Spring "Greening" is calling us all to Grow

The "Greening" has begun!  Look around and notice the yellow-greens of the leaves peaking through... the graceful willow branches let their yellow-greens dip to tickle the earth... the stands of poplar and birch look like splashes of yellow painting the distance ... even the yellowish-brown of the oak buds are decorating those bent and arching branches of the majestic king... bunches of red bug-like discarded buds catch my attention from amid the decomposing brown leaves of last Fall's shedding... in some places we can even see blossoms of softest white on fruit trees or sunny yellow daffodil messengers of springtime bursting from the now-soft ground... but what really gets to me, as a true Minnesotan, is the bright spring-green of grasses growing all over - in MARCH!


How does it FEEL? Don't get me wrong... I am loving the way the warm air caresses my cheek like the breath of God, and the opportunity for early hiking, and windows open to the fresh air that infuses the spirit with such energy, and the joy of wearing shorts already!  It's just a surprise, that's all. And I LOVE surprises!  No doubt Nature still has a few surprises yet to spring on us this season, but let's enjoy!

And coincidentally enough, I stumbled upon a great life-correlation! I think all this early greening is reminding us how effective it can truly be for us to approach life from a "growth mindset" instead of merely a "fixed mindset." In an article in the March issue of Lifetime Fitness' Experience magazine, this growth mindset is described as a frame of mind that revels in learning rather than the successful outcome down the road; in the journey as much as the destination; in making the absolute best of the present moment, rather than worrying always about the future.  I believe that this Growth Mindset can be incredibly freeing!

How might your outlook on life be different if you were able to:  - acknowledge each small right thing you do, rather than worry about ultimately succeeding, or failing? ...  - Rejoice in whatever you are doing or making happen in the present moment, and accept its inherent great, rather than delaying any sense of accomplishment until the final outcome? ....  - Face any low times with embracing learning, or challenge, or growth and re-focusing your energy there, rather than remaining stalled out in an emotional hole? ... Celebrate each moment, each happening, each accomplishment, each dream, embracing all the incredible potential within you and all the growth that is going on all the time, taking you somewhere fascinating and wonder-filled.   HAPPY  GREENING and GROWING!

What Do Heart Tracks Look Like?

One of the things I like best about winter is how it's so much easier to see the tracks of little critters in the snow.    It fascinates me.  

Tracks tell stories.    To watch the tracks of a deer bound over a fallen log that I have to scramble up and over, .... To see how the length between deer tracks can all of a sudden stretch way out, making me search for the next tracks, telling a story of a sudden surprise or threat to the deer, or maybe a leap just for the sheer joy of it, ...


Or noticing a set of dog paws on the trail brings to mind images of a lone coyote trotting along this trail in the moonlight, maybe calling to a mate or a pack across the distance, ... or a canine pet frolicking in its freedom, tongue lolling out of its mouth, aiming a goofy smiling "Thank You" at its owners, ...




And the bird tracks can be the most entertaining of all!    Maybe a stately pheasant sauntering down the trail until it is startled into the air by some unknown threatening noise, ....  or the fascinating and wonderful intricate design my husband and I saw another time, a criss-cross of tiny tics in the snow, this way and that, around in circular swirls, or surprising us with the occasional angled dart, ... my mind's eye imagines the dance and joy and appreciative awe bubble up.

So, what, I wonder, is the story that my own tracks tell?     

 I love that saying (whoever said it) "All the people we encounter in our lives leave tracks upon our hearts."

 I can see that.    Just think, first, about how the important people in your life make such an impact upon your life.   Parents, spouses, "significant others," siblings, friends, mentors, ... and so many more.   Those are the obvious ones.  Then how about the not-so-obvious people - co-workers, bosses or teachers that are role models or are particularly challenging, friends-of-friends we may meet, neighbors, people we meet through the services they do for us - mail delivery, car service and repair, grocers, hair stylists, .... random strangers who touch us somehow - they paid for your latte at the drive through window, they paid you a compliment, they asked you for help or information or advise and made you feel valued, ...  I could go on almost endlessly.  So I can't help but be a little intimidated by the knowledge that I am one of those persons for so many people!   That all of a sudden is a daunting responsibility.  

But it is also an exciting challenge and opportunity!    If each day I pay more attention to how I am affecting others, as well as to how others are touching my life, imagine how rich my life would be!   I am a sucker for stories, so maybe I could start collecting and learning from people's stories.  And I could be more intentional about how I am tracking on other people's hearts, creating the kind of story I want to leave on others hearts.

Fitting as we move toward Valentine's Day, don't you think?   People, Hearts, ...  Just what does LOVE look like? 

What and whose are the 'tracks' you notice left on your heart?     How have they formed you?      What kind of tracks would you like to leave on the hearts of people you love?    - of people you just encounter?      How can you become more aware of how you touch others' hearts?      What would you need to do to leave life-giving tracks on hearts?       

Deer's-Eye View of Life

Wow!  Today I figured out a way to maximize what mother nature has to offer this winter, what with not really recognizing this as a true winter and all, and I was offered a glimpse of the Deer's-eye view of the world and life.      So here's what I saw.... .  

Life's trail, for a deer, moves ever onward - over, through, under, around.  Not too much gets in the way of the deer, not enough to stop the deer.   No, the deer moves ever onward, despite what it finds in its path.

And the thing that I liked best about the deer's trail was that it was hardly ever straight!    It curved and meandered, criss-crossed and doubled back, leaped over, or ducked below...  Just the thing for a curious explorer, looking for new insight around every corner.

So, with weather that vacillates between being way too warm to keep snow around, or maybe even rainy, or frigid cold, creating icy conditions everywhere, I know it's enough to keep any true Minnesota outdoorsperson in a constant state of confusion, and at a loss for what to do - unable to cross-country ski or snowshoe.     So, rather than be frustrated or thwarted by this weather, though, I invite you to do as I did today, and look the fog in the proverbial eye, and challenged yourself to go out and find some peace and some fun, which I always look for in the beauty of Nature.  

