New Year’s Blessing

I wasn’t planning on writing a New Year’s blessing, but the first lines of this one came into my head as I was waking up this morning.

May each year be the best of your life.
High on harmony low on strife.

May wisdom and love accompany you each day
And from your highest principles may you never stray.

May any challenges leave you stronger
Doubts and regrets trouble you no longer.

By year’s end may you achieve your resolution’s goal
While enjoying the journey as a whole.

New Year’s 2011 Poem

As we begin the New Year
For a moment the slate’s clear.

Limitations are dead
Better days lie ahead.

Fresh possibilities we feel
Hopes, dreams, desires appear real.

So starts 2011
With Potential the leaven.

The Blessing of Health

Today, you ask your Highest Wisdom what blessing you need to focus on. It comes back with HEALTH. If you are like me, you too often think about health in terms of what you lack, rather than how it is a blessing for you in the moment.

May you be blessed with a healthy mind and body.

May your memory be sharp as a tack
And sound ideas never lack.

May your mind the world shrewdly discern
Know when to calmly pay attention and when to raise concern.

May your physical body be equally smart
Adeptly protecting your flesh, digesting your food and beating your heart.

May you have the energy of a child of two
And your joints and muscles easily move for you.

May in every day you experience some small pleasure
And may your health be your greatest treasure.

The Blessing of Flexibility

Imagine that you have reached into a basket and pulled out a piece of paper with the word  FLEXIBILITY on it. If you are like me, you laugh at yourself and mutter something like “figures” or “I need that today.” It seems life never quite goes as planned. Half of the guests scheduled to come to our Christmas dinner had to cancel out because they were sick. Internet Explorer didn’t open for me for a time this morning. My New Year’s Eve hostess just called from the grocery store and was befuddled because her favorite appetizer was nowhere in sight. None of these things are bad. They just required a little restructuring of plans. In response, I try to ask myself what I really want to accomplish and how else I can achieve the same end. So we sent leftovers home to the sick and enjoyed those who were able to attend Christmas dinner; I used Firefox instead of IE; my hostess looks for a new favorite or goes to a store she doesn’t often frequent. Here is a blessing that many of us need.

May you be blessed with flexibility in body, mind and spirit.

May your body bend and stretch easily and comfortably.

When things don’t go as planned, may you still feel calm and confident about being able to fulfill your larger goal. May you quickly be inspired with new ideas.May you find even better methods, routes, and solutions; ones that end up delighting you.

May you feel a confidence in your Creator, allowing life to unfold serendipitously. After praying or doing affirmations, may you trust the words “this or something even better now manifests in my life.”

Christmas Question

Dear God, how can I be a gift to my friends, family, and the world today?

Blessing for Christmas

May joy be born in you today.
May you feel the love of God, family and friends.
May you savor the miracles of life, large and small.

Christmas Pain Prayer

Christmas is a time of pain for many people. Non-Christians sometimes feel alienated. Some people get upset because their Christmas “isn’t the way it is supposed to be.” For me Christmas is a time of loss, full of sad memories of those who have passed on. Recently a friend described how Christmas is a milestone for her, and she isn’t where she had wanted to be when she wrote her desires last Christmas.

Dear God, I know that Christmas is a time of pain for many people. Please ease any emotional or physical suffering. Help everyone to know that no matter who they are, no matter what is going on in their lives, that you love them. Help them to sense your comfort and strength surrounding them and to feel your peace. Help them to experience a moment of beauty Christmas Day and every day.  A-men

The Blessing of Imagination

Today you reach into the blessing bowl and pull out a token embossed with the word  IMAGINATION  on it. This is one of my favorite blessings.

The blessing of the Spirit of Imagination to you today.

May your imagination be your mental Swiss Army Knife, a tool for the many challenges of life.

When you have a dream, goal or desire, may you be able to visualize it clearly and vividly, focusing your own efforts and the energies of the universe so that you can manifest your wish.

When the world around you appears to be in turmoil, may you be able to create images of peace in your mind.

When you are experiencing sadness and despair, may you be able to create images of comfort and joy in your mind.

When you encounter limitation, may you be able to create images of a better world for yourself and for all humanity.

When you feel alone or weak, may you be able to imagine the Light of the Divine surrounding you in an all-embracing love.

Today may you imagine blessings falling down from the sky like a gentle rain.

The Blessings of Winter Solstice

The Blessings of Winter Solstice to you!!!

May you know deep in your heart that life moves in cycles.

May you know that beneath the deepest snow and the coldest winds, life is curled in sleep, gaining strength, preparing for its emergence.

May you know that the comings days will be brighter; a new lightness will slowly come into your existence.

May the coming months be filled with hope and anticipation.

The Blessing of Steadfastness

Imagine that you have reached into the Blessing Bowl and pulled out the token  Steadfastness . Why have you drawn it today? I have to admit that I wrestled with the concept of Steadfastness the last few days. At first it felt vague, an idea from which I was dissociated. Then, the idea became alive, showing me pictures in my life associated with Steadfastness. 

May you be blessed with the Spirit of Steadfastness today.

May you have people in your life who will stick with you through thick and thin, through the good times and the bad, through your failures and your successes.

May you have an anchor in your life, something that you can depend upon when the storms rage.

May you experience the Divine at the very core of your being, a constant love and power.

