Spit the Words Out!

We should write because humans are spiritual beings and writing is a powerful form of prayer and meditation, connecting us both to our own insights and to a higher and deeper level of inner guidance as well.

Julia Cameron

THE RIGHT TO WRITE

As a child, I kept many diaries.  I loved to write about as much as I loved to read.  Then I learned how to type on a typewriter similar to the antique one above.  I could type faster than I could write so it was a favorite thing for me to do.  Of course I did not learn correct hand positions until high school, but 'hunt and peck' with two fingers really worked well!

When writing by hand, thoughts  can evolve a little deeper.  There is something magical about pen in hand and pen to paper.  I have numerous notebooks to journal in ... dreams, quotes, spiritual subjects ... and I love to randomly sketch on the pages.  When it comes to serious writing for me, I much prefer to use the computer.  Once an idea begins to unfold in my head, my fingers have to be faster than my thoughts.  As information begins to flow through me, typing on the computer is the only way to keep up.

Writing is good for the soul.  When I ask people if they journal or write, so many reply with excuses that don't really matter.  For instance, grammar.  No one is going to comb through a journal with a red pen!  Who cares if words are accidentally misspelled?  No one would be reading private entries anyway.  If using a computer, there is spell check.  A journal might be filled with cryptic phrases or recorded poems or sketches.  My father kept a journal for many years, each night logging in the weather.  It probably meant nothing to anyone else, but to him it was a ritual in his later years.

The importance of writing is the act of expression.  We all need to express our selves.  It is amazing to turn back a few pages in a journal to re-read what was written in our own words.  We really do have wisdom just waiting to be placed on a page.  We may surprise our selves with what we come up with or the thread of meaning running through numerous entries.  Writing is like anything else, it takes practice.

As an adult, my morning pages would be filled with (and I quote) comments such as:  I don't know what to write, I have nothing to say; but eventually I broke through the barrier and relaxed into the task which became a love.  In difficult times, my gratitude journal had evening entries such as:  I am grateful the day is over or I am grateful I can end this day.  Not very inspiring, but later was proof of my strength and endurance.

There is no formal agenda to be followed in a Journal.  Just spit the words out ... lonely, angry  grateful, memories, sad, scared, in love, in the flow, seeking connection, etc ... The topics are endless and uniquely our own. 

(Elizabeth Berg wrote a book several years ago entitled, "The Pull of the Moon."  It remains one of my favorites.  A woman impulsively buys a blank journal which leads her on an adventure to her authenic self.)

Instant Messages

   

    When we begin to listen with our hearts rather than our heads, our whole world changes and becomes softer.   The Daily Om Madisyn Taylor    

Over the holidays, we frequently find our selves in conversations appearing to be irrelevant or boring.  We scrunch up our faces as unspoken responses as we busily rush through mental lists of things yet to accomplish.  We are not listening at all to the ramblings of the other person.  The only thing we are waiting for is the period at the end of the final sentence!

 

Listening is an art enhancing our ability to feel.  Being present to another person's story  can create greater understanding for our own lives and develops our ability to appropriately feel or have compassion.  Listening to one and other helps to create peace and calm within each of us and contributes to the quality of our surroundings.

 

Even if we find our selves cornered by a rocket scientist, we can use our listening skills to capture insight and understanding.  If we watch a person's face as they speak, we may notice:   enthusiasm or disdain; joy or sorrow; tearing eyes or steel cold depths; or a particular woman or man hiding behind a mask.   

 

It is no longer unusual while networking at a professional or social gathering to discover the invisible grid running through our lives.  Investing time in someone we learn that we know a person in common, or used to have a mutual friend, or attended the same college in different years.  This information comes within the stories we truly listen to and they are little gifts making our big wide world smaller and smaller.   The more we truly listen we are more apt to sense and feel the connectedness amongst us all. 

 

By opening our hearts instead of critiquing, we begin to realize everyone has a message for us.  In some way, words that appear to be randomly shared,  resonate with   our immediate situations.  The other person rarely realizes he or she has just released valuable information. 

