Action is Required

"Self-criticism tends to undermine 

self-confidence and leads to fear of failure." 

Kristin Neff/Christopher Germer

Our self-confidence cannot withstand a steady banter of harsh words.  The flow of water can amazingly wear the edges of a rock down to smoothness, but the constant stream of self-criticism can create jagged edges in our emotional makeup.

We scream things to our lovely selves that we would never say to any other human.  We can boast of not judging others, but the scale for judging our selves is off the charts.  Why is it so difficult to remember that we are all very special spirits?

In order to have a solid core, we must tend to it every day.  We get to choose what methods best meet our needs, but action is required.  Simple affirmations or grasped moments of prayer can be spread throughout our day.  If we tend to our individual needs routinely, we will feel a deeper appreciation of who we were meant to be.

Tend to the Spiritual Seed

"Essential that we care for our unique body

as a carrier of life magically forming within

us as we make it through our days."

Mark Nepo

If we imagine a small unborn child gently placed within our womb with the acceptance of responsibility to nurture, heal, and grow, we would begin the process of healing our personal wounds.  Surviving our life story, we instinctively know how to fill this bundle with love.

There is a need for us to tend to our bodies with feet rooting down into the earth and arms reaching towards the heavens.  There is great importance to tend to the spiritual seed within struggling to survive integrated and whole. These needs must be met to reach our glow.

In meditation, I found my hands resting on my belly and quietly humming a made up song from rocking my babies. A tenderness returned to my voice, and I could feel myself calming down.  I could sense hope awakening as it had been sleeping for a length of time.  Pouring my love into this inner spark of life, I knew I could continue on.  I could face more days with this splendid force within me 

Hide It Under A Bushel, No ...

"light changes dark.

i doesn't mater the size of the flame -

it's the keeping it lit that counts."

terri st cloud

bone sigh arts

When we enroll in school, we know that we will be taught lessons, take tests, pass or fail, listen or close our ears.  We understand that every day will be an opportunity to learn not only about knowledge but about fellow students and teachers.  We will choose which parts of our selves we wish to display and the particles we wish to hide.  The real question is will we show up to the best of our abilities.

These expectations are true for human beings in physical form.  Will we show up for life and give it our all?  Will we hide behind fears or bravely make healthy choices?  Will we stand with framed certificates  and documentations to prove our worth or will we extend human kindness as our badge of human decency?

If our motivation runs parallel to our spiritual connection, we can accomplish deeds on varying levels.  We respect the spirit in each person not as competition, but as a joint effort for peaceful living.   Whether our heart's flame is a vibrant flare or a flickering spec from a burned down wick, it is imperative to let it shine in the midst of our darkness.              

Perpetuating Value

"Your self-worth determines everything that you are. When

you know who you are, your self-worth is infinite."

Deepak Chopra

We can spend a lifetime creating our personal strengths, but it takes the slightest weakness to unravel our years of personal work.  When we do not carefully maintain the tools that support and uplift us, cracks in the foundation give new light to dead issues.

In our humanness the slightest temptation can distract us. A scenario appears that is familiar and we mistakenly allow risk.  As in forced isolation, we may be experiencing flash backs that trigger a decline in our self-evaluation.  Too easily our communication with the Divine falters.  Ego attempts to dominate as it once did, and we lose our footing.

Our altered routines have now become our daily agendas.  If we have not maintained appropriate support, we are tempted to relapse into old bingeing habits whether it is food, movies, exercise, or other addictions.  Divine Spirit calls to us, reminding our inner spirit that we are strong and with faith we can face all things.  When we embrace our vulnerability, we can ask for help and restore practices to keep us balanced.  

Edge of Darkness

"Allow your self room: to know and 

to grow towards the light."

SARK

The quiet moments of my years have prepared me for this forced isolation.  Expanding a love for writing and reading, silence became an offered blessing.  The difference, however, is that kindred spirits no longer interrupt the silence to kindle my fires.   Safe gatherings to uplift and support in  the physical no longer remain an option.  

