The Ultimate in Recycling

I think that it is awesome to recycle paper, plastics and glass in order to cut down on the trash that is over-filling landfills and polluting the earth. I actually believe that manufactures should be responsible for the products that they put out but consumers should be accountable for recycling the products that they use, too.

Where did this fantastic idea come from? Why, God, of course! God was the inventor of recycling. How you ask? Easy. Our bodies are quite weak in the realm of organic material. They get sick, break down and need constant maintenance. I believe that God decided to plant one soul in one body, until that body died. Then, the soul is transferred into another body (a baby), while it completes its journey through life. God does not need to continue creating new souls, the Divine simply advances them around creation, until the journey is complete.

So, on that note the quote of the day is:

“The ultimate in recycling is reincarnation!” tc

Gender Issues

Masculine and Feminine energies are found in everything! On the physical plane, this Yin and Yang law often gets confused with the physical manifestation of sex. The subtle exterior differences that animals, to include human animals exhibit is understood to be the sex of the species. However, within all of creation the masculine and feminine energies exist in BOTH sexes.

I know this may seem confusing at first but give it a moment to sink in. Maybe it is easier to think scientifically. Each person is made up of both the X and Y chromosomes. This is one example of feminine and masculine energy. Another example would be ‘right-brain: left-brain’ thinking functions. We use both sides of our brain for different tasks. One side is more masculine energy functioning and the other side is more feminine energy functioning.

When you are clear on the rule of gender, you will also learn that the gender division is important for all creativity. “Gender is found in all organic and inorganic matter AND within the operations of heat, light, electricity, magnetism, attraction, repulsion, etc. In each instance, both masculine and feminine energies are essential - the masculine energy directs itself to the feminine energy, thereby initiating the creative process. The female energy is the one doing the creative work and this is true on all planes.” (Milanovich & McCune)

So, on that note, the quote of the day is:

“It takes both masculine and feminine energies to create life, all life.” tc

Breasts of the World

These two peaks are located in Southern Colorado. The Ute, Comanche and Apache Tribes called these peaks the “Wahatoyas.” It means "Breasts of the World." When the Spaniards moved through the region, they named the peaks Twin Peaks or Twin Brothers. The East peak is 12,683 feet in elevation and the West peak is 13,265 feet in elevation.

Travelers from the east can see these peaks from 100 miles away. They rise up from the valley floor like two majestic mounds on Mother Earth’s otherwise, flat countryside. It is easy to understand how they were named.

Back in the 1800’s, when Settlers passed through this area, these two peaks were the landmark for crossing Cuchara Pass and reaching the Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range. What a significant sign to let you know that you are going the right way!

So, on that note, the quote of the day is:

“When you are on the right path, the signs couldn’t be more clear.” tc

Show You the Ropes

I have learned many things in the years that I have walked this earth. My parents instilled values within me when I was a young girl. School teachers taught me the basics in math, English and writing. Different people influenced my religious beliefs. However, the one instruction that cannot be taught, recited or scored by others is EXPERIENCE, itself.


My father taught me how to do basic maintenance on a lawn mower/small engine. But, I did not value that knowledge of “checking the oil,” until I blew up the engine. My mother taught me how to cook. But I did not value the lesson, until I had to make food “the old fashion way” with no electricity to microwave my meal!

Parents, let kids try and fail and try again. Kids, never give up. The most valuable lesson that a person will ever learn comes from doing!

So, on that note, the quote of the day is:

“Experience is the best teacher in life.” tc

It's All in the Details

How do YOU describe Compassion?

Is it as easy as saying that love is red like a rose? If so, what is the color of Compassion? Is it as obvious as saying that a kitten has soft fur? If so, what texture is Compassion? Is it as easy to value, like saying that the price of a car is 30 Grand? If so, what is the cost of Compassion? Is it as disposable as a plastic bag? If so, what is the long term effect of Compassion?

