Grace and Clarity

Today I feel lucky…the first spring flowers are up and blooming exuberantly in my front yard!  As other parts of the country still contend with brutal winter temperatures, I am blessed with the fragrance and color of spring’s tender return.  It makes me think of where it all began and before long, I find myself contemplating dirt.

No, really–dirt is on my mind, that primal autograph book carrying the signatures of all organic matter that ever came before.  Where I was born the dirt is incredibly black, full of dense nutrients and moist with the nourishment it shares with all forms of life.  But dirt is also a symbol, a symbol of the larger Earth and the nourishing energy the entire planet holds for us all.

When we think of the sun and sky, we often think of radiant, white light and the energies of awakening, inspiration and the uplifting of the human heart.  Conversely, when we think of Earth energy we might think of the darkness of soil and caves, a grounded feeling or even a profound stillness lacking in change.  But if we look closely we can see there’s actually a force at work there, causing the tulip bulbs we plant to find their way skyward and the vegetable seeds to push upward, even from their place of origin in the dark.

I like to call this Earth energy “Black Light.”  Like the much-publicized enigma of Dark Matter which stumps even today’s best scientific minds, Black Light is a challenging concept and a mystery to many.  What is that force, that Intelligence beyond the reach of White Light that carries so much power and potential?

Among other things we can think of Black Light as the formless–but very active–energy that fills each flower bulb, tree root and fruiting plant with the impetus to grow.  Black Light is not “darkness,” nor is it bad.  Black Light has the same Divinity as White Light, its qualities are simply a mirror image of the other.  Whereas White Light carries the qualities of air, lightness and expansion, Black Light inverts these qualities and embodies groundedness, density and core magnetism.

Meditating on Black Light can be very healing and is an important part of balanced energy for many people.  You may wish to try the simple meditation described in my “Black Light meditation” blog.  Since everything that exists has the thumbprint of the Divine in it, I think it’s time we acknowledge the healing power of the Universe’s Black Light as well as Its White Light.  Our planet is changing and as it does, it needs our help in stabilizing the energies at work creating this change.

I hope you will try the simple practice described in “Black Light meditation,” then make up one of your own and even share it with a friend.  There’s no end to the good we can do when we all band together and embrace ALL our Light and power!

Have you ever noticed how the start of a new year seems to divide people into two basic camps: those who are excited about setting Intentions for the new year and those who would prefer to avoid the topic altogether?  It makes sense, considering the way beginning something new can bring up myriad feelings–from niggling self-doubt to downright fear.

Many of us have heard the concept that on a primal level we are often more afraid of succeeding than of failing, and why not?   Success carries with it the fear of what to do next, how to manage a larger life and how to fuel a greater sense of service.  But we are meant to be expansive beings, evolving in this earthly life from the tight bud of potential to the ongoing unfolding of a life lived with the heart of discovery and adventure.

Author and actress Cynthia James once wrote:

“Life is an amazing adventure.  Whatever is happening in your life at this moment, be clear that there are many adventures that await you.  There is no security in being stagnant.  There are places to go, people to meet and dreams to be fulfilled.”

So what is the best way to kick off the blessed gift of a new year?  Personally, I like the cliff-jumping approach.

Climb to the top of your life and take a look at where you might like to go.  Sit in that daunting eagle’s nest of potential and do some journaling, have an honest conversation with your support team and get a sense of direction.  Make a plan and Commune with the Divine, affirming you have a desire to make the world a brighter place.

Then take a look at your list and just start!  Jump off that cliff–make that first phone call, have the big conversation, gather with others for support–and jump into the joy of a new year.  By this time next January, you could be looking back at the amazing life you’ve created and celebrating the adventure of of a year well lived.  The choice is up to you!

For thousands of years, humans have been honoring their bond with the celestial patterns of the universe.  Studies have shown that Stonehenge was likely used as a tool for noting the “high holidays” of Solstice and Equinox on the celestial calendar.  The Egyptian pyramids continue to intrigue scholars with their many tunnels and passages pointing to significant constellations and stars.

But perhaps there is no more finely tuned instrument aligned to universal movement than the human body, itself.  Consisting of more than 80% water we are subject to cosmic phenomena like the full moon’s pull on our bodies, just as the oceans are.  We can’t help but be drawn to hibernation when winter officially begins and daylight drastically decreases.

Yet, there is no need to worry that we are, as Max Ehrmann put it, “A child of the Universe no less than the trees and stars.”  True, our bodies are made of natural elements that find us bound by forces such as gravity, linear time and physical space.  But like the ancient monolith at Stonehenge, we can also learn to embrace our alignment with the cosmic phases of the universe.

One of my favorite ways to do so is to honor the winter solstice each December 21st.  On this shortest day of the year many of us are tempted to feel a bit blue, almost as if we have lost part of our lives to the darkness that inhibits many outdoor activities and hampers personal energy.

But beneath the physical qualities of this shortest day lies the power of darkness, the visual representation of the universal Formless.  Instead of being the absence of everything, I honor the Formless as the repository of ALL things, the seat of all opportunity, the Universal Womb containing infinite possibilities as well as the building blocks to manifest them into physical reality.  Kind of like the ubiquitous children’s “Claw” kiosk, behind the glass of linear time lie all the delightful toys and beautiful treasures that can someday be ours.  We need only pluck them out of the teeming Formless with the slow and exacting claw of our conscious intention.

So this year, instead of getting stuck in a feeling of sadness, loss or deprivation by the shortening days why not spend some time honoring the Formless?  Within it, the universe lovingly holds unimagined solutions and endless possibilities for you!  Whenever you need a lift, remember the children’s kiosk and affirm that out of the loving cosmos you are beginning to reach–even now–for the treasure of your most cherished dreams.

