Aligning with Grace

Silence is a superpower. I bet you never knew that! Neither did I, actually. I was just talking to my dear friend Lisa recently, and we discussed our different strengths. Sometimes we don't really see ours - or at least, they may not be immediately visible to ourselves or to others. My friend and I spoke about how some people come into the world to make a splash, but others affect the world more quietly. Some come in to anchor energy, and by their quiet, and unnoticed contributions, they still manage to make a big difference. Some of us shift energy quietly and gently. Some of us teach. And others listen and learn. But the truth is, we all do this at various times throughout our lives. We are teachers and students to one another over and over again. Some of us are here to be activists. Some of us hold space for others. And a rare few can serve both roles just as skillfully. Lisa described all of these abilities as superpowers that we have and can deploy as...

"We do not see the world as it is,  we see it as we are." This sacred insight, or something similar to it, has been attributed to several sources, including the Talmud. I cannot verify its origins offhand without delving into some research. But it's source is not pertinent - the essence and reality of its message, is. Earlier this week, I reflected on a recent conversation I had had, during my walk. It was evident that my friend and I saw a series of events quite differently. I asked my Guides on the Other Side to help enlighten me. How was it possible that I could be so wrong? In the quiet stillness of an early morning, the answer came, gently, but clearly... "We do not see the world as it is, we see it as we are." Yes. True. I knew that. But there must be more to it all... Then the Thoughts and Words continued... "We see through different glasses..." How so? "Think of your eyesight and how it has changed over the years. ...

Trust more! Fret Less! This is the message I received today. Have you ever noticed how the things you worry about the most are almost always, things that never happen? We know as the result of many studies and stories, that setting an intention for our day, a meeting, an outcome, often affects the end result in a positive way. If this is so, what would it be like if we intended, or imagined more positive outcomes than negative ones? The world and our lives would be vastly different! I had scheduled a pick up today of donations that mostly consisted of electronic equipment. Thunderstorms had been predicted for later in the day. I got up early, put my stuff out, and rather than worry, I gave intent that all would work out. Then, I went out to run errands and go to the grocery store. When I came back, everything had been picked up! It was sunny and warm! Shortly after returning home, workers came by to do maintenance on the fire hydrant. Soon it was spewing water out ...

Three times today, I receive the same message: "I live in a benevolent universe." The first time, I receive it in my morning meditation. I am so taken with it, that I repeat this affirmation out loud several times: "I live in a benevolent universe." The second time, it comes in a line from today's entry in the daybook, " Every Day Spirit: A Daybook of Wisdom Joy and Peace ." I can tell you - that when I read this sentence, it IMMEDIATELY caught my attention. Lately, my days have been filled with wonderful synchronicities and messages, and I strive to remain open to them. The third message arrived as I was nearing the conclusion of my morning walk by a wooded field. A doe and two fawns crossed my path. This seems to be happening regularly in this particular spot. But today, they lingered and sized me up. Finally, they all  pranced back into the woods. As I walked over the spot where they had initially gathered, I noticed one of the faw...

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In these tumultuous times that we find ourselves in, I've been thinking a lot about safety. Feeling safe, or being safe, is more than the obvious - that is to say - being safe from violent actions or situations. It also includes safety in words, thoughts, attitudes, and conditions. Let me explain.  If I am in an environment where negative conversation and attitudes are constantly on display, I don't feel safe to be myself, or reveal who I really am. So, I become diminished in terms of the possibilities that are at my disposal, and that are available for others as well. And often, negative words and thoughts can get out of control and degenerate into something worse. I believe in the power of words. I believe in the power of positive prayers and thoughts and their ability to shift or change, or even heal a situation. Why? Because I have seen this happen again and again. In these times, I often feel anxious and unsettled because of what I hear or read in the media, o...

Recently, I shared in a blog entry, how on several occasions I happened to have 11 emails in my inbox at 11:11 am. Well, I am both pleased and blessed to report that these wonderful occurrences continue! Several times a day I clean out my inbox (I REALLY am quite diligent about this task!) And guess what? I end up with 11 emails. This happens over and over again! Several times a day - day after day - and now week after week! I casually glance at the time - and yes - you guessed it - it is 11:11! I look at the dashboard on my car, and I notice I have 111 miles left on my current tank of gas. The clock might read 1:11 PM. And so it goes! All these wonderful reminders that I am not alone, and neither are you! Pay attention to all the wonderful synchronicities in your life and to the many signs you are receiving. Yours will probably be very different from mine, but that does not matter. The number 111 is considered to be an angel number and it is a reminder tha...

You don't know what you don't know. Be gentle with yourself. We think we know everything. I know I do. We think we know what is happening.  We think we know what other people are thinking. And what they are feeling. We think that that the way we interpret reality is the correct version of current affairs. But really, this only brings to the forefront, our lack of wisdom and knowledge. There is so much we don't know. We don't know the pain people carry within. Recently, several well known celebrities took their lives, and many, on social media, posted messages and phone numbers for those suffering to reach out. But here's the thing. When you are in such deep pain, you hide it well. And you don't reach out. I know this, because I have struggled with depression and many around me had no idea. You don't often know what you think you know. About others, and yourself as well. Sometimes, you are very surprised to realized you were completely mi...

