Happy New Year - A New Adventure

Mindfulness, Playfulness, Connectedness, Livewellfulness and Gratefulness

For the past couple of month I have been aware of a movement within me, a small voice becoming stronger by the day. While I felt my family and I were doing a good job of taking care of ourselves, the movement was pushing me to do more. I tried to ignore it, however, I knew that once you feel or hear something from within, the choice is to follow. Of course once I opened myself up to God's movement within me, the answers appeared miraculously.

Here I AM at last. The holiday season and our adventure has been filling my time joyously! So in the least possible words (for a minister that is) here is a journey. Each section has a story with suggestions for books. May you take what you desire and what feels right to you.

Mindfulness, Playfulness, Connectedness, Livewellfulness and Gratefulness
(ok, so I made up the fourth word.)

Mindfulness
My husband and I talked and found that we wanted to become more mindful. We wanted to listen to that inner voice which lets us know the answers that we seek. What we found was that being mindful was not just about the "big" questions in life, if was about integrating mindfulness in all areas of our life. What is so funny that after making this decision, we read Everyday Life Path's book club selection, "One Minute for Myself" which asked, "What can I do right now to take better care of me?" Have you ever really asked yourself that question? If you have, did you take action on what you heard? Sometimes it is as simple as getting something to eat, or stopping to rest and relax if only for a few minutes. Being mindful, we listen inwardly to what we can do for ourselves and in return I feel better. Feeling better, I can contribute more to life and those around me.

There are so many books on mindfulness. Find one which works for your spirituality and enjoy each moment you take as you travel the path of mindfulness. You may also contact me through this blog and I AM happy to discuss.

Playfulness
We became mindful about playfulness. Now those who know my husband and I, know that playfulness is not the first word you think of. However, I knew it was time to create memories for our family. First I took my family up to Avon for a few days in October. I did not tell them where we were going. My son caught on when he looked back and saw the suitcases. His reaction was the greatest! We had a great time riding bikes by the river, taking walks, skipping rocks on the river, and enjoying the hot tube under the stars. I have planned another surprise trip very soon. What I have found is that there is never the "right" time to play. If play is not in your schedule, plan it today. It can be as easy as going to see the lights in your neighborhood. Take time with your family today. See what happens when the schedules are left behind, if only for a couple of hours.

Book: Frommer's 500 Places to take your kids before they grow up.
If your kids are already grown up... it is not too late to enjoy them as adults!

Connectedness
Our family, along with all our friends, are very busy living life. It is easy to dis-connect with those we care about because of day-to-day obligations. We have made it a priority to connect. Connectedness is also a way of reconnecting to life. How easy it is to stay busy and rush around. We love to take the time to talk with people we just met, or enjoy time with friends. Listening and sharing our lives with others is such a gift for all of us. Have you given the gift of yourself to someone today? Please do, for you are the best gift of the season.

Book: "Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy", Sarah an Breathnach
"SnowFlake", Paul Gallico
"It's Not Easy Being Green", Jim Henson

Livewellfulness
Have you ever had a thought, a feeling, or push to maybe take up a project, take a vacation, loose weight, do something you had not done before, or just feel better? Well for the past couple of months I felt an urge to take better care of myself and my family. I kept ignoring it because I knew it would take some time to implement. We have spent years researching and discovering ourselves spiritually, however physically we started and stopped more times than I can count. We usually stopped because we were too busy! Well, I came across a book series which was exactly what I needed to take care of myself and family. After receiving the book, I decided to wait until January to read it. Of course I started reading it within a week. What a change it has made for us. Amazing how a few choices in our favor can change how we look and think. However, most importantly, is how choices can change how we feel and improve our life experience so greatly!

"The Eat-Clean Diet" Tosca Reno (Any in the series. For those who want a way of life and renewal. This is the set of books my family and I are working with.)

For those who want to different option:
Books: "Get With the Program", Bob Green for those just staring to think about well being
"The Spectrum", Dean Ornish, M.D.

While we may not agree with everything in the books mention, we take what works for us. Feel free to do the same. After reading Tosca's books, and implementing clean eating, we feel better than we have in years. We are exercising not to loose weight but to feel better. We are lifting weights (ok, so I am only at 5 - 8 pounds). After a only a few weeks we are noticing a difference in ourselves and how our son is handling life. I have more energy to get things done. I have given up my chocolate chips (by the bagful) and have replaced it with food my body loves. I no longer need the afternoon naps and love playing in the yard, ping pong, or golfing with my family.

Join us! I am very excited to share this with you and anyone you want to share it with as well. For the first time in 20 years my husband and I feel like we have found a way to live physically well!

Gratefulness
Of course each of these is surrounded in gratefulness. Being in gratitude for each moment we have to choose our responses to life. May this day bring you mindfulness, playfulness, connectedness and livewellfulness. Begin to listen to your inner voice, your inner wisdom. It may just change your life!

Happy New Year to all and to all a great day,

Rev. Rosanne

A New Way of Being

A New Way of Being

I have taken the past couple of weeks off to enjoy some meditation time. While I continue to live life joyfully, I also am aware of a movement within. For the past 20 years I have listened, however, the movement has become very prominent the last couple of months.

I intend for my life to look different than before. Through making choices which benefit my mind, body, and my soul, I shall move more freely and allow the inner light to shine ever so brightly. Through choosing today and by listening to the whisper within, one can be in the flow of life. When we care for ourselves and when our very movement is an expression of Love, we open ourselves to a new way of being...

I hope you would consider joining me.

In Peace,


Rev. Rosanne Giurado

Happy Thanksgiving 2010

Happy Thanksgiving from the Everyday Life Path Family!

May this week fill you with gratitude. May love be ever-present in your heart and may you hear the wisdom within you.

- Rev. Dr. Rosanne Giurado

Everyday Knowing Reminder - Sunday Message November 7, 2010

Gratitude: Inner Knowing

This month of November begins our conversation on gratitude. The heart of metaphysics is our inner knowingness, our inner wisdom. Gratitude of all things, of our life, of our very beingness, provides a path for our inner Light to rise to the surface, shining ever so brightly.

When we are concerned with our life, it only takes a glance into another’s day to see how fortunate we are. While we may be upset that our child is fussy, another parent is in the hospital watching over their child. While we may not be happy getting home late due to traffic, another family never made it home. When we stay in our lens of existence, our view is limited. When we are grateful for each moment, our view and our Light expands.

We can cultivate our wisdom within through gratitude. While we may have heard this before, I am not speaking of a quick recognition. I am speaking about a way of life; gratitude for everything right and everything not so right. It becomes a way of being, not a moment in time. When we are grateful, for our life exactly the way it is, we welcome God’s presence into our lives. We access the Light deep within our very souls.

Gratitude is a form of constant prayer. When we are in a constant state of prayer, our inner Light shines and we move within the flow of Life. Of course we need to change our thoughts on what prayer is. It is not about sitting still with hands folded. Prayer is a way of approaching our day. Prayer provides the path of least resistance.

When we open to prayer, we release our need to control. We allow ourselves to be open to life and its many tributaries. Prayer is like a stream flowing through the mountains and joining with other streams to create a river. The river then joins with other rivers and at some point joins the ocean. If the stream just stays a stream it will either evaporate or it will be swallowed by the earth. It order to grow and expand, the stream needs to flow and allow itself to join with something greater than itself. When it does it evolves and expands into a different form. Through allowing itself to expand, and finally become part of the ocean, it can hardly recognize itself. Yet the flow of the ocean will move the water effortlessly. No longer pushed down a mountain, it ebbs and flows with the tides. Strong enough to hold up ships and vessels, yet soft enough to hold a child it’s arms as she floats along. So too, does prayer move effortlessly and become strong once we join and co-create with God.

