tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20921480251293588202024-03-18T01:02:18.975-04:00Mystic Marks BlogWeaves the Webhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14127453860004135965noreply@blogger.comBlogger1148125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2092148025129358820.post-21082820411625811832024-03-18T01:01:00.006-04:002024-03-18T01:01:39.880-04:00Game Changer<p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHSYPFcJHPrtuyckqJeZgkyMgFnHetIBbZRnPA47kdQw6J7AqN6qlV3hwJuSrqkbCMbij7bVIsBeW_NMOI8UIU3vCmdetZo5LkJJ8rhFCKUrlPpraOPjbk64ZklmeMW751a0uVXPzkAuSrWb9LVf1b6CA3c7IJhwYsMkgX_lnTVn3QFfgRe9YLbegCW50v/s1258/DD20CF88-14E0-4120-A27D-4BD363D04837.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1258" data-original-width="966" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHSYPFcJHPrtuyckqJeZgkyMgFnHetIBbZRnPA47kdQw6J7AqN6qlV3hwJuSrqkbCMbij7bVIsBeW_NMOI8UIU3vCmdetZo5LkJJ8rhFCKUrlPpraOPjbk64ZklmeMW751a0uVXPzkAuSrWb9LVf1b6CA3c7IJhwYsMkgX_lnTVn3QFfgRe9YLbegCW50v/s320/DD20CF88-14E0-4120-A27D-4BD363D04837.jpeg" width="246" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>Accept that what other people do or say has absolutely nothing to do with you...absolutely nothing.</p><p> Ken Lauher</p><p><br /></p><p>Hmmmmmmmm. That's really a major GAME CHANGER, isn't it?</p><p> Here's the logic behind this statement. </p><p>What a person says or does is a really an authentic expression of how he is being affected in this moment by the circumstances, influences and events of his life...and that is exactly what his message tells us. </p><p><br /></p><p>It's a state of the union kind of message. And his reaction or response to these circumstances, influences and events is determining </p><p>IF, WHEN, WHAT AND HOW </p><p>his message will be delivered and how the events in which we interact with him will unfold.</p><p><br /></p><p>This is a VERY important piece of information for us to have because this awareness can alter what his message FEELS LIKE to us.</p><p> </p><p>WHAT IF every time someone spoke to us we viewed the encounter as a fascinating checkpoint of what is transpiring in this person's life?</p><p> </p><p><br /></p><p>The information we receive from the interaction would still be FOR us but in a much different way than we had expected. </p><p><br /></p><p>It would be information ABOUT the other person and that information (intellectual, emotional, etc.) would help us choose how we might wish to respond...what we say and in what manner we say it. It would surely be signaling very clearly whether the person has a need for compassion, support, understanding or assistance.</p><p><br /></p><p>This would be a MAJOR SHIFT for us </p><p> from </p><p>"what just happened to me" and "how that made me feel" </p><p><br /></p><p> to </p><p>"what can I observe about you and what you might need from me". </p><p> </p><p><br /></p><p>And while this process is going on we would still be able to learn what we need to know...what is going to happen, is happening ...or not...BUT we would be learning it from a different perspective. </p><p><br /></p><p>It would be other directed...and possibly action oriented. </p><p><br /></p><p>Not only would it give us an opportunity to pay generous attention to someone else, the fact is that when we sense the emotional need of another and respond in a way that supports that need, our dialogue and conversations play out more smoothly and the other party feels gratitude for our caring and may even choose to respond to us in kind.</p><p><br /></p><p>Being open to observing a person and learning about the space he is in would serve everyone well. </p><p><br /></p><p>In particular, we would no longer SUFFER from feeling hurt by the message itself or the way the message is delivered because we would know that the message is not an attack on us but rather a behavioral transcript in this moment about the messenger himself.</p><p> </p><p><br /></p><p>Here is a place where Higher Self can offer us some BEAUTIFUL GUIDANCE as we exercise patience and show support, love and caring.</p><p>The question is:</p><p>Can we make this leap and view each person as a mystery...unfolding...</p><p>and bless our role as witness to and supporter for that revelation?</p><p><br /></p><p> Marie Helena</p><p><br /></p><p> image from stushieart.com</p>Mystic Markshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04606758468689810350noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2092148025129358820.post-17604911814554940202024-03-10T21:46:00.006-04:002024-03-10T21:46:50.550-04:00Masquerade<p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGptypaRdKNI3pZNXKFtSevkDdkikSFHYDSTIcUdfA6dA3gq-jAWz6FTj5pixdq1jirZIuUU2qmSGqueIxfkGUUgxjLG_zO5JBo6p5ShAESnGkOPVKjtEPOZPHRN3nYlbh3l54WAa7TBMhS_bgVQ8byU4AlTPGDqf_9dOOrFNiL3YnwuNdPtYhbmV5Aobb/s1218/2E748E77-9E2A-4063-8963-293A2AD10716.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="957" data-original-width="1218" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGptypaRdKNI3pZNXKFtSevkDdkikSFHYDSTIcUdfA6dA3gq-jAWz6FTj5pixdq1jirZIuUU2qmSGqueIxfkGUUgxjLG_zO5JBo6p5ShAESnGkOPVKjtEPOZPHRN3nYlbh3l54WAa7TBMhS_bgVQ8byU4AlTPGDqf_9dOOrFNiL3YnwuNdPtYhbmV5Aobb/s320/2E748E77-9E2A-4063-8963-293A2AD10716.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>Deepak Chopra,world renowned mind-body connection guru, tells us that "All great changes are preceded by chaos."</p><p><br /></p><p>It is only when our usual, predictable methods of handling our life problems FAIL and we are feeling LOST that we step outside the box and search for new inspiration regarding how to reframe the issues and, thereby, change our perspective, our beliefs and ultimately our feelings. </p><p><br /></p><p> </p><p>This point in time is extremely valuable to usbecause without the turmoil and tumult...without the agitation and frustration of the chaos... we would keep doing what has always worked for us...</p><p><br /></p><p>we would ride the high...</p><p><br /></p><p>but we would stop growing.</p><p> </p><p><br /></p><p>And that is why we need to BLESS these moments. The Divine Universe is sensing we are READY for the next cutting-edge change in our life. It has upped the ante, sizing us up as capable of dealing with the distress and, even more importantly, capable of making it work in our favor.</p><p> </p><p><br /></p><p>In Alberto Villoldo's COURAGEOUS DREAMING he gives us an inspired suggestion regarding how to change the story we are telling ourselves about the chaos.</p><p> </p><p>Villoldo says we tend to see ourselves in one of three roles: victim, rescuer or perpetrator. </p><p><br /></p><p>If, however, we can vacate these roles and fly instead to the spiritual level of eagle in our version of the story...we can successfully REFRAME its significance...how it affects us...and what we are able to learn about ourselves.</p><p><br /></p><p> </p><p><br /></p><p>If the chaos we are experiencing makes us feel victimized...</p><p><br /></p><p>if the fallout of the crisis feels personal...</p><p><br /></p><p>know that it IS personal but it is not meant as an attack on us...</p><p><br /></p><p>it is a personal, unique-to-us OPPORTUNITY to reach deep inside and find the strength and resilience to transcend the experience and find within ourselves the courage...the creativity...and the conviction to see the bigger picture and to nurture a character trait that we have not yet developed.</p><p><br /></p><p>What brings us angst, fear, distress, frustration... ALSO brings us the very powerful occasion for transcendence and release from that suffering.</p><p><br /></p><p>Chaos is the ultimate MASQUERADE. What looks like pandemonium is, in reality, a perfect strategy.</p><p><br /></p><p>An always-brilliant plan to help us evolve into the Next, Grandest Version of Ourselves...from the highest state-of-the-art personal development bureau, The Divine Universe!</p><p><br /></p><p> Marie Helena</p><p><br /></p><p> </p><p>image from ayrerabbitry.webs.com</p>Mystic Markshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04606758468689810350noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2092148025129358820.post-34519331643792621992024-03-06T20:12:00.002-05:002024-03-06T20:17:09.113-05:00The Ides of March<p><br /></p><div class="post-header" style="color: #559976; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px; line-height: 1.6; margin: 0px 0px 1em;"><div class="post-header-line-1"></div></div><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-5334281311244028064" itemprop="articleBody" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px; line-height: 1.3; position: relative; width: 392px;"><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UBCXfDEYzS0/XOSJbYTJ2uI/AAAAAAAADCA/4fkLABJaeJoshOvEAACO-oQEX2Wh88kHQCEwYBhgL/s1600/The%2BIdes%2Bof%2BMarch.jpg" style="color: #229931; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" data-original-height="465" data-original-width="450" height="289" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UBCXfDEYzS0/XOSJbYTJ2uI/AAAAAAAADCA/4fkLABJaeJoshOvEAACO-oQEX2Wh88kHQCEwYBhgL/s280/The%2BIdes%2Bof%2BMarch.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5) 1px 1px 5px; background-color: white; border: none; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5) 1px 1px 5px; box-sizing: border-box; max-width: 100%; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="280" /></a></div><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><i><b>Let go of the need to defend your position.</b></i></span><br /><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"></span><i></i><b></b><br /><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><i><b> don Miguel Ruiz</b></i></span><br /><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"></span><i></i><b></b><br /><br /><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"><i>It happens so easily to all of us. We suddenly find ourselves in the middle of a highly spirited discussion </i></span><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">and discover that we are face to face with an opposing or alternate perspective and so we automatically step into the role of <b>“defender” of our position</b>, digging in our heels...gently at first and then with increased vigor...as we set out to convince others of our point of view. </span><br /><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">What is it that encourages and even entices us to go for the “win”? What is it that is driving this behavior that is so prevalent...and even predictable in the human psyche?</span><br /><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">And, while we ponder that, imagine how disarming it would be to encounter an individual who has no need to convince everyone of the validity of his position, no need to be recognized by everyone as holding the "right" answer.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"></span><i></i><b></b><br /><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">I had my own personal encounter with a situation like this a few years ago during a holiday gathering at our home. It was a very subtle experience but later I strongly felt the significance of the moment.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">Several people had been invited over for the holidays and we were chatting happily and enjoying the interchange. I am not sure how we landed on this topic, but someone introduced the subject of </span><br /><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><b>The Ides of March</b>.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"></span><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">At that point, I enthusiastically interjected myself into the conversation, remarking that I happened to know that The Ides of March fell on <b>March 12th</b> and that I knew this because The Ides of March was the birthday of a good friend of mine with whom I had worked. One of our guests commented that The Ides of March was actually on <b>March 15th</b>. At this observation, I strongly asserted that I was certain it was the 12th and that I had a memory of holding a very specific intention to recall that particular date. After my interjection our guest declined to assert his belief that March 15 was the date in question and the group moved on past the consideration of the event’s date to its actual meaning.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"></span><b></b><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">By the way, Wikipedia describes <b>The Ides of March</b> as "a day in the calendar notable for the Romans as a deadline for settling debts."</span><br /><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">This little incident was long forgotten by me until a few months later on <b>March 15</b> when I happened to hear a commentator announce that it was The Ides of March.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"></span><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">Oooooops! I thought and looked online to verify this unexpected piece of information. As I absorbed the correction, <b>two thoughts</b> circled in my brain. The<b> first </b>was: How did I ever confuse this date and become so convinced that I had it right? The<b> second</b> was: What a considerate </span><br /><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">guest we had hosted at our home that evening during the holidays. The visitor had obviously known his information was right and yet he chose not to make a point of debating this with me in front of the others.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">This gesture of his felt important to me. I saw this behavior as evidence of his generosity and thoughtfulness and I made a point of telling him so the next time we spoke.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><b></b><i></i><br /></span><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"></span><i></i><b></b><b></b><i></i><br /><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">How refreshing it had been to engage with someone who was not harboring a strong competitive need to prove his point. And, on the fifteenth of March, the point was made for itself quietly and with no aggressive fanfare.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">This choice of action of our guest that night most certainly revealed his honoring and understanding of human emotions. <b><span face=""trebuchet ms", sans-serif"><span style="color: #38761d;">Giving me the opportunity to learn for myself what I did not know was </span><span style="color: #38761d;">actually very profound.</span></span><span style="color: #351c75;"> </span></b>He clearly saw that the date itself was not the primary issue and neither was emerging as the person who had all of the answers. </span><br /><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">He had no need to engage in a battle of rightness;</span><span face=""helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #38761d;"><b> he just wanted the opportunity to plant the seed of what he knew to be true.</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"></span><span style="color: #38761d;"></span><span style="color: #351c75;"></span><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"></span><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"></span><b></b><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"></span><span face=""helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif"></span><span style="color: #38761d;"></span><b></b><b></b><br /><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">This individual was obviously able to enter into a moment and quietly leave his gentle signature on it, inviting others to engage with the information in the perfect moment for them. No need to defend...just <span style="color: #351c75;"><b>a <span face=""helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #38761d;">subtle awareness and affirmation of how we learn best when we are in the most relaxed and curious frame of mind</span></b><span face=""helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #38761d;">.</span></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"></span><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"></span><i></i><span style="color: #351c75;"></span><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"></span><i></i><i></i><span face=""helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif"></span><span style="color: #38761d;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">What a splendid idea! No “debt settling” of T<b>he Ides of March</b>...rather just an eloquent exploration.</span><br /><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"> <i><span style="font-size: large;">M</span>arie <span style="font-size: large;">H</span>elena</i></span></div></div>Mystic Markshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04606758468689810350noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2092148025129358820.post-46533521658298085772024-02-05T18:59:00.001-05:002024-02-05T18:59:13.814-05:00Lemons, Lemonade and Quantum Physics<p><br /></p><div class="post-header" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #559976; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 12.88px; line-height: 1.6; margin: 0px 0px 1em;"><div class="post-header-line-1"></div></div><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-6455501137907670315" itemprop="description articleBody" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.524px; line-height: 1.5; position: relative; width: 518px;"><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on"><h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name" style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 30px; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; position: relative;"></h3><div class="post-header" style="color: #559976; line-height: 1.6; margin: 0px 0px 1em;"></div><div dir="ltr"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bSfEdeb_RBc/UDu6OiWU0aI/AAAAAAAABJg/y55rs90G0Kc/s1600/Lemons,+Lemonade+and+Quantum+Physics.jpg" style="clear: right; color: #229931; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="271" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bSfEdeb_RBc/UDu6OiWU0aI/AAAAAAAABJg/y55rs90G0Kc/s320/Lemons,+Lemonade+and+Quantum+Physics.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5) 1px 1px 5px; background-color: white; border: none; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5) 1px 1px 5px; color: #073763; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;"><b><i style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Everyone's heard the famous saying <span style="background-color: white;">e</span>ncouraging us to<span style="background-color: white; color: lime;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></span></span></span></i></b><br /><span style="color: #38761d;"><b><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: yellow;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">MAKE LEMONADE</span> </span></span></span></i></b></span><br /><b><span style="color: #38761d;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: yellow;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">OUT OF LEMONS</span></span></span></span></span></i></span><i style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: yellow; color: lime;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">. . </span></span></span></span></i></b></div><div dir="rtl" style="color: lime; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: right;"></div><div style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>And we often take that sage advice to heart, taking a difficult situation and making improvements for ourselves. </i></b></div><b><i style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And we are very proud of our work and rightly so, taking ownership of the lemonade.</span></i></b><br /><b><i style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" /><span style="color: lime; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></i></b><br /><b><i style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="color: lime; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">BUT WHAT IF WE ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE <span style="background-color: yellow;">LEMONS</span>, TOO?</span></span></i></b><br /><br /><br /><b><i><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Quantum physics tells us that we create our "world"... and that sounds wonderful to us and we often view that statement as referring to the great things we want to bring into it.</span><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" /><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But what if we are creating those wonderful things...the things that really bring us joy by starting with<span style="background-color: white;"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: yellow;"> </span>the<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> <u><span style="font-size: x-small;">lemons</span></u></span></span>first.</span></i></b><br /><b><i><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" /><br style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" /><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Let me back up for a minute and explain what I mean.</span><br style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" /><br style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" /><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The thing that really brings us joy, I feel, is the lemonade that comes from the <span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">lemons</span>. </span></i></b><br /><br /><b><i><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That lemonade is no easy concoction. it requires acceptance, surrender, faith, trust, perseverance and, often, tenacity. (Ever see that recipe In a cookbook? I'm sure it appears in a celestial version.)</span><br style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" /><br style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" /><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And now let's get to the </span><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">lemons</span>. The pesky, annoying, difficult and sometimes devastating things that rock our world...and not in a good way. The things that sometimes make us feel like a victim and give rise to the feeling of "Why me?".</span></i></b><br /><b><i><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" /><br style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" /><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What if the force behind the <span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">lemon eight ball i</span>s really us...<span style="color: #38761d;">throwing those lemons at ourselves with vigor and even delight </span>because we know what we are capable of...the heights we can reach?</span></i></b><br /><b><i><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" /><br style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" /><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">What if the lemons are a masterfully creative way of inspiring us to reach for a new insight, a wisdom that will totally transform our lives?</span></span> </span></i></b><br /><br /><b><i><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And what if <span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">WE</span></span> dreamed them up...and those<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> lemons</span>weren't coming AT US but rather<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"> <u>to</u> us </span></span>and <span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><u>for</u> us</span></span>?</span></i></b><br /><b><i><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" /><br style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" /><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now the <span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">"lemons"</span> of our lives look different. <span style="color: #38761d;">They're our creation...our compatriots...our partners in the glorious experiment we call Life in earth school.</span></span></i></b><br /><b><i><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #38761d;"> </span></span><br style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" /><br style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" /><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wow...aren't we the clever ones? </span></i></b><br /><b><i><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" /><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While we are busy making that lemonade, let's bring some real appreciation to our sense of invention and creativity. </span></i></b><br /><b><i><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" /><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And, when we recognize the details of our master plan and transcend the mystery, we can actually <span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">ENJOY</span></span> <span style="background-color: yellow; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">the art of creating</span> that divine drink from the mysterious and powerful<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> lemons</span> we bring into our lives.