Suspended and Surrounded

Those who are free of resentful thoughts

surely find peace.

Buddha

 

 

 

In preparation to be present in front of a visiting Tibetan Monk, I spent the morning being led through various spiritual exercises.  The energy in the room was building and layer by layer I was shedding the outside world.  When the Tibetan Monk arrived, he too led various spiritual exercises accompanied by chanting.  Layer by layer, I was shedding my inside world too. 

 

Forgetting place and time, I realized I was in a state of total bliss.  I was calm, peaceful, and worry free.  Thoughts had finally silenced and I was clearly rooted in peace.  I was unaware of my body and felt as though I was one many particles gently floating in the air.  I felt as though I was nothingness.

 

Eventually, I had to ground my self to shift back into reality.  This experience had been so profound, I never wanted to forget it.    I wrote about it, but words would never capture the total experience of mind, body, and spirit.  I have tried to duplicate the spiritual feelings numerous times, but I am successful only by a small percentage. 

 

I am grateful for the bits and pieces of this spiritual adventure remaining with me.  I carry them into creative visualization trying to reawaken my senses.  I am envious of the many Masters living  in a perfected state of bliss.  It seems incredible to me that there are those who live a prayerful existence every day of their lives.  It must take exceptional  discipline, focus, and the ability to constantly let go to establish such a blissful state for lengthy periods of time.

 

I can experience peaceful moments and extended time of calm, but to be mindful all day long (unless I was cloistered) seems so impossible for me.  With peace and calm, I will continue to contemplate in hopes of visiting this state once more.   Bliss ... being totally untethered from all of life ... feeling a peaceful calm ...  suspended  and surrounded by everlasting  love.

 

 

 

 

Silence Not Allowed

Trust that little voice in your head that says

'Wouldn't it be interesting if ... '

And then do it.

Duane Michals

This season seems to be playing havoc with my sinuses and allergies.  When I don't ward off the headache early on, it tends to slop over into a migraine.  Once the pain gets ahead of me, I can be down for hours.

Louise L. Hay states that headaches occur when "Invalidating the self.  Self-criticism. Fear."  She suggests we use an affirmation such as:  "I love and approve of myself.  I see myself and what I do with eyes of love.  I am safe."  Of migraine headaches she reports, "Dislike of being driven.  Resisting the flow of life.  Sexual fears."  The recommended affirmation: "I relax into the flow of life and let life provide all that I need easily and comfortably.  Life is for me."

Others report migraines stem from repressed anger.  This, of course, is a subject I know only to well.  As a child, I cringed at loud voices, arguments, fighting, and any display of anger.  I vowed to myself I would never be angry.  So as a re-frame, I would say my feelings were hurt rather than embracing the human emotion,  anger.  All I was doing was repressing all of my anger inside of me.  This does damage on several levels ... body, mind, and spirit. 

This last year I spent some time exploring my angry feelings.  I then gave my lovely self permission to use my voice in expressing my anger.  Wow, was I ever surprised.  Instead of experiencing repercussions I discovered a sense of freedom and closure.  The problem was brought out into the open, addressed, and resolved.  It was all a matter of using my voice in an appropriate manner and being willing to listen to the other side.  All those years of repressing my feelings out of fear did more harm than simply voicing my anger.

The voice is an incredible tool and it is amazing when a person is blessed with the gift of song. The voice, however,  needs to be used for expression whether in the written word or outloud.  We should not allow ourselves to be silenced.

In his book, THE BOOK OF AWAKENING, Mark Nepo reflects:  "For even if no one hears us, it is the act of speaking that frees us."  We can express our words through any of the arts (painting, writing, singing, lyrics to music or poems, dance, etc... )  The experience is liberating, so much more fun than suffering a pounding headache.

Deleted Files

The truth is a force of such magnitude that it demands to be known one way or another.

If buried, the truth will push its way to the surface.  Denial or suppression of the truth will manifest as ill health, dysfunctional relationships or financial problems.  The truth does not remain silenced or suppressed comfortably.  It may take a lifetime, but the truth will win out.

Deborah King

 TRUTH HEALS



Our minds are like master computers.  They record information regarding people, places, and things.  Our personal computer is our Secret Keeper recording and repressing.  We have special files we store information in, the inbox for current thoughts, and the delete button to get rid of what is no longer useful.  As in all computers, however, deleted files can be reclaimed if we know what we are doing or secure a person who knows how to guide us through the process.

We take our unpleasant experiences and store them in a file.  Each time we open the file, we can review and heal just a little bit more to the point of eventually eliminating the file all together.  It no longer serves any purpose and is just taking up valuable space. 

Repressing information is much different.  When we repress something, it means not looking at it, not coming to understand the relevance and not healing.  We do not comprehend the importance of this information and it impede our mental health. 