That is how I discovered this new winter 2012-specific sport, that I choose to name "Deer Trekking."     Right away I found myself detouring from the regular trail, to follow the deer path that caught my eye.    That's what I like so much about Autumn/Winter - they give me a chance to see the world from a different perspective, through the trees and underbrush, across the semi-frozen marsh and river, exploring areas of my park that I can't usually get to.   For instance, this deer trail that my curiosity brought me onto today, is something I most likely would not even have seen during the rest of the green year, and would have a hard
negotiating the trail even if I did see it, due to dense underbrush.   So, you see, even the most challenging of conditions - even if it's just lack of decent, snowy winter weather - can draw you into a frame of mind that allows you to see things from a new perspective.    Just like the ordinary or extraordinary challenges we come up against in the course of our days are really just opportunities for us to see something we never noticed before, or respond to circumstances a bit differently.   I love the challenge of a fresh vantage point, no matter what brings that new perspective my way.

What could you do to pursue a path that would offer new perspective?       


What do you wish you had a new perspective on?     


How would that issue look to you from the perspective of some other person  or vantage point?                 
Enjoy the exploration!

Berries, Bugs, Homelessness - Unexpected Surprises

I have been trying of late to open myself up to what shows up for me when I pay attention.      I am coming to find that often the very best surprises can be rather tiny and inconspicuous, or partially hidden, or just unusual and perhaps even a bit out of place.    Take for instance this tiny, but vibrantly colored, startlingly red berries I happened to notice on one of my hikes this past Fall.     I almost stepped on them!     They were tucked away, just peeking out from under the blanket of autumn leaves in my path.     I was stopped my tracks, ..  I left of  kicking through the leaves, .. I was struck by how this tiny splash of cherry-red cheer, lying amid the autumn decay,  could just take my breath away.    It was like this berry wise bunch was shouting to me - "Watch out!  If you go too quickly or carelessly you could miss something - something important, something beautiful, something that could change your way of seeing life, if you let it."     For that tiny clump of drying red berries opened my eyes and my heart that day, to be more aware of the tiny surprises Life has in store for us at every turn, when we least expect it  ...  those hidden treasures, ... those joys, those things that need to be noticed.      

Like branches filled with berries and blossoms, in the desolation of late autumn.        Or a Praying Mantis right on the boardwalk trail in Maryland, ...   or the Deer Paths that become so visible, almost popping out at me, the only things dusted with snow in an unusually snowless winter landscape.     Like throwing dust in the air to see it settled on lustrous strands of spider silk, unveiling the intricate design of the spider's hard work .. art work,  I am so intrigued by these lacy white trails that are revealed in such a highlighted way by the winter's sparse snowfall        - evidence of a whole network of roads used by the quieter inhabitants of this wilderness park.    I feel honored and privileged to be witness to this discrete system, and wonder where it would take me if I explored.    It makes me think of the countless pathways that quietly offer themselves up to us, at various times in our lives.   How many such trails do we really notice?   Where might we be able to travel if we opened our eyes and hearts more to such avenues of possibility?   

And then I am reminded of how this paying attention shows up amidst interactions among people.    Just yesterday, while going about my day's particularly enjoyable work of hosting homeless families overnight for the week at our church,  I had just returned from a grocery run.    I put some dessert goodies for the guests to  include in the lunches they were packing, when one of the moms said, very sincerely and emphatically,  "Thank You."    A few minutes later she returned to again make sure I received her very heartfelt "Thank You. We really appreciate what you offer to us."    Now, that is just not something I expect to hear.     I know our guests are grateful for whatever kindness comes their way, but with their extremely stressful struggle for survival, I just don't expect them to be very expressive of these types of thoughts.    They are just too weary from trying to live and provide some semblance of normalcy for their families.     I was overwhelmed.    Then watching how incredibly compassionate my volunteer coordinator is in her interactions with our guests, always treating them with the utmost dignity, even to the point of affording them the respect inherent in expecting them to accomplish the small responsibilities involved with being a parent, a guest, a human being.    To watch her exuberant exclamation when describing her joy at her own son's enthusiastic anticipation of getting to come and play with the guests children, as he has sometimes reluctantly done in the past.    And  to hear one of the evening's dinner cooks remark to one of the guest mothers about how wonderfully her infant was developing, how well the infant's eyes tracked the movements of people around it -to have taken the time to notice and comment.    The way young high school boys play so rambunctiously with the boys staying with us for the night - boys being regular, ordinary boys, together.     Then there is the attention to detail of the very dedicated women organizing the fun activities for the children; the focused and welcoming chatter of volunteer hosts and our guests chattering companionably at dinner...    These are all the little things that I noticed just in one day at my job.   These are little things that need to be seen, that matter.     These are the little surprises and treasured moments that make a world of difference in the lives of people who are often made to feel that they do not matter.   These are the glimpses I get of the sacredness of life, the gift of human compassion, and the rightness of priorities lived out with commitment, making life and our world a better place.     This makes me smile.

What are the "Little Moments" - surprises, treasures, reminders about what really matters - that you see in your life?       How could paying attention to what shows up for you in your day to day living make a difference in your life?

   

The "20-Second Rule" - Why Not?

What was the 'Good" I found today?  Again, it came hidden within the dialogue of a movie - We Bought a Zoo - you know, the one with Matt Damon?    2 pearls of wisdom hit me in the gut.

The first was the sage advice that "It only takes 20 seconds of courage" .....   The suggestion was '20 seconds' is what's needed to overcome any fear of doing something that's outside of one's comfort zone.   In the movie it was about starting a conversation with someone you were attracted to, but didn't know well yet, or telling someone how you really feel.                               See, it IS sage advice, don't you agree?


