Aligning with Grace

"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. ...

I finished reading three books this week, and in all of them I found this essential message repeated, over and over again, in various permutations:  Love yourself first, then you can love others. Appreciate who you are. Do not put yourself down. Do not sell yourself short. The poet Rumi once wrote: "The whole Universe is inside of you. Ask all from yourself." You have everything that you need. Right now. In this moment. A dear soul reminded me of that last night. No matter how bleak, or dark things may be - there is a Light that shines within you. Why? Because you ARE Love - you are a fragment of the Universal Force that binds us all. But, you have to recognize it. And accept it first. Then you can shine that Light and Love for others. But start with yourself. Today. Tomorrow. And every day! (Photo by Veronica Martinez)

"Each of us inevitable, Each of us limitless - Each of us with his or her right upon the earth, Each of us allow'd the eternal purports  of the earth, Each of us here as divinely as any is here." ~ Walt Whitman, (Leaves of Grass) "There is nothing more impoverished as the deeply unawakened heart; and nothing enriches us more, and brings more life and meaningfulness, that the awakened heart." ~ Christina Feldman It amazes me how every day one can receive the messages needed, if one is open to them. Last night I was reading a chapter entitled, "Making the conscious decision to love your life," in Lorna Byrne's "Love from Heaven: Practicing Compassion for Yourself and Others."  In this section of the book, Lorna, who has had a life long ability to see and communicate with angels and beings that have passed on, states that to love is our most important mission in life. Love is indeed our essence. And so...

I awaken drained and exhausted, after several days of sadness and heaviness for the state of affairs in this world, and the perception of my own. Everything in the news seems to consist of a blockage - an impediment for communication, compromise and collegiality - a challenge that is seemingly insurmountable, and yet in my heart of hearts, I know it is not true... Did not Gandhi once exhort us to be the change we wanted to see? Messages come from so many different places, and I receive two that are particularly notable, one as I finish the book that I am reading, "Hallelujah Anyway: Rediscovering Mercy," by Anne Lamott: "...Things that grow are what change everything.  Moments of compassion, giving, grief, and wonder  shift our behavior, get inside us and change realms  we might not have agreed to change...  The world keeps going on.  You can have another cup of coffee  and keep working on your plans.  Or you can take t...

Stillness speaks to me, on this rainy, foggy day and oh! it has so much to say! thoughts do come and go when I am not in that space of Stillness but when I am, profound insights arise - birthed in Deep Silence the day surrenders to the nightfall as I lose myself in Stillness it reminds me to be Quiet and to Listen for what is deeper, deeper still... Stillness speaks to me, in Deep Meditation leading me deeper, deeper still... into Contemplation and Union Stillness speaks to me, on this rainy, foggy day and oh! how much it has to say!

Looking back to previous posts, every now and then I find something worth reposting, so here is a poem from my entry for December 13, 2010: Advent 2010 In this Sacred Season Of Stillness and Silence, May you walk with the Divine-- Scattering the true Gifts Of this Blessed Season: Joy, Compassion, and Love, With every breath you take. Be the Light You want to see, Shining brightly everywhere. Embody the Change You hope will take root In every soul and nation. Give the Love You wish to receive, Have, and always treasure. Spread the Joy You hope will soothe, The yearning in every heart. Be the Silence Deeply desired and absent In the busyness of everyday Life. Be a Harbor and Safe Haven For all who are lost, Or entrusted into your care. Reflect the Divine's Presence In every word and deed, And encounter that you have. Be the Light! Give the Love! Spread the Joy! Be the True Gift of this Season-- The Incarnation of the Divine In our Hea...

Sometimes, we are surprised in life... We may be surprised by gifts... Or, by the visit of a loved one we have not seen in a while... Sometimes we are surprised by the turn of events... And sometimes, we are surprised by joy... We might not see it coming... Sometimes we pray for something, perhaps not really imagining that we will receive it - to which I admonish - be careful what you pray for! On March 17th, the Feast of St. Patrick, I prayed for a change of heart - and for a clean heart... I asked to be rid of all that does not serve, like the mythological snakes that were driven out of Ireland... In the cleansing many things were released, and the process still continues... Space was created for other things to be received... And for other things to be... A new place of indwelling was created within a cleansed heart... An invitation was sent out - and everything began to be seen and experienced with new eyes, and yes, through a new heart... This week, a g...

For a new day in a New Year, here is some inspiration to warm your soul, and help you chart your direction in this coming year... I am wishing for a very full and rich year of growth - for all beings - and for myself as well... "This is my New Year's wish for you:  that you all reach the land beyond your dreams,  where there is peace and joy eternal."  ~ Paramahansa Yogananda "Spread your arms wide into the future.  The best is yet to come!"  ~ Anthony de Mello, SJ "And now, let us believe in a long year that is given to us,  new, untouched, full of things that have never been." ~ Rainer Maria Rilke  "The only limits are, as always, those of vision." ~ James Broughton "Make your life a mission -- not an intermission." ~ Arnold H. Glasgow  "Visualize yourself standing before a gateway on a hilltop.  Your entire life lies out before you and below.  Before you s...