Thrive Alone

"A day of silence can help you listen

to the soul play its marvelous lout and drum."

Hafiz

To be in isolation is not necessarily the same as being present in solitude. Sequestered in loneliness, especially not by choice, can be damaging to the body, mind and soul. On the other hand, sought after solitude where one can greet themselves can be quite extraordinaire. It is where we can absorb a greater sense of self.

We can be present in silence, accompanied by music, artistic form or private passageways. Our light grows, reducing the dark which increases our self-understanding. We can dust off unused talents or unearth gifts unexplored. We cultivate aspects of the self and pull them in to make us feel whole.

When we develop a love for our inner self, in spite of flaws or mishaps, silence will be welcomed. We will face conflict with strength not fear, and can engage with others out of curiosity, not need. Our love is a free gift offered  to others, not a cord wrapped tightly in bondage. We are free to "be" and can thrive alone.

 

Deep Within

"At the center of your being, you have the answer.

You know who you are, and you know what you want."

Rumi

These yearnings, undefined or seemingly out of reach, hang heavily in our heart waiting for discovery. There is an experience of absence, yet it is too lofty to identify. At times we may be inspired and open, followed only by darkness and despair. Time expands and contracts leaving us uncertain. 

There is safety sitting under an umbrella with a trusted soul. For a time, we can be out of the rain and hidden from the storms. But, this is not how life was meant to be!. Exploration and discovery are necessities leading to the expansion of the soul. Dreams can appear and meanings puzzled until they materialize quite near.

Deep within is where we need to be. Doubt and conflict extracted, our light flourishes, instilling confidence and a better sense of how to find our way. Beginner's movement triggers additional energy, preserved for this very day. All awaits as we reach inside and exclaim, "Thank you for waiting for me!"

 

Words Live Forever ...

"Live as if you were to die tomorrow.

Learn as if you were to live forever."

Mahatma Gandhi

Stringing marks across the paper, I feel as though I can go on forever. Images quickly take form and come alive upon the page. It is exciting, really, to transport energy into solid form as words are never ending, and thoughts will always prevail. Never about right or wrong, just the joy of being splayed.

Conviction continuously rotates as it is not intended to last forever. Considerations bounce around until they can best be joined together. Just as there are numerous words to mean the same, diverse experiences lead us to a needed domain. It is not about the birth of a word nor about its death, as the importance is found in the chain.

Pondering the existence of the written word, I realize it may live longer than any given man. Written utterances ebb and flow unrestricted by time and space ... not so true about man. Perhaps true life is in the illumination of the sacred word which calls and gathers all of the lost souls.

Validating Necessities

 

"When I finally decided to quit trying to hide from the truth,

I began to heal."

Karen Marshall

Deep within us is a desire to live life fully, open to others, and presenting just how we want to be. We long to tell our truth about love and fear. To stand unafraid of criticism and judgment while joyful energy courses through our veins. Validating the necessity to be seen and unafraid we embrace all that surrounds us. 

While working through misconceptions and out and out lies, we reclaim parts of our lovely selves seeking wholeness. No longer willing to entertain thoughts of not being good enough, we move through the thicket of uncharted pathways. We heighten our determination to retrieve our power and proceed.

We become authors of new stories of how our lives were always meant to unfold. False assumptions are deleted, and fresh new words are draped across the page. We are excited about our future, leaving negativity in the past. Yes, we will stumble and the narrative may pause, but we will never backslide into 'lesser than' ever again.

Immediate World

"If you want to conquer overthinking, bring your mind

to the present moment and reconnect it with the immediate world."

Amit Ray

There are numerous situations, whether at work or play, that we cannot accept something at face value. The brain begins thinking of various ways of interpretation and views the situation from different angles. Fear then adds discoloration, and triggers overwhelm.

There are numerous scenarios where we do not feel safe. We can use avoidance to distract or we can obsess by overthinking. In either scenario, we wander far from the reality before us. We can share our fears with others, and they, too, project interpretation that may distract us even farther away.

This habit of overthinking can trigger compulsive acts that disturb our reality. This draws us away from our peace of mind, creating further discord. If we would sit quietly in the present moment and focus on the immediate situation, healthy actions can move us beyond anxiety and stress.

