Almost every day a bit of information comes my way that I can ignore or access for my personal spiritual education. Most of the time I check it out because I never know where it will lead. Sometimes it is a book, a poem, a photograph or just an inspirational thought shared by a friend.
Recently I was introduced to the book The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. It offers a modern day interpretation of the ancient Toltec Wisdom. Deepak Chopra, author of The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success, described the book as “a roadmap to enlightenment and freedom.”
Some of the other stops I have made on my path to enlightenment are to tap into the thoughts of Abraham-Hicks, Dr. Wayne Dyer, John Holland, James Redfield, Michael Newton, Eckhart Tolle, James Van Praagh, Edgar Cayce, Doreen Virtue and Rev. Mary Manin Morrissey just to name a few. I also have had lengthily “visitations” with several protestant and Catholic churches and participated as a member and officer in three Masonic organizations over the years.
For anyone to suggest I have not given other people’s view a fair shot would be slightly ridicules. There is not one other human, one church or one organization that has all the answers I need to live a perfect life. With so much spiritual information available today it is easy to get sucked into following someone or something claiming their way is THE only way.
I am going to take a break from all that knowledge for awhile and go back to my roots, knowing that my answers come from within and are between me and my Creator. It is the most important voice in my life and the only one I can always trust. Lead the way Father and I will follow you.
Friday, May 14, 2010
Thursday, May 13, 2010
A Parade of Men
A couple of days ago this statement was posted on facebook, “An emotionally, spiritually healthy woman will attract an emotionally, spiritually healthy man.” It produced a large amount of response, mostly by women. One woman in particular stated that she had spent several years “repairing” herself and still could not attract an emotionally healthy man.
I know exactly how the woman feels. The post caused me to think about the parade of men that have crossed my path during my adult years. I actually made a list just to refresh my memory. The main characters on the list included a couple of boyfriends, a couple of ex-husbands and a couple of guys who I actually thought were that special man. You know my soulmate, the man put on earth just for me.
With a felt tip marker I drew a box around those six names. They are gone, in the past, never to influence my life again in this lifetime. I have moved past them all, even the ones that I felt a strong soulmate connection with. They were the hardest to include in my little blue box, but I had to do it.
Along with the boxed in men was a list twice as long of men who have either been or are now friends, acquaintances etc. An interesting observation is that this list contains several men who I feel actually took the time to “see” me, while the boxed in men never had a clue. Also interesting is that the clued in have already been spoken for. That does lead me to contemplate why I attract men who are not available for one reason or another. Is it them or is it me?
For several years I have been asking the universe for a male companion and specifically stated that I am not particularly interested in marriage. I believe forty years is enough for this lifetime! Perhaps I have already been given exactly what I asked for. Is it possible that my definition of a companion and the definition the universe has are not the same? I have found from experience when I ask for something I need to be very specific.
Perhaps I was spoiled from an early age by watching my grandparents. My deceased grandfather was the kind of man who allowed people to be who they were. He was non judgmental, honest, dependable and loved everyone he knew. He had a beautiful rose garden and every morning cut a fresh rose for my grandmother. That’s the kind of man I am waiting for.
Maybe I am just too picky or that man simply does not reside on earth; or maybe I simply don’t think I deserve a man that special. In any case I will keep an open mind, while checking out the parade of men who continue to cross my path.
I know exactly how the woman feels. The post caused me to think about the parade of men that have crossed my path during my adult years. I actually made a list just to refresh my memory. The main characters on the list included a couple of boyfriends, a couple of ex-husbands and a couple of guys who I actually thought were that special man. You know my soulmate, the man put on earth just for me.
With a felt tip marker I drew a box around those six names. They are gone, in the past, never to influence my life again in this lifetime. I have moved past them all, even the ones that I felt a strong soulmate connection with. They were the hardest to include in my little blue box, but I had to do it.
