A Message from the Wetlands
Driving up to my friend's Sunday morning retreat held on her beautiful farm, I had several expectations.
I expected to meet new spiritually minded friends. (Check.)
I expected the skillful host to lead us through insightful and impowering inquiries. (Check.)
I expected to enjoy the fresh country air and powerful demonstrations with her animals. (Check.)
I did NOT expect to receive a personal message while meditating with the group at the edge of her wetlands area. (Whaaaat?)
Here's what happened...
My friend, a trained environmental scientist, led our group to the small wetlands area and explained it's varied purposes in nature. After a brief instruction, she invited us to sit and meditate.
The scene was beautiful, serene and felt sacred.
As I sat, connected to the wetlands and the earth, I could hear the trees sway in the breeze, the hum of a bee several yards away and birds singing to each other.
It was pure bliss.
As I felt myself sink deeper into a meditative...
Align to Truth, Not Tragedy
Like many communities in the Unites States, my beloved Virginia has been rocked once again by multiple mass shootings this month.
Senseless. Devastating. Incomprehensible.
The reaction to such horrific events: public shock, the anguished cries of loved ones, stone faced politicians sending prayers to the affected families.
Enough.
Our opportunity is to align to the Truth, not the tragedy. Let me explain.
While Americans love to say we’re guided by our ideals of freedom, I disagree. We’re thoroughly and consistently motivated by fear.
Fear of the “other” (those of opposing political views, country of origin, race, religious beliefs, gender identification, and thousands of other delineating factors).
Fear of lack or “not enough” (seen through our monstrous consumer appetite and tendency for hoarding as well as deep issues around self-love).
And the fear of aging, loneliness, fear of not making the “correct” choices around food,...
What are you FOR?
We’re a week away from elections here in the United States and…I’m tired. Really. Tired.
I’m tired of hearing what people are against.
It’s hard to turn on TV, listen to the radio or check out YouTube without hearing advertising from candidates that basically say the same thing:
“The other candidate is wrong / evil / destructive / Satanic.
Save yourself and your family - vote for me!”
Now I don’t claim to have seen EVERY ad or candidate interview across the country, but I’ve seen quite a few. Many candidates I’ve seen whether running for local community posts, gubernatorial or federal elected offices campaign on fear. Period.
We’re told to fear rising prices, another pandemic, crime waves, and, of course, the “other guy.” Who is the “other guy?” Depending on who you’re talking to, it’s you.
I don’t pretend to be a politician or any type of political analyst. As an independent...