Curiosity, The Stimulant

 

"None of my journey would have been possible

if I hadn't been willing to learn and grow."

Lee Harris

Do not wait for boredom to settle in before you expand your horizons.  The best time to make a list of creative challenges is when you are feeling secure, vulnerable, and open.  When you make a list and keep it handy, you can maintain  and increase strength.

Whether focusing on the physical, emotional or spiritual development, curiosity can be a stimulant.  If you explore on a regular basis, you build a stronger platform to withstand the twists and turns of life.

Discovery of new input can reinforce what you already believe or it can lead you to new pathways.  Relax and be curious so that you are open to new and diverse activities.   and concepts.  If you change nothing, all else is repetitive leading to boredom and stagnation.

Pieces in Life's Collage

"Most advice encourages us to focus on the outcome

rather than the process of getting where we want to go."

Nicholas Wilton

There is so much joy in creating a collage.  First pictures and phrases are collected, depicting elements one wants to bring into focus.  The stockpile may include a yoga pose or a sailboat or the London Bridge.  They are then placed in a modge podge design.  

Every day we gather experiences contributing to our overall existence.  Some are placed in our heart, while others we might hold at a  slight distance, pondering what in the world they have to do with the goal we seek. Often, parts are interchangeable if we adapt them.

Life is a collage bringing different aspects of challenge together.  Pieces so diverse and yet they somehow compliment each other. Aspects swirl round and round until they mysteriously establish compatibility. Each piece of our collage is important and requires contemplation.  The end result is not necessarily the highlight of our efforts.

 

LIFE BEFORE LIFE by Dr. Helen Wambach

 

"For unless we grow, unless we reach that portion of our consciousness 

that reaches beyond the simple limitations of the human animal, we must 

either revert to our primitive surroundings through destroying our technological 

world or indeed end our history as a species by making our world uninhabitable."

Helen Wambach Ph.D 

In 1979, Helen Wambach published years of research in her book, LIFE BEFORE LIFE. Driven by curiosity, Dr Wambach explored information buried in the subconscious mind which reflected prior life existence.

Dr Helen Wambach was driven by questions such as:  "Did you choose to be born; Did you choose your sex; Did you know you would join people you already knew?" Interviewing 750 clients, the results emboldened her to go public with her information.

This creditable researcher died in 1985 with numerous professionals following her inquiries into past life recollections.  Her documentation triggers thoughts about how you live your life and how to perceive the world. To this day, her book is highly regarded and life changing.

"This or Something Better"

"The only limits to what you can have and experience

are those of a mind believing there has to be 

a border or boundary to what is possible."

Shiela Reynolds

Frequently, we tell our lovely selves that our desire is unattainable based on a belief there are too many obstacles.  We stop what is possible before we begin.  Alternatively, we could evaluate interruptions possibly detaining us, formulating resolve.

Whether we are longing for a vacation, a keepsake or a relationship, we must begin where we are rather than waiting for a perfect package arriving at our door.  If we channel our energy slowly, building up as we progress, achievement will be obtained.

When we loosen our view of outcome, leaving room for addition or subtraction, our success rate will increase.  If we present the Universe with a narrow profile, it may take longer than simply allowing Divine to use creative adaptation. The perfect mantra: "This or something better!"

The Hunter or The Prince

 

"A journey of a thousand miles begins

with a single step."

Lao Tzu

We find our lovely selves pleading for Divine Intervention, hoping for a miraculous synchronicity, and seeking the perfect exit off our too busy highway of life. It would be more helpful to direct these thoughts towards personal steps of empowerment.

The need of outside assistance was implanted through childhood stories like Little Red Riding Hood holding out for the hunter.  We were possibly groomed to be the very fine princess immobile in the castle awaiting rescue from the prince.  These, my friends, are just that ... fairytales!

Positive progress is a result of using what is on hand. How about listening to a podcast like END OF THE ROAD by Michael Kokal or watching a video on ENERGY by Lee Harris?  Smooth the rough edges by feeding your soul, not your fear.

