Setting Intentions

Solitude is a chosen separation for refining your soul.

Isolation is what you crave when

you neglect the first.

Wayne Cordeiro

Leading on Empty

In mid December, I was mildly aware of a need to withdraw.  Considering my self to be an extroverted/hermit, I was not necessarily concerned.  My desire to be alone continued to grow well into the next year.  I continued to feel a deep need to be isolated.  The thought of being alone truly resonated with me, and yet a part of me questioned why I was having this behavior.  My concern about what I was deliberately doing grew, but I honored my decision to remain in isolation.

I continued with my weekly groups, meetings, and chosen commitments, and maintained my writing and reading, otherwise isolated.  Then one day some words jumped off the page as I quietly read:  "Solitude is a chosen separation for refining your soul.  Isolation is what you crave when you neglect the first."  These words by Wayne Cordeiro struck a nerve deep down within me.

As I looked back through my journal, I found my original longing for a deeper soul connection.  Instead of seeking solitude to soul search, I chose isolation which I seemed to crave.   Even though my sense of connection stretched quite thin, I remained rigid in pursuit of what I thought I needed. 

While in isolation, I was not feeding my soul.  I was not shoring my self up, but rather disintegrating.  Although well intended, my actions took me in the opposite direction from where I originally wanted to be.  Isolation felt  cold and lonely,  with waves of separation.  Instead of growing closer to all that is, I was falling down the rabbit hole.

Solitude really is different from isolation.  Isolation is being cut off from everything as all healthy systems shut down.  Solitude is deliberately selected with the purpose of opening up to learn more.  Listen to both of these words ... isolation and solitude ... as even their pronunciations indicate the cold in one and  comfort in the other.

Once I realized the error with my intention, I quickly set out to revamp my actions.  I continued with my weekly groups, meetings, and chosen commitments, maintaining my reading and writing while carving out time for solitude.  Within this solitude, I opened my heart with the intention to deeply grow. 

Leaving isolation behind, I reached out to sisters of my heart for  insight to later be explored during my solitude.  Being still by my self during this designated time generated inspiration and understanding.  In this time of solitude, I was able to stretch and grow ... my original yearning.

We must be careful when setting intentions as the Universe truly desires to meet our requests.  I had set my sails for isolation and that is exactly what I had received.  Even while I had been sensing I was not entirely on target, I had kept my sails billowing in the wind.  I had remained determined and rigid.   Had I simply allowed my intention to bend, I could have gone with the flow instead of against it.

In solitude, I  now sit amongst the stars and nap by the sun, while refining my soul.  Another lesson learned ... at least this time around!

Experience the Freedom

Empty your mind, be formless, shapeless - like water.

Now you put water into a cup, it becomes the cup,

you put water into a bottle, it becomes the bottle,

you put it in a teapot, it becomes the teapot.

Now water can flow or it can crash.

Be water, my friend.

Bruce Lee

(November 27, 1940 ~ July 20, 1973) 

 

Finally, I feel the limitations of a winter hibernation falling away.  The warmer weather generates hope and instills the prospect of new growth.  I find my self breathing again, deep breaths.  I want to welcome the sunshine into the depths of my soul, thawing all that has been frozen.

My legs are once again finding their stride while I watch the landscapes unfold with my eyes.  The grass is a vibrant and healing green and the lovely flowers yearn to be seen.  The trees as they flower magically release scents of honeysuckle and crab apple.   The little creatures skitter to and fro while the song  birds are perched both high and low. 

I strive to cast off  the sadness of winter  as the sun floods my heart with joy and gladness.  I am once again thankful for this life and grateful for all kindness being extended in this world.  I am ready to embrace opportunities coming my way and to meet life's challenges in the most positive and gentle way.

Whether I dig in the dirt or master an art, inspiration stimulates life anew.  Creativity triggers the natural rhythm of life  and calls me to stand aside, out of my very own way.  I can now experience the freedom  to be limitless, formless and shapeless in the presence of Spring. 

The View



When we are caught in the trance of unworthiness, we do not clearly recognize what is happening inside us, nor do we feel kind. Our view of who we are is contorted and narrowed and our heart feels hardened against life.

