WHEN MY BODY SPEAKS TO ME

It seems to take a crisis in health or circumstances to cause me to pause and look closely at what is going on inside. These past couple of weeks I have faced health challenges which not only frightened me, but also caused me to pause and think more about who I really am, my power, my abilities and the amount of control I do indeed have over my body and my life. I’ve had to slow down and re-establish my connection with the Divine within me. Sitting quietly and patiently in the Silence of Prayer has proven to be far more powerful than any human medicine.

During these days of bodily, spiritual and emotional upheaval, I’ve learned greater perseverance, patience, and letting go and letting God be God in me. Most of my life I have battled with control issues, impatience and anger. I know the roots of these go far back into childhood. They have been embedded in my consciousness and, therefore, within the very cells of my body. What has grown from those “seeds” has been a harvest of fear, doubt and feelings of being powerless and unworthy. If I don’t pay attention, my body reacts … sometimes loudly and painfully. The pain is a “gift”, even if it is an unwelcome one.

If nothing else, illness slowed me down. I had to take precious time apart … sitting quietly, listening to peaceful music, sleeping with peaceful music, reading spiritual material and absorbing the lessons it teaches. And I have the precious gift of a powerful support system of those I love. When I fail to pay attention to what is going on inside, my body reacts … sometimes loudly and painfully. But pain can actually be a “gift” when it makes me reassess my priorities and my activities.

There is nothing more powerful than pain in my gut to grab my attention. Our gut is the center of our bodies, the solar plexus, the place of energy and intuition. We all have moments when we know “in our gut” that something is either right for us or wrong. The gut is not only where we process food. It is where we process our emotions. When negative emotions become “stuck” in our digestive track, food gets stuck as well.

Our gut - our solar plexus - is the place where our subconscious mind connects with our physical body. When we are stressed, the flow of life is blocked. We become “constipated” - not only physically, but emotionally and spiritually. I have been forced to acknowledge my emotions this past couple of weeks because they have been “churning” within me. They are linked to my intuitive self. So, what emotions and truths about myself have I been stuffing instead of acknowledging and allowing to flow freely? Fear, disappointment, anger, unforgiveness, resentment?

Perhaps I’ve been ignoring my inner self and the wisdom it imparts to me. Maybe it is telling me I need to slow down, reassess my priorities, look at my values, gently examine my life and engage in acceptance - “warts and all”. Maybe it was even trying to tell me of my own worth, that I am far more powerful and creative than I believed, that I deserve to pause and rest. I slowed the pace, forgave my shortcomings and perceived flaws. And when I forgive myself and others, I receive the gift of peace to heart, soul, mind and body … a healing peace which allows the power of life to flow within and through me once again.

And, perhaps the greatest lesson of dis-ease is the realization that the present moment is the only moment there is. Living fully in the present in the now, appreciating God's love and gifts to us, is the momentum which carries us forward into a more fulfilling life.

HOLY MOMENTS

In Matthew Kelly’s book titled “HOLY MOMENTS”, he discusses the idea that at any time we have the choice to do something selfless, to perform an act of kindness for another which comes directly as inspiration from God. This means we must be open to hearing what God says to us so we put aside our own needs in service to another. It can be anything as simple as a kind word to the checkout person at the grocery store, doing a favor for a friend, or holding someone in prayer. At the Unity church I attend, we have a “prayer chain” in which we hold one another in the Love, Light and Wisdom of God. All these beloved friends are participating in holy moments.

Ever since I have read Kelly’s book, I have decided to implement holy moments in my life. Yesterday, I went to McDonald’s to purchase a meal, and donated extra money in gift cards for other customers who would follow. Today, I did the same at my favorite Chinese restaurant. I like to think it brought some small joy to the recipients, and it is fun to imagine the look of pleasant surprise on someone’s face.

Likewise, when I was at Aldi this afternoon, I found two beautiful bouquets of roses. On my walk home, I decided I would give them to two friends in my building. They were surprised, and their smiles showed their joy. And it was my joy.  “God loves a cheerful giver”. When we spread warmth and cheer to others, we cannot keep it from ourselves.

Holy moments result in behavior that is a reflection of our state of mind and the Christ Consciousness present within us. For example, when we choose to hold our temper rather than release it on some unsuspecting person, this is the result of a holy moment. We not only hold our temper, but we replace feelings of anger with patient, loving kindness.

