June 8th, 2010

Play isn’t just …

Play… Isn’t just for Children
(photo not yet posted)

Seems like the older we get, the more solemn our outlook becomes. Our culture equates maturity with an attitude of seriousness about life. Taking our responsibilities seriously is a good thing, but often worry and negative expectations get thrown in there, too. It’s so natural these days to worry, that we question the sanity of someone who is optimistic…as if they aren’t facing “reality”. But why is the only acceptable reality one that is full of fear and dread? When we are weary from stress, why not choose a better way to go about our daily lives? We can turn our attention to those aspects of life that are pleasing to us… activities that ease our minds and feed our spirits. A nature walk with a friend or dancing to our favorite songs. Inviting neighbors over for a potluck dinner or indulging our creative juices in a new project. When we allow ourselves space to enjoy the day, we become better able to deal with the more demanding aspects of our lives. Play is essential to our well-being. Just as we need sleep to refresh our physical bodies, we need time for play to renew our mentally overworked minds. Without play our life energy becomes anorexic. As vibrational beings we need creative endeavors and moments of laughter and joy to remind us of who we really are. Play isn’t just for children…it is the key to a balanced life for every one of us.

May 2nd, 2010

You Can’t Hide…

You Can’t Hide Who You Are

I spent most of my life pretending I was normal. I tried my best to fit in. I followed the rules (for the most part) and was the perfect student, even class president. I studied life, too. But I never understood why people did what they did. Couldn’t they see a bigger picture? Why did we all have to believe the same thing and put down those who were different? The intensity of the negative response when I tried to challenge the norms scared me into wanting to belong. So I continued to hide out hoping not to be discovered. I pulled it off for decades until the strain caught up with me. My physical body no longer allowed me to continue the hoax. I fell into a spiral of exhaustion and depression that took me years to recover from. In that dark place, I began to question if the ruse was really worth it? I knew I was a good person, but maybe my life was destined to be a party of one. My perspective was so skewed from years of self-doubt that I failed to realize that my family and friends already had an inkling of who I really was. They weren’t appreciating my insights about life because I wasn’t valuing my gift either. I had tried to shut down my intuition or use it only for myself.
At the crossroads between despair and hope, I chose to see a new way of being. My only choice… I had to learn to love myself. I slowly began to reveal my sensitivity to energy and my ability to perceive situations with a clarity that was new to those around me. Much to my surprise, others reciprocated with expressions of appreciation for my support and guidance. Acceptance began outside of my family at first and then slowly trickled in. Day by day, like a child learning to walk, I tested my abilities and let others in on my experiences. As my confidence increased, so did my willingness to allow people to see the real me. Over time, my health improved and my life became brighter and more expansive. Those early years helped me gain the courage to change. Now I see a world of limitless possibilities and I feel an integral part of it all. I understand that who I am is an essential element in the Divine design of life. I have learned that there is no need to hide because I belong here and there will always be a place for me… just the way I am.

“If we can let ourselves be truly seen, then we can be truly loved.”
(from a greeting card by Amber Lotus Publishing ©2006)

April 22nd, 2010

Simplicity…

What does it mean to be simple? When we call someone simple-minded we mean that he or she is not capable of complex ideas. However, when we say that someone has discovered a simple solution to a problem, we usually view that as creative genius at its best. So what is it about being simple that is appealing?

First of all, simple implies the idea or thing that we are thinking about can be reduced down to its core. The “simple” truth represents only the bottom line facts. Nothing extraneous is included. Secondly, when we keep it simple, we are allowing clarity to prevail. The intention is to focus on only the essentials. In this way we bring forth the purest essence of what it is we are focused on in the moment. The word can also be applied to something in its natural state like “simple” beauty. The object of our attention exists in its original form or it can be viewed in a way that allows its various elements to be appreciated as a whole without distractions.

Choosing a simple life allows us to focus our attention on those aspects that are most meaningful for us as we release the rest. Nothing is retained that does not support balance. There is no clutter within our minds or in our environment that demands our attention. We are free to take in the natural beauty and essence of the world around us. Simplicity opens up space in the containers of our lives for new ideas and opportunities to show up. We are available to the ease and flow of life as it moves through us. With the clarity of mind that accompanies simplicity, we can more readily access our innate wisdom. There is more energy, more spontaneity, more joy.