Remembering Christmases

The Blessing of Kindness

Imagine that you have reached your hand into the blessing bowl and pulled out the token KINDNESS. Why have you chosen it today? Below is my reaction to it, my blessing for you.

May you be blessed with the Spirit of Kindness today.

May you know the tremendous healing power of small gestures: a smile of acknowledgement, words of encouragement, the sharing of a simple meal, words of compassion and sympathy, a thank-you, unexpected assistance.

May you be kind and feel the kindness offered to you.

May you know deep within your heart that kindness is part of your humanity.

The Blessing of Triumph

Pretend that you have just reached into the blessing bowl and pulled out TRIUMPH. You let out your breath and smile. It is going to be a great day!

I wish you all the blessings of the Spirit of Triumph today.

May you know the feeling of victory after a long, hard battle.

May you be proud that you never gave up, even though you might have wanted to at times.

May your life be filled with successes, large and small, until you come to the end of your earthly journey.

The Blessing of Honesty

Again drawing from the list found in the novel Troubled Waters by Sharon Shinn, I have the blessing of Honesty for today. I find it interesting to see where my thoughts go with each blessing. Feel free to “play along at home” and pretend that you have just reached into the blessing bowl and pulled out a small token with the word HONESTY on it. What does it mean for you today? In the meantime, here is my blessing for you.

May you be protected by the Spirit of Honesty today.

May the Divine guide you to people with high moral integrity.

May you work only with those business people and professionals who are scrupulous, who speak and act truthfully and fairly.

May your friends and family know how to balance honesty with kindness, speaking the truth when it is important and erring on the side of kindness when their opinions could cause pain.

May the Spirit of Honesty also move through you.

May you be respected for your integrity and known for your compassion.

The Blessing of Travel

In the novel Troubled Waters by Sharon Shinn one of the tokens in the temple’s blessing barrel is travel. I can imagine someone--perhaps searching for direction or in need of some good in their life--hopefully, expectantly opening their hand to see travel. The person could also be someone in our everyday world at a New Thought church or a workshop, pulling a slip of paper out of a bowl or basket.

May you be blessed with the Spirit of Travel.

As you travel to new places or return to those you have visited before, may you find yourself rejuvenated and refreshed. May any staleness be cleared out of your thoughts and sluggishness be cleared out of your body and may you feel invigorated.

May you meet people and see places that inspire you.

May you grow a little, be more open to new ideas and different types of people.

May you bring a little good to the people you meet, too.

Wherever and however you go, may you be Divinely enfolded in safety.

Holiday Love

Today’s blessing is on holiday love.

May you experience the blessing of love this holiday season.

As you write and mail each card, buy and wrap each present, bake each cookie, make each dish of food, and sing each song may you send a little love out into the world.

As you open, unwrap, eat and listen, may you feel the love that has been sent your way.

May you experience the love that comes to you through recipes and traditions that have been passed on through generations.

May you create new chains of love through the holiday traditions that you start yourself.

May you feel the love of your Creator, who is the foundation of the holidays.

Strength

May you be strong in body, mind, and soul.

May you feel the Infinite Power of the Divine flowing like a warm river through your muscles, allowing you to move easily in the world.

May you feel the Infinite Wisdom of the Divine flowing through your thoughts and emotions, allowing you to respond serenely and confidently as events unfold in you life.

May you feel the Infinite Light of the Divine flowing into every corner of life, allowing you to trust that you are never alone and that there is always something greater than your small self on which you can rely.

Christmas Shopping Civility

“Peace on Earth” extend to all
Please don’t make the cashier bawl.
Frustrated customers too often take aim
On store employees place the blame.

Even if the wait is a mile
Try to extend a holiday smile.
Let “visions of sugarplums dance in your head"
And leave harsh words left unsaid.

To your fellow shoppers also be kind
And soon enough you will find
A spirit of kindness and brotherhood goes a long way
To help all around you remember the meaning of Christmas Day.

Hope

The seed thought for today is hope. This weekend, a cousin of mine e-mailed me that his Goddaughter committed suicide the day after Thanksgiving. I have no words that can bring comfort. Indirectly, I can send the energy of hope to those out there who may be in the same place as she was.

May you believe that each day will have at least a little good in it.

May you believe that no mistake, accident or condition can keep you from God’s love,
And may you feel that love strongly, deeply within your heart.

May you believe that the universe wishes you well.

In moments when you feel overwhelmed, may you feel yourself enveloped in God’s loving, wise, powerful presence and know that there is an answer, a solution, that brighter days are ahead.

May you be blessed with the Spirit of Hope today and always.

Synthesis

The seed thought for today is Synthesis, not a concept that easily comes to mind.

May you be blessed with the Spirit of Synthesis today.

May you know that life is overflowing with possibilities;
A situation that now seems hopeless, progress that seems stuck, or a problem that seems unsolvable may not be.
By drawing from diverse disciplines, new answers and solutions are born.

May you dare to explore new fields of knowledge and art.
May you use the Spirit of Wisdom and Play to combine the old and new, East and West, familiar and unfamiliar into new forms in order to make the world better for yourself and others.

May you know the magic that comes when two people working together come up with an idea that neither of them could have thought up on their own.

May God’s wisdom guide you today and always.

Serenity

In Sharon Shinn’s fantasy novel Troubled Waters, one word blessings are printed on small tokens found in temples. I have been using a list in the beginning of the book as inspiration to help me create seed thoughts for my blog. My seed thought for today was serenity. My mind, of course, needed to get into the act and question the difference between peace-- another seed thought--and serenity, leading me to a wonderful, inspirational link. Here is the blessing I wrote:

Despite all the striving and stress that may appear around you, may you feel the Spirit of Serenity today.

