Without Fears of Tomorrow

"Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow,

it empties today of its strength."

Corrie ten Boom

Core strength contributes to the alignment of body, mind, and spirit.  If we are grounded or rooted in confidence and self-respect, we are better prepared for challenges.  Being whole allows us to stay in the moment to enjoy the present experience.  There is no room for worry.

Worry is a thief, consciously or unconsciously stealing precious moments from us.  It whittles away at our comfort zone, leaving gouges for fear to burrow in.  Then begins the inappropriate eating for comfort,or numerous addictions of all kind, 

When we are 'ill at ease' we are vulnerable in our body, mind, and soul.  'Dis-ease' creates illness within our bodies like migraines, ulcers, or depression.  If we sustain our healthy bodies and calm minds with spiritual support, we will successfully enjoy the strength of today without fears of tomorrow.

Damage To Vessel

"Anger is an acid that can do more harm 

to the vessel in which it is stored 

than to anything on which 

it is poured." 

Mark Twain

Anger creates disharmony in our body, minds, and spirits.  When repressed, it is like an acid spreading through us. We cannot prevent ourselves from feeling angry, but we definitely can make healthy decisions for releasing it.  

When our anger is unattended,  it is capable of distorting bodily functions (dis-ease),  discoloring our thoughts (distress), and repressing our spirits (depression).  The longer we allow anger to gain momentum, the more difficult it will be to restore ourselves.  

If we monitor ourselves, instantly feeling anger inside, we can choose to address it.  We can decide to not take something personal; we can use our voice in response honoring both ourselves and the speaker; or we can privately write out every aspect in our journals.  A trusted friend may help us to understand what triggered our reaction.  The reaction may have very little to do with the speaker, but be quite significant in our emotional makeup.  Simply uncover the emotion hidden beneath the anger ... disregarded; violated; or disrespected.  An opportunity for a lesson to be learned.

Personal World of Peace

"Let love flow so that it cleanses the world.

Then man can live in peace,

instead of the state of turmoil he has created

through his past ways of life,

with all those material interests and earthly ambitions."

Sai Baba

When we read a story that brings insight, it illuminates something within us.  It appears this guidance is what we have been waiting for and it is basically simple.  Using our analytical minds, we succeed in twisting simplicity into an intrinsic process which unlikely to be achieved.

Keep it simple:   Distance the self from personal drama and learn to remain present in the midst of chaos without engaging.

Let it go:  Release the events in life that make us feel badly or keep us small. Yesterday is never coming back unless the door is reopened and tomorrow really never arrives.  This present moment is the space for continuously beginning again.

Forgiveness:  Forgiveness isn't always difficult, but forgetting can take forever.  What is done to us we cannot always control, but the length of time we dwell on it is of our personal choosing.

Connectedness:  Our lives unfold more easily when we choose to appreciate the beauty of the world surrounding us.  When we really see all living things surrounding us, our attitudes will remain more positive which creates healthier living.  When we focus on the magic of life, our obsessions with negativity will be reduced, allowing us to feel connected.

Love and be loved:  When we look through the eyes of love, we attract an attitude of gratitude.  When we respond with love, judgment and negativity fall away.  If we become love, we will harm no others as we realize we are all one.  Ultimately, if we are love, we will be more apt to accept the love of others.

Silence:  Renew our body, mind, and spirit in solitude daily.  Cleanse the day from head to toe either by using a physical shower or any form of visualization.  Don't allow things to build up.  Stay open in each moment with a cleansed mind.

Voice:  Others seek us out to confide their stories, but we do not need to formulate answers for them.  Primarily, they are just needing to share stories out loud, to hear themselves and orchestrate a solution. Our voice is best heard when we reserve it for expressing our truth without impaling it upon others.

These qualities make life flow easily and distance us from distractions.  The hardest part about them is to remember them and to practice them as an automatic response.  When we finally present our authentic self to the world, we see things more clearly and less complicated.  If we remain centered in love our thoughts, actions, and relationships will create a personal world of peace.

Safely Leaving Safety

"I crawled from under a shell of security.

I drew comfort from the sheet of darkness

pierced with holes which allowed light

to fall on my silvery trail.

The light I called stars.

The trail I called hope.

And when I found my feet

I called into the ether

'I am awake, I am here.'"

