I’ve been thinking a lot about gratitude lately. All of us, no matter what our circumstances, have reasons to be grateful.
With all the chaos happening in the world today there is a lot of worry and concern, especially about financial matters. We can choose to focus our thoughts and energy on the fear and the ‘news’, or we can consciously choose to think about what we have in our lives to be grateful for.
You may think that it is necessary to focus your thoughts on: ‘how to get out of this mess?’ or ‘what can I do to keep my family safe?’ when, in reality, all you truly have to do is be the love that you are and pay attention to the opportunities that present themselves. And they are presenting every day.
Most of us are so set on following the path we’ve chosen that we miss the quite lovely side roads as we go zooming past. This can be true even for some of us who have chosen a spiritual path. For some reason, the human personality tends to choose the straight path most of the time. Even when we make a major change at some point and take a new direction, we tend to feel the path is now set and, after a while, we forget to look around.
The truth is - - Life is a grand adventure! It’s all in the choices. Don’t most of us have wishes and dreams? Let us, for a moment, be as little children and believe that our dreams can come true. But how can we make our dreams come true, especially the way the world is today?
We can spend some time every day focusing our minds and hearts on being grateful for what is already there. That creates a new energy and like draws like energy. We don’t do the gratitude exercise to get more stuff, but to create the atmosphere of loving gratitude for our own joy. There is a bonus here - - by being the example of our living, loving, God selves for our families and ultimately the world, everything begins to change.
How do you suppose our children have become so intent on how much they can get for Christmas? We can blame television and their friends, but they learn their lessons first at home. When we become less focused on how to get more and more and begin to live in gratitude, our children will imitate do the same. It isn’t what we tell them as much as who we are that forms their ideas and behavior.
So if you want to make a happier, more loving atmosphere this holiday season - - choose loving gratitude, in how you think and behave - - and your family will follow.
I created you a little book as a gift for my family and friends. I liked it so much I’m sharing it with you. It’s called “My Gratitude Journal” and you can see it at www.lulu.com/pennymccoy
I’m wishing you, love and joy this Holiday Season, and all the gratitude your heart can hold. I’m grateful for you, my faithful readers. Many blessings!
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Choosing Your Vibration
Choosing your vibration is as easy as choosing your favorite flavor of ice cream. What is the sensation of enjoying your favorite ice cream? Can you taste it? Can you feel it on your tongue?
By now you have probably heard of the law of attraction. Like attracts like. That’s what all this vibration is all about. Our vibration is created by our feelings, not our emotions, but what we feel. When we choose to vibrate with our true selves we are vibrating with love.
When you sit for a quiet moment and smile, it brings up pleasant feelings. Then set the intent to be the love that you are. How does that feel?
We have all experienced unconditional, non sexual, love in some way; a kitten or puppy, a baby, taking a moment to look at a beautiful view, or enjoying your favorite food. Use that as the start then just let yourself feel the vibration of love.
As you breathe in and out, breathe love, think love, feel love. Know you are love and feel the vibration. When we are intending to be the love that we are, we attract everything our hearts desire.
Is it time for a new car or are you hoping for the perfect lover? Are you looking for a satisfying new job or do you wish you could feel as good as you did 20 years ago? Set the intent to be the love that you are. Everything good is attracted to love. Spend a little time each day quietly focused on feeling that love. It may take a little practice to feel the vibration but I know you can do it. Choose it!
Intent is an amazingly powerful too and we all have it. When I intend to be happy I am. When I intend to be angry I am. When I intend to be fearful I am. All we have to do is recognize and take responsibility for our intentions. Intend to be the love that you are and all the rest will follow. Choose to enjoy who you are. Don’t wait for someone else to make it happen for you. No one can do it as well as you can.
By now you have probably heard of the law of attraction. Like attracts like. That’s what all this vibration is all about. Our vibration is created by our feelings, not our emotions, but what we feel. When we choose to vibrate with our true selves we are vibrating with love.
When you sit for a quiet moment and smile, it brings up pleasant feelings. Then set the intent to be the love that you are. How does that feel?
We have all experienced unconditional, non sexual, love in some way; a kitten or puppy, a baby, taking a moment to look at a beautiful view, or enjoying your favorite food. Use that as the start then just let yourself feel the vibration of love.
As you breathe in and out, breathe love, think love, feel love. Know you are love and feel the vibration. When we are intending to be the love that we are, we attract everything our hearts desire.
Is it time for a new car or are you hoping for the perfect lover? Are you looking for a satisfying new job or do you wish you could feel as good as you did 20 years ago? Set the intent to be the love that you are. Everything good is attracted to love. Spend a little time each day quietly focused on feeling that love. It may take a little practice to feel the vibration but I know you can do it. Choose it!
Intent is an amazingly powerful too and we all have it. When I intend to be happy I am. When I intend to be angry I am. When I intend to be fearful I am. All we have to do is recognize and take responsibility for our intentions. Intend to be the love that you are and all the rest will follow. Choose to enjoy who you are. Don’t wait for someone else to make it happen for you. No one can do it as well as you can.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Let's Play Pretend
I just finished reading a wonderful article about coming to terms with our fears written by my friend Dawn at http://breathfusion.1hwy.com In it she says “Intend it. Pretend it.”
It brought my attention to the word pretend. When we were children we played “let’s pretend”. We didn’t know it then but it was a very important step in growing up to be who we intended ourselves to be. Then we grew up and thought we had outgrown such a childish thing. Not really . . . If we can intend, we can pretend. It is still a useful tool. Pre tending is something we can do to begin the manifestation of our hearts desires. When we pre tend we feel it, see it, smell it, taste it, know it. To intend is to put it out in the future somewhere but when we pretend we are in it, as if it were happening now.
Anyone who has seen the movie “The Secret” or read any of the many articles and books based on those ideas, knows this process is recommended to manifest our desires. We have had the secret all along.
I am so often reminded that much of what we did as innocent children was exactly right. Many of our, so called, childish games were wonderfully useful tools. So much of the “growing up” process stripped us of our fantasies and imaginings, our sense of wonder. Remember, a great deal of our culture is based on a strict Puritan background. It was dangerous to be a dreamer.
We can let that go now. We can be the imaginative, creative, joyful beings we were created to be. All we have to do is give ourselves permission and do it.
Today I will spend a few moments allowing my imagination to run free and “play pretend” just for the pure joy of it.
It brought my attention to the word pretend. When we were children we played “let’s pretend”. We didn’t know it then but it was a very important step in growing up to be who we intended ourselves to be. Then we grew up and thought we had outgrown such a childish thing. Not really . . . If we can intend, we can pretend. It is still a useful tool. Pre tending is something we can do to begin the manifestation of our hearts desires. When we pre tend we feel it, see it, smell it, taste it, know it. To intend is to put it out in the future somewhere but when we pretend we are in it, as if it were happening now.
Anyone who has seen the movie “The Secret” or read any of the many articles and books based on those ideas, knows this process is recommended to manifest our desires. We have had the secret all along.
I am so often reminded that much of what we did as innocent children was exactly right. Many of our, so called, childish games were wonderfully useful tools. So much of the “growing up” process stripped us of our fantasies and imaginings, our sense of wonder. Remember, a great deal of our culture is based on a strict Puritan background. It was dangerous to be a dreamer.
We can let that go now. We can be the imaginative, creative, joyful beings we were created to be. All we have to do is give ourselves permission and do it.
Today I will spend a few moments allowing my imagination to run free and “play pretend” just for the pure joy of it.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Gifts
I think I had forgotten for a while, why I started to blog in the first place. I have had, and continue to have, some wonderful thoughts that I consider to be gifts from the Universe. Sometimes they work themselves around in my mind until I know I have to share them. That is what blogging is to me. It was also the inspiration for my books.
Lately I have been putting so much of my energy into trying to figure out what to do with my life. The plans I had haven’t worked out and I’m staring into, what I have seen recently as a bleak future. How could I write blogs that would uplift people and lend hope in these troubled times feeling that way? A couple of days ago I made a commitment to myself that I would do whatever it took to find my way out of my negativity.