 

These messages, I believe, come from Divine Spirit.  I believe we are used for another person's benefit.  Perhaps for a brief exchange of words, we are instant messengers, angels if you will.

 

There have been times, someone will approach me and thank me for sharing my information with them as it became a turning point in their life.  It is such a revelation to me and  I search my mind trying to think of what I could have possibly said!  It would be too embarrassing to say, "What did I say?" Such a question would seem to minimize the value of his or her experience.  I fully realize Divine Spirit has used me to deliver information to a person when needed with me being totally unaware. 

 

God does speak through each and every one of us.  So listen better and be amazed at the gifts you receive.  The art of listening makes life much more exciting.  Listening a little bit more closely, trying to anticipate what message you may hear, or just observing a person for the very first time even though we have known them for years enhances our experiences.  The art of listening makes us feel more connected to individuals and all that is holy.

Ascending ...

  

Give up defining yourself ~

to yourself or to others.

You won't die.

You will come to life.

"Oneness With All Life"

Ekhart Tolle

Society tends to feel better if it labels us, so we feel pressured into having a well packaged identity.  In order to do such a thing, we gather experiences that will support the label society will accept.  This is somewhat like placing the carriage before the horse.   

Life would be more positive, perhaps, if we first looked at our own personal strengths.  If we could identify our authentic gifts and how we uniquely apply them, we could then match this criteria to a creative  label of our own.   Rather than feeling stifled and unfulfilled, we could enjoy the freedom to manifest our visions.  We discover our personal definitions through being still, contemplation, prayer, or nature.

We all have experienced the family gathering where a young child will express what they want to be when they grow up.  The adults laugh openly ... "You'll never make any money doing that!  That is a stupid idea!"  ... and the child feels squashed and shamed.  In reality, many of our exceptional inventors, writers, artists, scientists, and entrepreneurs defied the 'nay sayers' by remaining a visionary in their own private space. 

Often times, the worst 'nay sayers' are the ones we hear in our head.  The voices  critique us, judge our ideas, minimize our abilities  and cripple our strengths.  Experiences such as these need to be followed by an ascension. 

The word ascension has been bantered around with various definitions.  In this context, we are looking at an emotional or spiritual cleansing allowing us to rise out of our personal den of negativity, leading us to a higher level of comprehension, action, and well being.

To pull our selves out of the complexity of life time negativity and restraint, takes diligence and awareness.  We must learn to be aware of our inner and outer sensors, to rephrase our inner most thoughts, and to maintain our personal and spiritual power.  It is a process, but a worthy one at that.  A process that requires being present with our selves.

If there are images we hold of our selves we have yet to address, get busy.  There is no time like the present to begin our hearts desires.  If we happen to be  an accountant with hidden musical desires, make a plan.  Use time management to find time for lessons even if once per month.  If we cannot arrange this, then we can commit to listening to our favorite composers live or otherwise.  We can attend community musicals, operas, or orchestras to keep feeding our musical desires until we reach a place in time where we can make our dream a reality.  If we are dedicated mothers with out personal space, take children to the YMCA/YWCA or youth programs offering an art or drawing class or yoga for adults with children.  When we manifest just a portion of our vision, we begin our true path to what awaits within.

When we exit the darkness of not fulfilling our spirits, our lights grow stronger and we ascend into a space that supports our desires.  This may take time, but it is an exciting journey!  When we are finally creating our hearts are filled with joy.  Our self-worth increases and we transcend the den of negativity ... by being still, by developing our skill, and by taking flight!

down the rabbit hole...

 Not all those who wander are lost.

J.R.R. Tolkien

The Fellowship of the Ring

           

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

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

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

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

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

Step into Unknown

When you walk to the edge of all the light you have, and take that first step into the darkness of the unknown, you must believe that one of two things will happen.  There will be something solid for you to stand upon or you will be taught to fly.

Patrick Overton

The Leaning Tree

Embracing a new year can be a bit overwhelming.  One needs to shed the past; be grounded in the present; and bravely step forward into the unknown.  Each one of these steps requires faith, courage, and compassion.

