Seek Refuge

 

"Our best friends are a warm refuge in which we feel  

free to be fully ourselves."

Daily Om

Japanese paper lanterns symbolize joy, celebration, good fortune, longevity, and they have roles as protectors from evil.  Traditionally, these lanterns also have a connection between human bodies and water, (the element of emotion), and usually hold a candle inside. 

There is something very emotional about watching Japanese lanterns floating upon water.  Each one with its unique design and floating at its own pace, can be symbolic for friendship.  Individual candles comfort, beckon, and connect just as the hearts of friends.

Friends have different personalities and interests and yet align with our very own soul.  They may float away to differing destinations, but a connection remains.  Individually remarkable,  but as they seek refuge from each other, oh my, how they glow.

What is in the Sky

 

"Peace starts within us ... we cannot bring to the world 

what we do not have to offer."

Daily Om

Peace begins within us.  Too often we believe we must go on a vision quest or a spiritual retreat to find peace.  We anticipate the next book we devour or the forthcoming mentor will move us forward into calm, surrender, and joy.

Those who embrace pauses with silence can discern the way to momentary spaces of tranquility.  Do they still experience loss, disappointment, and chaotic life?  Of course they do, there is no way to avoid these elements of life.

The peaceful person plugs into available elements of quiet.  Simply looking up to the sky, sitting against a tree or wading in water diverts our energy away from the chaos of life.  The key is to not sink our energy into what we cannot control.  Streamline energy into the pauses of relief to continue forward, not stuck in dismay.

Inner and Outer

"Every person we meet can effect us profoundly,

just as every situation we find ourselves in,

can teach us something new."

Daily Om 

Curiosity has driven me straight into life changing scenarios.  My quest for learning about diversity has introduced me to paths that seemed to just unfold.  My spiritual pursuits led me to understand a larger picture of life, existence, and connection.

Revisiting my journey, I can understand how harmful experiences ultimately stretched my understanding, even though difficult at the time.  A positive belief that we are not alone floundering like fish out of water, reminds us of strength built by faith, synchronicty or blessings.  

If we close our selves off, we too easily become stuck. When we hide out of fear, we miss stimulating occurrences or sparks of magic.  Retreats on the inner and Quests on the outer, trigger new thoughts or ideas as distractions are minimal.  While we are willing to be still, life freely flows through us.

 

Stand In My Own Light

"Blessed is the influence of one true,

loving human soul on another."

Author Unknown

A constant in my life has been the yearning to understand others.  Each individual has a unique aspect to offer with the responsibility to expand, enhance, and positively encourage the blessing given to them. By seeing the gift in others we have the opportunity to stretch and grow.

Believing in the goodness of all people, I am forever curious to discover the light in others.  The downside, however, I may see the goodness prior to the development within the person.  Far too many times I have been hood winked into vulnerability when boundaries would have served me better.

The reaction to a negative exchange is not judgment, but finding the aspect within myself to better deflect unearned trust.  The goal is not to enlighten the other, but to strongly reflect the strength of light residing in me.  To stand in my own light, I can better attract sincere loving human beings.

Check and Balance

"When we weigh our decisions using the combination of

heart, mind, and spirit, the result with be wisdom."

Daily Om

We are faced with making decisions throughout life.  It was easier deciding between a banana or cherry popsicle than a condo or home.   When the impact of impulsive choices become lingering, we begin to consider a 'check and balance' system to guide us more appropriately.

Marriage, parenting, and careers all make demands upon us to choose best actions for healthiest results. The pressure and anxiety weakens our ability to decide.  And remember, not making a decision at all really is a decision.

As we have been leading more solitary lives, perhaps our judgments have been honed down, but just as demanding.  The difference is the opportunity to turn inward rather than outward to gauge actions.  What does our heart want?  Is this realistic?  Can this be spirit drawing me in a new direction or helping me to focus?  These three areas offer us information that better defines tunes of our lives.

 

In Confidence

"When we feel secure about our future prospects, we feel free to explore opportunities we might otherwise have overlooked.  In security lies the confidence that gives us the courage to step beyond the bounds of society's dictates and concentrate on building individualized lives."   Daily Om Horoscope As our confidence builds, we are more likely to step outside of our comfort zone.  We are willing to extend ourselves both professionally and personally.  Fear does not prevent us from exploring unique and creative inspiration. Remaining mindful that change can be an opportunity to propel us forward in a positive way, we are willing to extend an element of risk to obtain a more meaningful way of embracing our life. Whether we are comfortable or not, we have a tendency to cling to what we know.  Change is uncomfortable even when it leads to better understanding our purpose. With a supportive circle of friends, we can be reminded of our past challenges to bolster our desire to move towards a new stage of learning, blessings and gratitude.