My spiritual strength became compromised as shadows crept inappropriately near by.  Not realizing my compromised boundaries, I wandered into the edge of darkness where I normally would not have strayed.  Too easily I was lured into the depths of shallow thinking, stirring distrust and fogging reality.

There is great difficulty in reaching out when we are in the depths of self-criticism and loathing.  There is bliss in being able to regurgitate the worst while a loving friend listens and embraces with love.  Spiritually supported choices bring light to our perspectives, so as a means of prevention, heighten communication with the Divine and your lovely self.  

Drag or Leap ...

"The measure of intelligence is the ability to change."

Albert Einstein

We are constantly called to change whether we drag our heels or leap forward.  Everything changes: our diets, routines, ages, and seasons of the year.  We can select to make permanent changes or continuously repeat our behaviors, thinking we are changed.  Some changes are pressed upon us, completely out of our control.

Adventurous people tend to gravitate towards change and thrive with it.  Then there are more conservative individuals that are far more cautious and leery.  It doesn't matter what level of comfort we are at, it seems we are always pulled from it, by change the great facilitator.

Change frequently propels us into new circumstances that have either been unnoticed for some time or appear totally as a surprise.  Either way, opportunities require us to adjust life as we know it.  We are called to take action whether physically, mentally or spiritually.  If we do not acknowledge a calling, we can remain wherever we are  ... which is stuck.

Victor or Villain

"One of the greatest regrets in life is being what others

would want you to be, rather than being yourself."

Kilroy J. Oldster

No matter how challenging life becomes, we must dig deeply into our lovely selves, recalling times of great strength. There needs to be a little shimmering of hope, a small beckoning light to encourage positive movement forward.

When we find ourselves kind and open, we may also find ourselves sorely used.  We may participate in a game of life unknowingly that other players are manipulating from a deceptive level.  If we find our selves hood winked, we must accept the portion of responsibility we invested and let all else go.

There is no real comfort in placing blame or shame, as those who would dupe us do not operate from the same playing field.  They are led by ego focusing on capture, control, and consume; while we are simply enjoying the exchange.  Our rewards are self-respect, integrity, and taking the higher road.  

Assistance or Manipulation

"Are you manipulating me again?"

"Try not to fall for it. I dare you."

Steve Kluger

Repetitive behaviors set us up for failure.  Until the behavior is understood and corrected, we leave ourselves wide open to be used.  Scenarios may be very different, but the experience of giving away our power under the umbrella of kindness does not protect us from destructive gusts of manipulation.

It is our nature to help and to restore deficits if we can, but it should not be at the cost of personal violation.  We need to learn to be present and witness an emotional shortage without embracing the incident as our personal responsibility.

As we evolve tending to human deficit, we allow ourselves an openness to others.  This is helpful in raising the bar towards improvement, but unfortunately we must apply our wisdom to maintain self-preservation.  In choosing wisely, we can maintain our balance while extending assistance to others.

Time and Myth

"Enjoy the time before you,

for all else is a myth."

Virginia Carlson

Life displays flexibility while delving into the depths of the unseen, and at the same time ignoring deception on the surface.  It would seem there are times when an answer is right before us, yet we don't see it as we are hoping for a different response.

Avoidance allows us to postpone what we already know.  For as long as we can deny the truth, the longer we can extend our fantasy.  Selective hearing, distorted perceptions, and misleading words can allow more time for adjusting the obvious deadlines.

Is anything the way it really seems?  I guess it depends upon what we see.  Is anyone who they appear to be?  I imagine it would depend upon what face the person happens to share.  Are we ever truly in alignment ... thought word and deed?  It must depend upon the day.

Positive Realm

"To feel really safe, you first have to step out

into the unknown, experience the fear, and

discover all is well."

