The Path of Least Resistance

Your soul’s path leads to many vibrational matches as you navigate this earthly journey. The only requirement is acceptance of what is when it shows up in your life. I’m laughing inside right now because here I am attempting to write about the path of least resistance and I’m feeling so frustrated because I keep getting interrupted by outside influences. The more I try to control the situation the more stuck I feel in my writing. Now isn’t that ironic? Okay, take a breath and just write. Write whatever comes and stop resisting! Maybe I wasn’t meant to write about the depths of resistance today but rather about how we fight what is. We kick and scream and want it to go a certain way, and the universe just chuckles, shakes its mighty light, and waits.

When we try to force something does it feel jagged and disconnected, or does it flow naturally? My experience has been not only jagged but rocky as the Grand Canyon. Another interruption and I’m learning to go with the flow. Not really, in this moment I’m feeling pretty darn frustrated. I know it’s a lesson. How may I release and center myself? A few breaths and gathering the quiet once again.

I was thinking about the resistance path the other day as I came across this beautiful flower (above) easing itself through a wrought iron fence, blooming in all its glory. No fear or frustration that the fence would block its growth, or its beauty. Just an easy flowing graceful arrival. My guess is even if it had a bit of a struggle reaching its full bloom it redirected itself toward the light and trusted the magic that would unfold. And it did. Just as nature always does. It doesn’t question the whys and the hows, it just continues on its natural course. It innately knows the path of least resistance is the most free-flowing feeling in existence. It allows, and experiences, and releases, over and over again. It doesn’t hold on and mull over every encounter, instead, it gives thanks with gratitude in its being and moves on.

It is then that every experience, every encounter, and yes, every interruption we have in our lives climbs the Grand Canyon and reaches the nirvana of our dreams. Breathing it in with a knowing that each fork in the road, and every detour, had meaning behind it all. All we need to do is walk through the iron fence and recognize the beauty of our being.

The Miracle of Friendship

Soul Sisters; Kelley, me, Jenn, Lauren, and Marjie.

 

Some friendships last forever. This has proven to be true with a certain group of women I met on the campus of Ithaca College some 35 years ago now. You know it’s a lasting bond when you don’t see someone for 20 years and you pick up like you just saw them yesterday. The same banter, same jokes, same smiles. The same soul connections. Only now there are miles of experiences to share; happy times, sad times, encased with a plethora of bumps and bursts along the road of life.

It’s this road that brought the five of us back together this past summer. Our Jennifer tragically lost her dear husband, Ron, this past February. One day it held the sweetness of Valentine’s Day and the next day he was gone. I attended the beautiful service for Ron, complete with a room full of love and ending with a heartfelt Henry David Thoreau quote. The same quote that is the main quote in my book. A sweet validation that our souls are always connected in this world and beyond.

After the service, Cindy (another soul sister of mine and friend of Jennifer’s) and I walked to the club reserved for all of us to gather. Interesting how a loss makes you notice beauty in the world more. We were commenting how beautifully the trees were lining the lawns of Buffalo’s most prestigious historical homes. Life becomes a bit surreal when we face losing it. I ran into Jenn in the privacy of the coat room, which was good because after not seeing her for 15 years we needed the comfort of a cocoon. She to melt into me, and me to be strong for her. I held her on my lap for a few minutes while she wept. Feeling our sister friendship that never faded. I still remember so clearly Jenn’s words pressing through her tears as we hugged, “I was hoping you’d come.” It was never a question for me.

Soon after, Lauren contacted me suggesting the five of us gather at either her cottage or mine in support of Jenn. I happily offered my place, and after a few emails with Marjie, Kelley, and Lauren, the summer weekend was arranged. I can’t quite describe the joy I felt upon seeing each Holmes Hall girl arrive but with every welcome hug we grew into what we knew. Loving each other.

A few wineries later, we returned to the cottage for more laughs, delectable delights, and reminiscent chatter.  Intermittently holding the sadness between us to allow Jenn her grieving space. Always holding her in the silence interspersed with tears.  We agreed that this must be an ongoing theme in our lives, to reunite every year or two.

Funny how the most tragic of events can breathe rays of sunshine into life. One thing I know for sure, this girlfriend bond that began back in 1979 will never be broken. The magic of love between our connected souls will forever hold the truth of our inexplicable, extraordinary existence. The miracle of friendship.

Me and Jenn enjoying beach time at her place this past summer.