But simplicity as a lifestyle is not for the faint of heart. It springs forth from a deep knowingness that we are all part of a Divine stream of well-being that responds to our requests. It demands trust in our innate worthiness to receive what we need, when we need it. It requires confidence in our ability to allow into our lives all that we ask for and a willingness to let go of those things that no longer serve us. In choosing a simple life, we become a channel for the flow of abundance as it moves through us and back out into the world again. Simplicity allows us to live in the moment with fewer constraints on our time, money and personal energy. As we release our grip on the physical, mental, and emotional “stuff” of life, we open ourselves to receive and appreciate a most precious gift, freedom.

April 7th, 2010

Embrace Life

Sometimes life can feel like heaven on Earth…sometimes like a personal hell…but usually it falls someplace in-between. So what accounts for the difference in experiences? It has everything to do with our perspective and expectations. The world that we see is a mirror image of the one we are holding inside our minds. Whatever we believe to be our truth will appear before our eyes. If I believe in the reality of war, then I will see conflict. If I expect scarcity, then I will experience lack and limitation. Likewise, if I hold my focus on loving relationships and a world that can evolve and adapt to meet the needs of everyone on the planet, then that is what I will experience. The physical Universe is a representation of our mental reality. Many may argue these concepts sound airy-fairy because their personal experiences tell them a different story, but it is precisely their beliefs about reality that provide them with their experiences. We have each agreed to participate in this physical endeavor because it gives us the opportunity to peek into the limitless creative machinations of our mind. Just as a child stumbles as he or she learns to walk, we too have our trials; but the exuberance that we feel at each stage of success propels us forward. In this laboratory of cause and effect, we can learn to master our creative genius in a way that profoundly affects our lives and the lives of others for the better. As we embrace life, we renew our commitment to participate in the evolution and advancement of our world and beyond.

March 19th, 2010

Angels Show Up…

Angels Show Up in Unexpected Places

It happened on an airplane during a trip to Florida to visit my in-laws. I had been struggling to recover my health after a bad case of the flu and was hoping that some time in the sun would help me heal. As I boarded the plane I took my seat and began coughing violently much to the dismay of the other passengers. A gentile white-haired lady sat down next to me who seemed oblivious to my condition. She greeted me with a smile and a nod. From the moment she sat down, my coughing stopped and I didn’t cough again the rest of the trip. Throughout the flight she radiated love to me. When I told her things about my life, she smiled and said, “I know, dear.” I wanted to ask about her life, but seemed unable to get the questions out. Whatever information I was able to gather, I couldn’t retain in my memory. As we disembarked the plane, I thanked her for her companionship and then searched for my in-laws at the gate. The next thing I know, she walked up to my hosts and said to them, “You need to love her.” I explained to them that she was the lovely lady who sat next to me on the plane. As I turned around to see where she was heading, I realized she was gone. No where in sight. She had literally disappeared in the large terminal.

There are people or “angels” in our lives who show up when we most need them. They may be friends or family members or, perhaps, a complete stranger who appears unexpectedly just at the right moment to assist us through some difficulty. Their intention is to remind us that we are loved and supported. And their message is deeply appreciated. I am forever grateful for the kindness of the angel who flew with me that day.

March 13th, 2010

My Spirit Brightens…

My Spirit Brightens the World

To say “My Spirit Brightens the World,” seems a bit arrogant at first glance. But maybe we have this arrogance/humility thing upside down. All of life is an extension of Divine Source… meaning the energy that creates Universes is flowing through everyone and everything. This Source energy is a powerful loving intelligence that orchestrates life’s design. Our individual Spirit is the essence of the pure, positive energy of Divine Source as it animates us. We have been gifted with an eternally loving and light-filled Spirit that holds the truth of who we are in our ancient memories. Accepting our part in this Divine plan is an expression of humility. Acknowledging our spiritual heritage is a reflection of our deepest appreciation. It is the ego’s arrogance that tells us that we are unworthy. But fortunately, no powers of the ego can change the Divine design. Look around at the physical world. All of Nature exuberantly expresses the energy of its Source. The vast array of flowers are our teachers as they unabashedly revel in the beauty of the energy that flows through them. An orchid does not apologize for its brilliance. It simply allows its vibrant spirit to bless and brighten the world.