Janet Conner

Janet Conner, author of writing down your soul, encourages readers "How to activate and listen to the Extraordinary voice within.  As we face our challenges in life, we hesitate to give up our feelings of safety or step out of our comfort zone.  Fear of change can keep us stuck indefinitely.

This author encourages the readers to step out from who they are presently to where they want to go.  She stresses, however, that there is a space between the two positions.  In order to experience possibilities and to explore opportunities, one needs to spend time in this space between.  It is in this position we will begin to experience a pull or tug or direction in spite of fear.

Whatever encouragement we feel is in a sense communication with Divine Spirit.  It is when we allow ourselves to be led that we gain insight, synchronicities, and magic.  It is easier to term it as simple change, but by releasing control of every little step, we begin to experience a new transition within a very positive realm.

Heavy Heart

"Consider what you are currently trying

to keep out of your heart. "

Mark Nepo

During these inconsistent times, it is challenging to fill our hearts with promise and joy when they are already filled with worry and sorrow.  Our hearts are like any other part of our beings meaning they require attention, cleansing, and sprinkles of hope.

We may overhear a person state, "My heart is heavy."  Instantly we know what they mean.  We have all done our share of housing not only our own troubles, but concerns of friends and family.  It is challenging to not be anxious about special people in our lives.

There are options to return our hearts to a healthier state.  Through silent communication we can share in nature or in prayer what is heavy in the heart.  Try to release it knowing there is no control to most outcomes.  Fill the heart with hope and trust while life continues to unfold.

Glass Castles

"In the kingdom of glass, everything
is transparent, and there is no place
to hide a dark heart."
Vera Nazarian

While browsing through quotes this morning, I came across one reflecting a glass castle where there was no place to hide darkness.  Instantly, I was overjoyed by the thought of such clarity in life.  To me, this would initiate security and peace.

Then as I read the quote again, I realized the castle had not eliminated darkness, but simply did not hide it.  So I was no longer comforted, as dark hearts were not removed, they stood out more clearly.

It was difficult to imagine being face to face with someone, exchanging kindness  all the while aware of a black heart.  My inability to do so helped me to face my weakness of ignoring the obvious in my efforts to be kind.  Judgment is not the issue, nor is total acceptance of diversity. Insight reflected to me my  repeated behavior of disregarding the presence of dark spirits, ultimately leading me into the disillusionment of human behavior.

Beauty of Innocence

"I can't think of any better representation of beauty

than someone who is unafraid to be herself."

Emma Stone

Adults observe the direction of a child's mind and then proceed to obtain access to books, movies,  experiments and stories to support their natural instincts.  What may appear to be a weird mannerism to adults, may be the beginning of an asset for the distant future.

If we laugh at children when his or her mind reflects fantasy, we are curbing underlying abilities.  We must not become engaged in a battle over truth, but we can be responsible by simple response mentioning how odd the information seems.  Follow up with tell me more.

If we patiently sit with a child, attentively listening to fabrication, one can almost see the creativity become unleashed in the brain.  The excitement of sharing pushes fragments of ideas further along which is really stretching confidence for free thinking and flexible expansions.  As we watch the animated face of the bright eyed storyteller, our spirits lift as we are reminded of the beauty of innocence.

Venturing

"You don't empower people by giving them tasks and homework.

Personal power comes from within, when people feel seen, 

cared about, and respected."

Marcia Reynolds

By observing someone, whether gardening, cooking or building with blocks, we can watch the facial expressions soften and questions forming wrinkles across foreheads. In silence, we can see them working creatively, and advancing to a patience and calm to soothe the soul.

We can tell this person how lovely the garden or how delicious the food or how tall the tower, but more than likely our comments will be easily dismissed.  True appreciation is born within as there is a reckoning of the hurdles crossed, false starts, and questionable endings.

Unfortunately, there are too many times we do not recognize our own accomplishments until there is no one else to give credit to.  When we have achieved on our own, realization of worth begins.  It must be fostered, however, by being brave and venturing further into the unknown.