We never truly forget the past, but we can pull our invested emotions out of it.  We can review all of our challenges with understanding of the intended lesson and with compassion forgive our smallness, unintended harm, and judgment.  We can also recall all of the petty misdeeds against us, and understand we are more than each of these slights.  Someone else's opinion of us is not as worthy as our own.  When the year is done, we can file it away as we successfully withdraw our emotions.

To begin anything anew, we prepare, clean, and restore.  We stand with two feet solid on the ground, feeling the energy from the earth spreading up through us as we stretch our arms above our heads, reaching for the light of Divine Spirit.  Feeling the energy of all things surrounding us, we grow strong in the sense of everything and everyone being one.  We love and we are loved. 

When we have disengaged from our past, and restored a loving image of our selves and others, we are prepared to move forward.  We do not need to set goals or rigid time tables if we have an open heart ready to embrace whatever life brings.  It is not quite as frightening to step into the future when we do not feel alone.  When the presence of Spirit dwells within us,  we have  more confidence in our abilities to navigate the bumps and unforeseeable bends in the road. 

As we all venture into our new year, let us all move forward with faith rather than fear; love rather than judgment; and integration rather than isolation.  May we all find flight and soar!

Beyond the Ending

 

Closed Path

I thought that my voyage had come to its end

at the last limit of my power, 

...that the path before me was closed

that provisions were exhausted

and the time had come to take shelter in a silent obscurity.

But I find that they will knows no end in me. 

And when old words die out on the tongue,

new melodies break forth from the heart;

and where the old tracks are lost,

new country is revealed with its wonders.

Rabindranath Tagore

The cycle of life consists of a new beginning followed by an ending.  This cycle is repeated in our thoughts, actions, and deeds.  Birth, death, and rebirth is seen everywhere in nature and in every human beings existence.
We can experience death and rebirth within a very short period of time or experience a very prolonged span for action followed by consequences.  A synchronised  moment can give life to a dying thought.  A coincidence can birth a brand new beginning.  A spiritual epiphany can restore our dying human spirit.
It is part of the human voyage to experience situations like a hole in the bottom of the boat, appearing to be 'the death of me' or 'the end of me' only to discover life has not abandoned us after all.  We may find our selves washed up on shore, penniless, but cleansed and prepared for a new start.
Tonight at midnight, the year of 2012 ends and the year of 2013 offers us a new beginning.  We must see beyond the ending and chart our course to being a better 'me' which will improve our actions towards all others.  If we can but carry just one thought beyond this ending into the new year, let it be  to embrace each other, respecting diversity.

No Resolutions, Just One Promise

Go ahead, struggle through it.
Pick up the pen already and put it to the page and stop whining. Write.

Pick up the brush and be mean to yourself for a change, paint.

Dancers, put on the loose chemise, tie the ribbons in your hair,
at your waist, or on your ankles and tell the body to take it from there. Dance.

Actress, playwright, poet, musician, or any other.
Generally, just stop talking, Don’t say one more word unless you’re a singer.

Shut yourself in a room with  ceiling or in a clearing under the sky.

Do your art.

Generally, a thing cannot freeze if it is moving.
So move.
Keep moving.

~ Dr. Clarissa Pinkola Estes

As the end of the year approaches we can not help but recall some of the resolutions we made in previous years, but never followed through.  Some of us will have lists of anticipated mastering while others may only have a few.  Either way, seldom are we truly successful in following through.

Let me suggest not making any resolutions.  Just make one promise to our self, and if we mindfully honor it, all else will fall into place.  If we respectfully keep the promise, we will navigate through the year with numerous accomplishments and a greater sense of self.

And what is this magical promise?  To thine own self be true. 

Think about it!  If we are monitoring our selves and really  feeling deeply within  how situations or people impact our behaviors, we use our sense of self as the measuring stick.

If we pay attention to our thoughts:

I really do not enjoy my work.

