Shine Brightly

 

"Embracing the totality of your experience is one

definition of having loving-kindness for your self."

Pema Chodron

In the last hours of this year, I will light a candle ... two ... or maybe more! New intentions will be created, accompanied by positive visualizations, uplifting mantras, and an awareness of the sacred within me.

I will recall my strengths, and minimize self-imposed fears. Although there is no control over life unfolding, I am capable of recognizing healthy opportunities and acknowledging all shapes of learning. The power lies within the choices I make.

Standing present in each new moment, I will endeavor to remain kind hearted;  to remember we are all one;  and acknowledge the strengths of all peoples.  My intention is to create peace in my own life, to be nurtured by nature, and to shine brightly as a light to all.

Embrace the Unknown

 

"Never complain, never explain. Resist the

temptation to defend your self or make excuses."

Brian Tracy

Within days, we will begin the exploration into new territory, while embracing the unknown.  We will need empty hands, an open heart, and a willingness to be still.  If we trust our inner voice, we will come into contact with deepened imagination and heightened vision.

While we welcome and embrace a fresh start, set aside judgment of both the self and others. Notice what is different  when you view with an open mind and a willingness to understand. We may not always agree with incoming information, but we are still called to listen and be present.

We will not deepen the experience of life if we are consistently unaware of the sacred surrounding us.  If we are grounded in our self, we are able to embrace the unknown with the ability to flow in and out of segments occurring before us.  

Witness to Discovery

 

"The fullness of joy is to behold God in everything."

Julian of Norwich

In the midst of holiday gatherings, we can sit back and observe how energy moves people into embraces, exclamations, and sad farewells.  If we remember how Divine Spirit is present at all times, we can catch glimpses of joy no matter where we are situated.  

If we visualize the presence of God in all of life, we feel joy from our book collection (all the friends we have made), music (rekindling thoughts from past, present and future), and keepsakes (reminders of passages in life).  

Whether we are restored by walking in nature or sitting in a silent chapel, an awareness of joy from our true companion, Divine Spirit, emerges.  Joy is perpetuated by the constant embrace of Divine presence.  Seek and ye shall find! 

The Carousel Journey

"No matter the carousels colors, the horses go at the same speed.

They start together. They finish together, too.  Nobody is first and

nobody is last.  Everyone one is equal on a carousel ride."

Sharon Langley

Indeed, life is like a carousel ride moving us around in a circle.  We experience ups and downs while in our minds we may be swept up in ascension or spin deeper into the unknown.  The carousel offers the experience of oneness and equality.

The carousel, like life, offers a community with individual opportunities.  Freedom of thought and diverse experiences are colored by a swirling view.  Each participant paints the landscape by what he or she holds to be true.

As life, like the carousel, continues the up and down movement, we may wish to dismount. We settle into a provided bench where we can contemplate and develop what we think we know.  We begin to better appreciate illuminating lights and waves of music,  as our journey continues.

Feet Under the Table ...

"Friends are the siblings God never gave us."

Mencius

While working with seniors, I asked a woman who had been living for 80 years, what her best memories were during the holidays.  Without hesitation she replied, "I miss feet under my table."  I didn't understand just then, but the full impact developed over time.

For years to come, I lavished table settings with linen, silver, crystal and candles galore.  I spent hours in preparing foods and special dishes for each of my children. Then life lured these beloved feet to places of their own.

I didn't understand all those years ago, how the feet under my table would eventually be replaced by those I call 'sisters of my heart".   Varied sizes and differing signs of wear and tear, the feet of adopted kins grounded me with comfort, security and love we all seemed to need. 

Within The Spiral, A Joyful Noise

 

"A circle is an extension of reality. It has no beginning and it has no end - 

and if you put several circles over each other, then you get a spiral!"

Maynard James Keenan

The spiral of life can be like a playground slide, excitement until one hits the bottom or it can be like the climb up Michu Picchu, challenging and humiliating.   Endless sections of time are caught in the middle of the spiral where we regroup or repeat.

Eventually, we learn there is more to life other than reaching the destination and less importance of what we drag behind us.  With the removal of visual impairment, we begin to see the light presence, swirling within the spiral. 

The light within the spiral can be lofty or billowing, or just as easily be bright or dim.  Either way, when we are present within each moment, we are lifted by the beauty that can be found in all of life.  A joyful noise is in honor of all there is.