The Real Gift

"The more light you allow within you,

the brighter the world you live in will be."

Shakti Gawain

Author Shakti Gawain deepened my spirituality years ago. Her books helped me with visualization and creative expansion.  She used her gift of words to relax, instill, and deepen inner experiences.  This of course taught her readers how to bring more light inside.

The light we allow in is not some trumped up intention to be holier than thou.  It is a simple technique to lift our spirit, keep us connected, and healthy.  We can do this by listening to music in stillness; reading passages of wisdom to silently ponder; or breathing in nature ... all within our minds.

When we hold these experiences within us our body will have the tendency to remain calm, and patient, with feelings of being connected.  From this gentle attitude we perceive the world around us with kinder eyes and a more gentle approach towards living.  We can acquire knowledge, experience, and insight, but the real gift is when light is expanded within.

When the New Seeds Begin

"Children possess a fascination with their everyday existence 

that is very special and would be very helpful to adults if they

could learn to understand and respect it."

Keith Haring/Brain Pickings by Maria Popova

Admirable is the quality of children to effectively pause and ponder a random thought until it is in some way aligned with life.  Granted, time is an illusion, but children seem to be able to string it out to allow ample time for thinking through a captured thought.  Agreed, children can be spontaneous and unpredictable, but so can adults.

Truthfully, I would rather be in conversation with children than adults.  Children's minds aren't cluttered with paranoia, doomsday thoughts, and overwhelming fear.  They are not bogged down by details so thoughts appear with authentic insight. What they see and perceive offer a refreshing if not stimulating set of circumstances.

It is interesting, if contact is maintained, to view these wee ones as grown adults to observe if any of the earlier displayed visions are still reflected.  Some are like a brown wilted rose bud forced closed before its time;  while others appear as wisteria thriving through the links of a garden fence.  As I , too, have traveled through the years, my treasured blossoms have gracefully fallen upon the earth , but my heart knows my new seeds are waiting to begin.

Distortion of Divinity/Humble Union

"It doesn't matter how  you conceive of divinity.

It only matters that you see it in everything,

including yourself."

Eric Micha'el Leventhal

A large stained glass window filled the wall behind the altar.  As a small child embraced the image of God, it was understood that God was indeed a man who had long gray hair and a long gray beard.  Kind of like a grandpa image, until one learned the ten commandments and realized the arena of judgment.  And no one could approach God directly, as our prayers could only be transferred by ministers and priests ... male clergy alone could address the Father of All.

The parochial school made it clear that only Roman Catholics were going to make it to heaven, and there was a place named purgatory for all the little babies not receiving baptism prior to death.  At  this time, Catholics were not listed as Christians.  Christianity thrived with the birth of the Christ child dismissing any previous sacred practices or principles.  

Distortions run rampant and translations are culled to support falsehoods.  My God and Creator is so much more than a grandpa in the sky.  My faith suggests a high code of living, but does not threaten nor judge eclectic selection.  I know of no one who does not speak directly to a Godly image with a humbled union for all.

Wanderings as Travel

"Always try to keep a patch of sky

above your life."

Marcel Proust

Down town New York City created anxiety within me as I rarely could catch a glimpse of the sky.  Streets were narrowed and crowded with especially tall tightly aligned buildings.  The modified absence of trees fed into my discomfort, but the close proximity to others was just the way of city life.

The one mile trek through Key West was a sense of freedom and originality.  Whether looking in unique little shops or checking out the tourists reactions, the weirdness of everyone blended well.  The on going comfort of water, boats, and fishermen was daily highlighted by sunset festivities.  Scant restrictions continuously allowed each being to be whom they felt like being.

For a person who doesn't yearn for travel, I have visited far and wide returning with exceptional impressions of people, places and things.  I have both felt and seen the presence of Divine Spirit wherever my feet happened to land.  I believe I shall always wander, but within me is a vast blue sky, massive giving trees, and clear streams of water reflecting the light of the moon.  