I also envisioned another scenario where this advice would be tremendously helpful in my life.   Do you know what it's like when you are trying to accomplish something, like a goal or a dream or a challenge, and you sometimes (or often) get stuck, or stalled out?     Maybe it could be because of something you don't know how to do or are afraid to do, or  don't think you can do.    I think in those types of situations it also helps to tell yourself that it only takes 20 seconds of courage -  to just take that leap of faith, or make that fool out of yourself, take that risk, or try whatever it is you don't think you can do.   If you put enough of those '20 seconds' together, soon you find yourself an hour or day or year closer to that dream or goal,  or past that challenge or wall.   It can serve as sort of a Breakthrough moment, that gets you moving on toward what you really want, or past something you might fear.    That, for me, is a great, and fairly simple thing to remember.  It's kind of catchy - "I only need to get through this next 20 seconds."  That even sounds do-able!  I also like it because 20 seconds is so quick - it is what helps me to make decisions, small or large, in my life.   If I just do it fast, then it's over and done, and I don't have to stay in that uncomfortable place,  and I can't keep thinking about or analyzing or talking myself out of it.   I am going to practice this "20 second rule" this next week.
The other "Pearl of wisdom" from the movie's dialogue, was the very simple question, "Why not?"   For every "Why?" (and I can be very good at asking that question constantly)  there must be a "Why not?"   At least if we ask that question when we come to the "Why's?" in life, we are given the chance to reason through or explore the "Why Not?."   Sometimes that might take us to some real good reason "why," so that the "why not"  comes through loud and clear, and leads us to avoid some potential danger.    At other times, "why" is more of a questioning of our own intuition, our own abilities, or our own convictions,  and can become an "out" for us, so we do not have to go on.    At those times the "why not" reminds me to trust my inner voice and my abilities and convictions enough to risk and believe in myself, opening myself up to the 'potential' of a situation.     I remember that this became sort of a mantra for me the year I turned 50.     When I paid attention to the fact that I had that many years under my belt, and maybe not that same number of years ahead of me to live of my life, then it was really obvious to me - if not now, then when?    I must have let go of that a bit as time passed, thus making the phrase "why not?" shout so loudly at me from within this movie.  I want to live my life more from the place of "why not?."     I believe that will lead me to really live my life, with more gusto, more meaning, more enjoyment, more love.    After all, why not?     I ought to be able to trust myself, my convictions, my intuition and my abilities by now.    I've had more than 50 years of formation after all!     That's plenty of time to complete - or get far enough on to see the beauty - the masterpiece work of art that I am!    I hope you all can see that about yourselves.  We all deserve to live from a place of "Why Not?"!   It's time for me to get back to issuing life the challenge, "Why Not?"!

So,  ... 


What would you like to do in your life with just "20 seconds of courage?"                      How will you make yourself jump into those "20 seconds?"          What Difference   would it make to you in your life?         When  in your life might have you recently been faced with a "Why?"          What would happen if you were to answer with "Why Not?"             How  would it make you Feel?


I welcome any of your own stories, comments.....

Have You Ever Played with the Moon?

Last night I was playing with the moon!    It was almost full, and cast some funny, wild light on the scenery. I always thought that I was a Sun-worshiper, but I think maybe I am really more of a Light-worshiper.  

The past two nights I have gone Night Trekking.    Ever since I was a young girl at summer camp I have thrilled at the adventure of hiking in the dark of night... trying to find my way without the benefit of seeing clearly...  relying on my shadow senses to guide me without accident.    So at the end of two very busy and sometimes frustrating, jam-packed days, that left me with an anxiety level uncomfortably high, I somehow recognized that the air outside was unseasonably warm, calm and soft.   It seemed like this balmy night was whispering to me to come outdoors and let the brightly moonlit evening calm my nerves and refresh my spirit.   Once outside, as I walked toward the trail following the beckoning finger of brilliant moonlight,  I felt my anxiety slide off of me with every step I took.    Soon I could fill my lungs with deep, centering breaths, and I reveled in the new sense of peace and life that filled me.  This is my most cherished method of unwinding and revitalizing - to let nature bathe me in a new, more serene sense of life and my place in the world.

The first night I walked with the brightest of moons, skipping and dancing through its mock daylight.  I chased my shadow, sometimes behind me and other times leaping in front of me.   I followed the spotlight of moonshine, and allowed it to illuminate all the good in life again.   I was in no hurry.   I relished the opportunity to see the night all around me.   At one point the trail passes over a culvert formed by a metal drum catching the rushing water as it swirls through before flowing out the other side.   I was amazed by the idea that here in the middle of January, when the ground was mostly frozen despite the warm temperatures, energy can surge even from under the frozen surface.   Quite a comforting thought for when we may occasionally feel frozen in spirit, to remember that there is a strong current of energy always flowing underneath the icy surface, and we can tap into that hidden energy if we pay attention.   At that moment I actually physically felt my tension melt away, replaced by a wonderful resilience and appreciation for life bubbling up.

Last night was a bit different.   This time when I started out on my hike, the moon was still stuck resting on the horizon, low in the sky.    Because of that, the beginning of my walk was very dark.   I couldn't see anything, but resisted the urge to turn on my headlamp.  The moon was already working its magic on me, as I truly was transported back to the exhilaration I felt as a child, gleefully negotiating my way through the pitch black night, carefully feeling out each step for bumps and lumps and trips and traps.   There is something incredibly freeing about letting go of all assumptions and tuning in ever so closely to invisible clues and sensory guidance, to triumphantly find my way!  That night I was forced to focus - a skill I most certainly need to constantly work on.  I focused on the feel, on the sounds, of the heady aroma of the decaying grasses and leaves, on where the mud and ice were, on stepping over or around as my feet or senses guided me.   I am always amazed that I can come out of these hikes having stumbled and tripped  less  than on the hikes where I can use my eyes!   Even when the moon rose higher into the sky, it served to focus my attention.   I was aware how the moon played with my shadow, strobed as it danced in and out of the trees that usually form an insulating tunnel,  and pushed me onward.  Where the trail crosses a huge, open field, I stopped to take in the stars winking in the night sky, and scoured the sky for shooting stars.   To my astonishment I counted no less that eight airplanes, with red, green and white lights twinkling as they criss-crossed the bright night sky. I was tickled to join in this playful dancing in the darkness.    I was in my element, energized by the Lights - truly a Light-worshiper.

