Freedom of a Child

 

"Watercolor is a swim

in the metaphysics

of life . . . "

Anonymous

Reading and writing go hand in hand, an inspiration to each other, just as painting and poetry.  One artistic form can heighten another.  Every time a creative outlet is introduced to an artist, it heightens all aspects of authentic response.  Once inspired by any means of artistic expression, a person can transfer these senses or feelings into another form of art.

I have taken several classes in painting over the years.  Although I have framed a handful of oil paintings, my favorite means has always been watercolor.  Watercolor  is so forgiving.  It does not demand as much time for completion, and once dry, I am drawn to use calligraphy as an addition,  just to mix medias.

The other day at writers group, my desire to paint with watercolor resurfaced when a member of the group happened to mention she had just purchased some.  I went straight to Hobby Lobby and felt like a kid in a toy store.  So many choices, why couldn't they just have one!

As soon as I returned home, I went exploring in the basement and much to my surprise found all of my old paint supplies.  I was so excited, as I felt I was entering a reunion with old friends. Now the fun could begin.  I left my inner critic in the basement, and my inner child raced to a table upstairs where I could begin my play time.  There is so much pleasure in releasing the creative spirit for just fun. 

Too many quit before they begin.  They tell themselves they are not an artist and don't know how to paint.  Actually, every one of us surely did some painting in kindergarten.  We had freedom in just experiencing it without fear of not doing it 'right'. 

Even if we just dabble in some form of creative expression, it enhances our perceptions and depths of living.  We can give ourselves permission to just experiment and play.  Next time at the grocery store, grab a pack of crayons and a coloring book if nudged to do so.  Keep them where they are visible.  they might come in handy while preparing dinner or waiting for a favorite tv show to come on.  Truly, once one begins, we get lost and called to move forward as though we had the freedom of a child.

A Healthy Habit with No Excuse

 

 

 

 

"May the stars carry your sadness away,

May the flowers fill your heart with beauty,

May hope forever wipe away your tears,

And above all,

May silence make you strong."

 

Chief Dan George 

 

When we go through life on automatic pilot, we may not even be aware of our disconnection from our feelings and senses.  As we breeze through our busy days, we may briefly take notice we are not clearly present.  As this passing awareness is explored, we realize we are not grounded or centered.

 

The word centered is frequently linked to the word prayer as in Centering Prayer.  Centering prayer assists a person in focusing inward, identifying with attitude, perspective, and actions in alignment with the Divine.  The word grounding refers to sinking our energy into the earth and pulling earth energy back up into us to stabilize ourselves. 

 

There are many ways for us to 'pull our parts together' so we can approach our day full bodied.  If we do not make effort to be one with ourselves, we enter life fragmented, distracted, and missing the expansive version of daily living. 

 

The automatic response to focusing usually is:  "I don't have enough time" or "I wish I had the time."  We do have the time, we just don't provide ourselves with it.  We need to give ourselves permission to light a tea light every morning while we shower or dress.  We can be mindful at bedtime to gather our spiritual thoughts together in preparation for peaceful sleep. 

 

We can all create a practice requiring just a few seconds to gather kind thoughts around us.  A wise woman I have known for years tells me every morning when she inserts her key to lock her door, she asks God to protect her children.  When I worked down town and parked underground, I would resist taking the elevator.  As I climbed the stairs every morning, I would pray for my children and grandchildren. 

 

It is remarkably easy to create a healthy habit of centering or grounding or focusing.  If we put our mind to it, we can easily determine what might resonate with us personally.  We do not have to provide ourselves with lengths of time, even though that would be ideal.  Grab a few seconds every morning, providing a passing moment of bliss, joy, thanksgiving, gratitude, forgiveness, or whatever comes to mind.   There really is no excuse not to.  Not one.

 

 





Constant Change



"When you change the way

you look at some things,

the things you look at

change."

Wayne Dyer    

Wayne Dyer has been a long time favorite of mine.  He has written a long list of successful books, promoted others, and frequently presents on Public Broadcasting Stations.  Having a long history of success, Wayne Dyer has always stayed his path.  In spite of wealth, and recognition, Mr. Dyer has avoided being misled, and continues to grow deeper within his spiritual understanding.  His experiences and knowledge are always written with a voice of 'sharing', not preaching.  He engages the reader or listener to revisit his experiences with him, to be a part of his journey rather than making him a guru.  He has made Maui his home with his wife and many children embracing the community surrounding him.

The subject is change.  Too frequently, I resist change rather than breaking it down into increments and transitioning slowly.  It is also a misconception of mine, that we are always to embrace change with a happy smile.  This simply is not true.  Not only is it acceptable to be uncomfortable with change, in certain situations, we don't even have to acquiesce.  Sometimes, we just need to look at something from a different angle to see a different point of view.  We don't have to agree or accept.  The importance is to simply grasp what another person sees.