</span></i></b></div><div dir="ltr"></div><div dir="ltr"></div><div dir="ltr"></div><div dir="ltr"></div><div dir="ltr"></div><div dir="ltr"></div><div dir="ltr"><br /><br /><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <span style="color: #134f5c;"><b><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Marie Helena</span></i></b></span></div><span style="color: #134f5c;"></span><br /><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #134f5c;"></span><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #134f5c;"></span><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #134f5c;"></span><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #134f5c;"></span><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>image from medilodge.wordpress.com</i></span></div></div></div></div>Mystic Markshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04606758468689810350noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2092148025129358820.post-76430845024969907652024-01-29T20:23:00.005-05:002024-01-29T20:23:44.820-05:00DANCING in the Rain<p><br /></p><div class="post-header" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #559976; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 12.88px; line-height: 1.6; margin: 0px 0px 1em;"><div class="post-header-line-1"></div></div><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-7167948595289907698" itemprop="description articleBody" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 1.5; position: relative; width: 518px;"><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on"><h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 30px; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; position: relative;"></h3><div class="post-header" style="color: #559976; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.524px; line-height: 1.6; margin: 0px 0px 1em;"></div><div dir="ltr" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.524px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4QgwAjcArew/UFze7p2h2SI/AAAAAAAABNg/Jz0l4lAb6sw/s1600/Dancing+in+the+Rain.jpeg" style="clear: right; color: #229931; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4QgwAjcArew/UFze7p2h2SI/AAAAAAAABNg/Jz0l4lAb6sw/s1600/Dancing+in+the+Rain.jpeg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5) 1px 1px 5px; background-color: white; border: none; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 8px; position: relative;" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #45818e;"><i><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: #0c343d;">S</span><span style="color: #351c75;">T</span><span style="color: #0b5394;">O</span><span style="color: #38761d;">R</span><span style="color: #134f5c;">M</span><span style="color: #351c75;">S</span></span> </b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">are mysterious things. </span></i></span></span><br /><br /><b><span style="color: #45818e;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>They are <span style="color: #666666;">gray</span> and <span style="color: black;">dark</span> and feel uncomfortable as if something is <span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">off kilter</span></span> and is trying to right itself. </i></span></span></b><br /><br /><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: #45818e;">They can make us feel <span style="color: #38761d;">apprehensive</span> or <span style="color: #38761d;">fearful</span>while we are waiting for them to pass.</span></b><span style="color: #45818e;"><b> </b></span></span></span></span></i><br /><br /><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #45818e;"><b>But even though storms can feel threatening to us, they carry a <span style="color: #c27ba0;">beautiful message</span>...crackling and sparking, twisting and turning in tumult and turbulence but eventually <span style="color: #c27ba0;">finding their way to <span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">clarity</span></span><span style="color: #c27ba0;"> and<span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">ease</span></span></span>.</b><br /><br /><b>And when they do, there is a <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-size: large;">glorious release</span></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">o</span></span>n mother earth, <span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">the resonant</span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">rhythm of <span style="font-size: large;"> RAIN</span></span></span></span>.</span></b></span></span></span></span></i><br /><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #45818e;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b> </b></span><br /><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></span></b></span></span></span></span></i><br /><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #45818e;"><b><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">So dance, <span style="color: #c27ba0;">dance in the rain</span></span>...the beautiful shower of <span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium;">GRACE</span>which illuminates your life, inevitably pointing you to the next highest path of your journey. </b></span></span></span></span></i><br /><br /><b><span style="color: #45818e;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">But dance, dance also <span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;"><u>in</u> </span><span style="font-size: large;">and <u>through</u> the <span style="color: #134f5c;">storm</span></span>, too</span>,</span></span> for that storm is your readiness to acknowledge, confront, feel and release what you have previously placed aside. </span></span></span></i></span></b><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: #45818e;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">And this process...this journey...though challenging is<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">B</span>E<span style="color: #c27ba0;">A</span><span style="color: #8e7cc3;">U</span>TI<span style="color: #3d85c6;">F</span><span style="color: #8e7cc3;">U</span>L</span> and sings your <span style="color: #c27ba0;">courage </span>to leave the old, familiar, unconscious habits that have shortchanged your joy and brought you suffering...and move instead to embrace new paths that will bring you to <span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">freedom</span><span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="font-size: small;">and </span></span><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">peace</span>.</span></span></b></span></i></span><br /><span style="color: #45818e;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: #c27ba0;">All of LIFE is a dance</span><span style="color: #c27ba0;">.</span> </span></span> Don't miss ONE BAR<span style="color: #3d85c6;"> </span>of the beautiful music.</span></span></b></span></i></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 19px;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 19px;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 19px;"><b><i> Marie Helena<br /></i></b></span></span><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.524px;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></i></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.524px;"><span style="color: #45818e;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></i></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.524px;"><span style="color: #45818e;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></i></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.524px;"><span style="color: #45818e;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></span><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #674ea7;">image from marliina.blogspot.com</span></span></span></i></div><div dir="ltr" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.524px;"></div><div dir="ltr" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.524px;"></div><div dir="ltr" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.524px;"></div><div dir="ltr" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.524px;"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="color: #134f5c;">originally published September 21, 2012</span></span></span></span></i></div></div></div>Mystic Markshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04606758468689810350noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2092148025129358820.post-48291139116224551552024-01-24T19:19:00.003-05:002024-01-24T19:20:58.676-05:00Altering the Chemistry of the Moment<div class="date-posts" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 12.88px;"><div class="post-outer" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1) 0px 0px 0px; background-attachment: scroll; background-image: url("https://resources.blogblog.com/blogblog/data/1kt/watermark/post_background_birds.png"); background-position: left top; background-repeat: repeat repeat; border: 1px dotted rgb(153, 204, 186); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1) 0px 0px 0px; margin: 0px 0px 25px; padding: 15px 20px;"><div class="post hentry uncustomized-post-template" itemprop="blogPost" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/BlogPosting" style="min-height: 0px; position: relative;"><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-5717482247933400958" itemprop="description articleBody" style="font-size: 13.524px; line-height: 1.5; position: relative; width: 518px;"><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on"><h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name" style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 30px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; orphans: 2; position: relative;"><br /></h3><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-7051122916688242121" itemprop="description articleBody" style="font-size: 14.2002px; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; line-height: 1.5; orphans: 2; position: relative; width: 518px;"><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rar2IsohdHQ/WXusZ_4z01I/AAAAAAAAC0g/hZPriSOgBko2eqMJgLgLiNNzROHAM8ajQCLcBGAs/s1600/Altering%2Bthe%2BChemistry%2Bof%2Bthe%2BMoment%2B%2528purple%2Blion%2529.jpg" style="clear: left; color: #5d2574; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" data-original-height="186" data-original-width="224" height="265" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rar2IsohdHQ/WXusZ_4z01I/AAAAAAAAC0g/hZPriSOgBko2eqMJgLgLiNNzROHAM8ajQCLcBGAs/s320/Altering%2Bthe%2BChemistry%2Bof%2Bthe%2BMoment%2B%2528purple%2Blion%2529.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5) 1px 1px 5px; background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-color: white; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat repeat; background-size: auto; border-image: none 100% / 1 / 0 stretch; border: medium none currentcolor; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: medium;"><i>One of the major causes of disappointment we experience in our lives is the unrealized expectation we may hold about what we want to occur.</i></span><span style="color: #0c343d;"> </span><span style="color: #20124d;">When we are <b>feeling anxious</b> about what is about to happen, it is so easy to, hopefully, imagine things playing out in a way that feels <b>comfortable</b> and even <b>soothing</b> to us. Just contemplating this possibility softens our anxiety so much that we become emotionally invested in the outcome we prefer and then we become attached to it occurring in reality. And, if life intervenes (as it inevitably does) and things do not occur in the way we imagined, we feel sad, bereft, abandoned, unworthy.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #20124d;">It feels like our life is collapsing around us. Everything is going wrong. There appears to be no emotional support. But it is only the </span><i><span style="background-color: #d9d2e9; color: #20124d; font-size: medium;">illusion</span></i><span style="color: #20124d;"> we are holding that has collapsed. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: #20124d;">This can feel like a major upset and, sadly, we have brought it upon ourselves. </span><br /><span style="background-color: #ead1dc;"><br /></span><span style="color: #20124d;">Why do we become so </span><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><b>attached</b></span><span style="color: #20124d;"> to these </span><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><b>expectations</b></span><span style="color: #20124d;">regarding what we want to happen in our lives? Why do we rely so intensely on a "picture" we have painted by ourselves when that picture will always be created by everyone included in the encounter?</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #20124d;"><b></b><br /></span><i><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: medium;">I believe we attach to our expectation because we do not feel safe or secure enough to reveal the longings of our heart for affirmation, acceptance, validation</span></i><span style="color: #20124d;"> and that is because we have experienced the pain of not having those longings filled in the past. And now we carry the<b><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"> baggage</span></b> of this sadness and cannot bring ourselves to trust that these longings will ever be realized. And, lacking that trust, we do not reveal our authentic emotions, consoling ourselves instead by imagining circumstances in our ideal world that would perfectly meet our needs. As if everyone would automatically know what would bring us joy and peace and have the energy to bring them into our lives.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #20124d;">The problem here is that we become obsessed with the expectation from our imagining, holding fast to this "fix" we feel we so desperately need, crowding out any possible concern for others who are involved in the drama of the moment. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: #20124d;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">In real life we are not the only ones with needs</span></i><span style="font-size: medium;">.</span></span><span style="color: #20124d;"> All of the players in our lives also have needs but the scenario we imagine in which our longings are realized does not take those needs into account. We are entirely focused on our pain. We walk into the theater of our imagining expecting to see the play we "bought a ticket for" and, lo and behold, another production is playing.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #20124d;">We miss the vital information of how each player is being affected in this moment because our hurt, our unmet need, has clearly overridden this important aspect of the encounter. When we find ourselves becoming attached to an expectation, it is important to extend some beautiful compassion to ourselves. We are carrying pain and it is pain"ful”. As we relax into the love we are showing ourselves, a new sense of empowerment begins to grow within us and we begin to experience the energy we need to help ourselves heal from the emotional pain we are suffering. We do this by </span><i><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: medium;">sharing</span></i><span style="color: #20124d;"> the longings of our heart. </span><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: #20124d;">This is a wonderful and important opportunity for us to be<span style="color: #274e13;"></span><i><b><span style="background-color: #d9ead3; color: #274e13;">BRAVE</span></b></i> and <b><i><span style="background-color: #d9ead3; color: #274e13;">COURAGEOUS</span></i></b> and consciously vulnerable, to change the default pattern of how we respond to the sadness of not having our needs met. When others hear us authentically express what is in our heart, </span><br /><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">the chemistry</span> <span style="font-size: large;">of the</span></i></span><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><i> moment alters</i></span><span style="color: #20124d;"> in a profound way.</span><br /><br /><br /><i></i><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><i></i><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><span style="color: #20124d;">There is a beautiful gift embedded in this undertaking. When we take responsibility for finding a way to meet the longings of our heart, we feel <i><b><span style="background-color: #d9ead3; color: #274e13;">EMPOWERED</span></b></i> and in control of our lives. And, from that place of power, our heart is open to hearing the needs of others and then co-creating together with them the very best way to take care of all persons involved in this moment.</span><br /><span style="color: #20124d;"><br />To do this is to walk out of the stance of victimhood and, simultaneously, to free ourselves from the suffering we have inadvertently brought upon ourselves because we had not yet found a way to move beyond our sadness. But the answer to relieving the sadness IS in our reach. And it will take a <i><b><span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">STRONG DESIRE</span></b></i> to heal ourselves and the <b><i><span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">BELIEF</span> </i></b>that <b><i><span style="background-color: #ead1dc;">WE ARE WORTHY</span></i></b> of love and that others want to love us in whatever way they can based on the energy that is available to them in that moment of their lives.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #20124d;">There is so much we can do to move beyond the painful default reactions we carry. Our usual go-to places. As </span><b><i><span style="color: #20124d;">Alberto Villoldo</span></i></b><span style="color: #20124d;"> suggests in his book </span><b><i><span style="color: #20124d;">Courageous Dreaming</span></i></b><span style="color: #20124d;">, become the hero of your life, daring to speak from the depths of your heart revealing your human vulnerability. You will access a loving generosity, a power beyond measure that will alter the trajectory of your life and everyone who moves within it.</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: #20124d;"> <br /> </span><i><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: medium;">M</span><span style="color: #20124d;">arie </span><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: medium;">H</span><span style="color: #20124d;">elena</span></i><br /><i><br /></i><br /><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: xx-small;"><i>image from pinterest</i></span></div></div><b></b></div></div></div></div></div><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" />Mystic Markshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04606758468689810350noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2092148025129358820.post-55308321157034985352024-01-20T11:22:00.001-05:002024-01-20T11:22:20.053-05:00Down the Rabbit Hole: The Mayor, Betsy and a White Dove<p><br /></p><div class="post-header" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #559976; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 12.88px; line-height: 1.6; margin: 0px 0px 1em;"><div class="post-header-line-1"></div></div><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-6468195764493283490" itemprop="description articleBody" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.524px; line-height: 1.5; position: relative; width: 518px;"><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mBi_f4YioDY/VLGJuALPiJI/AAAAAAAACP4/Jb6AAXFRtgo/s1600/The%2BMayor%2C%2BBetsy%2Band%2Ba%2BWhite%2BDove%2B%2B(for%2BAlice).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; color: #229931; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mBi_f4YioDY/VLGJuALPiJI/AAAAAAAACP4/Jb6AAXFRtgo/s1600/The%2BMayor%2C%2BBetsy%2Band%2Ba%2BWhite%2BDove%2B%2B(for%2BAlice).jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5) 1px 1px 5px; background-color: white; border: none; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>One morning Alice was feeling especially tired because she had eaten too many sweet peas the previous night and had stayed up late frolicking with the caterpillars who insisted on dancing <span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">"The <span style="color: #0b5394;">L</span><span style="color: #351c75;">o</span><span style="color: #990000;">c</span><span style="color: #0b5394;">o</span><span style="color: #b45f06;">m</span><span style="color: #38761d;">o</span><span style="color: #0c343d;">t</span><span style="color: #3d85c6;">i</span><span style="color: red;">o</span>n"</span> in never ending circles around the garden.</i> </span> As she made her way through the village commons, she noticed several other rabbit hole creatures looking weary and out-of-sorts; some were even complaining crabbily about the butterflies winging good naturedly over their heads.</span></span><br /><span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: #134f5c;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1420916365322_23766">Oh, this is going to be a loooong and very tiresome day, Alice thought, feeling the vibes of disgruntlement all around her.</span></span></span></i></span><br /><b><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></span></b><br /><span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1420916365322_23765"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Soon after, Alice noticed that <span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">a new visitor </span></span>to the rabbit hole had entered the square</span></i>...a pretty brown <i><span style="font-size: large;">mole</span></i> wearing a blue and white checked apron with the name <b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">Betsy</span> </span></i></b>embroidered on it and a smile that could melt the coldest heart. Immediately, a low level buzzing could be heard as all the creatures wondered to each other who this surprising stranger could be. </span></span></span><br /><span style="color: #134f5c;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span></span></i></span><span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Just then the rabbit hole's<span style="color: red;"> mayor</span>, an officious looking, giant <b>rooster</b>, burst on the scene.</span></i> His burly chest huffed and puffed with a feeling of FRENZY, so much so that the air around him began to turn cloudy and thick. It was clear that the mayor (who was often found to be greatly agitated) was in a dither of the highest intensity about some transaction that had just occurred and he sputtered and mumbled continually, barely pausing to take a breath.</span></span><br /><span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: #134f5c;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span></span></i></span><span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">All the creatures witnessing this scene began to<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">back away</span></span> from the rambling rooster</span></i>, hoping to avoid being drawn into a conversation with him. When nearly everyone had backed away from the mayor, Alice suddenly noticed that Betsy, the new visitor, had stepped forward and was advancing toward the disconsolate figure. Alice took a deep breath and hoped that this would not cause even more drama in the moment.</span></span><br /><span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: #134f5c;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span></span></i></span><span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">From the vantage point where she stood, Alice could only see a partial view of what was happening. </span></i> She could tell that the mayor was distraught from the way his shoulders shook but all she could see of Betsy was the calm silhouette of her back and her head which was nodding gently every so often. </span></span><br /><span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Then, after a few moments, Alice suddenly saw<span style="color: #e06666;"><b> <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">a bustle of energy</span></span></b></span>move in the air. </span></i>She drew in closer to the scene to see what was happening and could not fathom what could have possessed Betsy to make such a dangerous move. Betsy was<i> <span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>HUGGING</b></span></i> the mayor! </span></span><br /><span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">And, after a few, very long seconds, <b><i><span style="font-size: large;">HE WAS HUGGING HER BACK!</span></i></b></span></span><br /><span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Alice was not the only person <b>shocked</b> at this turn of events.</span></i> Everyone <b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ALWAYS</span></b> avoided getting too close to the mayor and had learned to step wayyyyyy back when he entered the scene. This default behavior of everyone had existed to protect them from the mayor's unpredictable and erratic blasts of emotion. Betsy was <b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">BREAKING</span></b> the unspoken Rule! What was going to happen now, everyone wondered and hoped that Betsy would be OK.</span></span><br /><span style="color: #134f5c;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span></span></i></span><span style="color: #134f5c;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span></span></i></span><span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3;">Betsy and the Mayor stood hugging for a REALLY long time.</span></span></i>Watching the scene, Alice felt that, as strange as might sound, maybe the mayor had <b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">NEVER </span></b>been hugged before...at least, not the way Betsy was hugging him as if the hug had welled up from deep within her very heart.</span></span><br /><span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: #134f5c;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span></span></i></span><span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">All of the creatures in the rabbit hole had obviously been mesmerized by Betsy's show of courage and began to murmur among themselves.</span></i> Now the mayor and Betsy moved over to a nearby log and sat themselves down and everyone could see that his freshly starched shirt was wet with tears. From her vantage point Alice could see the mayor smiling at Betsy and wiping his flooding eyes with a handsome linen handkerchief.</span></span><br /><span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Instead of the frenzied posture he always carried, the mayor now seemed<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"> calm</span> and even <span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">approachable</span>.</span></i> Something about him seemed inviting, though no one could explain why that was so. Unable to help themselves, the creatures crept closer to the mayor and found themselves smiling at him. Soon, he noticed this and began smiling back at them. What had produced this transformation, everyone wondered. Why, it seemed a miracle had occurred!</span></span><br /><span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: #134f5c;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span></span></i></span><span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Nearly all of the creatures were now circling the mayor, their hearts mysteriously opened at this unexpected show of vulnerability.