Vibration Station

“The basis of your life is freedom; the purpose of your life is joy”

~The Teachings of Abraham, by Jerry and Esther Hicks

The above quote is one of the twelve teachings of Abraham-Hicks, a powerful synopsis of the law of attraction, intention, creation, and all universal energy.  The vibrational energy we send out into the universe is exactly what returns to us.  What we focus on comes to be.  If our intention is to freely give love, that love will naturally flow back to us.  If we view life as one big struggle, we will naturally experience life as difficult.

It is your choice how you envision your everyday life and who you choose to include in your circle of  friends.  Just remember, what you think, eat, breathe, live, spend your time with, creates the environment you are living in right now.  If you choose light, love, laughter, this will be.  If you choose darkness, negativity, sadness, so be it.

Enter the energy you wish to live, set the intention you dare to dream, create the environment that surrounds your desires, and imagine….just imagine.

Soul Mirror

“People think a soul mate is your perfect fit, and that’s what everyone wants. But a true soul mate is a mirror, the person who shows you everything that is holding you back, the person who brings you to your own attention so you can change your life.

A true soul mate is probably the most important person you’ll ever meet, because they tear down your walls and smack you awake. But to live with a soul mate forever? Nah. Too painful. Soul mates, they come into your life just to reveal another layer of yourself to you, and then leave.

A soul mates purpose is to shake you up, tear apart your ego a little bit, show you your obstacles and addictions, break your heart open so new light can get in, make you so desperate and out of control that you have to transform your life, then introduce you to your spiritual master…”
— Elizabeth Gilbert (Eat, Pray, Love)

I found some quiet, alone time late last night as I experienced “Eat, Pray, Love” at the theater.  The film is very close to the book as it covers forgiveness, love, loneliness, self soothing, letting go, fear, trust, emotional pain, and exploring your own truth.

I believe soul mates come into our lives in many different forms at different times, when we require a particular lesson.  Some remain through our lifetime, some come and go, and some we know only for a brief time.  All mirrors are valuable lessons, the key is recognizing your own shadow in what your soul mate is dancing for you.  Allow the joy, anger, pain, laughter, frustration, and euphoria to settle and rest with your spirit.  Even when you feel lost, you are simply riding your waves to the lighthouse.

Look in the mirror.  What do you see?  Ahh, the unveiling of you and me.

Reinventing Self

I had a great conversation with my oldest brother, Norm, as we walked the streets of Seattle during our family reunion.  We talked about how a life worth living is a life where you never give up on reinventing yourself.  A life where you tap into your creativity and explore what stirs that drive inside, that excitement that rises when you know it is right for you, and that connection your creation has to others in your surroundings.

Reinvention is an ongoing process.  Think about where you were ten years ago compared to now.  We are constantly reinventing, but the key to the process is to realize the value in reaching for your heart’s desire versus settling for what you know is not working for you anymore.  Is there something you’ve always wanted to do but fear held you back?  Think about taking that first step, you may be pleasantly surprised when you do.

When I started my practice I had no idea where I was going with it.  I jumped in and allowed my intellect and Spirit to guide me.  One thing led to another and I learned along the way.  When I started this blog, I barely knew what a blog was.  I googled WordPress and explored set up until it was done.  My recent radio interview was started with an email and it took off from there.  It has peaked my interest and I’m currently exploring other radio opportunities.  Oh, and I still want to learn to play guitar!  Interestingly, that’s how Norm and I got into this conversation. He is an amazing guitarist who writes his own music and lyrics.  He was telling me how he became involved with this group called Bread and Roses.  It was developed by Joan Baez with the idea of giving with your heart and musical talents.  Musicians travel around to nursing facilities and play for the residents.  Norm was telling me how the gift of giving bounces back.  The connection and appreciation he feels with these wise older owls is overwhelming.  They truly FEEL his music and tune in to his tunes.  Both the player and the listener have an exchange that fills them more than all the material wealth in the world.  When you get this, and know this feeling, no THING can touch you.  It is an island unto itself.  Giving service is so important in any invention.  It is a reminder that the true filling is in the giving.

What is it that you have been thinking about reinventing lately?  Take that first step.  Breathe in deep, eyes wide open, and GO!  The learning is in the experience.  You just might be surprised by what you find.