By viewing something from a different aspect, may make us uncomfortable.  Being uncomfortable does not make the bigger picture inaccurate.  Being uncomfortable only reflects our personal preference or belief which happens to not be in accord at the moment.

Change happens all of the time.  Change surrounds us.  Children grow, flowers bloom, temperatures fluctuate, dawn to dusk, light to dark, fresh to stale, hot to cold or cold to hot, impulsive yes or no, rotating shoes we wear, menus, diets, sleeping patterns, and temperaments.  Change is the only constant in life.  We take issue with change when it does not suit us completely or even partially.  The majority of change, we have absolutely no control over.  

Not all changes are good, and often times changes appearing to look negative result in positive.  So what can we do?  We can not rush to judgment, but rather look at the change from varying degrees.  We can search for other colors of the change rather than settling for just black and white.

It is also important to not feel rushed into making decisions about change.  We need to take our time.  What's the rush?  As my sister of the heart, Teri, says, "I need to sit on this for awhile." Our impulsive decisions may not rest with us quite as well the next day.  If we wait until we can approach change with a well thought out plan, change may never bother us again!  

Dominate My Life?

"I don't like to make such a big deal out of writing.

I like writing to be more portable and flexible.

I like writing to be something that fits into cracks and crannies.

I don't like it to dominate my life."

Julia Cameron

THE RIGHT TO WRITE 

In writers group, we shared our 'ritual' we have established with writing.  Each of us has a certain routine or a format proceeding our daily writing.  There are special journals, different colored pens, a candle to be lit, a prayer said or an inspiration to be read.  These all might be wonderful intentions, but I know that each of one of us have numerous times of spontaneity and irritating disruptions causing us to shift our writing habits.

Speaking for my lovely self, I will confess to having all kinds of journals.  Journals from over a decade ago, dream journals, daily journals, journals for favorite quotes, and journals for creative writing.  I have different colored pens, but generally favor an inexpensive gel pen or else a pencil with a really good eraser.  Some times I ramble on page after page or sketch or jot down random thoughts.  Thoughts throughout the day are frequently connected to what I might write in a post on my blog. 

In the spring, summer, and fall, I am called to be outside to write.  I love the closeness to nature in the sanctuary of our back yard.  In the winter time I find the fireplace to be my choice, glaring into the flames, mesmerized and being lost in time.

When I leave home, I nearly always have a small journal tucked inside my purse with a back up journal in my car.  When I was writing a book, I always carried note cards in a small photo case to jot down random thoughts.  Upon returning home, I would file the note cards in my old wooden recipe box for future reference. 

If one were to ask me on any given day, if writing dominated my life, I would first laugh in response.  Then I would have to be truthful and say, "No, writing does not dominate my life, it is my life!

Accountability with Truth Telling

"A sister is a gift to the heart,

a friend to the spirit,

a golden thread

to the meaning of life.

Isodora James    

Hearing the truth can be bittersweet as it is often times painful even though beneficial.  It takes courage and bravery to tell the truth just as courage and bravery are needed in receiving the truth.  Both teller and receiver become most effective if they have an open heart, displaying kindness in the presence of truth.

Delivery of the truth can be categorized in many uncomplimentary ways, and we have all had experiences with harsh confrontations.  Truth needs to be spoken at an appropriate time, with affirmations attached escorted by compassion and encouragement.  Truth does not require a face off or humiliating drama. 

The longer we wait to speak our truth, the more difficult the task becomes.  The most perfect opportunity may arise, but we can decide to choose  the seemingly easy way out ... silence.  This chosen path of avoidance is rarely helpful and even tends to make things more complicated.

The circle of women I call, "Sisters of my Heart" hold great meaning for me. Above all, they offer me compassionate acceptance, loving tolerance, speak their truth and hold me to mine. In the best of times and in the worst of times, we strive for integrity. We are dedicated to using our authentic voices in thought, word and deed.  There is security while searching and exploring to know completely my sisters will hold me accountable just as I hold them accountable with truth telling.  With this trust of integrity, a great freedom cushions the meaning of my life.

Evolving Madonna

"The church ignored her too until about a thousand years ago.  Then the mother of Jesus was consecrated as the mother of humanity and . . . in the eleventh century . . . in France (alone) eighty churches and cathedrals sprang up in homage to Mary."