Collette OMahony

Life gently unfolds when we keep our lovely selves safe and sheltered.  We find ourselves nestled into our comfort zone, ignoring the challenge of what life could fully be.  Our ears shut out the whisper of lure.  Our eyes blink more slowly so we can ignore opportunity.  The noses on our face are stuffed with familiar aromas while ignoring the fragrances floating in nature.  We have lost the taste for creative freedom.  Intuition is dulled by our use of medication to go faster or to sleep more soundly, avoiding the mystical messages coming in dreams from far away places.

With great effort, one extends a single foot from under our warm blanket of comfort.  We then force the second foot to follow and push the remainder of our body, mind, and spirit out into the cold.  A quick shake brings our senses to clarity, as we ponder just where to begin.  In this darkness, we are called to strengthen our light in order to find our way.

Like stroking hot coals in a fire, our desires are rekindled and our creative flames begin to sway.  We begin to see farther into the mystery of life and somehow gather courage to face new challenge.  It takes bravery to walk out of security and into the darkness, especially when we believe we are  content.  

Away from our life of slumber, we awaken to theories of possibilities.  Our creativity engages with our personal strengths and our minds begin to dance.  Before long, we hear music revving up our energy, and our hearts whisper a cadence leading us through limitations.  Nothing is easy as we follow this course, but the sweet smell of personal accomplishment pulls us further along.

As we experience the comforts of life, why not include adventure of the spirit and exploration of the soul!  Enhancing our selves through music, meditation, writing, painting, or walking sets our creative energies free.  We are never too old to discover a new form of play! 

Circular Motion

 

 

"For fast-acting relief,

try slowing down."

 

Lily Tomlin

 

 

This morning, I was enjoying my coffee out on the deck while watching my wonderful dog, Bella, run in circles.  I was laughing at her until the thought came to me , "this could be a 'day' dream.  I am one of those folks who believe we dream at night, but we also can receive information during the day when we break certain segments down. 

 

I immediately became defensive, "I don't run in circles anymore," I pompously thought.  Then I watched Bella gracefully plop down and spread her large body onto the grass.  Again I thought, "I slow down, and take time for myself!" 

 

As I opened my mind to what this snippet of a 'day' dream might mean, the message was clear.  It wasn't about my physical body, but about my mind running in circles.  Yes, I do slow down, but my thoughts are still running in those deep circular grooves. 

 

So even if we are moving in slow motion, our mind must be aligned as well in order to deeply relax.  No movement in the body nor the mind.  This sounds so simple, and yet it takes consistent practice.  Primarily, we must be aware of what we tell ourselves.  We might be stating we are relaxing, and yet if our thoughts are not monitored, they can be running in circles, defeating our intentions.

 

 



The Heart of the Matter

 

 

 

"A single word is sufficient to reveal the truth."

Shen Hui

 

 

Just as our soul is hidden inside our physical body, underneath our clothing, and protected by our extended aura of protection, so is our heart felt truth.  Without focus, behind scattered thoughts, and tempered by defenses, how we truly feel often times is never revealed.

 

At times, we may feel that hiding our true feelings is an easy way out.  With an attempt to be non-committal, we stir up the waters and create waves, sending the listeners into the sunset as they wonder how the conversation floated so far off course. 

 

When questioning the person who is so often misleading,  statements are made,  such as:  "People don't need to know what I believe," or "It is none of their business what I intend to do," or "I knew they would disagree with me."  These comments remind me of the man who goes to the doctor reporting his foot is aching when in fact it is his right arm.  The patient's attitude is that if the doctor is really as good as they say, he will figure it out.

 

It is no wonder that our world is in such conflict, globally, within each country, inside each community, and surfacing in families.  Individuals misspeaking, mislead themselves.  Every word that is not authentically spoken,  will dilute the potency of the speaker.  We intentionally mislead others, but we also mislead our inner selves. 

 

If we endeavor to keep our responses brief, but truthful, we feel better about ourselves for honoring and respecting what we believe.  We project an authentic image of ourselves and a more heartfelt exchange is experienced.  Truth remains at the heart of the matter.

 

 

 



Who We Are Meant To Be

 

 

 

 

"Deciphering Dreams was created to assist others in aligning

the dream world with every day experiences.  Dreams are a

form of language that is not only unique to each of us, but

also intimate.  We all have choice in declining or accepting

information in our dreams and determining how to utilize

this important information."

 

Virginia Carlson

 

 

 

When I developed VIRGINIA'S VOICE, I included three points of concentration: 

 

ARTICULATING SILENCE
DECIPHERING DREAMS
EXPLORING INNER LANDSCAPES

 

 

 

These three categories were deliberately chosen as I find them to be excellent tools for developing alignment with the body, mind, and soul.  When we use our voice, we hear our truth and honor the self.  As we pay attention to our dreams, insights surface that we may be ignoring during the day time.  Looking within ourselves, leads us to empowerment as we make a Divine Connection. 