As usual, the Universe has sent me a wonderful multi layered gift. A friend suggested I read a little book called “The Go-Giver”, by Bob Burg and John David Mann. The multi layer part is the recognition of the importance of my friends. I have wonderful, loving, beautiful, friends and I give thanks for them. All of the people in our lives add to the intricate tapestry that is our lives.
Then there is the book! I encourage you all to find a copy of this little book and read it with an open heart. It says it is a “powerful business idea” but I see it as a beautiful life lesson. I would love to tell you all about it here but I believe you may be better served by letting the story unfold for you and seeing what ever it is you are to see as a result of your own experience. I read the entire book in a couple of hours.
I found it at my local library. Libraries are one of the best kept secrets of our time. They are an opportunity to try out lots of books to find the ones we are most served by. The library is also a place to find books to help relax and to find a laugh or a cry, whatever we need for that day. When we find a special book we can then purchase it, to have it around, like an old friend, for reference and comfort.
So I did have something to share after all. This time I started with gratitude and let the words just flow. Thank you, my friends, for giving me this opportunity to share with you once again, the thoughts and ideas that flow through.
I wish you all the blessing of friendship and a strong awareness of your own value.
Lately I have been putting so much of my energy into trying to figure out what to do with my life. The plans I had haven’t worked out and I’m staring into, what I have seen recently as a bleak future. How could I write blogs that would uplift people and lend hope in these troubled times feeling that way? A couple of days ago I made a commitment to myself that I would do whatever it took to find my way out of my negativity.
As usual, the Universe has sent me a wonderful multi layered gift. A friend suggested I read a little book called “The Go-Giver”, by Bob Burg and John David Mann. The multi layer part is the recognition of the importance of my friends. I have wonderful, loving, beautiful, friends and I give thanks for them. All of the people in our lives add to the intricate tapestry that is our lives.
Then there is the book! I encourage you all to find a copy of this little book and read it with an open heart. It says it is a “powerful business idea” but I see it as a beautiful life lesson. I would love to tell you all about it here but I believe you may be better served by letting the story unfold for you and seeing what ever it is you are to see as a result of your own experience. I read the entire book in a couple of hours.
I found it at my local library. Libraries are one of the best kept secrets of our time. They are an opportunity to try out lots of books to find the ones we are most served by. The library is also a place to find books to help relax and to find a laugh or a cry, whatever we need for that day. When we find a special book we can then purchase it, to have it around, like an old friend, for reference and comfort.
So I did have something to share after all. This time I started with gratitude and let the words just flow. Thank you, my friends, for giving me this opportunity to share with you once again, the thoughts and ideas that flow through.
I wish you all the blessing of friendship and a strong awareness of your own value.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
What Do We Really Need?
We think we need so much and we think we are somewhat dependant on others to help meet our needs. If we can turn our minds around on this for a moment we can change the energy and change everything.
If I don’t need you to help me out with my project I have no need to convince or manipulate or cajole or persuade or try to make you like me or believe in me or my project or my abilities . . . . See what is happening here?
When I realize I don’t need, I don’t have to twist myself around and do the convincing dance which can lead to my resenting you for not appreciating how important my work is. When I appreciate myself and my work I don’t need your approval. I don’t need anything.
When I realize I have no needs, I have everything; I realize that to offer you an opportunity to participate in my project has no strings. I can make the offer, share my excitement and leave you to decide . . . without expectation. I know my project is wonderful and I don’t need anyone to approve or support it. I know there will be people who will recognize the value in the project as soon as they see it. All I have to do is get it out there. As I recognize the intrinsic value in all that I do and all that you do, I trust myself and the Universe to flow with abundance for all of us
The projects that come from our hearts will flow with abundance as we present them to the world with confidence and joy. That is what the new energy is. When we realize it is all there for us and know it, really know it, we create the energy to make things happen. People will feel that energy and choose to become involved. It just feels good.
Now the trust is in me. When I know in my heart that my ideas and what I am doing with them are valuable, whether anyone agrees with me or not, then I know I have the power to create and produce and change the world. (No ego, just gratitude and love) .
When I am confident I can share my thoughts and plans with the world without the need for approval. The energy surrounding that is joyful and people respond naturally.
So share yourself with the confidence that comes with knowing you are God also. You and your ideas and your projects that come from your heart are valid and valuable. Share yourself with the world knowing we are all one body, all one mind and all one soul. What comes with confidence and joy is a beautiful gift.
If I don’t need you to help me out with my project I have no need to convince or manipulate or cajole or persuade or try to make you like me or believe in me or my project or my abilities . . . . See what is happening here?
When I realize I don’t need, I don’t have to twist myself around and do the convincing dance which can lead to my resenting you for not appreciating how important my work is. When I appreciate myself and my work I don’t need your approval. I don’t need anything.
When I realize I have no needs, I have everything; I realize that to offer you an opportunity to participate in my project has no strings. I can make the offer, share my excitement and leave you to decide . . . without expectation. I know my project is wonderful and I don’t need anyone to approve or support it. I know there will be people who will recognize the value in the project as soon as they see it. All I have to do is get it out there. As I recognize the intrinsic value in all that I do and all that you do, I trust myself and the Universe to flow with abundance for all of us
The projects that come from our hearts will flow with abundance as we present them to the world with confidence and joy. That is what the new energy is. When we realize it is all there for us and know it, really know it, we create the energy to make things happen. People will feel that energy and choose to become involved. It just feels good.
Now the trust is in me. When I know in my heart that my ideas and what I am doing with them are valuable, whether anyone agrees with me or not, then I know I have the power to create and produce and change the world. (No ego, just gratitude and love) .
When I am confident I can share my thoughts and plans with the world without the need for approval. The energy surrounding that is joyful and people respond naturally.
So share yourself with the confidence that comes with knowing you are God also. You and your ideas and your projects that come from your heart are valid and valuable. Share yourself with the world knowing we are all one body, all one mind and all one soul. What comes with confidence and joy is a beautiful gift.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Choosing to be a Peaceful Warrior
I just received one of those forward e-mails suggesting it be passed on to everyone I know if I agree with the sentiment of the writer. It was filled with so much anger and hatred I couldn’t ever read it all. My first thought was to delete it but I decided to walk away for a few moments and see if I could come up with a different way to handle all that rage.
This is my response and I’m sending it out as a blog and to all the people listed on the e-mail.
There is truth to all the incidents listed in the letter, beginning with 9/11 and going through a very long list of horrors and atrocities that have been perpetrated since then. I will not list them as it simply fuels the fires of fear, rage and hatred that are already altogether too strong in our world today. The piece even suggests the author might make a good candidate for president.
I simply want to remind everyone of some simple truths we have all observed in our lifetime. Has war ever produced a lasting peace? Has hatred ever produced love? Has rage ever produced anything worthwhile?
Do we have a right to be angry? Yes! But exactly how does that anger benefit us? The acts committed were unforgiveable, it’s true. But we must forgive if we want to change things. As long as we keep the rage alive the killing and maiming will continue.
We each have a choice, every moment of our lives. We can choose love over hatred. We can choose forgiveness over revenge. We can choose peace over war - in our hearts and minds.
Do you have the courage to be a peaceful warrior? Do you have the courage to pray for all of the men, women and children fighting in wars all over the world; that they find love in their hearts and recognize that we are truly all one people? Do you have the courage to hold love and compassion in your heart and recognize the personal hell each individual who participates in war produces for themselves?
I do not say any of this to, in any way, diminish the sacrifice and dedication of our troops overseas. They are doing a job to the best of their ability with courage and a belief that they are truly serving their country in the best possible way.
I simply want to suggest that we who are here could better support their efforts with love and compassion than with hatred. If we as individuals can make a conscious choice to send a loving message out into the world, the world will begin to change. We have the power to do that. As we send out hatred it perpetuates war. As we send out love it will bring peace and bring the troops home.
So let us make a new choice today. Water the flowers and not the weeds. Choose love over hatred. Send your loving energy out into the world. Be the love you hope to see in the world. And remember our children learn to relate to the world through us. If we have fear and hatred, so do they. If we choose love and compassion, our children will be much more likely to do the same.