Instead of a goal to discover new employment with our crazy economic situation, begin my visualizing the kind of job where you would be challenged, creative, and happy.  Be excited about it and network with others.  Experience how this makes you feel more in control of your life and how hope stimulates how you feel inside.

My living space is unacceptable.

Instead of making a goal, begin to imagine what you may want or need to feel comfortable.  In your mind's eye, see your self happy, safe, and inspired in a new surrounding.  Be aware of how this allows the experience of calm and contentment.  Tell others what you might want to find.  Take random walks or different routines of driving and you may just discover a sign. 

I have out grown my relationships, I need new friends.

It is important to acknowledge how people make you feel.  Do they drain you or excite you?  It seems judgmental to say your friends are no longer meeting your needs, but wanting to expand your circle is not wrong.  We develop new interests or long for deeper friendships.  Just pay attention to those you come in contact with in your daily routine.  Frequently we are simply overlooking someone as we do not take the time to respect or honor those around us.  Attempt to learn more about these people and you may find yourself pleasantly surprised.  Let your feelings be your guide.

Whenever we set goals, they can almost feel burdensome from the get go.   We can make a list, misplace it, or forget about it entirely.  If we simply listen to our selves, we will know what we want and deal with it in the present moment.   It isn't about daily planners, calendars or time management.  If we remain present in the moment aware of our true nature, we will create a richer way of living by appreciating what we beckon into our life moment to moment.

Just one promise:  Be in the moment with your beautiful self!

Reach Out to Others!

I am feeling heartbroken for the people in Connecticut.  I'm turning off the TV and turning toward my family, faith and deeper prayer. 

        Lord, help me send love and light to those in pain.  Let me stay calm and openhearted while I manage my own fear and anger.  Help me to remember that news coverage is traumatizing for me, not healing, and that my children need safety and information, not more fear.

Brene Brown Ph.D

www.ordinarycourage.com

(Brene Brown is an excellent author, presenter, and professor.  She has contributed excellent information regarding the subject of shame and imperfection,  based on her research.  Please experience her on u tube, purchase one of her books, or explore her website.)

This holiday season has been greatly impacted by the passing of innocent lives, uncompleted lives, and one very disturbed life.  I encourage each of you to allow this horrible situation to be processed and not repressed.  Confide in friends, family, neighbors, ministers, therapists, in the privacy of your journal or creatively expressed through art.  Release your emotions through prayer, good deeds towards others, contemplation or communing with nature.  Accept your emotions as they are, but then release them.  Let your sadness or anger pass through you embracing loving thoughts of your loved ones.

Over the years, tragedy has touched your life in one way or another.  When something horrific occurs to someone else, your old memories will resurface.  Acknowledge how you feel, but then get busy.  Stay active, but get plenty of sleep.  Find a few activities to brighten your mood ... a movie, massage, coffee with a friend.  Join other families when you are invited or welcome other friends without family to join you. 

Do a lot of snuggling whether it is with your mate, girlfriends, children, grandchildren or favorite pet.  You cannot help how you feel but you can choose your behaviors.  So don't get stuck.  It is a difficult time, a time to reach out to others!

Offering Sacrifices

"Of course life is bizarre,

the more bizarre it gets,

the more interesting it is.

The only way to approach it

is to make yourself some popcorn

and enjoy the show."

Unknown Author

Right about now, we may need some laughter in our lives.  Some good old belly laughter like when we were kids.  While playing, a friend said something silly and we all giggled, and then we all were hysterically laughing over jumbled words we couldn't even remember.  Laughter is so good for the soul.

Television, movies, newspapers are constantly bombarding us with terrible happenings across the world.  Recently friends and neighbors may have died or  lost their job or home.  If we are fortunate to be happy, we may feel guilty which of course is not correct at all.

It is easy to become an overly serious adult during these challenging times, but we must balance the responsibility with play.  We need to bring laughter back into our body, mind, and soul.  

We can watch a comedy or read a funny book or observe  children at play.  We need to 'lighten up' and thankfully, I have learned just the thing to brighten my day!