Our strength is not in our individuality, it is in what connects each of us. Our inner Light, our inner wisdom, the force within us will make our very being possible. Today, we are grateful. Today, we are in constant prayer. Today we move ourselves from being a stream to joining the ocean. Today we acknowledge our individuality. Today we honor our similarities. Today we cultivate our inner wisdom, the very heart of metaphysics, through gratitude.

I AM grateful!

Everyday Knowing Reminder - Sunday Message October 31, 2010

October – Transitions…

As we close out this month on Halloween, we conclude our monthly series on Transitions. As we have discussed, transitions are not just the movement from human form to the next Life. Transitions can come in our everyday life, in any given moment, if we only look for the opportunity.

This month we have talked about how our life is in constant transition; moving from one experience to another. We have also discussed the transition between our individual thinking which causes separateness, to the Oneness within all humanity as celebrated during the first ever Global Oneness Day.

Today, let us delve into the beauty of life and choose to transition any given moment from one of separation, anger and frustration to one of unity, love, and peace. While I am not saying this may be easy, I am saying the choice is ours to make. Have we checked in with ourselves to see how our perceptions are creating our life in each and every moment?

Josh Groban’s song, “You Are Loved,” says:

When you're lost inside

I will be there to find you.

Don't give up

Because you want to burn bright.

If darkness blinds you

I will shine to guide you.

God’s eternal love burns bright within you. In our daily lives, how easy it can be to forget that God is not somewhere out there, but right here inside of us. “When you are lost inside…I will be there to find you.” God is there, inside you waiting for you to shine. Whenever we choose to stop seeing only the darkness, the God within shall shine brightly, thus we allow to be what always is, always has been, and always will be. We transition our everyday life from being stuck in a web of confusion and isolation, feeling trapped in our own darkness, to living and being the Light we were born to be.

Our daily responsibilities can distract us. We can loose our focus, our center. Is it possible to perceive our world, our everyday life from a place of God’s love; a place of eternal acceptance? When we feel struck down, or hurt by others, could we change our perceptions? Is it possible that we do not know what another is going through? Could we come from a place of empathy for another, thus taking our focus from isolation to unity?

Today, as we prepare to celebrate Halloween, how do our perceptions change our experience? Do we remember when we were young on this night? Might we have been scared because of frightening costumes, or unsure of what we saw or heard? Did we stay the course, knowing at the end of the night our bags would be filled with candy? What about now? Now we understand that sometimes what we see and hear is an illusion.

Could it be that just as we have grown to understand Halloween for what it really is, that we can also see life for what it really is… and what it is not? If we are experiencing darkness, it is just our illusion. We stay the course knowing that our inner self is filled with Light. We do not need to wait until it is given unto us, for the kingdom of heaven is already upon us. Jesus guided us long ago to God’s path. The path is still illumined, waiting for us to transition our old lives to a place where we are willing to fill our bags.

Events and situations happen in life, yet when we see with God’s light shining brilliantly through us, we know that any darkness is temporary. We know our inner Light will shine again when we are ready to see it. As Jesus walked up the lighted path, showing us a way to rid ourselves of darkness by opening our eyes to the Light, so too did trial come upon the path. Time and time again, the choice was to choose God’s love over the darkness of separation. He too, received the gift of choice. He too doubted and questioned, and then chose to see God’s light within all humanity. “Forgive them, for they know not what they do.”

When we choose to see the Light around us, we tend to see more Light. As more Light surrounds us, we tend to let go of the darkness. After awhile, we transition to a new way of being, a new habit forms. We look for the Light before we look for the darkness. We look for God wherever we are. In each choice we move away from separation into fully experiencing the beauty of Life. No, we do not have to wait until it is given, for it is already here.

If the beauty of life is beyond our fingertips, then it is time to stretch our arms. As we choose to reach beyond ourselves, we find the hand of God waiting to fill our bags. This Halloween day, enjoy the illusion, knowing that just beyond what you see, waits the truth of what you already know…the beauty of Life. Choose today to see all that God offers you in each and every moment.

In Peace,

Rev. Dr. Rosanne

Offer Your Light...

Our actions, our choices, and our perceptions create our experience.

What acts of kindness have you offered today?...

Inspired to Action

One of my favorite videos: A call to action.

Everyday Knowing Reminder - Sunday Message October 24, 2010 Global Oneness Day

Today we continue our discussion of transitions. This day, October 24, 2010 is also the first Global Oneness Day. As we move ourselves from the isolation and separateness we have created into the Oneness and Love which is our true inheritance, let us reflect this day on this important everyday transition which has the potential to change the world in which we live.

As we move to get out of bed each morning, how do we greet our day? Are we excited that we have a new day to express the God light within us? Do we awake with gratitude for a new day? If yesterday did not go well, do we awake knowing that it is a new day? Maybe we awake with despair or disillusion. Do we awake feeling connected or separated? Do we honor ourselves through self-care or neglect?

Is it possible that how we begin our day is how we choose to spend living our day and thus how we create our life? I am the first one to say that upon awaking I may not be in a centered form of mind. My natural sleeping rhythms are interrupted by my spouses schedule. So each day as I awake, I must make a conscious effort, a conscious decision on how I will experience my day. First, I remember to be grateful for my spouse and the employment which creates our schedule. Next, I close my eyes, relax my breathing and take a few minutes to breathe in God’s space. As my eyes relax to the center of my forehead, I feel the reconnection to spirit. I exhale and open my eyes.

Now, mind you, I still drag myself to the shower. I do, however, know that with the prepping of the mind before leaving bed, the shower will proceed to wash away separation created through the mind and return me center. It is not the shower, but the time taken within the shower through mental relaxation. It is being present within the shower and not letting thoughts of the day interfere.

As I continue getting ready for my day, each step, each choice transitions me from whatever state I awoke to the state of mind I create. I am not a victim of my mind, I AM a co-creator. Through co-creating, I transition a life being lead around by my thoughts to a life co-created with God. Through connecting to the One source, I AM open to all that I AM, all that WE are. In realizing that I choose my reaction in each moment, I become proactive in my life’s creation.

This day, October 24, 2010, is the first observance Global Oneness Day. To be aware of the Oneness of all Life around us, we must begin to understand the Oneness within ourselves. As we realize within our daily lives that we can choose to co-create with God, our judgments will begin to fall away. We are freed from our mind thoughts through conscious awareness of what we are creating through our daily thoughts. We begin to see how in any given moment we create our experience by our reactions and judgments. When we release our thoughts of how life “should be” for ourselves or how a situation “ought to be,” we allow life to flow through us, not against us. Once we begin to flow with life, we are open to clarity. As we release our judgments on ourselves and others, we are open to the wonderful idea that we are all connected. In connecting in spirit to others, we begin honoring Global Oneness Day. As we continue through each day, each month, and continuing through the years, Global Oneness spreads as our resistance to different beliefs fades and we see God’s light not only in our eyes but in all humanity.

Everyday Knowing Reminder Sunday Message: Transitions

October: Transitions…

For the month of October, we will be looking at transitions. Transitions this month will be about everyday transitions. While some people, myself included, refer to transition as the time of death, we will be looking at transitions which come through our daily lives.