A FEW SPECIAL WANDERINGS:

San Francisco (Grace Cathedral/Sausalito); Sedona (Vortexes); New Orleans (Chaos); Seattle (Market); Quebec (Quaint); St Thomas (Megan's Bay); St John (Ferry); Alaskan Cruise (Village Mountain Train); Fairview (Hot Air Balloon); Acapulco (Private Chapels) and Maui (Spiritual Visions).

He Is Waiting ...

"Our minds accept as truth, the critical statements we tell ourselves,

but it can also accept our positive affirmations."

Madisyn Taylor

This particular post is accompanied by one of my favorite pictures.  It is of an older man dressed in a suit with a hat, holding a bouquet of flowers in one hand and what looks to be like a red jewelry box in the other.  His hair is quite long as well as his beard, and both are almost white. A guitar hangs from a strap looped around his neck while he stands by a small stream in a park.  He is waiting.

It would be my assumption that he were quite nervous waiting for a special person.  Although he appears to be relaxed, I cannot imagine him not being anxious within himself.  More than likely, he is examining his intentions and motivations, wondering if he shouldn't just fade away.

At the same time, he could be flushing his mind with affirmations.  He would be telling himself that he was worthy and that he wasn't too old for love to flourish.  He might be filling his desires with hope, laughter and companionship.  Definitely, he is waiting.

Disengage From Control

"For me and my family personally, September 11 was a reminder that life is fleeting, 

impermanent, and uncertain.  Therefore, we must make use of every moment 

and nurture it with affection, tenderness, beauty, creativity and laughter."

Deepak Chopra

For sanity, it may be best to find a space within reality where we can understand  we may never know the answers to the hovering questions of fear.  The over used comparison of peeling layer after layer from an onion still is comparable to the shedding we have done.  When all is peeled away, we find ourselves alone and none the wiser.

Perhaps if we compared ourselves to an apple (removing the stem, rotating, eating down to the core) we at least discover seeds.  Seeds of hope, safety, and peace; but, greater understanding isn't discovered at the core either.

When or how will we ever be able to trust the knowledge we receive or are fed? Are we to believe that everyone is a truth teller, but just from his or her perspective?  Do we stick our heads into the sand or pretend to be a pollyanna?  Maybe the collective chaos in the world is simply driving us all back into our lovely selves.  In our hearts we can find faith and trust while disengaging from control.

Application of What We Know

"Please remember it is what you are that heals,

not what you know."

Carl Jung

The interconnection between body, mind, and spirit is highly documented by many professionals in science, psychology and spirituality.  The mental disruptions within our minds, trigger dis-ease in our bodies.  If we are not spiritually connected with a higher dimension of support, we can sink into the depths of depression and illness.

Like a garden not tended, our inner strengths can dissipate with the arrival of a storm.  If our roots are not deeply planted we can easily succumb to the challenges we face.  We may be steeped in wisdom, but if we cannot apply what we know, we will falter.

Negative perceptions accumulated over time can distort our reality impacting us physically.  Our bodies listen to everything we say and takes our comments at face value.  One of the best practices to have is to envision ourselves as our body being strong and healthy.  We can picture our lovely body, covering it with love and light from top to bottom.  Our intention can be of health and strength  ... body, mind, and soul!

Serendipity, Not Punsihment

"You are conditioned to believe that if you let go

... if you surrender ...

you will be a victim of circumstances."

Kelly Martin 

The word surrender, to me, indicates a position of defeat.  Whether we have run out of money or power or carefully constructed boundaries, we hardly look forward to surrender.  When we  grow up in a controlled environment and we seek responsibility for the self, the very word surrender is laced with connotations of failure or defeat.