Christmas at Midlife

Christmas at Midlife by Mary Anne Perrone

 

I am no longer waiting for a special occasion; I burn the best candles on ordinary days.

I am no longer waiting for the house to be clean; I fill it with people who understand that even dust is Sacred.


I am no longer waiting for everyone to understand me; It’s just not their task
I!

I am no longer waiting for the perfect children; my children have their own names that burn as brightly as any star.


I am no longer waiting for the other shoe to drop; It already did, and I survived.


I am no longer waiting for the time to be right; the time is always now.


I am no longer waiting for the mate who will complete me; I am grateful to be so warmly, tenderly held.


I am no longer waiting for a quiet moment; my heart can be stilled whenever it is called.


I am no longer waiting for the world to be at peace; I unclench my grasp and breathe peace in and out.


I am no longer waiting to do something great; being awake to carry my grain of sand is enough.

I am no longer waiting to be recognized; I know that I dance in a holy circle.


I am no longer waiting for Forgiveness. I believe, I Believe.

 

Presence and Birth

 

"Christmas is a time you get homesick ...

even when you're home."

Carol Nelson

When we are integrated with extended family, we are also exposed to hurtful memories of the past.  When we are at a distance from our loved ones, we experience separation issues and feelings of invisibility.  Yearning for what is no longer ours, we can heal through appreciation for the presence within us.

We may not want to attend the night time church service, but we are able to tune into Christmas music.  We may no longer invest in a tree with decorations, but surely we can light a candle with a warm flame beckoning us to lose sense of time. When we scoot over,  inner presence fills the space.

Our yearnings can be altered, as half of what we 'think' we want, we really don't.  Accepting our changes, we can create new ways of meeting our needs.  To begin, however, one must first make the choice to shed old skin and then take action. Congratulations on birthing a new you!

Decipher Messages

 

"Through the unknown, we find the now."

Charles Baudelaire

Standing before a Georgia O'Keefe masterpiece, one tries to decipher the message and breathe in the beauty.  Listening to a masterstroke of Bach, one opens to the arrival of each extraordinaire note.  Walking through a pristine stream, one does not interrupt the rapture, but allows the body, mind and soul to absorb the beauty.

Like impetuous children, we turn to life, jumping up and down, demanding what will come next and who will be there.  The present moment in life is trampled by our eagerness to move beyond the moment. This is not living in the present.

Rather than searching for the now, simply choose to be in the now.  Eliminate distractions and allow the unknown to come to you.  Whether walking on a trail, staring at Christmas trees or Chanukah candles, mentally open the mind like opening the arms for embrace.  Invite the messages to gently flow inward, insights to softly appear and the energy of love to  fill every cell.  Welcome to living in the moment!

Projections As Thieves

 

"Sometimes I need 

only to stand

wherever I am

to be blessed."

Mary Oliver

Emotional static increases disrupting harmony and peace. As we move forward to our waiting reality, it is vital to let go of negative family history, business of deadlines, and the busyness of neighborhood activities.

Rather than imaging static, we can decorate our hearts with the glow of candles, a few shimmering lights, and special moments for heightened inspiration.  As we allow love and light to flow through us out into the world, our spirits are lifted.

When we draw negative exchanges from the past, allowing them to distort the present, we rob our lovely selves of blessings before us. While we let go of pain from the past, our beating heart pumps radiant light into all empty spaces.  The thievery no longer robs us of the loving life we are meant to live. 

One Hundred Percent of Humanity

 

"Make the world work for a hundred percent of humanity,

in the shortest possible time, through spontaneous cooperation,

without ecological offense or the disadvantage of anyone."

Buckminister Fuller

As we follow the road less traveled, we may not be aware of how we are being prepared for a future role we may play.  There may be approaching curves where we expect the trail to end, only to find it has swiftly changed course.  We open our hearts to a new direction.

We are not always understanding of the twists and turns unexpectedly presenting themselves.  These altered routes may not make any sense to us, but they end up being prevalent to our journey. Perception continues to be relevant.

As we treat fellow travelers as we want to be treated, honor all things in nature, spontaneously cooperate in respectful need, and leave no one behind, our world gently becomes a place for all ...  bathed in love, calm, and peace.

When We Put Them Back On ...

