What Matters in the End

"Every day brings a chance for you to draw in a breath,

kick off your shoes, and dance."

Oprah Winfrey

Within the rhythms of life, we find our lovely selves dancing with diverse partners, learning new steps, grasping hands, and sometimes stepping on toes.  Whether we are rotated forward or left in a spin, we choose between a spicy salsa or a slow two step experiencing love within.

The body, mind and spirit react to the energies entering our space.  They can make the hair stand up on the back of the neck or create an experience of feeling home deep in our core..  In the arms of a partner we can feel the urge to run or enjoy a caress wishing it to last forever more.

Whether we have been taught explicit steps and forms or follow uncharted melodies, life is an unfolding dance.  In the end, when the music no longer plays, and our feet are in need of rest, will it really matter if we had worn gloves on our hands or followed the beat of our heart?

 

Infinitely Intertwined

"The webs spun by our existence had gracefully overlapped and knotted

until you could not have one without the other.  Infinitely intertwined."

Blakney Francis

What if the ending was simply a new beginning?  Could we release the sadness of closure by looking forward to a new way of unfolding?  While life's lessons continue to stack up, can we overlook the negative by focusing on the knowledge gained?

If we are in the middle of a joyful situation which abruptly turns into deception, we must guide our lovely selves forward retaining only the positive emotions.  We can allow our anger or pain to pass through us as we are entitled to all emotions, but the key is to let them flow away from our hearts.

When we are able to link positive experiences together, we form a pathway of goodness.  The journey of the human being becomes linked with our spiritual visualizations. An unbreakable connection between our higher selves and human selves offers a bond, independent from the suffering created by harmful baggage.

Life Never Hesitates

"People whose eyes shine are happy to be alive.  They see

the beauty of life and its glory, even when things are not easy."

Jelena Pantic

Over forty years ago, a very dear friend amazed me by her constant happy perception and I questioned how anyone could possibly be so cheerful all day long.  I lived with her for a few months, and by watching her in various situations, I came to realize, this happy nature was authentically hers.

There is a difference between a personality that is saccharine, fake or deceptive and one who has found a way to trust, to live in faith, and peacefully let the world unfold.  No matter what happens, either joyful or sad, life itself never hesitates.  It continues to unfold.

Every day I am blessed to see the light in a 5 year old boy, and a 2 year old girl.  They are creative, vulnerable, and excited about all things being presented in their world.  I realize I had been that way once, until culture stirred doubt, embarrassment, and restricted roles.  Light is restored to our eyes once we unpack our inner child.

Hand Over Heart

"Speaking from our heart center

allows us to be truthful and honest."

Daily Om

In a gathering of like minded spirits, there was one woman who came to my attention.  Every time she would speak, she would hold her hand over her heart.  It wasn't distracting as it somehow seemed to be a natural reflex, like covering the mouth when sneezing.

With curiosity,  I approached this tender person.  I found her to be extremely inviting and exceptionally comfortable with her self.  When I gently inquired about her gentle action of hand over heart, she shared that it kept her out of her perceptions and attitudes of her mind.  It was her desire to approach the world with heartfelt interactions.

Over the years, I have found this simple gesture to assist me in navigating through life.  Whether downloading emotions or facing challenges, placing the hand over my heart centers me, normalizes my reactions, and reflects my true nature.  It helps me to remain authentic, no longer hesitant by hiding my truth.

 

Adjusting Time and Form

 

"Spiritually, we take flight when we locate that part of ourselves

that is beyond the constraint of linear time and the world of form."

Daily Om

If we use visualization to release our narrow thinking, outdated solutions, and spoon fed belief systems, it becomes easier to fly.  We can quietly sit anywhere and close our eyes to see pictures on a screen.  Easily we can review times of joy, insight, and recognition while toning down the heavy feelings of stress. 

In the habit of visualization, one can expand scenarios, recognize poorly chosen decisions, and manifest a recreated version.  Allowing success to play out in our visual imaginings, we access good feelings that can be applied to our arriving realities.

