Keep it Simple

Saint Francis of Assisi:

Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace.

Where there is hatred, let me sow love;

Where there is injury, pardon;

Where there is doubt, faith;

Where there is despair, hope;

Where there is darkness, light;

Where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek

To be consoled as to console,

To be understood as to understand,

To be loved as to love;

For it is in giving that we receive,

It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,

It is in dying to self that we are born to eternal life.

Reading ancient transcripts or the writings of current philosophers can get rather overwhelming.  Bit by bit, author by author, we gather information retaining some and dismissing the rest.  Speculation and imagination prompt wanderings into the unknown where we draw to our selves more experiences to peak our curiosity even further.  On and on we go, seeking more and more information to add to our great thinking tanks.   Seminars, vision quests, and time spent in solitude are opportunities for the hopeful to learn even more tools to increase our communication with the Divine.  Much time and thought is given to these richly intertwined spiritual moments.

Quite unexpectedly, we happen to run across a touching prayer such as that of the Italian,  St. Francis (1181/1182 to 1226).  Within his words from centuries ago, we discover requests that if granted,  we would all live as one in a world of peace.

In prayers such as this we are reminded we do not need all of the rhetoric, limitations, and boundaries proposed by organized institutions to discover the heart of the matter.  Displayed in the prayer of  St. Francis of Assisi is a 'To Do List' or daily affirmations.  We do not have to be a theologian or rocket scientist to navigate our way through meaningful life.

I believe it was Jesus the Christ who encouraged us to love one and other.  So very basic and yet so seldom followed.  Release the illusion of separateness that is so dramatic and complex.  Let us just love, and keep it simple!

Writers Retreat 2013

Encourage, lift, and strengthen one another.  For the positive energy spread to one will be felt by us all.  For we are connected, one and all.

Deborah Day



The day our writers group decided to plan an all day retreat, I was not in attendance, but I was exhilarated just by the thought!  Imagine, an entire day to be inspired, encouraged, and surrounded by wisdom.  And of course there would be food!

A simple agenda was put together and each of us committed to being responsible for different aspects of our day. Our space was offered to us by the mother of one of the writer's.  What a blessing! We were quarantined in a writer's haven for private roaming, stimulating conversation, and quiet contemplation.  We met our needs ... cinnamon rolls and coffee or tea; homemade squash soup with various root veggies;  grilled muenster  cheese on marbleized pumpernickel bread; spinach salad with avocados, and fresh raspberries; chips and salsa; fruit platter; and brownies to die for!  Yes, our bellies were filled, but our souls over flowed!

Gathered around the table, I breathed in the energy of each present woman.  None of us are the same age, none of us are particularly alike one or the other, none of us do the same thing in life, and yet there is an undeniable bond holding us together.  We each bring something unique to our writers table without competition, criticism or negative intention.  For each other we hold a space where we can be vulnerable, uncertain, expose our inner doubts and share our spiritual gains. 

There were tears to be shed, but each droplet reflected the beauty of a heart so gently squeezed.  Self-disclosure sat in the middle of the table numerous times, supported by acceptance, understanding, and new perspectives.  Random and impromptu writings amazed us all as we listened to the beauty of our blended words.
We held space at the table for those who were not physically present, and their energy was felt by all.

In the last minutes gathered around the writers table, we quietly reflected on our own transformation from the day.  We searched the eyes of each other with gratitude and thanksgiving.  We each felt the tug of the bond binding us together.  Somehow we all acknowledged what we do for ourselves, we do for each other. Our writings, our courage, and our creative  energy is offered for the benefit of one and for all. 

down the rabbit hole...

 Not all those who wander are lost.

J.R.R. Tolkien

The Fellowship of the Ring

           

We should not  be surprised when Divine Spirit alters our immaculately prepared human agenda.  We have already felt the winds shift and the ground slant, but heedlessly we shuffle our feet in one direction and then the next, grasping for a deeper understanding of all that is.

For five days now, I have been thrashing in bed.  The diagnosis of a sinus infection is better than pneumonia, but either way, it has robbed me of my holidays.   I cannot eat as everything tastes decidedly disgusting. I cannot sleep as this racking cough rattles me to my core.  The fever spikes igniting colorful flames raging in my head leaving me disheveled and sweaty in my bed.  Then my skin turns to ice as my weary bones vibrate to the cadence of a violent rap.

Day blends into night and night into day.  I wait for the darkness to fade and cling to each  present moment.  I confuse my schedule for my meds and stumble from bath to bed.  I am in such a weakened state, my feet slip and I feel myself sliding down the rabbit hole.

I become a traveler to random times and places.   I gently slide into a variety of existences as though I have been present for years.  I understand the diversity between these cultures, and most importantly experience the deep kindness in the hearts of all people.  In and out I go as easily as changing channels on the television.   Although I experience both male and female genders and different ages, it is the heart of me remaining the same. 

When I grow stronger, I will joyfully write more of these experiences.  I realize  all of this has happened for great reason.  I have discovered  how to link my perceptions, insights, experiences and wisdom, closing the gaps in my faith, and completing what I have longed to understand.  I may have lost half of the holidays, but I have gained validation of eternity.

