Deciphering Dreams

 

 

 

 



Virginia Carlson created Deciphering Dreams to empower others to align their dream world with every day experiences. Dreams are a form of language that is not only unique to each of us, but also intimate. We all have choice in declining or accepting information in our dreams and determining how to utilize this information. The pathways into a deeper understanding of the self opens when the dreamer brings awareness to the dream scape where hidden desires unfold. Dream interpretation helps all of us to comprehend the message waiting to be revealed in vivid dreams from childhood, recurring dreams, and nightmares. By exploring dream time symbols, we not only discover our personal issues, but thoughts from the Universal Collective as well.

Virginia Carlson has been aware of the messages in dreams since childhood. As a mother of four, combined with her education in Psychology and Sociology she has a solid foundation for understanding creativity of the mind. As a professional in-home counselor for individuals, families, and young children, she has been provided with a broad spectrum of hands on experience. Her passion for helping others coupled with her unique approach, have attracted the enthusiasm and support of local and distant communities. She is a Master level energy worker, prolific writer, and seasoned presenter.

Deciphering Dreams with Virginia Carlson explores day dreams; waking dreams; recurring dreams; prophetic dreams; past life recollections; universal symbols; and dreams appearing to be positively silly and preposterous. She uses her intuition as well as established public research to assist in understanding the entire spectrum of dreams. By using dream time language, desires or repressions come to the surface. Dream interpretation is about the dreamer, based on the dreamer’s own experiences, and uniquely linking the dreamer’s body, mind and spirit.

Unraveling a dream with Virginia Carlson is a fun and exciting experience. A simple technique to unlock the dreams of the dreamer is shared with each participant through the interpretation process.

To schedule an appointment or for further information, please email contact information: decipheringdreams@yahoo.com Additional work by Virginia Carlson may be viewed at virginiasvoice.blogspot.com.

Get Back Up!

 

 

 

 

"If you have made mistakes ...

there is always another chance for you ...

You may have a fresh start at any moment you choose,

for this thing we call 'failure' is not the falling down,

but the staying down."

 

Mary Pickford  (1893-1979)

American Actress

 

 

In my early thirties, I became aware that I was using the words, mistake and failure, interchangeably.   Every mishap whether professional or personal reinforced a concept of failure on my part.  As usual, I was being way too critical of my self.  I soon began to re-frame my thoughts using mistake as a definition rather than failure.  I began to feel lighter and not as oppressed.

 

If a person is living on this glorious earth, he or she is experiencing challenges as they are the catalysts for growth.  We all stumble and quite often fall.  Even when we fall, however, we have the option to get back up.  We are not forced to stay down unless we believe this to be true.

 

There is an endless list of presidents, scientists, doctors, authors, and artists who tried again and again even when experiencing this thing called failure.  They didn't give up, they kept on leaning in until the creative forces linked efforts into success.

 

So it is not how many times we stumble or fall, it is about surging forward.  We all know that doing the same thing over and over expecting a different output is insanity, but each time we trip we can tweak our work or actions to make a positive difference.  

 

Or maybe our mistakes really lead us into other areas where we can excel.  We may be attempting to achieve something that is not our heart's desire.  Maybe our passion can be best served in an entirely different arena so Spirit is nudging us in different directions.

 

We can treat our selves more kindly just as we would a small toddler learning to walk for the very first time.  They tottle and fall, tottle and fall, and what do we do?  We encourage them to get up and try again.  They do, and they eventually run!

 

 

Keeping It Simple



"Life is not complex.

We are complex.

Life is simple,

and the simple thing is the right thing."

Oscar Wilde (1854-1900)

Irish Writer

 

 

 

Simple things can turn into long drawn out entanglements, by our own design.  We can continue to extrapolate situations caught up in attachments and false desires.  There is nothing wrong with abundance as long as we keep it simple.

 

When we tend to be financially strapped and are required to wait to buy or invest in something, we have a tendency to enjoy it more than when we are financially secure and impulsively purchase extravagant items we do not necessarily desire. 

 

Upon talking with a young man who worked full time while attending college, riding a bike to and from, and completing his education in five years, he still feels the sting of struggle.  Now, however, he is quite successful with a lucrative income.  He did mention that even though he had more money now, he felt  he just spent more, carrying his comfort zone into a higher unnecessary level. 

 

The same holds true with our thinking.  We may have a very basic thought, but ego will begin its self-talk, we begin to doubt our selves, and by padding our original thought with unnecessary chatter we get weighted down in a quagmire.

 

I considered having a friend over lunch, a really simple gesture.   Next I told my self that if I were going to have this person over, I should also include another person.  Then I imagined just having my whole group of friends over using china, goblets, silver, and cloth napkins.  Before I knew it, I was just exhausted thinking about this and decided to do nothing.

 

We have a tendency to over think and the original intent gets lost.  Company is coming so we decide to clean out the guest room.  The curtains could use washing, and then the walls need a little touch up, and maybe a new comforter with some fancy pillows. 