 

""I think there is a pattern in my life, and

I don't want to perpetuate it."

Janet Conner

Patterns can be repeated for years without being realized.  They call for immediate responses that can be outdated and unproductive.  When we become aware of a pattern, we might feel shamed, or disoriented, or lost.  Only when we take action, will these long standing patterns be altered.

When untrue to the authentic self, we wear a misleading mask.  There may be differing masks for our world, family, and self.  When did this coping skill begin?  How painful is it to remove a mask?  Which one will be removed first, ... second ... third?  Will we be tempted to put them back on?  The outcome is to be fully and  divinely as God intended.  

Our focus cultivates direction, opportunity, and completion ... then we begin again.  Our energy is not to be used in falsely accommodating others, or responding to a dream that is not our heart's desire.  We are called to boldly stand in our authenticity, proud to be who Spirit intended us to be ... maskless.

Leaving a Trail

 

"Help the world by leaving a trail 

of who you are."

Mark Nepo 

It is important to leave a trace of our journey to the travelers behind us. What may seem insignificant to us, might be of great value to others.  Our road can assist others by leading them to higher designated routes or offer reason to detour a particular path.

If we falsely direct or intentionally withhold personal reflections, we dim the impact of connection.  When we allow the self to be vulnerable to trusted souls, we can  expand,  inspire, and revisit past and future insight.

When we can embrace the concept of self-worth and cultivate our space, we are activating Divine intentions.  As we each heighten our individual purpose, we impact fellow travelers and move towards our intended higher purpose.

Power of Renewal and Rebirth

 

"Once I understood how my body in not this shape,

but the process of life that created it, I understood

what rebirth is truly all about."

THE QUEST OF ROSE

Anneloes Smitsman & Jean Houston

The vision of a butterfly being born within the dying body of the caterpillar or the process of a snake shedding its skin, trigger ideas of our own abilities. From birth, human life is nothing but change.  At every level of learning, we are fed new information that stretches thought, and increases creativity.  This occurs when we release the old and embrace the new.

Dead ends appear in our life simply for shifting our gears.  It is not about being wrong or being a failure.  Non-aggressive power unfolds when we begin to see the 'light' or to trust our gut or venture into the unknown.  If we allow the self to be led, and pay attention to what is being reflected, the process of life continues to rebirth us.

Some mystics refer to the 'second birth' as an experience allowing separation, and initiation. A deeper knowing or an inner voice surfaces, visions of possibilities increase, and life is reborn.  Through this renewing and transformation a deeper process continues accelerating our growth beyond physical death.

Mystical Doorway

"I see now, the doorway 

between conscious mind and cosmic mind."

Janet Conner

Recently, I have been reviewing scientific documentaries regarding near death experiences.  The knowledge understood during out of body experience, brings clarity and new pathways in life waiting to unfold.

It is reported that when these individuals momentarily passing through the mystical doorway, return changed in their intentions and inspired directions. These expanded souls caress the unspoken inner voice, strive for daily kindness, and continuously expand inner light to those in need.

The Mystical Doorway sparks my interest as to how we can alter our own dispositions.  Can we embrace a higher consciousness to move our negative thinking to positive speculation?  With an openness will we receive clarity, healthy options, and energy to move confusion to peaceful resolution? We will never know unless we become vulnerable trusting in the Divine.

 

Dreams and Darkness

"Dreams are candles to help us through the dark."

Mark Nepo

Dreams are quite compelling if we pause to hear or see the message they bring.  Unfortunately, our culture invests more time on what to eat for dinner, than upon untangling a dream.  Dreams reflect aspects of our hopes, desires, and underlying fears.

If we choose to observe the world unfolding around us or simply notice day dreams, information will surface which can be applied as guidance.  When we open our lovely selves to deeper meaning, we can have clarity even in the depths of darkness.

When we find ourselves in darkness, and understand it is an opportunity for enhancement, our light will shine brighter.  Gathered information we have taken time to notice will assist us in creating both peace and harmony.  Darkness exists so we can experience the strength of our light while we ignite the flame. 

Application for Vital Living

"Knowledge without follow-through is worse than no knowledge."

Charles Bukowski

Human beings face circumstances, not always knowing what to do.  We can hide or postpone a corrective measure while the situation continues to gnaw at our sense of security. It is definitely one thing to lack knowledge, but quite another to discover solutions without making application.