Eduardo Galeano
MIRRORS: STORIES OF ALMOST EVERYONE


Clarissa Pinkola Estes, PhD is a well known author who wrote WOMEN WHO RUN WITH THE WOLVES;  however, she also wrote UNTIE THE STRONG WOMAN which is an expansive study of the "Blessed Mother's Immaculate Love for the Wild Soul".  Clarissa Pinkola Estes describes this Great Mother in the following way:


                                 "She wears a thousand names, thousands of skin tones,
                                  thousands of costumes to represent her being a patroness
                                  of deserts, mountains, stars, streams, and oceans.  If there
                                  are more than six billion people on earth, then thereby she
                                  comes to us in literally billions of images."


As a Lutheran attending a Roman Catholic Elementary School, I certainly became acquainted with the Blessed Mother from kindergarten through eighth grade.  There were a variety of statues, prayers, pictures, and meaningful stories to be heard.  Conversely, in my Lutheran Church, there was a recognition of Mother Mary, but she definitely was not of the essence I found her to be in the Catholic schooling.  During the Roman Catholic Mass, I always felt a mystical sense created by the stained glass windows, candles, incense, and the intimacy of the missal written in Latin.  I found mass to be a personal experience in sacred space.

UNTIE A STRONG WOMAN is written in an artful and creative way with both holiness and humor.  It presents a powerful image of the Divine Feminine from across the world and bridging many cultures.  Poems are included written with such creative tenderness, they ignite holiness within all readers.

When facing a challenging time or when faith seems to falter, UNTIE A STRONG WOMAN will comfort and strengthen the soul.  As an exceptional story teller, Clarissa Pinkola Estes, shares many individual experiences with the ever evolving image of Mary.  This writing carries us past the familiar stories of a virgin birth, or mother of Jesus. 

The image of Mary has evolved enormously and if nothing else, provides compassionate passage with Divine Intervention.  The Sacred Feminine is being restored with images of courage, bravery, resilience and creative inspiration.  With the help of this writing, the reader is able to unlock mysteries and come to know the Madonna of our time.

Friendship, The Spice of Life

                                                 



 Variety's the very spice of life,

That gives it all its flavor.

William Cowper

Each of us have been born with a particular strength.  Our bodies are like a vessel containing this strength.  When we join others, each contributing a unique strength, like spices, we create a unique blend of flavors.  While cooking, it is not unusal to hear a chef remark, "It is missing something!"  The chef will then add an additional ingredient.

So it is with our circle of friends, sisters, and other loved ones.  When we are gathered in a group of close friends, we enjoy the mixture of personalities, the unique gift each person brings to the gathering.  If one person is absent, we may notice the absence of her particular gift. 

The same holds true when we feel we are lacking something in particular.  If I feel somewhat down, I may choose to contact the friend who always makes me laugh.  If I am struggling with a particular issue, I will choose the person who has also experienced this issue.  So each spice or gift offers us an individual taste, and when blended together we create the perfect recipe. 

I keep small jars, bottles or containers on hand to use as vases for my garden flowers.  I thoroughly enjoy gifting them to someone just for no reason.  I don't have to worry about the return of the vase.  I also use these items to be vessels for individual spices.  I might decorate the jar making it a 'worry jar' for a friend to deposit their worries inside.  I might make a jar with lavendar fragrant cotton balls  for a friend to open and 'sniff' when needing calming before an interview or resolving a conflict or before bedtime.  These small containers can be decorated and filled with courage, patience, creativity, nurturing, bravery, ... The list is endless.  If really creative, a person could make up their own blend to offer.  It's the thought that counts! 

Not By Chance ...

                       Those little things that you alone see, Virginia, aren't by chance.
                     The sign, the squirrel, the dragonfly; the whisper, the song, the lily.
             It's me.  I'm always with you.  I'll do anything to reach you -- to give you hope,
                                         keep you on track, answer your questions. 

                                                              Look even closer,

                                                             THE UNIVERSE

                                                                 www.tut.com  

It is a glorious morning and I sit, coffee in hand, out on the back deck.  It is still early and all of the surrounding nature is busy.  Trees are bending to catch the rays of the sun and flowers stretch tall growing in this dawn's early light.  Birds are splashing in the bird bath while others are proudly singing their song.  The sky is cloudless, and my eyes idly search the sky hoping to see a hawk in flight.  I settle for the lovely mourning doves not far from my feet.

I wander out into the yard and comfortably sit on the little bench under the old tulip tree.  I breathe in the lovely fragrances from the perennial garden filled with flowers.  One flower in particular seems to catch my eye as though beckoning me, "Come see me!"  Still in my white robe, I walk barefoot through the dew filled grass and smile at this sweet creation seemingly calling out to me.

I thank the garden for its bounty and I ask permission to pick this lovely flower.  I choose this delicate unfolding blossom with gratitude and thank the flower for gifting itself to me.  I gently carry it back to the porch, where I can treat my senses to the gifts hidden within this flower. 

