To Acclimate and To Harmonize

             The older we get, the more we see, and (hopefully), the more we learn.  The older we get, the more we are able to experience, and (hopefully), the more we grow.

             Our days end, evenings begin.  A row of work shifts come to a close, our weekends arrive.  Seasons slide, one into another.  And years fly by, each December bringing that calendar to an end.

             If we are fortunate enough to rack up many decades, we are given the gift of perspective.  And a past to reflect upon.

             Not all memories, nor actions, will be good ones.  Just as not all lived moments are joyful.  But that’s what creates the rich and complex fabric of our time here.  It’s a Variety Pack, it’s not a crate of all the same flavors.

             Because while we have favorites, staying the same is simply impossible.  What the Universe wants us to focus on right now is our

Adaptability

             One of the ways we survive these adventures is to change, to revise, to modify.  Being unmoving equates to stagnation.  It’s harmful, not good for us.

             Personally, I struggle with the entire topic.  I’ve not been great at this readjustment shit.  I see the reasoning, I see the truth of it.  I’m just not entirely terrific at the doing of it.  Yet.

             I know I’m getting better, though.  I know I’m making progress.  Which, in truth, is all we can really do.  It’s our job to improve, gather tools, carry them along on our journey, trying to keep up .  All while the ground under our feet is shifting, the sky over our heads is storming, and the body we are wearing rots.

             The best we can do is live fully with each and every breath, be kind with each and every accomplishment, gain wisdom with each and every lesson.  Going forward in this life is about moving through the tasks, even if we don’t always understand them.

             Like evolution on a secluded island, we adapt to what is around us.  As we gain understanding, we make better what we can, we help those who need us, and we care for our loved ones.

 

 

 

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Likelihood and Probability

             Have you ever seen a squirrel in your blackberry bushes?  I hadn’t either, not until earlier this week.  It was surprising.  But, maybe, it shouldn’t have been.

             We, as a species, go places where humans couldn’t possibly survive, and yet they do.  We, as active animals, perform tasks our bodies maybe weren’t even designed to accomplish, and yet we do.  There are so many ways we can flourish,  Uncountable ways.

             Here’s what the Universe is asking us to understand right now:

things are not always as expected.

             Like my bushy-tailed neighbor in the berry shrub, she was simply just doing what came naturally, looking for food.  Ta da, there is was!  I’m the one who was caught off-guard.

             Our life paths often take us in directions we not only weren’t planning on going, but didn’t even realize existed.  This journey, it’s like that.  One day we’re out hunting for nuts, and, out of nowhere, there’s free fruit!

             What it’s not like?  The movies, internet, TV, or as books tell us.  It can be so much more, and if we’re in a negative place mentally, it can seem like so much less.

             That’s the point of this message, it’s not what we “expect” because we don’t have a clue as to what/where/how much we could even accomplish.  It’s never too late to head down any avenue we like, or wander along a new road we may feel the interest in exploring.

             What is “expected” of us is rarely where our heart directs us.  And it is rarely what will make us happy.

             In many belief systems, we are encouraged to seek out calm and loving attitudes.  And yet the media bombards us with the constant inadequacy that we cannot be satisfied unless we acquire All The Things, or appear a certain way.  Where do we find our balance?

             Right now, it seems, our key is to let go of expectations.  Those tossed over us by our culture (and the big businesses who are running so much of it), and those ideas we had about, and for, ourselves which maybe weren’t even ours in the first place.

             What I hear is, it’s time now to be our own unique and individual selves.  Being in our skin, enjoying our surroundings, loving those close to us, appreciating our many blessings.  Allowing those unnecessary expectations to slip away.  That seems like a terrific spot to be in.

 

 

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Actuality of Composure and Stillness

             Sitting in traffic, several days last week, brought about the first image of today’s message.  It also goes along with last week’s.  Because, sometimes there’s a theme.

             For quite a while now I’ve understood that Time and I have a complicated relationship.  (Much like how I feel about products made of wood – I love trees.  I also love the feel of smooth wood.  But, if I have something made of wood, a tree had to die.  See?  Complicated.)

             The belief that every incident and occurrence happens when and where it is supposed to generally equals a zen and calm attitude.  Except.  Except when we get wrapped up in the Ego and the Body and the culture we’re immersed in.

             What the Universe would like us to pay more attention to is:

patience.

             That illusive virtue so many of us struggle with.  It’s about Perspective.  It’s about Free Will.

             Trying to be patient and wait for our future to unfold can bring many of us to an anxious and unproductive boiling point.  Sometimes we think that time just needs to go FASTER!

             Or, maybe it needs to slow down?  The complication for me is that I don’t realize time is going anywhere at all.  I don’t mind waiting in line, or even sitting still while others do what they need to.  But, then.  I DO mind!  It can seem senseless.  It can seem random.

             Which is where Patience comes in.  If we allow ourselves the idea that all is in Divine Order, that all is as it should be, and will be, we are better equipped to wear the mantle of calm.  Not rushing can be it’s own event.

             We arrive when we get there.  The party starts when it does.  Nothing is permanent, so there is no reason to hurry.  (Unless a restaurant is closing and we won’t get dinner, in that case, speed the fuck up.)