</span></i> Betsy moved slowly away from the mayor and found herself approached by a <span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">gentle, white dove</span></i></b></span> who drew in close to where she stood. "It's always beautiful...every time," he whispered to her.</span></span><br /><span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: #134f5c;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span></span></i></span><span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">No one but Alice saw the two talking.</span></i> Alice smiled to herself. Obviously,<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></span><br /><span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><i>a great secret</i></span></b></span><b> </b>had just been shared. Alice did not know what the secret was, but she could see the luminous results of what had just occurred.</span></span><br /><span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">That night Alice went to sleep with <span style="background-color: #d0e0e3;"><b>a special prayer of gratitude</b></span> on her lips. </span></i> Maybe the rabbit hole is where all of the wonderful things in life happen, she thought.</span></span><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></span><span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></span><br /><span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: Mistral; font-size: 16pt;"> Marie Helena</span></i></div><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.524px;"> </span></div><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on"><br /><i><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">mage from hellaheaven-ana.blogspot.com</span></span></i></div></div>Mystic Markshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04606758468689810350noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2092148025129358820.post-28736768073918587062024-01-14T17:13:00.004-05:002024-01-14T17:13:45.015-05:00Down the Rabbit Hole: Alice Discovers the Rulebooks<p><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ds_WMnUSXKw/VJ8KQT91ScI/AAAAAAAACPY/eQzKVIKi590/s1600/Rulebooks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #229931; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ds_WMnUSXKw/VJ8KQT91ScI/AAAAAAAACPY/eQzKVIKi590/s280/Rulebooks.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5) 1px 1px 5px; background-color: white; border: none; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5) 1px 1px 5px; box-sizing: border-box; max-width: 100%; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="280" /></a></p><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-3705796974250968044" itemprop="articleBody" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px; line-height: 1.3; position: relative; width: 392px;"><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on"><br /><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1419708255658_6132"><i>There was soooo much to discover, Alice realized, <span style="font-size: large;">as she blinked repeatedly, wide-eyed at the strange goings-on in the rabbit hole. </span></i></span></span></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>The bizarre behavior she encountered</i></span></span>from the various creatures chattering and buzzing about made no sense to her <b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">UNTIL</span></b> she realized that it <b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">MADE SENSE</span></b> to them. And that was the very secret she uncovered that helped her to understand and navigate this bewildering territory. </span></span><br /><br /><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1419708255658_6132"> </span><i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1419708255658_6131"><span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>Apparently, each of the characters in the rabbit hole had his or her own Rulebook.</i></span> </span> And each Rulebook was different from all the others. It seemed these Rulebooks were not easy to come by and one had to experience some perilous adventures to earn this achievement. And, furthermore, she discovered, the precepts written in the Rulebooks might magically disappear at any time to be replaced with new prescriptions. <b> <span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It all seemed to depend on</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> the actions of the characters</span></b>, she observed, though she wasn't sure that they realized they had this power.</span><br /><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: x-large;"><i><br /></i></span><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1419708255658_6130"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: x-large;">The Rulebooks seemed to be especially important to Alice</span> </span></i>because they helped her make sense of the thespians' behavior. Alice began to pay close attention to the interface of the characters' actions and what she deduced was written in their Rulebooks and things began to make sense to her. She realized that <b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">the Rules were there to protect each character.</span></b> They appeared in the Rulebook as needed and could be changed or even erased depending on what the character learned from his experiences.</span></span></span><br /><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1419708255658_6130"> </span><br /><br /><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1419708255658_6129"><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: x-large;"><i>Not every character down the rabbit hole was ready to learn anything.</i> </span> Many of them seemed agitated and anxious; some were totally convinced they already knew everything. The behavior they exhibited often tried Alice's patience but, over time, she realized </span></span></span><b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">they were stuck in a default loop that kept repeating its</span></span></b><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">elf</span></b>.</span></span><br /><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1419708255658_6129"> </span><br /><br /><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: x-large;"><i>What was Alice to do? </i></span> At first, she tried to argue with them; later, she avoided their company as best she could. But Alice was not happy doing this and she <b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">WANTED</span></b> to be...even if she WAS smack in the center of the rabbit hole.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1419708255658_6128"><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: x-large;"><i>One day Alice was in an especially happy mood and she decided to try to be VERY patient with the mad hatter.</i></span> She listened patiently while he hopped in circles, talking incessantly, trying her best to be attentive and understand what he was saying. Then, a funny thing happened. <b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> The Mad hatter began to notice that </span></b></span><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1419708255658_6128"><b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Alice was paying attention and he was NOT used to anyone REALLY listening to him.</span></b> He began to look at Alice every few seconds while he was chattering and, then, an amazing thing occurred. He began to speak slower and slower and before long he slid onto a toadstool near Alice and stopped talking completely, watching her face for a response.</span></span></span><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1419708255658_6127"><span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>Alice was amazed. No one had EVER slowed down the mad hatter before.</i></span> </span> What was happening here, she wondered. As Alice continued to give her rapt attention to him, she saw a light began to shine in his eyes. The light grew bigger and brighter. Soon it spread to his whole body.<b> Oh my, thought Alice...he is <span style="background-color: #d9d2e9;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">GLOWING</span></i></span>.</b></span></span></span><br /><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1419708255658_6127"> <span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"></span></span></b><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><br /></i></span><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1419708255658_6126"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: x-large;">Alice thought about his new behavior. </span> </span></i>She had been very sure that the Mad Hatter's Rulebook stated that he should keep moving and chattering away as that is what he always did. Now, it seemed to Alice, that his behavior had changed and, therefore, his Rules.</span></span></span><br /><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1419708255658_6126"> </span><br /><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: x-large;"><i><br /></i></span><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1419708255658_6125"><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: x-large;"><i>How did this happen, Alice wondered. </i></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span>She had not tried to talk the Mad Hatter into doing things differently. She had not argued with him nor tried to persuade him to make a change. <b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> In fact, she had done her best to honor and respect his frantic behavior. </span></b> Alice felt the erratic movements of the Mad Hatter must have been prescribed in his Rulebook and that the Rule must have existed for some good reason even if she didn't know what it was. <b>What she had done now was just give the Mad Hatter her interest and care...and he had noticed...and it had circumvented his usual pattern.</b></span><br /><i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1419708255658_6124"><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: x-large;"><i>THIS was something VERY significant, Alice thought and wondered about the powerful transformation she had witnessed.</i> </span> The Mad Hatter was still sitting quietly and he was still glowing very brightly...so brightly that many other creatures wandered over to see what had caused this transformation.</span> </span></span><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></i><i><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Alice theorized that if the Mad Hatter was sitting still, then a new Rule must have appeared in his Rulebook for he looked very relaxed and happy.</span></span></i><br /><br /><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"></span></i></span></span><br /><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"></span></i></span></span><br /><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: x-large;"><i>Suddenly, Alice noticed that the Mad Hatter was beginning to look lighter and lighter</i>.</span> Soon he seemed almost luminous. Alice thought he might drift away but instead he began to share his glow with the creatures standing near him. </span></span><br /><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1419708255658_6122"> </span><br /><i><span style="font-size: large;"></span></i></span></span><br /><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"></span></i></span></span><br /><br /><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: x-large;"><i>Alice was amazed and delighted and, most of all, she felt happy.</i></span> And that is when the Rules in her Rulebook changed. She sighed contentedly and plopped onto a nearby toadstool.</span></span><br /><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1419708255658_6121"> </span><br /><br /><span style="color: #351c75;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1419708255658_6120"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Who was it, she wondered, who had created the Rulebooks and had mysteriously given each creature the power to change the Rules. </span></span></span></i></span><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1419708255658_6119">This, she thought, would surely be a great question for one of her<b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"> <span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">next</span></i></span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">, <span style="color: #45818e;"></span><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3;"><span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="color: #45818e;">fabulou</span><span style="color: #6aa84f;">s</span></span></span><span style="color: #674ea7;"> <span style="background-color: #d9d2e9;">adventures</span></span></span></i></span></span></b><span style="font-size: x-large;">.</span></span></span></span><br /><br /> <br /><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></span><br /><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1419708255658_6119"> <b><i> <span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="font-size: small;"> Marie Helena </span></span></i></b></span></span></span><br /><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></span><br /><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></span><br /><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span></span> <span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i>image from commons.wikimedia.org </i> </span></span><br /></div></div>Mystic Markshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04606758468689810350noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2092148025129358820.post-46720625852566074332024-01-13T15:46:00.002-05:002024-01-13T15:46:28.473-05:00The Acceptance of Grief<p><br /></p><div class="post-header" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #559976; line-height: 1.6; margin: 0px 0px 1em;"><div class="post-header-line-1"></div></div><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-4074261159964708852" itemprop="description articleBody" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 13.524px; line-height: 1.5; position: relative; width: 518px;"><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vWmFRhQt-yY/TmFieAqVhaI/AAAAAAAAAtQ/tWmSw9DCJPM/s1600/Proof+Positive+++tears.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; color: #229931; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vWmFRhQt-yY/TmFieAqVhaI/AAAAAAAAAtQ/tWmSw9DCJPM/s1600/Proof+Positive+++tears.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5) 1px 1px 5px; background-color: white; border: none; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 8px; position: relative;" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><div style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b>Whenever we experience a loss...and, especially, a significant loss...we are thrust with great impact into the work of <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">GRIEVING</span></span></b><b>.</b></i></div><div style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></div><div style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></div><div style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b>The process of grief can occur quite naturally for us if we have a clear channel open to our emotions. </b></i></div><div style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></div><div style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></div><div style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b>Hopefully, we have been fortunate enough to learn by instruction, example or experience the importance of letting ourselves feel and express our emotions...such a significant lesson to learn for our happiness and health. </b></i></div><div style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></div><div style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b>And, because we have learned this lesson, we are able to allow ourselves to experience the natural expression of our pain and distress.</b></i></div><div style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></div><div style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><i>This reflection is not about that process. </i></b></span></div><div style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></div><div style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i> It is about what happens <span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">AFTER</span></span> </span>we grieve. </i></b></div><div style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></div><div style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></div><div style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>We may be able to express our emotions freely whether it is through words or tears or sensory experiences of the body. But where that grief takes us </i><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">NEXT </i></span></b><b><i>is worth pondering.</i></b></div><div style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></div><div style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></div><div style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b>The grieving process can leave us with a heaviness and sadness...permeating our day as we carry it through our every thought, word or action.</b></i></div><div style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b>The process can color our day so strongly that it seems impossible to get out from under this storm.</b></i></div><div style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></div><div style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>Or...</b></i></span></div><div style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></div><div style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i><span style="font-size: small;">This process can</span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: #45818e;"> free our spirit</span> </span></span></i></b><br /><br /><b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></span></i></b><b><i><span style="font-size: small;">as the rain opens the sky to the sun...</span></i></b></div><div style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></div><div style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i><span style="font-size: small;">as Mother Earth nurtures the seeds which have been planted on her terrain...</span></i></b></div><div style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></div><div style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i><span style="font-size: small;">as the crying baby responds to having its needs met and now sees the world with eyes of beauty and wonder.</span></i></b></div><div style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></div><div style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></div><div style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b>The process of grieving is<span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: #45818e;">truly</span></span></span></b></i><i><b><span style="color: #45818e;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"> beautiful</span></span></span>...</b></i><br /><i><b></b></i><br /><i><b>representing our<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: #45818e;">connection</span> </span></span></b><b>with another,</b></i><br /><i><b>our<span style="color: #3d85c6;"> </span><span style="color: #76a5af; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #45818e;">treasuring of the</span> </span></b><span style="color: #76a5af; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: #45818e;">gifts of that connection</span></span></b></span></i><i><b><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;"> </span> </b></i><br /><br /><i><b>and, because we enter directly into feeling the experience, it represents our <span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">ACCEPTANCE</span></b></i><i><b><span style="font-size: small;"> </span>of the <span style="color: #8e7cc3; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">natural unfolding of the Divine Universe</span></span>. </b></i></div><div style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></div><div style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></div><div style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>This<span style="color: #8e7cc3; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"> unfolding</span></span> carries the truths of the universe, some easy to embrace, some more challenging. </b></i></span></div><div style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></div><div style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></div><div style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></div><div style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><b>There is nothing for us to do but <span style="color: #45818e;">BE in this moment</span></b><b>.</b></i></div><div style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></div><div style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></div><div style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b>Like the underside of a work of embroidery, our lives can appear to have many loose, chaotic strands, but when we turn the fabric over <span style="color: #3d85c6;">the beauty that is intended </span>emerges.</b></i></div><div style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b>In our earth journey we mostly see the haphazard strands with no clear pattern emerging...but our spirit knows the beauty of the work of art that is our lives<span style="color: #3d85c6;"> </span><span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">and the way in which that </span></span><span style="color: #3d85c6;">art is unfolding</span>.</b></i></div><div style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></div><div style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b>An awareness of and a faith in this process help us to know on a soul level that the <span style="color: #3d85c6;">acceptance of our expression of grief is an affirmation of our humanity</span>.</b></i></div><div style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b>It is a gift...a cleansing...ultimately nurturing and preparing us for whatever work lies ahead in our journey. </b></i><br /><br /><i><b>It is an important part of the rhythm and music and pace of LIFE itself.</b></i></div><div style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b> Marie Helena </b></i></div></div><div style="clear: both;"></div></div><div class="post-footer" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; border-top-color: rgb(119, 119, 119); border-top-style: dashed; border-top-width: 1px; color: #559976; line-height: 1.6; margin: 10px 0px 0px; padding: 10px 0px 0px;"></div><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" />Mystic Markshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04606758468689810350noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2092148025129358820.post-11497731791256139352024-01-03T23:51:00.003-05:002024-01-03T23:51:37.088-05:00A New Year’s “Light” Show<p><br /></p><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-2350611279804588181" itemprop="articleBody" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px; line-height: 1.3; position: relative; width: 392px;"><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-7825325539945852047" itemprop="articleBody" style="font-size: 15.84px; line-height: 1.3; position: relative; width: 392px;"><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-4930566650641681457" itemprop="description articleBody" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 13.524px; line-height: 1.5; position: relative; width: 518px;"><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on"><div class="post-header" style="color: #559976; font-size: 12.88px; line-height: 1.6; margin: 0px 0px 1em;"><div class="post-header-line-1"></div></div><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-5034732632591701960" itemprop="description articleBody" style="font-size: 14.8764px; line-height: 1.5; position: relative; width: 518px;"><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-crS2mYfhYqg/Tv516RTP8OI/AAAAAAAAA1I/KhFNeEXjka8/s1600/laser+light+show.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #229931; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-crS2mYfhYqg/Tv516RTP8OI/AAAAAAAAA1I/KhFNeEXjka8/s1600/laser+light+show.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.498) 1px 1px 5px; background-color: white; border: none; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.498) 1px 1px 5px; box-sizing: border-box; max-width: 100%; padding: 8px; position: relative;" /></a></div><span style="color: #000066;"><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on"><br /></div>After the<span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="color: #009900; font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #339999; font-weight: bold;">magical days of Christmas </span></span><span style="color: #339999; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">holidays</span>…when <span style="color: #336666; font-family: georgia; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">pine</span>-scented boughs and<span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="color: #993399; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">cranberry </span>candles perfumed the air and glittering <span style="color: #33ccff; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">lights </span>whispered their grace-filled secrets into our happy hearts…decorating our spaces with joy and celebration…</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #000066;">after these magnificent days have passed and things have grown so very quiet and restful the<span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"> steady, sure-footed march of the New Year</span> alights on our doorstep, enters our homes and slides into our hearts.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #000066;"><span style="font-style: italic;">It’s time</span>…to renew and redirect our energy to the wonderful life we have imagined and make the changes that were placed on hold as we made <span style="color: #cc33cc; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">merry </span>and felt<span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="color: #cc33cc; font-weight: bold;">merry</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span>and loved the <span style="color: #cc33cc; font-weight: bold;">"merry"</span> of the holidays.