If we were to sit back and review our life from the moment we were born until right in this moment, we might become aware of how our life was in constant transition. Each movement transitions us to the next one. Each choice or non-choice leads us to our next experience. Each step transitions us further upon the path we are on or moves us to a new path. When we review our life, most of us see that each second was a transition leading us right to where we are in this moment.

Could it be that instead of resisting where we are, that we are just in the middle of a transition? Could it be that instead of being anxious, or bored or confused, we just need to be patient? Is it possible that our lives are moving forward just fine? Could it be that if we allowed ourselves to slow down and see what was right in front of us that we could find what we have been running towards?

If I take a moment and notice my surrounding in any given moment, I see so many people in a hurry. We are in a hurry to get up in the morning. We hurry to eat breakfast and get to work or to school. We are in a hurry to get to our jobs or to run our errands. We are in a hurry to eat lunch so we can go back to work. We are in a hurry to get home and eat dinner so we can hurry to take the kids to practice. We are in a hurry to get home from practice so the kids and hurry and do homework, hurry and take a shower and hurry and get to bed. We are even in a hurry to go to sleep so that we can hurry to get up in the morning and start all over. I am exhausted just thinking about it!

What if we transitioned to a new way of being? What if instead of looking to what was next or what we needed to add to our life, we saw what was exactly in front of us. If we find that we are in too much of a hurry to see what is in front of us, may be it is time for us to weed our “to do” list. I would like to suggest that a list is made of everything that we need to hurry and get done. If we need to hurry and get up, can we get up earlier and meditate to set our day in peace. If we believe we cannot get up earlier, can we go to bed earlier so that we can. You can see where I am going. Lists are a great visual to see what we have committed to and to help us prioritize. We can take some quiet time to find out why we have added a specific item to our hurry “to do” list. In the silence, in the stillness, we find what we need to keep and what we need to change. We find that we can transition from the hurried life, to a peaceful life. We find that we can be in the flow, not pushed by the flow of life. As we do, more time opens up to allow greater happiness into our everyday life.

May your “to do” lists be shorter. May you find a new way of being and may the flow of life be filled with happiness.

In Peace,

Rev. Rosanne Giurado

Young Living Oils

Young Living has a great Video on their oils. Please see:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=toCDNZ4W5_M

You can then research the benefits of these wonderful oils at:

https://www.youngliving.org/everydaylp

Hand Wash Cold - A book by Karen Maezen Miller

Hand Wash Cold by Karen Maezen Miller

What a wonderful way to life an Everyday Life!

Everyday Life Paths Meditation

http://www.everydaylifepaths.com/flash%20meditation/meditation.html

Everyday Cooking!

While I am enjoying some time off this month, I wanted to share some wonderful books:

Everyday Cooking with Dr. Dean Ornish (With Everyday in the title you know it must be good!)

The Spectrum by Dean Ornish, M.D.

The books are wonderful journeys into joyful living.

May your food nourish you, may your body be vibrant, and may your spirit soar with the eagles!

In Peace,

Rev. Rosanne

Peace Prayer - Unity

From our friends at Unity, please enjoy this peace pray during your holiday weekend.

Everyday Voices - Graham George

This weekend I will be in Service, so I AM so grateful to post Graham George who submitted these words to share with us today. If you have not done so, please visit his website at http://web.me.com/theart2heal and see his beautiful work and writing. Peace to all of you this Labor Day. I will return next week.

"I Will Shine Today"

Jesus’ words on one of the ego’s uses of deceit!
Why, as your ego will remind you as ‘mere mortals’, would you even conceive of God let alone believe you were lofty enough to join Him one day, if you were not as He is?
Your ego flawed with one its most powerful weapons, deceit, would have you believe it is both possible to return to God whilst at the same time suggest that He exists not.
How can this be, for do you not ‘know’ that there is somehow a promise that returning Home is inevitable?
That shining Light within you that reaches forth and beckons He take your hand and finally lift you to Him, His Love and His Safety.
In this knowledge are you assured that deceit plays no part in your destiny, for you are not destined to die but to transcend fear into His Love.
To Leave this world where conflict and deceit breed but the same, to take your mind, to take your mind to its source once more without your belief in the body and its frail susceptibility to your ego’s ranting.
Let stillness be your guide, for while there is quiet the Mind of God through the Holy Spirit’s Light can be heard softly and calmly speaking of your certain Homecoming.
Deceive not yourself or others by the belief in anything but the essence of your fortitude and patient outcome. For your place with your Brothers and Sisters awaits your return. It has moved not from its resting place, where you left it to once again joyfully return.
To ‘know’ of God is to return to Him, for this knowing and He are inseparable. This you know!
Not the game of cycles, of contradiction, that has been your making throughout the centuries. But a clear mind and pureness of thought where God’s Voice declares with crystal clarity His strength in gentleness.
Let not the discouraging tone of the ego take from a silent moment of peacefulness and reflection in the dream, the opportunity to hear His loving message of your coming Home.
Let not the guile of the ego weave threads of untruths where no truth can exist, but let the Truth be known to your inner feelings, when His Words ring their indisputable serenity!

Graham can be contacted at
Theheart2heal@me.com
His writing and artwork can be found at:
http://web.me.com/theart2heal/welcome/WELCOME_3.html

By clicking on the links above you will be leaving Everyday Life Paths and entering a non-affiliated site. The opinions expressed are solely of those individuals sharing their spiritual paths and may not represent the beliefs of Everyday Life Paths, its employees/contractors or subsidiaries.

Everyday Knowing Reminder - Sunday Message August 29, 2010

Choose Resilience

Oh, how resilient the soul is when one chooses it to be. In our final discussion this month on choice, I ask each of us to consider how we choose to create our day-to-day life, our Everyday Life.

This summer has been, well, not the best one on record for me and my family. As my son started school, I needed to decide how I was going to choose to response to questions of “how was your summer.” I did not want to lie and say it was great, yet I also did not want to get caught up into a drama of my own creation. I choose to give myself, at max, three days to explain our summer and move on. After the first day, I began to feel uncomfortable. The next day, while I still shared what happened, I also added my spiritual beliefs about the circumstances. When people around began to offer their condolences for our multiples losses this year, I thanked them and let them know that our path was clearing, for God is ever-present. By the third day, I did not have a need to mention anything at all. When asked, I would say ok and ask how their summer vacation was. In no time I heard wonderful stories of fun, trips and when someone had a hard time, I was able to offer a place of comfort. God’s restorative power at work.

I am not saying to hide unpleasant experiences. In fact, I am glad I was able to share our loss experience and our re-awakening into God’s Love. As each of us experiences life,
sometimes the path may be rocky. In sharing, our extended brothers and sisters know that I might need some support until my mind is returned to center. “Ask for help, and it is given.” To walk upon this path called Life, is to experience many aspects and see what we can learn.

So what can we learn? When we choose resilience, we can ask for help when needed and give ourselves time to grieve or heal. All the time knowing that we will not stay in a place of sadness, but rather we will come back into the light. A friend gave me the three day gift. Taking three days to be in a space of non-light works for me. It is a way of reminding myself what it feels like to separate oneself from God’s love and to feel alone. Each one of us may need more or less time. I do suggest that less time is better than more. For it is said that habits are made or broken within 21 days. We do not need to develop the habit of unhappiness.