When we hide something from our present state of mind, it gets dumped into the physical body.  We will carry it in the form of a headache or stomachache, even to the point of a more serious physical illness.  We are so uncomfortable with the information it creates a "dis-ease".

Continued repression of issues we have not dealt with, impacts our mind, then our body, and then our spirit.  The flow of our natural spirit is impaired and we become depressed.  In this depression we may continue to remain in denial about whatever is buried deep within us.

Repressed memories will not surface until we are ready to deal with them.  Sometimes they float to the surface, but we may not be ready so once again we push them down, even unknowingly.  We may realize something is nagging at us but we can't quite put our finger on it.  There seems to be something just under the surface and we cannot identify it.

Repressed incidents can be released through a random fragrance, touch, physical location,  passing remark or a dream.  In fact, when something originally happens and we repress it, it may resurface in a dream.  If we ignore the dream, it may resurface again in a form of a nightmare.  If we continue to ignore these incidents, the ignored issue will be repressed from the mental into the physical.

So the button on the keyboard, "escape" is really too convenient for us to use.  We think by just clearing the document we will be fine and this is not true.  The longer our deleted information is repressed, and the virus is ignored, the damage grows greater. 

The broken spirit eventually wears out or we can say our computer crashes.  Reclaiming our lost or deleted document requires outside help ... a technician of sorts.  We can reach out to a trusted friend, minister, life coach or minister.  Admittedly, this can be a long process requiring patience, diligence, and forgiveness.   With the elimination of so many old files, one may want to downsize to an iPad or just an iPhone requiring future years of learning all of the new aps! In the end, however, we will feel liberated with the sense of advanced programing. 

Holding Stars



sacred vessels 

“it was when she dipped deep inside, and scooped out her very essence - and then stretched her arms outwards with her hands full of stars - it was when those stars passed thru her fingers and out to the world - it was then she understood she was a sacred vessel. that we are all sacred vessels - with the entire universe flowing thru us - and all we need to do is open and be.”

Bone Sigh Arts

Wouldn't it be wonderful to truly experience our  essence?  Can we possibly imagine holding stars in our hands  as they drip through our fingers out into the world?   Could we really rid our sacred selves of body shame and illusion of worthlessness?  How do we authentically open our selves enough to feel the universe surging through us?

If we are diligent in our personal growth, one day we will experience a full sense of who we are at the core.  We will feel a sense being whole even if we are imperfect and still missing pieces.  Recall what it was like to hold a lightening bug in our child like hands, and then feel how magical it would be to hold a star in our hands.  Although difficult to imagine, think of our selves as being so significant that we can drip importance into the world.

We are all sacred vessels holding Divine Spirit within us.  Once we tap into this Divine Sacredness, we ignite our hidden light and shine it brightly for others to see.  As a sacred vessel, our dreams, intentions, and life purpose flow through us as opportunities to extend loving kindness into a peaceful world.

I  am still  entranced by the imagery of holding stars in my hand.

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.

Worry, Fear, and Dream

Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow,

it empties today of its strength.

Corrie ten Boom

Clippings from My Notebook

Several years ago, I was the Executive Director and Founder of a private counseling agency, OPEN DOORS.  The staff addressed a variety of issues with children and their family, and individual counseling as well. 

 

During this time, my primary focus was on enhancing the strengths of women.  I offered numerous presentations, small groups, and circles of women.  We discussed spiritual books, dreams, personal challenges, and ways to strengthen our spirit in order to better direct our lives.

 

While offering resources to women, I began to realize that worry and fear were predominant distractions from living a happier and fuller life.  Fear and worry used up too much of their energy, with very little remaining to make healthy choices or to self-nurture. 

 

Some where along the way, I came across the idea of placing fear and worry outside of the self.  Discussing this idea with other women, we decided to use a jar with slips of paper to record our worry or fear.  We would place the paper into the jar and leave it there for a weak.  You could have several jars or boxes, but one would do.

 

All week, whenever a person caught themselves worrying about something, they would immediately write it down and place it in the jar.  If fear was creeping in, the same procedure was followed.  By placing these illusions outside of our selves, we had more energy to deal with the day and build our strength.

 

At the end of the week, we would empty the jar, and take a few minutes to read each slip of paper.  The amazing realization was worries eventually worked themselves out and fears rarely came to pass.  It was obvious then how much time we allow worry and fear to rob us of our time and energy.    Women continued to use their jar until placing worry and fear outside of themselves developed into a healthy habit.

 

Some of the women decorated their jars or boxes and kept them in sacred places.  Others just kept an old Mason jar in their kitchen where it remained mindful.  This process of minimizing unnecessary emotions or thoughts gave us an awareness of how we all have choice.  Without worry or fear, we have better vision of how to make healthy decisions.  We had more energy to follow through and adequate time for self-nurturing.

