Stirrings of Spirit

"To ignore, repress, or dismiss our feelings is to fail to listen

to the stirrings of the Spirit within our emotional life."

Brennan Manning

Our exposure to others has been quite limited these last few months.  Possibly, we are keeping our fears or concerns repressed not to scare our mates or children or friends.  And as we house the building pile of random thoughts, the word of the Divine becomes distorted, muddled, or worse yet, unheard. 

No matter how small a living space might be, surely there is a small patch of grass for one to stand with bare feet to feel Mother Nature.  Too easily we dismiss what supports us by thinking we must make an entire journey to the gym, park, or massage parlor in order to reach peace from the weight sagging our shoulders.

Something is surely better than nothing ... like a wisp of silent prayer while folding laundry, offering up gratitude during a shower, or beam kindness into the food cooking on the stove to nurture all. The amazing thing about Sacred Divinity is it can be really quite simple.  It is the human being who complicates simplicity in a false attempt at perfection.  Be still in a break of silence and hear the words of God.

Health Issues Reflect What We Think

"If we try to ignore the inner world, the unconscious will find

its way into our lives through pathology:  our psychosomatic 

symptoms, compulsions, depression and neuroses."

Robert Johnson  (INNNER WORK: Using Dreams and Imagination)

One of my favorite non-fiction resources is Louise Hay.  She has written numerous books to educate readers about the connection between our thinking, our ailment, and healing.  HEAL YOUR BODY by Louise Hay is similar to a dictionary for the impact of body, mind and soul.  It is never far from my reach as it brings such simple meaning to daily health explanations.

Our bodies are impacted by what we eat, and also by what we think.  When we overcrowd our brain with negative thoughts, they come pouring out in dream time or in health issues.  Fear of contacting the  covid 19, psychologically can attack our body with various symptoms.  Our body wants to please us, so it may trigger signs of a chest cold which we interpret as the forthcoming virus.

Each section of the body holds information we have fed whether fact or fiction.  Every part of the body is symbolic and so it is easy to interpret if we would only pay attention. In Louise Hay's book, the format is like a dictionary: body part, the health issue, symbolism and an affirmation.  Do your lovely self a favor and purchase this inexpensive book to assist in healthier living and higher understanding of aches and pains!

Most Important Person

"Self-understanding is a lifetime endeavour.

It is not a weekend seminar.  It does not

come in capsule form."

Vironika Tugaleva

We happen to come across an old favorite book and as we read it, we are mildly entertained, but wonder why we had been so taken with it in the first place.  We pull out the old record player and spin a few 78 Blues and Jazz keepsakes.  In a while, we tire of listening and move on to something else.  We visit an old town where we once lived and return to the favorite restaurant; but, the new owners just do not have the same flare.

We are aware of our biggest changes in career or relationship, but the smaller ones tend to slip by us.  The silent ones slowly build until one day we say, "I don't know when I stopped liking that..."   Our loved one surprises us with a lovely bouquet of our favorite flower, except the lovely bloom hasn't been savored for many years. No right nor wrong, just change.

It is important to take notice of our changes, both big and small.  If we are aligned with our inner and outer preferences, we will be reaching for the right goals.  Our intentions will not be personally disappointing, but rather exhilarating.  Some say it is important to know people in high places, but the most important person for us to know is our lovely selves.

Undiscovered Lies

"The truly scary thing about undiscovered lies is that they have a

greater capacity to diminish us than the exposed ones.  They erode

our strength, our self-esteem, our very foundation."

Cheryl Hughes

It is honorable to tell the truth even though it can be quite painful.  We may think it is easier to lie, but then the information expands like a spider web.  The omission is tightly knit at the center, and then additional attempts to hide a secret rope farther out and more precariously.  It becomes difficult to recall the original lie whereas the truth is always the same.

Certainly I imagined numerous falsehoods as a child, but I sincerely share that I have always leaned towards being a truth teller.  As someone confides information with me, I preempt it by saying, "If you tell me the truth right now, I will find a way to deal with it; but, if I am deliberately lied to and I later find out, there will be an ending to trust and all that accompanies it." I have remained accountable.

Often times, it is not the truth that hurts, but the disappointment in being betrayed.  Faith dissolved, solid ground crumbles beneath the feet and certainty becomes a bird flying out the window!  We all learn to tolerate degrees of truth telling, but I for one find being lied to as the first major step away from a loving relationship.

