Reaching Higher Ground

"We can find common ground only by moving to higher ground."

Jim Wallis

Longing for the world to be walking on a pathway of peace, change must be made. First we need to explore the differences in each person without judgment. Do not hide from those who think differently nor act like they do not exist. If we are confident in the self, there is no fear in stretching to understand others.

We can take advantage of situations where thoughts and opinions can be safely shared. We can become aware of how others love, treasure, and endure. When we recognize existing fears and disappointments, a bond can be shared. Understanding the plight of each other brings us closer to walking a peaceful path.  

If we choose to step out from behind our own defenses, new understanding occurs. Accepting each other, even when disagreeing, we can create a space where all peoples can thrive. Compromise becomes key, but when developed in safety, there is greater chances to agree. Shedding drama and chaos, together we move to higher ground.

 

When Snow Returns

 

"For once you have tasted flight you will walk the earth

with your eyes turned skywards, 

for there you have been and there you will long to return."

Leonardo da Vinci

Retrieving our hats, boots, gloves and heavier coats, we move, once again, out into the cold wintery snow. This is quite symbolic, actually. As when present with those who lack warmth, we also begin to layer up. Just like winter outer wear, our actions turn to protection from the icy atmosphere.

When the snow returns, we might alter passageways. We may change the course of conversation or boundaries of a relationship when things turn frosty. When deep in thought, our eyes often shift up towards heaven, as though it held escape from pressing unanswered questions. Prayers silently lift upwards into the sky.

 

We are a significant part of nature participating in the elements of each season. Winter is a time to go within and that is where discovery lays waiting. It is in the stillness that the hidden appears, silent messages are whispered, and enlightenment occurs.We may even long for escape high up into the skies where some view as an eternal home.

Ready For Challenges

"If you have a positive attitude and constantly strive to give your 

best effort, eventually you will overcome your immediate 

problems and find you are ready for greater challenge."

Pat Riley

In the face of diversity, we often choose the path of avoidance. There is a childlike concept that if we ignore something or someone long enough, it or they will miraculously go away. Of course we know this as false, but our ego reports differing information. We take away our own power by leaving results up to chance.

It is just as easy to tell ourselves that we cannot manage as it is to chant, " I can and will do this!" When we choose to believe in personal power, our lessons tend to have less drama and direct results. There may not be an immediate turn around, but the lesson can be learned in half of the time.

It helps us to not require all information at the onset. Not everything needs to be secured when we are first faced with a dilemma. When we ask what can be done in the moment to adjust an unfolding, action is effective. After this first step, others tend to become apparent and guide us stealthily to an acceptable if not superior outcome.

 

Power Found Within

"Always be of the light, never the darkness and spread

that light generously everywhere you go."

Gloria Stone

There is a light within all of us. For some, it is hiding in darkness with barely a flicker while others are illuminating others from the inside out. Where shall we place our focus, for that is where we generate either love or fear. Determine just how much darkness we are willing to endure rather than shine upon possibility.

There are choices to be made between love and hate, compassion and anger, and acceptance and criticism. It is imperative that we recognize our constant power found within the choices we make. Whether we choose to remain silent or rant with rage, our unhealthy choices taint our good will towards the self as well as to others.

Our inner light may be a small glitter or a booming flood light. Each of us must recognize it within and strengthen it by allowing it to kindle our goodness. When we feel 'enlightened', our actions are gentle and kind creating transitions in the time of fear. Our light reminds others that there is goodness in our world, especially when we become it.

Inclement Predictions

"Snowflakes are one of nature's most fragile things, 

but just look what they can do when they stick together."

Vesta M. Kelly

There is something so peaceful about watching snow gently fall. The flakes look so innocent and humble, just like ourselves when we are first born. Intriguing when we think how each snowflake is unique, like we are individualistic as well. This white fluff can be creatively scooped into varying images, similar to the way we create personas. 

The innocence of snow is temporary as when it is shoveled to the curb, it soaks up black liquid debris. The evening temps drop and the cold hardens this substance, turning it into slippery and icy mess. The morning warmth then melts it into a disgusting slush. Unless, of course, it forms shapes together.

Our hearts, so pure and humble go through similar sequences. Misfortune taints our  innocence and often dismantles life as we have known it. We can shape shift into ice or   melt into a very hot mess. The difference is our ability to prepare for inclement predictions and create appropriate shelters. 

 

Stacking Stones

"Stone stacking is not just a modern pastime, but a historical practice 

steeped in tradition. Across the  globe, various cultures have utilized stone 

stacking for purposes ranging from spiritual rites to practical navigation."

We Free Spirits 

My memory is filled with unique experiences that occurred in Sedona, Arizona. Each one etched a link between my inner spirit and all that is sacred, leaving me unable to appropriately articulate. The vast magic of this area can be overwhelming. It was the first place I had ever come across the stacking of stones.