Just as soon as I realize a situation is not going my way, and tension begins to spread up my neck, I say to myself, "I can do this!"  I immediately relax and offer this challenge up as a sacrifice for a child without food.  When I am caught in an endless line, I offer this slight up for a separated family.  I will park my car further down leaving an empty space for a person who may be worse off than I may be.  

Does this work?  I don't know of the end results for others, but the act of tolerating for the sake of others makes me feel more purposeful.  I am happier knowing that I am participating unaware to others.  These small sacrifices allow me to feel joyful and buoyant which triggers a laugh for sure! 

Inward Gaze

 

Truth be told, the inward gaze is something she's not too fond of.  But there are secrets that lurk in the mind, and she doesn't want any of them sneaking up on her.  Sometimes it pays to take a deep look inside even if you get queasy gazing into those dark corners.

 

Alden Bell

The Reapers Are the Angels

 

 

We all repress unpleasant memories for a variety of reasons.  Who knows what really triggers one to unexpectedly surface.  We might respond with a fit of nervous laughter or a startling realization of the return of something thought to have been left in the past.  There may be a sense of foreboding or dread, but if something has surfaced, we need to take a look.

 

It is said with recalling memories, nothing will appear we are not prepared to examine.  If our mind feels certain we are capable of exploring, it will release what it is we need to know.

 

Exploring inner landscapes is not always a pleasant thing to do.  We find our selves discovering both shadow and light.  We search for words to articulate the silence held within and this is not an easy task.  In fact it takes courage and resilience to face what appears to be the unknown.

 

Our hidden truth is like a seed buried in the ground, pushing to sprout and be known.  When we are capable of  embracing whatever lurks under the surface, we will find our selves to be a creative master of our garden.

Good Day to Die ...

 

Your visions will become clear

only when you can look

into your own heart.

Who looks outside, dreams;

who looks inside, awakes.

C. G. Jung

Today is one of those good days, where I can find no fault with my self.  I feel whole, connected, and loved.  It is not often the stars align for me, so I glory in this day.  It is good to be me, and I am  grateful for my life, my teachers and lessons.  As the Native American Indians would say, "Today is a good day to die."

Years ago, I did not understand this concept of death.  Surely, it would not be a good day if I were physically dying.  Now, however, I have a greater sense of what is meant by this phrase.

There are just some days life is so perfect and fulfilling one feels that it will never be better than this moment in time.  If this time in space is the peak of all things, why go on?  Let go when everything is beautiful, peace, and calm. 

On this day I have no longings or yearnings to unbalance my day.  I am more than content with all of the blessings I have received.  I desire to enjoy each and every moment as this mystical sense of oneness will surely pass in short time.  My human ego will soon over ride my spiritual awareness, ushering me back into the chaos of real time.

The Spirit of Christmas 2012

 “What is the spirit of Christmas, you ask?  Let me give you the answer in a true story...
On a cold day in December, feeling especially warm in my heart for no other reason than it was the holiday season, I walked through the store sporting a big grin on my face.  Though most people were far too busy going about their business to notice me, one elderly gentleman in a wheelchair brought his eyes up to meet mine as we neared each other traveling opposite directions.  He slowed in passing just long enough to speak to me.
"Now that's a Christmas smile if I ever saw one," he said.
My lips stretched to their limit in response, and I thanked him for the compliment.  Then we went our separate ways. But, as I thought about the man and how sweetly he'd touched me, I realized something simply wonderful!  In that brief, passing interaction we'd exchanged heartfelt gifts!
And that, my friend, is the spirit of Christ~mas. ”

 

Richelle E. Goodrich

 I am thankful for all of my blessings.  I am deeply appreciative for all of those who have been a Santa to me, making me laugh and adorning me with presents.  I have nothing but admiration for those who have been Christ-like ...  humble and serving from the riches of their heart across all limitations and boundaries.  I am grateful for the time with my daughter being an invisible Santa to unknown others by  doing random acts of kindness ... the joy of Christmas! 