And both nights I returned in a wonderful mood, having reveled in the power of the brightly lit night, allowing it to soothe my spirit and fill me with life and goodness again.

I highly recommend Playing with the Moon and Stars as a mood enhancer, a life 're-set' switch.


What is it that refreshes your spirit?      What has the power to soothe you when anxiety builds up?        What have you found to work when your mood needs to be 're-set?' 

Winter "Walk and Talks" are Wonder-full!

So I discovered why I enjoy "Walk and Talks" so much...  yesterday I got to hike in the park with my husband - a rare treat!   And the whole time we were walking we were talking. We thoroughly enjoyed our natural surroundings, and the unearthly warm weather (in January!), but we also just rambled on about whatever entered our heads.   On this particular outing we spent only some of the time solving all the worlds' problems, or our own issues.    But instead, most of our ramblings not only took us through incredible 'Autumn  in the middle of Winter' scenery, but we randomly "wondered."    We wondered about frivolous things like where sayings like "Night Fall" came from - shouldn't it be more like 'Sun Fall,' or something?    This is especially fun with my very 'visual' husband, who never ceases to amaze me with the way he sees things ...  it is 'Night Fall' because it was like a 'Knight' falling off his horse, and having his lights got out (oh, that was just a joke, but a good one!), or a curtain of darkness closing in over the day could make it seem like Night Falling on top of you.  

We continued to muse in this amusing way, and wonder as we wandered.    So, I deduce, "Walking' amid the wonder of Nature, opens our minds to new thoughts, ideas, wonderings, questions, and even moves us toward unintentional insight or wisdom in ways that just sitting in one place, by ourselves, thinking, sometimes cannot.   And 'Talking' with someone else can be very entertaining, playful, quite supportive, or even amazingly helpful in figuring out 'problems.'    How often have you talked through a problem with someone else, and found that somehow you talked your way around to a solution or a better understanding - and not always because the person you are talking with is a genius, or wonderful counselor with all the answers, either.   Most often I find that the beauty of talking through my issues with another trusted person really is how that person's openness, and perhaps new perspective, opens my own mind to new possibilities, or to see things I had not seen before, so that I am astonished at how I have circled around to figuring a problem out ALL BY  MYSELF - sort of.   How often have you gone through this process, without the other person really saying much at all, but still you end up with a solution or understanding?   So you see, we need other people to help us wonder, muse, figure life out, but not to do it for us.

And all of this mind-wandering seems to work so much better when surrounding by the creative energy of Nature!   I will continue my 'walk and talks.'   Sometimes I will be Walking by myself, through Nature's bounty, listening for the new insights and perspectives of the Spirit or the Universe, as I Talk to myself.  Other times I will have the privilege of Walking with another person, listening for the wisdom of the Universe or Spirit to speak through that space to freely speak whatever's on our minds, or through the supportive silence of the other's encouragement, or through the fresh perspectives of this listener's responses.  

Do you see now how "Walk and Talks' are the perfect venue for Life Coaching?    I would love the opportunity to enjoy a 'Walk and Talk' life coaching session with you!    Please,  make sure you avail yourself of whatever "Walk and Talk'  opportunities show up for you, especially in the midst of God's grand creation.    What a positive energy we can tap into!

I Caught a Phrase that Redeemed my Day!

I found bushes that were budding already - in January!  It made me think of my confusing day, and the surprising phrase that caught my attention - and changed my day!


"Open and Affirming"... that's what I saw on a church banner sign the other day.  So I challenged myself to see how recalling that message might impact the way my day went.  The first thing it made made notice was that thusfar that day, I had been pretty me-focused and was yelling at all the drivers and people around me, in my head, of course.  I was maybe not in the most positive of moods, and that always makes me mad.   So I kept up with the mantra "open and affirming."  This served as kind of a tool to flip negatives into positives...

So I noticed that I seemed to be criticizing things and people with whom I came in contact, almost out of a knee-jerk reaction.    Have you ever been like that?   (My mother would tell me I must've gotten up on the wrong side of the bed.)    So, I allowed myself to say (at least in my head) any of these not-so-positive things I was thinking about whomever or whatever, so that I was really paying attention to what I was feeling and thinking.  This also gave me pause to evaluate those thoughts and feelings, and try to determine how I could 'flip' them to be more positive, or find the positive kernel within the thoughts or feelings.    

• First of all, I was dropping almost everything I touched (even more than usual)! Well, soon I found myself laughing at it, and myself, opening up to finding the entertainment value in my klutzyness, as well as affirming the fact that I still was able to bend down and pick those many things up.  Maybe my body was crying out for exercise, and this was the only way it could get my attention. 
• "Hey, why did that light have to change before I could get through?! Not fair!" ........... Because I was already running behind, due to my own choices, and didn't like that about me -why be open about that? - much more fulfilling to blame (rather than affirm) some inanimate object, right? 
•  or  "Hey, what a Jerk! You cut me off!" - typical driving grumblies. Again, with this non-affirming outburst, I notice this attitude of  'the world is against me today!  Poor me...' and so on' ...  After all, how do I know that person wasn't in need of getting to the hospital to be with a dying loved one, or worried they'd be late for a meeting, and if that happened they knew they'd be fired? or something worse...Be Open?.   
• or " It sure seems like so-and-so is putting me down, or jerking me around. What's with them? Where do they get off?!" ....    Evidently, I was not being very 'Open,' and definitely not very 'Affirming.'  I was puzzled by the way this person was acting, and after I got it out of my system, voicing to myself what initially came to mind for me, I began to see the situation from the other person's point of view, and opened myself up to her reality, and to her vulnerability.   It always amazes me that when I take the time to see from another, antagonistic person's point of view, looking past the red haze of my own emotions, I always seem to find a very down-to-earth, real person who hurts just like the rest of us.  I much prefer treating others with the respect and kindness that all people deserve.    So when it gets right down to it, I was bothered by the ugly way this interaction was making me feel toward another person.    The truth for me, if I were to be open, was that I needed to be positive and affirming to this other person, no matter what, in order to live with myself.   And so within this affirmation was the key to freeing me from my 'not-so-very good, awful, poor-me, wrong-side-of-the-bed' day.