I close my eyes and breathe deeply into the fragrance before me.  With eyes still closed I gently stroke the petal, noting a liquid residue sticking to my fingers.  Still with eyes closed, I ask the flower random questions: Do you return every year? Where do you go during the other seasons? Is there a knowing between the flowers like a recognition? Can they hear the songs of the birds?

I am not sure how long I sat in wonderment holding this lovely gift.  I do know I did not hear any responses to my questions; however, the flower extended a calm around my body like spreading a blanket across a child.  Its fragrance grew stronger and filled my head with beautiful colors.  As I stroked the edges of the petals, each touch was like a gentle kiss offered to my soul.

Returning indoors, I placed the flower in my favorite little vase and secured it upon my desk.  I continued to marvel during the passing hours at all of the details I would unexpectedly notice.  The gentle blossom held my attention and blessed my entire day. 

When evening fell, I pressed the sweet flower between two pages of a poetry book as I knew I would frame it on some future day. It would be a gift that kept on giving much longer than this magical day, as I knew without question this exchange had not been by chance.  

Wandering to Nashville and Dallas ...

"There comes a time

when the mind takes a higher plane of knowledge,

but can never prove

how it got there."

Albert Einstein 

Indeed, it is a test to visit family and observe the temptation to regress to our  status within this original unit.  It matters not how old we are or how long we have been away, the situation is always ripe for falling into old patterns. 

Spending a few days with my lovely daughter in Nashville, TN, is always a restorative experience.  She willingly reminds me of my good qualities and encourages new thought and pending possibilities. 

From Tennessee we ventured to my second son's home in Dallas, Texas.  My grandchildren had grown further into their own identities and my daughter-in-law took a break from studying for her  medical board exams.  My son, graying at the temples, still handsome and professionally driven, is always a challenge to embrace.  I love him dearly, but it takes effort for me to maintain my comfort zone when he listens to my current achievements and hopeful prospects. 

Being away from my home, I adapt to different routines and schedules, realizing how important structure is in my personal life.  It does not take much to fall off kilter once my surroundings begin to shift and change.  On the outside I am still the 'mom', but on the inside, my focus has wandered far away.  I am no longer the same inside which impacts how I view the outside.  My perspectives and observations are no longer at their original depths, but far greater than one can see. 

Listening to my children reminisce always brings pleasure to me.  These two have been gifts to each other which warms a mother's heart.  To them my quiet ways might reflect my aging, but my mind is just as active only not on material things.  My view is from an unseen ledge, spiritual of nature.  I discern my children's gifts and their impact upon this human world.  I am impressed with their own accomplishments towards themselves as well as extended to others.   I cannot help but ponder at what age they will deepen their awareness of the spiritual implications surrounding their thoughts, actions, and kind words. 

Returning from Texas to Tennessee, I am blessed with a few more days of sharing.  There is time for Hannah the wonder golden girl and Trudy the Tuxedo cat.  I have been able to establish a new relationship with my daughter's new friend ... the dog whisperer!  He is a remarkable addition to her world and I remain grateful and thankful for who he is and who he will yet to be. 

Driving home, in spite of construction, I am eager to return to Russ and our home.  I am ready for the simple routine of writing, walking, and reading.  I am anxious to return to the support of my Soul Sisters and the infamous writers group, The Book Whores.  I miss my daughter already, but my mind is gently guided back to the higher spiritual ledge.

Articulating with the Soul

"Writing is a friend whose shoulder we can cry on.  Writing is a confidant who listens and lets us sort things out.  Writing is a comrade, marching with us through the steep days of sorrow and despair.  Writing is our weather and also how we change our weather.  Writing is our landscape and how we view the landscape that we have." 

Julia Cameron
THE RIGHT TO WRITE


Writing is creative and liberating.  It does not matter if we use a computer or a fancy journal.  The intent is to self-express and as the hand moves across the page or the fingers move on the computer keys, our ego is distracted while our emotional make up creates previously undisclosed wisdom upon the page. 

We can sketch or draw on our private spaces and grammar is never circled by a red inked pen.  There is no right or wrong as we have free license to do nothing but experiment and explore.  When all is said and done, the writing can be burned or kept on a shelf to be savored on another day. 

When I do not remain disciplined in my writing, I feel as though my insides get all jammed up.  It doesn't matter if I share my feelings with my friends or mentors or sisters of my heart, I am not complete until my words flow onto the page. 

Just as an athlete refers to the 'zone', I can refer to the flow.  As my hand glides across the page I unknowingly release attitudes and perceptions that are often a surprise to me.  There seems to be a cadence that comes, a rhythm or a flow, where things just stream upon the page and later I will wonder from where they have come.  The written words will resonate, and I know I have been in touch with my soul.  I have communicated with my higher self  for awareness, clarity and courage.  Indeed, Divine Spirit has been articulating with my soul.