I send blessing to all.
If you agree- - - or even if you just wish it could be so - - - pass it on
This is my response and I’m sending it out as a blog and to all the people listed on the e-mail.
There is truth to all the incidents listed in the letter, beginning with 9/11 and going through a very long list of horrors and atrocities that have been perpetrated since then. I will not list them as it simply fuels the fires of fear, rage and hatred that are already altogether too strong in our world today. The piece even suggests the author might make a good candidate for president.
I simply want to remind everyone of some simple truths we have all observed in our lifetime. Has war ever produced a lasting peace? Has hatred ever produced love? Has rage ever produced anything worthwhile?
Do we have a right to be angry? Yes! But exactly how does that anger benefit us? The acts committed were unforgiveable, it’s true. But we must forgive if we want to change things. As long as we keep the rage alive the killing and maiming will continue.
We each have a choice, every moment of our lives. We can choose love over hatred. We can choose forgiveness over revenge. We can choose peace over war - in our hearts and minds.
Do you have the courage to be a peaceful warrior? Do you have the courage to pray for all of the men, women and children fighting in wars all over the world; that they find love in their hearts and recognize that we are truly all one people? Do you have the courage to hold love and compassion in your heart and recognize the personal hell each individual who participates in war produces for themselves?
I do not say any of this to, in any way, diminish the sacrifice and dedication of our troops overseas. They are doing a job to the best of their ability with courage and a belief that they are truly serving their country in the best possible way.
I simply want to suggest that we who are here could better support their efforts with love and compassion than with hatred. If we as individuals can make a conscious choice to send a loving message out into the world, the world will begin to change. We have the power to do that. As we send out hatred it perpetuates war. As we send out love it will bring peace and bring the troops home.
So let us make a new choice today. Water the flowers and not the weeds. Choose love over hatred. Send your loving energy out into the world. Be the love you hope to see in the world. And remember our children learn to relate to the world through us. If we have fear and hatred, so do they. If we choose love and compassion, our children will be much more likely to do the same.
I send blessing to all.
If you agree- - - or even if you just wish it could be so - - - pass it on
Sunday, June 15, 2008
The Mirror
Every experience is a teacher. Every person who passes through our lives is there to give us the gift of themselves. They mirror something for us so we can better understand how we take our place in the universe.
I realized recently how I have always seen the mirrors of the negatives but rarely the mirrors of the wonderfulness of me. Do you allow for the idea that the friends you hold dear for their admirable qualities of kindness and compassion, humor and love are mirroring those qualities in you? We all have this ability and this gift . . . any time we allow it. This isn’t pride or ego. It is simply recognition of who we are.
When I choose to look only at the things that are “wrong with me” that is ego. It is saying; “Look at me, how bad I am. Notice me, please!” If I can’t be all the things I think I should be, at least I’m so bad I deserve attention, even if it’s negative attention. That may be a bit of an exaggeration but it makes the point.
There it is . . . a craving for attention that is common in people with self esteem issues. It is amazing how many successful and well adjusted people have a place inside where they hold fear that someone will find out they aren’t as good as they appear to be. The thing is we all are as “good” and as “bad” as we think we are. All of that is simply judgment. This is where the problem really is. We judge ourselves based on some old rules created by our cultural environment long ago.
We are coming into a time of new understanding and can now let go of those old rules and judgments. They no longer serve us. So, as we begin to open up to the process, the universe sends us wonderful people to mirror for us so we can clearly see who we are.
The most beautiful mirrors are the ones we may at first reject because they make us uncomfortable. They are the people who love us unconditionally, for no reason at all. We may have become quite good at loving others unconditionally. To love is the greatest gift of all and it becomes quite nice to love and release others without judgment. It feels quite good. Then comes the challenge, allowing someone else to do the same for us. That’s quite a different story, especially when we don’t recall having the experience before. Most of us weren’t raised that way . . . because our parents weren’t raised that way and theirs weren’t and theirs and on and on back it goes.
Well my friends; accept the challenge. Sit back, take a deep breath and feel that love. Allow love to bath you in its healing light. Allow yourself to gratefully accept the gift being offered. Just say ‘Thank you” and feel the love in you grow like the Grinch’s heart.
You are all that and more. Breathe it in. Know you are God also and open to your sacred place in the Universal Consciousness. Know, we are that mirror to others as well. We don’t set out to be. We can’t decide to be. We just are. We don’t even have control over how others perceive us. Just be who you are. Live the love that you are and breathe. It’s all in the breath . . . and the gratitude.
I realized recently how I have always seen the mirrors of the negatives but rarely the mirrors of the wonderfulness of me. Do you allow for the idea that the friends you hold dear for their admirable qualities of kindness and compassion, humor and love are mirroring those qualities in you? We all have this ability and this gift . . . any time we allow it. This isn’t pride or ego. It is simply recognition of who we are.
When I choose to look only at the things that are “wrong with me” that is ego. It is saying; “Look at me, how bad I am. Notice me, please!” If I can’t be all the things I think I should be, at least I’m so bad I deserve attention, even if it’s negative attention. That may be a bit of an exaggeration but it makes the point.
There it is . . . a craving for attention that is common in people with self esteem issues. It is amazing how many successful and well adjusted people have a place inside where they hold fear that someone will find out they aren’t as good as they appear to be. The thing is we all are as “good” and as “bad” as we think we are. All of that is simply judgment. This is where the problem really is. We judge ourselves based on some old rules created by our cultural environment long ago.
We are coming into a time of new understanding and can now let go of those old rules and judgments. They no longer serve us. So, as we begin to open up to the process, the universe sends us wonderful people to mirror for us so we can clearly see who we are.
The most beautiful mirrors are the ones we may at first reject because they make us uncomfortable. They are the people who love us unconditionally, for no reason at all. We may have become quite good at loving others unconditionally. To love is the greatest gift of all and it becomes quite nice to love and release others without judgment. It feels quite good. Then comes the challenge, allowing someone else to do the same for us. That’s quite a different story, especially when we don’t recall having the experience before. Most of us weren’t raised that way . . . because our parents weren’t raised that way and theirs weren’t and theirs and on and on back it goes.
Well my friends; accept the challenge. Sit back, take a deep breath and feel that love. Allow love to bath you in its healing light. Allow yourself to gratefully accept the gift being offered. Just say ‘Thank you” and feel the love in you grow like the Grinch’s heart.
You are all that and more. Breathe it in. Know you are God also and open to your sacred place in the Universal Consciousness. Know, we are that mirror to others as well. We don’t set out to be. We can’t decide to be. We just are. We don’t even have control over how others perceive us. Just be who you are. Live the love that you are and breathe. It’s all in the breath . . . and the gratitude.
Monday, June 2, 2008
A Little Ordinary Magic
Have you smiled yet today?
This may sound corny but it works. If you smile in the morning as you are getting out of bed, choosing your clothes for the day, showering, fixing breakfast, you begin to feel a warm sensation, a sensation that comes with joy. It may bring to your mind a memory of something that made you smile - or it may not - but the feeling is there. It’s like creating a little sunshine from the inside out.
Now think of a couple of things you are grateful for and let that smile come again.
What a way to start the day.
Now try a laugh!
Be the love that you are.
This may sound corny but it works. If you smile in the morning as you are getting out of bed, choosing your clothes for the day, showering, fixing breakfast, you begin to feel a warm sensation, a sensation that comes with joy. It may bring to your mind a memory of something that made you smile - or it may not - but the feeling is there. It’s like creating a little sunshine from the inside out.
Now think of a couple of things you are grateful for and let that smile come again.
What a way to start the day.
Now try a laugh!
Be the love that you are.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Share the Love
When I saw my friend Dawn's blog this morning I decided there was nothing else I could add today. So I'm offering the link to share it with all of you. Happy 22nd!
http://breathfusion.1hwy.com/
http://breathfusion.1hwy.com/
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Being the Light of Love in the World
Being . . . being the light of love in the world. That is, I believe, what we are all meant to be. Those of us who have been around a long time gathering experiences, the good, the bad, the ugly, are pretty well filled with the knowing and we can now choose the joy.