Doing ‘the Action’ of compassion like serving food to the homeless is healthy and good. However, without ‘the Feeling’ of compassion during the act, there is no connection to the experience. It is just an act of good will. When you are able to feel the experience of your acts, your spirit will expand with fulfillment.

So, on that note, the quote of the day is:

“The color, texture and value of your actions does not even compare to the long term effects of the feeling of your growth.” tc

Diversity is Divine

Many years ago, I decided to become a volunteer with Hospice. Towards the end of my 20 hour training week, our volunteer group participated in a simple exercise. We were instructed to go to a table and select a variety of ribbons, yarn, string, rope, twine and other cord-like materials from this table. We were invited to select different colors, textures and lengths.

When everyone had picked their pieces, we were told to gather the material at one end and tie it in a knot. Next, we were instructed to braid the lose pieces together. I must say, most men have not had a lot of experience braiding and this part was amusing to watch.

The purpose of this exercise was to remind each one of us how different and unique we are. And, regardless of the differences, our lives have been woven together. Not one ribbon, rope, twine, yarn or string was the same, just like cultures. Not one newly created braid was the same, just like people. Looking at my braid and the others in the room, I realized how diverse the population is! For the volunteers, this project was a powerful reminder of how different the people are that arrives at hospice to share in the transition of death.

I still have my diversity braid and it is a rainbow of colors, textures and lengths. Through this exercise, I began to see how colorful and beautiful the world really is when we remove the conditioning of judgment.

So, on that note, the quote of the day is:

“We are unique individuals but made from the same colorful Light of the Creator.” tc

Did you Hear?

Hushed voices, whispered conversations, peering glances around the corner and hands over the mouth when talking are all signs of gossip-going-on. Whether one is in the workplace, in the park or on the phone, if you can’t say it in a normal tone…….maybe you shouldn’t be saying it at all.


Here is something to think about: While you are party to the gossip, there is nothing being said about you. However, who do you think becomes the topic, when your back is turned?

Gossip is a nasty little behavior that breaks down the harmony of a work environment, the unity between family members and the bond of friendship.

So, on that note, the quote of the day is:

“If you’re not going to say something nice, don’t say anything at all.” tc

The Fall

For the Faith of my Mother: I do this for you.

For the Hope of my Father: I do this for you.

For the Wealth of my Sisters: I do this for you.

For the Joy of my Friends: I do this for you.

For the Love of a Stranger: I do this for you.

For the Peace of the Forgotten: I do this for you.

As the waters poor over the earth and cleanse away the monuments of our handiwork, let us remember that nothing that we do is more important than sharing our love with others. Every new Beginning starts at the threshold of an Ending.

Out of the depths of the darkness is born the brilliant light of creation. There is Balance to everything in this life. May you find a middle ground to ease your anxiety and bathe in the purity of God’s design.

So, on that note the quote of the day is:

“Let the stream of life filter through the universe and permeate your essence with the energy of Love.” tc

Beautiful Center

Have you ever done something special for someone for the pure reason of helping them out? I try to do it as often as I can. Recently, I helped my Aunt clean out a storage area that she had wanted to work on for some time. Between work, household obligations, family and friends, she simply hadn’t created time to tackle the storage unit.

With a little extra time on my hands, I offered to help. Anticipating an entire weekend project, I was surprised at how quickly the cleanup process took, when we both focused on what to do and where to begin. Now, my Aunt is probably mortified with this blog because everyone will think that she is messy. Not true! Everyone, including me, her kids, in-laws and even a few neighbors has placed an item or 10 in this storage area. And, like most Americans, we always forget what we have and how long it has actually been stored.

To make a long story short, the next day, my Aunt had to leave for a few hours and I opted to stay and ‘work’ on our little project. By the time she returned home, I had finished the cleaning part and organized all boxes into piles for her so that she could go through the rest of the items and sort out the ‘keepers’ and the ‘trash.’ I even fixed a little sitting area up in the center of the storage area. This way, it would be more inviting and comfortable for her to spend the time that is required to finish the organizing of her belongings.