Possibility of Change

"Better to build a bridge than a wall."

Elton John

When we build a bridge, we know there is the possibility of returning whether referring to a country road, relationship, or life itself.  A bridge offers us flexibility and just knowing we can have the option of revisiting can be powerful in itself.  A wall, however, is far more permanent limiting both mental and physical boundaries.

For many years while I was still in social services, I found myself often times troubled by decisions I needed to make.  Whether the results impacted my family or the families I served, I would invariably find myself standing in the middle of a bridge at a familiar park.

I would stand on this bridge watching water spurt from a fountain representing new ideas and the need to flow.  I would remain on the bridge until I came upon resolution.  In my heart, I always knew that I could return to this bridge to revisit my decisions.  There was comfort in knowing I could return and not be barricaded  by a wall preventing the possibility of change.

Behind the Door

"A door opens in the center of our being

and we seem to fall through it into the immense

depths which, although they are infinite,

are all accessible to us."

Thomas Merton

 The term 'darkness' conjures thoughts of negativity such as black magic or sorcery.  It can also prod some into thinking about depression or being lost.  The very word 'dark' has been contrasted to the word 'light' in a competition of choice rather than an embracing of difference.

Dark is simply the other side of light, and as our past hides in the dark shadows there is nothing to fear.  If we allow our selves to gently gather our light and bring it into the darkness, we can see what it is we fear.  Our options then are to reclaim, heal, and or release.  

When we step past the fear and open the door of darkness, we can learn to adapt or adjust.  Just because something is buried deeply does not mean we shall be condemned if exposed.  If we but open the door, sometimes the light flows in so easily, we begin to see new opportunities waiting to be discovered.  

Choice: David or Goliath

"Goliath was the best thing 

that ever happened to David."

Carla Lynne Hall, THE BALLET COMPANION

Upon returning home from work, years ago, I would notice the light on my answering machine indicating I had a phone message.  Frequently, it would be an abbreviated message such as, "Goliath is back!"   Instantly, I knew my long time friend was in need of creating a plan.  I would wait until the late evening hours to call her back, when the long distance rates went down.  We would laugh, discuss and solve.  After a few days, I would see the light on my machine blinking again and it would be her saying, "David won!"

All of us have a Goliath in our lives creating concern, fear perhaps, and the ultimate goal of change.  He is an opportunity to gather our strengths and go with what we have and not fabricate or over extend our abilities.  We are stronger than we imagine!

The longer we string Goliath along, the worse the scenario grows.  Avoidance and fear can dwindle away our best defense, resulting in losing the battle.  Instead, we can survey our wheelhouse and choose our best defense in order to fully experience being David.

The Greater Investment

"It is not always possible to know why people act they way they do,

but I can guarantee that you will feel better if you give people the 

benefit of the doubt more often than not.  When in doubt, be kind.

It doesn't cost anything to be kind."

Renee Suzanne

When a person over reacts to conversation or strikes out with an unjustified emotional reprimand, too easily we take it personally.  Psychologically, it is seldom about us and usually a knee jerk reaction to emotional issues of their own loitering beneath the surface.

Perhaps we will never know for sure what prompted his or her action, but instead of responding with a feeble apology, it is more productive to extend kindness.  Instead of digging deeply into our own issues, we can use our energy to direct compassion towards anyone who is present.  There is no need for us to accept responsibility for unleashed emotions that are not a part of us.

As we move away from the situation, leave it behind.  It is not beneficial to drag heaviness within us that doesn't belong.  If we set our sites upon a different element or project, we begin our creative process once again which is a greater investment.

Simplicity of Abundance

"Not what we have, but what we enjoy

constitutes our abundance."

Epicurus

Relocating to Nashville, Tennessee fulfilled many desires of mine, but I had not expected to live in my new apartment for simply a week.  There was barely time to unpack when the tornadoes passing through brought me to my daughter's lovely home to help with my grandkids as their daycare had been damaged.  Before I could return to my apartment, the virus became headlines sheltering me in place at my daughter's.  Both she and her amazing husband were instructed to work from home.