Along with the boxed in men was a list twice as long of men who have either been or are now friends, acquaintances etc. An interesting observation is that this list contains several men who I feel actually took the time to “see” me, while the boxed in men never had a clue. Also interesting is that the clued in have already been spoken for. That does lead me to contemplate why I attract men who are not available for one reason or another. Is it them or is it me?
For several years I have been asking the universe for a male companion and specifically stated that I am not particularly interested in marriage. I believe forty years is enough for this lifetime! Perhaps I have already been given exactly what I asked for. Is it possible that my definition of a companion and the definition the universe has are not the same? I have found from experience when I ask for something I need to be very specific.
Perhaps I was spoiled from an early age by watching my grandparents. My deceased grandfather was the kind of man who allowed people to be who they were. He was non judgmental, honest, dependable and loved everyone he knew. He had a beautiful rose garden and every morning cut a fresh rose for my grandmother. That’s the kind of man I am waiting for.
Maybe I am just too picky or that man simply does not reside on earth; or maybe I simply don’t think I deserve a man that special. In any case I will keep an open mind, while checking out the parade of men who continue to cross my path.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Creating for God
Creativity is a wonderful thing and we are all blessed with it in some form. It is a gift from our Creator given to us as a tool to sprinkle positive energy throughout the universe. I love this quote from the website Heaven Letters, “Creativity is getting yourself out of yourself and into the universe”.
There are as many expressions of creative gifts as there are people. Everyone has their own unique slant on their particular talent. The simplest things can bring happiness to others. I have a friend who is a wonderful cook and I love being invited to her home for dinner. She knows how to use just the right combination of spices and always goes out of her way to create an elegant presentation of whatever she has prepared. It is that extra special effort that makes any meal an event.
There are people who take extra pride in their garden and create a magnificent display of color and imagination for everyone passing by to enjoy. There are those who are so full of positive energy that a simple smile from them can change ones mood from anger to joy in a second. There are those with gifts that heal the young and the old. You name it and there is someone with a universal gift to make anything better.
Of course there are those whose creative gift has given them world wide fame. Are they anymore special than your neighbor who is a fantastic baker and gives her scrumptious pies away just because she can? Often money and fame get in the way of the real reason for creative gifts. History has shown it can blow up a person’s ego to the point that they believe all the hype and forget who they are and where they came from.
I remember watching Oprah Winrey interview an author who had just written a now famous book. She sat open mouthed when he said he didn’t care if anyone ever read his book. Oprah never got what he meant. I not only got it, I bought the book because of his comment. He wrote for the love of using his creative gift.
I have gone through many creative phases in my lifetime and have now settled on inspirational writing because it makes me very happy. I am quite aware that my efforts are being assisted by unseen spirits and I am happy to be their messenger. I have finally reached the point of understanding that my job stops at the writing. Although I truly appreciate feedback, how others interpret what I write has nothing to do with me.
When we misuse or ignore the creative gifts God has given that make us unique we are in danger of losing them. It is wise to always be grateful and keep the source of the gift in mind. “Creativity is getting yourself out of yourself and into the universe”.
There are as many expressions of creative gifts as there are people. Everyone has their own unique slant on their particular talent. The simplest things can bring happiness to others. I have a friend who is a wonderful cook and I love being invited to her home for dinner. She knows how to use just the right combination of spices and always goes out of her way to create an elegant presentation of whatever she has prepared. It is that extra special effort that makes any meal an event.
There are people who take extra pride in their garden and create a magnificent display of color and imagination for everyone passing by to enjoy. There are those who are so full of positive energy that a simple smile from them can change ones mood from anger to joy in a second. There are those with gifts that heal the young and the old. You name it and there is someone with a universal gift to make anything better.
Of course there are those whose creative gift has given them world wide fame. Are they anymore special than your neighbor who is a fantastic baker and gives her scrumptious pies away just because she can? Often money and fame get in the way of the real reason for creative gifts. History has shown it can blow up a person’s ego to the point that they believe all the hype and forget who they are and where they came from.