It was nice to hear her appreciation for the work that I had done. However, it was more rewarding to me to hear about some of the plans that she had for his storage area and her excitement in being able to use the space more conveniently.

So, on that note, the quote of the day is:

“What lies at the center of everything is what really matters.” tc

A Sheltering Spot

I hear people talking all the time about wanting more quiet time, peace, a break and a vacation. What is so interesting to me is that when they finally receive a day off, frequently, they fill it with so many chores, activities and catch-up work that they never really stop and enjoy a break.

I started to wonder about those people that I know who do this. Do they actually know how to take a break or I wondered if they really wanted one? One author that I have read claims that people do not really want peace, a stress-free life or more free time because they would find that boring! Image that. Someone finally getting exactly what they want and then, they find it boring?

When I started to give this idea some thought, I tend to agree with the author. Look at how we have conditioned our youths to be constantly entertained and busy. With all the electronic gadgets to entertain them from cell phones, ipods, video games and computers, why should they ever sit quietly? Why do we complain about ‘these kids?” Look at their examples? We have not taught our children the necessary skills to enjoy peaceful moments because we do not show them peaceful moments, ourselves.

So, on that note, the quote of the day is:

“It is not the amount of time that you have, it is the quality you put into the time that is important.” tc

Coyote Ugly

Coyotes are a nuisance to ranchers. Living in Colorado, I have encountered more people that disregard the coyote, than any other place I have lived. I have heard, “Shoot them on site.” No, I could not do that. As much as I understand the ranchers-mentality to protect livestock and all, I cannot look at one of God’s creations, like this one………….as a nuisance.


She has the right to live, hunt, care for young and co-exist, along with every other creature. She is entitled to yip and yowl in the wee hours of the night at the moon or any loud, screeching noise. He is free to run with the pack across vast expanses of land, claiming territory and breeding grounds.

Coyotes are symbolic of being the trickster. They remind us not take life so seriously all the time. They come along to teach us to balance wisdom with a good sense of humor. What we do to others, will be done to us, in return.

So, on that note, the quote of the day is:

“Who is really being tricked about the meaning of life here?” tc

Feed Your Soul

Have you ever followed a dirt road to the very end? I grew up in the country. To this day, there is a stimulating and relaxing feel to leaving the cold, hard pavement behind and hitting a good old dirt and gravel road.

I can recall a sense of pure, raw living, when I was able to run barefoot through the grass. My sisters and I used to rake-up huge piles of autumn leaves and lay in them to watch the puffy white clouds pass overheard. Of course, we tried to find every shape and animal imaginable in each cloud. I had a blast hiking through the woods and tempting my sense-of-direction to the brink of getting lost, only to find the return path home without much effort.


I can remember the sacred feel of nature always around me in my youth. Sometimes, I smell certain scents on the wind and I am taken back to that childhood association, immediately. No matter how many ancient and beautiful churches, monasteries, synagogues or temples that I have been in, none of them compare to the rejuvenating, playful, loving and refreshing connection that I feel to our Creator, then the natural environment.

Get up! Get out and Get High on Nature!

So, on that note, the quote of the day is:

"Feed your soul at the end of the road, where there is nothing but natural energies to replenish you." tc

Is it Black and White?

There are events and/or milestones that transpire in Western culture that are pretty customary. Not all of these events are viewed as positive. However, the majority of the people living in the USA incorporate spiritual or religious affiliation with many of them. Here is a brief list:


Birth day, school recognition, failed exam, puberty, lose football game, 1st car, graduation, 1st job, wedding day, promotion, vacation, fired or laid off, birth of child, 1st home purchase, major sickness, own company, damaging storm, place parent(s) in hospice and bodily death.

How many of us think or say, “Thank you God for……” when something that we perceive as good happens or when something seen as negative happens we say, “ Why did you let this……. happen God?”