When we feel urged to grow beyond our comfort zones, and attempt new things, these are also God inspired holy moments. We stretch ourselves beyond our usual behavior and take a risk and try our wings. Beginning this blog months ago was one of those holy moments for me. I would like what I speak of in this blog to bring out the best in myself and in anyone else reading it … helping us to become a better version of ourselves as we choose to carry out holy moments.

Likewise, when we are faced with difficult decisions, we take them to God in prayer. Perhaps a crisis has arisen. We are fearful, unsure, at a crossroads with no idea what to do. In this instance we turn to Spirit and receive the comfort and inspiration we need to move forward in yet another holy moment.

As Kelly points out in his book, holy moments produce exponential results. They are not simply one moment in time. That moment is multiplied over and over again, like a tidal wave of goodness reverberating throughout the world and permeating the universe. A small change in behavior has a ripple effect, the dynamics of which affect the entire human race.

REFERENCE:

“HOLY MOMENTS” - “A Handbook for the Rest of Your Life”

Author: Matthew Kelly

Published August 2022 Blue Sparrow

Additional Information: Courtesy of Google

THANK YOU GOD

Thank you God for all things great and small

For the day we awaken to, rich with promise

For the love of friends and family

For the food we eat which nourishes our bodies

For the gift of prayer which nourishes our souls

For our prosperity in all matters

For the clothes we wear

For the gifts of imagination and creativity

For the job we have and for the car we drive

For the beauty of nature that surrounds us

The sprinkling of stars across the heavens at night

The moon sparkling on the still surface of a lake

The sun which warms us

The trees that shelter us

The birds that sing to us

For all the creatures that populate the earth

For all of nature, from the highest mountain to the deepest green forest

For all of these amazing gifts we give thanks and send a blessing to all throughout the universe

            WHAT WOULD JESUS DO?

With the world and our country being in the state of upheaval it now is, the question arises, at least in my mind, WHAT WOULD JESUS DO? One of the trustees at my church suggests that we must become politically active when human rights are being threatened. This has not been the norm for Unity, even at the time of WWII and the atrocities being carried out by Hitler. All of the political upheaval that is taking place today is equally disturbing at so many levels. Therefore this person has a valid point. Unity handles everything with prayer, focusing on Divine Order, stating “THERE IS ONLY ONE POWER AND ONE PRESENCE IN THE UNIVERSE AND IN MY LIFE, GOD THE GOOD OMNIPOTENT.” As part of Unity we believe there is no separate power of Evil in the world, only people who choose to act with evil intention. Further we believe that the divine spark of God lives in every being, is everywhere present throughout creation. So no matter how an individual presents him/herself to the world, God is still in that person. I hold these tenets to be TRUTH with a capital “T”. 

Still, I have questions. And, since I am questioning, I ask myself what Jesus would do if he were alive today. He was never political in his actions during his leadership of the apostles. In fact, he shunned all political affiliations, refusing to take a public stance on the atrocities being committed by the Roman government. He led powerfully and effectively by example only … the way he showed up in the world and treated everyone alike: “saint” or “sinner”. He was strong and sure in his beliefs, but he always led with LOVE. He did not simply react, but instead acted from the TRUTH at the center of his being. And I believe that is the way that each of us needs to act as well. But, unfortunately, as strongly as I believe this, there are still plenty of moments when I forget.

Acting as Jesus would act is a challenge which comes much closer to home when we consider our actions relevant to our place in society, in our workplace, in our families or in the world at large. It has a huge impact with regard to those we love … family and friends. Recently, with a family member I love dearly I took a strong stand on something that I believe in. In doing so, I hurt someone I loved. That was definitely not my intention. But had I taken a deep breath and continued to act with thought, rather than simply REACT, my pain and that loved one’s pain could have been spared. This situation is still not totally healed, but I pray my loved one knows I meant no harm and knows I want only the very best. I ask her forgiveness for any and all problems that arose due to my questioning her beliefs and her behaviors.

She has as much right to her perspective and her desires as I do to mine. I know there may be no easy answers to some problems that arise. Still I hope that I do better the next time … that I listen more closely, be more empathic, pay more attention to detail, and attempt to understand her point of view. If she happens to read this anytime soon, I hope she will forgive me. Sometimes, in the heat of the moment, we forget to treat one another with tenderness and compassion. No, we do not have to agree, we have only to disagree with love and respect. I know for certainty that is what Jesus would do.

Namaste my loved one.