I remember watching Oprah Winrey interview an author who had just written a now famous book. She sat open mouthed when he said he didn’t care if anyone ever read his book. Oprah never got what he meant. I not only got it, I bought the book because of his comment. He wrote for the love of using his creative gift.
I have gone through many creative phases in my lifetime and have now settled on inspirational writing because it makes me very happy. I am quite aware that my efforts are being assisted by unseen spirits and I am happy to be their messenger. I have finally reached the point of understanding that my job stops at the writing. Although I truly appreciate feedback, how others interpret what I write has nothing to do with me.
When we misuse or ignore the creative gifts God has given that make us unique we are in danger of losing them. It is wise to always be grateful and keep the source of the gift in mind. “Creativity is getting yourself out of yourself and into the universe”.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Happy Birthday Andrew!
Meet my oldest grandson Andrew, who is celebrating his 22nd birthday today. He began his life in Guam because his father was in the Navy at the time. His twin sisters were 21 months old when he was born. His little feet touched foreign soil when he was just a toddler and his father was stationed at a base in Scotland.
Andrew began school in New Mexico and when he was on the verge of becoming a teenager his family moved to Georgia, where he has lived ever since. Since high school graduation he has been working for a restaurant where I understand he has gained the respect of his employer.
This last Christmas he spent a few days in New Mexico visiting family. One day I received a phone call inviting me to have lunch with him. It happened to be my younger grandson, Colin’s school vacation, so he joined us.
As I observed my two grandsons sitting next to each other, one tall and dark haired, one short and blond, I could not help but feel a little sad that I had not been in Andrew’s life when he was growing up. I fondly remembered an experience from years earlier of taking in his perfect little face while giving him a bottle. Shortly after that his parents moved away and were later divorced, making the separation even greater.
After leaving the restaurant Andrew gave me a warm hug and then turning to Colin, shook his hand saying, “Goodbye little man.”
Andrew is about to embark on a new journey. He has joined the Navy and will soon begin his own basic training. Wherever this path takes him I know he will do a great job because he is a fine example of today’s youth and I am proud of him.
Happy Birthday Andrew I wish you a pleasant journey through the rest of your life!
Monday, May 10, 2010
Paid for Kindness
After seeing a rather large orb in a photograph I had taken at the Riverwalk I couldn’t wait to investigate the spot and see if it still housed spirit energy. As I approached the area I was treated with the sight of a large gold fish swimming near the surface of the water. I took it as a friendly greeting and sat down on a grassy slope.
I noticed an older man smoking a cigar and using a net to scoop cans out of the water. A woman close by appeared to be helping by using her hands and a plastic bag. I thought how nice of them to be picking up other people’s trash.
Watching their efforts for a little while caused me to feel guilty. Recently my grandson and I had been playing in the park and came across some trash on the grass. I asked him “should we pick it up?” In honoring his no answer I missed a chance to teach him a lesson in kindness.
The memory of this experience caused me to stand and pick up whatever trash I found on my path. After walking some distance on my usual route around the pond I suddenly stopped. On the path right in front of me was a broken beer bottle. I had previously walked over and around this hazard more times than I care to admit and had done nothing to remove the mess.
Realizing that a child or a small animal could get cut on the glass caused me to use my foot to move it from the cement path. The act made me feel good, but at the same time I was embarrassed that I had not been motivated to do it sooner.
I continued around the pond to where I had been sitting, picking up whatever trash was reachable and disposing of it. The man and woman I had seen were now standing near their pickup truck examining its contents. I walked towards them with the intention of commending them for their efforts.
When I saw what was in their vehicle I realized they were scavengers and the cans they had retrieved were part of their haul. I started laughing and wondered if being a role model for kindness counts if you get paid for your efforts. I suspect kindness counts for whatever reason it is done.
In answer to the question that brought me to the Riverwalk on this day; it seems the area does still house spirit energy, just not exactly the way I had pictured it!