 

It matters not what gender, religion, or political preferences we have, if we all follow a personal template leading us to love and compassion.  The real question is "Are you doing the best you can do?" 

 

My strengths are people skills, counseling background, hands on experience with aligning the physical, mental, and spiritual, with creative intuition.  To me, it feels necessary to use these skills in service to others.  There is no intention of forcing anyone to think or act like me, but there is intention to provide ways to enhance personal development. 

 

By using my voice, I can speak truths to hopefully spark an interest in others to awaken.  If we can explore personal dreams, using individual interpretation of symbols and messages, a person can unfold more gently.  I do believe in helping each other, but I also believe we are our own guru. ( gee-you-are-you ) We each have a purpose awaiting our personal touch, the application of our individual accent.  Competition is not in the equation, but celebration is vital.  We can learn to celebrate the accomplishments of others as well as our own.  We are called to serve and support others, by sharing and exchanging.

 

We are all on a spiritual journey.  Each of us has Divine Spirit dwelling inside of us.  We all have direct access to inner guidance that is more intimate than books, computers, or lectures.  Outside knowledge can encourage us, but the thread of life purpose is running through the soul inside.  As we strengthen our core, we are better prepared for the outside navigation of life.

 

Be inspired!  Move forward in personal growth ... whatever that means to each of us.  When we all open our hearts and minds, we step closer to who we are meant to be.

 



Collective Consensus and Public Investment

"Safety and security don't just happen, they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear."

Nelson Mandela

former president of South Africa 

Growing up in a large city, I never really felt scared except for on specific occasions when something criminal triggered my sense of safety.  I walked eight blocks to and from elementary school, I road the city bus, I took the subway downtown, and rode my bike to various parks and even to the lake miles away from home.  While growing up, the theory seemed to be if a child stayed out of the 'bad' neighborhoods, and chose friends carefully, there would be no reason for harm.  Now remember my father was a city detective so I was well aware of the hideous crimes occurring in the city.  Crimes being committed within the homes were never mentioned like domestic violence or child abuse of any kind.

I have always worked with children.  I started out babysitting while still in grade school.  I worked with pre-school and Head Start Programs, Child Care Agencies, and brought four of my own into this world.  The backdrop of a child growing up had changed tremendously.  There were issues of alcohol, drugs, violence and the fracturing of family structures. Even in small communities, fear became much more prevalent. 

The awareness of other countries and instant reporting of nation wide crisis floods our televisions, radios, and newspapers.  The computer allows access to an entire world never before at our finger tips.  It is good that the world grows smaller through education, but the downside is violence is embedded  as well, to say nothing of the easy access to young and old alike.

Just the other day, a mother was pushing a grocery cart with a young toddler in the seat and an older girl standing right next to the mother.  A man approached the cart while the mother was facing the groceries on the shelf.  He swiftly lifted the little one out of the cart and walked away.  The other child was frozen in place.  So it is no wonder  well meaning people approaching little ones in stores or parks receive a startled look of "stranger danger" as it spreads across the face of the child.

There are wonderful young people out there living responsible lives.  Many of them deserve a lot more credit than what they receive.  It is difficult for some elders to see through the tattoos and purple hair or even the style of clothing, but once you see inside of these young ones, there is so much value.   I feel thankful for the next generation, but I do give thought to how they will overcome the challenges in their lives without losing their affection, loyalty, passion, and compassion. 

I am not a doomsday kind of gal, but I won't bury my head in the sand either.  It is vital for us to extend a sense of safety and protection to those around us.  We need to invest our time, our listening skills, and acceptance of diversity for a better tomorrow.

One Small Place

           

"What was done in the past is done

and it is over now.

This is the present time,

and you now have the opportunity to treat yourself

the way you wish to be treated."

Louise L. Hay

YOU CAN HEAL YOUR LIFE  

Today is a new day and we can choose to begin our life anew.  It is one thing for others to treat us poorly, but to treat our selves poorly is totally unacceptable.  If we treat our selves without respect why should any one else address us respectfully?  If we do not honor our personal code, why should any one else? 

Boundaries and limitations for our selves as well as for others need to be clarified.  I believe there may be a book entitled "Where You Stop and Where I Begin."    In order to know our own limitations, we must pay attention to our body, mind and spirit.  We need to know who makes us feel good and who sucks our energy right out of us.  We need to be mindful of how much we can physically do before we are exhausted.  We need to know these things prior to navigating out in our world. 

