The Gift of Erosion

Erosion is a powerful force of nature.
It can totally transform a mound of Earth into something that does not resemble its original self/form.
Erosion can leave an area with total destruction of what had been.
It can create havoc with the stability of the way things were.
It can shift the landscape such that there are now openings where there had previously been closings.
The changes of erosion sometime come on slowly, and sometimes the changes can occur overnight.

Erosion can also create new beauty and put a new 'face' on the way things are.
Erosion can create new pathways of opportunities for crossing into unchartered territory.
It can wipe away old obstacles that formed blocks and obstructions.
It can open secret passageways deep into the core of the Earth.

Erosion can restore balance and harmony.
It can uncover truths deep within.

Sometimes, in my experience, Erosion sneaks in and accomplishes its mission without me even noticing.
Sometimes, I need major eroding change, and the shift rocks my world.
Usually, the small changes are course corrections that Spirit created in my path.
Same with the larger eruptions...
They are no less necessary.
Often those changes that I have tried to bury or ignore over the years, build up until they demand attention.
Then the opportunity comes to choose to address this needed change.
If I choose to politely decline, I bury what wants to change deeper causing a greater need for volcanic action to 'right it' later.
If I choose to accept the opportunity to 'tackle' the challenge, erosion occurs and layers of 'stuff' begins to sluff off exposing what needs to be released and surrendered.
There is no point in 'covering up' that which wants to experience the light of day.
Surrendering it totally and fully allows the Creator to remake it into beauty, wisdom, love, grace and light.

There is nothing within us that the Creator cannot transform.

Such a gift...such a miracle...such an opportunity...

Dynamic Surrender

Surrender implies release, letting go, giving up, repose, cessation...
Within the Natural World, there are 'pictures' of surrender everywhere.
The difference between the way we surrender vs. Mother Nature seems to be in the element of Grace.

We often struggle, fight, resist, and avoid...
Mother Nature gracefully acknowledges the rightness of the time and space, and moves forward in full surrender.

We come up with countless reasons why we need this or that.
Mother Nature sees beyond what is there to what is trying to become...She surrenders current need.

We hang on so tightly to so much that doesn't serve us, fearful of LOSING something important.
Mother Nature holds all freely and loosely and is always ready to grant the freedom to whatever wants to move on and transform...She surrenders to transformation.

We declare ownership of this or that as if we truly POSSESS all things and others as well.
Mother Nature respects the sovreignty of all of life and accordingly holds no-thing back...She surrenders ownership.

We restrict movement of others by not believing in them or in ourselves.
Mother Nature knows better. She sees clearly the true life potential of every living thing...She surrenders to a greater vision.

We refuse to see with BIG EYES and a BIG HEART and therefore experience smallness in our lives.
Mother Nature constantly reinvents Herself, enlarges Herself and expands Herself in ever widening perspectives of all that can be...She surrenders to the mythic and the superhero.

We see difficult situations as events to avoid.
Mother Nature surrenders to what is and dynamically moves beyond limitation...She lives and breathes in dynamic surrender between repose and movement.

Because She lives in perfect communion with Her Creator, She knows when to surrender to stillness and when to surrender to creation.

She is in a constant state of surrender to the Power of the Creative Force that guides and directs all things...She knows

Who's Been Waiting on You to Blossom?

As I walked the hills of Loma Linda this morning, I noticed how many butterflies, bees and other wild looking bugs were in a state of ecstasy over the blooming of so many flowers.
We have had alot more rain this year, and because of that, the hills are a beautiful lush green with bursts of yellow flowers.

I found myself reminded again of the incredible rhythm and sequencing of Mother Nature.
There is a pattern of what must come first, second and so on.
Mother Nature honors that sequence and order of things.
Each element KNOWS who it is and why it is there and what's its purpose and service is.

Also, each element depends on the one that comes before it.
It must do its part so that the life cycle can continue.
If anyone element in the cycle doesn't 'show up' and complete her assignment, the entire process can fall apart.
There is an interdependence that is in place that honors the work of all things...none more important or significant than the other.
Each, in its own place, in its own time, critical for the wellbeing of the whole.

So it is with us.
We each have a different role.
If we get distracted or choose to take our path in other directions, then there are always natural consequences that occur.
Adjustments must be made and other course corrections put in place.
The Universe is so interconnected, that it is constantly in motion.
Shifts and alternative plans are always happening due to these changing of events.