For me it has to do with recognition. I’ve spent so many lifetimes, and that includes a great part of this one, experiencing the bad and the ugly and then feeling guilt ridden and feeling like I have to pay somehow, that I’ve shut down a lot of the joy receptors. Part of that is the ability to notice the gifts all around me.
Right now, today, I’m choosing to open my eyes and my heart to notice the abundance of joy and love that is around me. That includes all the wonders of nature and all the wonders of man. I’ve been pretty good, in this life, at noticing the wonders of nature and being grateful and joyful about it. Allowing myself to accept the abundance of love being offered by other humans, money and material things has been another story. There has been a pile of guilt in the way of my acceptance of the idea that all of this could be for me.
Today, in this moment, I am releasing all old perceptions and blocks that may have been in the way of my acceptance of all that is wonderful and beautiful. I accept, with gratitude, that I am worthy of love in all forms, and I am willing to notice and return the love that is offered to me. I am ready to accept with gratitude all the money to accomplish the visions I am having of creating opportunities in the world to fix some of the damage done to this beautiful earth and in the hearts of people. I have been told for many years that I can do this and that it will be accomplished in this lifetime. I am ready to accept it and step up to the roll of being me, in all the glory of my God self. I am also ready to accept a healthy, strong body that is capable of doing whatever it takes to be the light of love in the world in joy and gratitude.
We no longer have to take vows of poverty and pain in order to become worthy of the kingdom of heaven. It was stated two thousand years ago that the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand. Don’t you think it’s time to accept it and begin to live in the joy of knowing who we are? Everything is acceptable in the eyes of the father. The father is the creator of all things. How can the father hate any of his creations? No one has the right or responsibility to choose what is good and right for anyone but him or herself. Our only responsibility is to live as fully and as joyfully as we can for ourselves. Be the light of love in the world. Set the example of what is possible. I hope we are past the time of being killed for showing the way.
In our lifetime men and women have been killed for their efforts and it is still happening in some parts of the world. The difference is, we can now hold our heads up and know, we do not have to be punished for knowing. We can become the rich majority and the rich majority always has the power. Imagine a world where the rich majority lives in joy and gratitude instead of fear. Where there is recognition and acceptance of the power of love. The more of us who can know and act upon this knowing, the sooner the world we desire will manifest as reality. We are living in amazing times. It truly is about the choices we make every day.
Are you ready to join me?
For me it has to do with recognition. I’ve spent so many lifetimes, and that includes a great part of this one, experiencing the bad and the ugly and then feeling guilt ridden and feeling like I have to pay somehow, that I’ve shut down a lot of the joy receptors. Part of that is the ability to notice the gifts all around me.
Right now, today, I’m choosing to open my eyes and my heart to notice the abundance of joy and love that is around me. That includes all the wonders of nature and all the wonders of man. I’ve been pretty good, in this life, at noticing the wonders of nature and being grateful and joyful about it. Allowing myself to accept the abundance of love being offered by other humans, money and material things has been another story. There has been a pile of guilt in the way of my acceptance of the idea that all of this could be for me.
Today, in this moment, I am releasing all old perceptions and blocks that may have been in the way of my acceptance of all that is wonderful and beautiful. I accept, with gratitude, that I am worthy of love in all forms, and I am willing to notice and return the love that is offered to me. I am ready to accept with gratitude all the money to accomplish the visions I am having of creating opportunities in the world to fix some of the damage done to this beautiful earth and in the hearts of people. I have been told for many years that I can do this and that it will be accomplished in this lifetime. I am ready to accept it and step up to the roll of being me, in all the glory of my God self. I am also ready to accept a healthy, strong body that is capable of doing whatever it takes to be the light of love in the world in joy and gratitude.
We no longer have to take vows of poverty and pain in order to become worthy of the kingdom of heaven. It was stated two thousand years ago that the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand. Don’t you think it’s time to accept it and begin to live in the joy of knowing who we are? Everything is acceptable in the eyes of the father. The father is the creator of all things. How can the father hate any of his creations? No one has the right or responsibility to choose what is good and right for anyone but him or herself. Our only responsibility is to live as fully and as joyfully as we can for ourselves. Be the light of love in the world. Set the example of what is possible. I hope we are past the time of being killed for showing the way.
In our lifetime men and women have been killed for their efforts and it is still happening in some parts of the world. The difference is, we can now hold our heads up and know, we do not have to be punished for knowing. We can become the rich majority and the rich majority always has the power. Imagine a world where the rich majority lives in joy and gratitude instead of fear. Where there is recognition and acceptance of the power of love. The more of us who can know and act upon this knowing, the sooner the world we desire will manifest as reality. We are living in amazing times. It truly is about the choices we make every day.
Are you ready to join me?
Monday, May 5, 2008
Holding Space
We all wish each other well in all our endeavors and would help if we could but the only true help is to hold the space with intent for our friend’s hopes and dreams to manifest as reality. The only one who can make my reality is me.
That does not diminish in any way the importance of holding space. As we see each other’s vision, to the best of our ability, and are willing to hold the space for that vision to manifest, we pour in energy that multiplies exponentially to manifest the vision. We consciously participate because we recognize that all of our visions for ourselves are connected. We recognize ourselves in the mirror of our friends.
I had a conversation recently that brought up a common issue with many of us. The kicker was having an inner voice that said. Look at you; look at what you have let yourself become. You have given up on yourself!
We all have times when we may have those feelings. It is the best kind of wake up call. We can then consciously choose to make the necessary changes one baby step at a time. Choose action instead of inaction. The other piece of that is to tell our friends what is happening so they can relate and hold space with us, to progress up that spiral of experience we are traveling in this life. When we live in compassion and love we progress in kind.
Sometimes the compassion comes easier when it is applied outside of us. Share the love. Then we can apply it inwardly. A great exercise is to look in the mirror and say “I love you (your name).” Do this daily for at least 40 days to establish a new view of yourself. Another is to tell your body you love it as you lotion or cream every inch of your body. Does this sound difficult? All the more reason to do it! When we see ourselves as lovable we will attract love. When we are loving and loved we attract everything we desire. Energy seeks like energy. Be what we wish to be and it will manifest in kind. Live in gratitude and we will manifest more and more to be grateful for.
So, for today, I am feeling much gratitude for the opportunity to hold space for all your hopes and dreams to come true.
Blessings and love
Penny
That does not diminish in any way the importance of holding space. As we see each other’s vision, to the best of our ability, and are willing to hold the space for that vision to manifest, we pour in energy that multiplies exponentially to manifest the vision. We consciously participate because we recognize that all of our visions for ourselves are connected. We recognize ourselves in the mirror of our friends.
I had a conversation recently that brought up a common issue with many of us. The kicker was having an inner voice that said. Look at you; look at what you have let yourself become. You have given up on yourself!
We all have times when we may have those feelings. It is the best kind of wake up call. We can then consciously choose to make the necessary changes one baby step at a time. Choose action instead of inaction. The other piece of that is to tell our friends what is happening so they can relate and hold space with us, to progress up that spiral of experience we are traveling in this life. When we live in compassion and love we progress in kind.
Sometimes the compassion comes easier when it is applied outside of us. Share the love. Then we can apply it inwardly. A great exercise is to look in the mirror and say “I love you (your name).” Do this daily for at least 40 days to establish a new view of yourself. Another is to tell your body you love it as you lotion or cream every inch of your body. Does this sound difficult? All the more reason to do it! When we see ourselves as lovable we will attract love. When we are loving and loved we attract everything we desire. Energy seeks like energy. Be what we wish to be and it will manifest in kind. Live in gratitude and we will manifest more and more to be grateful for.
So, for today, I am feeling much gratitude for the opportunity to hold space for all your hopes and dreams to come true.