Tara Brach

Radical Acceptance


Just a few days ago, I was into the holiday spirit and excited about how good life can be.  Yesterday, I noticed a loose string of emotions and I began to pull on it.  I was worried about my friend and her MRI, concerned about a surgery my grandson will face,  and how difficult the holidays will be for my friends who have faced the death of their loved ones.  Today, the string has not only become loose, it is well on its way to unraveling my neatly woven security.

My perception of life has altered considerably as it is based on what is happening inside of me.  My healthy attitude towards my self has slipped and instead of seeing technicolor, my world has turned to gray.  In place of feeling like a force of nature, fear has left me feeling like a puddle from the rain.

Whenever fear muddles my thoughts, leaving me fragmented and afraid, my perception of my life, my surroundings, and my friends and family shifts.  In defense, I throw up emotional blocks, rigid boundaries, and withdraw.  Isolation allows me to feel safe.

The problem with isolation, however, is that it creates such darkness I cannot see the beauty in anything, and I cannot receive the support I need.  This distorted view is created by my own thoughts of unworthiness, not by reality.

Looking back over the last few days, I realize I have not eaten correctly,  have not had enough sleep, and have not made the time for writing and reading affirmations.  I let my self down by ignoring my own support system.

The best way for me to pull my self out of the role of 'victim' is to look at my options.  What steps can I take to stitch my life back together?  Then I must follow through with action, one step at a time until my view has been stretched back unto the brilliant canvas of  life.

Shifting Perceptions

Messengers:

We have very few, if any, limitations in how we may appear.  We may be animate or inanimate, beautiful or repulsive, impressive or mundane.  We may be astronomically large or microscopic.  We could manifest as a rainbow, a scrap of trash, a sequence in a dream, a rainstorm, a digital impulse on the Internet, a blown fuse, or gust of wind.  The image we project could last a nanosecond or a billion years.

Todd Michael
THE EVOLUTION ANGEL



Recently, I have been exploring a book written by Todd Michael who served as a medical director of an emergency room and Level III trauma center.  THE EVOLUTION ANGEL is Todd Michael's documentation on a wide range of experiences he had while witnessing well over 500 deaths.  He reports communicating with spirits or angels or messengers.

The author tells us to always treat others with respect as they may be messengers who are a projection of God.  "We could manifest as a car driving too slowly in front of you, making you 'late' for an appointment.  We could be an animal crossing your path, a retarded person staring at you in a checkout line, a leaf falling into a pond that grabs your attention at just the right moment, a ragged homeless person asking you for money, or a small child smiling at you on the bus."

"For this reason, it is wise to treat everyone as if they were a messenger, a direct extension of God.  Be careful. Any stranger, any living creature you encounter may actually be a messenger.  Don't make a fool of yourself by being rude or aloof to a messenger of the divine."

To discuss whether or not Todd Michael's experiences are fact or fiction, is not my intention.  We are all entitled to our beliefs and I find his information to be most interesting.

What a different world we would live in if we shifted our perspective and remained mindful that God is in every single thing intending to support, encourage, and guide us through our life experiences.  We would never feel truly alone and the fear driven culture we live in would become more optimistic.  If we would open our eyes, truly open them, we would be aware of the magical world surrounding us. 

Two books,  ANIMALS SPEAK and NATURE SPEAKS written by Ted Andrews are wonderful books as a resources for understanding symbolism in animals and nature.  When we have an animal cross our path, and look up the symbolism of that particular animal, our life experience takes on more depth.  When a particular tree or flower keeps grabbing our attention, we can research it.  When the information is applied to our situation, we discover greater meaning and enhancement. 

Divine Spirit has surrounded us with angels, messengers, spirits, nature, and great synchronicity.  Our world "could" be a spiritual playground if we would only listen and shift our perceptions.

Our Work of Art



It is the function of art to renew our perception.  What we are familiar with we cease to see.  The writer shakes up the familiar scene, and, as if by magic, we see a new meaning in it.

~Anais Nin

When we travel, we usually spend time in art galleries.  I have an appreciation for most things I see, but I do not necessarily like it all.  I have come to understand, however, the more exposed I am to different artists, my preferences change and my appreciation in general grows.  In addition, the more I view a piece of art, my response to it alters.