The Listeners

Most people do not listen

with the intent to understand;

they listen with the intent to reply.

Stephen R. Covey

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

Before all parts of ourselves are integrated, we have unknown aspects of our personality that will surface, expressing thoughts that surprise not only the listener, but ourselves as well.  During a conversation, we may hear ourselves say something and then instantly think, "I didn't know I felt that way!" 

When we are not fully integrated, we remain ego driven.  We do not feel the strong connection with the world and others, and therefore focus on the needs of our own.  In conversation, we may not be seriously listening as we are planning what we will next reply.

Listening is really an opportunity to learn or understand information on a deeper level or to become informed about something entirely new.  It can be an intimate pause to deepen a relationship or receive a concept that can change the direction of our lives.

Too often we hear ourselves supplying answers that run contrary to how we truly feel.  We may find ourselves being disingenuous or realize we have not heard the disclosure at all.  We may be thinking of our response or closing our minds to new information, and we have gained nothing from the exchange.  Listening can escalate into a heated discussion or a competition.

When we are integrated with our body, mind and spirit, we feel connected to all peoples and all things.  We are one and all deserve respect.  We honor the authenticity of each human being and understand  Spirit speaks through all of us, so we must listen openly.  We may agree to disagree, but we have an obligation to listen. 

More times than not, fellow human beings need to voice their opinion whether we the listener accept it or not.  We have a deep need to express ourselves.  As listeners, we do not have to have remedies or answers.  It is more important to have an open heart and focused eye contact.

When we are comfortable with our own beliefs, we are less challenged in hearing the beliefs of others.  We are all entitled to speak our truths in a space of integrity.  It is truly a gift to others when we develop the art of listening!

What We Need to Know

All religions, arts and sciences

are branches of the same tree.

Albert Einstein

Albert Einstein was born in 1879 and died in 1955 leaving an abundance of discovery, insight, and knowledge behind him.  He was a Nobel Prize winner and had been highly honored in his field of work.   I do not relate well to anything scientific as my strengths seem to be in English, literature, and the written word.  So it comes as a bit of a surprise to me when I am so drawn to Albert Einstein's quotes (not his scientific theories), in reference to life itself.

When expressing my own beliefs about life, I usually say that we are all traveling to the same place, just in different vehicles.  It doesn't matter which vehicle we are in, as long as we are making the journey.  We will each experience life in differing ways, some in the fast lane while others will be on country lanes.  The journey is just as important as arriving at the chosen destination.   No matter how we term our final resting place or destination,  I do believe we will all see each other there. 

Minds evolve and science advances, but ancient spiritual teachings have survived centuries.  Languages may not be the same, and writers may have their own interpretations, but basically, in my opinion, there really is just one resource or one original author.  The Divine speaks to all of us.

It matters to me if you believe in the goodness of all people, remembering that we are all children of God/Spirit/Universe.  Respecting diversity is also important, just as honoring the sacred within is imperative.

It does not matter which path has been chosen, as long as we find ourselves upon a path.  If we but open our hearts, our  minds, and our spirits, we will discover what we need to know!

The Little Soul by Neale Donald Walsch

"Oh we have danced together

you and I,

many times."

Neale Donald Walsch

"The Little Soul and the Sun"

There is a wonderful children's book written by Neale Donald Walsch:  "The Little Soul and the Sun:  A Children's Parable Adapted from Conversations With God."  (Neale Donald Walsch is the author of "Conversations with God" which became a series of very successful books. )

The parable is about a small angel, Little Soul, who understands that he is made of light.  He also understands to truly know what light is, one must also experience dark, just like hot and cold or up and down. 

Little Soul decides to take an adventure into the physical where he can truly witness the dark.  Another small angel, Friendly Soul, offers to go with him into this next life time to do something "bad" so Little Soul can be One Who Forgives.  Friendly Soul states that he will have to slow his vibration way down and not be who he truly is to be in the dark.  His fear of course is that Little Soul will forget that Friendly Soul is playing a part to be a teacher to his beloved friend.

A friend shared this book with me probably 20 years ago, and it remains one of my favorites even though it was written for children.  It is in total alignment with many spiritual teachings reflecting all of our actions impact each other and we are all one.   

Many spiritual beliefs come easily to me, but wrapping my mind around my enemy being someone who loves me, truly challenges me.  In truth, it has taken several years for me to act accordingly.  Thus the question, "What is the lesson here," followed by, "Don't kill the messenger!" 

These thoughts trigger many questions which act as a catalyst for forgiveness.  Based on the parable above, the people who have treated me harshly are actually those who love me the most.  Harsh teachers loved us so much they were willingly to run the risk of our judgment and lack of forgiveness ... to forget who they truly are ... to forget who we truly are ...  to lower our vibration to be who we are not.

It matters not whether you believe this concept or not.  What matters is stretching your mind and earnestly seeing your very self in the eyes of others.

Cultivate a Sense of Worthiness

The appearance of things change according to the emotions,

and thus we see magic and beauty in them,

while the magic and beauty are really in ourselves.