A closet becomes a highly functioning tool as we box up shoes, remove unused clothing, and discard what is simply taking up space.  When completed, we can walk into the space more freely not bogged down by clutter.  When we remove debris from our mind, we will be able to fly!

Dismantle the Picture

"We are in the process of becoming our over souls or higher selves.

This is a process of becoming more of who we are."

Daniel Scranton/Pam Younghans

An avid fan of jig saw puzzles, there is joy in completion. Yet, I eagerly dismantle the picture, separating all of the pieces definitely not in order.  Same pieces, but I will arrange them differently than how I began.  

Like life lessons, some applications unfold smoothly while others are more challenging.  Each time I begin again to renew my lovely self, many of the pieces are the same, just arranged in a differing priority. 

Whether new paths on my journey or challenging twists and turns, I remain open to interpretation, new understanding, and an improved sense of self. No longer do I carelessly place parts of me in random places.  My applications are no longer based in fear, but set free into nature, realms and personal spirituality.

 

 

Whispers in Our Heart

"The human voice can never reach the distance that is covered

by the still small voice of conscience."

Mahatma Gandhi

As adults, we can still hear the demanding voice of our inner child.  It can trigger melt downs, erratic behaviors, selfish endeavors and inaccurate realities. There is an additional voice, however, that has accompanied individuals throughout time ... the voice of conscience.  

The silent voice within can be called many things:  God, Universe, Spirit, Angels or Moral Code.  The name does not matter, but paying attention does.  As children it may have been warning us of "Stranger Danger" and in later years presenting a moral compass. Achieving adulthood, it whispers to us in languages often not spoken.

My inner voice has battled fear which creates chaos and spins me so fast I can no longer hear.  My rigid thinking quickly squelches inspiration.  Patient is the presence of encouraging words, waiting for my hearing to recalibrate.  I have discovered the good news!  The inner voice is passionatley heard when we hear it through our heart. 

Journey to Soul

"Take positive action in the 

direction of your soul."

Moon Sisters Tribe

Human beings are unique and maintain free will as to how they want to contribute to a physical existence. Whether artist or scientist, value is contributed to a subject with our creative interpretation.  We may have similar views, but each are in their own color of display.

The River Walk is right before me.  I see the trees which will bring me comfort by an energy presence that will help me to return to a natural state.  I hear the water streaming, waiting for my bare feet and I can sense the rocks waiting for me to hold them. 

Throughout the years I have fallen in love with Weeping Willows, Mighty Oaks, White Birch, and Banyon Trees.  Being surrounded by Eucalyptus trees in a forest on Maui, I was stimulated by the vibrant colors reaching out to me.  Trees continue to heighten the journey to my soul.

Knowledge and Understanding

"If you want the answer ... ask the question."

Lorii Myers

Intentional reading can elevate the reader into knowledge of an advanced subject or it can be an exploration into understanding personal unfolding.  My resources are not used for a deliberate subject matter, but an opportunity to open my mind to personal application.

Asking the Universe to supply us with new understanding, our field does not necessarily provide escalation into furthering knowledge.  The quest can return us to what we have already learned, but spirals us into a new depth of understanding.

It is vitally important to remember to ask a question before we begin.   We have choice as to where we want to delve: fine tune dynamics, adjust perceptions, or deepen our place in this world.  The answer may not immediately appear, so be aware to catch a glimpse throughout the day.

 

Floating on the Surface

 

 

"Like an ocean, life is deep, but

we are just floating on the surface."

Michael Bassey Johnson

If we float upon the surface of emotions, we can feel calm.  Eventually, however, we can sense dark clouds forming.  We can experience a turbulance, dragging us down to the bottom of sodden world.  When panic recesses, we firmly place our feet upon the muck and mire.

When we are tired of the tumult of a current pulling us this way and that, we long to surface to once again catch glimpses of a sky so blue. We long for deep breaths and a gentle breeze across our cheeks, settling the waves of disruption. 

If I pull from the sky bright lights and billowing clouds, I can experience life fully, without the overwhelm of drowning.  Tides appear as natural rhythms and we can drift through reality, accepting a ride on the edge of the wave.