The Divine Creator is Always with us. But, it is important to remember that although God is everywhere, we have been given the tremendous power of ‘free will.’ We ARE responsible for the things that we create and destroy in life. How many times has a ‘bad thing’ actually turned out to be a ‘good thing’ in your experiences? Being fired from a job may seem negative. However, oftentimes, when one door closes, another door opens. It is all a matter of perspective. Nothing is black and white. How we CHOOSE to respond to the milestones and events in our life, determine the outcome. It is the law of Cause and Effect!

So, on that note, the quote of the day is:

“When we view everything as black and white, we eliminate the opportunity to see all the beautiful colors that craft our memorable experiences.” tc

High Times

One of my favorite songs by Sugarland is These Are The Days. Let me quote the lyrics: "We can't forget, these are the days. Don't be afraid. We can't forget, these are the days. We've got each other and that's all we need."

With massive unemployment, a housing market that will take a long time to improve and the American dream going from "the land of opportunity" to ......."getting out of debt," sometimes it does feel like there is no way out of our current circumstance.

However, if we keep in mind that "the good times pass like the bad times do," then, we will be able to see beyond the difficulties of the given moment and rely upon each other to make it through. We will look for a positive change, an open door, a whisper of things beginning to look up. We will hold on to the good and let go of the negative.

So, on that note, the quote of the day is:

"Life is a series of cycles. The higher one gets, the further one perceives the fall." tc

Blue Devils

It isn't every day I am able to capture Mother Nature at her finest.

I was fishing.....what I am doing all summer long.... and a swarm of blue dragonflies flew right in front of me.  They hovered over the water for a few minutes before continuing along the shoreline. Wow!

So, on that note, the quote of the day is:

"Keep your eyes wide open. You never know who might be stopping by." tc 

Creatures of Habit

I have heard this phrase used so many times to explain those behaviors that we all do routinely. It got me thinking. Are we really creatures of habit or Conditioned to the point that what we think is ‘normal’ has become normal? I get up each morning and brush my teeth, use the bathroom, pour a cup of coffee and take a moment to greet the day. I am sure that everyone reading this blog goes through some form of morning routine.

But, what happens when you go on vacation? The routine is not the same is it? What happens when you run out of coffee or your alarm doesn’t work and the habitual behaviors are altered? Will you see the same people on the bus, at the donut shop or in the elevator? How will this change affect your day? Will you roll with it or have a bad day because of it?

I believe that we are conditioned to act the way we do. Routine helps us remember to do certain things but frequently, there is no real routine to anything that we do. Dictionary.com defines Conditioning as a learning process in which an organism's behavior becomes dependent on the occurrence of a stimulus in its environment. We take pleasure in seeing the same people in passing each day. We enjoy sipping a cup of coffee, tea or water in the morning. We derive a certain comfort level in knowing what comes next.

However, we can become so ‘conditioned’ that we are unable to change and be flexible in our lives. Everything changes. When we break free of conditioned behaviors that control our waking moments, then we are at liberty to create the future as we want it to be. We are not creatures of habit. We are creatures of conditioning.

So, on that note, the quote of the day is:

“We can spin our wheels doing what everyone else wants us to do or we can take control of our life and roll with the reality that we choose.”tc

Cool Customer

I have always been leery of people who are too vague. I’m sure you know the type. They talk in general format without any specific details. In fact, when questioned, they dance around the topic or change it completely. The master-trick is to turn the conversation onto you, so that you do not question them further. I am always hyper-aware around these types of individuals.


Instantly, I am suspicious of them. Why not present the facts as is? Why not share who ‘they’ are? Why all the secrecy? Usually, it is because these types of people are hiding something. Maybe they are trying to look better than they think are or maybe they are afraid to offend another. I don’t know.

What I do know is that these types of people present an invisible barrier around themselves. They have so many shadowy aspects, that even they have become engulfed in one level of their own darkness. There is nothing closer to god-like then honest, straight-forward, clear and open communication between two or more people. The darkness can always be overcome by the desire to change ‘self.’