 

By deciding to either act or react, we can govern our intentions a little bit more efficiently.  When we react, we are not thinking in a well thought out process.  Kind of like a knee-jerk reaction that we may later regret.  Perhaps we take on too much or say too much.  When we decide to act upon an intention, we have usually given it consideration as to whether it is necessary or not.  We may find our selves scanning other options and inquiring of our selves honest commitment.

 

It helps to decide between need or want.  Do I really need something like another purse or am I just wanting it to fill some underlying need or acquiring something just because I can.  Listening to our inner dialogue, we can act rather than react.  The hardest part is paying attention to our own actions and mentoring our true desires.  Life is simple when refrain from making it complicated.

 



 

Dare to Begin

 

 

 

 

"All glory comes from daring to begin ..."

Anonymous

 

 

 

 

There seems to be a starting point for all things.  It may patiently hover around us, but it is there waiting for us to begin.  We have so many tactics to delay our beginning such as:  distractions, denial, avoidance, and resistance.  The discomfort we feel during this pregnant pause is greater than the insecurity of just pushing forth and starting.  Once we begin, crossing the threshold, we wonder why we waited so long!

 

We can be ridiculously creative as a child putting off what needs to be done.  Our ego is more than willing to use negative self-talk enabling us to abstain from experiencing personal power.  Waiting for the perfect time is simply a myth.  There is no time like the present. 

 

We live our lives as though we have forever when in fact that is not true.  We never know when opportunity will cease or when  life will end.  Divine Spirit places within our thoughts brilliant ideas, insights, and adventures.  Whether we act upon these planted seeds is up to our own free will.  It is clear that we have a choice as to whether or not we will have courage to follow through and bravely believe in our own dreams or let the desire fade away.

 

We can begin with a flourish with bells and whistles, attracting the attention of others or we can secretly move in increments,  slowly incubating our ultimate plan.  But my friend, dare to begin!

 

 

 

 



The Harvest of Our Dreams

"There is only one thing that makes a dream

impossible to achieve:

the fear of failure."

 

Paulo Coelho

THE ALCHEMIST

 

 

 

Soon fall will be here and hopefully it will be abundant.  It is a time to think back to spring, recalling what seeds we planted for things to grow, as harvest will soon be upon us.  We had all of winter to dream, spring to plant, summer to nurture, and now time to see what will be manifested.  We are reminded of  all the spiraling cycles of life.

When we hibernate in the winter, it is really important to journal different ideas presenting themselves.  It is helpful to keep a small notebook to jot down random creative thoughts that  would be surely forgotten by spring.

We next find ourselves pondering what creative crops to plant in spring.  Do we want to sprinkle a variety of seeds for possible opportunities or do we want one special focus to bury deeply in rich soil of thought and deed?  We can research our dreams to make certain our timing and purpose align.

During the summer, we nurture these hopeful dreams come true.  If we adequately fertilize, water and nurture our dream based creativity, surely sprouts will have the energy to push up through mother earth.  If we do not invest attention and expansion into our fertile minds, creative ideas will fizzle not thrive.

In the fall we feel the need to get organized, as the time for speculation has passed us by, leaving us with an eye for evaluating what will be harvested.  We examine what we have reaped, studying  crops to determine if the dream seeds have been incubated correctly or failed to thrive.  It is interesting to see where our abundance lies.  Where was our focus heaviest to produce our endeavors?

When we walk through our fields of dreams, we are often surprised by an idea  growing wild in the midst of of our plot.  Spirit often times plants an idea which catches us by surprise.  Do not be heavy laden by the illusion of fear.  Remain light hearted and thankful for whatever creation comes our way.  We can step through fear, safely harvesting the results of our intentions.



Light on the Edge

 

 

 

 

"A thought may touch

the edge of our life

with light."

 

John Trowbridge

American Writer

Everyone has experienced a time in life when some kind of understanding flashes across the mind's eye, but it disappears before we can apply words or comprehension.  There are other occasions when something is tickling our brain, just barely noticeable and yet annoying.  What is it that lingers just on the edge of  perception?

 

If we believe in the 'spiritual realm' we can speculate we have just been touched by 'an angel's wing' or a higher spirit has attempted to send us a special thought.  If we believe in past lives, we can wonder if something from a different life time was just triggered by a thought or word or action.  We may just refer to it as a magical moment.

 

When we enter this world, most of us believe our mind's are a clean slate, just waiting for experience to begin our collection of knowledge.  Then there are some  believing we enter this world with knowledge already imprinted on our brain.  In either case, one might sense the thought touching us with light, may have just found its way up through our cluttered minds or just bubbled up to the surface.

 

On occasion we may meet a person who will string random words together that suddenly dance in our heart.  We search this person's face to see if he has any way of reacting to our sudden inner moment, but there is none.  We may stop this person mid-sentence saying, "How did you know that?"  The person may respond, "Know what?"   

 

What makes sleeping thoughts suddenly awaken?  Is it coincidence that some sort of alignment takes place orchestrated from a different sphere?  We can feel comfort by explaining it as simple synchronicity. 