Darkness and Light

"Only you can find yourself by losing yourself again and again

in the deep darkness of your driving desires."

Debasish Mridha

Fill your lovely self with light and then step into darkness. It is within the darkness that you can uncover that which restrains. When you listen to the voices that whisper, information is gained which can uncover blockages. The discovery of what is hidden can move you towards clarity and healing.

The brilliance of light is what bonds you with spirit and attracts connections with others. Light enables you to navigate into darkness to unearth lessons. Both the dark and the light are pivotal aspects of the healing journey. You may not have control over what is stored in the dark, but you do have choice regarding action.

In darkness, you are able to sort through stacks of debris. You can pitch the stagnant themes while revitalizing suppressed desires. Examination of barriers can determine if they are self-projected or indeed real. You must be willing to lace your lovely self between both darkness and light to fully understand who you truly are.

Crossing Lines

"Every human being has a true genuine authentic self. Trauma is the 

disconnection from it and healing is the reconnection to it."

Gabor Mate

When we were babies and non-verbal, communication was felt not spoken. Caretakers projected numerous emotions and we falsely assumed we had created them. When loud voices were heard, confusion may have caused us to be frightened. If raised in a tumultuous environment, we began to feel unsafe.

Trauma is an emotional response to a stressful event where we feel overwhelmed and unable to cope. It may stay in the forefront of our emotional makeup or remain buried deep within us. Too often, we feel responsible for emotional dysfunction implemented by others. Either way, until it is resolved, we will be impaired.

We were born as authentic beings, but absorbed the dysfunction of those around us. We accepted misplaced anger and held ourselves accountable. Healing occurs when we uncross the lines bound by our past and discover clarity. Whether these events are physical or emotional, not addressing them, will inhibit us from our true nature. 

 

Inclusion for Hearts to Soar

"Sometimes the greatest gift you can give someone

is simply to include them."

Pamela Bailleaux

Jesus the Christ saw importance in the existence of the young and consistently drew them near. What a beautiful gift it must have been to be brought into a circle of acceptance, encouraged to be just the way you were. Love must have beamed from Him, offering a sense of safety and love.

Children can be mean and sometimes cruel, but the majority of them are kind hearted. They have a willingness to see obvious differences without judgment. Perhaps they still have a sense of soul consciousness not yet tainted by earthly fears. They do have disagreements, but how quickly they move beyond the disharmony.

The arms of Jesus the Christ were always extended towards the children. He took time to listen and just be present. How desperately all children need this. How effortless it is to interact with a child, not having to state race, origin, or opinion. A genuine open smile removes walls and allows the hearts to soar.

Strength as Confidence

"We need women who are so strong they can be gentle, so educated

they can be humble, so fierce they can be compassionate, so passionate

they can be rational, and so disciplined they can be free."

Kavita Ramdas

It is important to have strength in action, but also the awareness of strength it takes to stand in place. Personal power can drive us, but aught not overrun sensibility. When we are able to stand in our own power without forced engagement, compassion and passion can contribute. Ideally, strength is used to assist and contribute, not over power.

When we are able to blend the strength of the masculine with the gentleness of the feminine,  strides towards peace allows respect of diverse thought and honor of cultures. Strength is not singularly about conquer and divide. True strength includes the admittance of either being wrong or not understanding. Vulnerability requires strength to be accountable, yet flexible.

Strength is necessary to step out of the shadows and into our own light. We need to be driven to accomplish purpose, but not at the expense of squashing others. Rather than using force, set up boundaries of protection that include gates for changes in comprehension. Share strength found in personal skill, joining together to move forward as individuals.

 

Align in Silence

 

"In the stillness, I am most honest. 

Come to me in my silence."

True Colors of Heart and Soul

To live fully, one needs a sense of community. An area where they can come and go while feeling welcome upon each visit. Exposure is needed to be aware of changing times and broaden awareness. One on one visits offer space to be heard and to be trusted. And then there is the private space where one can just 'be'.

So there is the face that we socially project, the one we open with close friends, and then the true image of the inner self. It is interesting to note which face we utilize the most. Where do we simply project, hold space or ignore? How often do we switch? These indicators of our ease in the world or lack thereof are barometers. 