To embrace a free flowing connection with the Divine Spirit, replace  surrender with words such as vulnerability, and openness.  The desire to totally expose the self to God, will feel safe and secure. Disclosing weakness and error, we willingly become  wide open and defenseless to God's will, 

The idea of surrendering creates a negative image of desperation or giving up with no where else to turn.  When we develop a rapport with Divine Spirit, we are uplifted and guided to plans other than our own.  The response of God's Spirit is  shown as coincidence or serendipity, not punishment.   We begin to see with humility the importance to serve for the highest good of all.

Present Witness

"Could I have been anyone other than me?"

Dave Matthews

A spiritual journey is not the same for everyone.  There are some who jet set down runways, but they  have to stop and refuel.  Others might hibernate, but they too must fetch water and nourishment.  What presents in front of us might be a well traveled highway or winding road; but, the pavement will offer exits, ramps, and dead ends for diversion.  

My spiritual journey has placed my feet upon a path offering over grown side trails and eclectic situations.  Teachers have been plentiful and my acquired knowledge did not come on silver platters.  Every step has been a choice adding to the maze which became me.

The spiritual path offers various scenarios which individually alter our interpretation of life.  The personality is impacted by the choices we make whether righteous or devious; but, the core, I believe, remains the same ... the light within shining through our darkness as witness to every step along the way.

Propelled Into Positive Action

"Just because others have it worse doesn't mean

you have to suffer in silence."

 Jonathan Kellerman

SELF DEFENSE

We have the right and the basic need to share our inner experiences with others.  We do not receive gold stars on a chart for using silence as a method of avoidance. Voicing what needs to be expressed can reduce stress by facing reality with clarity. As we release, we make more room for strength.

When we are not coping as well as we would like, we tell ourselves not to bother or impose our worries upon others.  And yet when a friend confides in us, we respond with:  "Why didn't you tell me sooner?" We feel too vulnerable when we display our negative thoughts, embarrassing situations, or troubled challenges.  Rather than risking exposure and appearing weak, we  minimize our pain.

Just by releasing our dark concerns, we can breathe more deeply and feel better prepared to resolve them.  No one wants to be a "Debbie Downer" but we can wisely choose a trusted person to confide our grief, sorrow and fears.  We can expose our breaking heart by linking words across a page which can easily be burned or discarded later.  We can choose to communicate through prayer or meditation, listening for responses.  Whichever we choose, we find ourselves newly propelled into positive action.

Endurance of Change

"All growth is change, but not all change is growth."

Sean Aeon

We are living in a time of great change as a country, and also as communities.  Households and separate individuals are impacted by uncertainty and loss.  The time frame for inconvenience and revision has stretched into endurance and fortitude.

The concept of change is commonly thought of as a product of extended education or career advancement;  but change can be much more spontaneous than this broad concept.  Life can be altered within a second!

Any sense of devastation or foreboding harm, needs to be emotionally acknowledged and addressed.  Once we initiate with strength, we can address solutions and means of additional support physically, mentally, and spiritually.  We are not alone in this.  It is imperative to reach out to others to create a sense of normalcy during this unusual time.

                                                                                                                                                 

For those who are more fortunate ... 

With dignity and respect, please share kindness with others.. 

Where We Really Do Not Want To Be

"Once you know yourself as the light, you will find that inner peace

dominates every situation.  It's not that you will never feel fear,

anxiety, or anger, but you will no longer get lost in your pain."

Panache Desai

Planetary positions can trigger extreme emotions whether they be exhilarating or depressing.  Life can be unfolding very nicely, but out of no where static and disturbance create a bumpier ride.  When we are aware of how collective consciousness impacts us, we can more easily be prepared to sustain balance.

Recognizing unidentifiable stress or erratic moods, we can pull back, understanding these patterns are not ours.  We are capable of  just letting them pass through without taking control.  We may experience a very dark thought in opposition to every thing we believe, and find comfort in knowing it is not 'ours',  but something you have just picked up on.   Do not invest energy allowing it to grow heavier. Simply, let it go.

