Courageous Souls Center on Love
I’ve heard it everywhere lately.
From participants in a recent retreat, clients, to friends and family I’ve heard versions of the following:
“It seems like the world is on fire!”
“ Why are people saying and doing the unthinkable?”
“ What the hell is going on?”
“Sometimes I’m afraid to even leave the house…”
I understand how they feel.
The wars, political rhetoric, gun violence and devastating environmental concerns are just a few of the challenges we all face. And when I search my own heart for answers, I know this for sure:
- War has never created long term solutions.
- Screaming at each other has never resolved issues.
- Violence generates more violence.
- Ignoring how we treat the Earth has consequences.
So what can we do?
I suggest we follow the example of the courageous souls I’ve seen who choose to center on love.
It’s important to note, these souls are not in denial of what’s going on. They...
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...
How to Do a Life Reset
Ever felt like this? Like nothing is going right, you feel out of flow, full of fear and life doesn't make sense?
That's been me the last two months.
I needed a life reset.
In retrospect, I had allowed myself to be consumed by world events and gone down a very dark hole of fear.
As a result, I wasn't consistent with my spiritual practice or meditations, made poor food choices and started to feel unwell physically. I still took care of my clients and my family responsibilities during this time, but I wasn’t myself. I was “off.”
And then I remembered something my mentor, Robert Holden, often says, “If you think something is missing in your life, it’s probably you.”
Oh, right!
I had temporarily put more emphasis on the external world noise and not as much on the quiet divine wisdom that resides in the silence of my own heart. That’s where my truth lies. Where my guidance, peace, and joy flows from. How could a spiritual teacher forget...
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...