 

If we really think deeply, however, we can sense the presence of the Divine  in more ways than we comprehend.  We are not puppets, not all.  We have freedom of choice with no strings attached, and yet ... there seems to be some kind of system in place that drops bits of profound knowledge into our consciousness, just like depositing a coin in the parking meter.  And yes, in time the thought does run out of time. 

 

There is mystery in life bringing both sadness and beauty.  We have varying levels of understanding.  Some things we feel in our gut, while others we feel in our heart, and then of course there is always the grave pain in the ass.   It is up to us to decipher these enlightened thoughts or carelessly let them slip away.

 

 

 



Blending into Infinity



"Art isn't only a painting.

Art is anything that's creative, passionate and personal.

And great art resonates with the viewer,

not only with the creator."

 

Seth Godin

LINCHPIN: Are You Indispensable?

 

 

 

This afternoon, I found my self browsing through my old journals.  I choose one rather randomly and decided to give it a read.  It was twelve years old, and I could not help but notice how smoothly my hand had sprawled across the page.  Newspaper clippings, note cards, and ticket stubs were still  stapled to pages.  Here and there were sketches I had made. Each entry was dated, and as I read, I felt as though I was back in the very moment, as my body awakened to remember these times so well.

 

My very words were like water colors, gently flowing in soft hues.  Details were not always forthcoming, but as my mind slipped between the sentences, it was there I found the vibrant yet hidden emotions.  The paragraphs provided a landscape for me to roam, collecting old memories as if I were there, back home.

 

Friends had died, jobs had changed, and memories weaved in and out.  I fondly spent mental time in my lovely condo ... like a tree house ... and comforting to me.   My writings passed through all of the seasons, and cycles of the moon.  My strong masculine energy became balanced with the feminine, and I grew fully into me.  Brick by brick, the walls of protection came down, while I found the courage to stand behind a sheer and lovely veil.  I learned to let life pass through me, retaining only the good to sustain me.

 

I am not  that person any more, as I have increased some skills and replaced others.  I have stretched.  I have grown.  My perspective has softened and my lens has broadened.  Deeper understanding thrives and intuition ... oh, my.

 

My heart has healed and my spirit does soar, but there remains a tiny sliver of me, still longing to just 'be'.  To be soft as the pastel watercolors, gently flowing with each stroke of the brush, delicately blending into infinity.

 

 

 

The Perfect Blend

 

 

 

"Life's not about learning to find your power,

it's about learning to use it."

 

The Universe

 www.tut.com 

Marianne Williamson addressed the issue of women being afraid of their own power.  Most of us had never really thought about our own power as we were still in search of it.  Many of us were spoon fed fairy tales about the beautiful woman being found by the handsome prince. 
The women, often sleeping, were helpless without being rescued by some male image. 

Women were also led astray, by thinking of power in a masculine way.  Examples given in success were all male role models.  Unfortunately, for awhile, business women amped up their masculine power becoming just as aggressive as men.

There is a definite difference between male and feminine energy, and it is important to remember no matter which gender  a person is, he or  she has both masculine and feminine power.  Masculine qualities are described as:  assertiveness, muscular, provider, ambitious, competitive, authority, risk, dominate.   Feminine qualities are described as:  gentle, nurturing, family oriented, intuitive, compassionate,  creative, cooperative, responsive.  The ideal would be for either male or female to use these qualities in a mixture which best serves each situation.

In the last few decades, women have learned to break through the roles they had been cast in: look pretty, don't speak out, always be happy, let the male lead, etc...  Men have been breaking through their stereotypes as well:  show no emotion, never cry, don't be afraid to fight; be the one wearing the pants.  

In our culture today, we find several men staying at home providing the nurturing care of their children while the women are in careers providing the income.  With technology, many partners can work from their home sharing responsibilities.  The picture of the male and female role has individually changed as well as the image of the ideal couple.  Couples now often share household chores, grocery shopping, and meal preparation.

Earlier life has taught us consequences for being our selves and those scars remain in our subconscious.  So whenever we attempt to fully blend our masculine and feminine, fear is laced within the energy we create.  Self doubt and the inner critical voice has the ability to sabotage our best plans. 

A wonderful exercise is to form two columns on a piece of paper.  One column is labeled masculine and the other feminine.  List qualities we feel identified with on either side.  This gives us a personal reflection of which side we depend upon most.   Then when we complete this, turn the page over and compose the ideal balance using both masculine and feminine. By creating a template, we find ourselves better prepared for most any situation.   The realization of all the different possibilities is liberating!

 



 

 

Deciphering Dreams

 

 

 

Virginia Carlson created  Deciphering Dreams to empower others to align their dream world with every day experiences. Dreams are a form of language that is not only unique to each of us, but also intimate. We all have choice in declining or accepting information in our dreams and determining how to utilize this information. The pathways into a deeper understanding of the self opens when the dreamer brings awareness to the dream scape where hidden desires unfold. Dream interpretation helps all of us to comprehend the message waiting to be revealed in vivid dreams from childhood, recurring dreams, and nightmares. By exploring dream time symbols, we not only discover our personal issues, but thoughts from the Universal Collective as well.