Individualistic Design

 

"Our value is our time, our energy, and the

uniqueness of our being."

Lee Harris

There is only so much time, so how are we going to use it?  Our body only has so much energy, where will we spend it?  How are we going to highlight our unique presence in this existence?  If we gather time, energy, and uniqueness, we will be prepared to unfold.

When we are busily looking outside of our lovely selves, we minimize our own worth.  If we give excessive recognition to others, we reduce the amount for the self.  We are called to invest in who we are and how we will impact the world.

A child's story reflected the life of an ant living in a jungle with wild beasts.  The message was to be the best ant you could possibly be.  Focus on personal strengths finding work that triggers joy and fulfillment. Glory in the space that is truly natural to individualistic design.

ON DEATH AND DYING by Elizabeth Kubler-Ross

"Watching a peaceful death of a human being reminds us 

of a falling star; one of the million lights in a vast sky 

that flares up for a brief moment only to disappear 

into the endless night forever."

Elizabeth Kubler-Ross

Elizabeth Kubler-Ross authored a book in 1969, entitled ON DEATH AND DYING. She wrote it as a gesture of assistance to those who were dying and to those who were present, such as family, friends, and medical staff.  The emergence of "Death Doulas" is an extension of this concept.

With compassion, we can choose to sit with a human who is preparing to transition.  We can listen to his or her stories, touch or massage the hand, and alertly listen to any desire being held prior to passing.

This does not require skill, and we each have loving kindness within our capabilities.  There is value in reading out loud or playing music to calm the body, mind, and soul.  How difficult could this be?  Encouraging a person to have safe passage to what awaits, brings peace and joy.  

The End Becomes The Beginning With Joy In Between

 

"You will know you have found your destination, physical or otherwise,

when you feel in your heart that you have been reborn into a life that is

just the right shape, size and composition."

Daily Om 

Life is a labor of love.  You anxiously await conception of desire, and then you nurture and groom, repeatedly.  Anticipating the joy of outcome, you endure the strains of labor, finally giving birth.  And then, you are called to begin yet again.

There are few words articulating the joy you feel once you arrive physically, mentally, or spiritually.  It can be described as euphoric, mystical or appearing as other worldly dimensions.  And yet on some level, you know it does not last.

When you step out of your comfort zone, confident and inspired, you are opening the self to another cycle of learning.  A new seed is planted and cultivated, resulting in the pains of another delivery into the world. Between the ending and the new beginning, joy can be found, embraced, and absorbed.

Fall Equinox Energies

 

"It's time for you to stop identifying so much with your physical form

and to know yourselves more as your non-physical selves, as your souls."

Daniel Scranton

Fall Equinox ushers in energy for us to be inspired in relation to our lovely selves.  There is energy to safely explore who we are beyond our physical self.  It is a time to bring our soul and our humanness into a greater sense of reality.  

As we choose to expand our consciousness, we can explore how we are a soul having a human experience.  Think about it.  Bring to mind the inner knowing, the deeper wisdom and sacred sensations that 'seem' to surface out of nowhere.  Could it be the soul self communicating? 

The energies during the Fall Equinox can help transform us into a fuller sense of self, existence, and purpose. If we can embrace this concept, we will enter a space of creating a more meaningful reality.  With this energy, we can impact the self, community, and world with a higher level of  being. 

LIFE AFTER LIFE by Raymond Moody

"I have absolutely no fear of death. From my near-death research 

and my personal experiences, death is, in my judgment, 

simply a transition into another kind of reality."

Raymond Moody 

In 1975, Raymond Moody published his classic LIFE AFTER LIFE, an exploration into this subject.  He became the leading authority about afterlife and near-death experiences. It began a revolution which paved the way for other authors such as:  Elizabeth Kubler-Ross, Helen Wambach, Brian Weiss, Michael Newton, James Van Praagh, Deepak Chopra, plus numerous others. 