Explore Creation

"The union of masculine and feminine energies

within the individual is the basis for all creation."

Shaktai Gawain

Emotionally, my feminine side has run rampant with sensitivity and compassion; while, my masculine side has physically been a strong wall of protection.  As long as I hid my overwhelming feelings behind the strength of propelling forward in career, I felt successful.

I was frightened of bringing a balance between my feminine and masculine ways as life experience had continuously sabotaged me.  When the energy to two sides blended together, however, I found life to be empowering.

Yes, as a human, life still challenged me, but in time I could flow into the masculine when needed or slide into the feminine when called for.  Empowerment soared when I was flexible to weave experiences   in and out of the two.  The hidden gift was the ability to shun masculine strength from others, dodge unwelcome approaches, and explore all of creation.

 

Crossing the Bridge of the Soul

"Go to the truth beyond the mind.

Love is the bridge."

Hedy Schleifer

A force was pulling me forward, in spite of the darkness falling upon my soul.  I was not reluctant to look up into the light descending upon me.  I had acted in alignment, presented in my own skin, and enthralled to be me.

When the darkness began to gather, I knew I had done nothing wrong situated in truth, but realizing that being in balance did not protect me from the absence of a moral compass of others.  The light above beckoned to me, requesting that I propel my spirit back into my sanctuary of the soul.

I readily returned to the safety of meditation and visualization.  I was comforted by the freedom of writing, releasing my grip on disappointment and fear.  I slowly walked across the bridge from deception to the strength of my empowered soul.

 

Emotional Dams

"Empty your mind, be formless,

shapeless like water."

Bruce Lee

Astrologically, I have a double dose of water topped by the vibes of the moon.  And you ask why I am so emotional?  My sensitivity runs so high and deep, I am easily pulled into the ocean ... me, just a simple droplet.

Ideally, I can flow in water, refraining from the building of any emotional dams.  I can navigate calmly, running smoothly around curves or narrowing streams.  I am able to float while I await clarity and singular definition waiting for the muck to settle.

I am but a raindrop, falling from the sky, splashing into the width and depth of life.  As I cascade downwards, I blend with the sorrows of many and contract from those struck numb by thunderbolts.  While I descend, perceptions ebb and flow.  The ocean pulls me safely in, and I expand into the oneness of all.

 

Five Items in My Suitcase

"Information is not wisdom."

Mark Nepo

Information by itself is not wisdom.  If we choose to never apply knowledge or to not change with insight, facts are simply cluttering our minds.  When we learn a lesson, we must ask, "How is this meant to be applied into my life?  What can I discard in order for my thoughts to stretch and grow?"

Mark Nepo suggests thinking of our mind as a suitcase.  We can pack 5 things to go with us, what shall they be?   1.) The love for my children  2.) Transitions towards betterment.  3.)  Spiritual Evolvement  4.)  Nature Connection  5.)  Heightened sense of Oneness.  What would you choose?

While purging for truth, I have been amazed to find the key to life is simplicity.  It is stripping away all that does not apply, memories of pain, and inflated thoughts of supposed failure.  Nature is very complex and yet simply embraced.  Love is unconditional without the need for drama and chaos.  Life can unfold once we uncomplicated our rendition.

 

In My Heart, Forever

"I'm not upset that you lied to me,

I'm upset that from now on

I can't believe in you."

Friedrich Nietzsche

I have been trained as a listener, who catches inconsistencies in truth telling, and error by omission.  This was an incredibly accurate tool used in my decision making.  It helped me to stay focused and progressive, with out distractions.

Of course this tool slopped from my career into my private life.  Recognizing body language of friends, family and mentors, I could be aware of discrepancies.  I slowly became confident in realizing the misdirection was more about them than me.  I could choose to not absorb what was not mine.

When others are truthful with us, we can embrace numerous things:  acceptance; failure; depression; and clouded judgment.  When we hold our lovely selves accountable, we realize the actions of others have nothing to do with us.  Forgiving feels right to me, but pain remains lodged in my heart forever.

Harm No One

 

""Act upon what you know to be true."