Seeing through the tangle of wacky emotions and outbursts that can bind up our not-so-good days can be somewhat difficult, we certainly can do it.  Flipping the switch from darkness, or cloudiness to letting the sunshine in is really as easy as catching a helpful phrase, or changing the way we do any one thing, ever so slightly.

What might be a short phrase, or mantra that YOU 'caught' recently, which made you approach your day differently?      How was your day different?       What can you create that will remind you to 'flip the switch' the next time your day is not going the way you would like it to go?

A 2012th Chance to See Life's Golden Side

It's 2012!    What I love about special dates like this is they always offer opportunities to start fresh - reflect on what works and doesn't work, re-group, re-focus, and move ahead again in the direction you really want to.   Don't you just love second, third, two thousand and twelfth chances?    There is so much hope!    There is the challenge to begin to look at things from NEW and different perspectives, instead of the same ol', same ol'.   I absolutely love seeing things, and life, in new ways - what could be more fun and refreshing?

In fact, on a recent 2012 hike, while I was pondering the New Year, I was feeling a bit down on myself.  I don't always like the way I look to myself.    I was wandering through the straw-colored, dried out grassy, brown fields, bemoaning the lack of winter white which usually covers up the ugly death of late Fall.    I was allowing myself, in the spirit of my surroundings, to wallow a bit in the feeling of ugliness.  I looked carefully at a clump of dried grass, noticing its straw-like quality, and it brought back memories of my beloved uncle, now in heaven, who used to tease the little-girl me, by asking me how come my (very thin, fine) hair always looked like straw.   It was our fond joke, and I loved my uncle dearly, especially his teasing nature.   But, as you might have experienced at one time or another, my little-girl mind encoded it somewhere into the back of my brain as 'something wrong with me.'      Wouldn't you know that I would get stuck on that part of it, instead of the loving relationship, in that moment.


But as I continued hiking, and surveyed my surroundings more closely, I noticed that I was floating in this field of "amber waving grains," ... the sunlight illuminated the beauty of these 'fields of gold.'   (I often hear snippets of songs in my head, that better describe any given situation, don't you?)  Looking at these dried autumn grasses in this new light, they glistened, and shimmered, danced in the breeze, whispering promises and potential.    I was very clearly reminded that even the things we perceive as ugly, negative, dead can be seen to be life-giving, beautiful, if we but open our eyes to let the sunshine paint glowing brightness.    It's true of myself, too.    Whenever I focus on the 'unflattering' picture in my mind of how I must look to the world, I also know, deep down, that I could just as easily sift through all those photographs in my mind (or that really exist) and find an equal (if not greater) number of 'flattering' photos, that really project more of who I really am.    It is that incomprehensible tendency to somehow more readily see and accept the unflattering, critical portraits as being me, rather than allowing myself to really see those more positive and beautiful images that reflect the true me - positive and empowering.


So this 2012, I am making a concerted effort to mentally (and perhaps physically) 'un-tag' those more criticizing images of who I am (those in my mind, as well as those on the web or in concrete photos), as my daughter taught her social-network semi-literate mom she could do, and 'tag' only those images that show the real me in fine, golden, brilliant and shining form.   I think I will create a 'Vision Board'  that proudly displays all the empowering images of myself, so I don't forget who I really am.

Imagine that - a little self-esteem message emerges for me from the very 'brownness' of our winter landscape.


What would YOU like to look at from new perspective, in different light this new year?


What would it take to see your own self in golden, brilliant, shining light?


What difference might that make in your life?

Where Does the Blind actually Lead the Blind?

I challenged myself to a very different experience today... I went to my aqua aerobics class this morning, with my favorite instructor (she has a great sense of humor and fun music choices!) as I often do on Tues. mornings, but this time my mind created a challenge for me, off of my own more tuned-in powers of observation.   I have always admired this particular woman in the class, whose upbeat sense of humor and over-all good nature seem to beam brilliantly, despite her obvious impediment of being blind.    I am in awe of how she can negotiate her way by herself, independently taking care of finding her way and following all the verbal cues of the water instructor.

So I decided to put myself in her place, so to speak, and only to a point of course, and I closed my eyes and tried to follow the class.   I listened as intently to the instructor's cues, and though I thought I was paying close attention, I often found myself starting the exercises one way, but soon changing my actions as I figured out what she was really telling us to do.   It is so intriguing how my 'listening' wasn't really as good as I thought it was.    I would follow her cues as I understood them, only to realize that I had not interpreted it correctly at first, and them had to adjust.   Sometimes I just assumed I knew what she wanted us to do, and only after needing to rely solely on what I heard in order to accomplish the moves, I would let go of my assumptions and 'listen' more intently.   I was slower to accomplish what she was telling us to do, because I found myself constantly readjusting to some new piece of information I had just noticed.

I felt like I truly was in a shadow world.    Eventually, true to my sun-loving nature, I found myself turning toward the corner window where I could feel the sunshine.   There were 7 posts in the window and it curved in an arch. ( I peeked.)    As I faced the sun every once in a while I would lose the sunshine, either behind a post or behind the top arch of the window.   This made me experiment with moving my own body to try to recapture the sunlight.    It fascinated me to notice how each subtle movement changed the feel of the sunlight, and sometimes tiny movements were enough to reclaim the sun, while other times I had to work hard to find where the sun had gone.    It was a fascinating dance.

I was in deep water... I like to do this class in the deep water, so, since I'm not anchored, I would often find myself moving through the water as I did the exercises.   I like this feeling of 'dancing,' but noticed the extra challenge it offered by needing to try to avoid other people or the edge of the pool.   I was amazed that I couldn't always tell where I was in the pool, and a few times came quite close to bumping into other people.

All in all it was a fun experiment, and gave me even more respect for this wonderful blind woman of character.