If we are most honest with our lovely selves during silence, we need to be providing space without distraction. Undisturbed locations provide peaceful safety to align and recreate a sense of balance. In solitude, we strengthen our identity and connect with the sacred which then prepares us to use only one face to all of the world.

Angelic Gain

 

"For truly, we are all angels temporarily hiding as humans."

Brian Weiss 

Although it may be difficult to recognize the angels that surround us, we most definitely can feel their presence or catch a glimpse of their movement. Too often, we may disregard an angel's presence by thinking it is simply our imagination. We doubt what we experience and tend to disregard messages.

Angels may appear as people, places or things distributing warnings or comfort or acknowledgment.  Whether an emergency, physical loss or celebration, angels intend for us to be aware of what they are trying to convey. We may even turn to the angels, asking for a sign or even healing with their light.

Angels can utilize human qualities: the kind eyes shining from a stranger or the giggling laughter of children. They appear in our dreams and whisper ideas into our minds helping us to become human angels towards others. When experiencing an angelic presence, one must configure the intended message for absolute gain.

 

Furious Little Man

"Not being outraged by anything is a superpower."

James Pierce 

There is a furious little man running around in my head! His fire has grown so strong, I am no longer certain about his origin. Aghast, I stand back in wonderment as I am a person who is never angry, just hurt feelings. All I know is that the flare from his burning coals is distorting my vision and hurting my soul.

I can be a warrior, but I thought those days had passed.  I feel vulnerable as though life is happening to me without any sense of control. I know fear is the fuel as I grow confused about the unfolding of the world and the ravaging of nature. I have such compassion for others, but collective discord is wearing me down.

So I sit with inner visions of light, choosing language to acknowledge and release this little man of fury. I will move beyond the shame of anger as I muster courage to be a source of calm. I will linger in each given moment remembering that I belong and that I am not alone. It is okay, this anger of mine, as long as I just let him go. 

 

Connecting with the Cosmos

"The starry vault of heaven is in truth the open book of cosmic projection."

Carl Jung

You take note of all the stressors in your life, but when was the last time you looked up into the sky and observed clouds gently passing by?  Have you watched a rising sun or witnessed it falling into the far distant sky? And what of stars twinkling in the night or small creatures scampering in the park? 

Rather than obsessing with all that is going wrong, attention allocated to the simple magic of the cosmos can restore your sagging sense of self. Rather than hiding from all that is falling astray, hitch a ride with the stars for a brief visit away. Whether visualization or meditation, the act of connection aligns you with the sacred presence in life.

Where you place your attention forms perceptions of the current time. If you obsess with what is going wrong without counter balancing with what is going right, you will be overwhelmed and dismayed. Open both your heart and eyes, witnessing sacred intervention, while deepening your faith in human kind.

 

Not Your Children ...

"Your children are not your children ...

They come through you but not from you,

And though they are with you yet they belong not to you."

Kahlil Gibran

For decades, I disagreed with Kahlil Gibran about my four loving children not being my own. I was much more than a transport for my children to ferry into life. My passion for sharing life with them disallowed any nonsense about them not belonging to me. We belonged to each other ... until we did not.

Today is the birthday of my youngest son, whose emotional makeup reflects my own. We both have a passion for nature whether trees, water, or walking upon sacred ground. But clearly, he does not belong to me any more than the moon or the stars. I have been consciously present for him and he has been a present to me.

And isn't this just how life is meant to be? To present our very best self to others in exchange for learning and growth? To share our wisdom, but allowing each person to just be? I have adjusted to the hope that I have been a warm loving light, an incubator of sorts, so that my children could truly be free.

 

Reflections

"The art of life lies in a constant readjustment to our surroundings."

Kakuzo Okakura

Sometimes it takes years for us to notice alterations to life. It comes as a gentle reflection of how things used to be. Then there are other situations that change seems to be forced upon us with nothing gentle about it. The hardest, perhaps, is the acceptance of how we have personally changed ... physically, mentally, and spiritually.

There needs to be a willingness to trust the thrust of life, to be prepared to accelerate or slow the hell down. Often there is a backlash from decisions we have made, and reconsideration may poignantly redirect our focus. It seems that the lesson itself is not the challenge, but the knowledge learned while moving through it.

