself.

There's a difference!"

Michele Jennae

When we do not have a strong sense of self, we feel naked before the world and  cover our bodies with scraps of clothing that do not belong to us.  It is no wonder we end up feeling like we are wearing a suit not belonging to us at all.

If we decided to reinvent ourselves, we simply repeat the same process:  gathering parts which belong to others.  The end result will be the same, wearing the image belonging to someone else.  So the goal is to delve into our likes and dislikes; our passions and annoyances; and discover what has been over looked the entire time.

It is not easy to disrobe, especially if others are monitoring or judging; but the end result will be worth millions!  Dig deeply and discover hidden particles.  With new perception, pieces turn into gold.  It is an amazing experience to look inside to discover treasures waiting to be polished.  When clothed in our birthday suit, standing before the Divine, we really do shine.

Night Noises and Being Alone

"Well I just sat there and had a great time all by myself ...

Not even many night noises ...

just the wind ....

Georgia O'Keefe

If you do not peacefully relate to the term night noises, you are running through life too quickly.  If you are addicted to action whether in sports or work, you need to slow down before God slows you down.  Yes, being in the zone is a miraculous feeling, but you can experience far more when you can sit alone.

If you are uncomfortable sitting still, you are not taking in your surroundings or paying attention to an expanded slice of life.  When you begin to notice nature, you will begin to slow down.  First you observe and then begin to notice a deeper sense which ultimately lulls you into an awareness of Divine presence.

Your mind will relish the peace and quiet of stillness.  Incredible images will bubble up to the surface which helps you to evaluate the chosen speed of your life.   You become aware of what needs to be released to make room for your authentic self.  You then become comfortable being alone with who you are and your beautiful spirit shines through.

Without Leaving Home

"Art is the only way to run away

without leaving home."

Twyla Tharp

Art is a lovely escape whether we are gifted or not.  Once a subject is chosen and supplies gathered, a person can become lost in time delving into an expression of art.  In privacy, one can deeply experience creativity without fear of judgment.  Freedom being in the flow brings joy, release, and a break from reality.

If one has never mastered piano playing the piano, it does not mean a person cannot tickle the keys for hours at a time.  The same is true with using the voice.  Without any training, a person can sing privately creating an uplifting  experience.  The surgeon picks up his scalpel and enters a private world of his specialty as all else falls away.   

Life demands our attention for various reasons such as family, career, and other obligations.  If we single out a section of time to freely express our inner makeup, we will respond far greater in our daily responsibilities.  Some believe it is selfish to attend to personal needs until all other areas are addressed; however, at the end, we are usually too exhausted to refurbish ourselves.  If we deliberately set aside a time to lift our spirits before we are exhausted, everyone around us will benefit.  If not, we may dream of running away from home!

Entitlement and Intention

"Man is not, by nature, deserving of all that he wants.

When we think that we are automatically entitled to 

something, that is when we start walking all over 

others to get it."

Criss Jami Diotima 

After interviewing for a job I truly desired, I was called back for a second interview.  The departing director was present and she asked me numerous questions as to how I planned to improve and expand the program they currently offered. Imagination coursed through my veins.  I had held a similar position previously, so colorful details flowed  and I expertly replied to every inquiry.  I knew from the expressions and feedback from the board, I had this nailed!

The call finally came and I had my acceptance speech prepared.  I had worked hard in my career and I deserved this better position based on what I had to offer in experience and education. The board member, however,  kindly informed me that the position had been filled by someone else.  I was shocked and inquired as to  who was hired.  The gentleman kind of laughed and said the retiring director loved my ideas and she decided she was far from completing her involvement with the program.

From a different perspective, I viewed the situation from the program's current director.  I believe she may have felt my false sense of entitlement and misconstrued my forthcoming enhancements as a negative judgment of her program.  Although I never intended to walk all over this other woman, in hindsight, I can imagine my bloated sense of self challenged her.  I did learn a lesson, but interestingly enough, the entire program shut down a few months later which made me ponder her own sense of entitlement.