                  THE LIGHT OF SPIRIT

When we are filled with the Spirit of God we feel a lightness within that glows outward to encompass all whom we meet and which inspires all that we do. This lightness allows us to rise above challenges, realizing that no problem or worry is here to stay. No problem or worry can stand in the Light of God. When we focus on the Light, we feel lighter physically, spiritually and emotionally. We realize our genuine strength to handle all that enters our lives when we do it with grace, when we approach it with love.

In this lightness of being new ideas spring forth. Creativity flows freely. Each undertaking, each task takes on new meaning. We revel in the small things and feel grateful for each and every pleasant moment that comes our way. And the more we appreciate these small moments, the more they show up in our lives, and they invite the possibility of even greater opportunities and prosperity.

When we are full of the Light of Spirit, we clearly recognize our goals and our dreams. We step into them with confidence, poise and grace, knowing that with God all things are possible, even with faith the size of a mustard seed. Hope thrives in the light. Dreams come to fruition in the light. Relationships flourish in the light.

        OUR POWER TO HEAL

After a lifetime of seeking answers from sources outside of myself, I am coming to understand the tremendous wisdom and power for healing I hold within me. Too often I have focused on the “illness”: a physical condition, a relationship or a set of circumstances that need “resolution”. And, often, as is the case with human beings, I want that resolution NOW. But true healing requires patience. Seldom, if ever, does it happen overnight.

Whether it be physical, mental, emotional or spiritual, healing is a process that begins with our hearts, is engaged by the will of our minds, and perfected by our ability to focus. When we maintain the belief of all good, it then manifests in that part of our body,  life, relationships, finances or any other circumstance in need of healing. By engaging in that powerful inner work we reap a bountiful harvest.

 

But healing also requires alignment. Just as I go regularly to the chiropractor to keep the bones, tissue and muscles of my body aligned, I need to be spiritually aligned through the development of my consciousness: keeping my thoughts elevated, optimistic, peace-filled and loving … and placing my awareness on God-within-me. I pray for the healing I wish to see, thanking God for that healing even before it manifests, knowing that perfect health is the Truth of my Being.

Our pain in need of healing is often the result of our soul in crisis, but that pain can be a great teacher if we remain patient and willing to sit with it to discover its source and what it has to teach us. It’s natural to wish to avoid pain, but it can be a springboard to heightened awareness and greater empathy towards others and tenderness even to ourselves.

But what if the healing we desire does not occur? The challenges of illness remain a part of our lives, or a loved one passes on. We are bereft. We may feel angry and alone in uncharted territory. Recently, a beloved friend passed. I watched a whole community come together to share their grief, lovingly support her family, and celebrate her life and the light she brought into the world. We honored the loving work she did in her church and in the community. We witnessed a life very well lived because she tenderly and lovingly touched so many lives. A different kind of healing occurred.

 AMAZING GRACE

I think that many moments in my life have been lived purely by the grace of God. There were times when I almost did not live to see the next day: a near drowning when I was only nine years old, and, later in life, a serious accident in my car that could have killed not only me but my husband and the other drivers involved. These were moments when I may not have had a chance to live one moment longer in this life on this earth plane. But I did. I lived to learn more about God’s grace, God’s love, about second chances, about giving back, about forgiveness, especially forgiveness of myself. Ah, yes, that is often the most difficult forgiveness of all.

God’s grace and great love for me saw me through homelessness, kept me off the streets, removed me from unhealthy relationships when I was not wise enough to leave those relationships willingly, kept me going through deep depression and despair, kept me from truly ending my life even when I attempted it willingly. Even if the attempts were feeble and more of a call for help, God’s grace still kept me from doing any greater harm to myself. God’s grace sustained me in all the months of healing that followed.

I am here today, writing this, because I have known God’s grace present in my life for the entirety of my life. And I am profoundly grateful. God’s grace sustained me even in … perhaps especially in… those moments when I did not think myself worthy of love … experiences of trauma as a child when I was harmed by those very people who loved me. That is a kind of betrayal which is challenging to live beyond. I carried tremendous anger and resentment towards those people for a very long time.

It took a long time for me to discover that forgiveness of myself and others is the only path to peace. And I believe that the grace and love of God revealed that to me. I don’t know what led those I loved to make the decisions they made, but that is not important. For I didn’t  live their experiences, and  I cannot possibly understand what they went through. God always forgives and it is mine to forgive also: to give for, to give love in return no matter what has taken place.