May you know the tranquility that is found in quiet moments:
Watching a sailboat glide across calm waters on a sunny day or a butterfly glide on a gentle current,
Looking at the stars on a clear summer night,
Listening to the sound of a flute in the distance,
Gently folding your hands before grace is said.

Change

May you accept change as a natural part of life and release any resistance.

May you embrace change as a partner, working with it to create good in your life.

May change bring you growth and a fresh perspective.

May change bring you joy from places that you have never known before.

May change bring you peace that comes from finding the changeless at the center of your being.

Affirmation for Health in Haiti

I see God’s healing light surrounding the people of Haiti. Each person is filled with health, well nourished and well hydrated. I see them all in safe, protective homes. I hear the television anchor saying how miraculous this turn around in Haiti has been. I am an instrument of God’s healing, and with God all things are possible.

Innovation

May you experience the Spirit of Innovation today.

May you look around you with a childlike sense of wonder and see how objects and techniques came into being because someone decided that something could be done in a new way. They sensed a potential. They saw a need that they wanted to satisfy or a joy that could be created.

May you look at your own life and realize that you too have the potential to create something new, whether large or small. To begin, all you need to do is check in with your Inner Wisdom and ask “How can I bring good into the world today?”

Courage

May you have the courage to act upon your convictions and to speak your truth.

May you have the courage to stand up for those who are weaker or more vulnerable than yourself.

May you have the courage to see yourself clearly—the good and the bad, your strengths and your weakness, the parts that are attractive and those that are repellent—and still love yourself.

May you have the courage to be yourself—who you truly are in your heart—even if who you are isn’t in style or cool.

May you have the courage to go where you feel Divinely guided, even though the path ahead doesn’t seem clear or when others around you cause you to doubt yourself.

May you have the courage to set big goals even if you have no guarantees of success.

May you have the courage to try new things, to grow, even when you feel silly at first or think you are too old/young, masculine/feminine, dignified, uncoordinated, or set in your ways.

When you feel frightened and don’t want to go on, may you find a Strength Within you that is greater than yourself.

Joy

May today your heart be light
And in simple things take delight.

May you feel within you shines the sun
And find your tasks are less work and more fun.

May it seem the universe conspires to make you smile
As if to prove all you do is worthwhile.

Holiday Focus

May you set an intention for the season
For all the hustle and bustle have a reason.
If the center is wonder, beauty or delight
Make that the target you keep in your sight.
If closeness to family and friends is at the core
Plan on your schedule to give that them time more.
If connection with God is your holiday key
Make devotion and worship the priority.

May you release the need to make the season perfect
Instead give your physical and mental health respect.

However you choose to spend your days
May love and peace guide your ways.

Black Friday Unobserved

For me this Friday will not be black,
In no shopping cart will I today presents stack,
Instead I’ll sleep a bit more in the sack,
Some neglected projects conscientiously attack,
My pre-Thanksgiving body work to get back.
In my choice of activities, I feel no lack.

Thanksgiving Dinner

Here is a blessing for those of us a bit reluctant about the holiday.

A Grateful Heart A Grateful Heart A Grateful Heart A Grateful Heart A Grateful Heart

If a guest, may your travel safely and with ease.
If a host, may your company be easy to please.

May your table be filled with wonderful food,

And the camaraderie be equally good.

May gratitude be the centerpiece of the day.
And when it’s all over, may everything have turned out okay.

A Grateful Heart A Grateful Heart A Grateful Heart A Grateful Heart A Grateful Heart



A Daisy Chain of Gratitude

Even as I type, my aunt who lives in assisted living should be opening up her Thanksgiving Day card from me: a hug in an envelope. This seems like the perfect subject for a little “daisy chain of gratitude.”

I am grateful that I have an aunt who loves me and is fun to talk with on the phone.

I am grateful for …

• The assisted living staff that helps take care of my aunt and brought the card into her room,
• All the various postal workers who sold me the stamp, processed the card and drove it over a hundred miles, and finally delivered it,
• The clerk who sold me the card and the drugstore that still carries greeting cards despite us living in the age of texting and Facebook,
• The artist and writer who created the greeting card,
• The workers at the paper mill and printing company,
• And other assorted other people who helped me let my aunt know I am thinking of her this holiday.

Vulnerability

In the last few weeks I have seen the vulnerable sides of different people. A friend shared her poetry with me. Another friend confided that she wanted to find a soul mate. A bus driver had a small collage on a clipboard, placed discretely where he could glance at it from time to time when he was stopped at a light. It included pictures of his family, Martin Luther King, Jesus, his dog, his home, and President Obama—one of the weeks that Obama was on very, very few people’s good list. Part of me felt sarcastic, but at the same time I could almost see the strength that the collage gave to the driver as he went about his job that day. I realized that each of these experiences was a soul moment for me.

Teach me, Divine Creator, how to hold a person tenderly in my consciousness. Help me to see that they are surrounded by your protection and infused by your power and strength. Help me to look with curiosity and awe at the unique path they have chosen for this lifetime. Help me to appreciate their talents and abilities, and yet see them as beings who are continuing to grow in the sun of your love. Help me to see that any cynicism I feel is only a misguided attempt to protect myself against my own vulnerability. Help me to see that we are all one, a part of your wonder.