2012 has brought to me the greatest of my personal and spiritual transitions.  It has been a time with many unexplainable losses, eventually followed by surprised gains.  Throughout these last twelve months, life disclosed many challenges and lessons not all filled with delight.  With each new awareness, I my light grew stronger in my heart and soul.

We are all lights of love, to shine in celebration of the Divine, to reflect as a beacon for others, and to experience life in a most positive loving way.  Let us carry this Christmas Spirit into every future day.

Thank you for being a presence in my life, inspiring me to write.

Virginia Carlson

Twas the Night Before Christmas ...

Our hearts grow tender with childhood memories

and love of kindred,

and we are better throughout the year for having,

in spirit,

become a child again at Christmas time.

Laura Ingalls Wilder

Christmas Eve was a magical time for me.  I loved the anticipation of Santa much more than the arrival of presents on Christmas morning. 

Christmas Eve we would go to a candle lighting service and sing carols.  I loved the church being dark, the joined voices, the music, and of course the little white candle dripping hot wax down my hand.  The features in the stained glass windows seemed to come alive.  The mystery of the Christ child was no less important than the coming of Santa.  Both seemed to be a vital part of the spirit of Christmas.

My parents allowed us to open one package on Christmas eve after church with the rest to follow in the morning.  Before bed, I would sit and stare at the lights on the tree.  It seemed to be a private time for thought, a quiet time.  It seemed to be a pause in my otherwise active life.  A time of wonderment.

Christmas eve continues to be my favorite of the season to return to childlike wonder.  Not about Santa, but of the mystery of life, the seen and the unseen, and the magic of candles in the dark.  A private time.  A quiet time. A time for child like wonderment.



Moving through Loneliness

 

When I get lonely these days, I think:  So BE lonely, Liz.  Learn your way around loneliness.  Make a map of it.  Sit with it, for once in your life.  Welcome to the human experience.  But never again use another person's body or emotions as a scratching post for your own unfulfilled yearnings.

Elizabeth Gilbert

Eat, Pray, Love

Loneliness impacts all of us from time to time.  It is a part of being human, but it does have a remedy for all levels of experiencing life.   Loneliness is especially present during the Christmas Holidays.

We may originally believe that loneliness comes to those who are physically alone, but this is not accurate at all.  There are many people who are surrounded by others and yet feel totally alone.  There are also those who live totally removed from all others and yet do not experience an over abundance of loneliness.

Let us just accept that loneliness is no stranger to anyone.  It is similar to being angry.  We all experience anger at some level and we have a choice as to what to do with it.  We know there are appropriate ways of releasing anger just as there are inappropriate ways.  The same holds true for loneliness.

Prior to being lonely, it is ideal to make a list of things to do:

1.  Take a leisurely bath with a candle, music, and good book.

2.  Buy yourself flowers.

3.  Invite friends over for a potluck.

4.  Go to a movie, museum, art gallery, library ...

5.  Curl up in your favorite chair and read.

6.  Settle in and meditate or pray.

7.  Journal

8.  Get out in nature.

When we normalize loneliness, we can move on to the remedy.  When we can see it as a state of being, accept it, and remind our selves that it won't stay forever, we already begin to feel encouraged.   It is helpful to be aware of when we most likely will have the sensation of loneliness.  Identify triggers like over working, unbalanced social and private time, not enough sleep, not eating correctly, or a particular time of the year. 

Granted, loneliness is experienced differently for each of us, but we all share in the experience.  If we but dare to embrace it with appropriate actions, we will not find ourselves in desperate situations that will be regretted immediately. 

Resolution resides inside each of us when we connect with Spirit and move past the illusion of separateness.  Spirit is always with us, but Divine wisdom is difficult to hear when we are self-absorbed.  We need to be patient with our  'self' and remember  loneliness shall pass.  It just passes more quickly if we honor and respect ourselves with appropriate behaviors.

SLOW DOWN!

  

In order to see birds

it is necessary to become

part of the silence.

