The beauty of the earth through its extremes

We are truly being treated to the beauty of the Earth we inhabit by witnessing its extremes. Violent rainbows one minute. Beautiful double rainbows the next. Heavy winds followed by calm. Cold temperatures followed by perfect temperatures.

Double rainbows after violent rainstorms gracing our sky to show us after every storm there is always the peace and calm and the beauty of a rainbow. Or two. Something to focus our eyes upon. Something to let us know no matter what there is always something to be grateful for. Always something to wake up for in the morning.

Like the weather, yesterday morning was one of those extreme mornings for me when I was feeling overwhelmed by the darkness and struggled to get myself going. But when I decided to change my mindset and smile, everything around me changed. Felt different. More promising. Everything felt possible. Everything felt reachable. Nothing felt unattainable.

As I was driving my daughter to school, something told me to look up in the sky and there it was faintly at first, the beginnings of a rainbow. I was so excited that I told my daughter to look at the rainbow. At first she didn’t see it because it was so faint so I told her to focus and then she spotted it with excitement as well. As we got closer to her school, the rainbow became more pronounced. More colourful. A bigger part of the sky. Opening itself up for everyone to see. Commanding our attention.

For me the sight of a rainbow always conjures up magic. Always makes me feel there is so much more out there waiting for me when I take the time to observe the world we live in. When I look at my surroundings with appreciation. My smile grew larger on my face. My discontent displaced.

As my daughter was getting out of the car and I had a moment to reflect, that’s when I saw the other rainbow right behind the first one – this one faint as well. But there nonetheless. And I felt so full. So full of life and all its possibility. So full of joy to know in the black heavy clouds, there stood not one but two rainbows showing me that no matter what there is always magic and possibility in the air because I am a part of the greater whole as are the storms and the rainbows. And when I understand I am much more than my physical body, the struggle does not feel as overwhelming. Instead I know it will only last for as long as I allow it to because just like those rainbows that spread across the dark clouds, I understand there is beauty in everything. And I can either focus on the dark black clouds or I can focus on the rainbow that forms as a result. I know which one makes me feel better so the choice is mine to make.

In gratitude to nature for showing me there is so much beauty and abundance that no matter where I find myself, it is up to me to shift my consciousness to see and feel them. And more importantly to be them. And I too will form rainbows after every storm. Namaste

Moving through the temptation of the darkness

This morning was one of those mornings when the darkness tempted me to hide. To stay with it. To revel in it. To not forge ahead but to stay where I was. Deep, and warm in the place of comfort – my bed. Telling me it was no use getting up. No one needed me. No one wanted me. To just stop and stay where I was and I was really tempted to do so. Really tempted to bury my head back under the covers and write the day off. As a matter of fact, for half an hour I did. I succumbed to the call of the darkness and wrapped myself back up in the covers. Trying to keep myself warm, comfortable, in the place where I felt the most comfort, my bed.

I fell asleep for a few restless moments. Then woke with a start. Eyes wide open staring at the minutes flashing by on my clock. Knowing I should be up. Meditating. Writing. Getting myself prepared for the new day but I could not summon the strength nor the will at first. All I wanted was the darkness, the comfort of my bed. Where I could be me and not have to worry about the demands of the outside world.

I lay in bed listening to the cacophony of raindrops beating down on my rooftop, pounding the ground outside. Drowning out the sound of my thoughts. I listened to the rumble of thunder. And shivered as I snuggled up to my husband. And then I knew I could not stay in the darkness anymore. No matter how tempting it was to hide. I had to get up and be grateful for the day. For the new day ahead. For the chance to experience. To grow, to be. And lying in bed trying to hide from the reality of my existence would only delay what was inevitable. So I got up. Casting aside the covers, the darkness and my apprehensions and changed my mindset from one of apathy to one of gratitude. Pulling on my robe to keep me warm, I got up and smiled shifting my whole persona from one of darkens to light with that one small action.