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #000066;">Now, there is a<span style="font-size: 24.343201px;"> <span style="color: #6600cc; font-style: italic;">NEW JOY</span></span><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span>that awaits us and it is born of reflection and inspiration and discipline…our <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">New Year’s Resolutions</span>.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #000066;">Much has been said and advised about <span style="font-weight: bold;">NYR’s…</span>suggestions that we examine our lives, compiling a list of <span style="font-weight: bold;">every change</span>we can imagine…suggestions that we make <span style="font-weight: bold;">NO resolutions</span>and not place ourselves under that kind of stress... even a suggestion that we only try to improve ourselves by <span style="font-weight: bold;">one percent</span> in the category we identify as “most needed” or, even better, “most desired” and, thereby, let our accumulated steady, slow progress become its own source of motivation.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #000066;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">This morning in the quiet moments when I found myself awakening a different thought occurred to me. </span><br /><br />I had been searching for a<span style="color: #339999; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"> simple </span>resolution…one that would be easy to hold onto and yet would change my perspective and <span style="color: #339999; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">this is what arrived </span>in response to my request:</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #6666cc; font-weight: bold;">As you go through the day and encounter many moments…some relaxing and some difficult and challenging…as you go through the day, just take a moment and imagine how your <span style="color: #9999ff; font-style: italic;">Higher Self </span>would respond to what is happening. Do not put any pressure on yourself<span style="font-size: 17.5812px;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 24.343201px; font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #6666cc;">to do</span></span><span style="color: #6666cc; font-weight: bold;"> what <span style="color: #9999ff; font-style: italic;">Higher Self </span>would do. Only imagine it and take note.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #000066;">This sounded wonderful to me…and it feels instinctively that just choosing to put myself in the place of imagining a Higher Response would do some subtle, behind-the-scene work for me even while I went busily about my day,<span style="color: #3366ff; font-style: italic;"> </span><span style="color: #00cccc; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #3366ff; font-style: italic;">impressing my consciousness with a more beautiful, more loving, more joyful way to navigate it</span>…</span>and, most importantly,<span style="font-weight: bold;"> a way to be my own<span style="color: #9999ff;"> SOURCE<span style="color: #cc33cc;"></span> </span>of happiness and satisfaction.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="color: #000066;"><span style="color: #330099;">And it actually sounds and feels quite </span><span style="color: #330099; font-weight: bold;">practical</span><span style="color: #330099;">,</span><span style="color: #330099;"> too, to become, on a continuing basis, the <span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">ANCHOR</span><span style="color: #6666cc; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"></span> for my joy.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #000066;">So I am going to give it a<span style="font-size: 24.343201px;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-style: italic;"> pop</span><span style="font-style: italic;">!</span></span> This means I may pause a few seconds before I react and respond to what is going on…allowing myself the time and perspective I need to call up a Higher inspiration than what would automatically appear on my default button.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #000066;">It will be very interesting to<span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">take this journey</span> and, no doubt, it will have its own <span style="font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 17.5812px; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="color: #cc33cc;">B</span><span style="color: #339999;">R</span><span style="color: #9999ff;">I</span><span style="color: #339999;">L</span><span style="color: #6666cc;">L</span><span style="color: #66cccc;">I</span><span style="color: #993399;">A</span><span style="color: #339999;">N</span><span style="color: #33cc00;">T</span></span> </span><span style="color: #6666cc; font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 17.5812px; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-weight: bold;">LIGHT SHOW</span> </span><span style="color: #6666cc;">a</span>s I enter into <span style="font-size: 17.5812px; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size: 22.855558px;"><span style="color: #cc66cc;">this universe</span></span>!</span></span></span></div><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on"><span style="color: #000066;"><span style="font-size: 17.5812px; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-style: italic;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on"><span style="color: #000066;"><span style="font-size: 17.5812px; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-style: italic;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on"><span style="color: #000066;"><span style="font-size: 17.5812px; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-style: italic;"> Marie Helena</span></span></span></div></div></div></div></div></div>Mystic Markshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04606758468689810350noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2092148025129358820.post-23506112798045881812024-01-03T23:40:00.002-05:002024-01-03T23:40:38.230-05:00A New Year’s “Light” Show<p><br /></p><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-7825325539945852047" itemprop="articleBody" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px; line-height: 1.3; position: relative; width: 392px;"><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-4930566650641681457" itemprop="description articleBody" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 13.524px; line-height: 1.5; position: relative; width: 518px;"><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on"><div class="post-header" style="color: #559976; font-size: 12.88px; line-height: 1.6; margin: 0px 0px 1em;"><div class="post-header-line-1"></div></div><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-5034732632591701960" itemprop="description articleBody" style="font-size: 14.8764px; line-height: 1.5; position: relative; width: 518px;"><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-crS2mYfhYqg/Tv516RTP8OI/AAAAAAAAA1I/KhFNeEXjka8/s1600/laser+light+show.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #229931; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-crS2mYfhYqg/Tv516RTP8OI/AAAAAAAAA1I/KhFNeEXjka8/s1600/laser+light+show.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.498) 1px 1px 5px; background-color: white; border: none; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.498) 1px 1px 5px; box-sizing: border-box; max-width: 100%; padding: 8px; position: relative;" /></a></div><span style="color: #000066;"><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on"><span style="color: #000066;"><br /></span></div>After the<span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="color: #009900; font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #339999; font-weight: bold;">magical days of Christmas </span></span><span style="color: #339999; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">holidays</span>…when <span style="color: #336666; font-family: georgia; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">pine</span>-scented boughs and<span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="color: #993399; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">cranberry </span>candles perfumed the air and glittering <span style="color: #33ccff; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">lights </span>whispered their grace-filled secrets into our happy hearts…decorating our spaces with joy and celebration…</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #000066;">after these magnificent days have passed and things have grown so very quiet and restful the<span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"> steady, sure-footed march of the New Year</span> alights on our doorstep, enters our homes and slides into our hearts.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #000066;"><span style="font-style: italic;">It’s time</span>…to renew and redirect our energy to the wonderful life we have imagined and make the changes that were placed on hold as we made <span style="color: #cc33cc; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">merry </span>and felt<span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="color: #cc33cc; font-weight: bold;">merry</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span>and loved the <span style="color: #cc33cc; font-weight: bold;">"merry"</span> of the holidays.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #000066;">Now, there is a<span style="font-size: 24.343201px;"> <span style="color: #6600cc; font-style: italic;">NEW JOY</span></span><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span>that awaits us and it is born of reflection and inspiration and discipline…our <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">New Year’s Resolutions</span>.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #000066;">Much has been said and advised about <span style="font-weight: bold;">NYR’s…</span>suggestions that we examine our lives, compiling a list of <span style="font-weight: bold;">every change</span>we can imagine…suggestions that we make <span style="font-weight: bold;">NO resolutions</span>and not place ourselves under that kind of stress... even a suggestion that we only try to improve ourselves by <span style="font-weight: bold;">one percent</span> in the category we identify as “most needed” or, even better, “most desired” and, thereby, let our accumulated steady, slow progress become its own source of motivation.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #000066;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">This morning in the quiet moments when I found myself awakening a different thought occurred to me. </span><br /><br />I had been searching for a<span style="color: #339999; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"> simple </span>resolution…one that would be easy to hold onto and yet would change my perspective and <span style="color: #339999; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">this is what arrived </span>in response to my request:</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #6666cc; font-weight: bold;">As you go through the day and encounter many moments…some relaxing and some difficult and challenging…as you go through the day, just take a moment and imagine how your <span style="color: #9999ff; font-style: italic;">Higher Self </span>would respond to what is happening. Do not put any pressure on yourself<span style="font-size: 17.5812px;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 24.343201px; font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #6666cc;">to do</span></span><span style="color: #6666cc; font-weight: bold;"> what <span style="color: #9999ff; font-style: italic;">Higher Self </span>would do. Only imagine it and take note.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #000066;">This sounded wonderful to me…and it feels instinctively that just choosing to put myself in the place of imagining a Higher Response would do some subtle, behind-the-scene work for me even while I went busily about my day,<span style="color: #3366ff; font-style: italic;"> </span><span style="color: #00cccc; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #3366ff; font-style: italic;">impressing my consciousness with a more beautiful, more loving, more joyful way to navigate it</span>…</span>and, most importantly,<span style="font-weight: bold;"> a way to be my own<span style="color: #9999ff;"> SOURCE<span style="color: #cc33cc;"></span> </span>of happiness and satisfaction.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="color: #000066;"><span style="color: #330099;">And it actually sounds and feels quite </span><span style="color: #330099; font-weight: bold;">practical</span><span style="color: #330099;">,</span><span style="color: #330099;"> too, to become, on a continuing basis, the <span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">ANCHOR</span><span style="color: #6666cc; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"></span> for my joy.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #000066;">So I am going to give it a<span style="font-size: 24.343201px;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-style: italic;"> pop</span><span style="font-style: italic;">!</span></span> This means I may pause a few seconds before I react and respond to what is going on…allowing myself the time and perspective I need to call up a Higher inspiration than what would automatically appear on my default button.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #000066;">It will be very interesting to<span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">take this journey</span> and, no doubt, it will have its own <span style="font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 17.5812px; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="color: #cc33cc;">B</span><span style="color: #339999;">R</span><span style="color: #9999ff;">I</span><span style="color: #339999;">L</span><span style="color: #6666cc;">L</span><span style="color: #66cccc;">I</span><span style="color: #993399;">A</span><span style="color: #339999;">N</span><span style="color: #33cc00;">T</span></span> </span><span style="color: #6666cc; font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 17.5812px; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-weight: bold;">LIGHT SHOW</span> </span><span style="color: #6666cc;">a</span>s I enter into <span style="font-size: 17.5812px; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size: 22.855558px;"><span style="color: #cc66cc;">this universe</span></span>!</span></span></span></div><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on"><span style="color: #000066;"><span style="font-size: 17.5812px; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-style: italic;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on"><span style="color: #000066;"><span style="font-size: 17.5812px; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-style: italic;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on"><span style="color: #000066;"><span style="font-size: 17.5812px; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-style: italic;"> Marie Helena</span></span></span></div><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on"><span style="color: #000066;"><span style="font-size: 17.5812px; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-style: italic;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on"><span style="color: #000066;"><span style="font-size: 17.5812px; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-style: italic;"> </span></span></span></div></div></div></div></div>Mystic Markshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04606758468689810350noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2092148025129358820.post-73955180685437869002023-12-26T15:40:00.003-05:002023-12-26T15:40:59.063-05:00Santa and the Phone Booth<p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.524px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjcI_FwOO3_lZmR3iLgBxInIl3XuBeoSt0Kw1laSeLGLif4Qhm-DFUGUYzjjo2srge1mw7qF5mTxmw1P4TZY8owR5GDQqo1PcCMi-ZSqI0YjHErwJ5KgKwjAubjw9Nsgy1uHUH8eXCAwZqm3BQrDegLSS0fl9_yv_3J32-juYkukMCazU4Mnib8Pw4SGQ=s993" style="color: #229931; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" data-original-height="993" data-original-width="859" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjcI_FwOO3_lZmR3iLgBxInIl3XuBeoSt0Kw1laSeLGLif4Qhm-DFUGUYzjjo2srge1mw7qF5mTxmw1P4TZY8owR5GDQqo1PcCMi-ZSqI0YjHErwJ5KgKwjAubjw9Nsgy1uHUH8eXCAwZqm3BQrDegLSS0fl9_yv_3J32-juYkukMCazU4Mnib8Pw4SGQ=s320" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5) 1px 1px 5px; background-color: white; border: none; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="277" /></a></div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #351c75; font-family: times;"><br />The <i><span style="font-size: large;">Divine Universe</span></i> is always sending us beautiful messages and often through the most amazing avenues. This Christmas I received an exquisite gift. I did not realize how truly extraordinary it was until a few days after I opened it. It was a facsimile of Santa Claus standing in an elegant phone booth (which, in itself, is an interesting concept). However, the breathtaking thing about this gift is that when turned on, the phone booth immediately flooded with infinitesimal, dazzling gold lights which circulated unendingly throughout the booth.</span><p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.524px;"></p><p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.524px;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: times;"><br /></span></p><p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.524px;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: times;">A couple of days after Christmas I placed this curious Santa on the top ledge of a high bookshelf built into the wall where it overlooked several other beautiful lights arranged on the shelves below: alabaster fir tree candles, a three dimensional figure of a yoga with a lotus flower adorning it and several small battery operated candles in lovely shades of pale blue and green. The effect of the luminescent ballet was stunning but my eyes were constantly drawn to the top shelf where Santa in his phone booth continued to shimmer and glisten in Aurelian splendor. </span></p><p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.524px;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: times;"><br /></span></p><p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.524px;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: times;">After a while I realized something extraordinary about this gift. Santa, of course, is a symbol of generosity and love. And the glistening lights in the phone booth were clearly there, I realized, on special assignment. They were drawing my constant attention in masquerade, a celestial reminder of my Higher Self, I realized, always there connected to my heart, available for consultation and guidance. Whether I can see her or not, my Higher Self is clearly shining brightly through every moment of my day. </span></p><p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.524px;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: times;"> </span></p><p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.524px;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: times;">There have been some challenging moments for me this holiday season and now, for Christmas, I have found myself being given the gift of remembrance of what is already waiting for me</span></p><p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.524px;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: times;">EVERY time I have looked up at Santa in the phone booth I have seen it glisten and sparkle. There is no question in my heart that I might be left in difficult moments without heavenly resource and support.</span></p><p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.524px;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: times;"><br /></span></p><p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.524px;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: times;">I am wondering...Is there something glistening on your metaphorical bookshelf or perhaps tucked away in a subtle corner of your life that can help you also remember the energy that is circulating so vibrantly, ready to envelop your life with the wisdom and beauty of love.</span></p><p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.524px;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: times;"><br /></span></p><p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.524px;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: times;">What a lovely reminder I have been given with this gift: MY <span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Higher Self</b></span> is always present, energized, sparkling… ready to share its glorious energy of love.</span></p><p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.524px;"></p><div class="separator" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.524px; text-align: center;"></div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #351c75; font-family: times;">Take a moment and check in to the beauty and wonder of the season. Perhaps you, too, have been a messenger this Christmas of an important message or even a recipient of a very special delivery just for you.</span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #351c75; font-family: times;"> </span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #351c75; font-family: times;"> </span><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.524px;"><i style="color: #351c75; font-family: times;"><br /></i></div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.524px;"><i style="color: #351c75; font-family: times;"><br /></i></div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.524px;"><i style="color: #351c75; font-family: times;"><br /></i></div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.524px;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: times;"> </span><i style="color: #351c75; font-family: times;">Marie Helena</i><div><p><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: times;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: times;">image: Original watercolor painting "Telephone" original painting,collectible postcard,red phone booth,snow in town,sidewalk</span></p></div></div>Mystic Markshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04606758468689810350noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2092148025129358820.post-87686942366041648332023-12-23T01:26:00.002-05:002023-12-23T01:26:53.064-05:00The Creative Spirit<p><br /></p><div class="post-header" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #559976; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 12.88px; line-height: 1.6; margin: 0px 0px 1em;"><div class="post-header-line-1"></div></div><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-2631375649045055752" itemprop="description articleBody" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.524px; line-height: 1.5; position: relative; width: 518px;"><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on"><h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name" style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 30px; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; position: relative;"></h3><div class="post-header" style="color: #559976; line-height: 1.6; margin: 0px 0px 1em;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qy0jCaVHKAQ/U9Ukn7gAg9I/AAAAAAAACKY/oG7Va11_lF4/s1600/The+Creative+Spirit.jpg" style="clear: right; color: #229931; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qy0jCaVHKAQ/U9Ukn7gAg9I/AAAAAAAACKY/oG7Va11_lF4/s1600/The+Creative+Spirit.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5) 1px 1px 5px; background-color: white; border: none; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><i>It is my belief that the creative spirit within each of us is the medicine necessary for our own healing.</i></span></b></span><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><i> </i> </span></b></span><br /><span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b> <i>Julia Cameron</i></b></span></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="color: #073763;"><br /></span><br /><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">When all of our chakras or energy centers are open and flowing freely, we experience the gift of gloriously radiant health</span></i>.</span> When those energy centers are blocked, however, this beautiful body of ours cannot complete its life circuit through the chakras with ease and grace. </span></span><br /><br /><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><i>Fortunately, we do have the ability to achieve this state and heal ourselves and we do this by opening these very powerful passageways in our body.</i></span></span><b> </b> Julia Cameron tells us that the most important part of keeping ourselves in this space of openness comes through accessing, recognizing, enjoying and delighting in our creativity. Underlying her belief is the premise that we are made to create, we are designed to do this. Our souls cry out for this opportunity to dream and do and are joyless and bereft without it.<br /><br />It's the difference between mechanically walking through the motions, sitting in the back seat and letting others drive you around or blazing your own path and feeling totally alive and vibrant and it comes from the spark of your brilliantly loving soul.</span></span><br /><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><br /><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: medium;"><i>Your soul has a mission: to sing its "song" and it will not be happy nor will it be satisfied until it steps up to unselfconsciously delight in expressing that awesome "melody".</i></span></span></span><br /><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: medium;"><i> </i><br /><i>Each of us is here because we have a unique interpretation of life and we are called to grace the universal consciousness with that melody</i><b><i>.