I noticed an older man smoking a cigar and using a net to scoop cans out of the water. A woman close by appeared to be helping by using her hands and a plastic bag. I thought how nice of them to be picking up other people’s trash.
Watching their efforts for a little while caused me to feel guilty. Recently my grandson and I had been playing in the park and came across some trash on the grass. I asked him “should we pick it up?” In honoring his no answer I missed a chance to teach him a lesson in kindness.
The memory of this experience caused me to stand and pick up whatever trash I found on my path. After walking some distance on my usual route around the pond I suddenly stopped. On the path right in front of me was a broken beer bottle. I had previously walked over and around this hazard more times than I care to admit and had done nothing to remove the mess.
Realizing that a child or a small animal could get cut on the glass caused me to use my foot to move it from the cement path. The act made me feel good, but at the same time I was embarrassed that I had not been motivated to do it sooner.
I continued around the pond to where I had been sitting, picking up whatever trash was reachable and disposing of it. The man and woman I had seen were now standing near their pickup truck examining its contents. I walked towards them with the intention of commending them for their efforts.
When I saw what was in their vehicle I realized they were scavengers and the cans they had retrieved were part of their haul. I started laughing and wondered if being a role model for kindness counts if you get paid for your efforts. I suspect kindness counts for whatever reason it is done.
In answer to the question that brought me to the Riverwalk on this day; it seems the area does still house spirit energy, just not exactly the way I had pictured it!
Sunday, May 9, 2010
A Mothers Day Message
Sitting on a park bench at the Riverwalk my eyes settled on a young woman walking barefoot along the edge of the pond, periodically looking into the water. Her hair got my attention because it was a rich reddish blond. When lit by the sun it almost glowed. I followed her path until she was in front of the bench I was sitting on.
Roxanne and I exchanged greetings and she asked if she knew me, thinking I looked familiar. I told her no, but she might have seen my photo in the paper because I was a columnist. She sat down and we began a conversation that lasted well over an hour.
She said she had dropped out of school and had her first child at a very early age. She admitted that drugs and poor choices in male companions had influenced her life until recently when she dumped the negativity. Her immediate plans were to move to another town and get an education in cosmetology.
Having investigated several different paths to achieve oneness with her Creator, she felt she was spiritually enlightened. I hoped her personal growth was “real” and not induced by drugs.
During the course of our talk her two boys, 11 and 5, were amusing themselves without much supervision from their mother. She would occasionally ask the older boy where his brother was. This bothered me because her body was there, but her mind was elsewhere. I strongly suspected this was normal mothering procedure for her. I wondered if she realized how much her negative experiences had affected the lives of her children. Did she truly understand that she is a role model for them?
This young woman reminded me of another whose spirit had crossed my path. She was the same age and coloring as Roxanne and also dreamed of a career in cosmetology. Her education was interrupted when she discovered at about age 19 that she was expecting a child.
Soon after the birth of her daughter she was diagnosed with bone cancer. She lost her courageous battle for life two years later. Shaunualee never had the chance to raise her precious child. I believe if her spirit could speak to Roxanne she would say; “quit screwing around, take charge of your life and live every day as if it were your last because it could very well be!”
My post today is in memory of Shaunualee Brito 1979-2002, whose grave marker offers the message “Always Believe”.
Roxanne and I exchanged greetings and she asked if she knew me, thinking I looked familiar. I told her no, but she might have seen my photo in the paper because I was a columnist. She sat down and we began a conversation that lasted well over an hour.
She said she had dropped out of school and had her first child at a very early age. She admitted that drugs and poor choices in male companions had influenced her life until recently when she dumped the negativity. Her immediate plans were to move to another town and get an education in cosmetology.
Having investigated several different paths to achieve oneness with her Creator, she felt she was spiritually enlightened. I hoped her personal growth was “real” and not induced by drugs.
During the course of our talk her two boys, 11 and 5, were amusing themselves without much supervision from their mother. She would occasionally ask the older boy where his brother was. This bothered me because her body was there, but her mind was elsewhere. I strongly suspected this was normal mothering procedure for her. I wondered if she realized how much her negative experiences had affected the lives of her children. Did she truly understand that she is a role model for them?