Simply a Title in the File

"Each has his past shut in him

like the leaves of a book

known to him by his heart

and his friends can only read the title."

Virginia Wolf

The basic need for a human being is to be listened to and to be heard; and to be embraced and loved.  Each of us desires a sense of home, either a mental or physical place where we can be at rest from the challenges and stresses of our life.  We need a space where we can just 'be' without limitations or judgements.  We need room to breathe.

It is sometimes wise to hold our cards close to our chests, but to build trusted relationships we  need to run the risk of disclosure.  We can choose a therapist, minister, mentor, or a friend who has proven themselves to be trustworthy. 

It is a sad statistic that  documents many people disclose their worst fears or traumatic experiences to total strangers as they hope to never face them again.  This may offer  temporary relief, but it does not guarantee loving kindness as a response.  If the stranger is not compassionate, we run the risk of further rejection and shame.

I am blessed by healthy friendships with some being labeled Sisters of My Heart.  They have repeatedly provided me with a safe place to reflect who I am, who I have been, and who I hope to be.  They have frequently cheered me on, walked with me, and been prepared to carry me as needed.  It is not so much whether or not they understand or agree with me.  The salvation comes from the generous acceptance and unconditional love. 

Each of us are like a book and over the years, our pages get ripped, stained or torn.  Our life lessons tug at our binding and chapters are highlighted or underscored.  Some paragraphs may be blacked out or comments might be scribbled in the side margins.  It is up to each of us as the author of our tales to decide if we want to be an open book or simply a random title in the files.

Traveling with Soul

"We live in succession, in division, in parts, in particles.

Meantime within man is the soul of the whole;

the wise silence;

the universal beauty,

to which every part and particle is equally related:

The Eternal ONE.

Emerson

We cannot escape misfortune, but we can choose  to discern the lesson learned and  beauty never tarnished unless we are looking through faulty perceptions.  When we continuously embrace the positive in our daily lives, we can be more prepared to balance the negative. 

If we journey through life alone, we will still learn, but perhaps we would learn more deeply through exchanges with others along the way.  We see our selves reflected in another, and we need to see our selves as clearly as we can.

The best companion we can have is our soul.  Our soul will guide us, but we must embrace and nourish it through recognition, gratitude, and appreciation.  If we are not in touch with our spirit within, we are not yet ready to fully embrace and accept the world as one. 

If  we do not honor others, the disrespect will return upon the self.  If we honor others, but not our selves, the disrespect will erode our joy.  If we recognize our own soul and the souls of others, indeed our evolution to wholeness will increase. 

When we see Divine Spirit dwelling in the souls of others, we will not lift a hand except in kindness.  When we discover unique gifts and talents in others, we can easily support their endeavors as our personal uniqueness will not be threatened.  Together we can build a foundation, each person contributing and each person receiving.  The foundation will be so solid we will  all be supported in our union with the Divine.


Thoughts inspired by: 
THINGS I WANT MY DAUGHTERS TO KNOW by Alexandra Stoddard





Waiting to be Perceived

 

 

 

 

 

 

 "My religion consists of a humble admiration of the illimitable superior spirit

who reveals himself in the slightest details

we are able to perceive with our frail and feeble mind."

 

Albert Einstein

 

 

 

 

This morning I have been looking at everything in the yard, discerning Divine Spirit in each lovely creation in nature:  dancing butterflies, birds of all hues, deeply rooted old trees, blades of grass, flowers thriving, squirrels having anxiety attacks, bunnies nibbling, chipmunks dashing, and bees of course buzzing.

 

As my mind wanders, I recall a scene in a book I was reading last night entitled, THE WITCH DOCTOR'S WIFE by Tamar Myers.  The scene was a cave hidden behind a waterfall where a 7 foot man was hiding in the depth of Africa.  In the present moment, my focus fell upon the waterfall ... hearing the power and strength of the water itself;  seeing blue, white and silver flashes streaming through the water; feeling the mist soak upon my face; and tasting this pure water on my thirsting lips.   On my back I could feel the cold air coming from the cave, and the earth pulsing under my sit bone.  I could hear the sun beckoning me to dry myself on the ledge of the cave, but I remained in the glory of Divine Spirit surrounding me. 

 

Wherever we are in this moment, embrace the Divine Spirit waiting to be noticed in all things.  This Universal Love is present for all of us to experience with our 'frail and feeble mind.'  Even if we are in the midst of poverty or emotional upheaval what small spec is reflecting the light to encourage us and to connect with us.  No matter 'where' we are ... physically, emotionally, or spiritually ...  Divine Spirit is within and surrounding us, waiting to  be perceived.

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Flip the Switch!

 

 

 

 

"There is something in us

That has nothing to do with night and day,

Diamonds which come from no earthly mine.