 

This is a simple gesture appropriate for any age or gender.  It requires little effort, minimal tools, and amazing results.  This is a great idea to pass on to others as well.  Gift a jar to a worry-wort friend or a fearful child.  We can decorate it our selves or bring supplies for them to personalize it.  The best part is the end result, realizing what we worry or fear the most, generally doesn't come true at all.

 

 

Better Than Any Story Told

Allow children to be happy in their own way,

for what better way will they find?

Samuel Johnson

Vetah is as precious as they get.  She is three years old, has large blue eyes accompanied by long thick lashes, and long extremely curly dark hair.  Everything about her is feminine.  She is very girly not only in her conversations, but in her dress and body language.  She has a very strong sense of self,  is highly animated, and sweet as she can be.  She is my youngest grandchild.

Vetah goes to play school two days a week, and never misses Sunday School.  She adores her five year old brother, Ezekiel, has an exceptional relationship with both her mom and dad and loves animals.  She is a very interesting little girl and expresses her self very well and constantly.

My son and his family were here on Easter Sunday as was my daughter from Nashville.  Ezekiel and Vetah do not get to see my daughter very often so they enjoyed the time spent playing with her as well as her Golden Retriever, Hannah, who happens to be a Wonder Dog!

The hours flew by and too soon it was time for my son and his family to leave.  After hugs and kisses Ezekiel and his little sister quickly exited out the front door.  The rest of us stood by the front door lingering over our good-byes. 

I could see Ezekiel bouncing around inside of their car in the drive way, but where was Vetah?  I asked everyone, "Where is Vetah?"  My son quickly opened the front door as we lined up behind him to run out and find her.  But we all came to a dead stop when we saw her standing on the front porch.  She looked at us and said, "Shush!"  We all stopped immediately in our tracks.

On my front porch, I have a stone statue of a little girl with wings praying.  And there was Vetah, standing right next to her with hands folded in prayer.  She was cuddled up close to the angel as she was saying a prayer with her own words into the angels ear.  We all stood in reverence inside the door until the child finished her rather lengthy prayer on the porch.

Suddenly her prayer was complete and she turned back into a bundle of energy.  She looked at us with all of her spunk and said, "Okay, we can go!"  Then she dashed off to the car waving good-bye.  We all stood looking at each other. 

Children are absolutely amazing.  Their vivid imaginations can be better than any story told.  They see things adults don't take the time to see and  they hear things we choose to ignore.  Too easily adults dismiss the magic children can bring.  We tell these unbiased perceptive minds they are silly or are making things up.  We instruct them to deny what they clearly experience as truth and reality.

The vision of Vetah bent over praying closely with the stone angel, her little chubby hands politely folded, and her voice church appropriate will linger in my memory forever.  No one could actually hear what she was saying, but from her furrowed brow, we all knew it was sincerely from her huge heart. 

****The name Vetah is a Slavic derivative of the name Elisabeth.  My son chose this name for his daughter as it means to be calm and stable through personal introspection; to use self-discipline to regulate a strong sense of personal power; and highly motivated to fight for a cause. 

Step-By-Step



Walking away from lifetimes of falsely constructed, deeply wounded, and victimized ego identification and fully embodying the expansive expression of your authentic, unlimited, multidimensional Holy Self is a courageous, step-by-step process.

Sonia Choquette

The Power of Your Spirit

Courage is necessary in many of our daily actions.  It takes courage to drive for the first time or take a city bus for the first time or be a mother for the first time or be alone for the first time.  For some, it takes courage to get up in the morning while for others it is needed to finally return home.  Courage is needed for little things as well as big things.

The little things are sometimes easier to pass over than the well planned long term goal.  Opportunities come to us in all sizes, and they are all experiential.  We do not always notice how a string of small opportunities can direct our life more easily than waiting for our one big break.

As we develop courage when facing the small things, we also learn to be calm and connected.  Step-by-step, we acquire necessary components that will be most helpful when trying to attain a larger opportunity.  We will have layers of experience, grounding us in our confidence and courage.

When we take notice of small opportunities to be kind or gentle, we can be strengthening the connection between our selves and Spirit.  We are more apt to recognize our 'gut' instincts of whether or not to follow an opportunity.  There are multiple choices, and maybe not good ones, but choices nevertheless.  We have free will and with courage we can decide with Spirit as our guide.

 

Imperfect Perfection

To love another human in all of her

splendor and imperfect perfection,

it is a magnificent task ...

tremendous and foolish and human.