Expanding our concepts through the writings of other, we learn that death is a time to celebrate life with memories and laughter.  It is a time to respect and honor the challenges and decisions, made by those who pass.  Gathering to share personal stories will keep the spirit of our loved one alive. 

   

As a human, we have been trained by our culture to mourn, running the risk of deep depression, grieving and loss; whereas, other cultures maintain the belief of life after death which sets a different tone entirely. To believe in the after life, brings comfort and new communication.

 

Soul in the Flow

 

"When you do things from your soul, 

you feel a river moving in you, a joy."

Rumi

When you are able to embrace the concept of being a soul which encompasses being a human, there tends to be a better sense of identity.  You begin to step into empowerment that you once had, but it simply became buried within you.

From the viewpoint of being a soul, you can view this current life as one of many which in some way releases pressure from an all or nothing approach.  When faced with decisions, instead of limiting results by human concepts, you can slip into a broader view from soul perspective.

When you view life through soul level, you are capable of a more peaceful and loving approach, eliminating criticism and judgement.  You experience a sensation of moving with a flow rather than being stagnant or deadlocked. Soul perspective reconnects you with Divine Nature which uplifts and redirects. 

Beauty of Observation

"Learn to sit back and observe. 

Not everything needs a reaction."

Wisdom Leaks

Somehow, we have programmed our lovely selves to believe we are obligated to have a helpful response, to supply new direction, and to shift the consciousness of others. What if we began to sit back and simply observe?

We are not obligated to immediately respond to our own and other's diverse issues.  There are definitely times when observation alone is the lesson.  If we can broaden our view and just 'be', (see with new eyes they say), we allow fresh introspection.  

As we walk through the garden of life, we do not impulsively pick every flower we see.  We may touch it, smell, it, admire it ... all without interrupting its growth.  We can watch a bud unfold, all on its own.  Let this be our example reflecting the beauty of observation.

 

Loitering No More

 

"If pain must come, may it come quickly."

Paulo Coelho

Let there be no more loitering during emotional upheavals.  No stretching out pain longer than it needs to be.  If it is a matter of letting go, then do that ...  let go.  When there is absence of destination, then take action.   Do not extend this thing named pain.

There is pain in separation, endings, and memories. Pain is often the underbelly of unspoken truths, desires and dreams. It holds us captive, keeps us small, and clouds judgment.  This sense of pain, as we loiter, we drift farther from where we are meant to be.

And where are we meant to be?  Certainly not loitering in pain! We cannot dodge pain, but we can see it coming and adjust our course.  In spite of said pain, muster the courage to move through it without repressing.  Rise above it, disallowing it to control forward movement.

Come Out, Come Out Wherever You Are!

 

"Vulnerable doesn't mean powerless,

scared doesn't mean lacking, and

uncertainty doesn't mean you're lost."

The Universe 

When you pay attention to what you are feeling, you will resolve issues more efficiently; whereas, if you try to avoid them a larger problem can develop.  Culture teaches you to hide and ignore what bothers you which sadly compromises emotional health.

Your feelings need to be recognized, not hidden.  It is in the choosing of how to react that determines the depth of the issue.  If you are scared and cannot put together a healthy response, create a pause to reach out or to research what resonates with positivity.

When you choose to hide your feelings, you are minimizing your value and giving up your power.  If you feel lost, find a new way of navigating, focusing on acceptance of feelings and determination to reach positive reaction. You are worthy no matter how you feel. 

Moral Compass Broken?

"When you are ready to match your situation to your soul,

you will find that you feel a new sense of harmony and

increasingly connected to the ebb and flow of the Universe.

Daily Om

Life presents before us and perhaps we have no idea which way to go.  Especially when  we are confronted by limited or tainted options, true course is certainly vague or unclear.  If we are able to utilize our moral compass, we renew a path towards clarity.

We can become aware of how a certain situation feels to us.  We can determine if we are advancing out of desire or pressure.  We can discern if we are feeling called or if we are being cautioned.  The situation will either be dulling or awakening desire.   