Then I paid closer attention to how the rest of the day progressed, maybe because of this experiment. I have heard that it is good to change the way in which you do something, some small thing, so that you are out of your comfort zone and calling upon other senses and skills to manage.    Like maybe write with your off-hand (for me the left one).    I remember even seeing in a movie once a man who used a blindfold while he was eating, as a way of losing weight, causing one to pay closer attention to the taste, smell and feel of the food and one's reactions to the food.    Well, the rest of my day was amazing - who knows, maybe because I 'mixed things up' a bit.    I enjoyed my colleagues company so much more, noticed more affirmations come my way, found myself more open to new changes, and so on....

I remembered a photo I took  a few days ago, before the snow, that was really quite striking.   It was really quite surreal  -  "do do do do" - because it so perfectly matched my experiment with darkness and the sunlight and seeing things differently.

What if you were to do one ordinary thing today, in just a slightly, but very awkwardly different way?        


What would it be?      


What might you learn from the experience?     


How would it affect your day? 
Your frame of mind?    


What insight might you stumble upon?


As for me, this is an experiment I hope to repeat quite often, and see where it leads me, and toward what new insights. This blind woman lead me to see things in new ways, and that is one of my favorite things to do!       

 Have Fun!   

A piece of wisdom hidden within an action movie?

I was at a movie the other day, when I was reminded of a quote I heard somewhere once:  "Life is what happens when we are busy making plans." Strange, isn't it, where and when these insights show up?   There I was, engrossed in the latest "Sherlock Holmes" movie, when it hit me.  I was told by some who had seen the movie that it wasn't worth seeing, but I went anyway, and I still liked it.  I was drawn in by the fast-paced adventures, a bit of the comedic entertainments, but mostly by the incredible special effects.  At first I had trouble following the effects, as they were fast, and choppy, and there was an incredible amount of movement, the kind that those with a tendency toward motion sickness (like me) usually try to avoid.  But I steeled myself, stuck with it and was fascinated and mesmerized by what I saw and heard.  Often they reminded me of the cogs in a machine, going through their patterns to effect some action.

The most fascinating special effects were those where Holmes was thinking about what he should do in this scenario to extricate himself from the imminent danger.  It was meant to be a split-second of pre-planning racing through his mind, thus the speed and motion of the scene.

What I found most intriguing, though, was the fact that nine times out of ten his "pre-plans" did not work out as he planned, thus leading to surprise, chaos, and of course, near-deadly consequences.  Yet Holmes still managed, somehow, to get out of his mess.

So I found myself pondering this idea... sometimes I think I know what I should do in a given circumstance, but something gets in the way, making me think things are thoroughly messed up - "That wasn't what I meant to happen."   But when I step back a bit, and take in the whole picture, and let go of how I thought things should  have gone, I am able to recognize something wonderful, perhaps even better in what actually happens. Amazing, isn't it?   How has that happened in your life? 

Funny, when I passed my refrigerator this morning, a magnet my daughter had given me happened to catch my eye, and it said essentially the same thing:  "Sometimes, on the way to a dream, you get lost and find a better one."  Maybe you have experienced a bit of this?


When has "Life happened" while you were busy making plans, and surprised you with something wonderful or fascinating?    Where have you discovered a better dream while you were on your way toward what you thought your dream was?      How open are you to recognizing and just embracing whatever shows up for you in any given moment?

The Trail Less Traveled Calls to Me

So today I decided I would not 'plan' my day, I would just see where it would take me and what I might discover. I just went with the flow.  So I didn't do any "have-to's."  I got up when the sun brightened the day, not with any alarm clock. I ate my breakfast while reading my novel, then switched to my recliner chair to continue my date with my good book. Sometimes I just let myself drift off into a comfortable doze.  When I felt like it I went to the computer and did some household administration... because I wanted to.  Then, all of a sudden I had an urge to go to a movie - something I had not done for quite some while, and so I did - complete with popcorn. Afterwards, I thought I was on my way to the club to work out, but instead I stopped off at a park nearby, for an unplanned hike. The weather was so nice - uncharacteristic for December - that it invited me to enjoy the outdoors, even though I wasn't even really dressed for it. But since I almost always have my hiking shoes in the car, I was off down the trails in no time.

It was here at the park hiking that I had my biggest insight of the day. While taking in all the natural beauty, going along trails I was well-familiar with, I noticed a trail I had not seen before. It was cut in anticipation of snowmobiles, though now, without any snow, it was fair game for me! I was called to explore - one of my happiest states of being! The uneven footing was kind of fun, an it took me through a part I had never been through before. Soon the trail ended at the lake, and I wasn't inclined to walk on the lake just yet, so I was faced with a decision:  to take the regular, well-groomed hiking trail - so much easier traveling;  or to follow the trail that was calling to me - the more natural, deer trail, through the thick of the woods. I love the truth that we are always at choice!  I chose the path less-traveled (by humans.)  It was exhilarating!  To think that I was kicking through the leaves in December!  But it wasn't necessarily the EASY trail. Just as this trail required me to work harder to negotiate my way, it also offered more excitement. I love being able to enjoy a completely different view of the woods that is afforded by wintertime - when we can enter parts of the woods usually off-limits.  Just as this trail was filled with obstacles - thorny vines; thick, dark branches that seemed to be a solid barrier to my progress, only to be easily pushed aside to open a clear path ahead for a bit... just as I found surprises around every corner and over every hill;  just as there were lots of ups and downs, struggles and delights ... I realized that I was also faced with the choice between such options in my real life trail. It is always tempting to take the road that appears easier, but when I am called toward a path that offers new perspective, new insights, moving toward my dreams, I have to challenge myself to answer the call, to accept the challenge, to grow in the skills needed to negotiate a new path, even through obstacles and barriers. I am blessed in my new real life adventure with a little bit of the 'old,' 'comfortable,' 'well-loved,' as well as the challenge to work hard, figure out how to overcome whatever might seem like a block, and  build my dream work.

Where does your mind take you on your 'unplanned' day? What surprise trail have you gone down recently? What is something that calls to you, a big dream of yours, yet seems so difficult to follow? How do you negotiate the tougher trails? 