Down by the river where the feminine energy thrived, rock formations balanced on thin air. So many stones were mismatched, but perfectly aligned. Some were quite artistic and tall; whereas others were like mine, novice small. It was the ritual of it, the marking of personal presence that joined with unseen sacred souls.

In the following years, while visiting other countries, I would discover artistic stone stackings in isolated locations. These sightings have deepened spiritual perceptions and heightened ritual traditions In silently stacking stones, one experiences an unexplainable  link between here and there with the absence of hesitancy and the presence of bliss.

Silence of Snow

"Snow provokes responses that reach right back to childhood."

Andy Goldsworthy

What is it about winter's first heavy snow? A flash-back memory urges us to dig out boots and mittens, proceeding to the garage for a sled, and at all cost, ignoring the shovel. It is an astonishing experience to quietly stand in the freshly fallen snow. There is something very virginal about being where no one has yet to tread.

Standing inside, watching the snow come down, the world seems to fall away. There does not seem to be anything more important than gazing outside the window. We no longer hear the television or family chatter. We magically become one with the silence outside and mesmerized by the daintily falling snow. 

Our bodies seem to fall back in time as we capture the sounds of our old friends squealing with joy. Visions of snow ball fights, building a snow man, or making snow angels, float through our thoughts keeping us lodged back in the winter of our memories. Finally turning away, hot chocolate and marshmallows seem perfect for our day.

Dismantle Walls

"Instead of building walls to create security,

we need to build bridges."

James G. Stavridis  

When frightened and afraid, we instantly build walls to hide behind, whether emotionally or physically. This, of course, is foolish as it shuts us off and isolates. Behind the brick and mortar, there is not expansion of resolution. It simply breeds fear. triggering thoughts of our own worst nightmares.

Instead of erecting barriers, let us venture out together, sharing concerns, expectations, and disappointments. Together, we can build a bridge to understanding which does not necessarily mean acquiescing to others opinions and concepts. The phrase 'to agree to disagree' allows room for continued conversations.

We need fresh concepts, broader fields of knowledge, and deeper listening experiences. If we stroll together with respect and honor, the bridge elevates content illustrating new perceptions. The key is being present for each other, intently listening. Together, reaching the other side of the bridge, peace can be restored.

Expansion of Life Scenarios

"Reading gives us the ability to live multiple lives at once."

Beauty and the Beast

Winter is a perfect time to expand your senses, curiosity, and experiences through reading. If there is a subject matter too personal for open discussion, explore it in privacy on your own. When you overhear a conversation with unfamiliar concepts, educate yourself diving into resources. Visit a library, simply wandering until a subject jumps out at you.

Books have so much to offer. If you are feeling lonely, a favorite fictional author can connect you with a sense of belonging. If you are bored, a non-fiction writer can introduce you to traditions, cultures, and discoveries. When you long for creative expression, there is a plethora of instructional books to get you started or expand your chosen craft.

Wandering the aisles of a book store or the library, a sense of adventure is felt. There is an anticipation for what you may discover. You are offered endless choices prompting personal selection. Reading is an opportunity to learn about the self, others, and the far beyond. Expansion through reading creates and enhances the life you yearn to live.

Silent Connection

"Open some space, and Spirit will certainly show up."

Harrison Owen

Today is the perfect day to simply show up, holding space for the self, others and the earth. It does not require a donation, reserved seating, nor extended practice. It is a matter of allowing Spirit to fill us with hope, joy, and peace. There are not any certain words we must speak, nor positions to be held. It is a matter of opening the mind.

Direct the ego to go to the corner of the room to sit in a chair. Cover the self in an imaginary veil where no one can contact us through cell, doorbell or mail. Open the heart and bid the Sacred to enter with the warmest of welcomes. Energy will flow into us without requiring any action at all.

For one it may feel like peaceful energy flowing through while one other may experience the sense of wandering in the deepest of woods. Feel the connection that comes, strengthening personal spirit in belief in the good for all. Beckon Spirit to come in and the remainder will unfold. The silent communication assures us that we are not alone.

 

Here Comes The Magic!

 

"Whatever you do or dream you can do - begin it.

Boldness has a genius and power and magic in it."

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe 

Forget about making lists, cleaning out closets, and designing agendas for other peoples needs.  Today is to be filled with awareness of the kindness you shine upon others, and how to shine this same kindness upon your lovely self. It is about celebrating uniqueness and how to use it for a deeper sense of living. Simple questions can be stimulating.

Questions: 1. How can I better honor my existence? 2. What are ways to better nurture my inner being? 3. In what way can I respect my imperfection? 4. How can I implement higher knowledge? 5. How can I better align the equality between answering with a yes or a no? 6. What visualizations can I create to reflect a collage of creative living? 

Each time prior to responding to the world, reach inside and ask, "Is this true?" This will help to disengage from automatic responses that we have outgrown. The more precise a reply, the clearer we will be seen and supported. We set a positive pace as we respect the self, setting an example of how others need to treat us. Be bold 'cuz here comes the magic!