Cynicism

If jealousy is the green-eyed monster, is cynicism the monster that rolls her eyes?

I love myself unconditionally, even the parts of me that have been hurt by disappointment or that don’t believe good things can happen. At the same time, I do not need to allow cynicism to control my thoughts and actions. I can give my attention and my energy to the part of me that believes "With God all things are possible." I can choose to look for little miracles, synchronicities, and coincidences. I can choose to seek out stories of people who have beaten the odds or defied the naysayers, despite poor economic conditions, disabilities, discrimination, poor health or other obstacles. I choose to risk looking the fool in exchange for the possibility of living a better life.

Blessing For the Week 2

 Thank you Thank you Thank you Thank you Thank you Thank you

May you dance with the Spirit of Gratitude this week.

May you challenge yourself to find more and new things for which to be grateful.

May you look for opportunities to say a heartfelt thank, whether in person, in a letter, or just in your imagination.

When you buy or use something, may you enjoy making daisy chains of gratitude, feeling love for the clerk who sold you the item, the trucker who shipped the item, all the way to the laborer who harvested the plant or the person in the factory who sewed the garment.

If you are spending Thanksgiving with friends or family, may you allow the Divine to inspire your table prayer or toast.

May you let you body and mind know that you are grateful that they help you to live in this world.

May you feel gratitude for your Creator.

 Thank you Thank you Thank you Thank you Thank you Thank you

Blessing for a Friend

Earlier this year my neighbor-sister almost died after a medical mishap. For a long time she behaved like someone with the after-effects of a moderate stroke. These days she is more or less back to her old self, and I am grateful she is better. Unfortunately some of the old demons have also returned to her life.

May you release your preconceived judgments about appearance and age
And instead truly see the beautiful, vibrant person that you are.

May you open yourself to happy surprises
And allow them to appear in your life
For the universe vibrates with possibilities.

May you know that you are gifted with talents and abilities
Which need to be given to the world.
May you have the courage to share them.

May you know that it is never too late to have what you yearn for
That with God all things are possible.

May you let yourself feel the love of God, family, and friends.
May you truly love yourself.

Thinking

Thinking Thinking Thinking Thinking Thinking Thinking Thinking Thinking Thinking Thinking Thinking Thinking Thinking Thinking Thinking

Thinking Thinking Thinking Thinking Thinking Thinking Thinking Thinking Thinking Thinking Thinking Thinking Thinking Thinking Thinking Thinking Thinking Thinking Thinking Thinking Thinking Thinking Thinking Thinking Thinking Thinking Thinking Thinking Thinking Thinking Thinking Thinking

Community

May you find kindred souls
Who share your heartfelt goals
Who in your struggles share
For your well being care.

May you know beyond a doubt you belong
Have a place to sing your unique song.

May you be part of a community of friends
Whose camaraderie and support knows no ends.

Thinking Outside the Box

For a few hours yesterday I tried to clean the leaves out of a seemingly inaccessible rain gutter behind a clump of three 50 year old bushes and above an awning. With my “listen to a different drummer” semi-circular canals, I couldn’t trust my balance enough to climb on the roof. So I trimmed the bushes on three sides of the clump using several different cutting implements, tried different ladders, and used multiple tricks from my martial arts training. After some whimpering and a grilled cheese sandwich, I went back outside and cut a path between two of the shrubs. It doesn’t look pretty and the shrubs will need to be seriously reshaped—long overdue, but it worked. I realized I was focused on overcoming the problems, rather than finding a solution. The whole experience was a metaphor. The shrubs were my box. The solution lied in breaking open the box. We all have our “boxes.”

When the tried and true

No longer work for you

That’s your cue

To do something out of the blue.

A new paradigm you may find

Gives you a renewed peace of mind.

Something unusual to try

So no longer you cry.

You form thoughts outside the box

Challenges you can now out fox.

When people say “no,” “you won’t,” “you can’t”

Make those obstacles look like mounds built by an ant.

Instead of sticking with convention

Make it your intention

To go in a new direction

With success now build a connection.

Knowledge vs. Wisdom

The creative side of my brain seems to be on sabbatical this week. Perhaps the universe is trying to tell me that this is the right and perfect time to share some great quotes that I have found.

Knowledge is of the intellect; wisdom and understanding are of the heart.

Ernest Holmes

The Way of Man

Sometimes I find spiritual inspiration in the oddest of places. This is from Robert A. Heinlein’s Stranger In a Strange Land:

The Truth is simple but the Way of Man is hard. First you must learn to control your self. The rest follows. Blessed is he who knows himself and commands himself, for the world is his and love and happiness and peace walk with him wherever he goes.

Against Opposition

This quote from The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. LeGuin beautifully illustrates the Law of Attraction:

To oppose something is to maintain it....You must go somewhere else; you must have another goal; then you walk a different road.

Pushed Button

Growl, snipe or yell
Or just plain give them hell.

Your button has been found
Your anger will not back down.

Common sense you find
Has just left your mind.

So you take a deep breath and count
So permanent damage will not mount.

You begin to make a new plan
Instead of raw emotion fan.

You may not be ready to smile
But sanity has returned for awhile.

Warmth II

Today, I am thinking about staying warm this winter.

Whether indoors or out
May you have no reason to pout.

May your coat and sweater
Help you feel comfortable in all weather.