Louise Erdrich

The Last Report On The Miracles At Little No Horse

In Alan Cohen's wonderful book, A DEEP BREATH OF LIFE, Daily Inspiration for Heart-Centered Living, I came upon a discussion of perfection versus imperfection, and it brought a new perspective to me.  Alan Cohen described a man finding fault with everyone and everything, always pointing out what was needed to be improved.  This man claimed to be a perfectionist.  Then a woman was described as being in massive traffic congestion.   She was praising fellow drivers for cooperating and working together when there was a challenge.  The contrast between this man and woman illustrates the difference between a man passing himself off as a perfectionist and a woman who simply looked for good in every situation. 

As we are all imperfect, how much better it would be for everyone if we just accepted imperfection and automatically looked for the good.  When we acknowledge the good in some one, it strengthens confidence and increases the desire to do even better. 

We are all children of Divine Spirit, so we each hold within an authentic 'self' bringing a particular gift or talent into Divine Spirit's world.  How much more fun life would be if we were curious of people we meet instead of judgmental.  We could create a party atmosphere asking each other, "What did you get?"  Instead of criticizing we could be discovering the talent or gift of the other person.

Divine Spirit, Universe, or God is within all of us.  Life can be so much more fulfilling if we anticipated the goodness to be discovered in each other.  We would treat each other more kindly and join efforts in creating a peaceful community for work or play.  Rather than being competitive with each other, we could admire the strengths of those we meet.

Rigorous State

I'm such a girl for the living room.  I really like to stay in my nest and not move.  I travel in my mind, and that that's a rigorous state of journeying for me.  My body isn't that interested in moving from place to place.

Bell Hooks




Maintaining a positive outlook and creating a clear visual of our desires is vital in seeing our dreams come true.    With energy to better our life, and to master challenges we move through life with a healthy balance.  Life will not pass us by if we are awake, alert, and flexible to change.

Timing is never our own, so we must be open to the flow of life and trust in the higher powers.

We will avoid drama by not resisting change.  Change is not necessarily comfortable, but this does not make it bad or wrong.  We cannot achieve our dreams by standing still avoiding opportunities or small steps that will lead us closer to our desires.

If we create a vision or picture of how we will look, feel, and act when we bring happiness into our lives, it will be of great support throughout our day.  When we keep this image of our self close by, rather than thinking negative thoughts, we can flash our picture in our mind.  Picturing every detail helps the mind to re-frame non-stop  self-criticism.  We begin to automatically focus on a positive images minimizing self-sabotage.

After awhile, our vision of happiness becomes part of our day.  Our outlook is brighter, we walk with a bounce in our step, and we find ourselves anticipating good to happen rather than defeat.  We begin to feel better about ourselves, family, friends, and the future.

We begin living our dream in an emotional state, attracting parts of our dream from the physical.  We notice opportunities, create unexpected openings, and move forward towards our goals. There will be times of sadness or pain, but simply put, that is part of life and there is no avoiding it all together. 

Our attitude and determination will carry us through difficult times.  It is in these difficult times we are shaped and formed into better human beings.  We gather compassion and empathy for our selves and for others.  Carrying our vision with us all of the time, we will not be easily deterred.  As we stay engaged with our surroundings, we feel a part of and not separate from others. 

The next time we find our self settling into our nest, get creative and begin to visualize. Imagine 
how we will look wearing confidence, laughter, and a happy-go-lucky smile! Freeze frame that shot and review it throughout the day.



Listening In Our World

"Each point in the journey is an end to itself.

One is not better than the other.

Only your heart knows what to follow

and where to stop."

Mark Nepo 

SEVEN THOUSAND WAYS TO LISTEN

Mark Nepo is one of my most favorite authors.  In his newest book, SEVEN THOUSAND WAYS TO LISTEN, Mark Nepo is merging the word  listening with the already present word, (if not over used word), awakening.  He appraises listening as being imperative to the awakening process.  If we listen to what surrounds us or whispers within us, we can experience a deeper journey.

We may yawn and think we know all about listening, but do we really?  The art of listening is based on being totally present in stillness with our selves or others.  Too often, we hear the beginning of a conversation, and once we get the drift, our mind turns to other things.  We have used our inner judgment to turn off prematurely, missing an opportunity for newer or deeper understanding.  When we think of our family, friends, and professionals, only a few stand out as really exceptional listeners. 

Mr. Nepo discusses three friendships:  "the work of being, the work of being human, and the work of love."  These three friendships are the foundation for awakening.  To be aligned with our experience of self we must listen.  To resonate with each other, we must listen.  To establish a peaceful community, we must listen.  When we maintain these three friendships, we are more apt to awaken more deeply.  Listening enhances our connection with Divine Spirit.