 

Rumi

 

 

 

 

Whether it is through meditation or the practice of yoga, one can restore a gentleness leading to our original state of bliss.  Some find this place of quiet through contemplation or a walk in the woods.    There is an elder restrained to a wheel chair, but she smiles and says she is out in nature every day through the power of visualization.  She states she explores caves, ancient grounds, and old manuscripts upon will.  She floats on waves in the ocean and flies on the wings of great birds. "When we place our intention on where we want to be, our hearts and minds will surely follow," she encourages.

 

Bliss arrives in all shapes and sizes.  For some it may be classical music while for others it may be the smell of paint on an artist's brush.  It may be the velvet touch of a petal falling into a gardener's hand or the site of a bright star gently streaking across the deep black sky.

 

If we dare our hearts to be open, bliss will gently surround us with fragrances, beauty, melody, and the sense of being weightless.  It is not that we do not know how to do this; but rather,  we do not remember to turn off our mind. Flip the switch and return to bliss!

 

 

 

Holding the Answer

 

 

 

 

"My little mind is conflicted about what to do.

And even after I have decided in peace,

my little mind

now is confused about the outcome."

 

Hugh Prather

SPIRITUAL NOTES to MYSELF     

 

 

 

 

If there were one word to describe my childhood, it would be confused.  Nothing appeared to be consistent and what was my truth definitely was not in alignment with the family.  The family seemed to be able to display an image that did not resonate within in me.  Their were so many conflicting scenarios, I began to doubt my own truth.  I was to honor and obey my parents as they were representing God, so Sunday School proclaimed.  If this were true, how could I not accept their word over mine?  Thus, confused. 

 

A few weeks ago, I was grappling with a very important decision.  This decision would impact me greatly, so it had to be well thought out.  My decision once made, would not necessarily be understood by others and knowing I would be going against the status quo, I felt confused.  I felt those old feelings of second guessing my self, my inner wisdom being questioned, even though I knew it was what I wanted. 

 

Then I remembered my confusion had been caused when I was a child, incapable of discerning family dysfunctions.  I now had choice and could trust my choices.  Being open to other suggestions is beneficial, but in the end, I must choose.  I felt great relief upon making my decision.

 

Believing in my abilities, honoring my inner feelings, I announced my final answer to those directly involved.  I felt a personal freedom and an inner power of mastering my life.  This didn't last for long, as worry set in.  What if I was wrong?  I began to worry my new sense of power down to the nubbins.  Once again I found myself to be confused. 

 

My eyes scanned my bookshelves, searching for a book to escape into, to end this ever repeating pattern of childhood insecurity about truth.  Selecting a favorite old friend, I settled in to read.  Amazed, right before me was a story addressing how people  changed their lives simply by taking action.  Choices awaiting us might not be the best, but they are there waiting to pull us out of victim hood.  Making choice is the required action for change.  Ah, validation.

 

As the hours passed, my courage to support my decision returned.  I tried to be gentle accepting that once again I had looked outside of my lovely self rather than trusting my gut.  I was still seeking approval for what was best for me, when I knowingly held the answer in my heart. 

 

Seeking knowledge from others assists us in making our lives run smoothly.  Additional information assists us in deciphering our intentions. The entire time, however, there is a small voice patiently waiting for us to hear and to believe in our own truths. 

 

It takes hard work to excavate old structures, and one must remain constantly aware that we give up too easily. Deep inside under piles of fear and old debris, our authentic voice is waiting to be uncovered.  We have value no matter what the past holds, and we are worthy no matter what we have left undone.  We need to pick up our shovels and begin to dig discovering the inner beauty of our selves. The answers await in your heart.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 





 

 

Find A Path, Any Path

 

 

 

 

"People take different roads

seeking fulfillment and happiness.

Just because they're not on your road

doesn't mean they've gotten lost."

 

H. Jackson Brown, Jr. 

My friend Nancy, (yoga instructor extraordinaire), loaned me a book entitled, FLIPSIDE: A Tourists Guide on How to Navigate the Afterlife, by Richard Martini.  It is an interesting read and he references Michael Newton quite frequently.  Michael Newton is author of JOURNEY OF SOULS and DESTINY OF SOULS, both offering nourishing food for thought.

In addition to ancient and traditional religions, there are many holistic paths to choose from  offering everything from solitary life to international movements.  There are many resources to explore and it would be my hope that all peoples educate themselves and then choose the road they desire to travel.  Get on a path and follow it as a personal quest.  Discover the connectedness between our inner self and the Divine.  Become aware of the light shinning within enabling us to see our gifts and talents.  Understand that we personally impact whoever we come in contact with daily, monthly, or yearly.  Our energy field ripples out into our community whether we go outside or not.  Your actions and energy impact all living things .

