Emerging from the Silent Cocoon
Sometimes the world gets too noisy. Too scheduled. Too focused on things that simply do not matter in the long run.
In the last couple months of last year, I began to realize I was focused more on what I “should do” instead of what I was called to do.
I needed a reset. Without really understanding what I was doing, I:
- Took a break from social media.
- Cleaned closets.
- Stopped writing blogs or sending emails because I “should.”
- “Unsubscribed” from email lists that no longer interested me.
- Left a couple online groups where I felt my participation was complete.
And
- Created more quiet time.
- Made more physical space in my environment.
- Took more walks in nature.
- Experienced profound meditations.
- Spent time journaling.
- Connected even more deeply with the Be Love Principles.
While I still took care of my family and business, I realize now that I had created a silent cocoon where I began to think more clearly about…everything.
I feel...
Freedom Through Inner Peace
“Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.”
Viktor E. Frankl
This week my country celebrates July 4th as Independence Day. The holiday marks the ratification of the Declaration of Independence by the 1776 Second Continental Congress when my forefathers declared our freedom from Great Britain.
While the last few years have been cited as the reason many in America feel oppressed, in truth, significant swaths of our population have never been free. At least not like it was described in the history books I studied as a kid.
I’ve been thinking a lot about freedom. And who, what or in what circumstances I truly feel free.
I realized something.
My freedom comes from an inner sense of peace. While laws, ordinances and Supreme Court rulings can restrict my actions, movements and outside choices, my freedom lies in my ability to choose my response. As...
The Only Safe Place Left to Go
I was on the phone yesterday with a dear friend. As we discussed recent world events, she wondered out loud, “Where can I move that would be safe, protected from this chaos?”
We both immediately knew the answer.
Within.
“Within where?” you might ask. One of the Scandinavian countries? Australia, New Zealand? Somewhere in the Caribbean?
The safest place for you, me, and everyone we love is much closer than that: within the wisdom of our own heart.
Your best guidance forward, the way to navigate the world events and help consciously evolve our communities, countries and the world will not be found within current government structures. Or in rhetoric created to induce fear. It is always available within the quiet space of your own heart, however.
How do you access it, the wisdom of your inner divine heart? Meditation and spending time in nature are excellent options and here are three more:
- A favorite tool of mine is the free app offered by the Brahma...
Happy Birthday to My Greatest Spiritual Teacher
I’ve been blessed to have many spiritual teachers in my life. I’ve studied Christian, Buddhist and Jewish teachings with brilliant scholars, examined mystic traditions with teachers who have embodied the work and followed contemporary authors who helped me understand the meaning of life and how to live with love and forgiveness in this ever-changing world.
But without a doubt this kid has been my greatest spiritual teacher.
Happy fifth birthday to my grandson, Emory, my personal Yoda. Sure, this could be ravings of a doting grandmother (and there’s some of that) but why do I think he’s been my spiritual teacher? While my mentors have skillfully introduced me to new ways of thinking and fascinating spiritual concepts, with Emory I’ve learned how to live those concepts in a deeper way.
This little sage has reintroduced me to:
- Unbridled joy
- Curiosity about everything I see, hear, touch, taste, and smell
- Being truly open to new people, places,...
Happy LOVE Month
This month we're looking at LOVE. Not the Hallmark Valentine’s Day card or sappy romantic movie kind of love. The real Love. Divine Love. The intelligent, creative, expansive energy that creates galaxies and beats your heart and mine.
The BIG Love.
Miracles happen when you consciously tap into your own inner divine wisdom. Most people use a type of contemplative practice such as meditation, prayer, or silent time in nature. I have received some of my most profound guidance through daily journaling.
My beloved mentor, Dr. Robert Holden, often shares a profound exercise using a writing prompt. He invites his students to settle into a quiet space, connect to their heart and write this prompt to begin a journal entry, “Love, what do you most want me to know today?”
I’ve written that question hundreds, if not over a thousand, times in the last years. Sometimes I get short sentences addressing a general life issue,...
Who Do You Choose to Believe?
We live in the information age. More books, more blogs, more TV programs, more news outlets than ever before and we often suffer from feeling like we don’t know who or what to believe.
I do. Here’s my tip: check your source.
No, this isn’t a blog about the validity of international government agencies, specific news channels or your favorite talking head. It’s bigger than that.
Check your source, or more to the point, check with your Source.
Many of my clients are quick to check with Source (God, Universe, Love or whatever term you prefer) when loved ones are ill, they’re up for a raise or having relationship issues. Great! You know I always direct you to check with your own inner divine guidance for challenges such as these.
I find folks often forget this “hotline” is always open. For everything.
Going to a restaurant or ordering in? Want to know what would be the best choice? Sure, you can ask your partner or best friend AND check in with...
The Secret to Aligning with Your Values
It’s that time of year when we once again seek clarity around our intentions and goals for the New Year.
Where do you want to be in 12 months? In a new home? A new job? Will you learn a new skill? Maybe travel?
What do you want your family life to look like? Relationships? Your health?
In the past, it was easy for me to come up with a list of “to do’s” and create my intentions but it didn’t always work so well. I’d use my head, my intellect, to figure out my best plan going forward. That’s when the trouble would start.
In retrospect, I realize my goals often weren’t aligned with my values. For example, a core value for me is listening to the Divine within and leading a guided life. If I have an intention to grow my business, and I consistently get up and start work without doing my daily spiritual practice, I’m out of alignment. I may feel “too busy” for my practice and my ego could come up with a multitude of reasons...
Hello Mr. Turkey, Gratitude and True Abundance
If you haven't yet, click on the button above and listen to the "Hello Mr. Turkey Song"....it's an impromptu solo 12 second performance by my grandson.
Excuse the proud grandmother moment, but that kid makes me laugh. And think. And remember the joy of learning a new song. I'm blessed to have this little guy help me see the wonder of the world again.
I'm grateful for that. And I recognize this is one of a hundred ways I'm already abundant. Maybe it's one way I allow myself to recognize I'm blessed.
Every time I turn on the news I'm reminded of the many ways our world is not working and doesn't feel abundant. Or at least I hear the opinions of people who believe that. They're passionate about their views...and often very loud.
But so are we.
We (I'm hoping you're with me on this) can be passionate about recognizing the world we know is possible. One of compassion, respect, inclusion, and collaboration. A world where we...
The Courage to Stay in the Conversation
I wasn’t the bravest kid in school. I was the “good girl” who followed directions but seldom rocked the boat. I don’t enjoy rough waves, disagreeable conversations or being in unpleasant situations.
But here I am.
While it’s easy to talk “love and light” to my “spiritual” friends, I have noticed my reluctance to be around those who think differently. Or those who – often loudly – spout ideas I find frightening. And I realized something.
That’s not love. At least not the kind of love I’m here to live.
The Oneness I believe in includes everyone. Every. One. Those of all beliefs, opinions, viewpoints, perspectives, spiritual practices, and individual preferences.
Everyone.
How can I teach the virtues of Oneness and hide from what my ego fears could be unpleasant encounters? I can’t.
So I’ve committed to stay in conversation with family, friends, colleagues, everyone who comes into my world. Not to...