This author goes on to say we wander off center either withdrawing too much or extending too far.  If we remain flexible, we can adjust our selves in whichever direction is needed, but if we are unaware, we can become withdrawn to fault or overwhelmed by distractions.  When our "balance point" has shifted one way or the other our 'habits must catch up' so we can continue to "assess and reassess". 

Messages come to us when we are still or through others or with life experiences.  If we develop listening skills, we will not only hear these messages more clearly, but we are more apt to relate these messages with others and impact our community as well.  A message is about receiving information and giving it back out into the world. 

We are all personal messengers, giving and receiving hopefully with others, and contributing in a positive way to our community.  When we care enough to listen, we can create more loving relationships in our world.



Never Feel Slight

 As Sri Nisargadatta writes, "As long as you imagine yourself to be something tangible and solid, a thing among things, you seem short-lived and vulnerable, and of course you will feel anxious to survive. But when you know yourself to be beyond space and time, you will be afraid no longer."

Tara Brach
Clinical Psychologist, Author, Teacher of Buddhist Mindfulness

 

Our physical bodies limit us, but our sacred awareness is limitless.  It is through prayer, meditation, contemplation and spiritual exercise we come to know ourselves beyond space and time.  Through guided imagery or dreams we perceive wisdom impossible to explain.  Even the written word some times takes upon deeper meaning than what is presented upon the page. 

We are aware of the cycles of life and the rotation of seasons.  When we watch nature closely enough we begin to acknowledge the concept of death and rebirth.  We can become "Born Again" within our physical life, but can there be life after life?  To this I readily agree.

What awaits us beyond this life is truly a mystery to me, but I do believe there is an existence.  It doesn't concern me if I will be floating around in angel garb or if I will be a cloud in the sky.  I do believe this energy I hold today in the physical will be alive forever in a spiritual realm.  My fear has been replaced by trust and faith.

It is my belief that when we leave this place in time, our energy returns to the Sacred Source.  I do believe that all creatures great and small will be welcomed in this reunion, just as all peoples will be.  My God is a loving God not tolerating discrimination of gender, race or creed.  All things created and all energy forms will never feel slight.  

Sacred Mystery

A friend who is a Unitarian minister told me about an interfaith gathering that she attended. It opened with an inquiry: What is our agreed-upon language for referring to the divine? Shall we call it God? "No way" responded a feminist Wiccan. "What about Goddess?" A Baptist minister laughed and said, "Spirit?" Upon which an atheist replied, "Nope." Discussion went on for a while. Finally, a Native American suggested "the great mystery" and they all agreed. Each knew that whatever his or her personal understanding, the sacred was in essence a mystery.

Tara Brach
Clinical Psychologist, Author, Teacher of Buddhist Mindfulness



Once someone asked me if I were a Christian.  My response was, "What is your definition of the word Christian?"  I find the same to be true today when asked about my spiritual belief system.  The word "God" conjures up so many stereotypical images, I hesitate to limit myself with this one word.   What really is the sacred source ... God, Goddess, Divine Spirit, Universe,  Oneness, Nothingness, Supreme Love etc ... 

All words meaning one thing to one and something entirely different to another.  And words do not seem to capture the limitless sacred force which I hold in reverence.  I do not believe that "God" is a he or she, tree or rock.  I believe that "God" is in all things created.

I remember being told as a child that Native Americans did not believe in one God, but worshipped many Gods which of course was a 'bad' thing.  There was only one God in my child's mind.  It would be years before I discovered that Native Americans saw God in all things and therefore revered all things.  My child's mind has expanded with the years and now joyfully embraces the concept of God being in all things and that all things can be revered.

It does not matter to me what a person labels the Source of all things, but it does matter to me whether or not a person finds this same sacredness within his or her human being.  This sacred space might be called heart or soul or energy vortex ... again, nothing but words.  The discovery of the sacred within all of us connects us with the mystery of life. 

A Vision Quest or Spiritual Path or Journey ... whatever label we choose, again is not important.  What is important is that we begin to travel closer to the Sacred Source.  We become aware of the purpose of our lives, to live reflecting the light of Divine Spirit and to use the gifts and talents we uniquely contain.  It is imperative for each of us to discover the sacred ... in essence a mystery.

Touching Each Other

Let us remember that our lives

set an example for others.

No one can say his life doesn't matter,

her words don't matter.

 Eknath Easwaran

Thoughts for the Day

Words to Live By

We all have experienced an exchange with someone who claims, "I will never forget what you said to me," or "I will never forget what you did that one time!"  We frantically search for the time being referenced and nothing comes up.  We smile our humble smile, perhaps nod our head, but for the life of us, we cannot even begin to imagine what this person is talking about. 