When I met a friend for coffee the other day, we realized through conversation we had a mutual friend.  I had known the person mentioned for many years and thought I knew her quite well.  As my coffee companion shared how she knew this friend, I was amazed at how much more she had learned about her and in a very short period of time. 

Later, as I thought back over the conversation about this mutual friend.  I wondered if I was not like a photographer, snapping a picture of some one and then keeping her in this singular captured vision.  I apparently had been seeing my friend in a freeze frame photo ... exclusively in the one capacity that I had met her.  For whatever reason our relationship was always contained in only one aspect of our lives.   

When we place friends in categories ... work, church, community, family ... we restrict our view by seeing just one aspect of them.  It is when we experience friends in different situations that we begin to see the art of life in totality.

When we view a person only from one perspective, we not only miss personal diversity, we may begin to gloss over or take for granted what little we do know.  Human beings are complex individuals with an abundance of originality.

So I begin to look with new eyes and listen with both ears to discover more deeply the art of friendship.  I think this is especially true with acquaintances we "think" we have nothing in common with.  It is impossible to hold the expectation of deeply appreciating every person we meet.  It is possible, however, to listen and observe until we can appreciate multiple aspects of those we hold dear.   We are all evolving and constantly redefining our lives, our works of art. 

Breathe Deeply into Life

Be kinder than necessary

for everyone you meet

is fighting some kind of battle.

T.H. Thompson and John Watson

Everyone knows the importance of washing off fruit before devouring it!  I learned quite awhile ago that strawberries were the only fruit having seeds on the outside rather than on the inside.  What I didn't know, strawberries are chemically sprayed more heavily and thoroughly than any other fruit.  I shudder while rinsing the fruit, as I so often just pop one into my mouth.

So frequently we lack awareness about what goes on around us. Either we are caught up in our own world or we falsely believe others have a perfect life and dismiss looking any deeper. We get so stuck in our own challenges we neglect to notice the struggles of others. We may cave into ourselves, withdrawing from what surrounds us and hide in our own darkness.

Yes, we all march to a different drummer, but we are all marching none the less. A kind gesture to someone else also elevates our own sense of worthiness. Opportunities surround us to momentarily be present in the life of an other. Offering bird feed for the birds, fresh water for the bird bath, lovingly dead heading the flowers or a gentle knowing smile to a stranger pulls us out of ourselves and into the world.

Unlike strawberries, our seeds are tucked away deep inside just waiting to be nourished. Like strawberries, our outsides have layers upon layers of 'stuff' we have applied for protection. It is time we wash off our own chemicals and breathe deeply into life. Let love soak through our open pores and feel alive again!

Cultivate a Sense of Worthiness

The appearance of things change according to the emotions,

and thus we see magic and beauty in them,

while the magic and beauty are really in ourselves.

Kahlil Gibran

Lebanese Poet and Philosopher

We are all resilient creatures entitled to a life of abundance, creative expression, and good health.  Born into this physical world, we bring unique gifts and talents to be used in carving our imprint upon our own life and the lives of others. 

We are not meant to be the same nor are we meant to be ruthlessly competitive.  In the truest sense of living, we are meant to compliment, encourage and inspire each other.  At times, we are also called to challenge, but never conquer.  Sometimes we are the teacher and often times, the teacher becomes the student.

If the only person we can truly change is our self, we must continue to go within, discovering our connection with Divine Spirit.  Through prayer, meditation or contemplation, we tap into wisdom, insight, and inspiration which encourages personal empowerment ... not a physical power over others, but the essence and the importance of the spiritual abilities we each possess. 

If we do not cultivate a sense of worthiness, we will never be able to make the change we most want to see.  We will continue to have a yearning and a sense of unfulfillment no matter what material accomplishments we achieve. 

By achieving the sense of self-worth, we can slow down and become aware of the beauty we each behold.  Instead of being threatened, we can celebrate the differences between us.  If we open our hearts with compassion, attempt to understand differences between us, and join our efforts towards common goals, our world will be a source of comfort.  Love becomes the bond holding us together.

Leaving Nashville ...

We must be willing

to let go of the life

we planned

so as to have the life

that is waiting for us.