Clarissa Pinkola Estes

What the eyes see might not be truth, so we can choose to listen to our intuition.  Our perceptions might be tainted by previous experiences, so with curiosity, we can listen more closely and delve into life and its mystery.

The message to "harm no one," needs to be front and center.  When we choose words carefully and dismiss anything even close to partial truth, we present a solid presence.  If our actions reflect heartfelt consideration, we will feel stronger about our lovely selves, no matter what one other does.

Living with respect for others and honor for our own spirit, we will stay the course.  We can explore diversity without judging.  We will see the colorful string running through all of our souls.  Our moral compass directs our soul to experience life while our truths unfold. 

WEAKEN OR SOAR

"It's better to be kind, than to be right."

Anne Lamott

When we maintain clarity, releasing chatter and negative perceptions, our hearts respond with hope.  Somewhere inside, our spirit is waiting for us to use our value and worth. When we establish our personal contribution of kindness and ignore fear, we bring light into our existence.

Applying our lesson learned from our last dance with fear, we find we can skirt around boulders and swim across streams. There is no longer the sense of being right or wrong, just the importance of living as we wish the world to be ... compassion, integrity, and free flowing love.

When we are able to blend our visions, vibrations, and sensations, there is enough focus to attract our desires.  We have the choice to run risk and perceive the ride to manifestation or we can weaken to the  criticism of well intentioned others.  The choice is ours ... weaken or soar!

 

Faced With Disillusions

"Deceit is the deepest delusion."

Lailah Gifty Akita

Shed the baggage and open to new realities.  Filled with trust, hope, and inspiration, we move forward into a new world.  We imagine viewing heightened kindness, uplifting communication, and as the world spins on its axis, we all become one.

Our inner visions can be pure and true, but if we are being encouraged by unseen  deceit, we will be faced with disillusions before we ever meet.  We believe the dynamics have changed and we have been perfecting detection to ward off disfavor.  We have believed in happiness for both you and me projected into the forever after.

Eventually, we find our selves in the middle of a broken spell.  We thought we had been so alert, perceptive, with heightened vision.  Yet, we find our feet deeply buried in delusions and defeat.  Our trust is broken,  loneliness overwhelms, and ponder how to survive this false behavior. 

Excavating the Mind

"Accept yourself, love yourself and keep moving forward.

If you want to fly, you have to give up what weighs you done."

Roy T. Bennett

It is important to embrace our own diversity and increase it if we can.  The more we open our hearts and minds, the faster we learn and propel our lovely selves forward.  Once we grasp new insights and take action, we embrace more of the unknown and less weighted down.

As we excavate our own minds, we are reminded that others are just as complex.  When others disagree with our point of view, kindly remember it is only on one segment of our self, and not our entire being.  We too, are better conversationalists and friends when we honor and respect a person as a whole.

Each one of us can hold a perception without creating division.  There are no specimens of human beings that are identical.  To claim our authentic selves does not include judging others to feel superior.  When we choose to listen better, to experience differing outlooks, and agree to disagree without consequence, peace will enter our body, mind, and spirit!

Etched In My Mind

"It is not events that disturb people,

it is their judgments concerning them."

Marcus Aurelius

The date of September 11 will be forever etched in my mind.  I remember so many details of the morning, the unfolding of the day, and the grueling overwhelm of the evening.  The following days became exceedingly depressing.

I was grateful for my Reiki friends who immediately orchestrated a time table so that our land would be covered with positive energy every hour of both day and night.  While on the other hand, I was truly appalled by the hate and violence coming out of the mouths of some I held dear.

I had really believed that as a society, we had moved towards positivity for peace.  My heart broke as friends who spouted spiritual truths, were now caught up in a negative wind.  Carefully, I did not judge them, but I was filled with a sadness as history continued to repeat it self.

Fear Still Comes

"You gain strength, courage and confidence

by every experience in which you really

stop to look fear in the face."

Eleanor Roosevelt 

Unfortunately, I have been fear based all of my life.  It is one thing to be aware of this and quite another to actually do something about it.  It is like anything else, the more one practices, the better one becomes.  There is a dramatic difference between living life in negative captivity or experiencing life with an openness for joy.

