September 15, 2012 ~ Synchronicity

September 15, 2012 ~ Synchronicity

"Synchronicity means a 'meaningful coincidence' of outer and inner events that are not themselves causally connected. The emphasis lies on the word 'meaningful.'"

~Marie Louise von Franz

"When you stop existing and you start truly living, each moment of the day comes alive with wonder and synchronicity."

~Steve Maraboli

So, I had a funny experience yesterday during my travels to New York—an experience of synchronicity that felt sort of powerful. I've been anticipating this vacation for many weeks, looking forward to visiting my son and his wife and also getting together with dear friends I've known since grade school days. After weeks of careful preparations to make sure things would run smoothly at the office in my absence, I was happy to sit back in my seat in the plane and simply relax. As I began to unwind and relax I found some emotions coming to the surface that took me by surprise. As I watched the in-flight movie Brave, my heart was stirred and the tears began to flow. I felt inexplicably open, tender, a little raw. And this feeling continued for the whole flight.

While at the baggage claim area at JFK Airport, I was contemplating this feeling that somehow something was opening up within me. As I walked toward the ladies' room I was overcome with a feeling that something transformative is going to happen during this trip—although I don't know what it is. Just then I looked up at the wall and saw this sign (the one in the image above), with the "W" missing from the word "Women". I smiled and pulled out my phone to take a picture of it. It felt like a sign...the writing on the wall, so to speak. It felt like a synchronistic punctuation mark to what I was feeling. 

Swiss psychologist Carl Jung coined the term 'synchronicity' in the 1920s. I love the story he relates about the inspiration for this concept. He had a patient who was experiencing difficulty making breakthroughs in her therapy. He says:

"I was sitting opposite her one day with my back to the window, listening to her flow of rhetoric. She had an impressive dream the night before in which someone had given her a golden scarab—a costly piece of jewelry. While she was still telling me this dream, I heard something behind me gently tapping on the window. I turned around and saw that it was a fairly large flying insect that was knocking against the windowpane from outside, in the obvious effort to get into the dark room. This seemed to me very strange. I opened the window immediately and caught the insect in the air as it flew in. It was a scarab beetle whose gold-green color resembles that of a golden scarab. I handed the beetle to my patient with the words, 'Here is your scarab.' The experience punctured the desired hole in her rationalism and broke the ice of her intellectual resistance."

Many of us have had some experience with synchronicity...you know, like that book that falls off the shelf which contains exactly the information we need at the moment...or like when we think about an old friend we haven't spoken to for years and how uncanny that they call at precisely that moment! How do we explain these synchronistic experiences? I don't believe we can, but if we are paying attention, they may open our hearts, expand our consciousness, allow us to connect with the realm of mystery, or the mystical if you will. The experience is usually so powerful that it makes a soul impression, touching us at a level that pierces the intellect, the analytical mind, and allows for the possibility of inner transformation.

It feels like being touched by an angel. May our days be alive with wonder and synchronicity. 

September 8, 2012 ~ Restoring Balance

September 8, 2012 ~ Restoring Balance

"Silence is like a cradle holding our endeavors and our will; a silent spaciousness

sustains us in our work and at the same time connects us to larger worlds that,

in the busyness in our daily struggle to achieve, we have not yet investigated.

Silence is the soul's break for freedom."

~David Whyte

A glorious weekend of hiking and playing in the sun dappled waters of the Navarro River in the redwood country of northern California has renewed my spirits and provided some insight and perspective on the rhythm of life as I have been living it. There was something liberating about being "unplugged"—out of cell service range, with no access to a computer, a TV or radio; no ability to text, tweet, send emails, catch up on the 24/7 news cycle. There was just be-ing ~ walking among the giant redwoods, basking in the noonday sun, sitting by the fire at night listening to scary stories and singing camp songs, connecting with nature, with oneself, with others in ways our busy lives don't always allow.

