Continued Observations In Grace

             As the overwhelming negativity continues everywhere we turn (I recently heard someone say the ocean is dead, why even try), as we approach a very hope-filled, jubilant (but traditionally controversial) weekend, I try my best to stay over on the positive side.  I am actively practicing my gratitude.

             In fact, I am practicing this reframed alternative mindset now, as I jot my notes in the rattiest old laundry-mat* I’ve had the pleasure of visiting in several decades.  My reality is this: machines continue to fail, our internet is fucking worthless, people disappoint, and neighbors kill trees.

             I don’t give up (like I used to ….. as much).  Instead, now I

rise above.

             It’s been challenging, let me just say.  Things aren’t going as I thought they would, nor even, as I’d like them to.  The difference?  My attitude.

             I understand more/better/some bits on a deeper level.  My observations are farther reaching.  My soul-sensibility is heightened.  Much of the garbage is rolling off, away from me, so that the stench is not nearly as noticeable as it once was.

             Do I still take most things personally?  Pretty much on the regular.  I am a “highly sensitive” individual, so I truly can’t help that aspect of my personality.  My only way around this emotional reaction is to sit with all the feelings.  Hold them, allow them to find the space they need.  Then, I (try!) to release them, so they can fly off to wherever is their next destination.

             This idea of our own uplifted perception is not even close to new (and definitely not mine), it is the basis of ancient religions and spiritual paths across the world.  It is entirely simple, but does take some getting used to.  It does take us a while to live it.  (Our entire life, basically.)

             Very similar to how I have decided to cope with the upcoming warm weather, I am rebranding it in this acceptance mode.  I can’t stop it, but I can look forward to it being over.   Every hot day I suffer through, brings me one blessed step closer to fall, and the welcome cool once again.

A closed door always means there has to be an open window, someplace. It’s up to us to find it.

*I know that’s not how it’s spelled.  I just like it better this way.  This is me, finding joy in small ways.

 

 

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Caring (too?) Deeply.

             Before I say anything else, or show you any more Wedding Weekend photos, we need to address the date.  Today is the birthday of Dan’s dad.  So, to my awesome father-in-law:  Happiest of Happy Happy Birthdays!  I hope it was filled with love and joy and gifts.

             Now, we need to move on with our daily business.  You know how I get when the kids leave.   So this evening, I’ll be brief.  Just the facts, ma’am.

             Our combined, channeled message/intention for this afternoon is along the lines of a few conversations that took place over the past four days.  It’s a reminder that we can all use, no matter how far we’ve come or who we are.

Grace and Tolerance

             One of the discussions we* had was about family dynamics.  How those closest to us know all the buttons to push, and we, on the other side of the coin, can’t help but react in old and not-necessarily-healthy patterns.  Wouldn’t it be so cool if we could step back a bit and view our loved ones through the eyes of strangers, for just a few seconds?

*And by we, I mean me and Keith, mostly.

             Back within our regular rotation on the card altar we have a messenger who brings us another reminder.   One of Release.  That same old brass ring so many of us keep reaching for.

“Hare  ~

Discernment before a passionate encounter leads to the magic of love.

Hare travels lightly, unfettered, and counsels that you, too, jettison worries that tether you to the present and tie you to the past, cleansing and lightening your mind through meditation or sharing your fears with another.

Unburdened, you may then react quickly as the future speedily unfolds, avoiding disaster and seizing opportunity.  Hare knows how fragile is the heart.   If deeply drawn to another, look first into their mind and soul.   For it is discernment followed by passion that leads to the magic of love.”

             Letting go, to allow space for new opportunities, is just so fucking elusive.   Is it worth the effort?  Oh hell yes!  But holy crap it’s a challenging lesson.

Today’s Deck:

Animal Messages – Seek Inspiration From Our Animal Guides by Susie Green

Today’s Mileage:

was a ride up to my pool class.  I needed to be outside, and you how supportive The Deputy is, so we pedaled, instead of drove, the 3.831 miles, in 24 minutes 29 seconds, with a leisurely pace of 9.3 MPH.  Go HERE to see our route on his map.

FLP Report:

has been sitting as a note in my not-smart phone for over a week, with no pictures to go with, just the observing of several Wisconsins, one Pennsylvania, an Oklahoma, a single New Jersey (NOT someone I know and love, more’s the pity), quite a few Alaskas, ending with Minnesota and Missouri.

Wedding Weekend Sharing:

is a view of our table, before we added food.

Home-made soaps as favors.

             With live plants as center pieces.  Post ceremony conversations were about how this particular generation (at least the ones we are related to/run across in real life) are über conscious of their environment and how waste has an impact on the planet.  And we’re damn glad for it.