A Weekly Reflection: A Prayer for Humanity

I offer up this prayer on the day of remembering the 10th Anniversary of the tragedy of 9/11:

May the hearts of those who remain heavy with grief, loneliness and despair be lifted by the gifts of those they loved and lost.

May each day contain a greater degree of comfort and peace in the knowledge that those who lost their lives on that day called into presence the joining together of all humanity in action, prayer and assistance.

May this day remain as testament and reminder of both the cruelty and the nobility we possess as humans.

And, may we always strive towards that place of extending a hand to another in need in recognition that their joy is our joy, their grief is our grief; and their hope is our hope that all of humanity may someday walk in the Light of their Higher Nature.

A Weekly Reflection: School’s In Session

The air is becoming crisper with threads of winter’s cold woven through and all around us we see nature preparing for the Winter months that will soon be upon us. Leaves are changing color, the crops of Summer’s bounty are falling to the blades of the harvest and much of the natural world is returning to the earth for renewal and release.

For many, this is also the time of return to classrooms, education, regular work hours and longer nights spent cozy and warm indoors. And, although in the outer world the appearance is that of reaping, internally, there is a new planting and seeding going on simultaneously as we begin another season traditionally given over to learning. 

Personally, I  love this time of the year. In particular, the smells and sounds that abound are ripe with memories of picking out school supplies and a fresh start at learning new things and making the “grade”.  So, as time and weather steadily move us indoors, why not consider making some time to plant some new seeds of thought.  Now is the perfect time to begin the study of something that has held your interest. This new course can be as complex as signing up for an adult education or college class or as simple and self-driven as doing a little research, investing in a book written by an expert in that subject and finding a cozy chair, good reading light and plunge right in. 

We should never stop learning. We should never cease to seek out new knowledge and new experiences. And, we should never underestimate the potential and capabilities we may have inadvertently left unrecognized and unexplored. For it within these paths that we often find just what we need for our own personal growth…

Happy Exploring…

A Weekly Reflection: Just Touch the Door Handle!

Something you will hear as common goal for any who walk a spiritual path is that of wanting to affect change. This change may take on the look of self-transformation, community action and advocacy, global consciousness, or any combination of these three or others. Often accompanying this desire, personal practice and learning evolves to support and better accommodate our wanting to see viable, visible and at times concretely tangible results of our efforts.

Affecting change can be as simple, yet as profound as turning awareness to the energetic imprint we leave on everything we touch, encounter, move pass or engage. If we consider how often in the course of a single day we open a door, hand over money for purchases, move past another individual or simply enter a room, the opportunity to affect change increases exponentially.

Have you ever been sitting in a public spot fully engrossed in reading, chatting or doing work? And, a stranger walks past. There is no eye contact, no word spoken no overt exchange of any kind that was cause you to notice; yet the serenity, intensity and positive nature of this person causes you to look up.

At that moment a portion of that person’s energy has just affected your own. Something they have cultivated (whether intentionally or organically) within themselves has spilled over into the way they carry themselves as they move through the world.

Now, imagine for a moment, bolstering and fueling that with the intent of being the catalyst for positive change. Enlivening each step you take with the intent of sending healing energy to the earth. Enlivening each interaction you have, whether with a stranger or loved one, with acknowledgement of the Divine spark they carry within. Enlivening everything you touch with a blessing for health, renewal, good outcome for any who subsequently reach out to take hold.

So, as you go through your spiritual practice, readings and exercises offer a portion of that intent towards sharing the gifts of energy, healing and good intent as you move through the mundane activities of your day. Be mindful of the subtle impact you have on others. Then, go ahead and just touch the door handle filled with this intent!

* Note: This writing was informed by a recent conversation had with a dear friend; who put it so succinctly- “Just Touch the Door Handle!”

A Weekly Reflection: The Truth

The Truth

The Truth so simple

The Mind explodes

To meet itself

Running back in all things

… Rumi….

Each day we awaken to our worlds of sight, touch, and the sounds that clamor for our attention and response. Each day we strive to achieve and move forward and do so in such an utterly complicated and circuitous way that we return each evening tired and drained from our exertions. When, in Truth, the way is simple and the obstacles we face and disconnectedness we feel are of our own making. Slow down. Open yourself to moving through your day in a new and simpler way.