If we remember to weed our garden, we have deeper breathing room.  If we balance our rain with our sunshine, we will prosper.  If we can remember that the wind does blow, we will lean in and endure.  

 

Passage to Greater Understanding

"Creativity is not only a way of making beautiful things,

but a transformative way of seeing, thinking and

connecting with our deepest knowledge."

Suzette Clough

The mere mention of an opportunity for hands on art can be intimidating, as our minds immediately jump to established artists; however, what an individual can create is found streaming through thoughts, words, and deeds.

The important step is to get out of our own way.  We do best if we set our ego on a time out chair, give our lovely selves permission, and let our juices flow.  There is no right or wrong, and no singular mode of display.  Free license is given to determine what and how we express. 

Artistic nature can be found in a formatted garden, sketched in a book, splayed on a canvas, or in a geometric pattern. The gift is endless discovered in the spark of joy while creating. Art is a means to discovery, release and a passage to deeper knowledge.

... 'know thy self' ...

 

"Life will be what it is: keep going."

Steven Charleston

Capture an attitude of collaboration.  Rather than ask 'why' something is happening, ponder what actions will accelerate the learning of the episode.  Life is on going and it is vital to navigate effectively rather than resisting. 

If we paddle against the current, we will be exhausted and distracted from the beauty in the motion of the flow. When we can accurately determine what we need to best adapt, we will continue to ripple forward.

It is impossible to control life, but we can make choices that will best support us. We must 'know thy self' in order to articulate and to discern what we most need. In spite of disturbances, our chosen actions are pivotal in adjusting to life patterns.

Embedded in Stone

"You are important, you are beloved, and you are

everything you need to be, exactly as you are."

Shelly Young

Life experiences contribute to how we ebb and flow. The nature of existence twists, projects, and flows.  Who we are at our core determines the extent of how we introduce, exchange, and embrace obstacles as well as rewards.

Our character is best supported by positive action, but we are not always at our best.  We error in our judgment, react carelessly and sometimes simply do not care. Deep inside, however, we remain the same inhabiting the goodness of our spirit.

It is how we engage with the unpredictable process of life that embeds our features in stone.  Whether grieving or loss, richer or poorer, failure or success, we have the choice as to how we respond.  We are exactly as we are meant to be, so persevere. Be all that you can be.

 

Take the Next Exit!

 

"Do not fight darkness, let the light in and

the darkness will disappear."

Maharishi Mahesh Yogi

They may not be exceptional, but options are in front of us.  We may not see them clearly, but they are there ... squint your eyes.  The problem lies within as we wait for something extraordinary to suddenly appear, rather than catching glimpses of the beauty in the present moment.

We can maintain a higher level of health if we insert day by day pleasures rather than projecting a once in a life time excursion at some future date.  Restlessness and fatigue are less likely to wear us down if we begin to insert bits of joy into our routines.

Once we begin to see options just loitering in wait, our imagination expands and lifts our spirits.  At no cost, exchange messages with a friend or take a leisurely walk in the neighborhood.  With little cost, meet a mentor for coffee or purchase a new plant.  There is always dinner or day retreats.  Take the next exit off crazy lane and enjoy a lovely path!

 

Lingering Triggers

 

"I release any energies and emotions that are not mine."

Lee Harris

September 11th continues to trigger fear, sorrow, and grieving.  It is a date remembered that reminds us of how vulnerable we are and how uncertain life can be.  It is helpful to expand our thoughts recalling the ability of strangers to become literal life saviors and sacrificial lambs.  

September 11th is a day we remember where we were, who we were with and how our routines were altered.  Some of us were sent home from work, stranded in airports, or  contained in make shift safe places. Communications on many levels went silent.  A buffet of fear filled body, mind, and spirit.

We grieve the loss of lives, the innocence of coddled thinking, and the sense of security in our country.  Our shift of awareness hit high levels and mistrusting natures peaked.  In spite of sorrow, some chose to band together to work towards peace ... individually and collectively.