If we feel as though we have no life of our own, then we need to push our boundaries further out  allowing our selves more space and limiting time with others.  We can be more mindful about using our voice so others know when enough is enough.  When we are ready for more participation in our lives, then we can pull our boundaries closer in, allowing others to approach.  Boundaries and limitations need to be flexible so they can be adjusted for different situations. 

Our desires must be formulated and retained crystal clear and to do so, one must spend time alone to truly discover what is in their heart.  We can take an active part in our life, working with the Divine attracting like energy to our selves.  If we just sit back and wait for our desires to come to our door step, we will receive random deliveries hardly appropriate ... junk mail.  If we care about who and what or where we welcome people and activities into our personal lives, we need to be specific in our intentions. 

If we know our likes and dislikes, we can spend our time earnestly nurturing our selves.  If we are longing for someone to bring us flowers, go to the store and purchase our own flowers.  If we are yearning to eat at a new Thai restaurant, invite a friend and go.  It is false thinking when we depend upon someone else to provide our pleasures. 

Every day is a new day.  Every day we have the 'choice' to begin again.  No matter how miserable we find our lives to be, there is one small place ... if we look for it ... where we are welcomed to begin again.

Hope, Faith, Truth ... Positive Imaging

The world in which you live

is not primarily determined

by outward conditions and circumstances

but by the thoughts that habitually occupy your mind.

Norman Vincent Peale

May 31, 1898 – December 24, 1993

Norman Vincent Peale was one of the most widely read inspirational writers of all time.  He was pastor of New York City's Marble Collegiate Church, a prominent lecturer, and radio host and perhaps best known for his book, THE POWER OF POSITIVE THINKING. 

I first became aware of his work in Guideposts Magazine (Peale was the editor and co-publisher) back in the days when Sue Monk Kidd was also a contributing author.  In my opinion, he was in the forefront of ministers who encouraged Christians to begin to be accountable for their relationship with God rather than just depending upon a minister or a church.  He was like a breath of fresh air all of those years ago. 

In 1982, Norman Vincent Peale wrote another book, POSITIVE IMAGING.  When I read this book, I immediately read it again, and then again.  As I devoured his words, I could feel limitations fall away and I began to feel a part of faith once again rather than being separate.  He was interested in developing the human spirit, the awakening of the soul.  My, he was ahead of his time.

Peale stated about Positive Imaging:  "The concept is a form of mental activity called imaging.  It consists of vividly picturing in your mind a desired goal or objective and holding that image until it sinks into your unconscious where it releases great untapped energies."

Mr. Peale encouraged us to visualize our own well-being, to see our selves whole, healthy and energized.  He believed that the key to health was practicing creative imaging.  He explained that beautiful thoughts triggered the release of beneficial hormones which assisted the body in being healthy.

The Bible and scripture were frequently quoted in his writings.  He believed  hope, faith, and truth were vitally important once we set our goal, believed in attaining our goal, imagined it to a great degree, and made sure Divine Spirit was our partner.

My favorite part of  POSITIVE IMAGING pertained to imaging Jesus the Christ or Buddha or any other Master .  Here is what he suggested for creative imaging:

             "Image Jesus as actually your personal friend.  Don't regard Him as some remote, historical, stained-glass kind of figure.  Image Him as your constant companion throughout the day.  Paint a portrait in your mind of what you think He looks like.  Fill in the details:  His compassionate eyes, those strong carpenter's hands.  How did His voice sound when He talked to people, when He told the story of the Prodigal Son, for example?  He must have had a wonderful laugh; can you picture yourself sitting on a hillside in Galilee, hearing it?  If you can picture that, why not picture Him sitting alongside of you right now?"  

In POSITIVE IMAGING, Norman Vincent Peale documented stories about terminally ill patients who chose to use Positive Imaging in addition to their medical assistance.  His words continue to be as they were  in my younger adult years.  He was definitely a large contribution to my beliefs of the body, mind, and spirit connection.

Psychological Resistance

 

 

 

 

Pain is a relatively objective, physical phenomenon; suffering is our psychological resistance to what happens. Events may create physical pain, but they do not in themselves create suffering. Resistance creates suffering. Stress happens when your mind resists what is... The only problem in your life is your mind's resistance to life as it unfolds.

