Spirit In Gear

True Credibility

There are those who believe you must find your credibility before people will want to read what you write and what we want you to understand is that when you tune in to who you really are that's where your true credibility comes from----and that's attractive to anyone who's a vibrational match to it. In other words anyone who finds you not credible, wouldn't understand what you've written anyway.
- Abraham

It's been over two weeks since my last post.  I wonder to myself why I haven't felt moved to write ( my inner censor not withstanding).  A few minutes ago a special friend sent me this quote.  As I read the words in the quote, I find my courage emerging from the shadows. 

Now it's okay to share with you what I've been grappling with of late to understand.  In my middle-aged years I sense the passage of life more deeply.  Themes of loss seem to dominate at times.  In the space of several weeks, my cousin died unexpectedly; my best friend's sister was diagnosed with a brain tumor and died within weeks; another friend's mother died over the weekend, fanning the flames of grief over my own mother's death 18 months ago.  I still miss my Mom every day.

Living several states away from friends and family, we can't make it to all the weddings and funerals.  I feel torn about that.  I call my 83 yr old Dad up on Father's Day, wishing I could be with him.  He no longer has an endless number of Fathers Days ahead of him.

I experience an identity crisis of sorts.  I ask myself why I live where I live.  Am I creating enough of a positive impact to justify living here in South Carolina?  Am I allowed to live my life the way I see fit?  Will our adult daughters ever live close to us again?  Will I ever move off the topic of middle-age?

Amidst these loss-related issues, my husband and I laugh and relax with good friends over the weekend; my business partner and I enjoy a recent, tremendous business success; and I move through my day without getting needlessly stuck.  It just goes to show you that life goes on side by side with the angst.

Raising the above questions brings both discomfort, and relief.  Unlike the game show, Jeopardy, answers usually don't first show up without a question to pair up with.  Now that I've tossed these questions out to the great Universe, I can wait.  The answers I need will find me in time, or lead to better questions!

 

Words That Give Me Pause - There is No Path

I realized meditation was not about chasing states of consciousness or following a path, but about letting go of the path.  It's a long journey to realize there's no path.

- Peter Russell

I find this passage in the latest issue of Ode Magazine, in an article entitled "Good Morning World, This is Your Wake-up Call," about physicist-turned-futurist Peter Russell.  Letting go of the path resonates for me now that I am in my middle years.  I take quiet comfort in these words, while letting out a deep sigh.  I can't articulate to myself why these words settle so deliberately deep inside of me.  My analytical mind wants to know why, while I hear my spirit say it doesn't matter.

Yet I do know that it is in the letting go, the allowing, the focus on the now moment that I, we, can experience real peace, true contentment, joy,happiness . . . rather than through the material consumption we believe will give us these.  Not having to be on a path feels liberating!

Speaking of now, you'll find Peter Russell's site The Spirit of Now filled with a wealth of resources ranging from science and consciousness, spiritual awakening, earth and environment, and meditations.  The site offers articles, audio, and video, including meditations that can be downloaded.  I learned there that I am 21,015 days old - and you can learn your age in days here.

For an additional perspective on paths - see Dick Richard's recent post The Mythic Pull of Pathways.

Between the Years

I stand between the years.  The Light of My Presence is flung across the year to come - the radiance of the Sun of Rightousness.  Backward, over the past year, is My Shadow thrown, hiding trouble and sorrow and disappointment.

Bury every fear of the future, of poverty for those dear to you, of suffering, of loss.  Bury all thought of unkindness and bitterness, all your dislikes, your resentments, your sense of failure, your disappointment in others and in yourselves, your gloom, your despondency, and let us leave them all, buried, and go forward to a new and risen life.

Remember that you must not see as the world sees.  I hold the year in My Hands - in trust for you.  But I shall guide you one day at a time.  Leave the rest with me.

- God Calling, edited by A.J. Russell (1930's)

I think I'll go get my shovel.  I have a few things to leave behind . . .

