Edge of the World

I think that half of us feel fraudulant in our lives anyway.  There's that strange connection of not really knowing what we're doing sometimes, or why it matters.  It's our existential crisis.

Carrie Brownstein  

A few days ago, I purchased a note card from  Tree of Life Artworks.  These artists primarily use scrimshaw as their medium, and I have several pieces of their artistic work.  I came across their first attempt at note cards.  There were four patterns, but I was immediately drawn to a card with a tree, the moon and stars.  I was not certain as to why it jumped out at me, but the inscription at the bottom read:  "Somewhere near the edge of the world, Trees drip with stars." 

In contemplation, I brought the image of the note card to the front of my mind.  There were numerous thick and distorted roots reaching into rich black soil.  As I imagined them moving down into the earth, my understanding expanded.  Human beings need a root system, not just one root designated for faith.  Self-esteem and worthiness also form strength to keep us upright and strong.  Friends, teachers and mentors become part of our healthy roots as well.  Exercise and appropriate eating establish additional roots.  Multiple roots spiraling into Mother Earth are conduits for energy, both giving and receiving. 

Mentally focusing on the note card once again, my vision moved up the tree.  I examined the gnarly bark, the loss of limbs, and even some decay.  The root system was so vibrant, however, I could see the energy floating in  the tree.  The tree displayed the twists and turns of many life times, enduring unexpected changes.  There is a need to be aware of issues, but not to use energy in personalizing them.  Use energy to resolve them, no matter where they originated or in which life time. 

Breathing deeply, my eyes followed the tree limbs reaching up towards the sky.  The tips of the branches were extending themselves pulling energy from the heavens.  The energy sped down the trunk of the tree and became enmeshed with the energy coming up  from the earth, bringing balance and harmony.  I clearly embraced the strength of this tree as it was a vessel between the earth and the sky.  If I am deeply rooted into Mother Nature and if I reach up into the wisdom floating in the clouds, how tall I will stand in this energy flow.

In the background is the moon giving great meaning to me.  It has been a listening companion for me throughout the years.  I find the presence of the moon to be calming, and it initiates hope, acceptance, and inspiration.  It also offers the Lunar Cycle still observed by many to this day.

At last glance, I view the trees dripping with stars.  Stars remind me of the magic in life we seem to overlook as we grow older.   When we are in balance with what is above and that which is below, we are strong  enough to open our senses to the magic in life.  We once again become vulnerable and creative to wish upon a star.   

All I am and all I am meant to be has been reflected in this contemplation.  I have visited my most favorite things:  the tree, the moon, and the stars  ...  somewhere near the edge of the world.

Out of My Grasp

Arrange whatever pieces come your way.

Virginia Woolf

This morning I explored highlighted sections in several of my books.  I had not remained with one theme, rather reading anything and everything.  The results had been overwhelming.  There were so many fragments, each exploded in my mind, and demanded more attention.  So instead of streamlining into one flowing thought, I had been bombarded by every worldly thought.  I knew the best way for me to simplify would be to retreat into the stillness of outdoors.

I settled my lovely self out on the back deck.  I breathed in the crisp spring air while I wished for sunshine on my face and hair.  The birds chirped, the rabbit ran away, and the squirrel dared me to stay.  As I watched the clouds as they floated by, I was reminded of Shirley MacLaine's suggested experiment with clouds.  She instructed the reader to choose one cloud out of the sky and to keep eyes locked upon that one cloud.  Permission would be asked of the cloud for it to disappear.  With maintained eye contact the cloud would slowly dissipate. 

When I first read of this experiment, I grew very uncomfortable thinking I might have the power to ask a cloud to disappear.  Besides, clouds had been my childhood friends, so why would I want them to go away?  Curiosity got the best of me, however, so I chose a very small cloud and asked if it would disappear.  I eye-balled it with great intensity, and sure enough, it began to stretch its shape until nothing was there.  It made me feel sad.  It didn't feel right for me to make a game of something so lovely in the sky.

