Both Gentle and Bold

"May you find courage to rise

above any circumstance."

Lailah Gifty Akita

We are powerful beings pretending to be small.  We cower instead of stepping up to the plate.  We may believe that someone will rescue us or bail us out; but, if this is true, the lesson will simply return again and again until we have directly addressed it.

We are masters when we learn to be flexible with our strengths.  We learn to bend with emotions but to be strong with our foes.  We must be willing to bend like a tree in the soft summer breeze and yet, be strong in the bold winter wind.

Indeed, the world needs more kindness, and personally,  so do we.  We must address our lovely selves with tenderness plus awareness of the strengths we behold.  When we can be fully aware, we can carry both gentle and bold strokes for whichever life calls.

 

Solitude through Shadows

"I will rather walk alone in the light

than to live in the dark."

Lailah Gifty Akita

When the word journey appears, one does not immediately visualize down town New York City nor a singular pilgrimage up Mount Kilimanjaro.    Everyone may have a different vision of a journey.  It is true we can meet each other during a journey, and journey together for a while, but ultimately we travel alone whether physically or spiritually.

The length of the journey can last multiple life times or in a single meditation or an elaborate dream.  The physical aspects of our surroundings may contribute to the total experience, but the journey itself has greater significance than our comprehension may absorb.

Our personal journeys can be challenging but they are opportunities to uncover our strengths, passions, and value.  It is a stretch in time to relate to our spiritual aspirations rather than our physical accumulations.  It often times calls for us to walk in solitude but the wick of our flame will be within us to help light the way.  To walk with my light in solitude through shadows will always be preferable to walking in the darkness ever again.

Find The Spark and Attract Others

"Those who serve others will be served."

Lailah Gifty Akita

A few months back, I came across a new term Shadow Philanthropist.  My heart was uplifted when I discovered numerous people from around the world are silently giving large amounts of money for specific projects to help the needy ... who are everywhere.  The financial amount is not the highlight. The gesture of human kindness serving others in every imaginable capacity by anonymous people is catching on across the world.

I had been so discouraged by the overwhelming need of others, I was captivated by the shared stories relating to "Do unto others ...".  Painters, musicians, private corporations were discovering unique ways they could give to others from the base of their own comfort zone.  Bon Jovi discovered his capability in opening a restaurant to serve those without food.

There was a small family owned business wanting to serve, but felt they did not have the overhead to take enormous strides.  So one of the factory workers asked, "We know what we cannot do, but what can we do?"  Everyone submitted ideas and by afternoon the business as a whole, not just the owner, had established a part time nurse office, after school building project  to benefit the homeless, and  a bottled water center to be available 24/7.  It is a start, a beginning and a mighty fine example.  1.  What do I have   2.  How can I serve   3.  Just do it!

Thankful Heart

"Be thankful for the sacred life."

Lailah Gifty Akita

Pearls of Wisdom

Surrounded by friends of all ages, my heart is thankful for a sacred life.  It allows me to accept changes I never thought I'd see ... in my family, my home, and the life I would lead.  I have gained  flexibility allowing life to expand and contract shifting nests from where I expected them to be.

My heart is held in faith, believing there is more to life than what I can see.  There is comfort in connecting with loved ones no matter where I find myself to be.  I find peace in believing great kindness is spreading today amongst people who are lost, alone or unseen.

Homes have been opened to strangers and strangers prepare food at shelters.  Prayers float across the land for all living things and light workers spread soothing energy opening hearts of the sad, desperate, and lonely.  I pray and send light to each and every person, knowing they really are somehow connected to me.