Shifting through transitions is a matter of contracting and expanding, similar to the thrusting of labor. Labor is never quite the same nor is the aftermath. Focus needs to be on what is to be learned in spite of endurance and pain. Acceptance rather than expectation brings easement to uncharted courses in life.

Birthday Love

"The truest form of love is how you behave toward someone,

not how you feel about them."

Steve Hall

 When our paths crossed, conversation flowed naturally without intentions to impress or ensnare. It was as though we joined each other and began a stroll down a newly formed pathway with equal footage. Eclectic by nature, we were drawn to each other, offering  experiences that were more individualistic rather than conforming.

We have walked together for almost two years now and although our emotional makeup is vastly different, we are able to find comfort with each other whether at festive concerts or in hours of solitude. My greatest gift to him seems to be my desire to be simply present so that he will never fine it necessary to walk alone.

This day, his birthday, I celebrate the life he has lived, enduring challenges I can only imagine. His ability to look forward without sight and endless trust in finding the way, teaches me about resilience. The absence of bitterness and acceptance of circumstance creates my desire to forever be by his side, loving him the best that I can.

Ego Dismantled

"The ego, however, is not who you really are. The ego is your self-image; it is your

social mask; it is the role you are playing."

Deepak Chopra

Ego seeks control and needs to be fed. It can be self-centered and highly judgmental. Rather than feeling equal, it wants to feel superior. The ego can work against us doing great damage attacking our self-worth with misinterpretation. Fear manipulates the course of the ego, striving for control and a greater sense of power.

With an open heart and compassion, we can dismantle the false ego. As we distance ourselves from false persceptions, we begin to see the mystery in life. We witness the kindness of others and adjust our vision, releasing inner anger. We find ourselves breathing in a fresh understanding of life and what it truly means.

Through inner reflection, we strengthen our connection with all that is sacred. Invocations and routine rituals will keep us connected with our soul. This of course impacts our daily actions, allowing us authentic behaviors. If we maintain a spiritual connection and inner awareness of motivation, ego will no longer be running the show.

The Distance

"I felt a tremendous distance between myself and everything real."

Hunter S. Thompson

Distance is an interesting experience. We can be miles away from someone we love and yet feel deeply connected. It is also true that we can be very close in proximity to one other, but feel miles apart. And then there is the distancing from our very own reality, ignoring guidelines and warnings. 

If we are not connected to our lovely selves, we are not going to be able to endure life's challenges. When we understand our strengths and flaws, our roots are deeper holding us still. If we consistently invest in self-realization, we will move forward. When we do not choose to change, life will not be as fulfilling as we had hoped.

Begin an inventory of the distance between goals and current actions. Notice the depth of conversation with others and how willing we are to be open. Take time to underscore what is important and how often it is being utilized. If we are not aligned with reality, our existence will continue to disappoint and fail.

 

The Good I Can Do

"I cannot do all the good that the world needs. 

But the world needs all that good I can do."

Jan Sanfield

It is part of the healing process to recognize our misfortune, pain or loss, but it is when we return our glance back out into the world that we begin to move forward. There are others that have greater problems than our own and by helping them, we begin to feel better. Reaching out distracts us and balance gently returns.

Focus on what can be done momentarily with lesser attention to a massive rescue. When we tell ourselves there is nothing we can do, it prevents us from contributing in ways within our means. We may not have a million dollars or connections for intervention on a large scale, but opportunities for our participation are prevalent.

We can be mentors through community services or contribute through volunteering established centers. We can anonymously give food or ask if we can groom an unattended lawn. Donate clothes or books. At the very least, pick up litter or simply pray. Determine what it is that we can offer to make a difference and then do it!

 

Lost Trust

"Trust is earned in drops and lost in buckets."

Kevin Kelly

The ability to know oneself improves trust issues throughout life. If not aware of our scars and triggers, we inaccurately assess situations. We may be using automatic responses lodged in our history. What triggers us in a given moment, may have nothing to do with current reality. Unresolved emotions tamper with authentic responses.