So, on that note, the quote of the day is:

“Like a full moon illuminating the landscape below, allow the light to shine through the darkness in your life and free your soul to dwell in complete conscious awareness.” tc

The Open Range

Looking at this photo makes me feel a little nostalgic.

Oh, for the good ‘ol days….this brings to mind less stress, more interaction with neighbors, simple lifestyles and a profound meaning to life. One can get caught-up in ‘yesterday dreams.’ However, when we put some Reality in the mix, the good ‘ol days seem to lose a little of that nostalgic flavor.

Let’s review this for a minute. Less stress? Have you ever planted, worked, watered and maintained a garden because it was your primary food source? Neighbor interaction? Sure, people chipped in to help build houses, barns, plow fields and keep an eye on children because they didn’t have enough money to pay anyone to do the work. Simple life? We are talking laundry by scrub board, water from a well, horse and/or wagon transportation and long days full of physical labor. Profound meaning? Yes, do it or die!

Sometimes, when we day-dream, we tend to forget how things really were and fill in the characteristics of what we are really seeking………..Here and Now. The next time you feel a bit of nostalgia creeping in, pause for a moment and see if it is really the ‘good ‘ol days’ that you miss or some type of freedom, choice or feeling that you are missing………today.

So, on that note, the quote of the day is:

“When the fences in your life seem to grow taller and the restrictions fill to match them, then, it is time to break away from the herd and blaze a new trail.” tc

A Delicate Balance

An email was forwarded to me the other day that I thought had an important message to share. The theme of the email was about realizing what is important. Here it is:

To realize
The value of a sister/brother
Ask someone
Who doesn't have one.

To realize
The value of ten years:
Ask a newly
Divorced couple.


To realize
The value of four years:
Ask a graduate.

To realize
The value of one year:
Ask a student who
Has failed a final exam.

To realize
The value of nine months:
Ask a mother who gave birth to a stillborn.

To realize
The value of one month:
Ask a mother
Who has given birth to
A premature baby.

To realize
The value of one week:
Ask an editor of a weekly newspaper.

To realize
The value of one minute:
Ask a person
Who has missed the train, bus or plane.

To realize
The value of one second:
Ask a person
Who has survived an accident.

To realize the value of a friend or family member:
LOSE ONE

Time waits for no one.
Treasure every moment you have.
You will treasure it even more when
You can share it with someone special.

                                    *The origin of this letter is unknown.

I believe that it is important to get our priorities straight. The focus of these ‘realizations’ were about your life and what you do with it. Although I feel that a few of these ‘values’ are a bit extreme, there are times when we need to see the worst-case-scenario in order to give us a healthier perspective on focus.

So, on that note, the quote of the day is:

“Balancing what is required and what we desire is a delicate act but when we do, we yield the most lovely fruit on earth.” tc

Stop

There is a language known to mankind that uses a different set of rules in order to communicate the deep and timeless language of the universal. I have called this language, “Universal Consciousness.”


The methods used to communicate involves archetypal symbols, which Carl Jung coined but it goes much deeper by using our sensory perceptions, colors, numbers, natural planetary cycles, body language, shapes, and our Inner Knowing in order to express itself. This language crosses all known language barriers and cultural influences. Within this state of consciousness, all is understood.

Not only do we use this language through simple communication like “smiling,” which we all understand to mean joyfulness but other spiritual beings use this language, too. God, angels, spirits, aliens (to us) and even dark forces communicate through universal consciousness.

So, on that note, the quote of the day is:

“There is a Universal language that we instinctually know and understand. This language can be used to guide, protect and teach us, if we slow down long enough to read the signs.” tc

Frozen in Time

Have you ever been so-oooo tired that you were unable to take another step? Or so-oooo weary that you were unable to think beyond the present moment? As a society, we tend to push ourselves beyond the limits of what we are meant to handle. What is all this work about anyway?