Robert Lynd

 Not that long ago in smaller towns, businesses would close for at least an hour at lunch time so people could go home for lunch and rest.  In the Mexican culture, there were Siestas every day.  The English have their tea time mid-afternoon.  Native American Indians experienced life unfolding on "Indian time" which meant the element of time had very broad boundaries.    And what can we say about our own culture in this time and space? 

Once I read in a business summary that American culture took a huge step forward by mastering the computer as it easily reduced the length of time necessary to perform daily tasks.  The unfortunate piece was instead of using the extra time to rest and refurbish, they just filled the open space with more work, taxing their bodies and minds even farther.

We have fast food, drive-up windows, and express lanes.  Do these help us have more quality time with our family and friends or do these conveniences simply provide time to over extend our already busy schedules.  The sad thing is we are not even necessarily aware of what we are doing to our bodies, minds, and spirits.  Fast has become the norm.

While visiting New York City this last summer with my daughter, the harsh noises were overwhelming ... grating on my nerves.  Every day we would walk miles and miles shopping, exploring, and wandering in Central Park.  The day we visited Central Park, I realized how long it had been since I had seen trees, heard birds, and actually saw the expanse of the sky.

I was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, and I am thankful for the experience of living in such an exciting city with so many offerings for experiences,  entertainment and learning.  I realize though how much I have changed over the years, and how much more private or quiet time I need for my soul.  I now learn through silence in nature and the solitude of meditation or prayer.  Privacy to journal or reading is a requirement not a preference. 

Years are spent rushing around seeking what we finally find when we learn to be still.  To sit with our self and really listen to our heart's desire.  To comprehend that our body is screaming for us to stop and rest.  What we seek is found when we slow down.  What we have been searching for resides within.  Be still ... listen for the guidance of Divine Spirit ... relax into peace and calm.

The View



When we are caught in the trance of unworthiness, we do not clearly recognize what is happening inside us, nor do we feel kind. Our view of who we are is contorted and narrowed and our heart feels hardened against life.

Tara Brach

Radical Acceptance


Just a few days ago, I was into the holiday spirit and excited about how good life can be.  Yesterday, I noticed a loose string of emotions and I began to pull on it.  I was worried about my friend and her MRI, concerned about a surgery my grandson will face,  and how difficult the holidays will be for my friends who have faced the death of their loved ones.  Today, the string has not only become loose, it is well on its way to unraveling my neatly woven security.

My perception of life has altered considerably as it is based on what is happening inside of me.  My healthy attitude towards my self has slipped and instead of seeing technicolor, my world has turned to gray.  In place of feeling like a force of nature, fear has left me feeling like a puddle from the rain.

Whenever fear muddles my thoughts, leaving me fragmented and afraid, my perception of my life, my surroundings, and my friends and family shifts.  In defense, I throw up emotional blocks, rigid boundaries, and withdraw.  Isolation allows me to feel safe.

The problem with isolation, however, is that it creates such darkness I cannot see the beauty in anything, and I cannot receive the support I need.  This distorted view is created by my own thoughts of unworthiness, not by reality.

Looking back over the last few days, I realize I have not eaten correctly,  have not had enough sleep, and have not made the time for writing and reading affirmations.  I let my self down by ignoring my own support system.

The best way for me to pull my self out of the role of 'victim' is to look at my options.  What steps can I take to stitch my life back together?  Then I must follow through with action, one step at a time until my view has been stretched back unto the brilliant canvas of  life.

Dialogue with the Divine

  I am not a religious person;

I am a spiritual person.

I want to have my dialogue with the divine.

Maybe that means a tree or a rock

or a magnificent being of light

that I cannot explain.

Lynn Andrews



In the heart of every person, there is a spark of the Divine.  I happen to believe that God placed light or energy inside of every thing as it was created.  So if a small glow exists in each and every person and thing, all needs to be revered ... treated with respect and honor. 

I do believe that Spirit talks to us through all objects and people.  When we look at an ocean, the beauty of it can take our breath away ... this is the language Divine speaks.  Messages are constantly being sent to us as we gaze upon the stars or glistening snow.  It is a matter of listening ... hearing the bird singing a song in the tree, feeling the sun shine on your face or feeling cleansed by a gentle rain.  Subtle, but inspiring.