The most important aspect is not agreeing, but respecting the beliefs of others.  God loves everything created so who are we to judge?  We have free will and we need to use it.  Divine is in each and every one of us and cheers us all forward.  Certainly the Great Divine Spirit sighs when we fail to reach our best potential, but immediately support offers new opportunities for us to begin again.

VIRGINIA'S VOICE is about Articulating Silence, Exploring Inner Landscapes and Deciphering Dreams with the desire to challenge and support any readers.  If the reader is not in agreement with me, that is good as it indicates the reader is thinking!  If the reader is in agreement with me, that is good that kindred spirits can connect. 

Those who believe differently are still traveling a spiritual path.  We are all headed to the same place, just traveling different routes.  Allow faith to come alive with adventure.  Find a path, any path, and explore. Get on the path to sacred and personal discovery!

Harmonious Efforts

"Father God creates, protects, teaches, and empowers us.  Mother God is the cosmic nurturer: she feeds us, cares for us, and holds us in her arms.  Let's not argue over petty issues.  God is both male and female, Father and Mother.  And so are we.  Beyond our gender, we are all just light. We are one with God, with each other and ourselves."  

Marianne Williamson

A WOMAN'S WORTH


Eastern culture teaches us we individually contain both masculine and feminine aspects.  The masculine is described as being aggressive, assertive, analytical, and reaching out.   The feminine is described as being creative, nurturing, insightful and welcoming.  Each of us hold these qualities and strive to keep them balanced.  Perhaps as a woman, we may be assertive at work, but more reserved in our personal relationships.  As a man, we may approach life analytically, but more creative in hobbies.  Some women are very masculine or extremely feminine while there are men who are very feminine or exceptionally masculine.  The mix is endless.

In early stages of my life, I had the tendency to be more masculine in my approach to life.  I felt the need to be protective, assertive, and reaching out or seeking.  Even though I have always been creative, my masculine traits outweighed my feminine.  In the last few stages of my life, my tendencies have reversed.  I have become introverted, reflective and welcoming to diversity.  I enjoy being more feminine than in the past through clothing or jewelry choices, using a more gentle understanding while being with others or more wildly creative in common day explorations.  I still maintain the ability to flip over to masculine discipline when required.

The key to living a balanced life is to be in touch with how we respond to a given situation.  If we know our honest feelings, we will know how we can best react.  We can switch back and forth between masculine and feminine presentation within years, months, days or minutes.  We are healthier if we can be flexible and not rigid in any one reaction, as life is nothing but change, repeatedly calling for varied responses.  We flow through life more easily when we remain conscious of our choices.

When we are game playing or parroting what we believe other people want to hear, we move further and further out of balance.  We create distance between our heart and mind; devalue our opinions; and weaken the connection with authenticity.  Inch by inch we give our personal power away. 

Life is a process causing us to face challenges regularly as it is the way of the human experience.  If we entertain the possibility that we are all one, we are all God's children, or we are all one light of the Divine, we can embrace personal growth, community development, and world peace in harmonious efforts. 

Deciding to Begin

 

 

"I laugh when I think of how many hours I have spent in my life weaving storylines that never came true until, like weeds, they covered my heart.  It is as if the light, in infinite patience, won't force itself into our hearts.  No, it seems to wait and wait for us to open, content to fill whatever small space we can clear in ourselves." 

Mark Nepo

THE BOOK OF AWAKENING




Everyone has their own reality, their own interpretation of truth.  When I view my life, my daily existence, and my immediate place in time, I like to remind my self that my view is my story.  Every one of us has our edited story or our personal view. 

If my life story is gnarled with unhappy experiences that have gone unresolved, than chances are very high that I hold the same perception of my current existence and even in my immediate exchanges.  If I had been treated unfairly, then I may perceive my world as being unfair as well as the actions of others.  Our behavioral patterns are deeply ingrained and play out repeatedly, enforcing the original thought pattern.

Therapy, counseling or mentoring can assist us in releasing or healing issues of our past.  The bottom line, however, is loving our beautiful self, and disowning all hurtful judgements of others.  We must believe in our own authentic gifts and talents;  recall our original state of love; and embrace from deep within all parts of our selves.

As we begin to unravel incidents from our past, as though we were weeding a garden, the positive aspects of our nature can stretch and bloom.  Our roots will be healthier as we nurture our self-appraisal with kind words and praise for jobs well done.  The sun can then begin to reach our hearts, warm our souls, and bring awareness of the beauty surrounding us.  It begins with our inner self , only if we are willing. We must decide to begin. 

 

Three Times

"If you truly want to be understood,

you need to say everything  three times,

in three different ways.

Once for each ear ...

and once for the heart.

