Aligning with Grace

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 ...

Recently, a friend suggested placing my intentions in a special container - a prayer box, or jar, or whatever I might find suitable. It is a practice that I've turned to time and time again, but it seemed to once more draw me, in this moment, in our world, where there is so much need on so many levels. I had a prayer jar I have used in the past, but wanted something different, so I re-appropriated a small box with dancing Sufis, or "Rumis," as I like to think of them, which I had gotten in Istanbul. I wrote my intentions, and put them into this box and lit a candle, and sat down to meditate. I have done this many times before. But this time, I added the practice of surrendering my intentions. This does not come easily to me. Yes, like many, I ask for things often. But I also seem to have a roadmap for how things should go - how they should be solved. The notion of asking and surrendering, and trusting that all would be resolved in its own time, in the best possi...

This is a repost from 2008... I came across a plaque recently entitled "Alphabet for Life," with each letter of the alphabet consisting of both a kernel of wisdom and a dictum for living life fully. As we stand on the threshold of ending one year, and beginning another, there is much to ponder and which we can embrace in these simple maxims... A ccept differences B e kind C ount your blessings D ream E xpress thanks F orgive G ive freely H arm no one I magine more J ettison anger K eep confidence L ove truly M aster something N urture hope O pen your mind P ack lightly Q uell rumors R eciprocate S eek wisdom T ouch hearts U nderstand V alue truth W in graciously X eriscape Y earn for peace Z ealously support a worthy cause May the coming New Year be one where these jewels blossom in your awaiting heart!

"A good intention clothes itself with power." ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson This morning was rainy, misty, and foggy at times. It was the kind of day that makes you want to curl up with a book and stay home. I did stay home, and read a couple of newspapers from cover to cover, and skim read portions of several books I received in the mail as well. It was a perfect day to lose oneself in self-reflection... A few days ago, I reviewed two of the goals I had set for myself this year. At the very beginning of the year, I placed two labels on a couple of drinking glasses. On one, I placed the word "compassion," and on the second, I placed the word "healing." My intention was to cultivate greater compassion towards myself and others throughout the course of the year, and to open the door to greater healing in my body, mind, and soul as well. As I reviewed the three quarters of the year that have already gone by, I noted many subtle and not so subtle ways in wh...