How do we break out of our darkness; by choosing something new. Sometimes the light will come back as daily routines are back in place. Sometime is takes a clear thought, a new action to clear away the cobwebs of separation. I was reading the paper when I came across an ad for a choir audition. I felt movement to call and sign up, so I did. Numerous times before the audition, I thought of calling to cancel. I even almost forgot to go! However by choosing to respond to God’s call, I had an incredible experience. I asked what am I here to learn God? I found what had changed since I was younger, was that I was not concerned about “passing” the audition or not. I just knew I had to be there. The experience was fabulous. I learned that I had been singing the incorrect part for most of my lifetime. As I sang in the correct range, although uncomfortable at first, I began to like it. I laughed and really opened up to the experience as it happened. As the conductor gave me some practice tools, I thanked him. I felt that this night was a gift. God provided me the opportunity to find my voice. Whether or not I am successful joining the choir, I AM grateful for an incredible experience. Today when I practiced, my voice began retraining itself. I AM gleeful knowing that through choosing to take action, God will continue to sing in
my life.

How will you choose to be resilient this day? Do not let life experiences take you down a dark road. Allow yourself to feel and then choose to bounce back to life. Every situation in life is an opportunity to separate or to be in Unity with God. Choose to be resilient; choose to be in the Light of God. Choose to take action and engage in life. Life is waiting for you. The outcome is not the main concern; it is walking upon the path we co-create with God.

************************************************************************

As we move into meditation, let us release any need to be separate. As we open up to our greater selves we relax into the peace which always is, always has been at the center of our being. Knowing right here that we can choose to take action in our lives, we are free to re-engage in life. As we leave any darkness behind, we behold the light of God surrounding us, holding us, comforting us. In choosing to co-create with God, our actions confirm our commitment to honor the Light within ourselves and others. How grateful we are for each situation, each event, and each circumstance which brings us to a higher awareness of the amazing resilience of the divine presence within.

May choice be ever at your call, may your heart be open to listen, and may your soul be gleeful as you choose to engage in Life on your Everyday Life Path.
And So It Is!

Everyday Voices

I hope you enjoy this quote as much as I do...

You cannot teach a man anything; you can only help him find it within himself.
- Galileo Galilei

Rich Words is brought to you by the Rev. Alan Rowbotham, Minister Emeritus of First Unity Church in St. Petersburg, FL, and by Friends of Ministry, Inc. and the Unity in Business Network.

The Power (Remember Who You Really Are)

Be inspired....

Everyday Knowing Reminder - Sunday Message August 22, 2010

Choices and Impact

My husband and I have been struggling with teaching our son that he is responsible for his actions and his feelings versus how his actions (choices) may impact others. It is a fine line to explain to an almost eight year old that when people choose an action which we may not like, that we have the ability to choose our response. We have the choice to decide how we feel and how we respond. Yet, his dad and I also would like him to understand that his actions do have an impact on other people and bring about consequences. In addition, we are helping him discover what he can do when he is impacted by someone’s choice and how he can respond. While writing the message this week, I was searching for an answer to this question. I was reading Fillmore’s book Talks on Truth. As I continued reading, I found I was having a difficult time concentrating. After a while I found that I was having an internal conversation. I heard the answer I needed. As Fillmore refers to in his book, I was focusing in the wrong direction. My son needs to understand both sides of community and interacting. However, the focus really is on the way to respond positively and the act of forgiveness. Now, I am not one who enjoys the “forgiveness” label. However, when humanity acts through the mind and not from a loving space of God, sometimes the consequences are challenging. In getting back to my internal conversation, the following is the response I heard to my questions, “What action can my son take when he is confused or hurt? Why would someone choose to be hurtful?”

Forgiveness.

We forgive them, for they know not what they do.

In the quiet solitude, when they choose separation, the illusion of darkness overtakes the soul. Day after day, as the mind takes control of life’s experience, the soul cannot be heard. When the soul is lost in a sea of unrelenting foreboding, it succumbs to the mind.

My follow up questions was, “Where is the positive side when someone chooses hurtful or confusing actions and we choose forgiveness?”

Forgiveness allows light to emerge. When our judgments stop and our acceptance of what has happened is transmuted beyond our understanding, we create a God space. For each soul is a space of God within each person. It is when the person chooses to create a separation, that the darkness silently comes calling. Through forgiveness, we acknowledge the God Light within that person through reminding their soul of its own divinity. Our souls are freed as we allow God back within our heart and come to a place of peace and understanding not known before.


As we move into meditation we breathe deeply into the center of our being. We acknowledge our choices we made this day. We understand that each soul is here to choose and each mind has the ability to create its own illusion. Through the love of God we clear the illusion of separateness. We choose to move forward in light and love, to be a presence for another fellow traveler along our path. We are grateful for each day we choose to participate in Life. For Life is here to be live. Life is….Love is…. God is.

And So It Is.

Everyday Knowing Reminder - Sunday Message August 15, 2010

Moving Beyond Oneself

As we continue our walk upon living within a Christ Consciousness, let us look at how we can move beyond ourselves, through our choices.

Sometimes when we get walking on our paths, we proceed deep into the forests of our minds. It is difficult to see the sunshine. We cannot see where the path will lead. We become afraid, scared and uncertain. When life becomes difficult, we find a way of making choices which continue to make it difficult. We can only see our experience and if it is not going the way we want it to, we resist. When we resist, our choices come from trying to avoid, instead of co-creating with God.

In co-creating with God, we find a new space to experience Life. We choose to take time to become still and listen to our soul. We are open to the quiet whisper of God’s voice leading us to step beyond who we believe we have become. We open ourselves to new possibilities and choose to take a path that maybe unfamiliar, yet confident that we are not alone. We choose to take a new path, when the one we are on is not working.

When we begin to choose a new path, we reach out to others. While we may have hurdles to jump or streams to cross, so does everyone else. As we reach out, we realize for most of us, as Tony Robbins says, “We ain’t got no problems.” Sometimes it is a stranger who may call for assistance. Maybe even more difficult is when family calls for help. In some families, this maybe the largest hurdle yet. However, when we take care of someone who was unable to take care of us, our life changes. We move beyond our own need, and choose to hold God’s Love. We become an example of what God’s love is. In choosing to move beyond ourselves we see how expansive the world is. We extend our spiritual grow through leaving the past behind and being present for someone else in need. In taking care of another’s need, our need lessens and our spirit expands. This is growth. This is Love. This is God.

As we see our choices expanding our perception of Life, we are more willing to have a new experience. Whether we choose a new place to eat, a new hairstyle, or a new place to sit in church, each time we choose to expand within the Christ consciousness, we co-create with God. Co-creating comes from trusting the inner wisdom within which shall lead us, guide us, and move our perceptions beyond ourselves. Each choice to “change it up” allows a path for new ideas, new information to enter into our consciousness.

Choose this day to participant by co-create with God. Let us take the time to move beyond ourselves; to realize we are not lost in a forest. As we let go of avoidance and honor our connection with God, our life changes. Take a moment to help another. Take your spouse to dinner. Take your family on vacation. Allow God to move us beyond our perceived needs and into being a Presence of Love for another. Choose to see the wholeness of who you really are. Embrace the many gifts you have. Be grateful and move beyond yourself.

