Aligning with Grace

"I would love to live Like a river flows, Carried by the surprise Of its own unfolding." ~ John O'Donohue The river was beautiful this morning - calm and peaceful - and it seemed to be the perfect time for doing Lovingkindess meditation and the chanting of the Reiki Precepts - which I did very slowly and reverently - with the cadence of my meditations in perfect sync with the paddling of two kayakers coming back from their sojourn. I also offered other prayers and meditations that I normally only do in my sitting practice. For some reason, my experiences were especially moving this morning. I felt enveloped by the Presence of the Divine in so many ways, and it was both comforting and reassuring... At some point, I brushed off a spider climbing on my arm. I am not particularly a fan of multi-legged creatures of the insect variety, but I felt compelled to look up its significance when I came back home. And it seems the message of a spider totem is not alike the messages I...

Something germinates deep in my soul... At first I feel pushed there by others, but then I "listen" to my inner voice, and decide it is time to move on... I listen to "A Quiet Place to Live" by Carole King, and know that this is all I want. In order to truly be in the space - I want to be in - I must move on and sever a few remaining ties... "All I want is a quiet place to live Where I can enjoy the fruits of my labor, Read the paper and not cry out loud In my mind I see it crystal clear Sharing my dreams with the people around me... And all I want is a quiet place to live Where I can be free in a world of my making Instead of taking What they decide to give I wouldn't want what they have - no If I could only find a quiet place to live..." I survey the swollen river, which is even more filled this morning, and in my heart of hearts, I know what it is I must do today... Ten years ago, I left a livelihood and way of being behind, that had defined me for ...

I am thoroughly enjoying reading Carole King's memoir of her life, most appropriately titled, "A Natural Woman." In a very poignant, crucial and surprising part of the book, she wakes up in the middle of the night to ask herself the question: "Who am I?" This is a question we all ask ourselves at some point or another, perhaps even repeatedly at various junctures of our lives. Who am I - REALLY? Recently, I've noticed that the things that were once important in my life, are no longer so. I've let go of so many preconceived notions, desires, aspirations, and even possessions. I believe the fruit of meditation and prayer have soften the edges to many jagged corners in my life, and helped me release other aspects. The longer we practice, the more we are able to notice a shift in our perspective. One of the things that has been very important to me, is the connection that is experienced in community. I have written a lot about it this year, and most especial...

We live in very interesting times indeed... So we are told, by intuitives, psychics and scientists alike... On Tuesday, I literally "felt the earth move under my feet," as Carole King once sang - and was ready for "the sky to come tumbling down," as I ran to the basement in a state of confusion, once I fully realized what was going on. My son reminded me, the basement is for tornadoes. You run outside if there is an earthquake. And truly, I've been through them before, but not in at least, three decades... This earthquake was significant, because I live in Virginia, about an hour from the epicenter. The quake registered a 5.9, and was felt up and down the Eastern seaboard. Today, we prepare for what may be the worst hurricane to hit some areas in decades. Is there a hidden message in all of this? Many can be drawn, but this simple quote that Marianne Williamson posted today, says it all for me: ‎ "When in the midst of outer chaos, se...