The majority of us are employed by someone else. We work to provide 'them' money, power and control. They hold the key to our lives. (what job you perform, how much you are compensated for it and when you will do it) We work to provide 'us' with a tool, money, to continue the process of working for someone else. Confusing at first but think for a minute what I am saying. Most of the time, we are 'working' for the sake of absolutely nothing! We are not free in any sense of the word 'freedom.'. We are slaves to our employer, our mortgage, our culture's enticements, our government and to our own thoughtless ideals of what life is.

Maybe it is a cultural thing or maybe an ego thing but I feel as though there is too much emphasis placed on working and not enough on helping.  Much of our society's self-inflicted madness and sickness is because there is very little giving and an abundance of taking!

Rainy days in the summertime, windy days in the fall and snowy days in the winter are great opportunities to take a break! We are not meant to work long hours, day after day. It is not healthy. Likewise, when the work is done, it is time to relax and play.

I need to be reminded to play from time-to-time. So, I thought I would blog a simple reminder to all of you to PLAY. As children, we spend endless hours at play. Look at what a child learns during that timeframe. It is amazing. Implement a little play in your life today and observe how you feel when you let go of......work, work and work.

So, on that note, the quote of the day is:

“When we balance work and play, the frozen behaviors of the past melt into a flowing river of a new beginning.” tc

It's Raining!

If you look closely or click and enlarge this photo, you will see that it is raining.  The general theme about rain for most people is as followers:

“It’s raining, it’s pouring the old man is snoring.
He went to bed and covered his head and didn’t get up ‘til morning.”

When we go to the beach, we don’t want it to rain. When we head out to the amusement parks, we don’t want it to rain. When we go for a hike in the country side, we don’t want it to rain. When we sit outside at night to view the stars, we don’t want it to rain. In fact, we really don’t want any other weather to be in place except our idea of “perfect,” if we are going to do anything outside.

How can we have such a narrow perspective about the life-giving essence of water and weather systems on this planet? Have you ever breathed in the clean, refreshing air after a summer storm? Have you stood in the rain and let the soft beads of moisture run down your skin? Have you watched the trees and plant life perk-up after a brief rain shower? Have you watched at a rainbow grow brighter and more defined as the sun shines upon it? Have you become entranced with lightning as it dances and flashes across a midnight sky?

I snapped this photo as I was walking outside in the rain. The sun broke through the clouds, yet the drops continued to come down. I felt like I was walking under a soft, flowing waterfall that bathed me in the goodness of rejuvenating, pure water. The wildlife ran around me. The leaves and grasses shimmered with the dust cleared away. My heart soared with bliss as I strolled along. Try it!

So, on that note, the quote of the day is:

“What a refreshing delight it is to walk in the purifying mist of the rain." tc

Creative Leaps

Is there something that you have wanted to do but have been putting off? Maybe this thing requires making certain changes in your life that will affect those around you, too. I have learned that no one is going to make you happy except YOU. I have also learned that if you are doing something that you love, the people around you will change and adopt new routines to fit into the changes that you have made.


So, you’re thinking that this sounds very selfish, right? Take a moment and think about the people in your life. The ones that are happy are doing what they love, regardless of what other people think. You like to be around them because they share their joy, passion and excitement with others.

The people who are not doing what they love are not very happy, are they? These people complain a lot, are moody and are not very pleasing to be around, right? Which do you think is healthier? If you are honest with yourself, you will see that the people doing what they love are not more selfish than anyone else, they have simply learned to channel their interests and enjoy sharing that with others.

So, on that note, the quote of the day is:

“Sometimes, life will expect you to make major leaps of faith in order to fulfill the colorful path of your destiny.” tc

Connections

I love rainbows. I have tried to include one each month on the blog. Rainbows are symbolic of so many different life forces but I love them because they are simply beautiful.