Seeing is the Truth when eyes grow blind and all that was hidden is seen in its true clarity.

Feeling is the Truth when every sinew, muscle and bone longs for the touch of that which is held in the memory of endless time.

Words are the truth when they are the sacred echoes carried on the winds of transformation.

And of all the truths we may hold as our own-

Love is the Truth that when given freely and unconditionally unifies all in its embrace. For in its simple truth lay the pure nature of what is the entirety and source of everything.

In all your actions return to a state of Loving deeply and fully- it is that simple.

A Weekly Reflection: The Intelligence of the Heart

The music is held closely to my heart
It reverberates through
the passages and corridors of what lay within

The vibration pushes against
each door and the scared sound
once being heard
unlocks the most secret and secure of chambers

Notes of breathless beauty
flood in filling each space
with arpeggios of light
that dance delicately into
the furthest and darkest corners

Music fills my mind
the geometric visions unraveling and
opening the currents of flow
crystalline webs spun
each intent upon catching
within its center the cosmic
sustenance of the Soul

Each note hangs as though
suspended in mid-air-
the point within the field
of Divine Creation
Each note in harmony
with the other creating
the urge of impulse that
forms the threshold to the unknown

The door to the great unseen
flung open wide
as the key turns the lock ~
Sound, rhythm and vibration of
energetic seed in consummate union
with the the womb of sacred intelligence

Music and mortal embrace
resonance and harmonics
the essence of genetic and celestial being
and in the symphony of silence
Life becomes the progeny
of creative emanation ....

This poem was written last year  during my daughter's concert with The Philadelphia Sinfonia Youth Orchestra. Music has always touched me in a deep and very profound way. Sitting, with eyes closed and allowing the flow of rhythm and vibration to wash over me served as transport into the realms of inner mind, feeling and urge. We are surrounded daily by music, yet most of us barely acknowledge or connect with the harmony or discord that is crafted by voice, vehicle, machine, nature or the simple beating of our heart.

The rhythmic beating of our hearts as we move through the activities and mental processes of our day is the symphony that guides us. A rapid beating signals that we are in a state of anticipation or excitement. The slow rhythmical beating of one who is at rest or in relaxed state, creates the endorphic state of joy. The pounding rhythm of a heart in the midst of exercise to maintain the body rivals the boldest of marches and affirms that we are vital, potent and very much alive. And, within this flood of emotion and action come the gems of reason; each stimulating a seed thought about the experience. Each calling forth a union of mind and heart in a way that spawns the great visions and creative efforts that withstand time.

picture credit: Joshua Bell from the movie- “Music of the Heart”

A Weekly Reflection: Through These Eyes

 

 

Inspired by a day at

The Wolf Sanctuary in Litiz, PA.

 

I have seen the beauty of winter, the turning of the leaves and the greening of the woods as summer takes its hold.

 I have run with my family and moved silently through densely carpeted forest floor seeking my prey.

 I have called to my young and heard the music of my clan echo through the woods.

 I have hunted and fought to claim my territory.

 I have found sanctuary in my new home from a world that is quickly diminishing mine.

 And, as I look out at human faces eager to know more of my stories and wild nature I question which of us being held captive.

 

The Wolf Sanctuary serves as a rescue facility for wolves that have been displaced from their natural settings. In many cases this has been due to the desire of man to harness, and tame that which is wild. The sanctuary sits on 22 acres of land in PA Dutch country, and although this cannot replace the freedom that the wolves would experience in their natural homes it provides a place of safety and respect. 

 For more information: The Wolf Sanctuary: Home to the Speedwell Wolves

A Weekly Reflection: Those We Love

These past months have brought the deaths of or grave illness to many of my friends’ loved ones. As I have watched each handle the challenges and grief that have come into their families, I am humbled by the courage, strength and grace with which they have met this inevitable part of the cycle of life. 

I am also reminded that at some point in time, we all will face these same challenges and that the best we can do and hope for is to treasure the time we have with our friends and loved ones.  Remember to find meaningful ways to express gratitude for those in your life. To keep them aware and always in the knowledge that they are loved. To regularly hold your friends and loved ones close to you and feel their life’s blood beating in a heart that is akin to your own. Remember to look into eyes that are filled with the love you radiate out and never forget the precious gift of loving and being loved in return.

May You Love and Live Well…