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As we turn to meditation to hear God whispering in our hearts, we breathe deeply. We are not lost in a forest, we are not alone. We are always within the company of God. In any given moment, stop and close your eyes. Ask for guidance within the stillness of your heart, within the center of your being. Here, your answers will come. They may not come when your minute of meditation has passed, yet be patient. God’s whisper will come during your next meeting, or on your drive home, or in the silence of sleep.

Everyday Knowing Reminder - Sunday Message August 8, 2010

Choice – Self Centerness and the Spiritual Path

This week we look at how choosing can be a pivotal moment as we walk upon the Christ Consciousness path.

Sometimes as we begin our metaphysical walk, we get lost in trying to find the meaning of what we are experiencing. God calls everyone in the right time, at the right place and in a way that is perfect for each individual to understand. The focus of our journey is to understand our calling and begin God’s work. When we begin to move away from God’s work to “my” work, we fall on the path of self-centeredness.

Jesus said, “It is not I, but thy Father that doeth these good works.” When we spend time focusing on “our” talents or gifts, we step away from God and in to our ego. When wonder why we are special or why we can see, feel, understand things differently, we put the focus on ourselves. When we want to become more special, feel more important, or more advanced than another, in truth we are coming from a place of separateness not Oneness. When we believe we are here to help, fix, or “save” another, we are coming from a place of judgment. When we decide that someone needs to believe as we do, we are choosing a plan for them, not listening to God’s plan.

Through listening to the silence deep within our souls, we hear God’s call. If we continue to pay attention to the essence within our meditation, we then choose to move within God’s will or our will. When we supersede God’s will with our will, our lives become chaotic and confused. While following God’s plan we may be uncomfortable or uncertain. Yet in trusting God and choosing to move step by step, God’s plan unfolds.

We begin to move on purpose. As God is love, our purpose is being a space of Love. Through our everyday lives, we show our inner faith and connection. We become an example of God’s Love. We speak through actions and providing a loving space for humanity. We are not called to judge our fellow traveler. We are to love ourselves and thus humanity while walking upon our path. We are not to focus on ourselves, but on Unity and Oneness within all Life. We are not the cause of a person’s awakening; we are a vessel of God’s love.

When we realize that Love is all there is then we are choosing to see God in and through all things. Our own inner guidance and perceptions become more than interruptions; they become an integral part of our experience. When we allow ourselves to surrender to God, we allow God to work through us. We choose to let go of our spiritual superiority, and realize each person is our equal as we are all part of the One whole.

Let us stop this week. Let us choose to quit focusing on ourselves and what gifts we have. Let us realize that everyone is a part of God. Let us see the God within ourselves as well as those we meet. Let us choose to see the light of God in another person. Let us choose to see the trees, the wind, the flowers, the clouds, neighbors, friends, co-worker as God. Let us choose to be a Presence for God’s love. Let us choose to hear God’s call for our life and allow God to work in others.

Let me close with this affirmation paraphrased from Jesus:
Not my will, but thy will, dear God.

Everyday Knowing Reminder - Sunday Message August 1, 2010

Choice - A Gift

This month as we move forward with hope and renewal, we begin a discussion on one of my favorite topics: Choice.

As the summer continues on its path, my son and I noticed trees around the area beginning to change colors in preparation for fall. For over a week, we kept looking at the trees not believing our eyes. We talk about how we thought that it is too early for the leaves to begin changing colors. We kept looking trying to find out if it was just one kind of tree or if multiple trees were changing. We finally received our answer yesterday. While cleaning out some weeds, we noticed that the leaves on the weed were turning red. Upon further inspection, we found various levels of color change on different trees, shrubs, and weeds around the yard.

After a week of field research in leaf color change, I find it interesting that because we believed that it was too early for the trees to begin changing color, that it took a week to confirm this fact. I also begin to consider that while my son and I had the ability to choose what we perceived was happening, the trees were not able to choose. The trees were responding to their environment. Whether the color was created by lack of sunlight, last years summer storms, the early October snow or some other reason maybe an arborist could explain, the realization was that the trees respond to external influences.

While humanity also responds to external influence, we have also received a gift. The gift is choice. Just as my son and I could choose not to believe the trees were changing, after a week we were able to change our perceptions and choose to understand that the tree were getting ready for the fall. Here again, I look upon my life. Just as I was in disbelief that the trees were changing, what am I choosing to ignore in my own life? What can I choose to see differently? What is waiting for me to choose a new way of perceiving?

As we all enjoy the gift of choice this week, let us be open to discovering our patterns of perceptions. As we open our internal gift of choice, let us see what we can choose differently. What happens when we choose to look, see, act or do something in a new manner? What will happen within our everyday experience? How will our lives converge with our spiritual practice? Please email or write me with your experiences during this week. I look forward to reading the many rewards of allowing our gift of choice to flourish.

Everyday Knowing Reminder - Sunday Message July 25, 2010

Celebrate Understanding

This month, after taking two weeks off to experience my mom’s transition and assist my dad as he needed, I return this week to celebrate a deeper understanding of Divine Truth. As you know, Everyday Life Paths is about the Convergence of Life and Spiritual Practice. When I remain open to Life no matter how it manifests, I give myself the opportunity to grow through God’s plan.

My mom died from small cell lung cancer which had also migrated to her liver. I watched and assisted as she progressed on this path. She did not complain. She made the mention that she quit smoking almost six years to the date of her diagnosis. It was her understanding that your chance of getting lung cancer significantly dropped when you had quit smoking for six years or more. The irony was not lost on her. She did not speak of the “what ifs,” yet they were in the back of her mind.

Her thoughts lead me to my own. Is there a place in my life that I need to move forward? Is there a decision that God is leading me to make that I need to listen? I AM willing to spend more time in the silence. I AM aware of God’s plan and am open. I release any fears and doubts of my abilities and allow Life to flow through me. I AM here.

Both mom and dad thought they would live until their 80’s and were looking forward to it. From the outside, my siblings and I judged their lives as boring and over. From their perspective, they were content. Their perception was that life was fine just as it was.

So again, how can I be content right where I AM? Can I know that God’s plan is working in my life? Do I know that everything is exactly as needs to be? Yes, I can. By being in the silence all my questions are put to rest. If I AM uncomfortable does that mean I need to listen to the depth of my soul and make different choices? Only the silence within can lead me to answers.

After she died, everyone had the answers for my dad. While neighbors and friends meant well, only my dad could understand what grieving would look like for him. Even my siblings knew dad would not be able to make it without mom. I did not feel that. I thought my dad would be sad and then recover. Although not religious, he has always told me that the body was a casing for the soul. He said that when a person died, the soul moved on and left the empty shell behind.

He is from Iowa and there is an amazing spirit within. When something happens to an Iowa farmer, what I have witnessed is that they grieve, yet know they must move on. For example, if you have ever seen an Iowa farmer discuss loosing a harvest, they experience the loss, yet know that the community will work together and rebuild for next year. My father has that spirit. While he misses my mom and allows himself to feel the pain of life without her, he knows he must move forward as Life continues.

What I do find interesting is that those who thought my dad was going to have a hard time after my mom died are the one’s who are struggling. Those who told me that “it” (meaning my mom’s death) would hit me are the one’s who are still struggling with their own loss. I found that dad and I have become the space to allow other’s grief to be expressed. Instead of them comforting us in the loss of my mom, we became a space of comfort for them. I think the difference is that dad and I were involved with mom until the end. We understood what was coming and what she wanted. We worked together to honor her requests. Those who are just becoming aware need time to process the loss of my mom and their own personal loss.