Many of us have had traumatic upbringings, but at some point we need to choose if we are going to remove our lovely selves from the role of victim or unfold into a realm of unfolding love.  The choice is clearly ours to make.

After a few years of being trapped in a dark and lonely space, I have finally found my self shedding old patterns, concepts and memories as they only weighted me down.  I now rise each day with an open heart and unexpectedly receive joy in return.  Oh yes, fear still comes, but I nod in recognition, then  let this emotion go!  

Repercussions of Truth

"It is ... through the world of the imagination 

which takes us beyond the restrictions of provable fact,

that we touch the hem of truth."

Madeleine L'Engle

Truth sometimes had been categorized as positive communication.  It is the golden word, the bottom line, the destined achievement.  Our goal is to live by the truth in thought, actions, and perceptions.  Seldom do we react to truth as "Oh no, not that!"

As one transcends, our visions grow in regularity and purity.  Concepts of life are filled with best case scenario, trusting all that is.  It is empowering to believe one is living in truth and reflecting this hope towards others. We will be the peace on earth.

Truth has now unrolled differently.  In spite of due diligence, truth caves in my chest,  squeezes drops of positivity from the heart, and spins one into hopeful denial.  Truth is brutal and hard.  We forget that actions of others are not equated to our own standards.  People lie, deceive, and deliberately mislead.  Instead of truth propelling us forward, it can hold us sadly in place.

The Giving Tree

"Give me but a firm spot on which to stand

and I shall move the earth."

Archimedes

 

Over the years I have identified with trees as they displayed and offered comfort, strength, and various patterns for me to see.  They have been mentors, companions and way-showers. I have never stood before a tree pondering if it were reflecting truth or lying to me.  Although sturdy and tall, they demonstrated flexibility by bending with the rains and enduring storms.  

Author, Sid Silverstein wrote a book entitled, THE GIVING TREE.  I have read it to children for years as it remains one of my favorites.  It portrays a tree giving a boy shade, a place to swing from ropes and climb repeatedly. The boy eventually carved his initials into the side of the tree while it simply endured. The tree agreed to be cut into planks for the boy now man to build.  And even as a stump, the tree offered the old man a place to sit.

I would  hope to be more like a tree, yielding to those who come to me.  As I passed through the stages of my own life, giving became more of a simplicity.  Just like trees in the winter, my body has shed its beauty, but stripped naked, one becomes purest of all.

 

Speed Bumps

 

"Never underestimate the power of thought;

it is the greatest path to discovery."

Idowu Koyenikan

Over thinking stops the natural flow; whereas, free thinking spans diversity, connections, and relationships.   Rather than departmentalizing, let all things come together revealing the unseen bond.  It is when we have unresolved issues forming speed bumps in our energy field, we wander from our  intended direction.

These speed bumps are created by entertaining feelings of doubt, distrust, and distorted vision.  With open perception, untainted by fear, we are able to connect the frequencies joining us with both the inside and outside world.  It is through  flowing connection that clarity in the horizon appears.

Like an artist, we must stand back from our creations to change design, correct color, and blend diversity.  It is through new eyes that depth appears.  As our thinking is heightened, our metabolism increases, propelling us into new unknown landscapes.

Emptying Hidden Pockets

"It is the art of belonging to one's soul

that keeps one's presence aflame."

John O'Donohue 

If we ignore who we are and disregard our strengths, we can be overwhelmed by feelings of disconnect.  Our eyes may blame our family, friends, and mentors, but fault stems from not honoring who we are at soul level.

If we live in the past of shame and rejection, clarity and courage will be hard to unveil.  It is only when we allow our soul to brighten our spirits, that we develop compassion and grace. A generosity abounds when we can embrace the clarity of our being.

Instead of embracing who we are, we create little pockets to keep parts hidden.  We shy from sharing our unique inspirations or flow of reverie.  We have the opportunity to weave all of life together as though it were a tapestry.  Love strengthens who we are and always meant to be.

