Path of Understanding

If you intend to be of assistance, your eye is not upon the trouble but upon the assistance, and that is quite different. When you are looking for a solution, you are feeling positive emotion— but when you are looking at a problem, you are feeling negative emotion.

--- Abraham

When we were much younger and a challenge would come our way, our disconnect with spirit at the time, allowed us to get stuck in the emotional make up of the challenge.  We would be frozen in time asking why life was so unfair.  We would swaddle ourselves with fear and other overwhelming emotions.  Our energy would flow right out of us. 

Now  that we are better connected with the theory of all being one, our responses to challenge have changed increasingly.  At first impact, we may experience fear, but we realize that fear is an illusion to be walked straight through to accept the wisdom awaiting us.

We immedidately begin to use our positive energy in finding solutions.  Not a quick fix, but a resolve that will serve all concerned.  As we are all one, we know that others have experienced the same challenge or may experience it at another time.  We do not hide or ignore pressing issues which only compounds the problem.  We seek out mentors or those we respect to brainstorm, knowing others who have experienced the challenge, may have a lot to share that will indeed help us resolve challenges in a more timely manner.

There are some challenges unique to our self causing us to be present or be still or go within.  Some solutions can only be found in solitude.  But with a positive attitude, knowing there is a lesson in every one of life's challenges, we can feel validated when we reach the other side, having conquered the situation. 

When we reach out to others, do not add to the negativity already building.  Try to remain positive reminding the person of their personal resources and encourage them in deciphering a plan of action.  The real question is "How can I untangle this problem resulting in the best possible solution advancing me on the path of understanding?"

Rippling Across the World

We gain strength and courage, and confidence by each experience in which we really stop to look fear in the face ... we must do that which we think we cannot.

Eleanor Roosevelt

Envision your beautiful self in your daily routine, whether it is scurrying to work, shuffling children off to school, or creating an agenda for your day.  Stand back a little ways from your thoughts and observe how fear nips at your ankles like a yapping small dog.  Instead of barking, the little fear dog yelps in your ear, "You are not going to make it," or "Who do you think you are to try to do this," or "People are going to think you are crazy," or "Your friends or colleagues are going to laugh at you!" 

Fear chases us throughout the day. Sometimes the voice drones on for so long that we no longer hear it even though our brain is recording every message.  Fear creates barriers and limitations causing us to use our energy for worrying rather than  for success.

Fear assists in sensing danger, but generally speaking, fear is a false image.  Fear is rarely factual, and once we step through it, we will reclaim our fragmented energy to propell us forward into our desires.

No one wants to appear foolish, nor do they want to make mistakes or become a failure.  All human beings have these concerns, such as:  Albert Einstein, Thomas Edison, Hellen Keller, Martin Luther King, Jr.   Discoveries in space, medicine, psychology, and many other fields can be credited to people who stepped through their own personal fears.

Do not let fear hold you back, please.  The world really does wait for what you have to say or do.  Your efforts will be felt around the world as you add your insights into the positive forces rippling across the world.

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!

Light Breaking Through

I am always there.

I am always helping.

I never leave you.

I was there yesterday.

And every day before that.

And I'll be there every day that ever follows.

I mean, where else am I going?

The Universe

http://www.tut.com/ 

Why do I forget I am never really alone?  How is it I allow my focus to narrow excluding all of the support I so badly need?  Today, there seems to be light breaking through this darkness that has been hovering over me for days. 

Gathering strength, I reached out to a trusted one and felt life seep back in.  It is so difficult to allow myself to be vulnerable, to let someone see in when I feel so lost.  Too often I forget how wonderful it has felt to stand present in someone's life during a challenge and how important it is to allow that someone to stand present for me in return. 

Compassion and acceptance are gifts we not only offer to others, but we must also extend them to our selves.  We must be gentle and allow our selves the opportunity to explore our dark moments, to resolve residing issues and move forward into healing. 

We become empowered by releasing the pent up fears.  When fears have been removed there is new space for light to shine!

Abraham Lincoln's Birthday!

 

“I'm a success today 

because I had a friend 

who believed in me 

and I didn't have the heart 

to let him down.” 

 Abraham Lincoln

Frequently, it is our friends who remind us of our personal goodness.  We sometimes see ourselves the best through another person's eyes.  It is our true friends who encourage and uplift us when we are challenged.  Often times, it is our friends who call us into power.  It is through their love and devotion that we learn to become our very best.

Adorn Yourself Accordingly ...

Know first who you are,

and then adorn yourself

accordingly.

Epictetus

Stoic, AD 55

A few years ago, I was gathered with some women exploring our spiritual beliefs and personal truths.  The conversation wandered into a discussion about  the image we project onto others.  Unexpectedly, a very dear friend pointed at me and exclaimed, "Well, look at you.  You are all decorated like a tree!"   I was so caught off guard, I quickly withdrew into myself and allowed the conversation to move forward by saying, "Why thank you!" I felt embarrassed, defensive, and hurt. 

I tried very hard not to feel that this was a personal attack, but more of an observation regarding the diversity of women.  I believe that it was pointing out the differences between good friends. Later, in the safety of my home, I reviewed this bothersome remark.

When I no longer felt defensive, I began to explore the evolution of my dress code which ran parallel to the unfolding of my spiritual life.  All of the changes that occured on the inside of me, were eventually reflected on the outside.

