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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The View From Now

             We’ve had a series of minor catastrophes lately.  Nothing life-threatening, but all certainly costly and very fucking annoying.  (Examples include but are not limited to: rando hit & run into our garage, flooded water heater on two floors, broken off vehicle parts.)

             The lesson here is about perspective.  No one died.  Damaged does not mean irreplaceable.  Wet doesn’t always equal ruined.  Inconvenience is shitty, but it’s not never a mortal wound.

Totally could have been worse.

             And here’s a little story to go along with the message.

“You are holding a cup of coffee when someone comes along and bumps into you, making you spill your coffee everywhere.

Why did you spill the coffee?  You spilled the coffee because there was coffee in your cup.  Had there been tea in the cup, you would have spilled tea.  The point is whatever is inside the cup, is what will spill out.

Therefore, when life comes along and shakes you (which will happen), whatever is inside you will come out.  It’s easy to fake it, until you get rattled.

So, we have to ask ourselves, ‘what’s in my cup?’  When life gets tough, what spills out?  Joy, gratefulness, peace, humility?  Or does anger, bitterness, harsh words and reactions come out?

You get to choose!

Today, let’s work towards filling our cups with gratitude, forgiveness, joy, words of affirmation, kindness, gentleness, and love for others.”

             When these bumps and unsettling life events happen, we need to adjust.  We need to remember that we are on a journey and we are here to learn.

             How we react to our lessons is what’s going to get us through to the next phase, the next chapter.  And, the next beautiful moment.

 

 

 

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It’s What We Can Do

             We live in a flawed world, with rules made up by people.  This is true.  But what is also true is that there are real rules.

             Universal Law is on a higher plane and of more value than the back-and-forth of ignorant, petulant man-babies.

             We feel confused because in our physical bodies it seems like we need to heed both.  In a way, we do.  However, we don’t need to be overwhelmed by either.

             Here’s what I’m hearing:

steady, with care.

             I understand this to mean that we can detach, we can employ SelfCare, we can reach out, or we can burrow down.  Whatever is the best fit for each of us, as individuals, we should do that.

             We absolutely do not have to be so entrenched in the news, the worry, the fear mindset that it sends us spinning out of control.

             Allow that “control” to wash away; we can allow ourselves to be calm, steady, at ease, of zen mind and soul (the body will follow).

             A great lesson for me lately has been to simply “be” in this small house we now call home.  I visit the different rooms, spend time in the space there.  I am not (as!) impatient about FINISHING!!! every corner, every shelf, every wall.

             I softly and slowly, with care, envision how each small area will look, eventually.  I rest there, I breathe there, I simply am there.

             Practicing this patience is dual purpose.  I’m stepping (literally) away from the frenzy, the media, the stupidity which makes my blood boil, and I walk (literally) in to a calm, steady place.  It’s like a moving meditation.

             I believe it can be done anywhere, and I encourage others to try it.  We can’t change all the rules, but we can change our attitude about them.  We can stay involved and current, but we don’t need to let the chaos infect us or our emotions.

             Here is the card I was drawn to as I listened and channeled and typed; as a validation, of course, it’s perfect.

“Inner Calling  ~  2

You can choose to see your biggest challenges as your best opportunities for inner change and growth.  The trials and ordeals we experience in life are actually for our soul’s evolution.

Take a moment to reflect back on past difficulties and identify how those experiences have made you stronger and wiser.

Now, turn your attention to the present, reminding yourself to take the drama out of your challenges and try to see how they are serving you.

Affirmation:

I choose to see challenges as ideal opportunities to work on my inner self.

I look for the blessings in all situations, past and present.

I am connected to the positive aspects of my experience.”

Today’s Deck:

Oracle Of The Angels by Mario Duguay

Today’s Sharing:

is something I just found out last night.  Did you know……. baby puffins are called PUFFLINGS?!  Of course, they can also be called chicks.  But come on!  Who would pass up a chance to say PUFFLINGS?!

 

 

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Being, not Doing

             We’ve spoken before about counting our blessings and living in the moment.  The entire concept of intention has been on my mind lately.

             Which means it connects to where the Universe wants us to focus right now.

Small Gifts

              My days off from the “day” job feel rare and rushed.  We are still living partly out of boxes, re-buying shit we can’t find here in the new place.  While at the same time discovering items we thought were lost forever.  It’s very roller coaster-y.

              But also, it is fulfilling in tiny and unexpected ways. Projects and tasks DO get accomplished.  It is gratifying to see how far we’ve come, enjoyable to sit and merely BE in this space.

             It is a simple kind of peace, in a wee abode we do not own.

             I am actively practicing my In The Moment appreciation; pointedly, mindfully.  Daily I gather around me the Gratitude Attitude and say my Thank Yous outloud.  It is intentional, and it is healing.

              In the place where our new altar will (eventually) be this is reflected perfectly by our visiting messenger.

“Mouse   ~

Be persistent and inclusive and all obstacles will be overcome.

Mouse is tiny and gentle but no shell is so hard that she cannot reach the delicious center within, and no obstacle so tough that it cannot be overcome.  

As your guide Mouse counsels persistence so you, too, may break through the barriers which block success.  

Vulnerable to many, she must scrutinize and look beyond the obvious to the pattern within and assess the hidden agenda of others.

Emulate Mouse, and your path through life will be safe indeed.”

Today’s Deck:

Animal Messages Oracle Cards by Susie Green

Today’s Sharing:

is to report on my office situation.

             The update is, I now have a desk.  On a freshly cleaned rug, over beautiful (probably 70 plus year old) hardwood floors.

             We couldn’t find (nor afford) an antique Victorian style for me to pull my chair up to, but this one will do.  For now.

             Progress.  It is technically happening.

             (Additionally, there’s a ceiling fan in this room, it is more delightful than I ever could have imagined.  I mean, moving air!)

.

Squeezed. Then sweetened.

             Another big long painful stretch of work for me, no breaks, no days off.  My (hourly) mantra has been:

attitude of gratitude, be grateful for the job.

             But, ya know, it can be challenging, and I’m not super patient.  Hopefully now that some new folks have been hired (and some of MY suggestions have been heard and enacted), we won’t be going through this sort of torture again.

             At the end of it all, here’s what I heard,

lemonade.

             By which, of course, the Universe means, when we are gifted a basket full of golden citrus fruits . . . .

we are to celebrate.  To bake.  To make healthy juices.  To zest ’em and add to every damn thing we eat.

             Last place is still worthy of a prize.  We finished, we didn’t give up.  Even if we started over, we continued on.  We arose every new day and moved through it.

             And sometimes, we drank tasty lemonade.  Because the truth is, we CAN handle it.  We WILL be fine.  We DID set this all in motion.  We ARE worth it.

             On our card altar right now is an excellent validation, and just the right type of reminder.

“Skunk  ~  7  ~  Reputation

Unlike other predatory animals, Skunk does not threaten your life, but threaten your senses.

Skunk is teaching you that by walking your talk and by respecting yourself, you will create a position of strength and honored reputation.

Learn to assert, without ego, what you are.  Respect follows.  Walk tall, be proud of accomplishments you have made.”

Today’s Deck:

Animal Medicine Cards by Jamie Sams and David Carson, illustrated by Angela C. Werneke

Today’s Sharing:

is this small piece I just spotted recently.  Jot it down, hold it close, I’ll be doing the same.

Forget yesterday,

don’t worry about tomorrow,

enjoy today.

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