On the drive home I found myself reluctant to pull out the smart phone and check messages, emails, and texts. I waited as long as I could. The contrast of the weekend apart gave me perspective, revealed to me the imbalance of it all. How freeing it was to not feel like I should check messages in case someone needed an instant reply. What is so very urgent? How did we get to this place where we need information instantly and we need people to reply to our calls and messages right away? We put so much pressure on ourselves.

Even this blog...I've come to the realization that attempting to write every day for 365 days is actually not honoring my own inner rhythm. It will still be "a year of living in gratitude"...writing as the spirit moves and sharing the pearls of insight I find along the way...just not necessarily every day!

I love the yin-yang symbol. The ancient Chinese got it right. We experience wholeness when there is a balance of yin (feminine, dark, rest, contraction) and yang (masculine, light, activity, and expansiveness) and we allow for the natural flow of one into the other. We experience more harmony and balance when we honor our body's natural rhythms of action and inaction, rest and activity. Even the heart rests between beats and the lungs rest between breaths.

So, I have resolved to initiate another spiritual practice: remembering the Sabbath. Wayne Muller wrote a wonderful book titled Sabbath: Finding Rest, Renewal, and Delight in our Busy Lives. The book offers suggestions and practices from various spiritual traditions designed to help us unplug and find peace in the spaciousness of rest and silence. He says: 

"'Remember the Sabbath' means 'Remember that everything you have received is a blessing. Remember to delight in your life, in the fruits of your labor. Remember to stop and offer thanks for the wonder of it.'"

One can take one day during the week, or an hour every day, or whatever time frame feels right—to unplug from the media blast, to cease activity, to center within, meditate, rest, take a walk among the trees, smell the roses, just BE, experience one's natural rhythms, one's connection to life. Wishing you this kind of peace today and always. Blessed be.

Day 67: August 30, 2012 ~ Gift from the Sea

Day 67: August 30, 2012 ~ Gift from the Sea

 

"I began these pages for myself, in order to think out my own particular pattern of living, my own individual balance of life, work and human relationships. And since I think best with a pencil in my hand, I started naturally to write..."

~Anne Morrow Lindbergh, Gift from the Sea

  

I'm thinking this may be the first in a series, as I feel inspired to acknowledge various authors who have touched me deeply, expanded my awareness, and helped me to discover new perspectives on life. This particular book, Gift from the Sea, is definitely at the top of that list. I own two editions: the first printing, as pictured above, published in 1955; and thanks to my mother-in-law who actually worked for Mrs. Lindbergh (thank you, Irene!), an autographed copy of the 20th Anniversary Edition. I treasure both copies.

Her words speak directly to my soul. When I first read the book in my 20s I found it so inspirational, so refreshing to read her meditations on life and relationships and what it means to be a woman in our modern culture—juggling career, marriage, motherhood, and civic responsibilities. I resonated with her concerns about what happens to the soul of a woman when she loses herself in so much activity, and I felt a kindred spirit in reading of her discovery of the importance of nurturing the inner life.

During a brief vacation on Florida's Captiva Island in the early 1950s Mrs. Lindbergh reflected on the beauty of the shells that she collected while walking on the beach, finding in each unique shape and design a gift of insight revealing a metaphor for different stages of a woman's life.

Like the "Argonauta" (Paper Nautilus), "rare creatures who are not fastened to their shell at all." Once the mother argonaut floats this "cradle for the young" to the surface where the eggs hatch, she leaves her shell and starts another life. To Mrs. Lindbergh this is a symbol for a woman in the second half of life, setting out to discover what nourishes her creative spirit when her child rearing days are over:

"Woman must come of age by herself. This is the essence of 'coming of age'—to learn how to stand alone. She must learn not to depend on another, nor to feel she must prove her strength by competing with another...She must find her true center alone. She must become whole."

Today I am in great appreciation for the beauty and power of the written word in the hands of an artist such as Anne Morrow Lindbergh, and particularly grateful for the gifts that she has shared so graciously with the world. 