Actions Reflect Identity

 

"You are what you do,

not what you say you will do."

Carl Jung 

Our lives are filled with options, which shall we choose?  The first obvious step is to recognize what is before us while the second is deciding which will best resolve whatever we are facing. The third step is more than likely the most important which is taking action or follow through. All of these define us.

Too often we get stuck thinking about what will unfold, delaying advancement.  We can unnecessarily become wrapped in our own fears creating the fallacy of deeper dilemmas.  Although impulsive decision making can detour our growth, lingering too long is equally harming.

If there are too many resources, select which seem to have the greatest potential.  If caught in overwhelm: select a trusted friend to share thoughts; spend time away in nature or retreat; and release turmoil through writing, art work, or physical activities. It is the action one takes that best defines who we are or long to be.

Travel Advisory

 

"Everything can happen at once, so you just have 

to start where you are with what you  have."

Adeolu Osibodu 

Where in the world are you?  No, seriously, are you paying attention?  Maybe you are on a jet plane or a slow boat to China, but are your plans intentional or out of control?  Whether you are floating up in the clouds or wandering in darkness, it is time to check in!

Where has the time gone?  Have you held your lovely self accountable or have you been stuck in old mishaps and disillusions?  When is the last time you projected a time to step off that cliff and free fall into a magnificent fresh space of delight?

Make a list, no, not a bucket list!  Begin with a column for small incidental options to jumble up your current daily routine.  Then start another column for a quick jaunts in between obligations.  There is room for another column, and this is where you list all of the reasons why you need to shift your travel plans ... health, freedom, opportunity, creativity, value and worth.  Now it's time to hit the road!

Paralyzed by Overwhelm

 

"When you can't control what's happening, 

challenge yourself to control how you respond."

Life Mellow

No matter how difficult a situation presents, there is always choice.  Ignoring, avoiding and  over-reacting are very poor choices leading to negative life experience.  If we choose even the most minimal action, we will take a positive step forward .

We are doomed if we are dependent upon others to make our decisions or to dictate our actions or to be lost in fear. This is giving our power away which we truly need to avoid at all cost.  True power generates from within us if we choose to minimize emotional responses.

Change self-talk from "I can't'" to "I will try".  An important factor is to just 'begin'.  Allow the future to be sketched in, but apply strengths to the situation in front of us.  Discern what can be changed in this present moment. So, what can we do right now?

Give Up?

 

"True living is just being able to be connected

at a deeper level than ever before."

Lee Harris

Time restrictions curtail our ability to explore, so what ... we just give up?  Absolutely not!  If we shift our thoughts from extending energy externally to digging more deeply within, we continue to enhance our life experience.

We already contain a wealth of information. Quite simply, we need to remove the internal boulders which creates room for continued growth.  Like unfolding a wrinkled paper and smoothing out creases, we become aware of what we may have only glimpsed before.

Similar to speed reading where you dismiss adjectives and adverbs, we focus on concrete facts and begin anew. Let the past fall away and release old assumptions.  Review does not mean simply repeating errors or mistakes.  It is an opportunity to create better circumstances!

Misguiding

"Be vulnerable and open about your feelings."

Sarah Moussa

We are going through a period of great change.  Coming out of a long isolation, like labor, and entering back into the world, as a rebirth, can be intimidating. Even though we are personally aware of our shift, it does not necessarily show on the outside. 

If we do not display an update to our family, friends and co-workers, they are exchanging with us on false assumptions.  Honoring the self, offer insights and demonstrated behavior to allow outside sources to adapt.

In support of our lovely selves, we need to decline, reschedule and avoid previous habitual actions.  Those surrounding us have been programed by our  previous example and become misled if our update is not expressed by attitude, action, and demonstrative display.

 

Labor: Push and Proceed

"Without labor nothing prospers."

Sophocles 

The word labor generates individual thoughts.  What it means to a man, for example, may be entirely different to what it means for a woman.  Even when the word is narrowed down to actual physical labor, a construction worker imagines something quite different than the woman giving birth.