Virginia Carlson has been aware of the messages in dreams since childhood.   As a mother of four, combined with her education in Psychology and Sociology she has a solid foundation for understanding creativity of the mind. As a professional in-home counselor for individuals, families, and young children, she has been provided with a broad spectrum of hands on experience. Her passion for helping others coupled with her unique approach, have attracted the enthusiasm and support of local and distant communities. She is a Master level energy worker, prolific writer, and seasoned presenter.

Deciphering Dreams with Virginia Carlson explores day dreams; waking dreams; recurring dreams; prophetic dreams; past life recollections; universal symbols; and dreams appearing to be positively silly and preposterous. She uses her intuition as well as established public research to assist in understanding the entire spectrum of dreams. By using dream time language, desires or repressions come to the surface.  Dream interpretation is about the dreamer, based on the dreamer’s own experiences, and uniquely linking the dreamer’s body, mind and spirit. 

 

Unraveling a dream with Virginia Carlson is a fun and exciting experience. A simple technique to unlock the dreams of the dreamer is shared with each participant through the interpretation process.

To schedule an appointment or for further information, please email contact information: decipheringdreams@yahoo.com    Additional work by Virginia Carlson may be viewed at virginiasvoice.blogspot.com.

Eyes Closed in Deeper Space

 

 

 

 

 

"Say what you wanna say
And let the words fall out
Honestly I wanna see you be BRAVE!"

Kristin Fontana

Evolutionary Astrologer

Numerous women came together monthly to discuss common topics of interest based on books the group would choose.  As the facillator, I received insights from all of these women bringing their personal experiences to the discussion table.  The gathering always entertained me, but also educated me on how we vary in our interpretations.  Our perspectives were authentic in that they were viewed through our unique looking glass.

 

As the leader, I encouraged everyone to share, but no one was ever forced to do so.  It took time for these randomly collected women to build trust and the sense of safety.   An elder woman faithfully attended, driving an hour just to attend.  She always arrived late, and seldom spoke.  To the group, it appeared that she would nod off during the hour.  I personally hoped it would ensure her safety while traveling back to her home. 

 

As time passed, however, we were surprised to discover that even though her eyes were closed, and even though she sometimes snored,  she was listening all along.  When she was feeling brave, she would highlight particular points of the discussion from within the hour.  She reflected deeper insights and understandings than we ever imagined she had. 

 

This book club continued for numerous months.  It was during one these meetings this elder woman finally felt safe enough to share.  She gathered her courage and spoke steadily about her many challenging years on this earth and how she had survived.  She was a woman of strength knowing how to use her personal power.  Her story reflected the tools she had learned along the way.  One of the tools was the art of listening.  She could calmly sit, partially withdrawn, and listen only with her heart.  She closed her eyes for fewer distractions, while observing the visualizations the words created in her head.  This amazing woman, a treasure in disguise, seldom spoke as she felt the need  to disclose truths only when prompted by spirit. 

 

Her words went something like this:  All of you are younger and still wandering in the desert seeking spiritual aspects of self.  I am your elder, and I have gathered my truths and no longer wander.  I withdraw into spiritual connection learning to use all of my senses when exploring my life collected truths. 

 

One on one, I met with this deepened spirit until she passed a few years back.  She would always arrive late and often closed her eyes.  I knew she was listening to me from a deeper level which encouraged me to speak bravely and choose my thoughts and words carefully.  I wanted to give her my truths, not chatter.  I became aware, however, being quiet and present with her was a learning experience in itself. 

 

As I have aged, I have learned the lesson in seeking and exploring.  I have discovered the need to share what if and how can this be questions.  I developed the courage to bravely speak out, but I now prefer the not yet mastered art of listening.  So if I close my eyes, yes, I am still listening.  I remain present, just from a deeper space. 

 



 

Tug of War Between Isolation and Solitude

 

 

"It's an interesting combination:  Having a great fear of being alone, and having a desperate need for solitude and the solitary experience.  That's always been a tug of war for me.."

Jodie Foster



We come into the world alone, and we leave the world alone.  In between these two events, we experience a loneliness that is perhaps a longing to return to a 'home' we once knew.  There is a difference, I have learned, between solitude and isolation.  Solitude can offer inspiration, a reconnection with our heart's desire, or simple time to balance out our busy-ness of life.  On the other hand, isolation is being cut off, disengaged from people and life itself, which obviously is not a good thing.

There are mornings when we are almost awake, and we yearn to return to the dream state.  We want to extend the time designated for rest.  This desire is not based on wanting to hide from the world or dodge our emotional bullets.  It is perhaps a need to just be out of the physical for just a little while longer, suspended in visualization, creative scenery, or spiritual respite. 