It is very important that we stay true to who we are and why we are here.
Others are counting on our 'showing up' in certain ways to support their unfolding.
As we stay true to who we are becoming and allow our own blossoming,
we can be of truer service to those that are also coming forth to blossom.

Remember who you are...
Remember why you are here...
Remember who you are here to serve...
Remember Who you belong to...
Remember to blossom...

Who

Open to Compassion for Self

When you experience compassion, you know it.
You don't think it as much as you feel it.
It can be so strong it is palpable.
With some individuals, you can sense it even through an email, a note, a card.
Sometimes it is the voice that communicates the compassion.
Sometimes it is the hand, the touch of compassion that you experience.
Sometimes it is the eyes...eyes of a knowing connection that speak the message of compassion.
And then again, sometimes it is an action.
All of these responses come from love.
Love that is so pure, that it wants nothing in return.
It is a gift from the giver to the heart of the other.
It carries an intention of healing and support.
It can bring the energy of recovery, of renewal, of new hope.
It can assure.
It can inspire.
It can release and create freedom.
It can allow greater space to 'be'.
It has the capacity to greatly empower and embolden.
It has the power to transform and move mountains.
It can re-create the superhero in another.

But one of the greatest acts of compassion is the compassion towards self.
Why is that so hard?
Why is that so rarely offered?
Certainly it is not because it is undeserved.
When one reviews one's life, a little compassion might have made the difference between a great struggle and an easy recovery.
Compassion creates a sacred space and sanctuary in which to self heal.
It carries the message that all is well.
Compassion reminds us of our own wholeness.
Compassion for self is part of caring for self.
It cannot be freely given unless it given to self first.

Receive the gift that awaits the hungry,
thirsty soul in need of just a little sweet compassion.

Wisdom Circle - The Whole is Greater Than the Sum of Its Parts

This past Friday evening, we had our Wisdom Circle as has been our custom.
The group came together and 'checked in', sharing events and occurrences from the previous week.
Then we were asked by the leader to share something that speaks about love...
The stories shared ranged from descriptions of the unconditional love of animals to the unspoken touch of a child to a CPS worker who was caring for him.
Sharing from the heart carries with it an energy of love that has its core within the
center of our being.
Since what we are and who we are is love, when we speak together of love, this love moves out from our hearts and fills the space.
Friday evening the 'love' was palpable.
We all felt a greater love than that which resides in each of us individually.
We felt the love that is created when great space is given to it.
We felt the love that is created when love is given the 'front and center' position.
We felt the love that is created when love is held in high regard.
We felt the love that is created when love is honored.

Stories of the magical connection that love creates ignite the fire within each of us to remember its power.
These happenings remind us why we are here.
It isn't to wage wars, to build buildings, to negotiate contracts...
It isn't to amass wealth or possessions.
It really is simple.
We are here to be love in action.
We are here to reconnect with each other and our true selves in love.
We are here to give love more space.
We are here to rediscover the transformative power of love.

Wisdom Circle - Rising Above

Another amazing 'gift' of a Wisdom Circle, is its ability to help the group 'rise above' the challenges of life in the 'fast lane' that we live in and experience the Sabbath or 'rest' of quiet contemplation and peace.
As our Circle begins each week, we release the tensions and frustrations of day to day life and allow ourselves to transition into a whole different space.
It is so good for the soul to have this space of calm...a space to step away and reflect and wonder and just BREATHE...

So often the pace of life takes over...we find ourselves running, flying, soaring from one appointment to another, hardly appreciating the interactions we have.
We move so quickly, the true miracle of the moment escapes us.
The Wisdom Circle reminds us of the importance of shifting our activity into in-activity.
The Circle provides a container of peace amidst the storm.

Over the last several weeks, our group has shared some very difficult life situations that they have been going through.
Some are in the process of standing alongside loved-ones that are having life-threatening surgery.
Others are making long trips to the bedsides of those that are in hospice and in the process of transition through death.
Others are making huge shifts in their work lives and are embarking on new careers.
Whatever the current life distraction, the Wisdom Circle offers repose.
It is a gift of solitude for the weary traveler and can serve to revitalize, renew, remind and recreate within us a sanctuary of serenity.
This interlude helps to rekindle our passion for why we are here and our purpose for being.