Everything Responds to Love...Even Hot Water Heaters!
“Everything responds to love,” is the phrase that came to me this morning as I woke up at 3:30am and thinking about our broken water heater and the mess I needed to clean up today.
“Well of course it does! Everything responds to love,” I muttered to myself as I lay in bed.
But what did that mean?
What did it mean to me, right now, dealing with a broken water heater, soaked carpet, possible water damage to several rooms, the plumber’s weekend schedule…and the cost of the clean up?
I decided to find out.
Still in bed, I prayed to be shown how to bring love to the water heater and the resulting chaos. Immediately I was told to “bring it to the Principles.”
So I did.
Taking a few deep heart breaths, I went through the Be Love Principles process I’ve taught for years. Silently I asked:
- Show me how to greet this situation with an open heart, without an agenda.
- Show me the divine essence here.
- Show me any forgiveness opportunities...
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...
Love Always Leads to Love
“Love always leads to love” is a beautiful quote by Helen Schucman, the scribe of A Course in Miracles.
The truth of this statement rings true to my very core. Although my life often comes with the struggles that we all face, when I bring love to any situation or challenge, more love always results.
Always. No exceptions.
I experienced this firsthand a couple weeks ago as I said a final goodbye to a friend in the final stages of hospice care.
On the drive to the nursing home fifty miles from my home, I could feel the fear start to set in. And guilt. And a deep, profound sadness.
What if she’s in too much pain and doesn’t recognize me?
Why didn’t I come sooner?
How can this be happening?
I acknowledged my feelings, decided to take a few deep breaths, and gently shifted my focus. I shifted the purpose of my visit as well. I asked Love to guide me.
I parked the car and walked into the facility with a fresh perspective. Instead of bringing my fear and...
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,...