There are those who meet this need through waking dreams, meditation, or contemplation.  The need to have 'time out' is necessary for all of us.  As we are no longer children, there is no one to tell us to go sit in a corner or go to our room until we are willing to be respectful.  As an adult, we need to make this decision our selves to restore a sense of balance and personal direction.

By giving our selves time to be alone, we actually enhance our living experience.  We can release stress, gain a different perspective, and enjoy the presence of the voice within.  Establishing balance on a regular basis, we are better prepared to face the dualities of life.  We can tolerate the gray a lot longer rather than impulsively jumping to black or white.  It brings us pause to consider other options.

Through the experience of solitude, we are able to just 'be' in the moment, to unplug or disengage.  The sense of not being pulled from every direction, allows us to remember what peace feels like.  The time alone is not only for our over analytical racing mind, but also for our physical body as well.

We need to be gentle with our lovely selves, to take time to regroup and restore.  Our surrounding family, friends, and co-workers probably wish we balance our energy more often!

A Loving Hand

"Let others lead small lives,

but not you.

Let others argue over small things,

but not you.

Let others cry over small hurts,

but not you.

Let others leave their future in someone else's hands,

but not you.

 

John Rohn

Like other tools, our hands can be used in either positive or negative action.  They can offer love or hate.  We can choose to use these tools for nurturing or destroying.  The choice is ours.

It is my choice to use my hands for the betterment of my self as well as others.  Whenever I am experiencing pain, I try to locate the exact root of the pain.  I can place my hand directly on this place and quietly ask what my body is trying to tell me.  I can say an affirmation, use a mantra, quietly chant, or accompany the experience with music.  The important thing is to then listen to what your body is trying to tell you.  Whether I place my hand on my head, heart, or belly, I feel a connection with the body, mind and spirit.  While my hand is held in place, I imagine the discomfort disengaging from my body.  I can imagine the pressure in my head being released up through my head;  the pressure in my chest embraced by the love of Divine; the disrupt in my belly can escape down into mother earth.  If this sounds doubtful, Thomas, you need to try it right now.

The same efforts can be used with a child, partner, or friend.  If they are experiencing 'dis-ease' in the body, place hands on that body part.  Send loving thoughts and Divine love into the specific area.  We will be amazed at what a difference we can make.  Talk softly to them, encouraging healthy prayer or connection with their Divine. 

We do this all of the time.  We lovingly embrace friends, exchanging loving feelings.  We shake hands to make a connection with a stranger.  We lovingly touch our children, elders, or pets.  We extend passion through our hands while gardening, painting, writing, or tinkering.  Loving care extended through our hands with healthy thoughts produces improved living.

Cultures, religions, organizations and small groups have formed circles and held hands throughout history.  We share a link with each other allowing the circulation of the loving kindness within us all.  There is more strength in our intentions when there is more than one person for form the connection.

Let's give everyone we encounter a loving hand!

 

 

 

Gathering Ingredients

 

"I was always interested in figuring things out.  I'd do experiments, like combining things I found
around the house to see what would happen if I put them together."   Alan Alda



When I was learning to cook, I wanted to know how to make meatloaf.  There are thousands of recipes, and even friend's recipes did not taste the same when I followed the directions perfectly.  Everyone makes meatloaf just a little bit differently, and it doesn't always taste the same twice.  I will read various recipes seeking a differing ingredient, but always end up putting the recipes away, and making my own concoction.

It seems this is a pattern in my life showing up in other places than the kitchen.  I will research a subject from a variety of angles, close the books, and take to heart out what really resonates with me.  In this way, I keep adding new ingredients, but my overall thoughts still reflect me and not some one else.

I am so aware of this pattern of blending random things together like preparing meatloaf, the women supporting me in my quest, know when I report, "Well, I have been making meatloaf."  Sincerely, I do believe this is an activity we all can take part in.  While expanding our thoughts with random information, we don't have to follow explicit instructions.  We can gather in the sense of the projected idea, and see how it can apply to what we already believe. 

My daily speculations are like meatloaf in that they are always a combination of diverse thoughts.  Some days I might be fancy and put ketchup on top of my words to dress them up.  When addressing a more conservative audience, I may leave the onions out.  Crackers or breadcrumbs?  Milk or tomato sauce?  The combinations are endless.

This pattern extends to my world view as well.  I believe that if we gather all of the diverse creatures, allowing space for personal preference, honor, and respect, there can be a most intriguing combination .  We all may have ideas to contribute, and it may take several attempts, but I do believe the perfect recipe for world wide loving kindness exists in our creative minds.

Diana Nyad ... Cuba to Key West

 

 

"We should never, ever give up . . .

You never are too old to chase your dreams."

 

Diana Nyad

 

 

 

 

Diana Nyad accomplished her goal of swimming from Cuba to Key West without a shark cage.  She is the first woman to have done so.  This was her fifth attempt and she is a 64 year  old long distance swimmer.  It required her to be extremely dedicated and focused as it took her 53 hours to swim across the Florida Straits.

 

Her attitude is inspiring, encouraging others to follow their dreams and to believe in their ability to succeed.  There are several sayings referring to 'you are as old as you feel'.  Statistics reflect persons engaged in living an active  life, sparked with interest, live healthier if not longer. 

