Message from a Bald Eagle
I drove into town recently on a Sunday afternoon, enjoying the scenery when something caught my eye. On this rural road, perched high atop a tree was a magnificent bald eagle.
It was a true “WOW!” moment.
I’m one who believes God is always sending us signs, so I quickly realized this eagle sighting was a personal message for me!
Back at home, I searched for the spiritual meaning of bald eagles (of course I did) and found many interesting opinions. None resonated.
Then I happened upon a quote from the philosopher and author Matshona Dhliwayo:
“The eagle only knows how high it can fly when it spreads its wings.”
I got the message.
And I understood it.
I realize I’ve been hesitating on a few projects that I’m not only committed to, but am passionate about.
I’ve let other tasks get in the way of my progress. But why? Fear? Life distractions? Was I just lazy?
I’ve identified the culprit.
Not always, but often, I realize I’ve...
I Could See Peace Instead of Listening to the Crazy in My Head
The photo above is me and my husband Joe, taken in one of our local parks last year.
Like most couples who’ve been together over 22 years, we’ve had our share of laughter and tears. It’s all part of marriage.
Recently Joe scheduled two cataract surgeries within nine days. I was concerned.
In my experience, Joe isn’t the best patient.
He’ll tell you he isn’t a patient man. He doesn’t like thinking he’s not in control of things. And he REALLY doesn’t like to be told “no.” Like “no driving for a few days” or “no exceptions to the multiple eye drops per day for the next five weeks.”
As we started this surgery process, I noticed something.
Joe was much more agreeable than normal. While he was a bit nervous, he was excited about the possibility of improved vision.
It was me who had the issue.
I had multiple scenarios playing in my head during the days leading up to the first surgery and the...
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...
Choosing Love in Difficult Situations
I wish it was easy for me to choose love in every life situation. It’s not. Sometimes I want to avoid a difficult conversation or pretend I don’t get scared when I hear disturbing news. Even with a consistent spiritual practice, I can still get triggered by a harsh comment, chaotic world event or when faced with a difficult decision.
After practicing degrees of avoidance, dodging, pretending and the occasional “forgetting” for decades, I’ve remembered the truth. All these tactics are simply an ego dance that keep me feeling constrained, stressed, uncomfortable and in conflict.
The truth is equally simple.
Every time I go within and ask Love for guidance on a specific issue or ask for help to react from love instead of fear, something miraculous happens.
There’s a shift.
Sometimes subtle, sometimes more pronounced but a definite shift to a feeling of peace. The shift is physical, mental, and emotional. My shoulders relax, the knot in my stomach...
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 Genuine Power in Asking the Right Question
I ask a lot of questions. A LOT. At least my family seems to think so.
My curious mind has led me to understand how to live in more peace, harmony, and joy than any other time in my life. And I’m grateful.
Part of the reason for that has been understanding of the power of questions. Specifically, how to shift the focus of my internal questions from what I don’t want, to what I do.
Let me explain…
In years past my questions would be typically focused on understanding why I’d done something, hadn’t done it, or why life wasn’t happening according to my plan. The dialogue in my head on any given day could sound something like:
“How could I be that stupid?”
“What was I thinking?”
“Why doesn’t anything ever work out for me?”
“Why did I think he/she/they would do the right thing?”
“Why can’t I ever get this right?”
Everything changed when I started asking different questions.
Many...
Finding Perfection in Perceived Chaos
Every so often I catch myself wondering when things will "calm down." In those times I remember that my perspective of life is what can "calm down," not necessarily the events that occur. And when I can remember that my thoughts create my experience, I get it. I'm able to see Divine Perfection amid my perceived chaos. Much of the time at least. Here’s an example I remember from a few years ago.
I decided to go to IKEA about 50 miles from home on a Friday afternoon and talked my strong son into coming (someone had to lift those boxes). My plan was simple: drive an hour, grab something to eat, quickly locate what I needed, check out and be back home before the afternoon rush hour began. I’d have plenty of time to go home, change and attend the visitation at the local funeral home that evening. All was good. Or so I thought.
But Life happened. We were late leaving the house, there was a problem with lunch, I couldn’t find all the items I wanted,...