Avoid Dominant Control

"Do not try to impose your limits to others because everyone 

has different talents and every talent's limits are different."

Mehmet Murat ildan

We have the desire to use our voice, to speak our truth, and to be heard.  We may struggle to own this right, and once maintained,  our voice may override the voices of others.  In our new found power, respect for other opinions must be utilized.

In our efforts to deepen our authentic voice, we often forget that the uniqueness of others, must be honored as well.  It is in the blending of inspiration that perceptions become more colorful with richer hues. 

Finding our voice is a wonderful thing, but it must not be at the cost of silencing others.  We must exercise our volume control so we can hear diverse opinions which help to shape our own.  Our voices are meant to be a contributing source, not a dominant control. 

Candle Ritual

“A romantic person will know from the bottom of his heart that no source of light can ever replace the mysterious beauty of a candle!” 
― Mehmet Murat ildan

"A romantic person will know from the bottom of his heart

that no source of light can ever replace the 

mysterious beauty of a candle."

Mehmet Murat ildan

The house is stripped of its Christmas glow.  The sparkle of the tree is gone and Christmas lights throughout the house have been stored for another year.  The company is gone and the crazy schedules have lessened leaving some quiet time to sooth our weary souls.

I am barricaded in my chair by books, journals, and a crazy quilt.  My ancient pottery mug can easily be reached and my trusty writing pen rests near.  I stare into the fireplace willing it to warm my soul and rescue me from the solemness in the air.

In ritualistic manner, I light my candle that will steady me throughout this new year.  It will burn ever so slowly, reflecting warmth and adding mystery to the air.  Aliveness in the flickering glow stirs the familiar in my heart, reminding me it is time to begin.  

Vision and Perception

"Seeing the obvious is often harder

than seeing the hidden."

Mehmet Murat ildan

When we walk through our memories, we notice snippets of information, previously overlooked.  As we sink into past scenarios, bodily sensations can alert us with striking emotion which was originally felt as numbness. 

Think of riding on a carousel. As we gently move with fantasy music, do we notice the excitement in our body or admire the artistic hand painted work or feel inspired by being present in the moment ... no, we are usually focused on the blur of people just so we can wave ... missing the simple joy of the moment.

We overhear ourselves telling stories about loving to swim when the thought of wearing a bathing suit is revolting.  The word no is reverberating in our mind as we shake our head yes.  To avoid what is right before us, we lavish avoidance to assist denial in diluting the truth before us.