 

There is a lot to be said about how we think of our selves.  If we fill our head with limiting self talk, "I can't do that any more.  At my age I am not supposed to be that active,"  our body will respond to these restrictions. 

 

In an article for senior women a creative idea was shared:  "If you see an old lady coming into your head, quickly shut the door!"  When we involve our selves with younger adults or youngsters, we feel more vibrant by exchanging energies.  Physically, we may not be able to perform on their level, but our minds can be just as flexible.

 

If we look into a mirror and do not recognize the person staring back at us, look a little harder.  Look not only with our eyes, but with our gentle hearts. Rekindle the connection with the spry spirit residing under all of the debris of negative comments.  Awaken to all of the beauty within just waiting to unfold!

 



 

 



 

Congrats Diana Nyad: You Dared and you Did It!

Yesterday, American 64-year-old long-distance swimmer Diana Nyad became the first person to swim across the Florida Straits from Cuba without a shark cage. This was her her fifth attempt!

I love this quote from Reuters:

"Her face sunburned and lips swollen, with barely enough energy to speak, Nyad waded ashore at Key West after a 53-hour swim and delivered a simple message to onlookers: '"

Strength to Lift Her Head



 

“I believe that everything happens for a reason.

People change so that you can learn to let go,

things go wrong so that you appreciate them when they're right,

you believe lies so you eventually learn to trust no one but yourself,

and sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together.”

 

Marilyn Monroe

 

This quote attracted me, and then I was surprised to find the person who spoke these words was Marilyn Monroe.  Her quote stirred up a sadness within me.  I have never really thought of this actress as being particularly smart let alone insightful, but rather a sex idol who died extremely lonely and somehow connected to JFK. 

 

I truly do believe that everything happens for a reason even though it may not be apparent at the time.  It seems that it is only in hindsight that we are able to draw the connect between our challenge, endurance, and resulting gratification. 

 

People change, including our selves, creating shifts in relationships.  Some times we are the ones out growing our situation and painfully we are at times the ones left behind.  Herein lies the importance of always sharing our feelings with those passing through our lives, as we never know when change will arrive. 

 

I find my self wishing Ms. Monroe would have tolerated her experience when things went wrong, long enough to appreciate the right that might have followed.  Perhaps there were too many things going wrong, and she could no longer be patient in waiting for things to be right.

 

"You believe the lies" she says, "so you eventually learn to trust no one but yourself."  And when a person is not deeply entrenched with self-worth, what then?  If a person only has self and that self is living in the dark and does not have the strength to lift her head to see even the smallest light, not only do the masks slip away, so does the essence of being.

 

The cycle of life presents a challenge, we learn from the challenge, and it makes us stronger for the next challenge.  Things do fall apart and sometimes the Phoenix rises from the ashes; but some times it doesn't.  When the crashing and burning are persistent, with out pockets of fresh air, indeed, one may not ever see the way things might have been rebuilt in a better way.

 

To  me, these are all sad words as they reflect a woman who was not able to maintain her authenticity.  She allowed others to over ride her personal integrity, misguiding her to her  own demise.  Yes, she became a wealthy icon, but what exactly was the price she paid ... for her not using her strength to be her true self.

 

 

 





Making a Huge Impact

 

 

"I really don’t think I need buns of steel.

I’d be happy with buns of cinnamon."

 

Ellen DeGeneres

 

 

 

We find our selves attracted to people who have an open heart.   There is something about their energy that pulls us right in.  We can almost feel a radiant light surrounding us, nurturing us, and making us feel like we are deeply connected. 

 

These are the very people we tend to seek for lifting our own spirits, walking away with inspiration and drive to begin again.  And no matter how much energy we extract from these open hearted beings, they seem to sustain their loving kindness. 

 

Do not be fooled, however, into thinking some people don't have anything to worry about, as this is not true.  Every person having this human experience faces challenges, loss, and wanders in the desert.  

 

I truly believe there is an equation that can be applied to each individual.  The equation is about how much we give, not how much we have.  This equation is focused on helping others and not balancing the budget.  It is about believing we will receive what we need and recognizing the needs of others.  It is based on gratitude for what we have.  By having a thankful heart, we are not focused on what we think we are lacking.

 

In the last few years there have been commercials on television about 'passing it forward' and I do believe the ad has stimulated others to do the same.  It is encouraging us not to think of giving as a monetary responsibility we cannot afford.  The commercial is showing us a variety of ways each one of us can reach out to other people, perhaps making a huge impact.

 

We need to start regarding the act of giving to others as less complicated.  We can discover tender gestures in small ways.  In return, we receive a better sense of self which helps to eliminate the feelings of separateness.

 

I accept that I do not have money like Ellen DeGeneres to enable me to give away wonderful prizes.  I cannot dance like Ellen nor can I sing.  I am not nearly as funny as Ellen, but I do have wonderful cinnamon buns!