March 11th, 2010

Love, Laugh & …

Love, Laugh & Lighten Up

What better time to write a blog about getting lighter than when I am feeling a bit down? No apparent reason for my off mood… just life, I guess. Normal stress stuff. Sometimes I just wish life was easier. No aches or pains, no disappointments, just ease and flow. But I have to admit that some of my best insights come at the expense of my own personal comfort…meaning I don’t usually dig down deep for answers until I’m forced to. Human nature, I think. Most of us wait as long as possible before turning the searchlight inward. I’ve garnered a lot from life through observation and personal experiences. I’ve learned that people who love deeply seem to be more true to their purpose than anyone else. It is as if they know a precious secret in their hearts. Those who laugh easily can magically transform the mood of a situation no matter how sad it is. And those who are connected to the essence of their Spirit tend to experience life from a lighter heart space. They don’t take themselves or misfortunes too seriously. They convey a trust that all will turn out well regardless of the current outlook. Theirs is a world of love, laughter, and a lightness of being that calls each of us to discover again our own nurturing connection to our Divine Source.

March 8th, 2010

Confidence is…

Confidence is… Loving Who You Are

Confidence is a sticky thing. Too little and you can be called timid or shy, too much and you’re considered brazen or self-centered. Confidence is usually associated with the ego… that part of our personality that is focused on worldly concerns. But I think there is a different kind of confidence, where none of those terms apply. It has nothing to do with the ego. There is a confidence that emerges from a deep place within the soul that understands the true nature of who we are. Just as the flowers boldly display their vivid magenta and purple colors, we too have been created to express the magnificence of our inner landscapes. Children in their naivete sing and dance and proudly “show-off” their talents because they have not forgotten what their spirit knows. They enjoy the daily discovery of new abilities and skills because they have not yet learned to judge themselves through ego’s eyes. Theirs is a confidence that flows from an awareness of their inner genius. We, like the children, are here to express our spirit through our many gifts. Our confidence can be a reflection of the joy of life as it creatively moves through us. When we remember again what our inner child already knows, we can’t help but fall in love with who we truly are.

March 2nd, 2010

Honor Our Uniqueness

So what’s unique about me? I’m sure someone on the planet looks like me or laughs like me or even loves ice cream as much as I do, but the combination of those characteristics begins to define who I am. My crooked smile and quirky sensitivity further shape my specific way of being. Add in my curiosity about life and the way I receive intuitive insights and you can see a unique person taking shape. My response to life’s opportunities and challenges is the foundation for my characteristic expression. Just by being me, I offer something new to the world. As I look at life through my hazel eyes, I have a perspective that no one else has or will ever have. The Source energy that creates worlds flows through me experiencing life in a way that is totally unique. Moment by moment as my perspective expands and evolves, so does Source. That means that my life is an integral part of the expansion of ALL that we call life. Each of us, through our individual experiences, plays an essential part in this Divine design. As we honor our uniqueness, we honor the exquisite diversity and eternally evolving nature of the Universe. That’s something to celebrate!

February 17th, 2010

Live in the Moment

The phrase ”Live in the Moment” has been circulating through our culture for several years inspiring spiritual seekers to be consciously aware of the life they are living. So why is being focused in the moment so important? Because the present moment is the point in time where creation begins. It is the place where all power resides. Only in the present can we access our innate wisdom and spiritual guidance. It is where we tap into our creative genius. This very moment, as you are reading this blog, you are prepaving your future experiences through what you are thinking and feeling. Your current thoughts are magnetically drawing to you the object of your attention. That’s powerful stuff! On the other hand, when you allow your mind to wander without direction, it’s like climbing onto any bus that’s passing by. There’s nothing wrong with that, but it may not take you where you want to go. As a deliberate creator, you‘ll need awareness of what you are thinking and where your thoughts are leading you. Living in the moment and consciously focusing on thoughts that feel good, allows you to choose your destination while enjoying the ride. The present is where all of life exists and evolves. So keep your attention in the moment and bon voyage!