Whether we are laboring over a year end report or the development of an architectural project, our mind pushes through obstacles to arrive at an end result.  Both mentally and physically, one labors to the best of his or her ability.

There is a difference between laboring to be the best at all cost and laboring to produce our very best.  These two goals invite challenges ranging from 'cutting corners' to the intensity of integrity.  Whatever the scenario, honor the creative spirit of a job well done.

Captivated

 

"In that compassionate action, we automatically

create more inner light, more inner space for growth."

O. Nightsky

In the instant of reacting with compassion, we open ourselves to the tenderness of life. Whether we experience a harsh situation or a warm-hearted exchange, living becomes an open ended excursion.

Without contemplating investment or exacting precision, we do not set the rhythm for outcome.  We are captivated by each moment as it unfolds.  When we open our hearts, life expands on its own accord. 

With empathy, there is less judgement and increased opportunity to learn.  When we are accessible to the passage of time, nuances direct us to what we normally do not see.  Insight triggers kindness and a willingness to stretch and grow.

Right in Front of Me ...

 

"When you do things from your soul,

you feel a river moving in you." 

Rumi 

Empowered by a spiritual influence, my life experienced alignment and  opened my senses to what was always right in front of me.  Seasonal winds blew away programed ways of thinking and spring rains cleansed perceptions.  Peace became readily available.

The challenging parts, however, have been living in the midst of others who do not share my optimism.  Allowing my self to be open and vulnerable, I have learned from opposite points of view and reenforced my own values.

And isn't that the intended value of life ... to live in the midst of diversity, embracing what we need and shedding what no longer supports?  This spiritual river flowing within me prevents stagnation and increasingly improves my view.  Yes, there are ripples in shallow water, but I choose to trust the guidance of my soul.

Silence or Oppression ...

"No person is your friend who demands your silence 

or denies your right to grow."

Alice Walker

There is a difference between choosing to be still in the presence of wisdom, and allowing someone else to oppress us. If we are being silenced, we have choice to hold our lovely selves accountable by using our voice or to simply walk away.

For what reason would we allow our vision and truths be squelched?  If we do so out of respect, that is understandable; however, if we repress our voice out of fear of judgement, we disrespect the self.

Why would we tolerate a relationship where we are not seen or heard?  What is the reason for settling for a lesser than arrangement?  Please gather courage and articulate personal vision which results in empowerment.  Give permission to set the self free, reflecting authentic skill, insight and worth.

Perspectives and Decisions

"The Universe has no fixed agenda."

Deepak Chopra 

Our lives have been censored by the influence of religion and politics.  Instead of being praised for authenticity, we perhaps were shamed.  Quickly, we learn to be careful to whom we share our inner being. We question our own strengths and how they might be facilitated. 

What a better community we could have if we truly listened to numerous perspectives prior to final decisions.  What if when pressured, instead of impulsively deciding, we set things on pause until a peaceful resolution arises?  What if we bravely considered a new destination?

The Universe does not set us up for failure. The Universe does not have limited scenarios.  The Universe wants us to succeed based on our unique gifts and talents. The Universe is much more than we perceive, providing endless choices for us to successfully pursue.

 

Festering Trauma

"Trauma is not what happens to us, it's what we hold inside, 

in the absence of an empathetic witness."

Peter Levine 

Trauma is not exclusively a major event.  It can be an occurrence on a minor level that becomes wedged deeply in our emotional bank.  To someone else, it may not even be noticeable; but on a personal level, it may be devastating and agonizing.

When not witnessed,  a simple incident may be repressed with excruciating pain.  It can be relived mentally, triggering and deepening the wound.  Even though it may be a slight occurrence to others, the unaddressed damage can become paralyzing. 

When we are able to accept the need for healing, we can bring our pain to the surface sharing with a trusted friend, therapist, creative expression, meditation or the written word.  Once we begin to release without judgement, a glimpse of hope can move us beyond the memory, propeling us forward.