Rainbows are a sign of connection or bridge between two points. One end connects or links to another point. Building bridges in our lives provides opportunities for growth and expansion in our personal experiences. It also creates bonds of love and unity between people. The arch is inviting and encompassing, similarly to our open arms posture.

The seven primary colors of the rainbow that we perceive match the 7 chakras or energy points in our body. Focusing and/or meditating on the colors of the rainbow will help to balance and align the bodies chakra energy points.

Starting at the base of the spine and moving upwards, the colors and points are: Root= red, Sacral= orange, Solar Plexus= yellow, Heart= green, Throat= blue, Third Eye= violet, Crown= deep purple.

The colors all emit a corresponding sound or frequency that resonates in our body. The note or sound corresponds to the musical octave. Since I believe that we are light manifested into the physical, we each emit a frequency depending upon the level of our conscious/spiritual state of being. The higher our consciousness, the higher the musical note: c, d, e, f, g, a, b, c (repeating).

So, on that note, the quote of the day is:

"May the inviting warmth and breadth of a rainbow remind you to build beautiful bridges between yourself and others, bridges that are of light and love." tc

A Solo Shrine

I was playing with four kittens the other day. They ran, jumped, tumbled and rolled all over the place. It was amusing to watch them play. During their romp around the yard, they did not look where they were going and crashed in to the cement step, planter and leg of the chair. I laughed at their quirkiness, as none of their accidents were hurtful. Quickly, the kittens sprung to their feet and continued their play, unphased.

Our lives are different, though. If we don’t look where we are going, we may end up in a perilous situation. Instead of bouncing back on our feet, we could find ourselves teetering on the edge of a dangerous circumstance. How is it that for all the balance that God created in this world, we would somehow be left the most vulnerable to change? To harm? To Danger?

Well, there is a safety net that many people know about but forget to claim in times of turmoil. The safety net is faith. The Creator provides us with everything that we need in life. Because we have been given a highly intellectual tool, our brain; we must learn to access the knowledge therein. We must exercise our intelligence and come together as one consciousness in order to maximize the gifts that we have been given. If we share our safety net with everyone, then no one is ever left unprotected.

So, on that note, the quote of the day is:

“Like a tower standing alone on a hillside, its protection is only as strong as the thickness of its walls. However, our vulnerabilities can be eliminated if we combine our fortitude to excel and protect each other.” tc

Doors to Open

I was in China two years ago and learned about the symbolism of the Red Door. The meaning behind painting a door red revolves around the ideas of happiness, wealth, good luck and truth. Ah, my American conditioning kicked in and I wanted to touch every red door that I encountered. Yes, I wanted happiness, luck and mostly wealth!!!

After all, wealth is what defines me as an American, right? The more I have, the better I am. The bigger my house, the higher status, I attain. The flashier my possessions, the more likely I would continue my success.

Then, my rational, logical side kicked in. Could I have missed the point of this symbolism somehow? In spite of the thousands of red doors in China, the majority of the population is living below poverty level, based upon American standards. Nevertheless, the people are the most kind, generous and giving souls that I have known. Hmmm, I need think about this a little more.

The symbolic painting of the red door is about spiritual life not material belongings. The red door invites wealth in the form of family, truth in the form of friendship, luck in the form of acceptance and happiness in the form of experience. The memories that one creates on both sides of the red door is what is so important, not the door itself.

So, on that note, the quote of the day is:

“Open your doors and invite in the real riches of life.” tc

Your View

Here is an experiment to try today. Select an object or view and ask your coworker, spouse, child or friend what they see? You will be amazed at the things that they point out that you never thought of.

Frequently, the issues that arise in our life come into play because we forget that no one sees everything exactly like we do. Our individual experiences predetermine how we perceive everything around us.

This is a fun experiment to remind us that we need to be more aware and open-minded about the ideas and ways in which other people live their lives. There is no One-Size-Fits-All.

So, on that note, the quote of the day is:

“We can build mountains together or crumble like rocks, individually.” tc

Bursting with Energy

Happy 4th of July!