As a little girl, I was dressed in feminine attire until I morphed into a 'tom boy'.  Entering a private college prep academy, I quickly realized I was totally out of my league in fashion.  When I left for college, I packed one pair of black flats and one pair of navy blue heels.  Fortunately, my college roommate and I were able to swap clothes frequently.  My interest in clothes accompanied my marriage, but was quickly replaced with pregnancies and booties. 

After having my three boys, I was gifted with a daughter on Mother's Day.  Into my life came patent leather shoes, little gloves, smocked dresses and matching bonnets.  There was enormous pleasure in dressing this beautiful child.

Once I returned to a professional career, years later, my respect for myself began to flourish.  I was not fanciful, but tailored clothes were a must.  It was during these later years that my spiritual self joined forces with my physical self producing a confidence that was reflected in some flair.

As my daughter entered a professional career, she too fashioned a style of her own, and repeatedly assisted in discovering designs suited for myself.  I had a multitude of shoes, suits and a casual wear.  I developed a very good sense of color scheme accented by unique jewelry.  I liked who I was and thoroughly enjoyed dressing in what reflected how I felt.

Self-discovery brought me to compassion and acceptance of myself.  Nurturing myself comforted my wounded child and love became possible.  In celebration, I adorned my body accordingly. 

Each of us will choose what feels comfortable on us.  Our apparel may change from hour to hour or day to day.   We may have a set uniform that we can live in repeatedly and indefinitely.  It does not matter, but realize there is choice for all of us.

Celebrate yourself! Be festive in your own way!  Use music, dance, and poetry to herald the unfolding of your beautiful self.  And if someone says you are lit up like a tree ... know your internal light and the loving kindness of your heart is shining through for all to see!

Be A Good One

Whatever you are,

be a good one.

Abraham Lincoln

In the fall, the uniqueness of all things is highly present.  There are not two pumpkins alike nor are there two gourds exactly the same.  Leaves are uniquely beautiful just as the shapes of branches in the trees.

We are all different.  There is no room for competition between us.  You are busy being you and I am endeavoring to be me.  We must offer each other encouragement and compassion.  Let us be joyful in the uniqueness that allows us to be together side by side with loving kindness.

The Small Voice of Conscience

The human voice can never reach

the distance that is covered

by the still small voice

of conscience.

Mohandas Gandhi

Looking back over my life, I am amazed at how many years I have spent searching and yearning for the knowledge that would turn me into perfection.  There is no such thing as perfection unless you are using it as part of a descriptive phrase or goal.   And yet I believe that God/Spirit/Universe/Divine created each one of us in a perfect individualistic way. 

My childhood faith taught me that I was imperfect in the eyes of God and born a sinner.  As a young adult, religion explained that I was some how broken in need of holy repair.  Atonement was heavily suggested during adulthood, but only with the assistance of an emissary.

In the last few decades, I have grown to understand that Divine embraces me just as I am.  Not that I don't have work to do or not that there isn't room for improvement, but there is no need for unsolicited critical judgment to break my spirit.  Through communication with all that I hold to be Holy, the small voice of conscience guides my way. 

Focusing on the things that are in alignment with Spirit keeps me feeling good about myself.  Daily affirmations reinforce my positive qualities and inspirational readings support my beliefs.  By being active and aware of my surroundings, I grow more appreciative of the goodness of others.  At day's end, my heart is filled with gratitude and thanksgiving.

Life supports us when we maintain a healthy support system.  Life gives back to us as we reach out to others.  Life expands when we do not see limitations.  Life encourages us to be a partner.  We are called to participate in our own life and not wait for someone else to define it. 

It took years before I could finally believe in the goodness that I discovered within me.  I like who I have become.  Yes, I let fear emerge when someone else challenges my worth, but ultimately

Divine Presence nudges me back into place. To let go of old patterns and behaviors, the small voice of conscience can more easily be heard.

Circle of Women

A circle of women can provide a container for emergence in a way that a woman alone or even a one-to-one relationship cannot.  Intimate relationships and even friendships can break or at least be greatly strained by life changes.  But from the combined wisdom and energy of a small group of women who are committed to "hearing each other into speech," continuity and trust can develop that can be relied on over the long term.  And, witnessing each person's direct knowing of her truth can be empowered to live our own. 

                                                Excerpt:  FEMININE FACE OF GOD

                                by Sherry Ruth Anderson and Patricia Hopkins

We do not evolve on our own.  We stretch and grow through relationship with each other.  As we sit together, we are like mirrors reflecting ourselves back to each other.  What one woman learns in the presence of others is on some level experienced by all.  What applies to one, is applicable to the other. 

A circle of sisters gathered together offers unconditional love, encouragement, and truthful insight.  When absent from the circle, one knows that in spirit a place is being held ... no matter how long away.

I am so deeply grateful for the women who I have been honored to accompany in a circle whether it has been in prayer, Reiki gathering, spiritual unfoldment or experiencing passages in life.  The women who have been present in my life have made endless and unforgettable contributions that have helped me face the challenges placed upon my path.

My heart is eternally thankful for these 'sisters of my heart' who traveled with me, especially when there was a bend in the road or an impassable barrier.  There have been a few women in particular who 'carried' me when I didn't have the strength to walk on my own. 

"We women must listen to ourselves and to each other as the individual voice of each of us is born.  We must learn ... to simply listen and be present to one another."  

*** CIRCLE OF STONES by Judith Duerk