In the Midst of Trees

 

 

 

"My whole world opened up when I realized

what was going on ~

I wasn't broken,

I wasn't crazy,

and I wasn't inadequate."

 

Madisyn Taylor

Learning to Live

 

 

There is a part of me, residing in these woods.  I am at peace here with no words needing to be spoken,  and no thoughts to be explained; just a sense of wholeness in the midst of trees.  I feel safe, and distanced from harm.  Pain free at least for a while, this deeper part of me.

 

Free to wander, hidden by these giant trees, I find the stream with rocks still warm from the sun.  A deer sniffs the air, and realizes it is just me.  The birds do not fly away, and the little critters gather near.  None of us here, have anything to fear.

 

As the breeze whispers through the trees, I find peace and solace in just being me.  There is no big or small, no dark or light, and no other duality.  My normally unused senses are stimulated by all that exists here, where I find it safe to be me.

 

Moonbeams light my path back out of the woods, some ancient voice coaxing me.  Promises of return and reminders of tasks not yet clearly met.  I say good bye to the stream, carry a rock to warm my hand, and hear nothing but sleep from the trees. 

 

Returning to the rest of my life, tear stains proudly linger upon my face. I  breathe into  my steps and face the challenges waiting for me.  I search for words to describe the  ideas randomly flowing through me.  I try to stay present and remedy the illusion of fear, to reflect what I am destined to do.    All the while in my heart, I long to yet again reside in the midst of the trees.  

I am hurting ...



When another person makes you suffer, it is because he suffers deeply within himself, and his suffering is spilling over. He does not need punishment; he needs help. That's the message he is sending.”

Thich Nhat Hanh

Last spring, my partner and I attended the Edwards Place Art Show.  We like to go early to avoid crowded booths and far away parking.  It was a lovely day and so well attended, we had to park in a parking lot a short distance away.  Hours later, we were returning to his car, and I was headed for another row back. "Over here," he called to me, so I made an immediate turn to double back.  I did not realize, however, there was a man standing quite close to me. 

From this man's point of view, I had been approaching his standing area and when I saw him, he assumed I changed directions because of him.  This was not true.  He simply was never in my in my line of sight.  When I abruptly turned, he spoke out loudly to me, "I would not have hurt you!"   

Looking back over my shoulder, I saw this man for the first time.  He was clean, but poorly dressed.  He had some age to him and did not present a physical threat whatsoever, but was decidedly lingering in the parking lot.  Had I seen him, I would not have been afraid. 

When I was getting into our car, I put together what must have happened.  His body language spoke of many humiliations and rejections.  Tears came to my eyes as I now understood that my actions triggered his automatic assumptions of being lesser than.  I felt horrible as I knew I had just added to his already heavy baggage. 

If I had noticed this man, I would not have rebuffed him.  I am certain that we would have exchanged pleasant words.  Perhaps he would have asked for money or may be not, I will never know.  What upset me most was him never knowing  he had not come into my view or I would have treated him with respect. 

Accumulating our emotional baggage can be compared to a garbage can.  After each experience is consumed, we stuff leftovers into the garbage.  Over time, the can gets quite full, but we do not empty it.  We push down on the emotional garbage, making room for more.  This only works for a short time, and then the garbage will suddenly overflow. 

In this world, in this country, in every state and city, there are people hurting.  They may look fine on the outside, but on the inside violence is gurgling.  It is improbable that any one of us will know when the next slight will cause the perculating violence to spew.

The man in the parking lot has remained in my mind for months now and perhaps this is how it was meant to be.  Instead of a small exchange while passing by, I send him love, light, and energy for a greater length of time.  I know this man was hurting by the way he responded to my abrupt actions.  I also know that as human beings, we rarely have the courage to look friend or foe directly in the eye and say, "I am hurting!"

 

Standing in the Presence of Challenge

 

"Ignore those that make you fearful and sad,

that degrade you back towards disease and death."

Rumi

A commonly accepted belief is that the mind, body, and spirit are connected.  The mind experiences stress, real or imagined, and if not appropriately addressed, the stress can cause discomfort or "dis-ease" in the body.   When the stress is not released from the body, our spirit can become fragmented or depressed.  This has the potential to occur like a chain of events or a domino effect.

 

Recently, I met with a woman who was a previous counseling client. I was eager to see her and hear of where she had journeyed in her life.  The woman who always appeared to be so vibrant, now seemed to be drained of all energy.  Once very animated, this delightful spirit had become dis-spirited.  With permission to share her story, the connection between mind, body, and spirit grows very apparent:

"Dorothy" had been single for years, not necessarily by choice.  She was very active in her community and dedicated to her job.   She was very athletic, enthusiastic, and down to earth.  In the process of buying a small home, she met a lawyer who was handsome, sophisticated, and wealthy.   When she moved into her new home, the attorney sent her flowers.  She was very surprised and assumed it was a professional courtesy.  She called his office to leave a thank you expecting to speak only with his secretary, but the  secretary immediately passed her off to the attorney. He proceeded to ask her out on a date.