If we are not aware of our vulnerability, remaining aligned and trusting will be next to impossible. We will be less likely to hold our own in given situations. There will be a tendency to not speak our truth and to remain silent with anger coursing through us. This is not what respect for others means. We can use our voice and still honor others. Strengthening self- trust is required. 

Perhaps our hearts have been broken once too often. Maybe our personal history is laced with other's lies and deceit. These experiences cause us not to trust the self. We must strengthen the right to our opinion and value our perceptions with a willingness to learn and change. Become aware of false projections and modify behavior, opening to trust and a deeper sense of value. 

 

Peaceful Space

"Peace cannot be kept by force; it can only be achieved by understanding."

Albert Einstein

In your mind's eye, visualize the most peaceful place of your dreams. Hold the image and then silently enter it. Breathe in the tranquility, allowing the body, mind, and spirit to simply be at peace. All else falls away as you return to a natural state of being. Without resistance, you flow with life.

Begin this day without struggle. Replace desires for control with an open mind for possibilities. Trust that all will be well and notice how tension falls away. Retaining fear is detrimental to our system and a waste of our energy. Sporadically, recapture your peaceful image throughout the day.

Allow the self to be comfortable in your own skin. Give fluent permission to be just as you want to be ... filled with goodness, offerings and gratitude. Consistently extend your kindness to others with a joyful heart. Capture the exchanges of others using the very best of his or her abilities. See the good and remain in the flow.  

 

Full Moon Chaos for Change

"In times of turbulence and rapid change, you must

constantly be re-evaluating yourself 

relative to the new realities."

Brian Tracy

We may be unable to curb turbulence, but we can change how we react to it. Whether political, climate or personal disturbances, we have choice to alter our perspectives to best fit with the changing times. Being paralyzed by fears is not the solution spiritually, mentally nor physically.

Another full moon is attempting to shine on new possibilities and encouraging us to let go of things that are no longer working.  We must ask ourselves what we have control over. Apparently, we have very little control over government and none over climate change ... or do we. Chaos is an opening for change.

If we believe we are stuck in a relationship or stagnant in our work, we are misusing our energy. The options before us may not be ideal, but they can be the beginning of starting anew. The moon is saying, "Let's start over and try this again!" We can  stay enmeshed in dysfunction or gather our strength for change.

Inner Muse

"Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working."

Pablo Picasso

We are very intricate human beings, laced with skills and imagination. Unfortunately, the gifts that appear most naturally to us are often taken for granted. We falsely assume that if we can do it, everyone else can as well. It is a common way of devaluing ourselves. When we respect our personal talent, the healthy attitude will increase our drive.

While exchanging with a person who inspires us, we quickly learn that they have developed a form of communication with a silent partner. While distracting the brain with the art of writing or painting, the artist can hear enthusiastic prompting from a deep source. This encouraging and inspiring tone can be called a muse.

Whether arranging a landscape or creating lyrics, we are guided until our sense of joy affirms the outcome. We build trust in this way, and our abilities increase the more we listen and follow through. It does not matter what we exactly do, but it is of importance that we use what we have been given.

Dreams, Intentional and Deliberate

"Dreams are illustrations ...

from the book your soul is writing about you."

Marsha Norman

Inventor, Elias Howe was puzzling over his idea for a sewing machine. He could not configure how to 'stitch' material together. One night, he had a dream about Natives standing around a fire with spears. One by one, each man pounded his spear into the ground and pulled it back up. Thus, Howe's invention with the function of the sewing machine needle.

In a dream, author Mary Shelley came across the idea of Frankenstein. Jack Nicklaus discovered a golf swing in his dream content. Paul McCartney received the lyrics for his song Yesterday, in a dream. Ramanujan, math genius, received messages about formulas from Hindu goddess in dreams.  

Dreams are a form of language that is not only unique, but intimate. They are roadways into deeper meanings and create an awareness of inner desires or capabilities. What a loss if we are not paying attention. Whether personal or collective, information within dreams are deliberate and intentional.

Ideas to Goals

 

"Having a great idea is simply not enough. The eventual goal

is vastly more important than any idea. It is how ideas

are implemented that counts in the long run."