While my dad and I may grieve differently, there is hope for the future and of Life still to be lived. I may not understand the Love between my parents, yet I have an understanding of God’s truth, as I perceive it. My family thought dad would pass and mom would take care of everything. She always did. In God’s plan, dad is holding his own and I AM able to support him as needed. As we are told: “We are never given more than we can handle.” Life experiences gave me everything I needed to cope with this situation and my connection to the God within helped me understand. I have found an understanding of spirituality that was unknown before.

Can we transmute a loss experience into a God experience? Instead of dwelling on my loss, can I be a Presence of God’s love? As I realize that Life does not have to be painful, but God filled, my understanding of the Divine truth within expands. As I have always said, it is not what happens, but how I respond to what happens that creates my experience and thus my life. When I converge my Life with my Spiritual practice, I choose to create my life. For this opportunity I AM grateful.

Join me next month as we move forward with hope and renewal to discuss one of my favorite topics: Choice! Peace to you and yours this day.

Update

My mom made her transition on July 11, 2010. I will return to blogging soon. I AM taking time to be thankful for God's Presence within, through, and in my Life. Peace to you this day. In the meantime, please enjoy our meditation: http://www.everydaylifepaths.com/flash%20meditation/meditation.html

Everyday Knowing Reminder - Sunday Message July 4, 2010

Celebration

July 4th is the perfect day to begin our new topic of the month: Celebration.

Celebrations abound on this day. There are parades, cookouts, gatherings, contests, carnivals, picnics, and of course fireworks. We love the ability to celebrate, especially when we have the approval of celebrating as a community. Neighbors are more forgiving regarding noise late at night. We have an excuse to have seconds at the picnic table and there is an overall happiness in the air. We smile more at one another and even greet a stranger or two.

As we enjoy this day of celebrating America’s independence, let us turn inward to see what else is waiting to be celebrated. While we jump at the chance to party and enjoy the festivities of a holiday, we may not be so ready to celebrate the Life we experience.

At the beginning of this summer my dog transitioned and my mom was diagnosed with a terminal illness. She is choosing to transition. For months, I was in a fog. I was not sure how to proceed within the joy of my life. As time allowed the fog to clear and I allowed the Presence of God to fill my heart I found a new space emerging. I found that through loss comes renewal. I AM alive and well even when events around me appear to be distressing. My thoughts are what are distressing. My mom seems at peace with her situation and decision. It is my thoughts about her life that saddened me, not the situation. In her ability to release and let go, she has provided many gifts. The best gift is that going through this process with her; I realize I AM able to handle it. I AM able to create a larger space within. I AM able to honor her Divinity. I AM able to co-create with God the next steps of my own spiritual growth.

I have now begun to open the door for another dog to love. A few months ago when I said that I would not get another dog, a friend asked me “how can you deny yourself that kind of unconditional love?” After spending time in prayer I realized she was right! As I open myself to new possibilities, I celebrate my renewal. A new breed is manifesting itself within my awareness. A new path is being created. A spark has returned to my eyes.

This 4th of July, I will celebrate the independence of my own thoughts. I will celebrate Life no matter how it is manifesting. As I embrace the unity in all life, I release my need for things to remain the same. I allow my inner light to shine. May you also celebrate the freedom we have to think, act and be just “as we are.” Take time this weekend to celebrate not just the freedom of America, but your own freedom. May your own freedom lead you to honor the Divine Spirit within. May each day be a celebration of your Life as you grow within the spirit of “who you really are.” Know that the I AM within me is the I AM within you. Celebrate and Live Life!

Happy 4th of July!

Everyday Knowing Reminder - Sunday Message June 20, 2010

Father's Day

Bless this day, the day you became a father. The day when your heart opened to all that is God's love here on earth. Know that you are a guardian of your children's soul when they are in your care. Show them God's love in your voice, in your words, and in your actions. Know that they begin to understand the world through you. Each interaction is an opportunity to show the Love of God, the power of co-creating, and the peace of God deep within them.

May this day offer you love, companionship, and an honoring of your work within your family and as the person you are. May Love surround you, may peace be at your beckoned call and may joy fill your soul today and each day of your life.

Everyday Knowing Reminder - Sunday Message June 13, 2010

During the month of June, as we observe the many signs of God around us, we once again look inward to discover the many ways that Life continues to manifest within our Everyday experience.

Observance - Life

This day brings another summer storm. Lightning begins as thunder answers. The excitement in my son’s voice increases as he announces “the lightning show is beginning.” Flashlight in hand, waiting for the electricity to go out as it did during a storm last summer, his smile widens as he proclaims “the rain is beginning.” “Have you noticed,” he asks, “that once the thunder sounds, the rain begins to pour?” Harder the rain comes, drenching the ground, watering the dry grass. Dark clouds hang in the sky as the mountains are hidden from view.

The fresh smell of rain gently flows through the house. The energy of the storm settles, for just a moment. With a surge, the rain begins again, mixed with hail. My son runs to get his binoculars as he does not want to miss the show. The rain is falling so hard in the streets, that water is overflowing the gutters.

The energy decreases again, rain turns to mist as the water in the street empties into the drains and off to feed the rivers. As we return to our routine, we gaze out the window to realize that storm number two is approaching.

As the trees sway in the wind, rain begins again. Getting darker by the minute, we sit and watch. As the wind begins to increase and the trees blow in the opposite direction, birds find new places to take cover. The phone rings as the hail begins. My husband calls to notify me that it is on the way. We close the curtains and windows and head to the basement as the neighborhood warning sirens begin to blow. Rains come in torrential downpours, clouds darken, lighting flashes, and tornados begin to spin. Night falls as the intensity calms down, however, the rain continues.

As the morning arises, the rain has turned to mist. As the afternoon begins, the mist disappears and the birds return. Only this time, their song is much louder. As I gaze upon the yard, watching the shaking and fluffing of wet feathers, the chirp-chirp of baby birds fill the air. Momma and Daddy birds catch worms, feeding the impatient mouths waiting.

As I observe the very nature of God, the joy of nature expresses itself fully in living life. The birds take up residence, taking the gift of rain and wetness to provide safety and food. I stop to ponder what in this moment, in this space called time, am I to do to fully express the joy of God within my life? What is it that will engage me in life yet once again? I smile as the answer comes quickly from within. Life is expressed fully through living my everyday life…joyfully.

What is happening within your life? Can you find the signs of Life manifesting joy within your heart? Take a moment to breathe into this moment, and feel what is waiting for you. How have you experienced God? Share your thoughts with me at info@everydaylifepaths.com.

Observance - Everyday Knowing Reminder - Sunday Message

As I observe my mother preparing for her transition, I AM present in each moment. After spending a week with her, I found gifts within this process. I see a strength beyond her physical body, I see a person not a mom, and I see the Presence within her spirit. I also found that I AM able to "be" more than I thought I could.

Sometimes it takes life to assist one's spiritual growth. Through the convergence of Life and my spiritual practice, I find that Oneness truly exists when I choose to see it. I also know that as a spiritual being living a human existence, human emotions are also a part of this experience. I allow them to "be." I allow myself to feel. Through this openness, I let go and let God lead me to a greater existence than I could have imagined for myself.

Today, may your everyday life provide you exactly what you need and may you be open to experiencing all of Life.

When Things Change

When things change....be open to a new experience.

When you need to move forward, resist not.

When you want to cry... do.

When you need a hug, ask.