Blessings and love
Penny
Saturday, May 3, 2008
One with All That Is
Sitting on a rock watching the sea flow in and out, bathing the heated shores of the island of Montserrat; feeling mother soothing the fever of her child . . . the very earth speaks to me of the lessons we as humans have been ignoring for hundreds of years. There was a time when man lived in harmony with nature and recognized the gifts, like the fertility of the volcanic mud and ash. Man has become so impressed with himself; the abilities of his opposing thumbs and gifted brain; he seems to have forgotten to be in community with the earth and sea which have nurtured him down through the ages. The voice of Montserrat speaks clearly in my mind teaching, caring, loving, drawing from me the gifts I bring to write the story and share the lesson of the ancient volcano at Montserrat.
Only 19 people were lost and that was only because some people are so stubborn they feel they can get the better of nature. That’s not happening. So the body passes and the spirit flies to challenge the earth another time or maybe to recognize itself. We are left with an amazing reminder that we are not all powerful. Ah but we are; it’s just how and where we choose to use the power. It takes a willingness to listen to the voice within so we can again recognize our connection with all that is. Our power is in the recognition of our weakness and the strength that come with submission to the wholeness of God Man and Nature.
There was a time when women had the knowing and flowed easily with nature. Man followed. Now woman is following man into an illusion of power that is a house of cards, bound to be blown away.
Women . . . Men . . . wake to the message Earth is showing us. Recognize true power in knowing we are one with all that is. We have experienced, as individuals in many lifetimes, all we need. It is time to honor that knowing and come together in our oneness to be all we are in the power of the Universal God. Be and know . . . we are . . . Sitting on a rock watching the sea flow in and out, bathing the heated shores of the island of Montserrat; feeling mother soothing the fever of her child . . . the very earth speaks to me of the lessons we as humans have been ignoring for hundreds of years. There was a time when man lived in harmony with nature and recognized the gifts, like the fertility of the volcanic mud and ash. Man has become so impressed with himself; the abilities of his opposing thumbs and gifted brain; he seems to have forgotten to be in community with the earth and sea which have nurtured him down through the ages. The voice of Montserrat speaks clearly in my mind teaching, caring, loving, drawing from me the gifts I bring to write the story and share the lesson of the ancient volcano at Montserrat.
Only 19 people were lost and that was only because some people are so stubborn they feel they can get the better of nature. That’s not happening. So the body passes and the spirit flies to challenge the earth another time or maybe to recognize itself. We are left with an amazing reminder that we are not all powerful. Ah but we are; it’s just how and where we choose to use the power. It takes a willingness to listen to the voice within so we can again recognize our connection with all that is. Our power is in the recognition of our weakness and the strength that come with submission to the wholeness of God Man and Nature.
There was a time when women had the knowing and flowed easily with nature. Man followed. Now woman is following man into an illusion of power that is a house of cards, bound to be blown away.
Women . . . Men . . . wake to the message Earth is showing us. Recognize true power in knowing we are one with all that is. We have experienced, as individuals in many lifetimes, all we need. It is time to honor that knowing and come together in our oneness to be all we are in the power of the Universal God. Be and know . . . we are . . . One with All That Is.
Only 19 people were lost and that was only because some people are so stubborn they feel they can get the better of nature. That’s not happening. So the body passes and the spirit flies to challenge the earth another time or maybe to recognize itself. We are left with an amazing reminder that we are not all powerful. Ah but we are; it’s just how and where we choose to use the power. It takes a willingness to listen to the voice within so we can again recognize our connection with all that is. Our power is in the recognition of our weakness and the strength that come with submission to the wholeness of God Man and Nature.
There was a time when women had the knowing and flowed easily with nature. Man followed. Now woman is following man into an illusion of power that is a house of cards, bound to be blown away.
Women . . . Men . . . wake to the message Earth is showing us. Recognize true power in knowing we are one with all that is. We have experienced, as individuals in many lifetimes, all we need. It is time to honor that knowing and come together in our oneness to be all we are in the power of the Universal God. Be and know . . . we are . . . Sitting on a rock watching the sea flow in and out, bathing the heated shores of the island of Montserrat; feeling mother soothing the fever of her child . . . the very earth speaks to me of the lessons we as humans have been ignoring for hundreds of years. There was a time when man lived in harmony with nature and recognized the gifts, like the fertility of the volcanic mud and ash. Man has become so impressed with himself; the abilities of his opposing thumbs and gifted brain; he seems to have forgotten to be in community with the earth and sea which have nurtured him down through the ages. The voice of Montserrat speaks clearly in my mind teaching, caring, loving, drawing from me the gifts I bring to write the story and share the lesson of the ancient volcano at Montserrat.
Only 19 people were lost and that was only because some people are so stubborn they feel they can get the better of nature. That’s not happening. So the body passes and the spirit flies to challenge the earth another time or maybe to recognize itself. We are left with an amazing reminder that we are not all powerful. Ah but we are; it’s just how and where we choose to use the power. It takes a willingness to listen to the voice within so we can again recognize our connection with all that is. Our power is in the recognition of our weakness and the strength that come with submission to the wholeness of God Man and Nature.
There was a time when women had the knowing and flowed easily with nature. Man followed. Now woman is following man into an illusion of power that is a house of cards, bound to be blown away.
Women . . . Men . . . wake to the message Earth is showing us. Recognize true power in knowing we are one with all that is. We have experienced, as individuals in many lifetimes, all we need. It is time to honor that knowing and come together in our oneness to be all we are in the power of the Universal God. Be and know . . . we are . . . One with All That Is.
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Stuck in a negative vibe . . .
Get unstuck . . . now or later . . . my choice
Last week everything was going right, the sun was shining on everything and I felt good. Then I twisted my knee and it started to rain and I saw a terrible picture of myself that made me feel old. How do I get out of the pit and feel good again?
I usually go for a walk or exercise to get the endorphins going again but my leg hurts and I just don’t feel like it.
Do it anyway ! ! ! Then take something and ice the knee and know it will heal in time and I will be stronger for it.
What’s a little pain. How good will it feel when I get the result of pushing through? Don’t let anything stop the progress. Do something! Take action to shift thought, to show myself who is in charge. I am in charge . . . I am not a victim . . . I make the choices that make my life. If that choice is to feel sorry for myself today it’s ok . . . but know it is my choice and my responsibility to be whoever I am today . . . right now. . . this moment . . . is mine to make.
"The only way to discover the limits of the possible is to go beyond them into the impossible!"
Arthur C. Clarke
I am only stuck if I believe I’m stuck and right now I know I’m free to create my life any way I choose. I am grateful for this awareness and the ability to share it with anyone who is paying attention. When the student is ready the teacher appears.
Last week everything was going right, the sun was shining on everything and I felt good. Then I twisted my knee and it started to rain and I saw a terrible picture of myself that made me feel old. How do I get out of the pit and feel good again?
I usually go for a walk or exercise to get the endorphins going again but my leg hurts and I just don’t feel like it.
Do it anyway ! ! ! Then take something and ice the knee and know it will heal in time and I will be stronger for it.
What’s a little pain. How good will it feel when I get the result of pushing through? Don’t let anything stop the progress. Do something! Take action to shift thought, to show myself who is in charge. I am in charge . . . I am not a victim . . . I make the choices that make my life. If that choice is to feel sorry for myself today it’s ok . . . but know it is my choice and my responsibility to be whoever I am today . . . right now. . . this moment . . . is mine to make.
"The only way to discover the limits of the possible is to go beyond them into the impossible!"
Arthur C. Clarke
I am only stuck if I believe I’m stuck and right now I know I’m free to create my life any way I choose. I am grateful for this awareness and the ability to share it with anyone who is paying attention. When the student is ready the teacher appears.
Everyone has their own challenges. Who is to say what is worse or better. Just remember . . .
"You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
"You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy."
from the Desiderata
Love to you all.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Montserrat
Just back from Montserrat (that’s the Caribbean island where the volcano has been active since 1995) such a beautiful and amazing place.
We met loving friendly people who are choosing to stay on their island, in spite of the difficulties, to rebuild their homes and their country. The place is bustling with activity in the north where new houses and even a new town are being constructed to replace the areas destroyed by the volcano.
I have been traveling in the Caribbean for over 20 years and have never been anywhere where the people are so in love with their island. Other places have pride and joy in their culture and their homes but in Montserrat there is a powerful sense of gratitude and a love that surpasses anything I have experienced anywhere else.