No matter what happens to us, by us, because of us or because of others … none of that … absolutely none of that could ever separate us from the love of the Power that created each of us. That Power eventually brings us back to our spiritual selves, to our spiritual senses, to our spiritual awareness of who we really are … we are “saved” by amazing grace.

When I look back on those moments now, with a changed perception, I see that we are all souls on a  journey, sometimes fumbling along the way, trying to figure out who we are, how we fit into the grand scheme of things, often unaware of our great connection to an all loving and all forgiving creator. We can only live what we know. Until we are blessed by being exposed to new thoughts, new ways of being … we cannot grow beyond pain and fear. They hold us hostage to our pasts. Love and forgiveness not only help us to grow beyond our past, but to set our course on a new future … a future with hope and faith.

I am reminded of that passage from Jeremiah 29:11-13 NRSV “For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope. Then when you call upon me and come and pray to me, I will hear you. When you search for me, you will find me, if you seek me with all your heart”

THAT is the profound presence of GRACE that brings us all home to God who dwells within us.

    PRECIOUS ONE - YOU MATTER

If you know nothing else, know this.

More precious in the sight of God are you

Than the tallest and grandest mountains,

The bluest oceans and the mightiest oaks.

The stars of the heavens, as brilliant as they are,

Are not as precious in His sight as are you

Because you are the only part of creation

Made precisely in the image of the Creator.

The care of of Mother Earth and the magnificent animals upon it

Has been given to you to respect, cherish and protect.

Your heart pulses with the creative energy of the Divine,

In a perfect rhythm of love and compassion.

No one else can do what you, alone, came here to do.

And, on the day you were born, all the angels in the heavens rejoiced.

                       SPIRIT HEALS AND RESTORES

No matter what our state of mind, our emotions, our thoughts or what is going on in our bodies or in our lives, no challenge we experience can compare to the healing power of Spirit to transform and renew. Sometimes, like right this very moment, I feel kind of empty inside, kind of worn out, kind of burned out. I’ve had trouble creating meaningful content for this blog. I feel like the proverbial “one hit wonder” - the writer who has produced her one great novel and has a block to come up with another to rival the meaning, depth and beauty of that first “hit”.

But it is a natural phenomenon to reach plateaus in our creative processes. Recently, I experienced the loss of a dear friend. And I think perhaps that has been one of the reasons for this creative block I seem to be experiencing. Sorrow and loss can sometimes temporarily rob us of our voices and our ambitions, and dull our hopes and dreams, taking the lustre from them that once before they held.

But this is a temporary state, for we are like the seed lying quietly beneath the soil, establishing strong roots before growing upward toward the sun. Spirit is our sun, our muse. And the wisdom of Spirit brings us back to our creative senses and renews the wonder we felt before.

When I wish to feel inspired, I admire the beauty of trees, flowers and plants. I consciously choose to meditate or to create something of beauty. Perhaps I read an inspiring book. These are the quiet spaces in which I heal, dream, plan and feel nurtured and comforted. Beauty and quiet are great healers of my body, mind and emotions … the bestowers of the peace of mind I feared I had lost.

And, when all else fails, I trust Spirit to lead me from the desert.

    GOD’S PRECIOUS GIFT

On this beautiful Mother’s Day, I feel thankful for all the women in my life who have given selflessly and lovingly over and over again to me and to their families. Whether or not you gave birth to someone, you have, with your very presence, been an inspiration and a loving touch of tenderness and source of strength for others. You blessed their lives with kindness, with courage and hope. You provided celebration in happy moments and brought grace and comfort in times of difficulty, sorrow or confusion.

You have lifted up others over and over again, selflessly, tirelessly. And in so doing, you have made this world a better place. I salute all of you: dear nieces, cousins, friends, the beautiful congregation of my church, neighbors, every wonderful woman on the face of the planet, and all my loved ones who have gone before: my mom, dear aunts and cousins now gone on into Spirit. God has worked wonders in and through each of you.

Proverbs 31:25-31 eloquently states:

“She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.

She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.

Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: ‘Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.’ ”

May God keep you safe, give you peace and a life as beautiful as you have made others’ lives.

     ANOTHER NEW YEAR

Today I began another “new year”. Each birthday makes me take a look at where I am as opposed to where I might like to be. But, if I am honest, I need to take into consideration that Spirit placed me where I am to continue to learn and grow in this moment, no matter what came before or what comes next. The present is a precious gift. It is the only moment I can live in fully. It is God’s gift of grace in this and all moments that allows me to unfold and expand at my own pace, according to my own emotional and spiritual timetable.