Johann von Goethe

My move to Nashville ten months ago was a forever move.  I began to create a new life for my self and although it was not what I had, Nashville offered many adventures and opportunities.  At times I became immobile by the process of the old dying away and the new being born.  The challenge or lesson often overwhelmed me.  Through perseverance, however, I made an extraordinaire spiritual transition accompanied by the loving support of my daughter (both emotional and physical), family I met along the way, and sisters of my heart.

I attended classes at The Estuary, Vanderbilt Center for Integrative Health, Scarritt~Bennett, Integrative Health Center, and Kundalini Yoga Center.  Following open hearted meditations daily, my spiritual life opened to forgiveness and healing.  Experiencing many insights into my own personal issues, my perception changed dramatically.  Compassion for my self and others flourished.

During my residence in Nashville, I experienced a synchronistic meeting with a woman who had been born in Peoria, Illinois, not far from where I had lived.  She

was a kindred spirit who introduced me to a Writer’s Group and a Book Club which met my basic needs of writing and reading.  I soon had my library card and

frequented the Nashville branch library.  My daughter brought me to parks,

festivals, art shows, and gatherings allowing me to feel settled in my new surroundings.  We frequented many restaurants that reminded me of growing up in Chicago with wonderful neighborhood eateries.  Ted’s is possibly my favorite restaurant with bison burgers accompanied (right around the building) by Scarlett Begonia my favorite shop offering free trade from Ecuador.   The Nashville Zoo, The Southern Book Festival, Shakespeare in the Park, Centennial Park, Crockett Park, Radnor Lake, all offered walks of contemplation and laughter.  One highlight for sure was watching my dear Joy’s sell out performance with John Paul as “Civil Wars” at the Ryman! 

Although cloistered much of the time, I found companionship in the writings of Alan Cohen and Mark Nepo to mention just a few.  Posting on my blog became my daily life line to the outside world.  It was a place to release my expanding and contracting journey with spiritual growth.   My dear spiritual sisters endeavored to SKYPE with me every week while others were with me in spirit offering love, light, and energy. 

After four months of exclusion, I revisited my past relationship back in Illinois discovering the dramatic change that occurred within his own life.  We began

to carefully reconsider what could be rekindled from our past nine year union.

Through a long series of couples counseling in Nashville and individual counseling, hope settled in.  I do not believe if I had not been experiencing open heart meditations, I would have been able to embrace the life which now opened before me.  Reconciliation can be successful only with the convergence of two hard working individuals willing to make changes for the betterment of self and of each other.

In a few weeks, I will transition back to my life in Springfield, Illinois.  Those of you who have remained close will understand how this has come to be.   I will always be indebted with a thankful heart for my daughter’s compassion and enduring love, as I leave one way of living for another.  Although I will frequent Nashville with ample visits, my heart will now stretch and grow back in the Midwest. 

I am letting go of what I had planned and find my self stepping into the life that is waiting for me. 

"Be willing to be a beginner every single morning,"

says Meister Eckhart.

And so I being again ...

Little Opportunities

Opportunities multiply

as they are seized.

Sun Tzu

There is much to be said for major life changing experiences requiring deep thought and consideration.  We frequently forget, however, the little opportunities that can collectively shape the direction of our lives.

When paying attention, our daily lives are filled with small exchanges that when acted upon, adjusts our self-respect and shifts our perception of others.  When we stay in the moment, we are much more apt to catch the little opportunities to bring a breath of fresh air or a ray of sunshine into life.

The other day, I was sitting at an outdoor cafe enjoying coffee.  I am a people watcher, love to sketch, and frequently jot notes into my journal.  While I enjoyed my morning, the behavior of the people around me became teachers of the gifts found in the little moments of our day.

At a table near by, a woman sat by herself staring into her cup of coffee.  A muffin sat on her plate, untouched.  Her body language reflected an attitude of loneliness, slouched as though she were carrying a heavy weight.   A small part of me thought of striking up a conversation (Spirit probably nudging me), but I was settled in and looked the other way.

A short time passed and the tables were full.  A new woman was carrying around her breakfast tray looking for a place to sit.  She approached the woman whom appeared lonely and asked, "Might I join you just for a little bit?"  The body language of the lonely woman immediately shifted.  She perked up, sat straighter, and a warm smile spread across her face as she replied, "Oh, please do!"  As I watched, they ended up sharing their food and fell into a lively conversation like old friends. 