It works the opposite way as well.  When I want to have a conversation with Spirit, I frequently go for a walk.  I sense the presence of God surrounding me.  The spark within me expands as I listen to a bird sing, I see a leaf float elegantly by, and a very interesting rock awaits my attention.  God is in all of these things and I feel joyfully surrounded by love, calm, and peace.  I feel totally connected with the light  in all things and know through this dialogue with the Divine, I am whole once again.

Three Days of Love

 The following message was shared with me by dear friend, Judith Corvin Blackburn, author of EMPOWERING THE SPIRIT.  Please pass the message by Stephan Dinan forward!

               


Judith Corvin Blackburn

www.empoweringthespirit.com

www.Multi-DimensionalPotential.blogspot.com


 Dear friends of the Shift,

We are delighted to be launching an exciting global initiative with Deepak Chopra, Marianne Williamson, Barbara Marx Hubbard, don Miguel Ruiz, Michael Beckwith, Shiva Rea, and many other luminaries today

It's an experiment in creating a global movement of the heart to begin a new era with love, generosity, and kindness.

We invite you to join this "love movement" by personally committing to sharing words and actions of love for three days, from December 20-22. 

Imagine what will happen if people around the world commit to this: amazing acts of friendship, random gifts, hugs from strangers - we can remember ourselves as one human family!

So if you've been wondering what one thing you can do to make a difference, this is a potent and fun one.

Get details and sign your name to the pledge here: Three Days of Love

For these three days, we'll build a coherent field of love around the planet to connect people in a spirit of collaboration as thousands of events activate around the end of one Mayan calendar cycle (and the beginning of a new one).  It's an auspicious time for us to shift from fear to love.

Scientific studies have shown that a unified field of the human heart can effect change in real time and set a framework for cooperation and community building

Once you take the pledge, we then ask that you "Love it Forward" by passing along to your friends and also share your personal expressions of love via photos and videos on the Facebook page. The best ones will be featured on the Birth 2012 broadcast on Dec 21st and 22nd.

Other luminaries and founding signatories include Lynne Twist, Mastin Kipp, Jack Canfield, Joan Borysenko, Lynne McTaggart, Ervin Laszlo and many others.

Deepak Chopra says "Love is not a mere sentiment but the ultimate truth at the heart of the universe."

And YOU are the heart of the universe!

This is one simple act you can take now to spread LOVE and make a difference.

Join us here: Three Days of Love
 

In the spirit of love, Stephen Dinan

 

So How's That Working Out For You?

The primary cause of unhappiness is never the situation, but your thoughts about it.

                                        Eckhart Tolle

                                 Oneness With All Life

Math, algebra, geometry, and numbers in general have never been my strength.  Somehow I never came up with the right equation, and in many ways this seems to be holding true in my life.

Every year I forewarn my self about the holiday season and how it impacts emotion which in turn triggers responses otherwise never intended to be spoken.  I tell my self to stay in the moment, not to wander into the sadness of the past nor stray into the unknown future.  I know these things to be true and time has taught me these simple precautions are vital.

Today, however, the world of unfairness had broken through my defenses and crowds of questions have rushed in trampling over my carefully placed safe guards.  They are demanding answers and no matter how I link the information, the equations are not coming out satisfactorily.  

Fear shakes me so violently, my rose colored glasses fly off and I see nothing but poverty, illness, violence and death.  Instead of seeing the beautiful spirit emanating light from the heart, I see hunger in the belly, and hatred in the eyes. 

I return to the safety of solitude and begin to mend the fences trampled down.  I pull my resources around me and begin to read passages of well worn books and journals.  Centering myself, I breathe in loving light and exhale the darkness of fear.  Thoughts, prayers, energy and light restore my sense of balance.

Through creative visualization, I begin to send  love, light, and energy out into the world of pain.  I become a deliberate vessel of light pouring brightness into the world of darkness.  I will hold this space in time for as long as I can, clinging to what I believe to be true and hugging the present moment.