We Are The World

“We Are The World” goes beyond any worldly disaster, it’s something to be practiced  in our everyday lives.  Hold out your hand to someone today and give with your heart.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Glny4jSciVI&feature=related

A Reason, a Season, or a Lifetime

I’ve always loved this quote;  full of meaning, love, and Spirit.  I am grateful for every soul that has touched my life.  Those who have come and gone, those who continue to touch my life, and those I have yet to meet.  Just as you have enhanced my existence, my wish is that I have done the same for you.  My purpose in love is to heal, and be healed.  May those I have touched feel the warmth of my soul, just as I have felt yours.  Peace.

“People come into your life for a reason, a season, or
a lifetime. When you figure out which one it is, you
will know what to do for each person.

When someone is in your life for a REASON . . . It is
usually to meet a need you have expressed. They have
come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you
with guidance and support, to aid you physically,
emotionally, or spiritually. They may seem like a
godsend, and they are! They are there for the reason
you need them to be.

Then, without any wrong doing on your part, or at an
inconvenient time, this person will say or do something
to bring the relationship to an end.

Sometimes they die.
Sometimes they walk away.
Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand.

What we must realize is that our need has been met, our
desire fulfilled, their work is done. The prayer you
sent up has been answered. And now it is time to move on.

When people come into your life for a SEASON . . .
Because your turn has come to share, grow, or learn.
They bring you an experience of peace, or make you laugh.
They may teach you something you have never done.
They usually give you an unbelievable amount
of joy. Believe it! It is real! But, only for a season.

LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons; things
you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional
foundation. Your job is to accept the lesson, love the
person, and put what you have learned to use in all
other relationships and areas of your life. It is said
that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.”

Author Unknown

View beautiful video below

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bLltt5cPDOc

Lines of Beauty

“Beautiful young people are accidents of nature, but beautiful old people are works of art.”  ~Eleanor Roosevelt

My lifetime friend, Louise Cady-Fernandes, has started a wonderful new venture.  It is a topic that many in our culture are afraid to touch.  Louise found this out as she searched out similar views.  Sadly, not much was found.  The area of interest?  Aging.  Something so many in our culture appear to be afraid of embarking on.  I remember studying this phenomenon in college.  The media and certain groups promote youth, tight skin and invisible waistlines.  Why is it that we shy away from the beauty of aging?  Yes, youth can be beautiful, and so can that gorgeous woman who smiles with her eyes.  Feathery lines outlining the wisdom that remains underneath.  Why is there fear attached to aging?  Is it that we are closer to death?  Why not embrace the process that takes us to our last day?  All the life, the experiences, the pain, the wisdom acquired, the joy, the whole roller coaster!

Recognize the beauty of our teachers, our mothers, our fathers, ourselves, as we age.  Live healthy and naturally, treat our bodies with respect and love.   Allow our bodies to age gracefully with every nutritious meal you eat, every energetic step you take and every experience you encounter in this wondrous thing called life!

You’ve earned every line of beauty….  Louise has featured her amazing Mom as the “Beauty of the Week” on her blog.  I know she is truly Louises beauty of Louises life.  http://www.linesofbeauty.com

In Your Eyes

love I get so lost, sometimes
days pass and this emptiness fills my heart
when I want to run away
I drive off in my car
but whichever way I go
I come back to the place you are

all my instincts, they return
and the grand facade, so soon will burn
without a noise, without my pride
I reach out from the inside

in your eyes
the light the heat
in your eyes
I am complete
in your eyes
I see the doorway to a thousand churches
in your eyes
the resolution of all the fruitless searches
in your eyes
I see the light and the heat
in your eyes
oh, I want to be that complete
I want to touch the light
the heat I see in your eyes

love, I don’t like to see so much pain
so much wasted and this moment keeps slipping away
I get so tired of working so hard for our survival
I look to the time with you to keep me awake and alive

and all my instincts, they return
and the grand facade, so soon will burn
without a noise, without my pride
I reach out from the inside

in your eyes
the light the heat
in your eyes
I am complete
in your eyes
I see the doorway to a thousand churches
in your eyes
the resolution of all the fruitless searches
in your eyes
I see the light and the heat
in your eyes
oh, I want to be that complete
I want to touch the light,
the heat I see in your eyes
in your eyes in your eyes
in your eyes in your eyes
in your eyes in your eyes  ~Peter Gabriel

The light, the heat, in your eyes….the window to the soul.

“In Your Eyes” video from the Secret World Live DVD, 1994  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OoEQREKFQG4

Friendship

God’s most amazing gift to each and every one of us.  I thank all who have entered my life and have taught me so much along my journey.  I treasure every moment, the easy and the difficult, the flow and the dams.  So grateful.  I love you ALL!