 

Dan Millman 

 

 

 

There is much in life we resist, primarily change that could possibly alter our comfort zone.  We like to feel safe as we can feel more creative and exploratory.  When unknown change abruptly appears, we meet it with resistance rather than facing what it brings. 

 

Even when the change has been initiated by our own merits, there is some element of risk.  The change may even be welcomed, but there will be a small part of us lingering in the familiar with the slightest resistance.

 

Resistance can be based in fear and lack of trust.  In life, change is a constant teacher.  The greater the resistance, the more complex the lesson becomes. We can strive to face change with an open heart and not simply react out of fear.

 

Every morning upon awakening, we can ask Spirit to help  us be alert to the challenges brought to us.  We can trust what is brought to us means us no harm, but deeper understanding of our selves and the world.  This does not mean condoning every change, but pausing to make decisions without fear.

 

Greeting life with resistance rather than trust keeps us in choppy waters instead of being in the flow.  It is like  trying to swim up stream, going against the current, and avoiding what will only resurface another time.  Resistance makes life more difficult and we are not as capable of remaining in alignment with body, mind, and spirit. 

 

We are referring to psychological resistance, not physical.  Psychological resistance is a choice based in fear.  Feelings that surface are often rooted in our past from other experiences.  These unresolved emotions from the past can easily distort our present reality.  This is why there is great importance in living in each moment ... not the past, and not the future ... in the present moment.

Congruent with Body, Mind, and Spirit

 

                                             

 

 

 

Flow with whatever is happening and let your mind be free.  Stay centered by accepting whatever you are doing.  This is the ultimate.     ~ Chuang  Tzu

 

 

An oxymoron suiting me quite well is an "organized procrastinator".  There are areas in my life where I am highly detailed and disciplined, but other areas where I will put things off for absolutely no reason.  One minute totally focused and another minute drifting into unrestrained loftiness. 

 

This generates the conversation regarding being spontaneous and going with the flow or being disciplined so life has been lived to the maximum.  The obvious would be to balance discipline with spontaneity.  The not so obvious would to be so totally connected with the inner Spirit that we simply follow the guidance.  If we are truly in touch with our higher self, we can just allow life to unfold.

 

For a long time I stated I could only write the first thing of a morning.  I was very disciplined and wrote every morning.  As life has it, however, there were times my mornings were interrupted and I would wait until the next morning to write.  Put quite simply, this was nothing but an illusion.  It was a story I told myself and therefore became very rigid naming it discipline.  In reality, I can write any time I want to be disciplined to do it ... morning, afternoon, evening.  When I am connected to my inner Spirit, I know what is best for me to do.  If I am open to the idea of cleaning, I can sail through my tasks easily.  If I resist the nudge to do something, it grows heavy on my mind and I resist all the more.  Finally when I give in, I do the task begrudgingly and it takes on more time and displeasure. 

 

The point I am trying to make is this ... I want to be a verb for Spirit to use me when and where I can best contribute.  I want to maintain an awareness so I can be guided. By being congruent with body, mind, and spirit, I can be a force to create positive energy in what I do or where I go.  I can be an instrument bringing peace and calm.

 

 

 

What Does It Mean ... 12-12-12

 The Ancient Mayan calendar speaks of 12-12-2012 as the end of times as we know it, and the beginning of a new cycle of evolution for planet earth, humanity and the cosmos. Mayan elders say that the Ancients were informing the modern world to be ready for a giant transformation for the human race. Interestingly, traditions across the world including Buddhism, Tao, Hopi and Vedic knowledge predict a ‘Golden Age’ or ‘Satyug’ in their calendars around the same period. December 2012 is being looked upon as a significant spiritual event and a momentous shift in the collective consciousness of the planet.

~Body, Mind, Spirit Journeys

Being the humans that we are, there is a diverse response to the forthcoming 12-12-12.  There are many predictions with various reactions.  Some are planning a celebrational trip to Peru or Mexico while others are dreading destruction, death, and the end of the world.  The world will always have spiritual visionaries as well as doomsday negativity. 

Personally, I would like to look beyond the fear of catastrophe and invest my time, meditations, and thoughts into the realm of hope.  As portals will seemingly open, we will be offered a new beginning.  As in all shifts that occur, a space is created ...  an opportunity for change whether it is physical, emotional, or spiritual.  Whether viewing the reports of Ancient Scrolls, Spiritualists such as Tom Kenyon, the Bible, or Scientific Research, interpretations are rarely accurate.  So the point need not be the right or wrong of timely prediction, but rather placing the emphasis on what is to be learned.  As always, what is the lesson?