A whirlwind romance took place and the weeks flew by.   Her life time friends were eager to meet the mystery man. They all met for a drink after work, and the attorney was as charming as ever.  The new couple felt  things had gone well, passing the hurdle of meeting the friends.

Within a day, the friends approach Dorothy with an intervention.  They tell her this lawyer is just using her; she is out of her league; his arrogant lifestyle will never bring her happiness; and she is not being realistic.  Dorothy's confidence is shattered and she feels as though she needs to trust her friends.  Entirely confused, she calls the lawyer and without explanation cancels their upcoming date and refuses all forthcoming phone calls.

As the story continues to unfold, Dorothy has been left miserable.  She deeply regrets trusting her friends and not giving her self more time with her decision about the attorney.  It takes her a week to gather her courage, but she contacts the man in question at his home.  He listens to her apology and explanation, but states he has been deeply hurt, and at this point cannot forgive her.  He thanked her for the month they shared, and then hung up the phone.

In the months that pass, Dorothy never sees the attorney, and it is as though he has disappeared.  She has developed strange symptoms in her body that doctors cannot quite diagnosis accurately.  She submitted to endless testing, expensive drugs, and medical bills.  She has taken a leave of absence from work, is no longer active in her community, and her friends don't call.  She is left feeling hopeless and suicidal.  She sighs saying, "I feel as though the gnarly tentacles of life are squeezing the very breath out of me."  She acknowledges the need for addressing not only  her medical needs, but her mental and spiritual as well. 

 

One of the ways of maintaining a healthy mind, body, and spirit is to be purposefully connected in personal relationship with the Divine. When we acknowledge the presence of Divine Spirit, we come to know our gifts, and talents more accurately. We become aware of our own areas of darkness and endeavor to extend light as well as listen to our inner voice.

In having a strong sense of 'self', we are in a much better position to cope with negativity in our personal desires, relationships, and environments. We become masters of  standing in the presence of challenge, reflecting empathy, compassion, and unconditional love for the self as well as others.

 



Onion or Lotus?

"We create boundaries and develop defenses to protect ourselves and then, at a certain point, we outgrow them.  If we don't allow ourselves to shed our protective layer, we can't expand to our full potential."

Madisyn Taylor
DAILY OM



No matter how old we are, the time comes when we need to erect protection, hoping it will ward off the darkness of others or keep us from being noticed.  This invisible protection may be a necessary requirement for survival, but there also comes the time when it is no longer needed.  With confidence, we know we can draw the wall of protection around us if needed, so it becomes like a garage door, opening and closing at will.  As our life evolves, we may give up our heavy armor of protection for something lighter, like a veil.  The veil can remain in place, but pulled to the side when feeling safe. 

Years ago, when I received my first massage, the massage therapist asked if she could make a comment.  I always welcomed input, but did not always embrace opinions of others.  She said, "It is the strangest thing.  When I am working on you, I see things headed right towards you, but before they reach you, you turn to stone.  Do you know anything about that?" 

I immediately laughed, as I knew exactly what she was referring to.  I told her, "I am always prepared to put up a shield whenever anything comes towards me."  Pursuing this line of conversation, she inquired, "Why do you do that?"  The answer was easy, "I throw up a wall of protection so no one will ever hurt me again."  This of course made perfect sense to me.  The massage therapist's words became more intentional, "But if you maintain a wall, you not only keep the hurt out, you keep the love out as well." Point well taken.

Moving forward, I began to explore the layers of protection around me.  There were so many I didn't need any more simply based on the fact I was now an adult, no longer a child.  As I began to peel off the outer layers, I began to learn more about myself.  This process of shedding skin, tended to make me frequently cry, which reminded me of course of peeling an onion.

As life moved forward, I seemed to transition into a light. I feel rather transparent as I have learned that it is safe to be me. I embrace the sacred, and release the rest. The heaviness is long gone, as I feel the presence of Divine Spirit in all things, watching over me.
After years of learning how to lower my barriers, to dissolve my armor, and to strengthen boundaries, I decided  I needed a better symbol than an onion.  My new symbol became a lotus flower, with petals gently unfolding with peace and calm.

 

 



Recess of the Mind

 

 

 

 

 

 “Wherever I am, the world comes after me.
It offers me its busyness. It does not believe
that I do not want it. Now I understand
why the old poets of China went so far and high
into the mountains, then crept into the pale mist.” 

 

Mary Oliver

 

 

 

Every individual needs a special place or a designated area where one feels safe and free.  A significant spot we can call our own where we can just be without expectations or fear of judgement.  A cubby hole, a nook or cranny where we can safely breathe. 

 

There are cultures  that lack food and shelter, fearing for life itself.   Families killed or separated, severely wounded physically, emotionally and spiritually, struggling to stay alive.  The only shelter they have are the recesses of their minds. 

 

Please join me in holding these warring nations in our hearts, sending love, light, and energy into the hearts of the innocent people, especially the children.  For all of those in need, I pray for nourishment of the mind, body and soul.