Felix Dennis

In order to thrive, we must have a healthy inner space. Outgrown components must be eliminated, followed by a cleansing with positive expectations. Reducing negativity through meditations and affirmations contributes to our progress. Know what is blocking forward movement and visualize how new chapters in life will appear.

There needs to be an exploration of what is aligned with our desires. Personal strengths need to be recognized and enhanced while anticipating dreams come true. When we believe in our abilities, a foundation of strength supports our efforts. Constant inner communication is necessary and journaling helps with awareness of progress.

As we implement plans towards our goals, our energy increases attracting others and opportunities. If we are not maintaining awareness, we may lose clarity and stray. If this happens, we simply return to our plan. If progress is lacking, reevaluate. Be willing to shift without losing the goal. 

Know Thyself

 

"Knowing others is intelligence; knowing yourself is true wisdom.

Mastering others is strength; mastering yourself is true power."

Laozi

We follow a path often times riddled with detours. These sidelines, however, can hold intricate pieces to our journey. When we feel overwhelmed, veering off our path can be helpful. What needs to be constant is our willingness to be open to learning. To pay attention to what is being revealed within, accelerates our learning curve.

Outside information is valuable, but there is a need to choose what brings clarity to the self. How can we make choices if we do not know our inner being? Time is needed to be still to hear guidance and recognize what resonates. As we carefully choose what empowers us, our energy naturally increases.

With a stronger sense of self, our growing energy offers healthier contributions and attracts personalized opportunities. If we do not pay attention and simply follow the main stream, there is little to be gained. Comparing how one sees themself and how one yearns to be, is pivotal towards progress.  

                           

Safe Space for Unity

 

Life is the love that reaches out, building bridges across the gulfs

of uncertainty to touch hands, hearts, and souls 

in the experience of union."

Peter Seymour

We are surrounded by choices of interpretation. If we look at an expansive body of water, do we think of drowning or exploring? If we look to the sky, do we fear the dark unknown or anticipate the sudden twinkling of a star? Are we blinded by new insight or stimulated for discovery? It boils down to perspective and application.

By investing our energy into creatively making a difference in our world using our unique gifts, and blending with the skills of others, we build bridges. When space is preserved for individuality, we can weave our lives together with colorful unions. With activated love, we can create space for everyone and experience a deep sharing of knowledge.

On some level, we are all the same, but expressing life in our own way. As we are all one, just different, joining together makes us stronger. Building bridges takes time and speculation with minds open to diversity. We must understand what divides and what is needed in between. Understanding is key in creating safe space for hands, hearts, and souls to be peacefully united.

Land of the Free

"No sight is more provocative of awe than the night sky."

Llewelyn Powys

Fireworks exploding in the night's sky draw the attention of young and old alike. Although the loud explosions trigger flashbacks for soldiers and scare little ones, Independence Day continues to be an attraction few can resist. The bursting colors and the dissipating array creates real life visions.

One cannot help but wonder how deeply people resonate with the origin of this day. The association is about freedom, but for many it is about fireworks bursting in the air. With the distraction of gazing in one direction, one cannot help but wonder what we are being distracted from.

While we are gathering upon community blankets and sharing drink, what exactly is happening to our freedom? Exactly how long will we have free speech and the right to cast our votes? If the government is for all of the people, why is it disregarding those in need? Land of the free, we shall see.

Inner World Shifts

"Loneliness is not when you don't have people around.

Loneliness occurs when you cannot find yourself inside you."

Ouday N Hanosh

The energy we extend out into the world needs to equate with the energy invested within. There is an entire world inside of us that thrives on personal acceptance, recognition, and praise. When we nurture our inner world with meditation, healthy intake, and spiritual connection, our inner calm embraces the outer world.

We can be surrounded by people and still experience loneliness. When we are appropriately supported on the inside, outside chaos has less impact upon us. Personal power doesn't just happen. It must be groomed with compassion, forgiveness, and love. By recognizing our value and worthiness, there is no room for loneliness.

How much time do we invest with our pet, family, co-workers, socialization and busyness? Do we invest equal time in the self? Step up and take control of the inner world. Peace will not exist without a grateful heart. Do you even know who you are on the inside? Can you recognize the force of the inner being? Get acquainted and watch the world shift.