             As we age, time takes on a different meaning.  As we see the wisdom in releasing stress and agitation, we can enjoy more moments, more days, more of our entire journey.  We can treasure how naturally much of life drops in to place.

             When we are all jacked up, waiting and pacing, time isn’t changing.  We’re simply not enjoying the spot in time we are occupying.  When we examine (and then put into action) where we can let go of that false sense of urgency, we may then allow ourselves to sit in serenity.  We give ourselves permission to observe.  We are free to . . . be.

             Breathe deeply.  Regain composure.  Sit in the now.  What gift has time brought you?  The reality is, that car in front of you always moves, eventually.

It was not hot today,
there was rain.
And I was pleased.

 

 

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Avenue of Arrangement

             The wonderful and exquisitely complicated patterns of our lives will never stop enchanting me.  It’s entirely true, the statement about how, never in our wildest dreams could we imagine the purpose nor the outcome of this adventure.

             In the past few weeks I’ve witnessed a series of events which were choreographed on the highest level, arranged and ordered to a fine degree.  One situation’s outcome determined another, and then . . . something else had to happen in order for the next element to drop in to place.  All of this so the end result could finish in a seemingly random but spectacular way.

             Christians refer to this as “god never gives us more than we can handle” while others says, everything IS in divine order.  No matter how we phrase it, the truth is, there’s reason and order in a chaotic world.

             The vastness of this universe is beyond our tiny human comprehension, but when we see, when we are privileged enough to witness its glory, we need only be grateful.  And

be assured

             One of my mom’s favorite things to say, but rarely do, is to remind us all not to worry.  Instead, she recommends we pray.  (Or, your spiritual equivalent, she is all inclusive, you do you, she has not problem with that.)

              Her reasoning has merit, when we put something in place of the fear, we are practicing mindfulness.  That way we are better able to visualize how the dots are all being connected, how the Grand Design is efficiently and wondrously playing out.

             We drew up the blueprint, all of us.  So, when we continue to work with our Team, we can see that yes, we are on the correct path.  And if it feels as though we aren’t?  Change it!

             Believe this though, whichever road we travel, we do it with support, and there IS a plan.

             In returning to these phenomenal cards, we’re being validated.  This particular representation and lore was a favorite of my maternal grandmother.  I can’t help but feel, she brought her to us, right now, on purpose.

“Our Lady Of Guadalupe

The Empress Of Protection

‘I am safe and divinely protected

I am held in love at all time.’

Our Lady of Guadalupe is the emblazoned emblem of the uniquely powerful protection of a mother’s love.  

What is outside of us is also within us.  Even if we have never experienced a mother’s love, the true force of that loving protection exists within us.  We are able to give it to ourselves.

The energy of a mother’s love can travel to meet you anywhere – whether within the world or within your own heart. The message is that she is here.  You are mothered.  But the  message is also to ask for what you need.

We are ennobled with free will.  The divine needs our request for assistance in order to enter to our lives.  All we have to do is  assume the simplicity, the heart, and the humility of a child, and to ask for a sign that she is here.

We will be met with more love than we could ever imagine.   And love is always the greatest and most powerful energy of protection.

Soul-Voice Meditation:

Do I experience the love of a divine mother within me?

Intention:

I am safe and divinely protected.

I am held in love at all times.”

Today’s Deck:

The Divine Feminine Oracle by Meggan Watterson and Lisbeth Cheever Gessaman

             Remember to watch for patterns, to be aware of miracles.  Remain safe.  Help where you can.  When you can’t?  Take care of yourself.

 

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An Assorted Assemblage

             Since I’ve been spending a lot of time in a hotel lately (as my potential job), naturally travel has been on my mind.  The ideas of how we move through our lives.  How we ambulate, living our Journey.

             What came to me today was a view and a feeling, all of the layers and aspects of the gifts we receive along the way.

             It’s like a treasure hunt, really.   We’re gathering, we’re learning.  We are also releasing as we go.

Collecting

             Who we spend our time traveling beside, who our companions on this Adventure are, that matters.

             How we spend out time, leisure, work, recreation, obligatory, this also has great importance and impact.

             As we gather and collect our Tribe around us, what we’re doing together is part of the lesson, part of our learning and growing.  They matter, they have significance, these people and these activities.

              Before each step we take, the Universe wants us to remember, all of this is about the process, the Journey, the collections.

             As a brilliant validation, look what has appeared on our card altar.

8 of Wands

             Some of the words I hear when this particular draw shows up are:

Keeping Apace

Everything In Its Time and Place

Divine Order

             This one is so perfect for our message right now.  It’s the suit of inspiration.  It’s the number of infinity.  It’s the very illustration which captures our view of this Journey, through time and space, through living and learning.

             Look at all of the gifts we’ve gathered there!  Our friends, family, loved ones.  Our blessings, our challenges.  All lined up.  In just the most exact order, when and who and where we need at precisely the best time and place.

             This did fall with a bit of a tweak, and that merely tells us that when we’re feeling like maybe the progress has been delayed, it’s okay.  When, where, and with whom…… all will be the most perfectly timed.

Today’s Deck:

Robin Wood Tarot

Today’s Sharing:

is this view from my downstairs November calendar page.

Pull up a chair!

             Look, there’s room for everyone on this porch.  Join me, it’s nice out here.

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