It has been five months now and I am still without my things.  Books, journals, clothing, accessories all remain at my apartment.  It is amazing how one comes to a more simple life when they do not have 'things' surrounding them.  Now, I seldom think of my jewelry, favorite glassware or keepsake quilt.   Love and comfort abounds in so many other ways.

There is always an abundance of love swirling around inside and outside of this accommodating home.  There is a thriving garden, super blooming flowers, a multitude of hugs and entertaining conversations with the wee ones. I patiently await excursions to my favorite Nashville haunts, but in time this too shall come.  There is nurturing space for writing and pondering the changes of this world, and I am thriving right where I have been so deeply welcomed.

Red Flags, Symbols, and Loss

"Sometimes some things fall apart so better things

that are for your highest good can fall in to place."

Angie Karan

Life extends various experiences, but these opportunities are only as good as we make them.  If we let them pass us by without exploration, the offering may be forever lost.  If there is but one thing we have learned from a happening, then we have embraced the lesson.

Wisdom arrives in various ways ... the doctor telling us to slow down; the nightmare implying a plunge into water; or an ending to anything we valued.  The doctor told the patient she needed to slow down as her body was exhausted and was nearing a breaking point.  (She ended up breaking her leg so was forced down.)  The nightmare grew more detailed until the dreamer realized water is a symbol for emotions. (She was drowning.)  Life may reclaim something or someone we deeply value. (We learn to appreciate what is still remaining.)

As we work through the language of our life experiences, we eventually clear our path and we can leisurely enjoy every nanosecond of time given to us.  The initiative is not to go faster acquiring more, but to slow down and embrace what is in front of us.

There Are Times To Take Control

"The world has plans for you, baby.

Whether you're ready or not.

You can be either a driver or a passenger."

Penelope Douglas, FALLING AWAY

Do we speed through life as a driver or passenger, and do we even have an appreciation for the car we ride in? Maybe we want out of the car or we are tired of sitting in the back seat, or worse yet the trunk!  Importantly, who is actually driving the car?

The car is a symbol for our body.  How do we treat both the inside and the outside?  Do we address our car/self with regular checkups, repairs, and shelter?  Do we ignore the uncleanliness inside?  Do we speed regularly and ignore all signs of caution?

It very well may be time to reset our GPS.  Perhaps we need to enter new destinations and reprogram the unused sections.  On the other hand, it might be beneficial if we turned the entire thing off and quit making u-turns at the next availability.  Allowing the self to wander might be the best choice ever made.

Other Realities in Time

"I am living in many dimensions at once; 

the appearance of being trapped in time

and space is an illusion."

Deepak Chopra

We have the personal power to explore beyond what is presented in front of us.  Our minds have been trained to observe the obvious while many lofty scenarios go unseen.  As we learn to trust our inner wisdom, communication is extended to other ways of hearing.  Reflections for example may trigger deeper meanings, just as our dreams or wandering in open space prompt knowings.

Discovery of scientific theory, creative genius arts, and fore shadowing of forth coming events are all displayed in areas of time and space we mostly ignore.  The most obvious presence of parallel lives is found in the recognition of places we have never been before or instant identity with a total stranger.

Accounts rendered and factual research display the ability to be living two lives at one time.  Time or history may not be the same and one might not be of the same gender.  When we experience a glimpse of another reality, we usually down play it and say it was imagination, hallucination, of something we ate for dinner. We are an intelligent species in need of broadening the understanding of other realities.

Resisting Engagement

"When you connect to the silence within you,

that is when you can make sense of the disturbance

going on around you."

Stephen Richards

Over the years, I have learned how drama unnecessarily clutters our lives with additional anxiety, judgment, and chaos.  Intentionally, I have eliminated participation in situations where drama was most likely to unfold. 

When caught off guard in unpredictable overly emotional experiences, I would discreetly bow out of participation.  The results of weeding out drama or resisting engagement, has brought me longer periods of silence and fewer emotional roller coaster rides.

Within the safety of my silence, I do not withdraw from reality, but observe it to learn the lessons that are being played out.  Without judgment nor investment, an understanding can be gained, creating an intention to counter balance negative energy.  Discarding filters and minimizing fear, I create a sense of safety for peaceful living.

For the Sake of Peaceful Living

"Your sacred space is where you can find

yourself over and over again."