It doesn't matter when we extend:

There are times when Divine Spirit speaks through us without our awareness.  A person may desperately need encouragement or validation and even though we personally are not tuned into this particular need, we are vessels of good will.  We may extend a small gesture to someone and never remember it, but to that person it may be life changing.  I we are listening, we will be prompted by Divine Spirit, nudged in a random direction for a reason we may never know.

It matters when we receive:

There are times when we may feel overwhelmed or isolated and miraculously we have an exchange with a total stranger that brings us back to balance.  Once I attended a gathering when I was not in a very good emotional place.  I entered the room and faced complete strangers who all seemed to know each other.  I felt great anxiety with the impulsive idea of making a quick exit when someone said to me, "Come.  Sit here by me.  There is an extra seat."  I was so thankful and yet this person did not seem to have any awareness of how this kindness enabled me to find comfort then and the courage to return again, and again.  In the following months, I saw this person numerous times, and even though we never connected again, I will always remember the kind gesture.  The extended gesture helped me not only in the moment, but in future awkward moments as well.  It has also helped me to be mindful towards others, passing the gesture on.

If we are our very best even when we think we are invisible to others, Divine Spirit may be using us to reflect something to another.  Just our present energy, if powerfully bright and joyful, can allow someone else to tap in and feel recharged.   Visualize that toddler in the grocery store who brightens up our day with a toothless grin.  He or she may never remember us, but we might carry their image within us, brightening our perspective all day long.  We never really know when we are touching each other inside of the invisible grid of life binding us together.

Not At The Top

"Good art is a form of prayer. 

It's a way to say what is not sayable."

Frederich Busch

                                                                 

To sit at my desk without any inkling of what I want to say is frustrating.  Zillions of ideas dance through my consciousness, but I cannot seem to limit my ideas to one stream of thought.  I have pulled several books from the book shelves and nothing is grasping my attention.  There is one prevalent thought, however, which is I wonder what the reader really would like to know.  How can I decide which direction to go ... dreams, self-esteem, cultivating an art, creating sacred space ...

We are all unique human beings carrying our individual gifts and talents.  Our life experiences create our personal history which will flavor our actions and words.  So perhaps we must discern what it is we want to say and how we want to say it.  Do we want to express ourselves through speaking, writing, painting, singing, dancing, gardening, cooking, etc ...  Whatever we decide to use as a means of expression will define in our own unique way what we find difficult to say.

Judith Jamison shares, "Learn the craft of knowing how to open your heart and to turn on your creativity.  There's a light inside of you."  There is a small whisper of Spirit within each of us yearning to be expressed in whatever way is possible.  We may have to make several attempts of learning how to be creative, but the point is to take action and to try.  Keep in mind the importance is our original imprint and not a goal of life time achiever.  We may never master a particular skill to disclose what we hold within, but that is fine.  The importance is creative expression on any level in any form.

The other day I was longing to water color.  I am not very good, but I love the forgiveness of painting with water colors.  They blend together and the experience is so freeing for me.  Did I do it?  No.  My ego or some old critic inside my head was telling me it was a waste of time and that it was stupid for me even to try.  I was so disappointed.

This is probably true for most of us.  We self-talk our creative urges back into oblivion.  The worst is if we never try.  We must have reasonable expectations as anything we attempt we will be apprentices and not masters.  Our expectations are centered upon releasing our creative feelings, not upon the unlikely outcome of going from 'rookie' to star. 

We must not compare ourselves to anyone, as no one is like us.  We must honor individuality and develop an appreciation for whatever attempts we make.  We can keep our accomplishments to our selves, as sharing sometimes depletes our inspirations.  Whatever we can do right now is good enough.  We must begin somewhere and we won't be beginning as an accomplished musician, dancer, or painter.  Any accomplished person began somewhere and it wasn't at the top.

The Chicken or The Egg

The present was an egg

laid by the past

that had the future

inside its shell.

Zora Neale Hurston

Folklorist

1903 ~ 1960

Many references are made to the caterpillar's transition into a butterfly.  But what of the chicken fighting to crack the egg?  In THE BOOK OF AWAKENING, Mark Nepo says "Every crack is also an opening." Imagine being encased watching the space grow smaller and smaller.  The chicken cracks the shell by its own growth believing the world as it knows it is coming to an end.  All is falling away as the chick wiggles through the cracks.  The chicken does not die.  It begins a new life in a new world. 

In life, we cast off masks, break out of self-imposed shells, and struggle to regain safe footing.  Transitions are never easy, but new beginnings make the process worthwhile.  While growing up, we gather experiences and learn lessons.  There comes a time to let incidents of the past go, while maintaining the wisdom of the lesson.  In the present, we prepare for what will best suit us in the future.  Life may require sacrifice and loss, as we acquire strength and endurance. 