Day 66: August 28, 2012 ~ Sacred Space

Day 66: August 28, 2012 ~ Sacred Space

"Your sacred space is where you can find yourself again and again."

~Joseph Campbell

"There are places where one breathes in spirit, places where a man can steep himself in it, or if you prefer, where he quickens the sense of the divine in himself."

~Louis Charpentier, The Mysteries of Chartres Cathedral

Hakone Gardens, Saratoga, CA

Recently I've been thinking a lot about the idea of Sacred Space. I have always felt inspired to create a feeling of sanctuary in my home and work environments—setting up little garden areas with benches, statues or wind chimes; hanging crystals in windows to create dancing rainbows of light on the walls; placing a gently flowing fountain in the entry way; having a vase of fresh flowers on the dining room table—that sort of thing. I enjoy creating a space that is uplifting to the spirits, that feels energizing and nourishing to the soul.

Today I started thinking about the meaning of sacred space. The Free Dictionary online says this: 

sacred space: space—tangible or otherwise—that enables those who acknowledge and accept it to feel reverence and connection with the spiritual 

I began thinking about sacred sites that one might travel to see, like Chartres Cathedral, Stonehenge, Findhorn, Sedona, or a Zen garden, a labyrinth, a temple, a mosque, a synagogue or a church. One goes to such a place to feel connection with something spiritual, to experience a sense of reverence for something larger than oneself. One goes perhaps seeking a mystical sense of union with the divine, or simply inner peace.

As I sat in meditation this morning I began feeling this sense of reverence as I contemplated the awesome design of the human body—how all the organs and cells and tissues work together automatically 24/7 to maintain optimum health. We are each of us walking miracles! Feeling great gratitude, I began to think about sacred space in a new way.

It's about opening to the experience of the divine wherever we are, recognizing the spiritual nature of everything and everyone around us, and within our own selves. Creating sacred space within is nurturing feelings of gratitude and awe, opening to the beauty and sacredness of all life. It's about honoring the gift of life that has been given to us, living our life in a way that is nourishing to the soul, and sharing our unique gifts with the world in joy. Blessed be.

Day 65: August 25, 2012 ~ Aloha Spirit

Day 65: August 25, 2012 ~ Aloha Spirit

"Hawai'i is not a state of mind, but a state of grace."

Paul Theroux

Someone greeted me today with the most lovely smile, saying "Aloha." Something about just hearing the word brings a warm glow and a smile to my heart. I can almost hear the sound of waves rolling gently onto shore and palms swaying in the warm breeze. I see in my mind's eye a beautiful sunset and smell the sweet aroma of plumeria blossoms. Everything inside me relaxes and exhales. . ."ahhhhhhhh".

I think back to the times I have been blessed to visit the Big Island and Oahu. Memories of special moments come to mind--swimming with dolphins; dancing the hula; snorkeling in the crystal blue waters of Kealakekua Bay alongside sea turtles and about a hundred different varieties of fish of many colors and stripes; visiting lush exotic gardens. So much incredible beauty. One of the gardens is quite unique: Paleaku Peace Gardens in Kona, Hawai'i, where gardens and shrines honor many of the world's spiritual traditions. They have a labyrinth, a medicine wheel, a Bodhi Tree, Tibetan Sand Paintings. There is even a Galaxy Garden, a 100-foot diameter scale model of the Milky Way mapped in living plants and flowers. If you're curious here is their website: http://www.paleaku.com.

The word ALOHA carries deep meaning, which I don't pretend to fully understand. It means "hello" and "goodbye" and it means "love". The word holds so much more meaning: "the joyful (oha) sharing (alo) of life energy (ha) in the present (alo). Aloha is about sending and receiving positive energy; it is about living in harmony and sharing joy. There is something essential, mystical, elemental in the very word, that carries the energy of love, peace, and harmony. When we greet each other or part from one another with this blessing, we send one another that positive life force energy. It is a sacred blessing.