Counting My Blessings

It seems a good time to take a moment to just acknowledge, recognize and be grateful for all our many blessings.  This season has so many rich images to remind us of those things...

baking Christmas cookies with my daughter,...   the "Santa Coming down to the Chimney" toy that always reminds me that my Dad is present, saying "Ho,Ho, Ho," and "Oh, what's that sound,.. is that Santa's reindeer on the roof."....   the candle scent that always reminds me to relax a little and take in the peace of the moment, ...  cinnamon-scented pine cones in a basket filling the air with sweet comfort, mixed with colorful glass ornaments that tickle memories of past Christmases, and a Gratitude Journal complete with pen, just waiting to be written in again, ... my favorite Jingle Bell earrings, lovingly repaired by my daughter with brand new tiny red bows, so I can frivolously jingle for all to hear, ...   the 'Buddha Board' to write and draw on with water and enjoy only until the image disappears as the water dries - a reminder not to get too attached to 'things,' .....

Then there's the Christmas tree itself, ... sometimes I let it take all of Advent to decorate the tree, little by little, savoring each memory and a few peaceful moments.  Other times we spend one blissful and festive night to put up the tree, add the lights and garlands, then each ornament, one a t a time, with Christmas music and wine or tea.  Occasionally we add something new to the tree - this year it was a few new strings of lights (don't you just hate it when one string of lights just doesn't work?) to brighten up the scene, one white and so brilliant, the other those new LED colored lights that are so much brighter and just 'pop!' And then there is the feeling that bubbles up inside when we see all those carefully (or not so carefully) wrapped packages under the tree, each concealing some wonderful surprise and convey the certainty that we are each loved for the unique individual we are. There is a sense of wonder and anticipation that just can't be beat.



And the hearth is alive with the Christmas spirit, too. Fun depictions of Santa in the unusual poses of a relaxing fisherman (so much like my husband), .... stockings dangling, waiting to be filled with expressions of love, and representing all the important people in our little family, ... a hand-painted plate commemorating the little ones nestled snug in their beds, with visions of sweet things dancing in their heads,...   the Elf Hat just waiting to adorn the head of whoever is this year's 'elf' who passes out presents to everyone, ... and the Nativity scene, with hand-made stable, straw, Mary, Joseph, and soon to be Jesus, as well as shepherds, animals, and on their way, the visiting Wise Kings - reminding us of the real reason for this season - Love being born anew into the world and our lives, to be made room for, and cherished, and worshiped, and shared.

All of these things are representative of the important people and relationships in our lives, the heart of this season of Love.

What are the Blessings in your life?  

I Love My Family & its wacky Adventures!

Wow! What could be better on a Saturday night in our 'brown' Christmas season, than having a Gingerbread House-Making Contest!  What an awesome idea! Of course the fun happens when you get to see everybody's own unique personality come out - and I'm not talking just in the finished product. From the very get-go the personalities are flaring! "Competition" is a word that's almost a drug for my husband. And the contest is on... Originality is rampant... And, by the way, nowhere in our rules does it say that the decorations have to be edible. Of course the first one to make that discovery was Ken. And then I promptly stole the idea!

And eldest daughter of mine is very precise, regimented and logically methodical in her approach - and so was frustratedly yelping and flailing her arms as her very correct 'house' kept dissolving into a pile of rubble. Bri won out, though, as first she managed to construct her house upside down, until it fell again, and this time pieces broke and she was forced to go the 'free-style' approach. Being the smallest person in the group, it was fitting that her finished product also was the smallest, but with lots of pizzazz and color and uniqueness, just like its creator. 

Back to my husband... he created the cutest, most original, and colorful house, and of course he finished first. He only cheated a little bit, though, with one side completed missing a wall and being held up by saltine cracker 'bricks.'  It was amazing to look at! And he was so excited that he quickly took pictures of HIS house, smearing the lens of his camera phone in the process, and texted it to his sister for judging - BEFORE anyone else's was finished. It would have been fortuitous if his camera lens hadn't been so smeared that his sister couldn't even make out the picture - because, by the time we all finished our houses and were setting up for the REAL picture taking, his had  sadly, collapsed into a heap. (see picture below) It was a shame, because it was incredibly cute, just as he was as he quietly worked on his masterpiece, but it never made it to the judging. Ironic isn't it, for Mr. Competition? Just goes to show....

Now, for youngest daughter, our own resident artist, just as expected she worked happily away at creating her art, but also true to Michaela, unfortunate events and forces kept toppling her creations. She is a true artist, though, because each time it toppled she began again, with a new approach, creating new art out of old rubble. The best was her constant giggle lilting throughout the whole process. I must say that she used the added saltine crackers to the best advantage, making colorful 'steps' on the roof - no doubt for Santa and his reindeer, since her daddy had always pointed out the sound of and the tracks from Santa and his reindeer up on our roof, since she was the tiniest wee lassie. 

Our special guest and inventor of this competition, was of course, an architect. Can you pick out his Frank Lloyd Wright-ish design? True to his form he quietly created his structure, step by step, with no collapses, quietly humming and singing along with the Christmas songs streaming from Pandora in the background, totally in his element and happy as a clam. (Does anyone really know how happy a clam is? Must be pretty happy, to have a 'saying' created around him/her!) 

Now some of you might be able to pick out which one I made - a little bit of nature included, and natural elements (ideas completely stolen from others), a lot of color and strange angles,...  It only collapsed once - of course AFTER I became sufficiently smug in the knowledge that I had been working diligently all that time and MINE hadn't fallen.... a quick turn of the tray to get to the other side for the finishing touches, and boom! - both end pieces fall out! I tried to make a swift save, but managed only to 'sort of' push it back together. Ah all in good fun.

Great for creativity, and commeraderie, and laughs and the good cheer of the holidays!  I highly recommend it! Oh and you should have seen the fun mess that we made! Some of US even were decorated! Talk about letting the child within come out and shine ....! Whimsical, wonderful, warm and delightful! Even some subtle lessons of life to be learned, for those who pay close enough attention. May your holidays be as merry and as blessed with love!