There was a time I used to feel that the future never really arrives, but with passing years, I find myself actually living in this so called future.  And if I do not relinquish enough of my past nor apply the wisdom learned in my present, I run the risk of creating cracks in this so called future.

Mark Nepo reflects that a crack is an opportunity for new life.  I wonder then, if when I get too many cracks in this so called future,  when I think I am suffocating and dying, will I simply squeeze through the cracks leaving the world as I know it, but actually fall into yet another new world?

I truly do not expect answers or explanations to my questions.  After all, they still seem to be working on what came first, the chicken or the egg!

ABOUT TO SNAP!

Everything is changing.

People are taking their comedians seriously

and the politicians as a joke.

Will Rogers

Although I have varied interests, politics is not one of them.  I am a registered voter and remain conscientious about the privilege.  I confess to being opinionated about several things, but most generally I keep a low profile.

During dinner preparation the news was on and the reporting was going in one ear and out the other.  The topic was same sex marriage.  I am quite familiar with this topic and I have very clear vision of how I regard this issue.   But wait ... what did the educated politician just say?

"The purpose of marriage is for procreation so no one over the age of 55 needs to be married."

So the insinuation would be same sex partners if over the age of 55 don't need to be married as they would be too old to procreate?  This offensive and embarrassing statement was followed by various photographs and statistics of same sex partners adopting and providing safe and nurturing homes.   So would the intention be that no one over 55 should be married based on the assumption they cannot procreate?

This is an opinion I have not heard before and I hope I will never hear it again.  We are all entitled to our own views, but perhaps some more than others need to be kept private.  I have found this comment to be totally inappropriate and appalling for all peoples of all races, religions, genders and ages.  Really, I am about to SNAP!

Creating a Mantra

Come into my heart, O Lord.

I love you and I need you.

Harry Dudley Clarke

(1888 to 1957)

Gospel Hymn

We all have a song in our heart whether we sing it or not.  Sometimes the melody quietly plays in the background or the lyrics escape through our lips.  At times we surprise ourselves by singing while alone on a walk or driving in the car.  There are always a particular string of words, however, which offer praise, beckon a presence, or calm anxiety. 

Mantras can be found in meditations, yoga practices, prayers, lyrics, or straight from the heart.  When we repeat a mantra, it may seem mechanical and ineffective, but the more we use it the stronger it becomes.  In fact, in many instances, a personal mantra can feel like a direct connection with our higher self, the Universe, Divine Spirit or deeper consciousness.  If we feel afraid, self-conscious, depressed or threatened, using a mantra is like speed dialing to whomever we revere.  We can feel an immediate connection.

We all need to choose a mantra for our selves as the effects of using a mantra can be very powerful, .  Whether it is an affirmation, prayer, or Sanskrit phrase, choose something that is short and easy to remember.  Select something with personal meaning, a group of words resonating within you.  Then develop the habit of using the mantra throughout the day ... randomly or deliberately.

To thine own self be true.

Om, Shanti, Shanti, Om

Give me the courage.

Come into my heart.

My spirit is calm and patient.

Angels be near me.

I love my self and I am safe.

Help me to step through this illusion of fear.

Open my heart oh God.

I am lovable and powerful.

My body is cleansed, healed and strong.

Help me find the way.

I am filled with thanks and gratitude.

Speak to me Great Spirit.

Joy flows through me.

I lovingly release all that does not serve me.

Thank you for letting me be me.

Let me be of service today.

Here I am.

With a little exploration, we will come across a phrase suiting our needs perfectly.  Simply pay attention, be on the look out, and it will appear.  Use the mantra at least three times a day.  The more deliberately we use our mantras, the stronger our connection grows.

Closure Precedes Spring

“Life moves on and so should we”

---Spencer Johnson

WHO MOVED MY CHEESE

I chose a book from my shelf to share some time with my favorite author.  When I opened the book, an envelope fell out.  I recognized it immediately from years ago.  While attending a spring ritual for a group of women, we all wrote down 'seeds' we wanted to plant in spring, hoping to see them blossom in the summer and reap rewards in the fall.  We took the small slips of paper with our intentions written down and safely sealed them in envelopes.  Our outcomes would be shared during the forthcoming winter ritual.  Apparently, we never remained focused nor experienced closure.

Gently I opened the yellowed envelope, wondering what 'seeds' I would find.  The slips of paper were still folded and dropped into my lap.  One by one I read them all.  With pleasure, I made a small pile of 'seeds' I definitely had sowed and harvested much to my pleasure.  There was one strip of paper that didn't resonate with me at all.  I could not imagine what my abbreviated words were supposed to mean.  The last piece of paper I lingered over the longest.  It was an intention I definitely did not complete, even though I know I remember working very hard at it.  It was personal in nature and held great meaning for me at that time, but now  a few years had passed and I realized it was not realistic for me at all.