 

Surprising Discoveries

 

"One of the advantages to being disorganized is

that one is always having surprising discoveries."

A.A. Milne

To be disorganized is not always a negative behavior.  There are numerous ways to have structure to keep us aligned, but unscheduled time presents random interests.   It is imperative to keep evolving, developing inner aspects of our lovely selves to discover our full potential.

Life offers us reruns of past mistakes and glory.  Procrastination can sometimes be allowing us a pause, to align us with changing times.  It is when we are in sync that the Universe can open us to opportunities leading us deeper within or farther onto our path of destiny.

As we learn to trust the whispers of spirit within and dislodge the heavy burdens of the past, we are led into surprising discoveries.  We begin to see all humans and nature as living energies waiting to join with us in spite of diversity.  It is with love, we all become one.

Acquiesce Division

"How can you know what you are capable of 

if you do not embrace the unknown?"

Esmeralda Santiago

Crawling towards the light, I emerge from the depths of the dark tunnel. Passing through the portal of fear and confusion, doubt is stripped from me.  I enter a space of caressing water where I am kissed by light and hear a voice whispering to me.

Looking back, it is difficult to describe. In this passage I followed a singular dot, growing into a beam.  I stood in the light, washed anew, as my feet lead me forward to a place I never knew.  As I search my eyes deflect signs of division and I see eternal love waiting for me.

As old pain slides down my spine, the water cleanses and dissolves old wounds.  No longer does darkness  keep me from opening my heart nor living fully as I was meant to be.  I can now see the importance of my years, and the beauty still awaiting me.

 

Eternal Voice and Inward Words

"It is very common for empaths to see and fall in love with the potential in others.

What is not as common, is for empaths to see and fall in love with their own potential."

Trinity Esoterics

The first wave of discovery is the goodness within others.  The second wave of discovery is how blind a person is about their own value. It is amazing to experience the brilliant energy of a person only to find they hide in their own shadows. Unfortunately, I am guilty of the same.

In these past few months, I have been weighted down by heightened memories of disappointments, rejections, and dreams not coming true.  The feelings of wrong doing could not be ignored as they projected patterns that are now relevant to me.  I was then called to come forth entering my own light.

Realization of my worth came pouring in with an eternal voice and unexpected whispers from inward words.  I finally embrace the deserved blessings now gently falling upon me.  My awareness of self expands and I am proud of who I am.  Underneath all of this accumulative debris, I have found true love just patiently awaiting me.

Revel in the Spirit of Me

"... and suddenly you know: it's time to start

something new and trust the magic of beginnings."

Meister Eckhart

Spiritual visualizations are beckoning me to cross an unexpected thresh-hold.  Even though I believe in synchronicity, spiritual guidance, and diversified realms, my human self is being reluctant to take steps advancing upon something new.

Messages are flowing in, confirmation is abundant, and my energy has quickened.  There is a constant battle to refrain from fear and unnecessary speculation.  With each step forward, things are manifesting before me.  Life is exceedingly unfolding beyond my expectations.

In removing fear and developing trust, I feel empowered with good things to come.  There is a presence within me that nurtures all I want to be, and encourages me to enhance all that I believe.  I am being mirrored a living spirit who is reflecting all that I believe, if not more.  Finally, I am ecstatic to simply revel in the spirit of me.

 

On The Inside

    "Isn't it odd.  We can only see our outsides,

but nearly everything happens on the inside."

Charlie Mackesy

I have resented being isolated during this time of COVID, but the truth be told, it forced me into an inventory of what needed to be discarded or enhanced.  Although it didn't feel like it during this cloistered  time, my inner spirit was undergoing a complete makeover.

Much of this time, I felt sluggish, disconnected and disoriented.  On the outside, things seemed to be changing without a reference point.  I clearly did not know why I was being turned inside out.  It was only with time, that I became aware I had experienced a significant shift.

Now, it is extremely clear how to share loving kindness out into the world.  With simplicity, the more I extend love, light, and prayer, increased love abounds. I am at long last whole, as criticism no longer limits me.  I see my lovely self as a child of the Divine, and I will act accordingly.