So many people left after their homes were destroyed. But the ones who stayed have such a wonderful attitude about the rebuilding and the land itself. They showed us the areas of destruction and photos of the way things were before the time of crisis with an attitude of quiet pride and gratitude that they have survived the destruction and are rebuilding.
It may not be your typical Caribbean vacation but it was one of the best I’ve ever had. Between the ease of finding everything and the friendliness of the people it was the getaway to paradise of my dreams. There are lots of villas available for rent at very reasonable rates, some guest houses and a hotel. The beaches are virtually deserted most weekdays so you feel like you are alone in the world. There are hiking and diving tours available and of course the tours so you will know your way around.
I sat on a rock on the beach where the Belham Valley meets the sea. The valley including a golf course and a number of beautiful homes are buried under 30 feet of mud and ash. I was powerfully moved by the strength of the island formed over hundreds of thousands of years with the sea bathing the shores like a mother soothing a child’s feverish body. Amazingly, it felt so serene and soothing in spite of the chaos and destruction.
As the sea washed in and out moving little pieces of shell and rock I realized how transient everything is in our lives. We mighty humans build and create such wonderful structures but we put way too much importance on the things. We are a part of an amazing whole. We are one with all that is. We are the created and the creator. We have value as living the experiences of life. Our greatest gifts are based in love and gratitude. We are not better or worse, higher or lower, more or less important than anything or anyone else. Each of us is a unique creation, an aspect of the universal God/Love existence. Time and nature moves all physical reality but the spirit remains.
We found our old friend Shaka Black resting at home in Montserrat, getting ready to tour some more. There will be more about that later. Check back and see what else we discovered in our travels.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
The Message of Dragonfly
The vision of Esteem²² has been floating in my mind for many years. It has taken many forms and shapes but last summer I had a little help.
In the summer my deck becomes a second living room with lots of plants and quite often dragonflies. As I was meditating on the latest ideas for this site, one of the dragonflies lighted gently on my hand. “OK little friend, I’m paying attention!” Here is the story of dragonflies and why they are such an appropriate symbol for our message.
With thanks to Jamie Sams and David Carson from their wonderful book “Medicine Cards The Discovery of Power Through the Ways of Animals”:
Some legends say that Dragonfly was once Dragon, and that Dragon had scales like Dragonfly’s wings. Dragon was full of wisdom, and flew through the night bringing light with it’s fiery breath. The breath of Dragon brought forth the art of magic and the illusion of changing form. Then Dragon got caught in its own façade. In the illusion of ego, Dragon was tricked into changing form, and the shape of its new body became like the Dragonfly. In the effort to prove its power and magical prowess, Dragon lost it’s power.
Dragonfly’s shifting colors, energy, form and movement leads us to vague memories of a time and place where we knew magic, where we understood the illusionary façade we now accept as physical reality.
The message of Dragonfly is one of wisdom and enlightenment. It teaches us to recognize the illusion of ego and encourages us to recognize our power. Follow Dragonfly to the place inside you. Recognize it is your strength, your love and your power. You are creating it all.
Friday, April 11, 2008
Creator . . . Created . . . Creation
Who am I and what am I doing here?
We are to God as a drop of water or a snowflake is to water.
Water is. It cannot be destroyed. It can be made dirty and polluted. It can be frozen or turned into steam. It is the main component in the fluid that flows through every living creature, be they plant or animal. It is what makes up icebergs and clouds, oceans, lakes and rivers. Without it we would not be able to survive in this human form.
We are what God is!
Just as every flake of ice or snow, every cloud, every drop of ocean or lake, or the water in the bottle we hold in our hand, has all the properties and qualities of water, we have all the qualities of God.
We are made in the image and likeness of God.
What we have done with that statement is to create a God that looks like us instead of exploring the notion that we may have all the qualities of the Almighty Creator.
That would make us creators. What a concept!
God is Love.
We are Love.
God is a vengeful and jealous God.
Well we certainly have been that.
Hmmm . . . looks like we may have created God in our image after all.
Think of it this way. When God became aware of his/her beingness (that must have happened at some point, after all God is all that is, so there had to have been a moment of awareness for the rest of us to have been created ) there was an awareness of the need for separation or duality. How could I know light without darkness, heat without cold?
That's where we come in. We are God experiential. That is why the spirit never dies. When we mess up we get to try again.
Well it's time now for us to recognize our Divinity. We have had all the experiences. We are ready to come together again; not to become one big soup (that's where we came from) but to recognize our oneness while we honor all of the aspects that make us unique individuals.
This is cause for great celebration. Celebrate being all that we are and leave the judgment behind. In our Divinity we are darkness and light.
I choose to shine my light in this moment, recognizing that my dark moments are just as valid and valuable. No more shame, just joyful acceptance. Makes the journey a bit more fun, doesn’t it?
We are to God as a drop of water or a snowflake is to water.
Water is. It cannot be destroyed. It can be made dirty and polluted. It can be frozen or turned into steam. It is the main component in the fluid that flows through every living creature, be they plant or animal. It is what makes up icebergs and clouds, oceans, lakes and rivers. Without it we would not be able to survive in this human form.
We are what God is!
Just as every flake of ice or snow, every cloud, every drop of ocean or lake, or the water in the bottle we hold in our hand, has all the properties and qualities of water, we have all the qualities of God.
We are made in the image and likeness of God.
What we have done with that statement is to create a God that looks like us instead of exploring the notion that we may have all the qualities of the Almighty Creator.
That would make us creators. What a concept!
God is Love.
We are Love.
God is a vengeful and jealous God.
Well we certainly have been that.
Hmmm . . . looks like we may have created God in our image after all.
Think of it this way. When God became aware of his/her beingness (that must have happened at some point, after all God is all that is, so there had to have been a moment of awareness for the rest of us to have been created ) there was an awareness of the need for separation or duality. How could I know light without darkness, heat without cold?
That's where we come in. We are God experiential. That is why the spirit never dies. When we mess up we get to try again.
Well it's time now for us to recognize our Divinity. We have had all the experiences. We are ready to come together again; not to become one big soup (that's where we came from) but to recognize our oneness while we honor all of the aspects that make us unique individuals.
This is cause for great celebration. Celebrate being all that we are and leave the judgment behind. In our Divinity we are darkness and light.
I choose to shine my light in this moment, recognizing that my dark moments are just as valid and valuable. No more shame, just joyful acceptance. Makes the journey a bit more fun, doesn’t it?
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Teachers
I am a teacher and so are all of us. Teachers are simply people who share their thoughts and feelings with others. There is training to refine the process; but we are all teaching and learning all the time. Sometimes we don’t realize how much impact we have on others.
Parents are teachers. Parents out there; you have seen your small children imitate everything you say and do . . . whether you want them to or not. Children have not yet learned to filter what they learn and place value judgments on the information coming in; so we, as parents are responsible to be aware of what we are saying and doing. That’s one sort of teacher.
Certainly, those of us who blog, are teaching. It may not be the conscious intent but it is the reality. Ok, so what are we teaching? We teach what is important to us. We want to share the things that have helped and are helping us. We are people of community who have a need to see our beliefs and feelings reflected through others. So we browse around in others’ sites to see what is out there we can relate to and maybe learn some new aspects and insights.
Most of us don’t really want to get involved in something totally new. And that’s ok. We are really only interested in things we can relate to. That’s natural. The new things are really just things we’ve always wanted to learn more about, interests we had not explored but interests just the same. Sometimes we find something that touches a place deep inside that has held a belief not yet shared, even with ourselves. That is exciting. It helps us in the process of knowing and becoming all that we are.
The most effective teachers teach from passion; we may think it is a passion for teaching but it must be a passion for the subject and its usefulness. When I believe in my heart that what I am sharing is important; then my passion is going to help convey my message.
So share your passions. Explore your inner being. Take a risk to be all that you are.
It is so interesting to find people from all over the world finding each other’s words. When someone reads and relates to my words there is a spirit connection. I’m really quite overwhelmed. I want to reach out and hug you. I want to look at your face and into your eyes. But this is as good as it gets for now.