My “new year” is successful if I view it that way, if I recognize it as a brand new opportunity to pursue cherished goals and dreams, and to look forward to increased joy and fulfillment. It’s a new year to love myself just a little bit more tenderly, forgive myself just a little more easily, and cut myself slack even though self-criticism may come more easily. I have grown enough to know that to be self-critical is to refuse to accept myself. And I’m certainly not going to be likely to forgive and accept others exactly as they are if I do not accept myself.

When Max Ehrmann wrote Desiderata in the 1930’s he expressed it this way, “Beyond a wholesome discipline be gentle with yourself.” “Gentle” is the key word: gentle in thought, gentle in deed, gentle in the way we walk upon the earth, gentle in all pursuits of the heart. This “new year” I vow to love myself more gently.

 I AM ALIVE WITH THE SPIRIT

I am alive with the Spirit

I am alive with my God

I am filled with His peace

I am filled with His love

I sing in the morning

I rest in peace at night

And as I praise my God

I dwell in the Light

To know I am a divine child

To know my soul shines bright

To know I am Love itself

That I am perfect in His sight

There is nothing that can part me

From His divine grace

Nothing I can ever do

To turn from His shining face

No darkness can overcome me

No trouble can lodge in my heart

For I know the Truth of my being

The power I’ve possessed from the start

Fear cannot overcome me

Nor sorrow lay claim to my heart

I rest in the blessed knowing

God and I are never apart

GOD IN YOU

May you sleep in the Peace of God

May you awaken in the Strength of God

May you walk in the Light of God

May you know your place in the Heart of God

May you love with the Compassion of God

May you feel with the Tenderness of God

May you live with the Power of God

May you think with the Clarity of God

May you speak with the Understanding of God

May you express with the Truth of God

May you live in the Faith, Hope and Joy of God

May you know your value in the Sight of God

May you create with the Inspiration of God

May you find your center in the Wholeness of God

May you be forever blessed, prospered and guided in the Presence of God

And so it is, Thank you God, Amen

        MY SWEET JESUS

I seek to walk in the world the way you walked in the world. I want to take each footstep forward in love and compassion, in grace and in total trust, just as you trusted Mother-Father God to always guide and support you. I want to make the kind of loving difference that you made … without seeking always material gain, but growing in grace and in humility because there is so much joy and fulfillment in showing up where I am needed ... in soothing and nourishing, in healing and forgiving just as you always forgave … ultimately from the cross, the greatest forgiveness ever known to humankind.

That tender and selfless forgiveness forever changed the trajectory of human thought and of human evolution. You taught us all we need to know to live a spirit-centered life, a good life, a kind like, a joyful life where we seek to fulfill rather than to simply gain. You taught self-compassion and self-care just as you taught compassion for others. For, how many times did you choose to go off to the desert in solitude seeking your heavenly parent, solace of the divine kind, solace that can come from no human source? Your example shows us to take that same valuable time apart to nourish and refresh our spirits, renew our strength and better love ourselves.

You walked gently and humbly upon the earth, never seeking acclaim, never demanding your own needs be met. But in meeting the needs of others you glorified your own humanity and made it divine. That same divinity lies within each of us. We have the same opportunities to love and be selfless as did you. Lead us in your paths of righteousness, of good over evil, of love of others over love of things and love of power.

By your actions here on earth you showed how absolute power corrupts absolutely and how absolute love, even from the cross, changed humanity from that moment forward. You were a simple carpenter who loved fully and deeply, sought only to bring out the best that God placed in you. Let us all follow that example. For all that same good, love and wonder, beauty and wholeness were placed within each of us as we were conceived in the womb.

We were made for greatness, but not greatness at the expense of anyone else.  You made all the difference in the world simply because you did not demand public acclaim and public adulation and the gratification of your ego. But, by doing so, you have been remembered through the ages. No one ever voted you into any office. Your actions alone brought followers to you willingly.

Your power was God's power. It is the same power available to us when we choose love over self, when we choose peace over conflict, when we choose Spirit over our own egos. And in making those selfless choices we bring only good to ourselves in the process. No one who sows only love can receive in return anything less than love, less than peace, less than satisfaction. For self-satisfaction arises from knowing we have done what is good, what is right, what is true, and what advances humanity along a path of peace.