</i></b></span><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"> We do this by speaking our truth and caring enough to hear the truth of others. We do this by the way we express our love language through words of affirmation, quality time, gifts, acts of service and touch.<br /><br />We do this when we sigh or hum or whistle or bravely give voice (and, therefore, life) to a beautiful song. We do this when we tap our feet, clap or get right out there on the dance floor. We do this when we pick up a brush and paint a picture or play a musical instrument or write a wonderful story or poem.<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"> </span></span></span><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"> <span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><i>It's all about the way we choose to connect with the world, the way we are engaged and present to what is going on and the way we receive and respond to the messages coming to us.</i></span></span></span></span></span><br /><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><i><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><i>It is our spiritually courageous choice to be fully and authentically who we are</i><i> that animates us and gives strength and vitality to the body, that heals it from its imperfections and vulnerability.</i></span></span> </i></span></span></span></span><br /><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><br />The decision to express ourselves authentically (and, therefore, creatively) is really an imperative to our soul. As Julia Cameron says, it's the <b><i><span style="font-size: medium;">medicine</span></i></b> needed for our own<i><span style="font-size: medium;"> <b>healing</b></span></i>.</span></span><br /><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"></span></span><br /><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"> <span style="color: #674ea7;"> <b><i> </i></b></span></span></span><br /><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><b><i> Marie Helena</i></b></span></span></span><br /><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="color: #073763;"><br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i> </i></span></span></span></span><br /><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>image from www.ikedaquotes.</i></span></span></span></span></div></div>Mystic Markshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04606758468689810350noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2092148025129358820.post-23757340063922147442023-12-04T22:57:00.000-05:002023-12-04T22:57:06.219-05:00Dolce Far Niente<p><br /></p><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-7701825845634933404" itemprop="articleBody" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px; line-height: 1.3; position: relative; width: 392px;"><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-1869100595720489422" itemprop="description articleBody" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 13.524px; line-height: 1.5; position: relative; width: 518px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ioIIzyzskyc/X-Eq4jQmFJI/AAAAAAAADa0/_-nkSmDTDwkGAzt3Fh3GG6swFwsXtKiwQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1442/AB1DCD11-9AA0-4647-8DD3-5D3CEE3A749B.jpeg" style="color: #229931; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1442" data-original-width="1188" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ioIIzyzskyc/X-Eq4jQmFJI/AAAAAAAADa0/_-nkSmDTDwkGAzt3Fh3GG6swFwsXtKiwQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/AB1DCD11-9AA0-4647-8DD3-5D3CEE3A749B.jpeg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5) 1px 1px 5px; background-color: white; border: none; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5) 1px 1px 5px; box-sizing: border-box; max-width: 100%; padding: 8px; position: relative;" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>In the midst of the holiday season </i></span>when so many preparations are being made…Christmas trees bedazzled with shimmering lights, ingredients assembled for an array of culinary pleasures, on-line shopping planned to catch the latest sales, spotlighting of porches and roofs with illusionary reindeer…</span></div><p><span style="font-family: times;">In the midst of all of this, does it seem strange that I would wish you <span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><b>Dolce Far Niente</b>... </i></span></span></p><p><b><i><span style="font-family: times;">The Sweetness of Doing Absolutely Nothing!</span></i></b></p><p><span style="font-family: times;">And yet, what more perfect time to just BE in the midst of all of these treasures?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: times;">Time moves so quickly now as we hasten to finish our self-appointed tasks for the holidays and, if we don’t pause to take in the ambiance and flavor and spirit of these moments, they will be gone before we know it. We will be left with crumbled Christmas wrappings to clean up, dishes to wash from the fabulous dinner we have prepared and an exhausted body for our reward. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: times;">So let’s imagine another dimension to our celebration.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: times;">I invite you (and myself as a reminder as I write this), to not miss a single breath of this breathtaking season. To allow the brilliant red poinsettias to nourish and sustain us with their glorious color and powerful presence. To honor the trees populating our landscape outside as they abide winter’s passing and keep their spring secrets warm inside their roots for us. To enjoy the delicately flavored herbal tea and gingerbread one sip and one small and succulent bite at a time as delicate snowflakes descend outside our windows. To watch the faces of the young and young-at-heart as they embrace the magic of families gathering and the waves of joy layering the room as gifts expected (and surprised) are revealed.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: times;">Let us all fully embrace the beauty of this season, honor its festive and joyous rhythm and reverence the MAGNIFICENT MOMENTS being given to us!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: times;"> <i>Marie Helena </i> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></p><p><i><span style="font-family: times;">For our experience to feel whole, our body must be allowed to permeate our experience, BE our experience, entirely. And our awareness must be released from living in our heads and allowed to flow into EVERYTHING.</span></i></p><p><i><span style="font-family: times;">Meredith Murphy</span></i></p><p><i><span style="font-family: times;">EXPECT WONDERFUL</span></i></p></div></div>Mystic Markshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04606758468689810350noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2092148025129358820.post-82440995096520337902023-11-27T01:23:00.000-05:002023-11-27T01:23:04.180-05:00Won't It be Wonderful When...<br /><div><br /></div><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-6020095636201690781" itemprop="articleBody" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 1.3; position: relative; width: 392px;"><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on"><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-3174627312469014778" itemprop="description articleBody" style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; line-height: 1.5; orphans: 2; position: relative; width: 392px;"><div dir="ltr" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 16.632px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LbS4XnudkgQ/VlOONwOeXmI/AAAAAAAAChQ/cSumvf_3FR4/s1600/Won%2527t%2BIt%2BBe%2BWonderful%2BWhen....JPG" imageanchor="1" style="color: #229931; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LbS4XnudkgQ/VlOONwOeXmI/AAAAAAAAChQ/cSumvf_3FR4/s320/Won%2527t%2BIt%2BBe%2BWonderful%2BWhen....JPG" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5) 1px 1px 5px; background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-color: white; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat repeat; background-size: auto; border-image: none 100% / 1 / 0 stretch; border: medium none currentcolor; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5) 1px 1px 5px; box-sizing: border-box; max-width: 100%; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="254" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: 16.632px;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>American inspirational speaker and author Esther Hicks has a great suggestion for those moments when we begin to fret about something that is not working out the way we want it to. </i> </span>She cautions that our fretting, which feels like such a logical expression of our discomfort and anxiety, only serves to bring us <span style="font-size: medium;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">MORE</span> <span style="font-size: x-small;">OF</span></i> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>THE SAME</i></span></b></span>. </span></span><br /><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: 16.632px;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: 16.632px;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><i>Vibrations are attracted to each other.</i></span> </span> We are sending out a vibration of angst and we are attracting more angst into our life. And, if we have fully surrendered to this distressing position, we can get so dramatic about the situation and even up the vibrational ante with our philosophical renderings: </span></span><br /><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: 16.632px;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">"I knew this would happen." </span></span><br /><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: 16.632px;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">"This is the way it always goes." </span></span><br /><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: 16.632px;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"> "Why me?"</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: 16.632px;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: 16.632px;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: #134f5c;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #45818e;">In effect, we have placed our order with great emotion and drama, unaware of the fact that the Universe is the PERFECT delivery system and it gives back to us whatever we present</span>.</span></i> </span> Whatever vibration we send out with our thoughts and emotions is the determining factor of what we will get back. Our perception of trouble brings more trouble. </span></span><br /><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: 16.632px;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: 16.632px;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: 16.632px;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: 16.632px;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">"<b>Really?</b>" </span>you might think <span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><b>"Thanks a lot. Just what I need...more trouble." </b></span></i></span></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: 16.632px;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><b> "I can't catch a break</b>."</i></span> </span> But the fact is, <i><span style="font-size: medium;">YOU CAN</span></i> just by understanding the natural rhythm of the Universe and being willing to put some conscious effort into the messages you deliver to yourself.</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: 16.632px;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: 16.632px;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: 16.632px;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">Of course, there is more to the story. You are not going to be willing to consciously formulate a hopeful message if you haven't noticed these things...</span></i></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: 16.632px;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: 16.632px;"><b><i><span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">T<span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">he Universe is designed to bring you whatever experiences that you are attracted to. </span></span></span></i></b></span><br /><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: 16.632px;"><b><i><span style="color: #45818e;"><br /></span></i></b></span><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: 16.632px;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b><i>Whatever you wish to experience will come to you when you ALLOW it...</i></b></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: 16.632px;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b><i> when you don't mess things up with your fear of unworthiness and doubts and </i></b></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: 16.632px;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b><i> concerns,</i></b></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: 16.632px;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b><i> when you trust that what you desire will be delivered to you in the perfect time.</i></b></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: 16.632px;"><b><i><span style="color: #134f5c;"><br /></span></i></b></span><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: 16.632px;"><span style="color: #45818e;"><b><i>All that you have to do is KNOW that this process will happen and anticipate the arrival of what you have dreamed.</i></b></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: 16.632px;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: 16.632px;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: 16.632px;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">Our home base here IS earth school and our lessons are supposed to be uber challenging. </span></i> And this is no exception. This work is not easy. It takes some <i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">CUTTING EDGE</span> </i>awareness and wisdom and...curiosity. We are often unwilling to leave our old habits and default of victimhood because it feels so comfortable there. It's what we know and everybody talks like that...right?</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: 16.632px;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: 16.632px;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">See where that kind of thinking takes you? In circles of suffering...and why should you have to be stuck there because it's what everybody does?</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: 16.632px;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: 16.632px;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: 16.632px;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">Why not see for yourself? Experiment. Try feeling Esther Hick's new mantra</span></i>, one which expresses so eloquently the way you would like things to be and celebrates, in advance, the "perfect" moment in which you get out of your own way and your desired vibrational wish makes its way to you.</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: 16.632px;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: 16.632px;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><i>Won't if be <span style="color: #674ea7;">wonderful</span> when...</i></span></span><br /></b></span><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: 16.632px;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: 16.632px;"><b><br /></b><b> </b><span style="color: #45818e;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">M</span>arie <span style="font-size: large;">H</span>elena</i></span></span></b></span></span></div><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: 16.632px;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>image from chemersgallery.blogspot.com</i></span></span></span><br /><span style="color: #333333; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: 16.632px;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i><span class="irc_su" dir="ltr">from the book, "Wishing Ball" watercolor/collage</span></i></span></span></span></div></div></div></div>Mystic Markshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04606758468689810350noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2092148025129358820.post-59439627854329326992023-11-21T01:07:00.002-05:002023-11-21T01:07:27.921-05:00The Ride<p>L</p><div class="post-header" style="color: #559976; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px; line-height: 1.6; margin: 0px 0px 1em;"><div class="post-header-line-1"></div></div><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-1302730249351248234" itemprop="articleBody" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-size: 15.84px; line-height: 1.3; position: relative; width: 392px;"><div dir="ltr" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7o7hnhDzgnI/UPcMPqWQ3XI/AAAAAAAABZg/q4RNiAXYqgw/s1600/The+Ride.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #229931; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7o7hnhDzgnI/UPcMPqWQ3XI/AAAAAAAABZg/q4RNiAXYqgw/s1600/The+Ride.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5) 1px 1px 5px; background-color: white; border: none; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5) 1px 1px 5px; box-sizing: border-box; max-width: 100%; padding: 8px; position: relative;" /></a></div><br /><br /><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">DURING OUR EARTH JOURNEY we have the possibility of experiencing many different kinds of rides.</span></i> </b></span></span><br /><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>There is the slow, meandering jaunt,..the steady-as-you-go excursion...the hustle and bustle we've-got-to-keep-moving expedition...and the roller coaster loop-to-loop that leaves us breathless and downright disoriented.</b></span></i></span><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></span><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Yes, we have <span style="background-color: #d0e0e3;">a wide variety of choices</span> on how we wish to navigate life.</b></span></i></span><br /><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span></b></span></i><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>But there is a <span style="background-color: #d9d2e9;">VERY SPECIAL OPTION</span> that is so unique and so perfectly designed for our ultimate success, happiness and delight that it seems incomprehensible not to choose it as <span style="background-color: #d9d2e9;">"THE" MODE</span>of transportation for our earth journey.</b></span></i></span><br /><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></i></span><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>There <span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">IS </span>a ticket that is required for this ride...and that ticket is <span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">FAITH</span>. Faith that our life is unfolding in what I call "perfect time". And, there's more...Faith that it is also unfolding in the "perfect place" and in the "perfect way".</b></span></i></span><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Can it possibly get better than that...<span style="background-color: #d9d2e9;">Perfection!!!</span></span></i></b></span><br /><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #d9d2e9;"><span style="color: #d9d2e9;"></span></span></span></i></b></span><br /><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now let's get down to exactly what this means. </span></i></b></span><br /><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In very basic terms it means that no matter what...<span style="color: #351c75;">NO MATTER WHAT</span> is transpiring in our life...whether it is soft and smooth, topsy turvy, or difficult and very, very challenging...whether we must summon up our patience and tenacity or find some hidden inner strength...</span></i></b></span><br /><br /><span style="background-color: #d9d2e9;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b><i>WHAT IS HAPPENING is the right path, the right combination of circumstances. </i></b></span></span></span><br /><br /><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It involves the absolutely right people who will help us learn our lessons...sometimes by example and positive inspiration and sometimes by motivating us to step up our game, rise to the occasion and let our Best, Highest Selves show up to deal with the challenges of the situation.</span></i></b></span></span><br /><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></b></span></span><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></b></span></span><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></i></b></span><br /><span style="background-color: #d9d2e9;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">IF you truly have this faith, this trust that you are loved beyond measure...this experience we call Life on Earth can be One Essentially Smooth Ride. </span></i></b></span></span><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></b></span><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Yes, you may have to hang on to your hat through the twists and turns, but when the Divine Universe is providing the Guidance, there is no question </span></i></b></span><br /><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">that the ride is perfect for you...</span></i></b></span><br /><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">for your evolution,</span></i></b></span><br /><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">for your growth, </span></i></b></span><br /><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">for the opportunity to transcend the challenges of earth life and duality </span></i></b></span><br /><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">and</span></i></b></span><br /><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">for the RECONNECTION with your beautiful <span style="background-color: #d9d2e9; font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Spirit Self</span> </span>who has long been your loving passenger with you on this journey and who now celebrates your remembrance and return to the <span style="background-color: #d9d2e9;">SPECTACULAR PERFECTION of WHO YOU REALLY ARE!</span></span></i></b></span><br /><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Bon Voyage! </span></i></b></span><br /><b><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></b><br /><b><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Relax</span> </span></span>into<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"> <span style="background-color: #d9d2e9;"><span style="color: #8e7cc3;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">THE RIDE</span></span></span></span></span> and <span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;">Surrender</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span>to the most beautiful journey that is Your Life!</span></i></span></b></div><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on"><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on"><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on"><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><i> Marie Helena <br /></i></b></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">image</span></i></span></span><br /><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Alicia Florence on the Gondola</span></i></span></span><br /><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">by Kythana</span></i></span></span><br /><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">mewdragon.deviantart.com. </span></i> </span></span> </span></div></div>Mystic Markshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04606758468689810350noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2092148025129358820.post-50618294401926591942023-11-17T23:51:00.000-05:002023-11-17T23:51:31.535-05:00The Adventure of Receiving<p><br /></p><div class="post-header" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #559976; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 12.88px; line-height: 1.6; margin: 0px 0px 1em;"><div class="post-header-line-1"></div></div><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-5673584305992920979" itemprop="description articleBody" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.524px; line-height: 1.5; position: relative; width: 518px;"><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MX0oErisr74/V55KwxJJhkI/AAAAAAAACoA/lpyT6kkLb58hCdsvRUw1MtNXRjtCdaxLACLcB/s1600/The%2BAdventure%2Bof%2BReceiving.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; color: #229931; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MX0oErisr74/V55KwxJJhkI/AAAAAAAACoA/lpyT6kkLb58hCdsvRUw1MtNXRjtCdaxLACLcB/s200/The%2BAdventure%2Bof%2BReceiving.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5) 1px 1px 5px; background-color: white; border: none; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="200" /></a></div><br /><span style="color: purple;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: x-large;">It all seems so simple. </span></span></i></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">We've been knocking around a while, experiencing life</span></i></span>... becoming seasoned travelers through our adventures and struggles and have drawn some conclusions about how to navigate things. We know what feels good to us and we like to act on those feelings. <span style="color: purple;"> That way, things seem</span> <span style="color: purple;">predictable</span>...they feel right. And, furthermore, we are most comfortable when someone responds to us in the way that <i><span style="color: blue;"><b>WE </b></span></i>respond…the way that we prefer. What we consider the <b><span style="color: blue;"><i>RIGHT</i></span></b>way. The perfect moment for us is when someone acts exactly as <span style="color: blue;"><i><b>WE</b></i></span> do. </span><br /><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="color: #45818e;"><i>But maybe this is not our real perfection.