Somewhere in my thoughts, wisdom surely waited.  Unfortunately, it was either too worldly or lofty to be grasped.  I watched the clouds as they gently floated by, unable to formulate words, but I sensed deep within there was so much more to oneness than what really meets the eye.

Rigorous State

I'm such a girl for the living room.  I really like to stay in my nest and not move.  I travel in my mind, and that that's a rigorous state of journeying for me.  My body isn't that interested in moving from place to place.

Bell Hooks




Maintaining a positive outlook and creating a clear visual of our desires is vital in seeing our dreams come true.    With energy to better our life, and to master challenges we move through life with a healthy balance.  Life will not pass us by if we are awake, alert, and flexible to change.

Timing is never our own, so we must be open to the flow of life and trust in the higher powers.

We will avoid drama by not resisting change.  Change is not necessarily comfortable, but this does not make it bad or wrong.  We cannot achieve our dreams by standing still avoiding opportunities or small steps that will lead us closer to our desires.

If we create a vision or picture of how we will look, feel, and act when we bring happiness into our lives, it will be of great support throughout our day.  When we keep this image of our self close by, rather than thinking negative thoughts, we can flash our picture in our mind.  Picturing every detail helps the mind to re-frame non-stop  self-criticism.  We begin to automatically focus on a positive images minimizing self-sabotage.

After awhile, our vision of happiness becomes part of our day.  Our outlook is brighter, we walk with a bounce in our step, and we find ourselves anticipating good to happen rather than defeat.  We begin to feel better about ourselves, family, friends, and the future.

We begin living our dream in an emotional state, attracting parts of our dream from the physical.  We notice opportunities, create unexpected openings, and move forward towards our goals. There will be times of sadness or pain, but simply put, that is part of life and there is no avoiding it all together. 

Our attitude and determination will carry us through difficult times.  It is in these difficult times we are shaped and formed into better human beings.  We gather compassion and empathy for our selves and for others.  Carrying our vision with us all of the time, we will not be easily deterred.  As we stay engaged with our surroundings, we feel a part of and not separate from others. 

The next time we find our self settling into our nest, get creative and begin to visualize. Imagine 
how we will look wearing confidence, laughter, and a happy-go-lucky smile! Freeze frame that shot and review it throughout the day.



Stillness Can Be A Gift

                             "Seek out a tree and let it teach you stillness."

                                                    Eckhart Tolle

(Findhorn Retreat: Stillness Amidst The World)

The art of being still accompanies practices like yoga, meditation, contemplation and simple observation.  The greatest skill is learning to quiet the mind.  Mind chatter, frequently referred to as monkey chatter, can and will distort most efforts of mind solitude.  Sometimes it is more difficult to quiet the mind in seclusion than simply 'zoning' out in the midst of life.

There is a technique which assists being still in the moment with another person.  Clear the mind of thoughts, and listen to what the other person is saying.  It helps to imagine their words filling a blank space above the head like one sees in cartoons.  Let the white cloud  fill up with the person's words.  Look at them just as they are, without bringing personal reaction to mind.  By keeping our personal beliefs or reactions to our self and opening our mind in solitude to receive the words of another, can really be challenging and insightful.

This particular practice brings a better understanding of others.  When we are totally still, we are more objective with the words of another.  It is easier to understand a different perspective without agreeing or disagreeing.  We are simply still in the moment, allowing the other person to be heard without interruption or interpretation.  Our emotions do not become conflicted or enmeshed and the opportunity for growth is fertile.

Some times our feedback is unnecessary.  A person may be seeking the opportunity to creatively express themselves without fear of judgment or challenge.  If we encourage them to continue speaking without our own personal comments, the experience can be liberating.  Again, we can agree to disagree, but it is not even necessary to express that option.  Just be still and this will be a gift ... to be a quiet witness in the space of another.