Reminding myself that I am in charge of my feelings, of my destiny. The darkness can only keep me down if I allow it. The light is mine for the taking especially on those days when all I want is to hide. Especially on those days when I am tempted to be shrouded in the darkness so no one can demand anything from me or see me. It is those days when a smile from the inside out can shift my thinking and allow me to embrace the possibility that is always waiting just for me.

It’s silent now. The rain has stopped. The house is still quiet but now I am ready. Ready to go back out into the world to face what needs to be faced with a smile from the inside out because I am here again. Living, breathing and ready with gratitude, fortitude and reverence. Allowing me to be embraced by the light and the all knowing. Namaste.

Our Christmas present comes early

Can you believe we are in the last month of 2013. December, the month of celebration, spirit and love. The time when everything becomes adorned with light and festivity. When people are happy and kind and sharing because the light from within us is exemplified by the light outside of us - from the twinkling Christmas lights on trees, buildings, everywhere they can go. When everything seems to be radiating from a place that we all can relate to – that wonderful and special place of love.

And what a wonderful way to begin this month of reverence to many and to others a time of peace and joy than to attend the Santa Parade last night. The atmosphere was electric. Families, friends, lovers and strangers gathered together last evening for the official beginning of the holiday season with the annual Santa parade. Even the weather cooperated by bringing us a refreshing coolness to let us know winter and Christmas is just around the corner.

The highlight of the evening for my husband, son, sister and me was to see our little girl making her first grand appearance as Little Miss Paradise. As her car approached, my eyes welled up with tears to see my little princess sitting on top of the car waving like it was a natural part of who she is. Like she was born to wave her hand and smile at everyone she saw. To bring joy into the hearts of those who may not have otherwise felt it.

My husband, sister and I gasping at how beautiful and confident she looked. All of us happy for her. Grateful that we are allowing her to be who she is regardless of what we may have thought she should be. Even her big brother thought she was a true princess last night.

I could not help but jump in the street to take her picture, forgetting for a moment that she was my daughter and instead becoming enraptured by this beautiful little girl who is following her dream, taking risks and putting herself out there as someone who knows what she wants and goes for it even at her young age. Totally embarrassing her by standing in the street and stopping the car so I could photograph her. But needing my moment with my daughter.

I was so excited for her that I could not focus the camera. My hands were shaking so much. Thank goodness there were others with a steadier hand who managed to capture the essence of our little princess who is willing to shine her love and light into the world. Many people sent us messages, photos and offers of congratulations as she passed them by.

But what was even more touching to me was when she finished the parade and got out of the car, all she wanted was to hold my hand. To be close to me as if reminding me she is still a little girl who needs a mother, father, brother, family, friends and mentors to be there for her. To help her and to guide her. Not to direct her or take anything away from who she is because she is still growing, still exploring and still fragile in where she can go. I squeezed her hand that much tighter as I blinked back a tear telling my little princess how proud we are of her. As did my husband, sister and son just before she went to sleep last night.

What a way to start the holiday season full of joy, peace and happiness. Thank you to all those who cheered our little girl on, she appreciates it, as do we. She felt your love pouring into her along the way encouraging her to be that much more gracious and grateful for your presence. May your holiday season be as promising our ours.

Happy Monday everyone. 

A routine procedure reminds me about living

Yesterday morning I went into the hospital for a routine procedure. On the way to the hospital my husband asked me if I was nervous about what was about to happen. I told him I was not because it is what it is and what was meant to be was unfolding with each step we were taking to get to the hospital, the procedure and the aftermath. I had called on all my guides the night before to ask them to allow to unfold what was meant to unfold and then I surrendered to them, to the procedure and to life itself.

As I undressed and sat on the bed waiting to be rolled into the operating room, I looked out the window at the changing day, the sun dueling with the clouds to shine as they hid it often. I watched the leaves of a palm and another feathery trees dancing in the wind and I knew whatever the outcome was going to be it was going to be as the Divine Plan had ordained. That it was what it was. I felt a peace wash over me as I once again summoned all my guides to allow me to accept what was unfolding. I sat and watched life continuing outside the window. People being discharged from the hospital as their loved ones came to pick them up. Nurses bustling back and forth. The sun out one minute. Hidden the next.