</i></span></span></span></b><br /><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="color: #45818e;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: blue;">While it is true that life would feel predictable</span></span></i> if everyone acted exactly the way we did, that feels almost like<b> </b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">the</span></span> </span><b><i><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">Stepford Wives</span></span></i><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"> </span></b></span>story, doesn't it? Mindless echoing of our thoughts and opinions. And that scenario gets old really quick. It's not enjoyable to be surrounded by parrots who keep "squawking" our own words back at us.<br /><i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><b><span style="color: #45818e;">And we do not HAVE TO live in that Stepford world.</span></b></span></i> It's V E R Y boring and there are no invitations and opportunities to transcend the sticky moments of life. The messy, really challenging, mountain climbing, truly soul satisfying stuff that teaches us new ways of looking at things. <span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /><b><span style="color: #45818e;">We get to ENJOY the ADVENTURE of not knowing what will cross our path.</span></b></i></span><b> </b> Not knowing if our words, thoughts and actions will be affirmed, well received or questioned. Not even imagining the life clues for us that could fall from someone's lips or the example their life story might provide for us. <span style="color: #38761d;"><i><b>Receiving all of this sensory stimulation</b></i></span><br /><i><b><span style="color: #38761d;">being delivered in varying states of emotion, sometimes dramatically different from the way we perceive what is happening or how we feel about it.</span></b></i><br /><br /><span style="color: purple;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">THIS is where the perfect adventure begins</span></i></span>…witnessing, experiencing, <i><b><span style="color: #45818e;"><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">RECEIVING</span></span> </b></i>the different ways that people think and feel and express themselves about life.<br /><br /><br /><i><span style="font-size: large;">And this can be <span style="color: purple;">VERY</span> interesting</span></i>…puzzling, even intriguing and sometimes downright eccentric for these experiences reveal to us a great deal about the mystery of each person we encounter and the messages they may hold for us. <br /><br /><i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><b><span style="color: #38761d;">To truly take all of this in it is important to have NO expectations</span></b></span></i><span style="color: #38761d;"><b>.…</b> </span>to be completely <span style="color: purple;"><i><b>OPEN</b></i></span> to whatever wants to present itself in our world whether it takes us completely by surprise, excites or even irritates us or produces a feeling of camaraderie. It is essential for us to not require others to walk through life exactly as we do. </span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><i><span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-size: large;">If we can feel at ease with this supposition, we can experience our own exciting<span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></i><span style="color: #134f5c;"><i><b><span style="font-size: large;">A</span>DVENTUR</b></i>E</span> every single day. Actually, every single moment. Everything we encounter brings us new information, new perceptions and invariably teaches us something new we need to learn. We are the <i><b><span style="color: #134f5c;">RECEIVER</span></b></i> in this fascinating experiment...a whirlwind of continuing new sensory impressions swirling around us, tapping us on the shoulder, inviting us to see something in a different and often creative way.<br /><br />And <span style="color: #134f5c;"><b>THAT</b></span> is <span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>The Adventure of Receiving</i></span></span>, a gift of life intrinsic to this dimension.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"> </span><br /><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"> <i><span style="color: #134f5c;"> <span style="font-size: large;">M</span>arie <span style="font-size: large;">H</span>elena </span></i></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><br /><span style="color: #38761d;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />image from Paintings on Pinterest<br />Krishna, African Art and Abstract Paintings</span></i></span></span><br /></div></div>Mystic Markshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04606758468689810350noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2092148025129358820.post-68821274410736405792023-11-07T13:25:00.002-05:002023-11-07T13:25:35.472-05:00He Said, She Said<p><br /></p><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-4978157580344056495" itemprop="articleBody" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 15.84px; line-height: 1.3; position: relative; width: 392px;"><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on"><div style="color: #444444;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u4TFh2u8ViM/TmPkDGW_zkI/AAAAAAAAAtk/3Cr9PNsJ1S0/s1600/He+said%252C+She+said.jpg" style="clear: left; color: #229931; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u4TFh2u8ViM/TmPkDGW_zkI/AAAAAAAAAtk/3Cr9PNsJ1S0/s1600/He+said%252C+She+said.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5) 1px 1px 5px; background-color: white; border: none; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5) 1px 1px 5px; box-sizing: border-box; max-width: 100%; padding: 8px; position: relative;" /></a></div><i><b><div style="color: #444444;"><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div style="color: #444444;"><i style="font-size: 15.84px;"><b><br /></b></i></div><div style="color: #444444;"><i style="font-size: 15.84px;"><b><br /></b></i></div><div style="color: #444444;"><i style="font-size: 15.84px;"><b><br /></b></i></div><div style="color: #444444;"><i style="font-size: 15.84px;"><b><br /></b></i></div><div style="color: #444444;"><i style="font-size: 15.84px;"><b><br /></b></i></div><div style="color: #444444;"><i style="font-size: 15.84px;"><b><br /></b></i></div><div style="color: #444444;"><i style="font-size: 15.84px;"><b><br /></b></i></div><div style="color: #444444;"><i style="font-size: 15.84px;"><b><br /></b></i></div><div style="color: #444444;"><i style="font-size: 15.84px;"><b><br /></b></i></div><div style="color: #444444;"><i style="font-size: 15.84px;"><b><br /></b></i></div><div style="color: #444444;"><i style="font-size: 15.84px;"><b><br /></b></i></div><div style="color: #444444;"><i style="font-size: 15.84px;"><b><br /></b></i></div><div style="color: #444444;"><i style="font-size: 15.84px;"><b>The glorious, mysterious, and often frustrating mix of energies between male and female has left mankind puzzled for centuries. And nowhere is this more evident than in the <span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">LANGUAGE</span> </span></b><b>used by both.</b></i></div></b></i></div><div><br /><i style="color: #444444;"><b>Even given the most noble intention...to <span style="color: #45818e;">BE THERE </span>for the other... males and females often find their well-meaning attempts to request help and to respond get <span style="color: #783f04;">twisted </span>and <span style="color: #b45f06;">turned </span>when the other sex tries to ascertain the meaning.</b></i></div><div><br /><i><b><span style="color: #444444;">And here's why. </span><br style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" /><br style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" /><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #783f04;">Men </span></span><span style="color: #783f04;">like to primarily fix things.</span> The mere mention of a problem by a female makes a male want to come up with the perfect solution and be the hero in her story of distress.</span><br style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" /><br style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" /><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: magenta; font-size: medium;">Women</span>, on the other hand,<span style="color: #c27ba0;"> just want to be <span style="color: magenta;">HEARD</span></span>. And this translates to being listened to with great patience and compassion as they explain their plight, often weaving into the story other related concerns. They DO NOT usually want to hear a quick fix. What they want is to feel they are being listened to, heard, understood. They want to know that </span><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;">SOMEONE</span></b><b><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;"> </span>understands their feelings.</span><br style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" /><br style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" /><span style="color: #38761d;">Now that's a recipe for a perpetual conundrum.</span><br style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" /><br style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" /><span style="color: #444444;">None of this is news as we have all been aware that there are <span style="color: #783f04;">vast differences</span> between the way the sexes perceive problems and the ways they want to solve them.</span></b></i></div><div><i><b><span style="color: #444444;"> </span><br style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" /><br style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" /><span style="color: #444444;">My attention here is on <span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #45818e;">HOW </span></span>to navigate these waters. And here's my thought.</span><br style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" /><br style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" /><span style="color: #444444;">The first thing we have to do is <span style="color: #45818e;">OVERRIDE THE ORIGINAL DEFAULT BUTTON.</span>..the button that makes males confusedly wonder why females won't appreciate a great problem solving idea and females conclude that no one understands how they feel.</span><br style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" /><br style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" /><span style="color: #444444;">When that default button gets pushed, emotions start to <span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #274e13;">CRACKLE</span> </span>and everyone is dissatisfied with the outcome of the interaction.</span></b></i></div><div><i><b><span style="color: #444444;"> </span><br style="color: #783f04; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" /><br style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" /><span style="color: #444444;">Overriding a default takes <span style="color: #45818e;">conscious intention</span> and perhaps we can embrace this idea by the promise it offers to help keep communication misses off the radar.</span><br style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" /><br style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" /><span style="color: #444444;">The new default button is <span style="color: #45818e;">THE IMMEDIATE STATEMENT OF HELPFUL INTENTION</span>. </span></b></i></div><div><br /></div><div><i><b><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: magenta;">She says </span>something like, "I am feeling sad (distressed, worried, anxious, etc.) and I think it would help me to know that you understand the emotion I am experiencing. Just understand it...no need to solve it right now as I am not ready for that step just yet."</span><br style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" /><br style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" /><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #783f04;">He says</span>, "I can see that you are distressed (unhappy, worried, stressed, etc.) and I care about you and want to help you feel better. I have some ideas on how to do that when you are ready to hear them."</span></b></i></div><div><i><b><span style="color: #444444;"> </span><br style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" /><br style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" /><span style="color: #444444;">Now this will take some adjusting on the parts of both sexes because when the female is in a distress mode <span style="color: magenta;">(the forlorn maiden locked in the tower of her emotions) </span>and the male is in the problem solving mode <span style="color: #783f04;">(riding up on his noble steed, equipped with the weapons needed to fend off the enemy)</span>...when these conditions have arisen, it is not easy to change directions.</span><br style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" /><br style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" /><span style="color: #444444;">The <span style="color: magenta;">forlorn maiden</span> must vacate her role as damsel-in-distress and the <span style="color: #783f04;">prince-riding-to-the-rescue </span>must vacate his action-driven energy and both must <span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">become the calm, patient and wise communicators</span></span>...at least for the first few minutes of the interaction.</span><span style="color: #444444;"> </span></b></i></div><div><br /></div><div><i><b><span style="color: #134f5c;">Then, knowing what each other's intentions are, the conversation will now have the chance to play out differently. Both parties can feel understood and appreciated.</span><br style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" /><br style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" /><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: medium;">Peace</span><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: medium;"> </span>reigns.</span><br style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" /><span style="color: #444444;">The crisis has been attended to.</span></b></i></div><div><i><b><span style="color: #444444;"> </span><br style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" /><br style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" /><span style="color: #444444;">This is not an easy formula to put into practice because it is so natural to feel that the other sex <span style="color: #274e13;">SHOULD KNOW </span> what we need and are intending.</span><br style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" /><br style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" /><span style="color: #45818e;">But, energy-wise...this is a very efficient idea because the investment of a different approach and new default button will ultimately save the emotional trauma of someone feeling misunderstood...a perception that can persist for an indeterminate amount of time</span><br style="color: #45818e; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" /><br style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" /><span style="color: #444444;">In this way we can even improve on <span style="color: #38761d;">Mother Nature'</span>s <span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">DISTRIBUTION OF EMOTIONAL RESOURCES</span> </span>and, through a conscious investment of our energy, easily receive/respond to what it was that we were originally looking for and hoping to give.</span></b></i><br /><br /><br /> <i> Marie Helena<br /><br /></i><br /><br /><h1 style="color: #274e13; margin: 0px; position: relative;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.rosiepiter.com/" style="color: #229931; text-decoration: none;">image from Roseanna Piter.com</a></span></h1></div></div><div style="clear: both;"></div></div><div class="post-footer" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; border-top-color: rgb(119, 119, 119); border-top-style: dashed; border-top-width: 1px; color: #559976; font-size: 14.4px; line-height: 1.6; margin: 10px 0px 0px; padding: 10px 0px 0px;"></div><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" />Mystic Markshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04606758468689810350noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2092148025129358820.post-9004459515834515532023-11-06T15:08:00.000-05:002023-11-06T15:08:26.225-05:00Bottom's Up!<p><br /></p><div class="post-header" style="color: #559976; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px; line-height: 1.6; margin: 0px 0px 1em;"><div class="post-header-line-1"></div></div><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-2664559629484178261" itemprop="articleBody" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px; line-height: 1.3; position: relative; width: 392px;"><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZWTY4NFV2nQ/TyRZFivB8MI/AAAAAAAAA3E/EJ4WdQHqecY/s1600/Bottom%2527s+Up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #229931; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="181" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZWTY4NFV2nQ/TyRZFivB8MI/AAAAAAAAA3E/EJ4WdQHqecY/s280/Bottom%2527s+Up.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5) 1px 1px 5px; background-color: white; border: none; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5) 1px 1px 5px; box-sizing: border-box; max-width: 100%; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="280" /></a></div><br /> <br /><div style="color: #45818e;"><i><b>You've probably heard <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="color: #45818e;">this strapping toast</span></span></span>expressed when friends and acquaintances get together for relaxing conversation and a social hour. </b></i></div><div style="color: #45818e;"><br /></div><div style="color: #45818e;"><i><b>That’s when people encourage each other to enjoy the moment with a "refreshing" drink. </b></i><br /><br /></div><div style="color: #45818e;"><br /></div><div style="color: #45818e;"></div><div style="color: #45818e;"><b>Although the list of fancy cocktails available for social engagements seems endless, nature has its own</b><i><b> <span style="font-size: large;">perfect</span> </b></i><b>cocktail which your body absolutely loves. It's</b><i><b> <span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">WATER</span></span>...</b></i><b>and, just as all expressions of nature are perfect in design and natural beauty, this "cocktail" is no exception. </b></div><div style="color: #45818e;"><br /></div><div style="color: #45818e;"><br /></div><div style="color: #45818e;"><b>Here is a list of its <span style="font-size: large;"><i>special attributes</i></span></b><b>.</b></div><div style="color: #45818e;"><br /></div><div style="color: #45818e;"><b>Its taste is serene and tranquil.</b></div><div style="color: #45818e;"><b>Its texture is smooth and clear.</b></div><div style="color: #45818e;"><b>It goes with everything, naturally harmonizing with any culinary delight.</b></div><div style="color: #45818e;"><b>And, most important of all, <span style="font-size: large;"><i style="color: #c27ba0;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">your body LOVES it</span></i></span>.</b></div><div style="color: #45818e;"><br /></div><div style="color: #45818e;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="color: #45818e;"><b>Iñdividuals who are aware of these special properties serenely sip <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">two glasses</span></b><b> of this cocktail upon arising...before they even have breakfast...helping activate the body's energy channels and physical functioning. </b><br /><br /><b></b></div><div style="color: #45818e;"><b><i>They know that this liquescent gift <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="color: #c27ba0;">empowers the cells of the body </span></span></span><span style="color: #c27ba0; font-size: small;">t</span><span style="color: #c27ba0; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">o do their work</span>.</i></b></div><div style="color: #45818e;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="color: #45818e;"><b>Although it's delightful to sip water all throughout the day, there are also some <i>additional times</i></b><b> when it is especially effective:</b></div><div style="color: #45818e;"><br /></div><div style="color: #45818e;"><b>Thirty minutes before a meal</b></div><div style="color: #45818e;"><b>Before taking a bath</b></div><div style="color: #45818e;"><b>Before going to bed.</b></div><div style="color: #45818e;"><br /></div><div style="color: #45818e;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="color: #45818e;"><b>Best of all, it is <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">easy</span> to access this cocktail and there is <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">great availability</span>.</b></div><div style="color: #45818e;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="color: #45818e;"><b>I am extolling the delightful virtues of this aquatic dream because <span style="color: #c27ba0;">I </span><i><span style="color: #c27ba0;">could not believe</span> </i>the improvement in my health and, especially, my sense of well-being since I began to make this <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">perfect aperitif</span> a very important part of my day.</b></div><div style="color: #45818e;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="color: #45818e;"><b>This feeling of wellness and exhilaration is waiting for you, too!</b></div><div style="color: #45818e;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="color: #c27ba0;"><b><i>L'acqua è cocktail perfetto della natura!</i></b></div><div style="color: #c27ba0;"><b><i> </i></b></div><div style="color: #45818e;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="color: #45818e;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></i></span></b></div><div style="color: #45818e;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></i></span></b></div><div style="color: #45818e;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></i></span></b></div><div style="color: #45818e;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Postscript:</span></span></i></span></b></div><div style="color: #45818e;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="color: #45818e;"><b>I wrote this blog post last night and this morning, when I awoke from a dreamy night's sleep, I realized that I had received a gentle nudge and a nod of approval from the<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b>Divine Universe</b></span></span></i><b> via <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Mother Nature</span> regarding the beautiful properties of <i>WATER</i></b><b>.</b></div><div style="color: #45818e;"><br /></div><div style="color: #45818e;"><b>While I was composing last evening I had my television on and was vaguely aware that I was listening to and recording several episodes of House Hunters International. The interesting thing about this is that all of the episodes were filmed on islands bordering the beautiful, blue-green ocean and, while I was <i>consciously</i> aware </b><b>of my writing, my <i>subconscious</i> was apparently soaking up the <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">grand expanses of water</span>. </b></div><div style="color: #45818e;"><br /></div><div style="color: #45818e;"><b>The Divine result: an extraordinarily beautiful night's sleep, another loving result of opening myself to this fabulous (and free) gift.</b></div><div style="color: #45818e;"><br /></div><div style="color: #45818e;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="color: #45818e;"><i><b>You might want to keep this in mind if you are longing for some peaceful slumber!</b></i></div><div style="color: #45818e;"><br /></div><div style="color: #45818e;"><br /></div><div style="color: #45818e;"><br /></div><div style="color: #45818e;"> <i><b> Marie Helena</b></i></div><div style="color: #45818e; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: #45818e; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: #45818e; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">image from mom5kids.blogspot.com</span></div></div></div>Mystic Markshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04606758468689810350noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2092148025129358820.post-10675650094135877482023-10-29T00:30:00.000-04:002023-10-29T00:30:07.451-04:00Mum's the Word<p><br /></p><div class="post-header" style="color: #559976; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px; line-height: 1.6; margin: 0px 0px 1em;"><div class="post-header-line-1"></div></div><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-8539875889918501493" itemprop="articleBody" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px; line-height: 1.3; position: relative; width: 392px;"><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on"><h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 26.928001px; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; position: relative;"></h3><div class="post-header" style="color: #559976; font-size: 17.424px; line-height: 1.6; margin: 0px 0px 1em;"></div><div dir="ltr"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2JsiQx0Z0QQ/TMTkW9N_EvI/AAAAAAAAADs/QQWCbfYgivo/s1600/vibration+1.jpg" style="color: #229931; text-decoration: none;"><img alt="" border="0" height="280" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531797325359289074" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2JsiQx0Z0QQ/TMTkW9N_EvI/AAAAAAAAADs/QQWCbfYgivo/s280/vibration+1.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5) 1px 1px 5px; background-color: white; border: none; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5) 1px 1px 5px; box-sizing: border-box; float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; max-width: 100%; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="280" /></a><br /><span style="color: #006600; font-size: 20.591999px; font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span><span style="color: #000066;"><span style="font-size: 20.591999px; font-weight: bold;"> </span></span><br /><span style="font-size: 20.591999px; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #000066;">It’s almost</span><span style="color: #993300;"><i> Halloween </i></span></span><span style="color: #000066; font-size: 20.591999px; font-weight: bold;">and I am a </span><span style="color: #006600; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: 20.591999px; font-weight: bold;">holiday junkie</span><span style="color: #000066; font-size: 20.591999px; font-weight: bold;">. </span><span style="color: #000066;"> </span><br /><br /><span style="color: #000066;">The front porch is filled with scarecrows, corn stalks, bales of hay, a black cat and some very big (and I mean big) pots of chrysanthemums in purple, <span style="color: #333300;">yellow </span>and white. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: #000066;"> And though I love the color and texture of everything on the porch, the really big deal for me is putting my face right into the flowers and taking in their essence… the touch and smell and coolness…in other words, their <span style="font-size: 20.591999px;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #3333ff;">v</span><span style="color: #6600cc;">i</span><span style="color: #cc6600;">b</span><span style="color: #006600;">r</span><span style="color: #000099;">a</span><span style="color: #6600cc;">t</span><span style="color: #3366ff;">i</span><span style="color: #6600cc;">o</span><span style="color: #3366ff;">n</span></span><span style="color: #6600cc; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-style: italic;">!</span></span></span><span style="color: #333333;"> </span><span style="color: #000066;"></span><br /><span style="color: #000066;"><br /><br />I take breaks during the day to go out and do this. It connects me with nature’s bountiful gifts and beauty. It lifts me out of my everyday tasks and says, <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">“We’re right here…just waiting for</span> </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">you to enjoy us.”</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"> </span>Yep, those flowers are smiling. I know it. They love to have someone get right in their faces. </span><span style="color: #000066;"><br /><br />Which reminds me…I am also addicted to <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">hugging trees</span>. I have a particular tree in the neighborhood that lets me feel its roots straight down into the earth. I used to look around before I approached the tree, but, naw…I don’t look around anymore. I just see that beauty and go for it.</span><span style="color: #333333;"> </span><span style="color: #000066;">I hug bushes, too. And have been for many years.</span><span style="color: #333333;"> </span><span style="color: #000066;"><br /><br />Although I am no gardener, I think that this is exactly the kind of<span style="font-size: 20.591999px;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"> high</span></span> that gardeners feel when they do their thing. </span><span style="color: #000066;">Now here’s a really interesting fact I learned recently about plants and gardeners. <span style="color: #663366;"></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #663366; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">If you are raising plants that you will eat, when you tend them with personal, loving care they produce for you whatever your DNA requires.</span></span></span><br /><span style="color: #000066;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #663366; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><br />Now that’s<span style="font-size: 20.591999px; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> mind blowing</span></span>. And it sure tells you that <b><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">the </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">universe is alive</span></i> </b>and wanting to spread its goodness everywhere.</span><span style="color: #000099;"> </span><br /><br /><span style="color: #333333; font-size: small;"><b><span style="color: #000099;"> </span><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: #000066;">So have at ‘em…pumpkins, flowers, trees…the whole </span><span style="color: #000066;">works.</span><span style="color: #000066;"> </span><span style="color: #000066;">They’re just waiting for your <span style="color: #45818e;">perceptive eyes</span> and <span style="color: #b45f06;">glowing attentio</span><span style="color: #b45f06;">n</span>. </span></span></i></b></span><br /><br /><span style="color: #333333;"> </span></div><div dir="ltr" style="color: #333333;"> <span style="color: #351c75;"> </span><b><span style="color: #351c75;"><i> Marie Helena</i></span></b></div></div></div>Mystic Markshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04606758468689810350noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2092148025129358820.post-87218333248283489552023-10-18T17:52:00.004-04:002023-10-18T17:52:27.790-04:00Who Writes the Story?<p><br /></p><div class="post-header" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #559976; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 12.88px; line-height: 1.6; margin: 0px 0px 1em;"><div class="post-header-line-1"></div></div><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-4628694143713088339" itemprop="description articleBody" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.524px; line-height: 1.5; position: relative; width: 518px;"><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on"><h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name" style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 30px; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; position: relative;"></h3><div class="post-header" style="color: #559976; line-height: 1.6; margin: 0px 0px 1em;"></div><div dir="ltr"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XknTq-33_bY/TnP2v30gDxI/AAAAAAAAAt8/Cj4ql1C4RNI/s1600/who+wrtes+the+story++C.jpg" style="clear: left; color: #229931; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="295" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XknTq-33_bY/TnP2v30gDxI/AAAAAAAAAt8/Cj4ql1C4RNI/s320/who+wrtes+the+story++C.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5) 1px 1px 5px; background-color: white; border: none; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="320" /></a></div><div style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #45818e;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><i>Don Miguel Ruiz, author of The Four Agreements, tells us that<span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><span style="color: #45818e;"></span></span></i><i><span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><span style="color: #45818e;">RESPECT</span></span> </i></b></span><b><i><span style="font-size: small;">is one of the greatest expressions of <span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><span style="color: #45818e;">LOVE</span></span>..</span>.and that, if we love someone, we respect that this person is<span style="font-size: medium;"> <span style="color: #45818e;"><span style="font-size: small;">a good artist</span><span style="font-size: small;"> and can write his own story</span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #45818e;">.</span> </span></i></b></span></div><div style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></div><div style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></div><div style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>Ruiz further says that this person was, in fact, <span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">BORN</span></span> to write his own story and if we respect him, we do not try to write his story for him.</i></b></div><div style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /><br /><i><b><span style="color: #45818e;">What is even more important is that imposing ourselves in someone else's story is a blatant example of our </span><span style="color: #0c343d;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">lack of faith</span></span></b><b><span style="color: #45818e;"> that the other person is capable of learning for himself what there is to be learned and applying those lessons to his life. <span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="color: #45818e;">The consideration of</span> how</span> and <span style="color: #134f5c;">when </span>and<span style="color: #134f5c;"> if </span>he does this is not In our job description.</span></b></i></div><div style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b><span style="color: #45818e;"> </span><br style="color: #45818e;" /><br />I do believe that we can communicate to others in a gentle, positive, loving manner any suggestions that we may have about the turmoil they may be experiencing BUT that is it...just <span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">SUGGEST</span></span>...not expect and not punish if someone does not wish to embrace what we are envisioning as an answer to a dilemma.</b></i></div><div style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /><br /><i style="color: #45818e;"><b>We are <span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">NEVER</span></span></b><b><span style="color: #274e13;"> </span>in the place of knowing all of the factors involved in how someone's life is playing out and to act as if we are and to envision what we think is the perfect answer is to exalt ourselves and fail to honor the other. </b></i></div><div style="color: #45818e; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></div><div style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b>It represents the giving of affection with<span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">CONDITIONS</span></span>, falling short of a truly loving response and indicating a lack of respect.</b></i></div><div style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b><br /><span style="color: #45818e;">Truly understanding our place in the world and the place others occupy is a challenging task for us. It requires clear boundaries for ourselves and others but it <span style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">frees everyone involved to make life choices in an atmosphere of support and caring</span></span>.</span></b></i></div><div style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /><br /><i><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Expressing our faith in everyone else's right and ability </span></b></i></div><div style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></div><div style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">to listen to the guidance of his own heart...</span></b></i></div><div style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></div><div style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">to decide issues for himself...</span></b></i></div><div style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></div><div style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">to experience the consequences of his choices and to learn his own lessons when and if he chooses..</span></b></i></div><div style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></div><div style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">is a <span style="color: #3d85c6;">most beautiful and pure expression </span>of <span style="color: #a64d79;">love </span>and <span style="color: #a64d79;">caring</span>.</span> </b></i></div><div style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></div><div style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></div><div style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It also frees us to use our energies for the selection, welcoming and experiencing of our own adventures.</span></b></i></div><div style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></i></div><div style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></i></div><div style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Marie Helena </span></b></i></div><div style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></div><div style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></div><div style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></div><b style="color: #0c343d;"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br style="color: #45818e; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" /><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">image from tootsiegrace.blogspot.com</span></span></i></b><br /><br /></div></div></div>Mystic Markshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04606758468689810350noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2092148025129358820.post-74501148514248558402023-10-03T23:39:00.002-04:002023-10-03T23:39:20.493-04:00 A New Dimension<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiALKqyutFEYAjCYzfYyRT8fOFvKCvmphWTdETyAWEeyXQibgifLdhCn4nvmr27LLrM6dvP3zPe_k3fCGDfoqOWV1juwrkxcOFxvB7ACdUqI8sxBycJOIlw-ylxIcO2itWbJRksthZWt5tz7JZvqkr2bQn7aVVKCJTC3xmRgeDJL7lJ4KkVpgl40vmnubRu/s1691/B6F3ADA1-EA56-444E-BC05-B60C30F833B1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1691" data-original-width="1242" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiALKqyutFEYAjCYzfYyRT8fOFvKCvmphWTdETyAWEeyXQibgifLdhCn4nvmr27LLrM6dvP3zPe_k3fCGDfoqOWV1juwrkxcOFxvB7ACdUqI8sxBycJOIlw-ylxIcO2itWbJRksthZWt5tz7JZvqkr2bQn7aVVKCJTC3xmRgeDJL7lJ4KkVpgl40vmnubRu/s320/B6F3ADA1-EA56-444E-BC05-B60C30F833B1.jpeg" width="235" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(69, 69, 69); color: #454545; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">“I don’t do anything unless I’m inspired.”</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(69, 69, 69); color: #454545; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;"> </div><div style="caret-color: rgb(69, 69, 69); color: #454545; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;"> Fenna Diephuis</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(69, 69, 69); color: #454545; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;"><br /></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(69, 69, 69); color: #454545; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;"><br /></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(69, 69, 69); color: #454545; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;"><br /></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(69, 69, 69); color: #454545; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">Visions of sugarplums, dainty silver bells and silvery fairy dust danced through my bewildered mind one wintry afternoon not long ago when my friend Fenna made this comment to me. What a wonderful world it would be to live like this, I breathlessly imagined. </div><div style="caret-color: rgb(69, 69, 69); color: #454545; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;"><br /></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(69, 69, 69); color: #454545; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">Then, after my initial reaction of Alice tumbling down the rabbit hole, I tried to seriously visualize myself living in this radically magical way Fenna had described. My first and very logical reaction was No Way.</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(69, 69, 69); color: #454545; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;"><br /></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(69, 69, 69); color: #454545; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">Too many things to take care of. Too big of a To Do list. And the inevitable sense of disappointment in myself if I didn’t finish my self appointed tasks of everyday life. Lots of real work needs to be taken care of whether I am in the mood or not.</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(69, 69, 69); color: #454545; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;"><br /></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(69, 69, 69); color: #454545; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">But, despite my left brain, lawyer- like rationalization, I found myself clearly enchanted with the dreamy possibility of living life in this glorious fashion. If everything I chose to do felt like I was living out a spontaneous wish, I would, of course, truly enjoy doing it, I reasoned. What a wonderful way to experience my life. But how to access this intriguing state of Inspiration and to take up residence there...those were the questions I pondered.</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(69, 69, 69); color: #454545; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;"><br /></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(69, 69, 69); color: #454545; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">I asked myself what beautiful ambiance, what mystical setting gives birth to inspiration? Or, to put it in more colloquial terms, what actually goes on in this mysterious and magical “hood”?</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(69, 69, 69); color: #454545; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;"><br /></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(69, 69, 69); color: #454545; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">Seems like there has to be some dancing...real (for dancing always raises our vibration) or metaphorical (a dancing spirit). </div><div style="caret-color: rgb(69, 69, 69); color: #454545; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;"><br /></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(69, 69, 69); color: #454545; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">And, borrowing from the name of a critically acclaimed movie, the Incredible Lightness of Being must be present. There has to be a connection with the Universe, a trusting that we are cared for and guided. That we need only let go of “trying” and let ourselves receive. That we choose to move through life openly and gracefully in this state of anticipation and appreciation before these gifts are even delivered to us.</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(69, 69, 69); color: #454545; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;"><br /></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(69, 69, 69); color: #454545; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">And, most certainly, there must be curiosity about this incredible quantum world in which we find ourselves. And a sense of wonderment about what we have still to learn. How all of life’s creations interact with each other. And how we are all a part of this continuing network and dialogue of caring and cooperation.</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(69, 69, 69); color: #454545; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;"><br /></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(69, 69, 69); color: #454545; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">With this dancing spirit, curiosity and wonderment and an incredible lightness of being, how could we not be inspired to enjoy and appreciate and to want to learn more about this magical playground of our lives? And, as we move in the spirit of love, we draw more love to ourselves. The wondrous law of vibrational attraction, yet another fascinating gift of the Universe in which we live.</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(69, 69, 69); color: #454545; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;"><br /></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(69, 69, 69); color: #454545; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">Is that fairy dust falling ever so gracefully in my heart as I contemplate the Joy of inhabiting this new dimension of possibility?</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(69, 69, 69); color: #454545; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;"><br /></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(69, 69, 69); color: #454545; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;"><br /></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(69, 69, 69); color: #454545; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;"> Marie Helena</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(69, 69, 69); color: #454545; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;"><br /></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(69, 69, 69); color: #454545; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;"><br /></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(69, 69, 69); color: #454545; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;"><br /></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(69, 69, 69); color: #454545; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">image from Pinterest Watercolor Fantasy and Fairy art by Sarah Pauline</div>Mystic Markshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04606758468689810350noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2092148025129358820.post-3682476019200021692023-09-30T21:50:00.003-04:002023-09-30T21:51:11.079-04:00The Cart Before the Horse<p><br /></p><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-5626166427788638892" itemprop="articleBody" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 15.84px; line-height: 1.3; position: relative; width: 392px;"><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-3078590826676671621" itemprop="articleBody" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px; line-height: 1.3; position: relative; width: 392px;"><div class="post-header" style="color: #559976; font-size: 17.424px; line-height: 1.6; margin: 0px 0px 1em;"><div class="post-header-line-1"></div></div><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-1751749054459362448" itemprop="articleBody" style="font-size: 17.424px; line-height: 1.3; position: relative; width: 392px;"><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on"><h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name" style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 26.928001px; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; position: relative;"></h3><div class="post-header" style="color: #559976; font-size: 19.166401px; line-height: 1.6; margin: 0px 0px 1em;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 15.84px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NnWZ0ErDkRw/UeWxV3f3IhI/AAAAAAAABpk/J0bJwOt40wA/s1600/The+Cart+Before+the+Horse.jpg" style="clear: left; color: #229931; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="217" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NnWZ0ErDkRw/UeWxV3f3IhI/AAAAAAAABpk/J0bJwOt40wA/s280/The+Cart+Before+the+Horse.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5) 1px 1px 5px; background-color: white; border: none; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5) 1px 1px 5px; box-sizing: border-box; max-width: 100%; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="280" /></a></div><span face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><i></i></span><br /><span face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><i></i></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><span face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #134f5c;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #134f5c;"><i>Ev-er-y-bod-y has heard the old adage..."Don't put the cart before the horse". </i></span></span><br /><span face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #134f5c; font-size: 15.84px;"><i></i></span><br /><span face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 15.84px;"><i><b><span face="verdana, sans-serif" style="color: #134f5c;">And it makes good sense (as all cliches tend to do).</span> </b></i></span><br /><span face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 15.84px;"><i><b></b></i></span><br /><i style="font-size: 15.84px;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif">However</span><span style="color: #b45f06;">,</span></b></span></span></i><br /><span style="font-size: 15.84px;"><i></i></span><br /><i><span face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="color: #134f5c;"><b><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: 15.84px;">The </span><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; font-size: large;">Divine Universe</span></span><span style="font-size: 15.84px;"> doesn't follow ordinary rules. </span></b></span></span></i><br /><i style="font-size: 15.84px;"><span face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #134f5c;"><b></b></span></i><br /><i style="font-size: 15.84px;"><span face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #134f5c;"><b>It's so original...and creative. </b></span></i><br /><i style="font-size: 15.84px;"><span face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #134f5c;"><b></b></span></i><br /><i style="font-size: 15.84px;"><span face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #134f5c;"><b>What I've discovered in my life (and I'm sure it's tucked into yours somewhere, too) is that the fabulous, infinitely wise, infinitely powerful Universe<span style="background-color: #d0e0e3;"> </span><span style="background-color: orange;">LOVES to put the car</span><span style="background-color: orange;">t </span><span style="background-color: orange;">before the horse</span>...and by this I mean<span style="background-color: yellow;"> it provides the solutions BEFORE the problems appear.</span></b></span></i><br /><span face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #0c343d; font-size: 15.84px;"><b></b></span><br /><span face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 15.84px;"><b></b></span><br /><span face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 15.84px;"><b><span style="color: #0c343d;"><i>Let me explain how this plays out in my life</i>.</span> </b></span><br /><span style="font-size: 15.84px;"><span face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif"></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: 15.84px;"><span face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif"></span></span><br /><span face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="color: #134f5c;"><i><b><span style="font-size: 15.84px;">Whenever something is troubling me and I am feeling </span><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: medium;">stuck</span><span style="font-size: 15.84px;">...not sure how to proceed or lacking the energy or motivation to go to work on the issue...as soon as I take a moment </span><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #45818e;">to breathe</span>...<span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #45818e;">to relax</span></span><span style="font-size: 15.84px;">...a soundless bell goes off (it's something I just feel) and I gently recall something I had read the day before or a comment someone had made to me recently or, even more frequently, </span></b></i></span></span><span face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #134f5c; font-size: 15.84px;"><b><i>I remember a blog post I have written that reminds me of something important I had grasped and understood earlier but have since forgotten. And that something I have forgotten is ALWAYS exactly what I need to remember now...today...