Joseph Campbell

Blessed by another three days of solitude, I threw myself into reading, meditating, and writing of my experiences.  I was filled with bliss, harmony, and peace.  I do realize every day cannot be like this, but I deeply appreciate when these special situations arrive.

There were a few moments before others would return to the house so I jumped on line, after days of absence.  Within fifteen minutes I could feel my spirits sinking deeper and deeper.  Hopelessness and anxiety began to fill my recently blissful heart. I felt shame from others actions and disgrace for the neglect of all living things.  I found my self totally thrown out of alignment.

I refuse to fall into pits of darkness and I will not retreat to some mentally magical kingdom avoiding the realities of life.  I will, however, ground myself once again and practice being balanced ... to be aware, but not a participant.  I will focus on extending my light out into the world for the sake of others and for the sake of my own peaceful living.

Proud He Came Into This World

"You can learn many things from children.

How much patience you have, for instance."

Franklin P. Jones

It would seem I preferred exchanges with children more so than with adults.  I began my earlier career with the Head Start Program, then director of a pre-school, followed by director of a day care.  I then intentionally gave birth to four of my own ... three boys and one girl ...  and later dedicated years to children in social services.  

My youngest son, Matthew, was somewhat reserved and took his role as big brother to his younger sister very seriously.  He loved the outdoors and thoroughly enjoyed every season.  In the spring he would spend endless hours planting seeds and weeding, until fall harvesting. One year he raised pumpkins and gifted one to any visitor to our home.  In winter  he would build snow tunnels well after dark  and then with summer become obsessed with fishing and roaming state parks.

Once encouraged to share, he can tell you remarkable things about animal behavior, plant breeding, or his passion for cooking.  Often, I would look into his beautiful blue eyes and wonder how he knew such things, and why!  Today is his birthday, and I am so proud he came into this world as my son.

Looking Behind and Below

"A door is truly an amazing thing.

Closed, it is an agent of separation ...

But swing it open and it becomes an invitation,

uniting what before was separate."

Drew Leder

My father, a Chicago detective, was once explaining to me at age 10 why they interview as many people as they can at the scene of a crime.  He explained that every witness experiences the same situation differently.  Years later in college, I would learn the psychological aspects of our own personal blinders.

In raising four children, I learned the importance of digging deeper, uncovering all parts of one story as individuals not only see things uniquely, but they build stories around the event that are often not aligned.  What we see and what we believe may innocently be far from truth.  

Gathering information may require looking behind doors and delving into dark basements, but profound evidence of truth brings enlightenment.  Once the truth is unearthed, the door can remain open eliminating any sense of separation. Light can shine into any darkness encouraging us to continue towards discovery. 

Doors Open and Close

"As often happens on a spiritual journey,

we have arrived at the heart of the paradox:

each time a door closes,

the rest of the world opens."

Parker Palmer

If we first make a list of the many things that have gone wrong in our lives and then make a second list of everything that has been right, we can compare the two and indicate with a mark which event triggered a change.  The change usually is prompted by a challenge.  We learn through difficult experiences, more than happy events.

We find that as we end one portion of our life, we are actually starting a new.  When we close the door, by the time we adjust and turn around, we find a new one opening.  We may not be aware of it from the beginning, but it is there formulating.

Once I was confiding in my college roommate  about a block I was facing and she replied, "You know, it just shouldn't be that hard!"   She was spot on as the difficultly continued to increase until I exclaimed, "Enough!" I was forcing myself in a direction I wasn't meant to go.  Life is not easy, but we often times make it too hard!

Planet Healthy and Strong

"We are all special cases."

Albert Camus

We may spend our entire life time patterning our selves after other people, rather than investing in our selves.  Each human houses gifts that are meant for the world, and to be delivered in the style of each being.  Through our unique display or offering, there is no sense of competition.  To enjoy our individual presentations builds value and core certainty.

It is as though a paintbox is attached to each one of us at birth with instructions to let our creativity expand.  There is no jealousy as each of us would be focused on birthing our own sense of creation.  Whether we use brushes or textiles; water color or oils; canvas or demolished bricks; our inner inspiration coupled with passion,  drives our visions.

Our inner focus is on personal expression, while our outer focus is on listening and compassion.  As we hear the stories of others, we gain more respect for his or her work.  Sharing between human beings triggers insights and a sense of common ground.  With our creations, together we decorate a world we can be proud of and a planet healthy and strong.