But maybe . . . in the future some time . . . we can have a gathering . . . or a series of gatherings . . . around the world . . . where we can look at each others’ faces and break bread together, play together and talk together . . . but for now we will keep writing.
Parents are teachers. Parents out there; you have seen your small children imitate everything you say and do . . . whether you want them to or not. Children have not yet learned to filter what they learn and place value judgments on the information coming in; so we, as parents are responsible to be aware of what we are saying and doing. That’s one sort of teacher.
Certainly, those of us who blog, are teaching. It may not be the conscious intent but it is the reality. Ok, so what are we teaching? We teach what is important to us. We want to share the things that have helped and are helping us. We are people of community who have a need to see our beliefs and feelings reflected through others. So we browse around in others’ sites to see what is out there we can relate to and maybe learn some new aspects and insights.
Most of us don’t really want to get involved in something totally new. And that’s ok. We are really only interested in things we can relate to. That’s natural. The new things are really just things we’ve always wanted to learn more about, interests we had not explored but interests just the same. Sometimes we find something that touches a place deep inside that has held a belief not yet shared, even with ourselves. That is exciting. It helps us in the process of knowing and becoming all that we are.
The most effective teachers teach from passion; we may think it is a passion for teaching but it must be a passion for the subject and its usefulness. When I believe in my heart that what I am sharing is important; then my passion is going to help convey my message.
So share your passions. Explore your inner being. Take a risk to be all that you are.
It is so interesting to find people from all over the world finding each other’s words. When someone reads and relates to my words there is a spirit connection. I’m really quite overwhelmed. I want to reach out and hug you. I want to look at your face and into your eyes. But this is as good as it gets for now.
But maybe . . . in the future some time . . . we can have a gathering . . . or a series of gatherings . . . around the world . . . where we can look at each others’ faces and break bread together, play together and talk together . . . but for now we will keep writing.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Re-creation
It’s time to recreate myself again. It is time for me to begin to see again the beauty that is in all things including myself.
We go along with this vague unease and it conveys itself into everything we do and say and even in the way we look. When we begin to see the beauty in and around us we begin to shine with a new light and everything seems to change. Has everything changed? Absolutely! We create our reality as we perceive it and when we perceive the world around us as beautiful, it becomes beautiful. As we see ourselves beautiful, we become beautiful.
The recreation of me begins with seeing the wonderfulness in me and shining the light of my attention on that instead of the things I’m not happy about. We have all heard people talk about being too fat or too old or too hippy or to flat. Now there are medical solutions to change our faces and our bodies, surgeries and injections to enhance or reduce; a pill for this and a procedure for that. Where will it all end?
Did it begin with the bionic man and the bionic woman? Or did it begin in a more subtle way with a vague dissatisfaction with self. We felt it then we talked about it then some people realized there was a market for selling the changes people were looking for and now here we are, feeling as if we must make those changes to keep up.
Are we really any happier as a result of all these changes? Or are we just seeing the need for more and more pills and procedures to make us “ok”.
I believe the answer lies in being and loving all that I am, not changing all that I am. Just maybe we have put the cart before the horse. Maybe instead of changing the outside of ourselves and hoping that will make us feel ok, we could begin by loving ourselves just as we are and seeing the beauty all around us and feeling grateful for all the wonderfulness in ourselves and in the world around us.
The world sees us as we see ourselves. If I see myself as fat, and old that is the energy or light I give out to the world so that is what the world sees. If on the other hand I feel the love in my heart and see the beauty in me (and, by the way, it is always there) I send out an energy, a light, that is loving and beautiful and that is what other people see and feel.
If there is excess weight on the body it begins to leave. If there are wrinkles, they begin to fade. I will not look as if I’m twenty when I’m sixty but there will be a timeless beauty that shines from me and no one, including me, will think of age or have any sort of judgment when they are in my presence.
My actions and behavior will reflect the love in my heart and I will treat myself and all those around me with love and respect. And, yes, things will change. As I perceive myself and all around with love and respect that is what will be reflected back to me.
We go along with this vague unease and it conveys itself into everything we do and say and even in the way we look. When we begin to see the beauty in and around us we begin to shine with a new light and everything seems to change. Has everything changed? Absolutely! We create our reality as we perceive it and when we perceive the world around us as beautiful, it becomes beautiful. As we see ourselves beautiful, we become beautiful.
The recreation of me begins with seeing the wonderfulness in me and shining the light of my attention on that instead of the things I’m not happy about. We have all heard people talk about being too fat or too old or too hippy or to flat. Now there are medical solutions to change our faces and our bodies, surgeries and injections to enhance or reduce; a pill for this and a procedure for that. Where will it all end?
Did it begin with the bionic man and the bionic woman? Or did it begin in a more subtle way with a vague dissatisfaction with self. We felt it then we talked about it then some people realized there was a market for selling the changes people were looking for and now here we are, feeling as if we must make those changes to keep up.
Are we really any happier as a result of all these changes? Or are we just seeing the need for more and more pills and procedures to make us “ok”.
I believe the answer lies in being and loving all that I am, not changing all that I am. Just maybe we have put the cart before the horse. Maybe instead of changing the outside of ourselves and hoping that will make us feel ok, we could begin by loving ourselves just as we are and seeing the beauty all around us and feeling grateful for all the wonderfulness in ourselves and in the world around us.
The world sees us as we see ourselves. If I see myself as fat, and old that is the energy or light I give out to the world so that is what the world sees. If on the other hand I feel the love in my heart and see the beauty in me (and, by the way, it is always there) I send out an energy, a light, that is loving and beautiful and that is what other people see and feel.
If there is excess weight on the body it begins to leave. If there are wrinkles, they begin to fade. I will not look as if I’m twenty when I’m sixty but there will be a timeless beauty that shines from me and no one, including me, will think of age or have any sort of judgment when they are in my presence.
My actions and behavior will reflect the love in my heart and I will treat myself and all those around me with love and respect. And, yes, things will change. As I perceive myself and all around with love and respect that is what will be reflected back to me.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Grown Children
We have only one responsibility to our children once they are grown. That is to set an example for them, of living fully and being at peace with ourselves.
Once they are grown they think they know more than we do; so let them. We then go about the business of living our lives based on the wisdom of the things we have learned and are learning now. Remember, when we were their age we thought we knew more than our parents. We may have behaved a little more respectfully. But that was only because it was expected of us. We decided we wouldn’t be as rigid as our parents had been, now look at the result. Oh well, live and learn.
The only way to gain respect from our grown children is to respect ourselves. We may say we do, but we aren’t necessarily behaving as if we do. When we allow our children to take advantage of us and use us as an emotional punching bag we are not showing respect for ourselves. Now remember, I said the only thing we can do for them now is to set an example. Be the person they aspire to be, even if they don’t know it yet.
They will probably become angry at first. Our behavior patterns are changing and they won’t like it. But stick to it! The result is worth it. When we are living rich and full lives and the energy of the love for all that is, radiates from us, they will come looking for the route to such joy. Or maybe they will have to find it some other way. And that’s OK too. They will eventually be drawn back to us because being around us is just too wonderful when we become the loving creative whole persons we are meant to be. We do not need their approval. We do not need their permission. And, if they are conditional in their demands, they do not need our help.
We gave them the best we had when they were growing up. You notice I said “the best we had”. Looking back, we can always say we wish we had done some things differently. At the time, we did the very best we could with the tools at hand.
What are we doing now? We have the time to study and produce. We have the time to do the things we want to do. Think of the time and energy we are spending trying to ‘help the children’. Let them figure out their world on their own, just like we did. Let them make their own mistakes and learn from them. We had to do it for ourselves and so do they.
We can be there to love them, to send out that loving energy that is unconditional. This does not mean show up to bail them out. It means being the love we are meant to be, the universal love energy that connects to all that is. Be all that we are, really be the being we are reading about, the being we know we are, all the time, not just when we have time for ourselves. Don’t tell them what we are doing. Just do it. Don’t explain the changes. Just make them. Have no expectations. Just be!