Whether you sleep, work or play
May in perfect warmth you stay.

May the fire in your heart
Help you remember God’s child you art.

Inspiration

May you today and forever be Divinely inspired
And in stale, outworn ideas no longer be mired.

May you be led to thoughts outside the box
To help you any competition to outfox.

If you are caught in “woe is me,”
May shining possibilities you now see.

If you would like to better connect with clients, customers, or fans
May you find angels guiding your attention and hands.

May making mistakes no longer give you fright.
May you release criticisms that are trite.

May you feel courage to face the unknown
And act upon what you have been Divinely shown.

May your days have sparkle, glitter and shine
And inspiration ever fill your mind.

Warm November Day

“It is a great day to be alive,” I tell myself.

Warm day in the middle of November
Sun friendly and kind.
I take pleasure in my errands
Walking to stores and library
Listening as an old man tells the postman
sad stories about World War II,
The postman healing his spirit with attention.

I do not doubt there is love in the world today.

Watching paired Lhasa Apsos
Pull on their leashes
A cat rolls on her back in the grass a block away
Birds feast on seed left in a yet uncleaned rain gutter.

This is the type of day

I want to fold in an envelope

And send to a distraught friend.

Daylight Savings Time End

May you happily fall back
Enjoying extra sleep in the sack
Or devoting to an endeavor for time you lack.

May your body quickly get used to the change in the light
And to your mind may everything seem quite alright.

Haiti & Indonesia

This is a hybrid prayer, affirmation, and meditation, similar to ones that I have used at our church during open prayer when I have been conducting the service.

Dear God, I so easily get caught up in the drama of my life, my friends’ lives, politics, and even sometimes celebrities. Today, I take seriously the Prayer of Saint Francis and allow myself to be “an instrument of your peace.” As I go about my day, I choose to devote some time experiencing your love and healing surrounding the peoples of Haiti and Indonesia. I may visualize a white light filling the islands, angels holding hands as they surround the countries, or see them resting in the heart of my loving creator. I may choose to say an affirmation of peace, healing or divine order. I may choose to light a candle and say my own special prayer. I may choose to take some other action. Whatever I do, I know I am not alone. My thoughts and prayers join with those being said and felt by people all around the world. I believe there is power when two or more are gathered—even if only in spirit--in your name. I believe that we are your instruments helping to bring good to the peoples of Haiti and Indonesia.

Birthday Blessing

I know more Scorpios than people born under any other sign. Happy Birthday to all those born in late October and the first two thirds of November!

As we pause and remember you today
May you know you are loved and cherished for you special way.

May in this coming year you continue to grow
Some new friends come to know
Additional good start to sow
Interesting places begin to go
Have unexpected joys make you glow.

May the coming year find you healthy, wealthy, and wise
And provide at least one big, happy surprise.

Goal Setting

May you listen intently to your heart and mind
So that those things that you truly need and most want you find.

May you choose those things that make you smile
Not just more projects from your “to do” pile.

May you find goals that help you grow
But are achievable you know.

After your goals you ultimately write
May working toward them bring you delight.

Generic Affirmation

I don’t know where this affirmation comes from, but I have been using it a lot lately. It is great to use when I feel so overwhelmed that I can’t think straight.

All is well; and all is well; and all is very, Very, Very well.

Election November 2010

May you go out to vote today

And any cynicisms keep at bay.

May you choose with mind and heart

And wisely do your patriotic part.

Whether or not your candidates end up in the elected ranks

For being part of this free country may you ever give thanks.

Internal Work

This time of year is when I am the most introverted, going into a deep, private place. Lately I have had a lot of vivid dreams, and long forgotten memories have come bubbling to the surface. While this can turn into depression, it can also help me regroup and become better equipped to interact with people. My thoughts normally start becoming more extroverted the beginning of December.

May you be gentle with yourself.
May you treat yourself with love and acceptance.
If the journey becomes dangerous may you be guided to those well equipped to help.
May you find within that which is good and beautiful, knowing that you are a beloved child of God.

Politics—Healing Affirmation

I told one of my Tai Chi mates yesterday that I was tired of being an angry person. The election (here in the United States) is evidently pushing some of my buttons. I am angry at all three parties, both for similar and different reasons. I think I know a little bit better how people felt during the civil war: brother against brother, friend against friend. We seem like the “Divided People of America.” This morning, I woke up with the following affirmation playing in my brain. This is decided New Thought, as I suppose are most affirmations.

No matter who is in office, my thoughts still help create my reality.
This is a law, no different from gravity or any other universal principle.
I choose to think thoughts of love and of cooperation.
I choose to think thoughts of high employment and prosperity.
I choose to think thoughts of health for all people.
I choose to see people as basically intelligent and compassionate.
I choose to see a country that is flexibility and adaptability to a rapidly changing world.
I can not see all the ways that the future will unfold, so I let go and let God create what is for the highest good.

Dawn

The world seemed almost perfect to me as I walked to the library just as it was opening this morning. After a few days of almost 50 mile an hour winds, the air was cool and crisp, but comfortable as I tried out my new ear wraps. The sun was softly filtered through the bare branches of trees. The squirrels were playing with each other and, I thought, with passing humans. Even the librarians seemed to have a look of bliss, as if to say, “yes, now I remember why I wanted to be a librarian.” Actually, I think they just had a bunch of new books processed and were excited to see them.