But being in a hospital, held in the back of my mind that somewhere someone was saying goodbye to someone they loved as they slipped back into the eternity – the place from which we all come and the place to which we all go when we leave our physical bodies.

I wondered if yesterday was going to be my last day on Earth would I honestly be pleased with where I am in my life and it was at that moment that I knew I was being sent a sign to embrace my life as much as I can because I have less days ahead of me than I had behind me. Life is short and sweet and it is entirely what we make it.

As I was thinking that thought, two nurses came into my little area and told me how peaceful and beautiful I was. My first reaction was to dispel their statement as folly but I did not because I knew what I was projecting was a woman at peace with where my life was at that moment and my whole being was exuding that despite not having on makeup, earrings and a fab outfit – the trappings I feel I need to go out into the world to be presentable. Instead what I was projecting at that moment was a part of my deeper inner soul and that’s what the nurses were reacting to – the peace and beauty and acceptance that was coming from deep within me and the guides that were on the journey with me.

When I was wheeled into the operating room, the nurse who was inserting the needle for the IV said I was totally dehydrated and my veins were not good for the needle. She tried and burst through a vein causing me great pain but again I accepted it for what it was. She apologized profusely but I told her it was no problem.

And then when the doctor came in to put in the IV and it worked I surrendered again to the process and before I knew it I was awake and back in the recovery room. Again surrounded by nurses telling me how beautiful I was. The old me would have dismissed them but the new me took them comments on board because I was so thankful that all went well and I had come back unscathed from my journey to the other world. I was being given another chance to be with my family and to live my life.

And when I dressed and sat waiting for my husband to pick me up, I looked out the window and saw the same trees bending and dancing in the breeze as if time had stood still. As if the world had stopped and waited for me to return but I knew it had not. It was just a perception because life never stands still. It is always moving forward, always changing as are we. As should we. Feeling truly blessed to be here for more living. Namaste.

Gratitude and thanksgiving for the power of the Internet

Yesterday was one of those beautiful days when social media helped to raise the consciousness of the world through many wishing others a Happy Thanksgiving. When many posted what they were thankful for, grateful for - which in its own self helps to change the vibration of the world we live in. When we express gratitude for how we are and what we are experiencing, we subconsciously center ourselves and focus us on what is important in our lives. Often taking us back to the basics, the fundamentals that make us appreciate the simple things in life. The things we overlook because we expect them to happen everyday such as breathing, waking up, seeing another wonderful day. Being given the gift of time one more time.

As I have said before, the power of the Internet, of social media helps to heighten our awareness of how interconnected we all are. It is the living proof that we are all experiencing similar things in life by what is posted on Facebook, Instagram, Google, tweeted on twitter or whatever media people choose to show who they are and what they are thinking.

And often when we share, we touch someone somewhere who is experiencing a similar thought, fear, or thanksgiving. Helping to validate each other so that we know we are not facing our trials and tribulations all alone. Instead letting us know we are connected to someone somewhere in the world.

Yesterday was one of those days when I was truly glad I joined social media because it showed me just how wonderful it is to be part of a network that can bring much joy. Sure there are times when there are posts that make me shiver, cringe or I wish I had not seen. But that’s the beauty of social media , I can choose to ignore the comments and move on to the ones that resonate the most with me. Illustrating for me the same about the energy of people that I encounter, if it does not resonate with me. Instead of complaining about how they make me feel or do not feel, it’s up to me to move away from their space and move into the space of those whose energy inspires me, encourages me, and lets me know I am not alone on my journey. That I am connected in more ways than I will ever know through the thoughts of those who can help me.

And for the power of the Internet and social media, I say thank you because I am able to be in touch and hear the gratitude from friends and people who I may have lost or may have never met. Thank you for showing your gratitude yesterday and helping to serve the world by expressing acts of kindness and helping to brighten my day as I am sure you did for many others.