When someone is sick... find the time to give them a hug.

When someone dies...know you have done everything to comfort, love, and support them.

When all is said and done...

Love those who surround you.

Be a Presence in someone's life.

Bring joy to life.

Be at peace, for in the stillness of the Presence, serenity calms a restless heart.

Life, Love, Joy, and Peace are within the Spirit of who we are.

Grateful, IAM for an Everyday Life.

Everyday Voices - Graham George

Prayer D

Holy Spirit do I trust in thee
To light all things in my life

That would take me
To a place of peace

For in trusting You
Do I place trust
In my own light

To nurture it thus
And to bring others
To Your Light

To know
Of its true meaning

For they know not of the dream they make
Holy Spirit dispel their dream in Your Light

In innocence do they believe in their pain
Place within them Your Light, bringing peace, love and joy

Bring all that is known to You before them,
that they might live in peace.

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Graham can be contacted at
Theheart2heal@me.com
His writing and artwork can be found at:
http://www.words-of-light.com/

By clicking on the links above you will be leaving Everyday Life Paths and entering a non-affiliated site. The opinions expressed are solely of those individuals sharing their spiritual paths and may not represent the beliefs of Everyday Life Paths, its employees/contractors or subsidiaries.

Everyday Knowing Reminder Sunday Message - May 2, 2010

We begin this month of May talking about Nature. Nature shows us in many ways how God can work through us, in us and all around us, if we are open to seeing the miracle in front of us…

The Living Miracle

As spring arrives once again, the mind begins to think of flowers and summer nights under the stars. For this spring, however, we are thinking of a warm blanket and a hot cup of tea. Rain and snow showers expected through Monday. The mountains are receiving one to two feet (yes, I said feet) of snow! As I hear the rumbling from those around me wondering if summer will ever arrive, I remember the rumblings of last year…

Last year, we did not have enough moisture. We needed the rain and we were put on water restrictions. The snow melt was down and the grass was drying up. Funny, how one year we complain about not enough rain and the next year there is too much. What if we allowed the season to manifest just as it is? What if it was perfect just the way it was. How much more time would we have if we appreciated nature’s balancing act.

While we may have more rain, we also have green, lush grass. While it might be colder, we have not had to run our air-conditioner, thus saving electricity. While the ground may be muddy, weeding is easier and flowers are flourishing in the moist soil. Each experience has its own perceptions. Each event has two or more sides from which we can view our world. Nature is expressing itself to show us the many facets of God working within our own lives.

How many times do we look at what is manifesting within our lives and complain? When we look back, most of the time we can say that it all worked out. Just as the rain brings lush green grass, difficult times may be the catalyst which carries joy into our lives. Sad things do happen. Sometimes we experience unhappy situations, yet most of the time Life works through it. Just as the winds bring fresh air, change in our lives brings a new perspective. Once we embrace life and hop on for the ride, we can release our resistance to what is and become a full participant in life. For no matter how much we desire a different experience in any given moment, it will not change until we release the resistance to what is. It is in the acceptance that we release our need for a desired outcome and become free to co-create with God.

Co-creating is the ability to detach from our desired outcome. When we are open we can see opportunities that we could not have seen before. Once we are open to a different experience we can co-create with God. Through co-creating, we can see not just the path we desire to create, but multiple paths from which to choose. When we are closed to only our path, then we are limited by our own vision.

As we discussed last week when the rain comes, each pattern of weather provides the necessary ingredients for life in any particular region. We cannot have one without the other without something missing. If we only desire sunshine, when fall comes we get depressed or loose our vision. What if we kept a strong vision yet allow the rain, the sun and the wind to move through it? What if the change in our life’s weather did not stop our vision, but work around it?

Nature is flexible in allowing things to happen. When the wind comes and blows down trees, another plant is there to take it’s place. The hail strips the leaves off trees and the petals from the flower, yet within weeks, new leaves and flowers return to greet the sun. Today, choose to bloom again within life’s events. Allow God to create with you to find your fullest expression of Life. God’s Life, Your Life, co-creating life within each everyday moment.

How are you co-creating your life today? Can you see nature working outside as well as within? Take a moment in gratitude to allow any resistance to fade as we allow many paths to appear before us. Share your experiences with us at info@everydaylifepaths.com .

Everyday Knowing Reminder - Sunday Message April 25, 2010

As spring begins to emerge once again to renew mother earth, we too will look at ways,
during the month of April, in which renewal manifests within our Everyday Life.

As the Rain Comes…
April is a curious month for just as we enjoy a beautiful day, the next day is cold. As Mother Nature finally releases its winter grip the temperatures begin to increase. When the rain comes, the winds change and I can feel spring in the air. There is a new aliveness in nature which permeates my being and I AM renewed yet once again.

I walked my son to school today, taking my umbrella and enjoying the fresh scent in the air. I found that not everyone was enjoying spring’s return. I heard complaints about the gray, cloudy weather, and the cold of the rain. As I pondered the comments, I found that humanity as a whole, myself included, wants life to be exactly as they want it all the time. If it is not, then the complaining begins. If it is sunny and hot we want cooler weather. If it is raining and cool we want more warmth. It is almost as if whatever we have, we want the opposite. The amount of time complaining takes away the joy of life’s ever-changing experience.

What if instead of wanting what we do not have, we renew ourselves to looking at what we have and being grateful. I AM grateful for the rain as it waters my lawn and turns it an incredible shade of green. I AM grateful for the rain that convinces the trees, flower and bushes to show themselves once again. I AM grateful for the sun as it provides the nutrients I need as well as the trees and bushes. Each pattern of weather provides the necessary ingredients for life in any particular region. We cannot have one without the other without something missing.

Where in our lives do we complain about the pain, only wanting joy? How beautiful is our joy, when we have experienced pain? I think that Life is to be lived, that is our reason for being here in this moment. How we live it is up to each and every one of us; that is the beauty or the curse. So as the rain comes today take time to see how beautiful Life is. If it is not in this moment, know that just as the ocean tides flow in and out of the shore, beauty is just a wave away. Stop resisting the tide and go with the flow of Life as it renews you today.

What is happening within your life? Can you find the signs of renewal within in your heart? Take a moment to breathe into this moment, and feel what is waiting for you. How have you experienced renewal? Share your thoughts with me at info@everydaylifepaths.com

Everyday Knowing Reminder - Sunday Message April 18, 2010

As spring begins to emerge once again to renew mother earth, we too will look at ways, during the month of April, in which renewal manifests within our Everyday Life.


Life Renewed

As we discuss renewal and Life’s emergence within nature this month, I have been witnessing sickness and death in neighbors, friends and acquaintances. As I process these events during my favorite month, I became more aware of the cycles of Life.

Whether someone is sick, regained health, or has transitioned back to the One Presence/God, life is not over it is just renewing itself to a different experience. While we may label sickness or death as something we are not comfortable with, it is God’s way of preparing the soul’s for a new experience for each person involved. While these moments may come with sadness, confusion, and questions of why me, there is also the gift of renewal hidden among us.

It may be very difficult to see through the tears, yet, once we move through the event, we open our eyes to see what was there all along – the gift of our Life. No matter whom we choose to share our life with: spouse, children, pets… they are each on their own journey. Each journey is different and varied; each is an experience for God. While we are so attached to what we have and the relationships we create, it is the One Presence which connects us all. It is through this connection that we realize that there has not been a loss, but a transition into a different form, a different experience.