There are numerous resources easily gathered in today's world.  Pursuit in discovering what applies best to our situation helps to reduce fear and anxiety.  We may immediately feel restored power, just by consuming knowledge.

Eradicating a problem, however, requires movement of learned information into application.  With understanding alone, the situation will not be altered, aborted, nor untangled.  It is when we use knowledge as our tool, we are propelled to healthier outcomes.

Altering Actions

"It is not only what we do, but also what we do not do,

for which we are accountable."

Moliere 

Life is chaotic and there is no way to circumvent challenges.  We individually have a loosely structured reaction whether it be connection with a trusted friend, delving into our misperceptions or creative expression.

The healthy step is to seek out the angst at the bottom of a scenario. On the surface, we may think our emotional reaction is the problem itself.  We run so many insufficient patterns and use avoidance or denial instead of processing what is true.

If we choose to blame others for our situation, the disruption continues to repeat itself.  When we carry problems into the depths of the soul, we begin to recognize insights to lead us to higher ground.  We must not stop with new sight! It is vitally important to understand new knowledge, but equally important to apply corrective action to create change. 

Expansion Within a Singular Moment

"Breathing in, I calm body and mind.

Breathing out, I smile."

Thich Nhat Hanh

Originally, the thought of being in the moment sounded exclusive and isolated; whereas now, the experience opens endlessly to deeper understandings, revelations, and expansive non-verbal communication. 

When we embrace the concept of time being an illusion, the present moment can take us far and wide.  We can visit other realms without time restrictions, returning after what seems to  have been at least an hour; yet, the clock reflects only one moment elapsed.

There can be great healing as one sits still releasing thoughts and visuals.  The stillness within absolves stress and tension.  The sense of peace encases us, but frees us to join in the oneness of unlimited form.  After all, it is what we seek ...  suspended in unconditional love.

Connecting with Self and Others

 

""We forget that physical gestures of support such as touching,

massaging, hand-holding, and hugging are vital to our well-being."

Chris Germer

As we age, we do not receive as many hugs nor hold the hands of others as frequently as we once did.  Especially during COVID we no longer greet strangers with hand shakes nor acquaintances with physical gestures.

A  recently published paper written by Aljoscha Dreisoerner and colleagues documented  how soothing touch lowers cortisol levels in stressful situations. As we are faced with life challenges, we can use our own hand (placed over our heart) to assist in reducing tension.

Society is increasingly mobile and families more distanced, we frequently find our lovely selves without touch.  Perhaps this has triggered ADOPT A PET to meet the needs of connection.  There is actually simple joy in a quiet moment, grasping a friend's hand and massaging it with lotion as it uplifts both participants. Touch is vital ... seek a way to receive it!

When Soul Meets Soul

 

"When we can look into each other without an agenda or scheme

of desire or need, something indescribable and essential makes

us more than we are by ourselves."

Mark Nepo

During a weekend retreat, we were divided into two circles, one inside the other.  The inner circle was to become face to face with the outer circle.  The participants in the inner circular form, were to say nothing but to stare into the eyes of the other.  This circle when told, would shift to the right beginning again to stare into the eyes of the person now standing before them..

I believe this sacred rite was called a Puja.   This non verbal exercise was deeply communicative.  By staring into other's eyes,  all masks, costumes, personas and identities disappeared.  There was an instant connection in the silent exchange feeling rather intimate and spiritual.

Author, Mark Nepo suggests we sit with a loved one or trusted friend, facing each other in silence.  Gently and steadily, we become lost in the eyes disregarding all other physical appearances.  We sense a deepening exchange of oneness. Perhaps this is a soul meeting!

Step Aside and Get Out of Your Way!

 

"Eartheans have yet to lift their eyes to all the beauty,

light, and joy that is their birthright.  They have yet to see 

the real value of living in harmony with All-That-Is."

Dr. Heather Anne Harder

It is difficult to remove the sense of 'self' as we do things for others.  Our ego or defenses chime in distracting from authentic acts.  It is when we can activate the presence of the Divine,  we can begin to use numerous tools which intensify the effectiveness of projection.

As we create our intentions from a spiritual standpoint rather than a physical human platform, our results can be magnified.  Distractions are minimized and our ability to live in harmony intensifies with recognition of the intense beauty of life.