Life is about sharing, giving, serving to make us better people and our world a better place. Yesterday was one of those joyful days when many served each other by lifting the vibrational level to one of thanksgiving. And for the power of gratitude and social media serving as a physical reminder of how interconnected we all are, I am truly grateful. Namaste

There is this rose

There is this rose. A red rose. That has been calling my name. Asking me to see its beauty and its fragility. Asking me to inhale its smell. To stop and look at it. Admire its vulnerability and strength all wrapped up in one.

There is this rose. A red rose outside my bathroom window. Calling my name each morning when I wake - asking me to admire it. To see it. To understand it is me as I am it. To see my beauty. My fragility and vulnerability in it. To understand that even though it stands all alone. Holding strong. Bending and flexing in the breeze with its thin and thorny stem, at its top it is beautiful and totally itself. Attracting me, attracting bees attracting the sun because it is being who it is as it is alone, standing firm  in the sand. Unprotected form the dangers of life. Bracing itself against the strength of the wind but because it has a thin stem and is full of thorns, it is more protected than the naked eye can see. Its thin stem allows it to be flexible such that it will not snap in the wind. Its thorns allow it to be protected from its predators and its beauty helps it to attract the bees. Sustaining itself through its toughest time gracefully and without changing what it is.

There is this rose. A red rose outside my bathroom window that is teaching me every single day I see its beautiful face that life will sometimes leave me standing all alone, afraid to move with only a thin stem to hold me up and thorns to keep away my predators but when I believe in who I am and trust in the Divine that we are all here as a result of a plan, I can weather any storm and fight off any predator when I stand true to who I am and what I am.

My red rose representing life’s journey before my eyes. Beauty in its simplest form. Resilience at her best. Red like the stain of blood sweetened by the nectar of love. And for that beautiful red rose standing strong on her own, I am truly grateful for who she is and what she represents to me because I am her as she is me. Namaste.

I believe. I trust. I let go

Having faith in who we are and what we came here to be and do is one of the most powerful gifts we can ever give ourselves because in doing so we learn to let go, to surrender. To be who we are and not reach for who we think we should be. We learn in our heart of hearts in order to get anything we have to let go of our attachment to the result. We have to surrender our expectations in order to make way for what is coming our way.

By blindly pursuing a goal, with our eyes cast steadfastly on the finish line, we miss out on the vastness of the opportunities that are available to us abundantly and freely. That are trying to reach us but we cannot see them because we are so intent on getting to the finish line. So intent on achieving our goals and objectives that we do not see the path of gold that has been laid before our feet. The feast of life displayed before us - ready for us to sample.

We do not see the beautiful flowers swaying in the breeze. We do not feel the gentle breeze caressing our faces. Willing us on. All we see is what we want and nothing else. And when we become so intent on the outcome, we become more and more frustrated with why we can’t get there. Why it keeps eluding us. Until we stop and allow ourselves to be still. To surrender all outcomes to the Divine. Only when we let go and become detached from the outcome do we allow ourselves to open to the abundance of the Universe. The good that has always been there asking us to stop. To be who we are - right here, right now. Not the person we want to be over there. Not the goal we want to achieve over there but to appreciate every step we are taking in our lives. To be fully present to the person we are right here, right now.

And then in the words of Deepak Chopra, we understand that our “true self is the source to all abundance. It is the consciousness that knows how to fulfill every need. Nothing we lose can take away from our wholeness and nothing we gain will take away from who we are.” Because we already are.

When I learn, as Chopra so eloquently says, to let go and allow opportunity to come my way, I open myself to the fullness of who I am and who I came here to be. This is probably one of the most difficult lessons to learn and to keep when we are in a world where goals and objectives are the norm. When the future is more important than the present. When we are taught to live for a day that may never come. When success is measured on how much we can accumulate. When everything around us seems to happen instantaneously. But in reality what I am learning is nothing happens instantaneously, everything happens in its time and often after an inner journey to accepting who I am and being present and grateful for who I am allowing me to live as the thought by Deepak Chopra says, “ I believe. I trust. I let go.”

I am who I am as I am right here, right now and for who I am I surrender without expectation, attachment or fear because all things are possible when I let go. Namaste.