This young woman reminded me of another whose spirit had crossed my path. She was the same age and coloring as Roxanne and also dreamed of a career in cosmetology. Her education was interrupted when she discovered at about age 19 that she was expecting a child.
Soon after the birth of her daughter she was diagnosed with bone cancer. She lost her courageous battle for life two years later. Shaunualee never had the chance to raise her precious child. I believe if her spirit could speak to Roxanne she would say; “quit screwing around, take charge of your life and live every day as if it were your last because it could very well be!”
My post today is in memory of Shaunualee Brito 1979-2002, whose grave marker offers the message “Always Believe”.
Saturday, May 8, 2010
The Cat Experiment
A few weeks ago I made a comment to a man named John that I couldn’t quite envision life as a spark of light in the celestial realm. Without hesitation, he took it upon himself to help me see from a different vantage point.
He told me to close my eyes and picture a cat. Then he instructed me to picture the cat sitting, jumping, running or even changing colors. Then I was told to open my eyes and tell him who was looking at the cat.
My answer was no one because I was the cat. His reaction to my answer was, “Did you even do it?” Well, sort of I thought. I felt like an errant child. I was told to do it again. Knowing that he was trying to teach me something important I truly tried to follow his instructions.
No matter how hard I tried I couldn’t even see the cat let alone what it was doing or what color it was. My second answer to his “who is looking at the cat?” was- God. Just between us, I really had no clue. I figured that was a safe answer because God sees everything, right? That was not the answer he was expecting me to give him.
Exhibiting a great deal of patience, John gave it one more try, injecting that there were no wrong answers. Oh right, then why did I feel I had disappointed him? Forget everything I previously told you, he advised. Close your eyes and picture anything you want. Do anything you want with the picture. Now open your eyes and answer the question- who is looking at the picture?
Meekly I answered I am. …and is there anything you care to add he asked? I quietly said yes. It was my picture in my mind and nobody else could see what I see. When I was given the freedom to do it my way the answer was quite clear. He had accomplished what he set out to do. My view of my future life as a spark of light in the celestial realm is now coming from inside looking out instead of outside looking up.
This realization led to many others on my journey to enlightenment, including the fact that my Creator is inside as well as everywhere else. After the cat experiment the man named, John suddenly left without giving me a chance to adequately thank him for my new gift of sight.
Thank you John.
He told me to close my eyes and picture a cat. Then he instructed me to picture the cat sitting, jumping, running or even changing colors. Then I was told to open my eyes and tell him who was looking at the cat.
My answer was no one because I was the cat. His reaction to my answer was, “Did you even do it?” Well, sort of I thought. I felt like an errant child. I was told to do it again. Knowing that he was trying to teach me something important I truly tried to follow his instructions.
No matter how hard I tried I couldn’t even see the cat let alone what it was doing or what color it was. My second answer to his “who is looking at the cat?” was- God. Just between us, I really had no clue. I figured that was a safe answer because God sees everything, right? That was not the answer he was expecting me to give him.
Exhibiting a great deal of patience, John gave it one more try, injecting that there were no wrong answers. Oh right, then why did I feel I had disappointed him? Forget everything I previously told you, he advised. Close your eyes and picture anything you want. Do anything you want with the picture. Now open your eyes and answer the question- who is looking at the picture?
Meekly I answered I am. …and is there anything you care to add he asked? I quietly said yes. It was my picture in my mind and nobody else could see what I see. When I was given the freedom to do it my way the answer was quite clear. He had accomplished what he set out to do. My view of my future life as a spark of light in the celestial realm is now coming from inside looking out instead of outside looking up.
This realization led to many others on my journey to enlightenment, including the fact that my Creator is inside as well as everywhere else. After the cat experiment the man named, John suddenly left without giving me a chance to adequately thank him for my new gift of sight.
Thank you John.
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