Here is a beautiful quote from Ernest Holmes:

When the dawn breaks and the shadows flee, when the hills are touched with the rosy glow of the sun’s first rays, I wake to the thought that I am one with all life. I lift mine eyes to the Eastern sky and sing with joy of one who beholds the Eternal Presence in everything.

Halloween

Our neighborhood is filled with Halloween decorations, including one yard that has almost every blank space covered with something. The picture is from the yard of one of my holiday happy neighbors.

May your Halloween be frightful

Your treats delightful.

May your costume bring acclaim

Your decorations earn you fame.

May you shriek, laugh and boo
And may you stay safe, too.

Lost Pet

Yesterday a man was going door to door in our neighborhood, pulling his four year old son in a wagon, handing out flyers to help find their lost cat.

May your pet soon be found safe and without harm.
May you soon be snuggling and cuddling together in the warm.

May you have many more years of laughter,
Many more years of fun.

May you have many more years of playing together
Basking in the gentle sun.

Weather Blessing

The weather report is ominous today, and so I wrote this blessing to stave off a panic attack.

Wherever you may be
Whenever you may roam or dwell
May the weather be your friend.

May the breezes be gentle,
Lightly kissing your face
With warmth or with cool
Depending upon the season.

May the snow fall softly,
Giving beauty to your world,
Providing protection for plant and animal,
Sending giggles to children,
Supplying sport to old and young alike.

May the rain fall kindly.
Slowly filling lake and river,
Providing life to critter and human,
Tree and flower.

May the sun shine tenderly,
Melting winter snow and ice,
Coaxing plants to grow and bloom,
Relieving cold and damp,
Revealing the beauty of nature.

Whatever the clouds or clear may send your way,
May God’s love enfold you as you go about your day.

Fall Dreaming

Warmth

As the days grow colder may your home be comfortable and cozy.

May the love of friends keep your heart rosy.

As you come and go may you stay warm.

May the protection of God keep you from all harm.

Worship in Silence

Here is another beautiful quote from The Soul’s Companion by Tian Dayton, PhD:

I worship in silence, in the quiet sounds of nature. I am not guided by words and thoughts but by awe and wonder.

October Sadness

Over the years a number of extraordinary women in my life have passed away in October.

Procrastination

I have been engaged in big time avoidance for the last few weeks. I need to finish a task this morning before I go to lunch. Do not pass Go. Do not collect $200. It will be done.

May you be both gentle and firm with yourself.

May you have compassionate for the parts of yourself that are afraid of failure or demand perfection; that dislike boring, dirty or unpleasant tasks; that are fearful of difficulty or an uncertain outcome; or that conjure up upsetting memories; but may you give those parts little influence in directing your actions.

May you effortlessly find the part of yourself that is disciplined and that feels satisfaction in the completion of a task.

May you begin without much fuss or bother.

May you find some unexpected joy or reward in the doing.

May your task be much easier and completed quicker than you expected.

Lastly, may you feel relief in the task now well done.

Child of the Universe

May you truly believe that you are a beloved child of the universe.



May you know in your core that you were created on purpose, that your gender, race, sexual orientation, and physical characteristics were intentionally created by the Divine because they are needed in the world at this point in time.


May you day by day play your unique part, contributing to the wonderful symphony of life.


May every day you find some joy and also bring a little joy into the world around you.

Different

May you experience the beauty of variety.

Healthy Heart

I have gotten into a very, very bad habit of saying “This just breaks my heart.” Here is my rebuttal.

I now release all sadness and allow God’s comfort to envelop me.
Divine perfection fills every cell of my body and governs every organ.
My heart is whole and strong.
It beats at the perfect rate, in the perfect rhythm.
Blood flows easily through my body at the perfect pressure.
My blood vessels provide clear passage and are flexible channels.
I feel loved and wanted by God and by my fellow beings.

Blessing for the Week 1

May your week not go as planned, but be even better.
May you meet with happy coincidences, synchronicities, and serendipities.
May twinkles of joy surround you and may have friends to share them with.

Listening to Drummers

On my way to the grocery store, I walked past a college drum squad practicing on the football field. I half closed my eyes, without walking into anything, and just tried to hear the beat and feel it in my body. No small task. I realized that being attentive to the drumming was a wonderful metaphor to truly being attentive to the individuals I interact with.

May I truly listen without judgment to each person’s unique cadence.
May I hear the deeper meaning that lies beneath the words that are spoken and the tiny gestures that are made.
May I sense the feelings behind the speech and actions.
May I be aware of the beliefs that drive the rhythm of each person’s life.
May I see the beauty in each soul that I meet and allow myself to be truly blessed by their presence.

Retort to Bullying

While I am neither a parent nor a student, I feel compelled to address the issue of bullying in my own way. This blessing is for those who have been the target of bullying.

May you be safe.
May you be protected by forces both human and Divine.
May you find your own power, knowing that it comes in many forms.
May you be surrounded by people who value you just as you are.
May your days be filled with friends who share your interests, care about you, and help you to laugh.
May this time of pain soon be a distant memory.

Part of the Mystery

I read this wonder affirmation by Tian Dayton, PhD in The Soul’s Companion, and I just had to share it.

I love the universe and it loves me. I am meant to be part of the Divine mystery.

Autumn Blessings

According to the local weather report, today is forecast to be a perfect autumn day.


May you embrace the joy of this autumn day with all your senses.