Importance of Harmony

"You are a living magnet.  What you attract into your life is

 in harmony with your dominant thoughts."

Brian Tracy

In search of an apartment, I was radiating happiness when a perfect spot appeared. An especially dear friend and I were wearing Witch hats and costumes as it was Halloween day and thank goodness she knew the landlord.    Another sister of my heart stated she was not surprised that I had found perfection as I had been consistently pinning images of spaces offering yard, fireplace, and windows on Pinterest!  I was drawing these things to me.

When we visualize our desires, it is important to make them flexible as God will frequently be more generous.  If we harbor dark negative expectations, the Universe says, "Yes, we can provide that!"   The Universe, angels, God, whomever is at the center of life eagerly responds to what is in our best interest.  Sometimes the proposed dream fails as there is a better plan a little further down the path.

There is no harm in being creative with our thoughts and desires.  Creative Visualization is no different from creative writing or painting.  Trust there is order and provisions in life waiting for the mind to be open to an amazing personal life!

The Great Escape

"The breeze at dawn has secrets to tell you.

Don't go back to sleep ..."

Rumi

The cycle of life continues to repeat itself and presents in differing ways. We are often immeshed into a situation before it dawns upon us that it is a repeat of an old lesson.  We react with self criticism for not catching on sooner or for not recognizing our own pattern. 

To wake up to the realities of life matures the mindset and stirs the soul, but there is no guarantee of not stumbling or falling into a pit once again.  Life is a spiral after all, and our path is circular.  We will awaken only to fall asleep yet once again.

It is difficult to stay awake and calm while chaos knows no boundaries.  It is so tempting to shut down and withdraw which is the worst choice we can make.  While our emotions circulate like water spinning down a drain, we dig deeply for memory of our resilience and persistence.  So when the breeze softly nudges the side of the face, pause for the meaning.  Be on the look out for waking dreams as falling asleep is the great escape.

Spreading Light

"There are two ways to spreading light:

to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it."

Edith Wharton

Over 30 years ago, I became an energy worker which impacted my life in various positive ways.  I studied under a well seasoned Reiki Master who was a recognized healer. In three years I accelerated through three levels of Reiki and then became a Reiki Master.  Time passed, and I rejoined my original Reiki family and studied three more levels and became a Karuna Reiki Master.  In the years to follow, I added other miscellaneous techniques, including a certificate in massage therapy.

My educational tools of a double major in Sociology and Psychology offered an interesting blend with my growing spirituality.  Hands on experience broadened my 'knowings' and visions as to how energy fields differ and how to align body, mind, and spirit.  In time, I grew especially sensitive to the weakness in someone's energetic field simply by observing them.

Sending energy long distance has become a daily commitment.  Light is at my core and it is extended to every person and each place I come in contact with.  The candle that burns steadily within reflects out into the world.  I like to think of myself as a vessel that Spirit uses as a healing tool.

False Means of Protection

"you have outgrown this skin.

stop trying to hold it in.

stop trying to hold it together.

let yourself break."

Ava

One of my favorite possessions is my vintage glass pitcher with etching on the side.  I have coveted it for over 25 years and it has been moved with me numerous times.  I first noticed a crack in  the handle, but I couldn't part with it.  Even though I adjusted the level of contents and added additional support, the crack continued to spread.  One day it just let go and broke beyond repair.

Unfotunately, this sharing of the glass pitcher would be equal in content about my self.  There have been times I have felt a break in my heart and ignored it.  My emotional body tried to compensate through denial and avoidance.  Then one day the pain cracked my heart open to unavoidably face my inner strife.

There are times we just need to let go and dislodge the negative boundaries that are being built as a false means of protection.  Some things just cannot be fixed and other items just need to be let go.  It is up to us to be aware of our inner turmoils.  Find a compassionate way to release what we ignore using good judgment, safety measures, and feel better for it.  Starting anew can be a blessing.

Notice Silent Change

"Change can enter our lives silently, and this change can be 

just as important as change we have worked hard for."

Madisyn Taylor

We are making many adjustments in our lives involving family, career, and friends.     And these of course are added to the challenges we already have erupting in our daily experiences.  Unexpected emotions may be stacking up.