What are the activities you do that bring the people in your life together in positive ways? What could you do to spice up your Christmas experience?  I'd love to hear what other people do - we can all learn new ways to enjoy this season and connect with those people most important to us!

What do Simple Rituals and a Kitty have in Common?

Simple Rituals.  There is value in waiting and anticipating an event only one time each year. I am embracing one such ritual, we do every year between November's blustery gratitude and December's sparkling, light-filled Love, connecting us more intentionally with all the people in our lives. Putting up and decorating the Christmas tree with my husband... simple, routine, hands-on, comfortable and comforting ...peaceful,... quiet joy,... dancing around a bit,...taking time out for each other and this special season, ... hope, ... memories, ... Christmas melodies streaming through the air, ... a glass of red wine, ... a fire in the fireplace, ...mellow, muted light wrapping us in warmth, ... colorful brightness in led form, twinkling cheerfully on the tree, ... that warm, fuzzy feeling that settles comfortably in the heart. 

Okay. Now I think I am ready for this season. I can choose to avoid the unnecessary chaos and commercial  glitz,.. infused with this inner glow of peace, - yes, I know I can resist the frantic frenzy. I choose to focus on the people who are important, and the hope and connectedness of heaven and earth. I choose to be more like the kitty in this photo and find my own special place within this season of possibility. Thank you, Obi-wan-kinobie, graceful kitty, messenger of peace.

What are the simple Rituals that are important to you at this time of year?  How are they important? What do they do for you?

That Sneaky Inner Child

Have you ever played that party game where everyone brings a "White Elephant" gift, and then a pan with 2 dice inside is passed around for all the guests to try to roll "doubles?" It is timed, and each time a person rolls doubles they can choose a gift from the pile - as many times as they roll doubles. Then the presents are opened and displayed in front of the person who 'won' them - so far. In Part 2, let the fun begin! When a person rolls doubles this time, they get to STEAL any gift they want from other people - as many times as they roll doubles. Watching this game is hilarious! One person steals a particular gift, then another steals that same gift, then maybe the original person steals it back, and so on. Just watch the energy rise! Listen to all the fuss, and laughing and shouting, and "I dare you's"! When time is up, you are left with only the gifts you've managed to steal or keep. Remember, these are all "White Elephants" - gifts that nobody wanted in the first place or joke gifts. Inevitably, somebody brings something way too nice to be a White Elephant, or another persons 'Garbage' truly IS someone else's 'Treasure. Some gifts you are just inexplicably drawn to I guess. In the end some people are left with a lot of 'junk,' 'treasure,' or white elephants for next year. But everyone is laughing, joking and even sharing their winnings. Ah, the spirit of Christmas, alive and well. Where else can you find meaningful words and phrases like Gift, Gamble, Win, Steal, White, Elephant, Garbage, Treasure, Fight over, Don't You Dare, Over My Dead Body, I'd Like You to have this one, Here-I have 2 so You can have one of mine, Maybe I should go to the Casino tonight, Why didn't you try to guard MY gift?, and so on... all together in one event?  And the best part was seeing the "little kid" in all of us ruling the day!  What a wonderful chance to celebrate all of the best memories of childhood all at one time!

What part of this season brings out your inner child?  How easy is it to coax your inner child out? What happens to your spirit when this inner child sneaks out?   How can you celebrate this feeling?

Snowy Sensations

There once was a song, ..."there's a kind of hush all over the world tonight..."  That's what struck me with a  soft-powder punch this past weekend. What a peaceful flutter of snow drifting down, ... at least from the inside of my window.  When the snow started I was not at home, and a bit apprehensive about the drive home in the snow. But the moment I got to my car, of course blanketed under the first inch or two of snow, (and I, without my snow brush), I began to swipe away at the snow with the arm of my jacket. Magically, the little kid inside of me was released. Immediately I felt this bubble of anticipated 'fun' work its way up inside of me. The snow on my car was a wet snow - the kind perfect for making snowmen! Though I didn't have time to indulge that childhood fancy, that feeling of joy that comes with just thinking about it carried me all the way home with a huge smile on my face and a giddiness dancing in my heart. Then the next tiny miracle... as I approached where I live, I noticed that I had to turn off my windshield wipers, because the snow had become so much drier - just a soft, fine powder drifting down. I felt this transformation in my very being, as I, too began to feel like I was drifting lazily in a warm blanket of snow, in awe of the way it sprinkled the world with purity. Sitting inside my home, looking out at the winter wonderland, there was this peace and joy and warm cozy feeling filling my spirit. I think this is the Advent feeling ... the season of peace and joy that expands our hearts outward, inspired to sprinkle comfort, joy, and peace to the world around us, in the spirit of holiday generosity. These quiet moments of contemplating the snow bring a gift, allowing me to center myself in a sense of wonder and awe, and awaken the Christmas spirit for giving and receiving love. It is a time to anticipate the many miracles of this time of year, yet to come.


When you contemplate the beauty of the snow, what does it awaken in you?


What is one of your special triggers for the feeling of the season's cheer and meaning for you?

Mind Lift

on a dreary november day, I like to remember sunny visions from warmer days...

I just can't allow it! Gloomy skies will not get me down.. (but they sure are trying hard!) Nope.. not even that biting November wind... I will just focus my mind on senses remembered ...   the feel of the warm spring breeze caressing my face as the sun smiles down on tender green grasses ... the cheery white daisies dancing in the rhythm of the lazy, peaceful air, as my heart skips down this mind-expanding trail ... amazing! This burst of color and comforting warm winds, is the scene from the notorious South Dakota "Badlands" ~ but in Springtime. Not so 'bad,' I would say. Right about now, that warm memory is bubbling up through my core, spreading brightness and hope into my otherwise, seemingly dreary day. And my spirit soars above the bleakness, now seeing everything through this lens of springtime newness and adventure and possibility.

What is the "sunny vision of warmer days,".... the "senses remembered"  that work for you to turn your dreary days into brightness and hope? How can you access these visions when you feel dreary?