May the colors of this day remind you that beneath the surface of appearances God is health, prosperity and power.

May the rustling of the leaves today remind you that God continually speaks to you and there is always an answer to every problem you may have.

May the warmth of this day remind you that you are always enfolded in God’s protection.

After Summer

Dying Friend

Yesterday afternoon, I went to say good-bye to Gwenne, my 91 year old friend from church who is on her deathbed. Between pain medication and the dying process, she was in some between state and didn’t or couldn’t swim up to acknowledge us. She is dying at home with her daughter and a nurse nearby.

I can’t pretend to know what it like to die,
But I do know I want to bless you with all my heart.

May you feel the love of all us praying for you today.

May you be aware of the gratitude we send to you
For your friendship, your wisdom, your tenacity,
And for so many other contributions you have made to our lives.
We are better because of knowing you.

May your transition be gentle and peaceful.

May the angels you loved so much in life
Now guide you to the other side.

May you be met by friends and family who have gone before.
May happy reunions await you.

May you be enfolded in God’s light and love now
And forever more.

Spiritual Lessons

The last few days I feel like I have been going through some sort of spiritual transition. Every where I turn I seem to be confronted with life lessons. At the end of the day, I could really use a spiritual advisor to debrief me, to give me some sense of perspective and context. Right now, I don’t anticipate that happening.

May wisdom sparkle from the heavens, like the sun softly dancing
On the ripples of a gently moving lake.

May you be given courage and tenacity to accomplish those tasks
Which are for your highest good.

May you be surrounded with protection from both the seen
And unseen realms.

May you be able to transform your fear, anger, and hurt
Into that which eventually brings healing and joy.

May you know that God’s love is everywhere and in everything
And God is with you now.

September 26 Prayer

We were a small—six of us--but hearty group at church today. This was the prayer I wrote for the service.


Dear God, many times we find ourselves looking toward the past or the future, particularly when we are confronted with something in the present that we would rather not face. Help us to know that you are always with us, especially in the present, and that we are safe. In this moment you are our health and the health of our loved ones. You are guiding us in this moment. You are now and always our strength and our joy. For this and more, we give thanks. A-men

Now Is the Moment

I wrote tomorrow’s church service affirmation while I was waiting for the bus this morning:


Now is my moment of power. Now is the moment I choose to withdraw my attention from any thoughts that I may have that upset me or make me feel weak. Now is the moment I choose to quiet my mind and center my awareness on God within me. Now is the moment I choose to focus on Divine Order, health, guidance and joy. Now is the moment I choose to be grateful for all that God has given me and all that God will give me in the days to come.

Doing What Is Before Me

I had thought my deacon days were over, but I was wrong, at least this week. Donna, our minister has been sick and had to be hospitalized a few days ago. Our dwindling merry band is now down to a handful of members. Depending upon the week, half the members can be in their eighties and nineties. Sometimes I question whether I should even keep on going to the church. Today I need to get my brain off all my other vocational and avocational interests and focus on putting together a service for Sunday.

God, I am willing to listen today. Help me to get all the preconceived notions out of my head about the way things should be and to be fully open to Divine inspiration. God, I am willing to love today. My job is not to focus my attention on why people are in my life but rather to be a clear channel for your love. My job is to see the beauty, wisdom, and the good in each person I encounter. God, I am willing to be present today. Help me to hold each moment as sacred and to perform to the best of my ability the task that is before me. God, I am willing to know joy today. Help me to have fun and to have passion for everything I do.

Fall

I found my magnetic poetry.

Lost Objects

I have no idea where my magnetic poetry is. None! None whatsoever! My mother used to say, “Everything should have a home.” Well, of all my possessions, my magnetic poetry has had the most homes, like an Army brat, who has seen the world, except in this case it is practically every nook and cranny of the house. When I try to imagine where I have seen it last, I come up with over a dozen locations. I am sure I will come up with more by the end of the day.

The blessings of found objects to you
May you quickly find
The object you now hold in your mind.
May you soon hold it in your hand
And find its revelation grand.
Once you discover it, may you feel
Renewed gratitude in your heart.
And when you next need it
To its location be smart.

Mourning a Kitty

The cat of M, one of my Tai Chi sisters, passed away recently.

As you did not limit yourself in your love,
Do not limit yourself in your grief.
May you feel the universe enfold you in protection,
So you may feel safe to let down your tears,
Allowing your sorrow to flow through you,
Releasing it to create an emptiness,
Where healing may begin to grow.
May you find yourself supported by friends,
Who understand the legitimacy of grief when losing a furry friend.
May you be filled with the wisdom
That you were a good companion and that your love mattered.
Finally, may you be left with the memories
Of all the good times you shared.

Grocery Grace Gratitude

My faith in Doppler radar shaken
I dryly ponder Divine Grace.

Out of key groceries
I had contemplated the radar images
Green blobs a hundred miles away
North, south, west
Zoom in, zoom out
Adjust opacity to a hundred percent
Futurecast activated
Satisfied, I left umbrellaless
For my three mile trip.

Halfway to the store
I realized I forgot
My neatly bulleted
Organized by aisle
Took advantage of sales
Grocery list.
A light mist cooled my face
I continued.

A stack of grocery ads by the door
Calmed me.
The Spirit of my list
Dancing in my memory
Cheered me.
My cart filled
Light enough to carry
Full enough to make the trip
Worthwhile.