If we ground our lovely selves every day, we can maintain our inner peace and only momentarily be pulled out of our peaceful experience.  Know in the body, mind, and soul that pain is part of life and cannot be side stepped; however, we are goodness and light which assists us in not getting stuck where we really don't want to be.

Attracting Magic

"Never forget that feeling fantastic is a massive magnet

for summoning more magic."

Curtis Tyrone Jones

Our physical vibrations alert us to both pleasure and danger.   We can meet someone who automatically electrifies our body.  We can sense a primal connection or a magical experience, not singularly sexual. Two unfamiliar people step into a united sense of intimacy that cannot be explained.

We can also experience a jolt of negative energy when we face a total stranger.  Our bodies can immediately feel threatened or alarmed.   A current of fear can run through us even though there are no physical signs of endangerment.  It can feel like the presence of dark magic.

These two experiences are equally important in terms of human relations.  When we are aware of our impulsive or unexplainable reactions, we can either explore a new relationship or walk away, avoiding further dysfunction.  We are often times best guided when we trust our gut feelings or our personal frequencies.  The higher our vibration, the more we can attract more magic into our lives. 

Holding Up A Ship

"I want to be like water.

I want to slip through fingers,

but hold up a ship."

Michelle Williams

Water has been the most prevalent element in my life.  For as long as I can remember, water in any form called to me and consistently provided comfort.  As a sensitive and emotional being, water offers forms that I can identify with personally.

The delicacy of water slipping through my fingers heightens sensitivity.  A simple raindrop generating movement in a puddle reminds me of the impact we have on each other.  The tug of an undercurrent refreshes my sense of resistance; whereas a rushing powerful wave can knock me to the shore.  My favorite, though, is to be a trickling stream running through the purity of nature capturing the presence of spirit.

This identity with water portrays my need to be in the flow and not held back by any structure.  It generates a sense of cleanliness which I want to portray in my life.  I yearn to be a gentle person floating through scenarios and yet be a force, if needed, to hold up a ship!

Falling Apart in Privacy

"The splendid thing about falling apart silently ...

is that you can start over as many times as you like.

Sanober Khan

As friendships deepen, trust is built, and sharing life experiences becomes more prevalent.  We often have a preconceived image of others and find ourselves amazed by the scenarios they have overcome.  The bond between friends thickens as we begin to see we are not the only one stemming from hardship.

Men have often been trained as boys to never cry in public and to hide their inner most feelings.  Women have been chastised as girls for expressing too many emotions or  being overly sensitive.  Then we wonder why, as adults, we have emotional trash stuffed inside of our lovely selves.

The psychology of today encourages the release of despair held inside.  Whether we invest in therapy, journaling or physical exercise, it is vitally important to bring our darkness to the surface.  Once everything we have avoided or denied has been acknowledged and let go, there is more space within for compassion and tender loving care for ourselves and others.

Once Again Thrive

"When a poet digs himself into a hole, he doesn't climb out.

He digs deeper, enjoys the scenery, and comes out 

the other side enlightened."

Criss Jami

With current restrictions on social gatherings, we can easily find our lovely selves feeling stuck in our routine.  Limitations tend to increase our desire for more and yet, we become stagnant.  As boundaries hold us in  place, we can choose to use the time to go within.

An archeologist is a great example of digging beyond even though discouraged.  He or she remains dedicated to a vision of discovery no matter how long the expedition.  Rarely do we tap the adventures  waiting within us to prompt new thoughts of creative living.  Its time, perhaps, to update our schedules with colorful variations to break routine.

If we settle into complacency, we fail to attract needed energy to generate positive thinking.  Whether we pick up the poet's pen or the explorer's shovel, let us continue forward to discover the gifts of being alive.  Imagine unique ways of extending kindness to our selves as well as towards others and we will once again thrive.