The successful goals were completed as they had something specifically to do with me.  They were successful due to my creative drive and spirit.  The goal left incomplete even though effort was made, was dependent upon another person's actions.  Clearly, we are more successful when we are focused on changing our selves and not dependent upon changing another.

I then realized all of my excitement about spring coming had over shadowed closure needed for those made last spring.  We must finish before we renew.  We must let go before we begin.  We must let die so we can be reborn.  We must clean up the left over clutter before it becomes a weight in our unconscious minds.

I sat in my chair being very mindful of what  'seeds' I needed to remove from my garden.  I needed to not only weed out the weeds, but to remove aspirations that would never grow.  Sad as that seems, we must face that some things just aren't meant to be.  We must place our love and energy into what we know we can grow.  Closure  precedes spring.

Gardening the Soul

"Expect to have hope rekindled.

Expect your prayers to be answered in wondrous ways.

The dry seasons in life do not last.

The spring rains will come again."

-- Sarah Ban Breathnach

 

Spring is the season of renewal.  The clocks 'spring' forward granting us less darkness and more light in our days.  Spending more time in 'light' offers us the opportunity for new vision, a new perception, and new method of growing.  The minds of human beings are as fertile as the rich earth waiting for new sprouts.  It is a time to visualize what we would like to grow in our lives with our tender loving care.

The spring season is like a healing process.  We need to clear away old debris, allowing the sun to warm our soul, bringing back to life our passion and desires.  Once our focus is defined,  we protect these new seeds from inclimate weather and adventurous animals.  We must tend to our soul, supplying wisdom and courage for sufficient growth.  We must loosely till our ideas enabling sprouts to easily shoot up through the earth, reaching for the sun.  We must be brave as new stems will have to face the wind, the rain, and the storms.  If we remain faithful to our healing process, buds begin to appear.  These newly formed buds are tender and precious.  They must be given time to gently unfold in their own time.  These buds must not be prematurely exposed as self-doubt and criticism can chew their heart away.

The gardener of the soul must be patient and diligent.  A true caretaker of what is present and what is yet to come, he or she must be closely connected to the entire process, knowing exactly how and when to commune.  Through close observation, the gardener responds when there is too little rain or too much sun.  He or she realizes each seed has a unique growing period and in order to survive, attention is given to the natural flow of the entire process.

Spring rain cleanses during this early season, washing off the old and preparing for the new.  The extended hours of light allow work to be done on observations, charting, and care for the goal.  When darkness falls upon the garden, it is time for the gardener to self-nurture and restore. 

The gardener faces each morning without the sense of toil.  He or she simply anticipates the joy of tending to the soul.  With every given day, the gardener beckons spring to gently unfold.

The Need To Be Outside

She turned to the sunlight
    And shook her yellow head,
And whispered to her neighbor:
    "Winter is dead.”

---A.A. Milne

When We Were Very Young

 

The coffee was in the final stages of brewing while I stood by my kitchen window surveying the damages made by the twelve inches of snow last week.  My eyes fell upon a rabbit, the first I had seen this spring.  Rabbits are a symbol for fertility and new life.  I was aware of the squirrel not far off and wondered when the hare would notice it approaching.  When the rabbit froze in position, I knew the squirrel was being observed.  Swishing its long tail, the squirrel boldly came closer and closer.  Without an instant of notice, the rabbit darted off making quick and rapid turns, clearly leaving the squirrel behind. 

According to ANIMALS SPEAK by author Ted Andrews, we learn from the rabbit the ability to take advantage of opportunities that may only present themselves for brief moments.  We must be able to recognize movements within our lives and be fast in  our reaction.  Squirrels are representative of busy activity and preparedness while displaying balance between work and play.    Squirrels pose the question of being too active or not active enough or just erratic, running around accomplishing nothing. 

Dissatisfied with my search, I poured my first cup of java  and returned to the window.  The honeysuckle bush had been filled with buds prior to last week's snow.  I had been concerned the wet snow was too heavy on the branches, but it seemed fine now.  I was happy to see a robin in the bush and I listened for a song.  Robins symbolize the spread of new growth or the initiation of creativity.

I continued to wait by the window in hopes of spotting a male cardinal to make my morning backyard survey complete.  The cardinal symbolizes renewed vitality through recognizing self-importance.  I needed to see this dash of red to add color to my life, and to remind me all that I do has importance. 

The cardinal was a 'no show', so I contented my self with the reminder that winter had officially passed, and signs of spring would soon be everywhere.  I threw on my coat and walking shoes, deciding to extend my search for spring through-out the neighborhood.  April had finally arrived and I had the need to be outside.