The love we have for our children radiates out from us when we are at peace. The anxiety and concern and, dare I say guilt, also radiates out and is felt by them. They respond to that with varying degrees of anger and a need to prove themselves capable of making their own decisions and mistakes, which creates a greater need in us to fix things. It is one of those vicious circles that keeps itself going.
So, what do we want for our children . . . and for ourselves? We are all searching for the love that is the God in us and in them. We may not be able to see it in them but it is there. We need to get out of the way so they can get on with it.
There is no greater gift than to show them, by our example, what is possible and to get out of the way so they can find this all out for themselves. It isn’t up to us to save them. Fact is, we can’t, no matter how hard we try or how much we want to, they each (we each) must find our own way.
It’s exciting to think about what that can mean in our lives. Think of the time and energy that is now available to be used in creating, for ourselves, the life we choose. Now we see there is a bit of responsibility there. Are we up for the task? Are we ready to have all that joy in our lives? I think so. How about you?
Once they are grown they think they know more than we do; so let them. We then go about the business of living our lives based on the wisdom of the things we have learned and are learning now. Remember, when we were their age we thought we knew more than our parents. We may have behaved a little more respectfully. But that was only because it was expected of us. We decided we wouldn’t be as rigid as our parents had been, now look at the result. Oh well, live and learn.
The only way to gain respect from our grown children is to respect ourselves. We may say we do, but we aren’t necessarily behaving as if we do. When we allow our children to take advantage of us and use us as an emotional punching bag we are not showing respect for ourselves. Now remember, I said the only thing we can do for them now is to set an example. Be the person they aspire to be, even if they don’t know it yet.
They will probably become angry at first. Our behavior patterns are changing and they won’t like it. But stick to it! The result is worth it. When we are living rich and full lives and the energy of the love for all that is, radiates from us, they will come looking for the route to such joy. Or maybe they will have to find it some other way. And that’s OK too. They will eventually be drawn back to us because being around us is just too wonderful when we become the loving creative whole persons we are meant to be. We do not need their approval. We do not need their permission. And, if they are conditional in their demands, they do not need our help.
We gave them the best we had when they were growing up. You notice I said “the best we had”. Looking back, we can always say we wish we had done some things differently. At the time, we did the very best we could with the tools at hand.
What are we doing now? We have the time to study and produce. We have the time to do the things we want to do. Think of the time and energy we are spending trying to ‘help the children’. Let them figure out their world on their own, just like we did. Let them make their own mistakes and learn from them. We had to do it for ourselves and so do they.
We can be there to love them, to send out that loving energy that is unconditional. This does not mean show up to bail them out. It means being the love we are meant to be, the universal love energy that connects to all that is. Be all that we are, really be the being we are reading about, the being we know we are, all the time, not just when we have time for ourselves. Don’t tell them what we are doing. Just do it. Don’t explain the changes. Just make them. Have no expectations. Just be!
The love we have for our children radiates out from us when we are at peace. The anxiety and concern and, dare I say guilt, also radiates out and is felt by them. They respond to that with varying degrees of anger and a need to prove themselves capable of making their own decisions and mistakes, which creates a greater need in us to fix things. It is one of those vicious circles that keeps itself going.
So, what do we want for our children . . . and for ourselves? We are all searching for the love that is the God in us and in them. We may not be able to see it in them but it is there. We need to get out of the way so they can get on with it.
There is no greater gift than to show them, by our example, what is possible and to get out of the way so they can find this all out for themselves. It isn’t up to us to save them. Fact is, we can’t, no matter how hard we try or how much we want to, they each (we each) must find our own way.
It’s exciting to think about what that can mean in our lives. Think of the time and energy that is now available to be used in creating, for ourselves, the life we choose. Now we see there is a bit of responsibility there. Are we up for the task? Are we ready to have all that joy in our lives? I think so. How about you?
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Recognition
As I was waking this morning I had a vision. There were no words of word thoughts with it so this will be a pale copy of the message but I’ll do the best that I can.
As I was waking to consciousness I became aware of the spirit within me that is God. There was beautiful glowing warmth that spread from the area of my heart throughout my body and out into the world. I was gently aware that this God self in me has the ability to recognize itself in everything and everyone in creation. No matter what anyone else says or does. No matter how angry or fearful my human self may become, my God self has the power to recognize instantly the God in the other human.
This does not mean I am to put myself in harms way or have a responsibility to ‘fix’ something I may see as ‘wrong’; those are human responses. It simply means there is an instant recognition of the kindred Spirit of God in all of us; that my Spirit recognizes in others, the Spirit of love; and in that knowing is the Oneness with All that Is. I am God also and so are You; no matter what actions we take or what feeling we feel or were our human minds take us today, we are all connected and through that connection can recognize ourselves as God again, maybe for the first time.
As I was waking to consciousness I became aware of the spirit within me that is God. There was beautiful glowing warmth that spread from the area of my heart throughout my body and out into the world. I was gently aware that this God self in me has the ability to recognize itself in everything and everyone in creation. No matter what anyone else says or does. No matter how angry or fearful my human self may become, my God self has the power to recognize instantly the God in the other human.
This does not mean I am to put myself in harms way or have a responsibility to ‘fix’ something I may see as ‘wrong’; those are human responses. It simply means there is an instant recognition of the kindred Spirit of God in all of us; that my Spirit recognizes in others, the Spirit of love; and in that knowing is the Oneness with All that Is. I am God also and so are You; no matter what actions we take or what feeling we feel or were our human minds take us today, we are all connected and through that connection can recognize ourselves as God again, maybe for the first time.
Saturday, April 5, 2008
We are never alone
OK, so Penny McCoy started a blog site called Esteem²² to talk about and promote all thoughts about esteem. So what is really going on?
A blog is the perfect forum for those of us who wish to explore what we may want to be doing.
There are lots of people out there who are exploring what being alive in the world today is all about. This is a forum for exchange of ideas and experiences. It is also a way to connect with like minded people and to suggest various ways we can get together and share our experiences, thoughts and feelings; not to mention the wonderful things we are learning as we continue on our journey.
Soon we will begin to schedule retreats of various lengths at a variety of different locations. This will give us the opportunity to meet each other in person to play, learn, experience and relax in a setting just for us.
In the time leading up to that we will be getting to know each other in this forum so I hope there are lots of comments and comments on comments.
Wherever we are . . . We are never alone!
A blog is the perfect forum for those of us who wish to explore what we may want to be doing.
There are lots of people out there who are exploring what being alive in the world today is all about. This is a forum for exchange of ideas and experiences. It is also a way to connect with like minded people and to suggest various ways we can get together and share our experiences, thoughts and feelings; not to mention the wonderful things we are learning as we continue on our journey.
Soon we will begin to schedule retreats of various lengths at a variety of different locations. This will give us the opportunity to meet each other in person to play, learn, experience and relax in a setting just for us.
In the time leading up to that we will be getting to know each other in this forum so I hope there are lots of comments and comments on comments.
Wherever we are . . . We are never alone!
Friday, April 4, 2008
Esteem
Honor
Respect
Appreciate
In order to be all that I Am
I must have self esteem
That is where we begin
After all, what’s it all about if
I don’t have value
But esteem isn’t just about the self
We are happier, more well adjusted, more productive, individuals when we
Honor, respect, appreciate - Esteem - everything around us
People, places, things, events
Sunlight and rain
Children and old people
A shiny new car or an old rusted wheel barrow
Are you beginning to see the pattern?
When we can recognize that everything has a purpose
Even when it doesn’t feel good or look pretty
When we stop having to judge, put a label of right or wrong on things
We begin to be free to truly BE
Esteem is about shining the light of love on everything
I have choice
To accept or reject, to love or despise
To Esteem or toss aside the wonders in and around me
And so do you
Now . . . turn it all back on your self
Hold yourself up to the light of love
Stop judging yourself as
Not funny or serious
Pretty or handsome
Young, old . . . or
Perfect enough
BE all that you are and you will shine the light of love all around you
The circle of life is alive and well - in you - and me - and all of us
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