Thoughts create illusions, so as we step aside and view our lovely selves as a vessel, spiritual intervention flows into those in need.  No longer relying on personal powers we begin to radiate with the development of tools such as:  Reiki, Tuning Forks, Crystals, Mantras, Drums and Dance. As we step aside, getting out of our own way, we connect harmony between all that is above with all that is below.

Minimize or Maximize ...

 

"Whenever two opposing or  competing intentions are trying

to manifest at the same time, it creates tension."

Anodea Judith and Lion Goodman

Creating on Purpose a book written by Anodea Judith and Lion Goodman is a wonderful source to help us be consistent with creative endeavors.  The authors bring the readers to the attention of the struggle of conflict playing out in our subconscious.

The energy needed to fulfill a project is drained by the interference of conflict and discomfort.  Exuberance becomes diminished by thoughts of fear, shame and defeat.  Past false assumptions distract us from our present path and divert us from creative forward movement.

Negative thoughts stored in our repertoire of excuses, flood into the present.  There is need to forge through patterns preventing levels of success.  Monitor inner voices; minimize doubts or second thoughts; ignore reactions from others; and release desire for validation or approval.  These are coordinates to make our path less challenging and navigation more creative!

Lighthouse or Super Hero?

"Lighthouses don't go running all over an island looking for boats to save;

they just stand there shining."

Anne Lamott

Thoughts of extending kindness can be developed into high acclaim or they can wither and die.  We have the choice to either ignore the prompt or bring energy to the idea expanding and following through.

Anne Lamott refers to a lighthouse as a beacon of light to draw others to safety; thus, removing the need to be one who physically rescues.  During the past year experiencing the confines of COVID, individuals developed ways of extending kindness without physical involvement.

The goal is not collecting golden badges reflecting upon our actions, but to excel at beaming our help through prayers, love, and light.  The person in need of help receives these silent actions, unknowing the source.  The intention to anonymously send our positive thoughts is far better than racing to the rescue in a super hero manner.

Caressing Chaos

"It is far too easy to put off until tomorrow

what we are dreaming of today."

Daily Om

As time passes swiftly, we begin to eliminate activities from our agenda. Unfortunately,  the reaction to hectic pace is shelving important slips of time which would reduce our anxiety.  Why do we continue to dig the deep hole of stress and eliminate personal choices intended to uplift our spirits?

We may not have time to drag out creative projects, but we certainly can step to a window or close our eyes to momentarily imagine breathing in fresh air. Perhaps there is a need to eliminate an appointment for a massage, but there are pauses to stretch our body or tend to our soul by lighting a fragrant candle or a quick dance with our soul. 

Personal neglect is to dishonor ourselves ... body, mind and spirit.  The thought of not having time to nurture due to chaotic schedules, is in fact a fallacy.  By inserting small pauses of comfort actually extends our energy to go further with our overwhelming tasks.  

 

Action Responds to Pain

 

"Our pain can be our greatest teacher.  It leads us

to places we'd never go on our own."

Debbie Ford

Our attention is quickly given to physical, emotional, and spiritual pain.  Each experience with pain can be intense, especially when it penetrates the body, mind and spirit all at once.  It is imperative that we delve beneath the pain, asking what we are meant to learn.

The negative aspects with pain deepen if we dwell in it rather than explore what the lesson is trying to unearth.  The teacher named pain, attempts to bring our awareness to what can be improved or diverted.

The positive with pain can be a prompt to something that is out of alignment. It offers opportunity to take action to enhance or improve our intentions.  We can interrupt interference by adjusting our misuse of the body or cleansing our thoughts or increasing our means of spiritual communication. Action is the key.

Divine Child Prospers

 

"The heart at rest sees a feast in everything."

Hindi Proverb

Unfortunately, we become fixated on what is not working in our lives, when we could be focusing on blessings, gifts, talents and available resources.  Through negative thinking, we exaggerate what is going wrong and blow them out of proportion.

When we disengage from addictive obsessions, blind spots become apparent.  Perspectives become more positive when we utilize intuition, insight and vision.  As we begin to maintain healing principles we are able to sustain health and well-being.

Angeles Arrien, author of The Four Fold Way, encourages us to walk the paths of the warrior, teacher, healer and visionary. By using storytelling, dancing, singing and silence, our souls are restored with wonder, hope, and awe.  The Divine Child within prospers with the shift of closing the door to discomfort and disease.