If we are sheltered at home, we might be bonding with our pets more or developing a fondness for a non-rushed morning routine.  Change may be as silent as finding the first gray hair on your head or realizing the body is in dire need of loving touch.  Change invades, welcomed or not.

The degrees of change are endless from wearing masks to losing loved ones.  O

ur reactions may be more severe under the growing pressure of not knowing what comes next.  Let's be gentle with our lovely selves as things are far from normal. Start fresh every morning and begin to make some silent changes of our own.

Learn From The Prophet

"Keep me away from the wisdom which does not cry,

the philosophy which does not laugh,

and the greatness which does not bow before children."

Khalil Gibran

Poet Khalil Gibran, a literary hero to Lebanon, became very influential in my young adult life.  I discovered his work, THE PROPHET in the library one day.  I would sit and copy by hand all of his words.   In meditation, he became my mentor, alerting me to the beauty in the darkness and the whispers in the wind. 

When I eventually read about his personal life, I was totally dismayed!  His life was riddled with disappointment, major challenges and torment. I remember questioning how he survived and maintained sanity ... if indeed he did.  I also realized that through his personal crisis and chaos, he fine tuned his skills as a creative genius.

Khalil Gibran was also a celebrated painter with themes of personal vision, and incorporating spiritual and mythological symbolism.  The works of Khalil Gibran continue to flow through me.  Embracing his words, they stir my soul.  More than not, I have felt his presence at odd moments when challenged by personal skill and creative limitations.

Poison Prohibits Change

"THREE POISONS THAT CAUSE

HUMAN SUFFERING

Fear

Greed

Ignorance"

Deepak Chopra 

There are events in life that happen to us, leaving us changed until the next episode arrives.  If we do not have reasonable control of our fear, matters can become worse through poor decision making, avoidance or denial.  

If we fear we do not have 'enough' we can either trust, have faith, create new opportunities or we can shrink our compassion for the self and for others.  We will be consumed by what others have and how much we will have.  Competition can drive us to unspeakable acts of hoarding.

Ignorance basically is innocence, inexperience or incomprehension. The dangers  of ignorance is stupidity, foolishness, and idiocy. Ignorance can also be  a choice to remain uninformed enabling one to be unaccountable.  When these three poisons (Deepak Chopra: Fear, Greed, Ignorance) invade our mind sets, there will be no change...

Embrace the Moment

"Remember then that there is only one important time, 

and that time is now."

Jon J Muth

When we are young, we are face the outside world, wondering where we will find a job; if we will marry; how many children we might have; and where out there will I live? As years pass, we begin to be aware of our inner world, and our visions become focused there.

Once we turn inside, we begin to grow our faith in spirit and the role we may play in sacred purpose. We lift our compassion and value of the self and it begins to shine out side of our bodies onto others.  We may become more vigilant with our prayers or sacred intention,  and deepening communication with all there is enhances our worldly experience.

We become our best selves when we can align our inner beauty with the wonders of the lives surrounding us.  We understand how important it is to keep both physicality and spirituality healthy, intertwining  to be present in the now.   

Panic or Compassion

"To be fearless isn't really to overcome fear,

it's to come to know its nature."

Pema Chodron

If the capabilities of fear are known to us, we can equip our core self with techniques to recognize, deregulate, and respect the dynamics.  This is true of any emotion. When we develop  the ability to monitor and adjust, we can more easily return to balance.  

Fear can actually be an asset by preventing us from over stepping safe boundaries or to be more alert  in situations.  There are sliding degrees of fear or any emotion.  If we acknowledge what is prompting the fear, we can appropriately contain our response

If we understand the parameters,  it reduces the possible outcome of pain. Upon exploration of our personal makeup, we will be prepared to remain balanced when confronted.  Fear has the capability of being both good and bad, but if we truly understand  ourselves, we get to choose to react with panic or compassion.

Silent Message of the Moon

"Moon Child be free.

Free from the tides of being boxed.

Free from the norms of those who status quo.

Find your path and follow it to the moon."

Malebo Sephodi

According to astrology charts, I am a Moon Child which is something I did not learn until I was an adult. As a young child, however, my free time was always given to the moon and the stars.  They seemed to provide stability for me and their absence taught me to trust in their return.