Kahlil Gibran

Lebanese Poet and Philosopher

We are all resilient creatures entitled to a life of abundance, creative expression, and good health.  Born into this physical world, we bring unique gifts and talents to be used in carving our imprint upon our own life and the lives of others. 

We are not meant to be the same nor are we meant to be ruthlessly competitive.  In the truest sense of living, we are meant to compliment, encourage and inspire each other.  At times, we are also called to challenge, but never conquer.  Sometimes we are the teacher and often times, the teacher becomes the student.

If the only person we can truly change is our self, we must continue to go within, discovering our connection with Divine Spirit.  Through prayer, meditation or contemplation, we tap into wisdom, insight, and inspiration which encourages personal empowerment ... not a physical power over others, but the essence and the importance of the spiritual abilities we each possess. 

If we do not cultivate a sense of worthiness, we will never be able to make the change we most want to see.  We will continue to have a yearning and a sense of unfulfillment no matter what material accomplishments we achieve. 

By achieving the sense of self-worth, we can slow down and become aware of the beauty we each behold.  Instead of being threatened, we can celebrate the differences between us.  If we open our hearts with compassion, attempt to understand differences between us, and join our efforts towards common goals, our world will be a source of comfort.  Love becomes the bond holding us together.

Holding Light

We are each gifted in a unique and important way.

It is our privilege and our adventure

to discover our own special light.

Evelyn Dunbar

It is my desire to not only work in the light but to be light itself.  As an energy worker, I work with light on a daily basis.  For me, light is filled with Divine Spirit and energy.  We are all made of energy so working with light is enhancing energy that already exists.

I believe in Oneness, we are all one in the same.  What I do to you, impacts my self.  What you extend to me, returns to you. I strive to respect energy found in all things living or not.  If you do not understand this theory, pick up a rock that has been sitting in the sun.  Feel the warmth and the energy spread into the palm of your hand.  The rock holds energy.  Sit in the presence of a full moon and as you gaze upon it, you will feel the moon's energy.

I hold light in my body in a meditative state.  I send light to other people, bathe them in light, and hold them in light.  Any light I send out into the world helps to create more light.  Yes, there is darkness, but light can be brought into the darkness.  

I try to be a person who walks around discovering the light in others.  We all have different energy levels and frequencies.  To experience energy in others can be very powerful.  I easily sense both positive and negative energies.  It is quite similar to knowing if someone is in a good mood or bad mood ... you sense it.  Our energy puts out a vibration that impacts everything surrounding us. 

Light or energy is a form of Spirit and extending it non-verbally to others can be compared to offering a blessing, like "Peace be with you".   I am not going to be found wandering around the grocery store muttering blessings to others, but I certainly will be sending light silently to most everyone I encounter. 

This is how I experience light, but how do you experience it?  Is it a goodness you express through acts of kindness?  Does your light take the form of prayer?  Maybe you offer services that brings light into others lives.  But you do have a light.  Some may call it 'the light of Christ' or 'a spark of the Divine' or 'a golden heart'.  Have you discovered your own personal light?

Isn't it time that you did?

Unwrapped From Swaddling Clothes

I had become, with the approach of night,

once more aware of loneliness and time ~

those two companions without whom

no journey can yield us anything.

Lawrence Durrell

Leaving 60 degree weather in Nashville, Tennessee was not as difficult to do as I anticipated my visit to Illinois.  I drove through

terribly strong winds as tornadoes whipped across the sky.  My hands remained white knuckled on the steering wheel and I was stressed out by the concentration it took to remain solid on the road.  Now two days later, safely in Illinois, it is 17 degrees outside with snow on the ground.

Although the sun is out and the snow does look pristine, I notice a sense of loneliness seeping into my soul.  It is such a contrast to the elevated awareness I maintained in the warm south.  It is amazing to me how much the weather impacts my disposition.

The time here seems to have a pace of its own, more demanding than when I am alone.  More considerations and distractions call for organization and structure, neither in place when at my home.

When my daughter was younger, I used to tell her it was easy to be a Christian when attending church on a Sunday.  The true test came in how you lived the following days of the week.  Perhaps this is part of what I am experiencing.  It is easy for me to have this elevated awareness or a strong sense of spirituality while I am spending my days in quietude uninterrupted by the presence of others or distracting noises such as the television.  Now in the absence of all that is familiar, with others present and an abbreviation to my personal time, I have greater difficulty maintaining my spiritual connection.

It occurs to me the reason for my sense of loneliness stems from the loss of feeling oneness with everything around me.  I have been extracted from the warmth of my comfort zone, like a babe unwrapped from swaddling clothes. 

My resources are not within my reach nor are old journals near by.  My favorite old chair no longer holds me and the window for bird watching simply isn't here.  Which is it ... have I grown inflexible and too set in my ways or has my appreciation for my created space grown deeply into my core. 

There is much to be said for sacred space, the personal arena where we feel safe to grow or an environment where we can feel vulnerable and take the chance of being wrong.  But perhaps in growing too comfortable we run the risk of not interacting at all.

Tomorrow the temperatures will rise, the snow will melt, and I will walk again breathing in the sky, birds, and trees.  This loneliness will leave surely as the dark night will pass, and with the rising of the sun my spirits will once again soar.