Dark Clouds and Sunbeams

 

"Because those who do not know how to weep

do not know how to laugh either."

Golda Meir

As we allow ourselves to experience both sides of the coin, a deeper realm is created.  When we can open to the depths of despair as equally as we enjoy the revelations of joy, our emotions can be understood with a broader spectrum. 

Author, William Schutz, declares '"... to fully present ourselves and to have the most satisfying human relations, we must be both aware and honest." Heightening our sense of integrity will assist us in balancing both accomplishments and misdirections.  It is not always one way or the other.

We realize the importance of deciding when or where our words will be best heard.  Timing of disclosure can be imperative.  When we decipher when it is best to listen or speak we gain a stronger sense of accountability, options, and compassion to the self and others. 

Presence of Otherlings

 

"It took me quite a long time to develop a voice,

and now that I have it,

I am not going to be silent!"

Madeleine Albright

The voice can whimper in silence or shout from a rooftop.  It can be expressed and deeply understood through the arts, journaling or simply listening within.  There was a time the act of exchanging words was singularly referred to as communication; whereas, in today's world, it has been expanded into more lofty terms or sense of empowerment.

The inner voice whispers knowledge and insight while the projected outer voice shares what we have experienced.  The deep longing to be seen and embraced  can happen through the written word, articulating the self to others or reflecting through song, dance or artistic endeavors.

Other than the obvious meditation, yoga or visualization, one can be comforted by silence in nature.  No matter what the season, one senses the presence of otherlings from vibration of trees, the rippling of water, sunshine on our skin or whispers in the wind.  The voice is empowered when we embrace the sense of all being one.

Overwhelming Pain

"Sitting with our sadness takes the courage to believe that

we can bear the pain and we will come out the other side."

Daily Om

Whether emotional, physical or spiritual, pain can be overwhelming.  We can be held motionless by pain or we can find ourselves thrashing around unable to be still.  Pain can be so excruciating we may become disconnected from reality.

Eventually, we ask what is causing our pain?  When we determine the source, we are able to move towards healing.  This healing can be swift, temporary or critical.  When we can bring our attention to the source, we begin to understand what needs to be done.

We face our pain with courage, while knowing we will eventually reach the other side.  Giving ourselves permission to accept and move through our situation, we gain insight into learning more about the self.  There is no way to avoid pain, but we do have power to overcome the sadness.

 

Consumed, Nature Beckons

"Every leaf speaks bliss to me, fluttering from the autumn tree."

Emily Bronte

There once was a time,  I began every morning listening to the news.  My desire was to begin each day aware of the world, the state, and community.  As time passed, I became aware of a heaviness produced by broadcasters reports. I definitely was not getting off on the right foot!

Broadcasts created a negative attitude prior to the beginning of what I had intended on being a blissful day.  As I eliminated the 'news' connection, I chose uplifting routines of reading inspirational essays and journaling my inner intentions with heavy doses of positivity.

During my daily walk, instead of being consumed by "THE SKY IS FALLING", nature beckoned me to observe the grace of a leaf falling from a tree.  The songs of the birds began to feel like morning serenades and deep breathes expanded my awareness of living in bliss.

 

Departure and Doses of Tea

 

"Fall has always been my favorite season.  The time when

everything bursts with its last beauty, as if nature had been

saving up all year for the grande finale."

Lauren DeStefano

Sadly, I look back at the diminishing signs of fall.  Autumn has been my comfort zone over numerous years. Nature embodies my soul with cooler temperatures, splashes of vivid colors, all things pumpkin and everything apple. 

The new month will have the absence of nurturing sounds.  I shall miss the crunch of leaves beneath my feet, birds vibrantly singing their songs, and whispers between the trees.  Fragrances dwindle from the last stages of flower gardens, while cinnamon and cider spices fade away.  

Mostly, I will miss the camaraderie felt in the midst of the Harpeth River trails and greenways.  The sense of being one lessens and the unspoken communication declines. The remaining comfort is the ability to ween from the outdoor fire pit and pull my chair in front of the mesmerizing fire place.  I will gather my old quilt, inspirational quotes, and fictional adventures.  And tea, don't forget large doses of tea!