Isn’t it wonderful how spiritual inspiration can be found unexpectedly, just when you need it most?  Recently I was given a copy of a spiritual journal I had never seen before and inside was an excerpt which began with a beautiful quote by Dennis Merritt Jones:

“In a confrontation between a stream and a rock, the stream always wins because it surrenders to the call of gravity, flowing over, under and around the rock to follow its purpose.”

Funny, I had always thought the rock was the “winner,” standing hard and stubborn within the stream!  But the Guides remind us that as we grow in wisdom we actually become less like rock–unbending and unyielding–and more like water which is ultimately adaptable, the true embodiment of grace.

The article continued with the following thoughts from Rev. Noel McInnis on adaptability and flow, especially in regards to times of change and evolution:

“Be as water is, without friction.  Flow around the edges of those within your path.  Surround within your ever-moving depths those who come to rest there–enfold them, while never for a moment holding on.  Accept whatever distance others are moving within your flow.  Be with them gently as far as they allow, and fill with your own being the remaining space when they are left behind.  When dropping down life’s rapids, froth and bubble into fragments if you must, knowing that the One of you, now many, will just as many times be one again.  

And when you’ve gone as far as you can go, quietly await your next beginning.”

I am absolutely in love with this eloquent advice, although I am the first to admit I do a lot of “frothing and bubbling” when change pops up!  Still, the final goal of a spiritual practitioner is always the same: We yield to life, giving up our petulant fight against what Is and allowing it to carry us into new, undreamed-of possibilities.  If we wish to live a skillful life we will eventually give up the struggle and be as the river flowing to the sea, quietly awaiting our next beginning.  And as always let us not forget to thank God, the Universe or the Guides for always showing us the way!

To read more of the Angels’ Words of Wisdom, please peruse other selections from our Wisdom category or visit http://www.hopeofthenewage.com/Wisdom

Today I came across a bit of wisdom from an awesome but rather unlikely source.  It was a reminder that while we can read all the spiritually based inspirational books we want, we should never forget that wisdom can come from unexpected places, too.  This particular author is the kind that others might reject as having an agenda or, worse yet, being unworthy of being heard.  Still, I try to remember the words of Max Ehrmann’s Desiderata which encourages, “Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and ignorant; they too have their story.”

So with that in mind let us not forget to seize, digest and embody any wisdom found in the unexpected moments of life, be it from the mouths of babes or the minds of the “unenlightened masses.”  I guarantee if I told you the source of the following quote it would tarnish its power in your mind; I’ll leave you to enjoy it in its full glory.  More than that, I hope you’ll pass it on in word and deed:

“Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about.

Be kind.

Always.”

At this spooky, fun time of year many of us are noticing Halloween decorations all over town.  But what we may not realize is that spells aren’t just for Halloween!  No, I’m not talking about the kinds of candle and pentagram spells used in Magik, but the power our daily words have to create the reality around us.  Someone recently quoted a passage from a book to me:

“Language is spell-casting.“

I love this reminder that everything we say manifests into a very real, physical experience around us.  When we talk about being hurt, depressed or lonely in our relationships we actively attract more of the same to us.  Conversely, when we affirm growing peace, understanding and cooperation in our chaotic workplace, we find those energies slowly manifesting.

This Halloween season, consider what kinds of spells you are casting, and what those energies may be manifesting.  A haunted house?  A frightening encounter?  Or a peaceful meadow…an inspiring ocean view…a silent wood.

To read any of the Angels’ Words of Wisdom, please peruse the selections from our Wisdom category or visit http://www.hopeofthenewage.com/Wisdom

Today I attended an inspirational talk in which the speaker referenced a beautiful story of sharing one’s Light.  It was based on the Christian concept that a Divine Presence is standing at the door of your heart and patiently knocking.

The visualization is usually one of the Divine standing outside you and knocking to get in.  But today’s speaker proposed a different image altogether.  What if, he said, the Divine were standing on the other side of the door, quietly knocking from inside your heart to be let out into the world?

What if each and every time we had the chance to speak Truth, it was like the Presence waiting to be let out into the world of illusion?  What if each moment we almost acted with compassion the Divine were knocking on our hearts, asking to be allowed to shine on others?

This wonderful imagery does not nullify the original translation, but adds another layer to its beauty.  As always, it asks us to take ultimate responsibility for all the times we do–and don’t–choose to let Truth, hope, discernment or wisdom shine forth.

This month I had the pleasure of traveling back to the Midwest to visit a group of amazing yoga students.  While there, I enjoyed so many blessed moments; here are some of my favorite smile-makers…

• A bouquet of cheerful flowers upon arrival at the airport
• The inspiring banter of two seasoned yoga teachers talking shop and performing at the top of their game
• Uplifting rituals celebrating gratitude, the release of old burdens and the awakening of new intentions
• Our gifted flute player reminding me, “What the world needs now is more flute music.”  Indeed!  Thank you for yours!
• Watching yogis from age 30 to 70 and beyond honor their bodies with beautiful, flowing yoga poses
• Receiving expressions of gratitude in the form of wildflowers, tasty treats and delightful treasures
• Noting how our Senior Center students still can’t be stopped by a few lunchroom-floor crumbs!
• Taking in the magic of a young bird chasing a butterfly
• Yogis “fighting” over who got to purchase items as part of a benefit for the Animal Rescue League
• Receiving the proof that once we touch someone’s life with Light, that Light can continue to shine, and shine and shine…

Thank you, Iowa yogis, for welcoming me back into your world.  Your passion, dedication and playful Energy brought a song to my heart and made me remember why we shared so many blissful years together.  May the coming summer find you blossoming into a deeper expression of who you truly are.

Here’s to the next time we meet–and play–together again!