This was a little opportunity, nothing earth shattering or life changing, but significant changes were made.  The lonely woman's spirit was lifted, she felt included, and with the possibility of a new friend.  The other woman more than likely felt so glad she acted upon the nudge she felt to join the lonely woman.  She, too, must have felt happier and appreciated. 

Through out our day, we have little incidents pop up where we can decide to act selfishly or to honor the spirit of an other.   We may find a perfect parking spot right near the door, but choose the one three cars down as a gift to someone else.  We may allow the person with a grocery cart with only a few items to cut in line in front of us or wave another driver of a car to get in line ahead of us when the traffic is jammed. 

There are millions of little things.  A simple smile for a stranger, assistance to someone who is struggling with a door, help gather papers that have just been dropped or send a short random e-mail to a friend who has been on your mind.

Small and seemingly insignificant actions can change the attitude of someone for the remainder of the day.  Simple attention to a small detail may allow a loner to feel a part of a group.  To be included, rather than shut-out of a conversation can lift self-esteem and change the immediate perception of life. 

We don't have to wait for a financial wind fall to help others.  We don't need to wait for the perfect volunteer position. Through little opportunites, we can become instruments of peace, happiness, and kindness.  In return, our spirits will soar!

The Way You Look

 

When you change the way you look at things,

the things you look at change.

The way you perceive things

is an extremely powerful tool

that will allow you to fully

bring the power of intention

into your life.

Wayne Dyer

Like a caterpillar, I have been incubating in a cocoon of darkness for several days.  I am not a very patient person, so when a stream of light slipped through a slight crack in my isolation yesterday, I knew it would not be much longer before my emotional webbing would gently release me.

It seems there are steps we all transition through:  unknowing, awareness, beckoned to action,  and living in the light.   It is a simple configuration that can be applied to many situations.  When there is a presenting problem we are a victim until we realize there actually is a problem.  We stop being a victim when we review our choices and take action on at least one.  The movement towards correction empowers us and we then have the courage to move forward.  This being accomplished we feel ourselves living a better life.  There seems to be hope.

A mentor of mine saw all things biblical as symbols and templates. He believed the number three to be highly significant in diverse ways.  So he encouraged me to be present with a problem for three days without worry, judgment, or thoughts of outcome.  When I can be still, stay in the moment, and let the three days pass, there always seems to be an appropriate resolution waiting for me.  Emotions are balanced and energies are restored.

As a human being, however, I 'know' these things, but I simply forget.   I get caught up in the drama and the emotion then freeze, losing all ability to apply what I know to be true.  This is part of the process of transitioning.  It is symbolized by the spiral, as we continuously cycle in and out of experiences, learning the lessons we need to know.

I find myself telling friends to be gentle with themselves, to keep resources in place, and to nurture their souls.  As I offer these words to others, I hear my inner voice saying, "Are you listening to this?"

Wayne Dyer is a favorite author and presenter of mine.  I have been aware of him since 1967 and have enjoyed watching him unfold.  He has stayed true to his spiritual path, helping thousands of others along the way.  He encourages us to use perception as a tool and to keep our intentions pure.

Creative visualization enables us to do just that.  If we mentally see ourselves being spiritually powerful, embracing diversity, and receiving the joys of life, our life will unfold more gracefully than not.  We are less likely to be pulled into someone else's drama, become unbalanced, and lose our way. 

If our intention is clear and we remain mindful, we are frequently supported by synchronicity and magical moments.  If we get up in the morning and say, "Wow!  This is going to be a great day," the intention usually holds true.  We know the reverse is true as well. 

There are so many surprise happenings in life when we hold our perceptions and intentions in place.  Think of all of the 'accidental' meetings that occur that lead us right where we need to be. 

Perceptions can be altered by previous unfortunate experiences and we must be certain to not let negative memories taint present opportunities.  What you see is what you get.  What you think becomes reality. 

I have been trapped in a cocoon by a false perception in a current situation.  It took three days for me to alter my perception and set a concise and clear intention.  Today I can navigate through my day like the flight of a butterfly!