Do you ever feel like you need to change everything? Like you have to make the world better? And that somehow, you are responsible for everything that happens? Whether it is good or back? REALLY? Stop and think about that for a moment... I feel like this ALL the time. But guess what? You are NOT in charge of the Universe! And neither am I! Sometimes I feel like I am responsible for all kinds of things - how my husband feels - or what decisions he makes - what choices other family members make - or their happiness. And let's face it - it can be quite burdensome to take on all of these things. When I taught theology many moons ago, I used to remind my students - when they got all stressed put and bent out of shape: One person took on all the sins of the world and well, we know how that turned out! So, here's the thing. No one appointed you anything. No one put you in charge of the Universe! However, we are in charge of ourselves. Of our lives. Of the choices we ...

I go on my morning walk, and I receive this message: " Go where the Love is." It is a simple message. A powerful one. And one that is not easy to digest or heed. That is not to say, we abandon all the issues and concerns that need our attention. For we must put love and care into each one of them. It does not mean that we let go of trying to make our corner of the world a better place. For that is all we can do - one person and one action at a time. It does not mean that we ignore the state of the world and what is happening all around us. We need to stay awake and aware of what is going on without drowning in all the controversy and information. On the contrary. This simple dictate, as I interpreted, meant a lot to me on so many levels. Often times we spend our time and energy on people and situations that do not nourish us. Or uplift us. Or support us. We might give and give - to the point of depletion while receiving very little in return. Or, there may be...

"Judge less. Forgive more." Here is a difficult assignment. It is the one that I was given. Recently, I found myself very upset by the state of the world. I ventured out into the fray and posted some articles of current events, which I don't often do. After all, it often invites vitriol and invectives of some sort. But I had to. I could not keep silent. And, I was insulted. Bear in mind, that I am the daughter, granddaughter, niece, and cousin to former and current diplomats. I was taught the arts of compromise, consensus, and behaving politely. And the rest I absorbed through osmosis and simple modeling. But that is not the world we live in today.  People who don't know you will insult you in a way they would never do face to face. That is one of the real failures of social media: It empowers people to hurl insults behind a screen. I could be angry. And hurt. And indeed I was - at what was happening in our culture and all over the planet - and...

Do you feel that your life is too busy? And out of control? That there is just too much to do and you hardly make a dent on your "To Do" list? I have felt that way. Recently I noticed that I was really stressed out. More so than usual and especially when I got up in the morning and started thinking of all I had to do. I tried to get ahead of myself by working a lot during the day and shutting down my computer at 11 pm sometimes. That is really no way to live. So I came up with another plan. I was out on a walk early one morning and then it came to me. What if I just wrote down 3 to 4 things I wanted to get done in one day and just focused on that, rather than a LONG list of stuff I may or might not get to throughout the week? And what if I let unfinished projects wait until the following Monday instead of working on them sporadically throughout the weekend?  What if I simply demanded less of myself and instead gave myself the gift of time? It seemed quite sens...

Sometimes the Universe tries to send you a message, and sometimes you get it, or you don't. If you don't, the Universe just sends it again! On June 11th, which fell on Monday earlier this week, I was working on my iPad. I went to check my email and I noticed there were 11 new emails in my in box after I had cleared out about 30 of them. Then, I casually glanced at the time... It was 11:11 am. Hmm. Well. "That was interesting!" I thought to myself. Over the years I have often seen this sequence of numbers. Then on Wednesday, I casually noticed 11 new emails in my in box once again. I happened to glance at the time, and there it was: 11:11 am! Okay. NOW the Universe REALLY had my attention! This combination of number can mean a lot of things. It can be a message from your guides - from your angels - from loved ones that have passed on. Its their way of tapping you on the shoulder, squeezing you in a hug, and letting you know that you are not alon...

What are you feeding? What are you not feeding or ignoring? I had a crazy dream last week. I had a baby alligator in my bathroom, and I could not remember the last time I fed it.  I shared this story in yoga class the next day, and a friend who has done a lot of dreamwork asked me, "What are you not feeding?" Hum... I had to pause... This is actually a recurring theme I've had in many dreams over the years. Sometimes the protagonist is a baby or a dog, or cat, or a pet of some sort. But the framework is always the same. I am away on a trip or unexpectedly held up for hours or days or more, and I come back, fearful that the being in question will have starved. You get the gist. Not a very pretty picture to say the least. This dream got me thinking a lot. What are you feeding? Or not feeding? What are you starving? And I don't mean in the literal sense of the word. For example, do we take time to nurture our lives - our dreams - and our bodies? Do...

"I felt in need of a pilgrimage, so I sat STILL for three days." ~ Hafiz The Persian poet Hafiz knew a thing or too, and even back in the 14th century, things were not that different than they are today. People were busy. Overwhelmed. Scattered. There was just too much to do and take care of.  People had serious burdens and none of the comforts we take for granted these days. Like running hot water. Or health care - for the most part! If Hafiz were around today, he would say to us: "Take a sacred pause!" Yes, right here, right now! I woke up feeling anxious and overwhelmed and went for a walk. It's what I do most mornings anyway. It grants me a clarity of heart and spirit that is food for my soul. It is also an opportunity for my intuition to provide the insights I need for course corrections in my life and for creative endeavors as well. My walk is a meditation. But more than that, it is a sacred pause. It acts as a reset button. Your...