Paula Underwood Spencer

 

When sharing wisdom or fleeting insight, my long time mentor tells me  "We have the right to speak our truth once.  Then let it go."  If the listener does not absorb what I have said, then it is not their truth or they are not open to the insight.  I have the right to speak my truth, to share what I know, but I honor my self be speaking only once.

It is quite another story, however, when I am speaking to myself.  Initially, I listen to how this information sounds to me.  Does it resonate, stir discomfort in my belly or have no significance whatsoever.  Then I will usually journal this morsel of information to expand upon it, to see how it fits with other ideas or beliefs.  Often times I will forget the snippet of insight, until I am harvesting my journals, reading it once again.  By this time, the third time, the wisdom is either locked in or disregarded.

Information may retain the exact same content and yet we may hear it in different ways at other times.  Much depends upon our frame of mind or our immediate environment.  It makes a difference if we are relaxed with our heart open or stressed already on overload.  So it is beneficial to take our time with information rather than dismissing immediately. 

A sister of my heart will frequently respond with, "I don't know.  I have to sit with this for awhile."  It reminds me of being a young parent of four with demands for immediate answers.  I framed my response to be:  "If you want an answer right this minute, it is no.  If you want to give me a little time to think about it, the answer still may be no, but it could be yes!" 

As I speak these words, I know many will say, "Time?  I don't have time!"  But in honesty, you do have the time, you just choose to not use it to benefit yourself in personal ways.  If a child becomes sick, he or she is whisked away to the doctor.  If mom is sick, she will carry on for days ignoring her health as she has other things to do.  If mom doesn't keep herself healthy, nurtured, and respected, everyone surrounding her will suffer in varying ways.  It is important to remember we are role modeling to others how to care for themselves.  It is false thinking to believe we need to be 'stoic'.

We have the right of choice.  We can choose to change our minds.  We can have a different response the second time we run information through our mind, and reach out by saying, "You no, I declined first time around, but I sure would like to help if it is still needed."  Of course, the opposite is equally true.  Even though we thoughtlessly committed, we can apologize and withdraw. 

Decisions are important, even small ones.  Spontaneity is one thing, but taking time to really touch the heart of the matter works wonders.  It strengthens our decision making, it preserves our integrity, and things just unfold a little  more smoothly. 

 

A Reflection of Integrity



"People don't always mean what they want you to think they mean," his grandfather told him.  "If you listen hard enough, your ears will begin to see things.  And one day you will be able to listen to someone and see their real meaning hidden underneath their words.  And sometimes you will even find those meanings sitting right on top of their words, as bold as ever, because a lot of people won't know that your ears can see the truth."

Sidney Poitier

MONATARO CAINE



It is with great pleasure to read THE MEASURE OF A MAN written by Sidney Poitier.  It is a reflection of his life and everything I had sensed about him seems to be playing out.  I respect him and admire him for his journey has been filled with struggles.  If we are a live, we face struggles, but it is in  how we choose to  handle them that becomes of interest to me.

As a young child, Mr. Poitier learned to read body language as many on the small island either spoke very little or  would not speak at all.  To navigate through his young years, he depended upon his own senses to understand the intentions of others.  He grew up with freedom to explore the sparsely populated island of poverty, and was deeply loved by his family.  Never seeing a mirror or even a store window, he had no idea of what he looked like, so he held a strong image of himself dependent upon his ability to handle life.  His very early years were filled with confidence, acceptance of self and others, and integrity.

I will not focus on the struggles of Mr. Poitier's life as he moved to larger islands and communities.   I will place great emphasis on his belief in himself and his determination to retain integrity.  His early years of development were saturated with a strong sense of self and honoring others.

As his life unfolds, he is offered parts to be played reflecting a lesser man.   As attractive as the offer may have been, Mr. Poitier chooses the roles he plays very carefully.  He will not play the role of someone to be presented as a lesser man.  He desires to project images that are positive and not scenes that were offensive to his character.  He wanted his characters to reflect a sense of morals. 

I find this most interesting, as I have always wondered about the suicides or over-doses of seemingly successful artists who play villains or undesirables.  I have read about actors living in the chosen role prior to rehearsals, and never breaking character in between filming, in the attempt to become most like the character being played.  So if we ingratiate these characteristics, over laying our own, dressing and embodying said personality, is one not in some sense really impacting their own persona?

Sidney Poitier is a human being so of course he has a negative side just like everyone else, but it seems that he has done well in embracing and balancing the good with the bad.  His conduct as a man with integrity has led him to a variety of adventures, nominations, awards and diplomatic representation. 

Simply put, I admire this man and always have.  Ever since high school, I have had the sense that at his core, he was a man of integrity.  He has not had an easy journey, but he has followed his instincts and maintained self-respect in spite of the world surrounding him.