As an adult, I would sit on my front porch swing and watch the moon appear on my left and for hours, patiently watch it move across the sky to the right.   Without interruption, the moon and the stars were my focus and somehow this silent interaction encouraged me to be still and believe more strongly in the unknown.

The moon and the stars provided a level of love and acceptance that allowed me to be more of a solitary figure to this place named earth.  My allegiance leaned towards trees that stood as strong examples of what it means to be present and an obsession of being lulled by waves in the water.  Knowing this kind of freedom perhaps hampered my adjustment to a world of chaos and pain or convinced me there was something better.

Catch the Wave ... July 4, 2020

"You have to find what sparks a light in you

so that in your own way can illuminate the world."

Oprah Winfrey

Illuminating the world one by one can trigger the changes our earth so badly desires.  If one person discovers a certain part of himself comes alive when he performs a certain gesture, and he shares that spark with the world, he is contributing to calm and compassion.

We need to erase the false expectation that there is only one mighty act we can perform.  We can not all be Carl Jung or Albert Einstein, but when we blend our abilities together instead of competing, progress will be made.  We all need to shine in our own way.

Today is the Fourth of July, and as we look to the skies thrilled by bursting colors and radiant lights, imagine if one of those individual fireworks symbolized what we have to offer. Let the sky be an example of what peace would look like if we were all sharing contributors rather than heartless men coveting and regulating.  Every time we smile or simply nod our head to a stranger, a wave of kindness begins ... catch the wave!

Questions Prompt Answers

"Asking the proper question is the central action

of transformation ...

Questions are the keys that cause 

the secret door of the psyche to swing open."

Clarissa Pinkola Estes

Emotions will shut us down.  They can totally distract, distort, deceive and numb us against pain.  Sometimes we can feel this in our bodies, but unfortunately there are numerous times we avoid bodily sensations, mental anguish, or spiritual communication.

We must recognize that we are harboring the past and using it for self-criticism. An understanding of the root causes will be necessary. Secondly, we must address these hidden factors through exploration and compassion. The third step is to reframe how we address ourselves using self-value so we can unfold to the gifts within us.  

If we are to grow, we must unearth the damaged soil before we can expand into transition.  Change does not just happen and it won't happen if we are not loving our inner self.  A freedom arrives with disclosure, but we will still be challenged.  Aligned with our personal strengths, however, we will develop deep appreciation for who we truly so we can embrace who we were meant to be.

Evolving Quest on the Inner Path

"We cultivate love when we allow our most vulnerable and powerful selves to be deeply seen and known, and when we honor the spiritual connection that grows from that offering with trust, respect, kindness and affection."  Brene Brown

While dealing with my own issues of shame rooted in childhood trauma, I did not believe that I was especially chosen by God for some star performance.  Nor did I believe that I was necessarily paying off karma from some horrible previous life.  What I did believe was shame, while it  may have triggered hibernation,  it also led me onto an inward path of further discovery.  

Gravitating towards excessive reading and writing my inward trek became lengthy.  Characters were a part of my lesson plans and thus understanding and recognizing behaviors led me to questions regarding purpose.  As layers of religious traditions or social etiquette were readily available, I continued the lonely yearning for answers seemingly unavailable.

Testing the outer world with my ingrown philosophies, I found mentors and teachers who taught me with kindness and inspiration.  Moving forward once again, I learned to trust and respect the oneness of all peoples.  Spirituality has shown me the sprinkling of stars that have always been with me.  It has sifted the importance out of the past and applied the need for the present.  It is on this stretch I have learned to be aligned and prepared to transition, while my heart gratefully embraces the light.

Commit to a Decision

"The secret of change is to focus all of your energy,

not on fighting the old, but on building the new."

Socrates

Our thoughts are extremely powerful even when we are not conscious of them.  What we think can be distorted by our ego and discolored by previous experiences.  Once we commit to a decision, it is necessary to be aware and maintain our focus.

The concept is easily projected when compared to a foundation.  If one builds on a few stacked wooden blocks while another perfectly secures numerous cement blocks into rows, which will have the best chance at success?  A half baked idea or one filled with passion.

Using the same analogy, it is important for the ground to be cleared prior to the foundation being laid.  This is true for our choices.  It is imperative to release our old images and begin entirely anew.  Perfectly sound plans can be suffocated from the weight of the past.