Today we celebrate our nation’s freedom, our independence from the ruling monarchy of Great Britain. The people of our early nation did not want to be told what to do in this new world. They, likewise, did not want to send a large portion of their wealth overseas. The men who drew up the Declaration of Independence did so at the risk of being hanged. They stood up against the dominating powers of the era and fought for what they believed in. We are the beneficiaries of their wisdom, courage and ideals.

Shout, Celebrate, Party and Enjoy this monumental day is our history!

So, on that note, the quote of the day is:

“Stand up for what you believe in, even if you are standing alone. It is so refreshing.” tc

Out of the Darkness

I was pondering the duality of life, the other day. Why is everything either good/bad, positive/negative, black/white, male/female etc.? Then, I read a book by Shirley MacLaine (the actress) called The Camino. A Journey of the Spirit. In her story, she explains that the duality of life is necessary for the Action of life to manifest. So, what does that mean?

I have come to understand what science figured out a long time ago, polarity, duality and opposition must be present for life to Be. You cannot have an action without a reaction. There cannot exist light without there also being darkness. Energy cannot exist without both positive and negative charges. Life cannot evolve without death.

Not long ago, I learned to Accept the duality of life. People are free to choose the peacefulness or chaos of experience. My wishing for things to change for others is simply a selfish desire for my life because if others do not wish to change, then my wish is really about me. I also have come to recognize that there must exist an opposite so that I am aware of a difference. If everything is the same, it is static, lack of growth, stationary, immobile and constant. Creation cannot be without motion. I finally Understand why……..duality is.

So, on that note, the quote of the day is:

“From the Nothingness there developed Life, from the Peace there evolved Sound and from the Darkness Light manifested.” tc

An Oxymoron

As I sit here composing the blog for today, I am struck by the very paradoxical situation that I find myself in. I selected this photo to remind us of new life and the work involved in 'feeding' our dreams and desires. How ironic that l would be holding a kitten in my lap, one of the main predatory hunters of these little birds.


So, I started thinking about our perceptions of life and death. We celebrate new life with abundance. We bring presents to the baby and mother. We are amazed at the instinctual knowledge that all newborns exhibit, whether they be human babies or other animal types. Yet, we don’t understand that death is also a transition into another new life. Death is a reason to celebrate.

With our focus and cultural reinforcements of physical life being so important, we have forgotten the religious and spiritual teachings of dying to the physical in order to gain Real Life, Immortal Life, Everlasting Life through Spirit! We have become a hostage to our physical bodies. Therefore, we suffer and mourn the loss of physical death, instead of celebrating the release from prison by our spirit.

So, on that note, the quote of the day is:

“Physical death is the transition of the Spirit from confinement into triumphant release.” tc

Tracks

I was reminded recently of something that I am sure every one of us needs to remember from time to time. I openly admit to being an achiever! Yes, you give me a goal or I set one and I will complete it. Not only will I complete the goal but I will exceed expectation. Frequently, as I make headway on the path, I go faster, as I get closer to the goal. I am motivated. I see the Light. I will forge ahead!

However, although meeting and exceeding the goal is fine....what was the journey like getting there? Honestly, I didn’t always pay attention to the tiny details of some of my past achievement. I did it, that is what matters, right? Wrong!!!!!!

An education is not about receiving a good grade. An education is about the class discussions, the interaction with others and then how you interpret and apply the knowledge.

Raising a family is not about having one boy, one girl and a dog to add to the mix. Raising a family is about playing with the little ones, learning to give of yourself, selflessly and developing a bond of closeness to another that surpasses the capacity of love that you thought you had to offer.

Living is not about the type of house you live in, the car you drive or the job you work. Living is about enjoying a sunrise, splashing in a puddle of water, meeting new and interesting people and creating experiences that help you evolve out-of-the-box.

So, on that note, the quote of the day is:

“Slow Down. Life is about the Journey. The destination will take care of itself.” tc