I heard the head cashier yell
“It’s pouring.”
I’d never make a poker player
She looked at me concerned.
“Maybe you can wait it out”
I remembered I forgot butter.

Groceries unloaded
Coupons, discount card
A bagger appeared behind my elbow
Gently packing my purchases
Into the cloth bags.
The rain was soft
Stopping as I reached the doors.

I dodged large puddles

Fat drops fell

As I walked under a tree

But I arrived home dry

And grateful.

The Divine whispered

“Pray gently

And carry a fold out umbrella

Next time”

Some people believe that the number 11.11 is a sign that the angels are winking.

Now Arrives

I have a full day ahead of me, but these words were playing in my head as I was munching on my morning muffin.

Now arrived today.
I did not recognize her at first.
In the distance I saw a faint figure,
Patiently waiting for her luggage by the carousel,
Methodically lifting suitcase after suitcase off the belt.
All I could think about was this stranger’s luggage fee.
But getting closer, she began to look vaguely familiar to me,
Not quite what I expected from our decades of letters
Or years of blog entries.
But yes, this was indeed Now.
How, I asked myself, do we begin this new conversation?

Clothes Shopping Meditation

Bright lights, full length mirror
Revealing previously unknown scars and frailty
Waves of vulnerability wash over me
Followed by compassion
Help me to be gentle with the fragile flesh

Prelude

Pores breathe, sigh
drink in the cool breeze
of the morning shower
Before the appearance of the hot sun
breath robbing air

Packing for the Library Book Sale

Four leafed and five lobed love letters

Pressed between pages of a 1967 Reader’s Digest Condensed book

"I found magic in the world today.

Hope you found it, too."

Order of Manifestation

Hitherto we have taken forms and conditions as the starting point of our thought and inferred that they are the causes of mental states; now we have learnt that the true order of the creative process is exactly the reverse, and that thought and feeling are the causes, and forms and conditions the effects.

Thomas Troward, The Dore Lectures

Part of the Whole

A human being is part of the whole, called by us “universe”; a part limited in time and space. He experiences himself, his thoughts and feelings as something separated from the rest—a kind of optical delusion of his consciousness.

Albert Einstein

Memorial Day

While going through my mother’s things, I found a small box that contained some mementos from WWII. I believe that my mother wore this pin to signify that she had two family members serving in the war. For my mother, Memorial Day was not only a day to remember the dead, especially those who had lost their lives serving in the war, but also a day of thanksgiving, remembering that her two brothers came back alive.

Dear God, thank you for the lives of the men and women who died defending this country. Thank you for the lives of those who fought and came back alive. I especially thank you for the many years I had with my uncles, all the laughter and the lessons. Also thank you for all the men and women who continue to risk their lives for this country.

Permission to Cry

…This woman moved by some private sorrow as much as by the words being spoken, cried almost silently, unobserved by others, apart from Mma Ramotswe, who stretched out her hand and laid it on her shoulder. Do not cry, Mma, she began to whisper, but changed he words even as she uttered them, and said quietly, yes, you can cry, Mma. We should not tell people not to weep—we do it because of our sympathy for them—but we should really tell them that their tears are justified and entirely right.

Alexander McCall Smith, The Double Comfort Safari Club

Gulf Coast Oil Spill

I find myself so angry every time I read about the oil spill. Why the hell are we still dependent upon oil nearly 40 years after the 70’s oil crisis? Why have we allowed big oil companies to have such free reign? How naïve could the government have been to believe BP when they said that their installations were safe? Why did the US trust them when they gave reports on how bad the oil spill was? On and on and on my anger goes.

Dear God,
Instead of focusing on blame, help me to focus on what I can do in this crisis. Please guide BP, the US Government, and all the scientists, engineers, military personnel and others involved in helping to solve this problem. Please protect the waters and land of Mother Earth. Watch over the animals and plants that are so vulnerable. Watch over the fishermen and all others whose livelihoods are dependent upon the water. Lastly guide us all so that we can change our lives to be in greater harmony with the greater whole.
A-men

Here is a link to 10 Things You Can Do to Help the Gulf Coast Clean the Oil Spill.

Creator's Light

Think of the Creator as the Great Sun of Love and feel yourself enveloped by warm, soothing rays of Light shining upon you.

Blanche Marie Peters

Omnipresence

God is in, through, around and for us.

Ernest Holmes

Earth Day 2010

Happy Earth Day to us All.
Children of Planet Earth hear the Call.

This year it is Cool to be Green.
As part of the Solution we want to be seen.

 Recycle our paper, bottles and cans.
Of Repurposing we have become fans.

 Dozens of Choices we make each day,
Affecting whether Life will become extinct or Stay.

We realize WE each have to do our part.
To Future Generations we now give our Heart.

April’s Fool

Today I am willing to play the fool. I am willing to step forward with unbridled optimism despite the conditions I may see around me. I know there is undiscovered good just waiting to make itself known on my path, and I know that I will find it.

Finding the Good

Three of my roses and various other perennials have been ground to smithereens under the tires of numerous vehicles. When I agreed to let the next door neighbor’s contractor use my yard as a pass through, I did not fathom what would happened. This is actually a pretty early picture before the real adventure began. I have gone through denial, anger, depression, resignation, etc. I have no idea how many more weeks or months this will continue. A short prayer is in order.

Divine Spirit, help me to find the good in this situation. May the contractors, my neighbors, and I all be blessed with unfathomable good.