While we may not understand what that experience is in this moment, we lean into the space of God’s Presence, ever dwelling within us and surrender to God’s will, not our will. From this space of acceptance, Life becomes easier as we let go of our perceived control. Joy enters as we come to understand our co-creative abilities with the Universe. What happens to us is not what is important. It is how we respond to the joyful or tragic events in our life, that connect us to Life. We find a strength we thought we did not have. We find Love surrounding us that we thought did not exist. We find ourselves as we continue on our path of Life. It is through living our Everyday Life that our spirituality evolves and Life is renewed.


What is happening within your life? Can you find the signs of renewal within in your heart? Take a moment to breathe into this moment, and feel what is waiting for you. How have you experienced renewal? Share your thoughts at info@everydaylifepaths.com

Everyday Knowing Reminder - Sunday Message

RENEWAL

As spring begins to emerge once again to renew mother earth, we too will look at ways, during the month of April, in which renewal manifests within our Everyday Life.

Last Thursday began like any other April day. The air was warm with a cool breeze, hinting at spring but keeping the reminder that winter was not over. My son was on a break from school and my husband had taken the day off. In the morning, they worked on my son’s science project. In the afternoon, my husband ran some errands while my son and I read some books together and cleaned the house.

Suddenly there was a knock at the door. My neighbor came by to tell me his wife had experienced a stroke and he was on the way to the hospital. She was out running errands and he had just received the call. Offers for help were refused yet a hug was accepted. As he left, he said “love you guys.” This man is strong on the outside, yet a teddy bear on the inside. How touched I was, for we love him and his wife dearly too.

As I closed the door, knowing for now, my neighbor and his family needed to be by their wife and mother, we waited for word from them. In the meantime, we would be available to take care of their dog or anything else they needed. As I returned to my son, I reflected on my dear neighbor.

Most of our neighbors are over 65 years old. We love each one of them. During the winter months we do not see each other much as most of us stay inside. As spring arrives and the days warm up, we renew our contact. Just two days before, I had spent about an hour talking with my neighbor. She is a wonderful Presence. I was rather tired about life, as we can all get sometimes. She was sad about getting older. We exchanged hugs and support, knowing the One Presence inside connected us.

The next day I found an envelope with a beautiful angel pin. Attached was a note: “because you are an angel of a neighbor and friend I want you to have this pin. May she bless you and your family and lavish you with miracles.” As I remembered and looked at the pin today, as she lay in the hospital unable to speak, I realized that she and her husband were my miracles. Within an Everyday Life, many miracles are present if we choose to see them. How fortunate I AM to have seen God work through our relationship in caring, loving support and provide us the opportunity to have the time together just a few days ago.

So while my friend/neighbor works with her soul to see if she still has work to do and stay within this life, or if it is time to move on, I feel her presence. I am renewed through her thoughtful gift of a simple angel pin. No matter what happens, her Presence will be renewed within my heart and I will pass on her loving kindness to those I meet. As she begins her next step on this journey called life, it is time for me to embrace and allow my path to unfold. For within each Everyday moment is the opportunity for renewal.

What is happening within your life? Can you find the signs of renewal within in your heart? Take a moment to breathe into this moment, and feel what is waiting for you. How have you experienced renewal? Share your thoughts at info@everydaylifepaths.com

Everyday Knowing Reminder - Sunday Message

Renewal

As spring begins to emerge once again to renew mother earth, we too will look at ways, during the month of April, in which renewal manifests within our Everyday Life.

The cold wind still blows. The trees are still bare, appearing lifeless. Yet, as I look closer, the trees have begun to bud. The sunlight is a little warmer than yesterday. The snow is melting away and the grass is beginning to show signs of green. The crocus flowers in the front yard are peeking out of the soil. Yes, spring must be close as my yard is beginning the yearly renewal process.

Easter is today. Some of you will celebrate the arrival of Jesus’ rebirth, while some will celebrate the coming of the Easter Bunny. Some may take a walk and enjoy the day just being. Some of you will be with family having dinner or going out to eat. No matter how you celebrate the day, please take a few minutes to see what can be renewed within you.

What I have found is that like my yard in its renewal process, I too tend to join the festivities. I find I have more energy. I stretch out my arms as a flower opens her petals to absorb the light. I have more patience and breathe deeper. While one neighbor tunes up my tractor, the other neighbor prepares his lawn for me to mow. I sweep off the back porch and bring up the chairs. I walk more. I see my neighborhood and neighbors more. I open my windows on the warmer days and let spring fill the house. Best of all, I sit on my front porch and listen. I listen to the birds and animals as they return. I listen as children come to play outside. I listen as friends and neighbors walk by. I listen to the quiet spring breeze wrestling in the trees. I listen….to God stirring within my soul, renewing my path.

As we watch and listen this Easter day, let us be conscious of the One Presence within all of us. Let us sweep away old beliefs which keep us in the darkness of winter within our souls. Just as the sun warms the earth, the love of God within us, shall warm our hearts. Let us open our hearts to love and joy this day. Celebrations come in many forms. Stretch up your arms and breathe deep. See what comes up within you which needs to be renewed. Let the day open you to new possibilities, a new way of being.




What is happening within your life? Can you find the signs of renewal within in your heart? Take a moment to breathe into this moment, and feel what is waiting for you. How have you experienced renewal? Share your thoughts at info@everydaylifepaths.com

Everyday Knowing Reminder - Sunday Message March 28, 2010

Our final discussion this month is

Family: A New Definition

So what is a new definition of family? Family is those with whom we connect through a spiritual perspective, love unconditionally, and allow the space for them to grow as God intended. Sometimes they are those who may be related through blood ties, yet when we are open to seeing the God within each person we meet, our family grows exponentially.

After a year of communicating with my sister, she reconnected with her birth-father. While it was something she needed at the time, it also allowed her to move through any prior beliefs. My eldest brother was the first one to make contact with his birth-father and his wife. They welcomed him with open arms and love just as if they had always been in his life. He came home feeling loved and belonging to an extended family. They welcomed my sister and my other brother just as warmly. While each one had a different experience due to their own circumstances, they were welcomed in love and kindness.

The twist on this story, is that I also been in contact with my siblings birth-father and his wife. They saw pictures of me while visiting with my brother and wanted to get to know me as well. I was hesitant at first, as it was more important for my siblings to connect. I also felt a sense of “loyalty” to my parents. Yet over time, as I have come to know them over the phone, I have found them to be truly lovely people. We read the same books, we tend to see life in similar ways and love my siblings deeply. They speak to me and include my husband and son as if we were also a part of their family. More importantly, the more I listen to them, I have found that they are truly lovely to all people within their lives.

My sibling’s birth-father had admitted that he was not always that way. It took a close call with death about 10 years ago for his light to shine brightly. Since I do not have any history or prior judgments or needs, I was just open, hoping that my siblings would have a chance to address anything they needed. As both my parents knew my siblings birth-father, I have had to balance their memory of this individual with my own present day experience. How fortunate I AM to have received in my life not just my sibling’s birth-father but his wife of over 30 years as well. Today in this moment, I find them loving, generous and kind. While he may have been manifesting something different 40 years ago, I AM glad he and his wife are just as they are now so that all my siblings and I can enjoy this time with them.


Who in your life are you opening up to? Do you have a story regarding moving Beyond Blood Ties© either within your family or beyond? Feel free to contact me with your Everyday Experience and you may be featured in our Everyday Voices section.