Shine Brightly

 

"Embracing the totality of your experience is one

definition of having loving-kindness for your self."

Pema Chodron

In the last hours of this year, I will light a candle ... two ... or maybe more! New intentions will be created, accompanied by positive visualizations, uplifting mantras, and an awareness of the sacred within me.

I will recall my strengths, and minimize self-imposed fears. Although there is no control over life unfolding, I am capable of recognizing healthy opportunities and acknowledging all shapes of learning. The power lies within the choices I make.

Standing present in each new moment, I will endeavor to remain kind hearted;  to remember we are all one;  and acknowledge the strengths of all peoples.  My intention is to create peace in my own life, to be nurtured by nature, and to shine brightly as a light to all.

Permission Slip

"You are the sky.  Everything else ...

it's just the weather."

Pema Chodron

This post hereby gives you permission to seek and determine what is missing from your daily life.  Begin a search for anything from ice cream to a second career.  We are all individuals, so peek inside and listen for any suggestions to guide you.  

We are a 'present' into this world, bringing unique qualities that can be gifted to others.  We are meant to shine and reflect.  Too often we down play our strengths as we find them easy, forgetting they can be a challenge to someone else. It is odd that we tend to hide our own uniqueness.

Each one of us has a special space needing to be dusted off and nurtured.  As we tend to what has been neglected, we will experience the kindling in our spirit.  Our fire will once again be lit, attracting kindred spirits, creativity, and fullness of the soul.

The Now and Everlasting

"Relax more completely with our environment and

appreciate the world around us and the ordinary truth

that takes place every moment."

Pema Chodron

We falsely assume that we must 'go' somewhere like a planned adventure in order to experience of higher connection, which is not true at all.  We do not require a special book, a Master Teacher, nor a perfect existence to be on the receiving end of authenticity.

When we become aware of the incredible knowledge surrounding us no matter where we are, our lives can take on a magnitude of strength.  We have the ability to connect with the tree in our yard as easily as  one in a forest.  Our connection with God is not limited to a chapel or temple. Our words are received in thought, word or deed.

When we learn to be open to messages arriving through the written word or on a simple breeze, we will be surrounded by presence.  When we anticipate uplifting experiences, we begin to notice how we are surrounded by spiritual support coming through activities in our chosen moments.  We are the Universe.   Our existence blends with all that is.  We are the now and the everlasting.

 

Work With, Not Against

"In the early seventies a friend kept telling me, 'Whatever you do, don’t try to make those feelings go away.' His advice went on: 'Anything you can learn about working with your sense of discouragement or your sense of fear or your sense of bewilderment or your sense of feeling inferior or your sense of resentment—anything you can do to work with those things—do it, please, because it will be such an inspiration to other people.'” 

Pema Chodron
The Wisdom of No Escape

We are not alone, even in the darkest of times.  We may feel alone, but if we turn our attention to the connection we have with others, we remember everyone faces challenges.  If they can survive, then so can we.  

When we do not waste our energy stuck in the thickness of drama, and choose to move into a solution mode, we can work with our feelings. towards transition.  Fear or anger will still be present, but they will not be allowed to overshadow and immobilize us.

We are creative human beings and when we believe in our resilience, we can  feel our emotions  deeply, but not be distracted from our authentic resolution.  We move forward gracefully, confident in our personal ability to navigate life successfully.