<span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; color: #45818e;">IN THIS MOMENT</span>.</i></b></span><br /><span style="font-size: 15.84px;"><span face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif"></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: 15.84px;"><span face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif"></span></span><br /><span face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #45818e; font-size: 15.84px;"><i><b>Sometimes the "direct-tions" are even more direct.</b></i></span><br /><span face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #45818e; font-size: 15.84px;"><i><b></b></i></span><br /><span face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #45818e; font-size: 15.84px;"><i><b></b></i></span><br /><span face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #45818e; font-size: 15.84px;"><i><b>Each day I check my blog's list of the<span style="color: #134f5c;"> ten most popular posts</span>. This list is changing moment by moment. It is based on what posts people are reading and the information is coming from around the world as I know that 110 countries have accessed my blog. I look to see what is being read each morning and, without fail, it's something I need to be reminded of <span style="background-color: #d9ead3;">THAT DAY</span>.</b></i></span><br /><span face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #45818e; font-size: 15.84px;"><i><b></b></i></span><br /><span face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #45818e; font-size: 15.84px;"><i><b></b></i></span><br /><span face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #45818e; font-size: 15.84px;"><i><b><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: medium;">How <span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">BEAUTIFUL</span> is that!</span> Individuals around the world are choosing my posts to read and, in so doing, they are ministering TO ME. They are helping me become the next, grandest version of myself.</b></i></span><br /><span face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 15.84px;"><i><b></b></i></span><br /><span face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 15.84px;"><i><b></b></i></span><br /><span face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 15.84px;"><i><b><span style="color: #45818e;">Talk about Love circling back to us! I send out my thoughts and they come back to me<span style="background-color: #d9ead3;"> EXACTLY</span>when I need them.</span> </b></i></span><br /><span face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 15.84px;"><i><b></b></i></span><br /><span face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 15.84px;"><i><b></b></i></span><br /><span face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 15.84px;"><i><b>Wow! What a system! And that's just one example of how this beautiful dynamic works.</b></i></span><br /><span face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 15.84px;"><i><b></b></i></span><br /><span face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 15.84px;"><i><b></b></i></span><br /><span face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 15.84px;"><i><b>I KNOW...I am SURE...</b></i></span><br /><span face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 15.84px;"><i><b>that <span style="font-size: medium;">YOU</span> have a <span style="background-color: yellow;">heavenly guidance system</span> in place. ..<span style="background-color: orange;">the CART before the horse</span>. </b></i></span><br /><span face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 15.84px;"><i><b></b></i></span><br /><span face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 15.84px;"><i><b></b></i></span><br /><span face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 15.84px;"><i><b>Maybe you haven't discovered it yet. Maybe it's hiding in plain sight...a little heavenly merrymaking and mischief. PLEASE look around and tap into this awesome, original and brilliant celestial stratagem. </b></i></span><br /><span face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 15.84px;"><i><b></b></i></span><br /><span face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 15.84px;"><i><b></b></i></span><br /><span face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 15.84px;"><i><b>We are all so very loved. <span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"> <span style="color: #134f5c;">: )</span></span></b></i></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 15.84px;"> </span><br /><span style="font-size: 15.84px;"> </span><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: 15.84px;"><i><span face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif"> <b> <span face="verdana, sans-serif">Marie Helena</span></b></span></i></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="color: #134f5c;">image from thesaurus.babylon.com</span></span></i></span><br /></div></div></div><div style="clear: both;"></div></div><div class="post-footer" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; border-top-color: rgb(119, 119, 119); border-top-style: dashed; border-top-width: 1px; color: #559976; font-size: 14.4px; line-height: 1.6; margin: 10px 0px 0px; padding: 10px 0px 0px;"></div><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" />Mystic Markshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04606758468689810350noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2092148025129358820.post-46134601379291110602023-09-27T19:33:00.004-04:002023-09-27T19:40:35.686-04:00Cutting Edge: The Calling<p> <a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7jJbLhYf6RY/Vr9uYgiK5oI/AAAAAAAACjI/M3wWd50SGwc/s1600/The%2BCalling%2B%2B%2528white%2Bbear%2529.jpg" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #229931; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.84px; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7jJbLhYf6RY/Vr9uYgiK5oI/AAAAAAAACjI/M3wWd50SGwc/s280/The%2BCalling%2B%2B%2528white%2Bbear%2529.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5) 1px 1px 5px; background-color: white; border: none; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5) 1px 1px 5px; box-sizing: border-box; max-width: 100%; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="280" /></a></p><p><br /></p><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-3672476375318458577" itemprop="description articleBody" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-size: 17.424px; line-height: 1.3; position: relative; width: 392px;"><div dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;" trbidi="on"><span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></span></span><span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">A few weeks ago my podiatrist shared a fascinating anecdote with me during a routine office visit</span><span style="font-size: large;">.</span><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></i>We love to have our chats together and. on this particular day, I found myself immensely inspired by something he told me. </span></span><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>It seems the doc was having a meal alone one evening in a restaurant when he was invited by an acquaintance to join him and four other friends at another table.</i></span></span></span><span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"> Now the interesting thing about this is that the five gentlemen who were sitting together were all very conservative in their beliefs and my podiatrist leans way in the other direction. </span></span><br /><span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><br /><i><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b><span style="font-size: large;">The subjects discussed by the group during the lengthy conversation which took place that evening were religion and politics...a red flag zone if ever I'd heard one</span></i><span style="font-size: large;">.</span><b><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></b> But the doc told me that just as the conversation opened, he announced that<span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="color: #0c343d;"> <span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">he does not argue religion or politics. He just discusses them in order to understand others' points of view. </span></span></span></span></span><br /><br /><span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #0c343d;"><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></b><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">I</span><span style="font-size: large;"> was intrigued as I heard his no arguing stipulation and wondered how the conversation had evolved after he made that statement.</span> </i></span>With the most delighted demeanor, the doc informed me that the conversation that ensued (with him on one side and the five gentlemen on the other) had been enlightening and stimulating and gentlemanly in tone. And, as the doc departed the gathering one and a half hours later, he was informed by group members that he had presented thoughts and ideas they had never considered before. </span></span><br /><br /><span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"></span></span><br /><span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"></span></span><br /><span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"></span></span><i><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;">Wow</span></span><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">...I thought. And<span style="font-size: large;"> WOW</span> again!</span></span></i><br /><i><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></i><i><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></i><i><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: times; font-size: large;">What a profound result had occurred that day from the very sincere declaration of the doc, </span></i><span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: magenta; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #45818e;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">"I don't argue religion or politics."</span> </b></span></span></span></span></span></span></i></span></span><br /><br /><span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"></span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;" trbidi="on"><br /><span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">I wondered...<br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">What if no one "argued" religion or politics...or anything else for that matter?</span> </i> </span>What if we talked to each other to learn about what others believe and why and how their beliefs have affected their lives? What if we listened to what others said without feeling threatened or intimidated? What if we had nothing to prove and, possibly, something to learn from hearing other points of view?</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><i>The world would surely be a very different place than the way it is right now.</i></span></span></span><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="color: #134f5c;"> It would more closely resemble a gathering of curious scholars and philosophers than often being the hotbed it is of arguments and disputes that sometimes culminate in unrest, injury and violence.</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="color: #134f5c;"><br /><i><span style="font-size: large;"><br />Why do we have a need to compel or persuade others to "see things our way"?</span><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span><b> </b></i>Why is it so threatening to us that others reject our beliefs? Why do we need to see OUR ideas prevail? And why are some of us sometimes willing to inflict mental, emotional or physical injury on those who do not share our views? </span></span><br /><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Have we not come to this earthly dimension to learn, to experience, to discover for ourselves what there is to know?</span> </i></span> And are we not gifted with the company and comradeship of other earth travelers who are also here to discover FOR THEMSELVES what there is to know? </span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="color: #134f5c;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;" trbidi="on"><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span><i><span style="font-size: large;">Why argue with each other when everyone has been given</span> <span style="font-size: large;">this same calling?</span></i> Why not stay open to learning what has been noticed, accepted, embraced and assimilated by others and try to understand what they have learned that has felt so important and appealing to them?</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="color: #134f5c;"><br /><br /><i><span style="font-size: large;">"I do not argue. I discuss so I can understand."</span><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></i></span></span><br /><i><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></i><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="color: #134f5c;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></i><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Can you imagine the wealth of sharing and mutual support that would take place if every man clearly embraced his highest calling "to understand"</i></span><span style="font-size: large;">...</span>perhaps one of the most powerful and needed changes that could ever occur on our planet!</span></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on"><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif"> </span><span style="font-family: times;"> <i> Marie Helena</i></span></div><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on"><span style="font-family: times;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on"><span style="font-family: times;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on"><span style="font-family: times;"><i style="color: #134f5c; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">image from pinterest.com</i></span></div><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on"><span style="font-family: times;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on"><span style="font-family: times;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on"><span style="font-family: times;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;" trbidi="on"> </div></div>Mystic Markshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04606758468689810350noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2092148025129358820.post-71132539249345091692023-09-22T18:46:00.001-04:002023-09-22T19:57:53.966-04:00Attraversiamo<p><br /></p><div class="post-header" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #559976; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 12.88px; line-height: 1.6; margin: 0px 0px 1em;"><div class="post-header-line-1"></div></div><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-5948911237578078130" itemprop="description articleBody" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 1.5; position: relative; width: 518px;"><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on"><br /><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-6553379252194358242" itemprop="description articleBody" style="line-height: 1.5; position: relative; width: 518px;"><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on"><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-3107916554345714315" itemprop="description articleBody" style="line-height: 1.5; position: relative; width: 518px;"><div class="separator" dir="ltr" style="clear: both; font-size: 14.91021px; text-align: center;" trbidi="on"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ucJJUI5tluc/UABlEu973YI/AAAAAAAABFw/KdZl3fE-620/s1600/altraversiamo.jpg" style="clear: left; color: #229931; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ucJJUI5tluc/UABlEu973YI/AAAAAAAABFw/KdZl3fE-620/s320/altraversiamo.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5) 1px 1px 5px; background-color: white; border: none; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="242" /></a></div><div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 14.91021px;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.91021px;" trbidi="on"><span style="color: #0b5394;"> </span><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: xx-small;"><i> </i></span></div><div dir="ltr" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.91021px;" trbidi="on"><i></i><span style="color: #0b5394;"></span><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.91021px;" trbidi="on"><i><span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>The Italians have a beautiful word which translates as "crossing over"</b></span></i></div><div dir="ltr" style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.91021px;" trbidi="on"><b><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i><span style="color: #0b5394;"></span></i></span></b><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" trbidi="on"><b><i><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;">...</span><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Attraversiamo</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;">.</span></span><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: xx-small;"> </span></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.91021px;" trbidi="on"><br /><b><i><span style="color: #0b5394;">To me it means moving</span><span style="color: #674ea7;"> through</span> </i></b><br /><b><i><span style="color: #0b5394;">and</span> <span style="color: #674ea7;">moving </span><span style="color: #674ea7;">on.</span></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: 14.91021px;" trbidi="on"><b><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><br /></span></span></span></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: 14.91021px;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on"><br /><i style="font-size: 14.91021px;"><b style="color: #0b5394;"><span face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif">As I looked through some interesting comments I have saved from my readings, I came across some lovely impressions of how this process happens.</span></b></i><br /><i style="font-size: 14.91021px;"><b style="color: #0b5394;"><span face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif"> </span></b><br style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" /><b><span face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #0b5394;">Lauren Gorgo tells us that </span></b></i><br /><i style="font-size: 14.91021px;"><b><span face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: #674ea7;">"we are not here to own or hold experiences but to fluidly move thru them so as to continually embrace the next experience...and the next, and the next."</span></span></b></i><br /><i><b style="font-size: 14.91021px;"><span face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"> </span></span></b><br style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" /><b><span face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: 14.91021px;">When I attempt to </span><span face="verdana, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14.91021px;"><span style="color: #674ea7;">visualize</span> <span face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif">the process </span></span><span style="font-size: 14.91021px;"> Lauren describes the scene I see is filled with gently moving images that are</span><span style="background-color: #d9d2e9; font-size: 14.91021px;"> </span><span style="background-color: #d9d2e9; color: #674ea7; font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">translucent</span></span><span style="font-size: 14.91021px;">...</span><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: 14.91021px;">they are effortlessly transforming into new images </span><span style="font-size: 14.91021px;">(read experiences). The feeling is one of lightness and the most beautiful energy vibrating joyfully.</span></span></b><br style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" /><br style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" /><b style="font-size: 14.91021px;"><span face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #0b5394;">According to Lauren Gorgo this is <span face="verdana, sans-serif">Conscious Co-Creation</span><span style="color: #3d85c6;"> </span>and it means to live in the moment and create the next moment from the moment that preceded it.</span></b></i><br /><i style="font-size: 14.91021px;"><b><span face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #0b5394;"> </span><br style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" /><br style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" /><span face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #0b5394;">As I reflect on this picture I see that <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="color: #674ea7;">LIFE</span></span></span></span><span face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #0b5394;"> looks very purposeful. <span style="color: #674ea7;">Every experience we have holds the gift of a sacred lesson which anchors the next step in our spiritual evolution.</span></span></b></i><br /><i style="font-size: 14.91021px;"><b><span face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"> </span></span><br style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" /><br style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" /><span face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #0b5394;">Does this image of moving pictures seem difficult to engage...to stop fixating on or obsessing over our experiences...especially the ones that feel difficult, uncomfortable or painful and move instead into the on-going <span style="color: #674ea7;">grace of transformation</span>?</span></b></i><br /><i style="font-size: 14.91021px;"><b><span face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #0b5394;"> </span><br style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" /><span face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #0b5394;"> </span></b></i><br /><i style="font-size: 14.91021px;"><b><span face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #0b5394;">Here are some words of encouragement I feel are especially inspiring to help us develop this approach to life. They describe a gentle process, a habit we can cultivate that will facilitate this spiritual exercise.</span><span face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #0b5394;"> </span></b></i><br /><br /><i style="font-size: 14.91021px;"><b><span face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #0b5394;">I do not have the author's name recorded in my notes but the tone of the message sounds a lot like the words I read from Meredith Murphy's Expect Wonderful and <span style="color: #674ea7;">I share it </span>with you in the hopes that it will spark your motivation and, oh, so gently touch your heart:</span><br style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" /><span face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #0b5394;"> </span></b></i><br /><b style="font-size: 14.91021px;"><i><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: arial;">“Continually allowing myself to let go of things without resistance just opens up ease and makes life so happy.</span></i></b><br /><b style="font-size: 14.91021px;"><i><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: arial;"><br /></span></i></b><b style="font-size: 14.91021px;"><i><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: arial;">I let things come into my life. I let them go. I stop trying to control this or take it personally. I just am. Amazing. So simple, isn't it?”</span></i></b><br /><b style="font-size: 14.91021px;"><i><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: arial;"><br /></span></i></b></div><div dir="ltr" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14.91021px;" trbidi="on"><i><b><span face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #0b5394;"> Can you SIMPLIFY the moments of your life?</span></b></i></div><div dir="ltr" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14.91021px;" trbidi="on"><i><b><span face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span></b></i></div><div dir="ltr" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14.91021px;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 14.91021px;" trbidi="on"><i><b><span face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #0b5394;"> </span></b><br style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" /> <b><span face=""Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"> </span><span style="color: #073763;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: medium;"><span face=""Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">M</span></span><span face=""Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #0b5394;">arie </span><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: medium;"><span face=""Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">H</span></span><span face=""Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #0b5394;">elena</span></span></b></i></div><div dir="ltr" style="font-size: 14.91021px;" trbidi="on"><i><span style="color: #073763;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span></span></i></div><i style="font-size: 14.91021px;"><span style="color: #073763;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"></span></span></i></div><div class="post-body entry-content" itemprop="description articleBody" style="font-size: 14.91021px; line-height: 1.5; position: relative; width: 518px;"><i><span style="color: #073763;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"></span></span><span face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif"></span></i><br /><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on"><br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>image from </b></i><i style="color: #3d85c6;"><span face="verdana, sans-serif"><b>art-saloon.ru</b></span></i></span></div></div></div></div></div></div>Mystic Markshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04606758468689810350noreply@blogger.com0