[Photo credit - Emil Bacik]

Wholeheartedness

The third in a series of inspiring quotes focuses on the mysterious ways of the heart.  It reminds us that the ultimate truth cannot be found in a book!

Wholeheartedness is a precious gift, but no one can actually give it to you.  You have to find the path with heart and then walk it impeccably . . . It's like someone laughing in your ear, challenging you to figure out what to do when  you don't know what to do.  It humbles you.  It opens your heart.

- Pema Chodron, The Wisdom of No Escape

Photo Credit - Michal Koralewski

Nature's Energy

The following quote is the 2nd in a series of inspirational messages.  What if we greeted the start of the new week in a different way?

First thing in the morning, before you meet or greet anyone, remember to greet all of nature, all visible and invisible creatures.  Say to them, "I am grateful for your work, I love you and I want to be in harmony with you!"  At this very moment, in response to your greeting, all of nature will open to you and send you energy for the entire day.

But hey, if talking to nature is not your thing, try addressing your gratitude to whatever Source works for you.  It's about recognizing and aligning ourselves with the life energy surrounding us.

Photo Credit - Daniel Reis

Grace

Over the next few days I am posting short uplifting quotes.  In these times of economic uncertainty, and political unrest around the world, we need to sustain ourselves with sources of hope and faith.  I find these words touch my spirit and stir my soul.

The first in this series of quotes is on grace -

The winds of grace blow all the time.  All we need to do is set our sails.

- Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa

Photo credit:  Alex D. (Stockxpert)

Inspiring Quote - Receiving

In ordinary life we hardly realize that we receive a great deal more than we give, and that it is only with gratitude that life becomes rich.

- Dietrich Bonhoeffer

I'm halfway through my 9-day trip through Ohio.  Or perhaps I should say I am on a trek of steadfastly eating my way through the state.  Between the weekend reunion with college roommates, the time spent with my Dad and siblings, and the remaining weekend - "Moms Weekend" at Ohio University with my soon-to-graduate daughter, I can feel my waistline disappearing.  Of course it is all worth it and I'll be back on the fitness track when I return home.

When I read the above quote, I am reminded of the richness in my life.  Perhaps the greatness blessings involve my family, and my friendships.  I have indeed received a great deal.   May I remain mindful and grateful for my "ordinary" life.

[Photo Credit - Robert Aichinger]

Inspiring Quote - Getting to the Real Destination

You have been oriented that you must pay a price in order to get somewhere, and in the process, you've come to believe that getting there must be really important, therefore, it must be your purpose.  And we say, if you're not getting to joy, then you've gotten nowhere.  Joy is really where you're going.

- Abraham (12/13/03 - Boca Ratan)

Don't ask me why, but that goofy-looking yellow smiley guy appeals to me, altho my head thinks I'm nuts.  I guess seeing the little critter reminds me to keep it light.  It's as much about smiling as it is about trying in life.  Got joy?  The rest will happen.

Inspirational Quote - 2-8-08 - Light Feet to Happiness

With swift pace, light step, unswerving feet, so that even your steps stir up no dust, go forward securely, joyfully, and swiftly, on the path of prudent happiness.

- St. Clare of Assisi, The Second Letter to Blessed Agnes of Prague

I find myself transfixed by the notion of moving forward on feet light enough they stir no dust.  Yet my heart tells me I can move lightly, towards happiness, if I leave a few things behind.  My baggage.  My current fear of the hour.  My current, past, or future worry of the moment.  Maybe if I leave those behind, I'll have room to add faith.  To add trust.  It surely sounds heavenly enough to an Enneagram 6 type to travel lightly towards happiness, skipping along in faith and trust.  Stay the course by staying present, tossing out the debris.

What can make your step lighter?

[picture credit - edgardr]

Kindness - Inspiriational Quote

Kindness is more important than wisdom, and the recognition of this is the beginning of wisdom.

- Theodore Isaac Rubin