And so in the spirit of Aloha, I wish you great joy this day. Can you hear the ukelele playing a sweet refrain, and smell the aroma of gardenia and plumeria?!

Day 64: August 23, 2012 ~ To Sleep, Perchance to Dream

Day 64: August 23, 2012 ~ To Sleep, Perchance to Dream

"And if tonight my soul may find her peace in sleep, and sink in good oblivion,

and in the morning wake like a new-opened flower then I have been dipped

again in God, and new-created."

~D.H. Lawrence

photo by Kim Denise: "Striped Embrace"

I've been having some trouble sleeping lately, experiencing an unusual bout of insomnia, and it has me appreciating the gift of truly restful sleep. You know, that feeling of blissful surrender to the land of nod, when the body relaxes and thoughts dissolve as if into a mist and you pleasantly drift off into sweet oblivion. Ah yes...to sleep, perchance to dream.

It amazes me to think how much sleep most of us need—they say 7-8 hours a night is optimal for most adults (although some people do well with less), and young children need as much as 12-14 hours of sleep each night. Sleep is essential to our health and well being. While we sleep our body is busy doing maintenance and repair, and the brain is busy processing the events of our day. We need this time to renew body and mind.

Sleep is also a fertile time for creative problem solving. When the conscious mind takes a rest and becomes quiet and still, the subconscious mind comes out to play and we tap into a source of infinite creativity. Isn't it amazing how our dreaming mind creates these wonderful dramas for us to watch, like going to the movies, every night. Often our dreams show us where we are stuck in our life or relationships, suggesting what thoughts or beliefs or attitudes may be blocking our progress, and offer clues that may aid in our evolution. Dreams speak in a language of symbol and metaphor, and often in images that are shocking or disturbing enough to get our attention. I agree with those who say that whether or not we remember our dreams, they always serve a healing function, helping to bring balance to the psyche.

In appreciation and gratitude for the gift of healing, restorative, creativity-generating blissful sleep! And now, off to bed, to sleep, perchance to dream.

Day 63: August 20, 2012 ~ Seeking New Landscapes

Day 63: August 20, 2012 ~ Seeking New Landscapes

"The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes,

but in having new eyes."

~Marcel Proust

   

This was inspired by an email exchange with a dear friend who has set out on a new adventure and has moved to another state. He shared photographs of his beautiful new surroundings—his new home is surrounded by mountains and rugged cliffs, evergreen trees, a river flowing by...there is lots of open space and a big blue sky. It's quite breathtaking. As I looked at the photos today I made a funny connection about the idea of 'moving to new territory'—although I haven't gone anywhere, I'm feeling lately that the "landscape" around me has changed completely, like I'm in brand new territory in my experience of life.

I thought about how many times in my life I have moved to a new place in search of something different—and how important the physical landscape has been to me. I've always lived on one coast or the other, and have chosen locations based on the beauty of the land—places near the water, preferably with mountains nearby, and lots of green trees and gardens—always being drawn to the beauty of nature.

In recent years I have become more aware of the importance of exploring the terrain of the inner landscape—and have been discovering new territories within. There has been a new spirit of adventure, a willingness to venture outside my comfort zone and try new things. For example, I've always had a belief that I can't sing, and have felt like the most terrifying place to be is performing on a stage. But I was inspired to join the choral group Joyful Sound, and yesterday I found myself on a stage in front of a rather large audience, standing in the front row of this 50-member group, singing my little heart out. And loving it. That's new territory for me.

There were moments in the concert when I felt transported, was taken outside myself and felt one with the music...like when we sang "Blowin' in the Wind/America", a unique and stirring arrangement of the Bob Dylan classic. I had chills from head to toe; it was electrifying, like being plugged into an electric outlet!

What changed? My perspective. Like the wise owl above says, "changing your perspective changes your experience." I may not have the best voice in the world, but I had a strong desire to raise my voice in song in harmony with other people, and I was willing to work at it every day all summer long. I didn't listen to the "old tapes" that have stopped me in the past from even trying.

Today I am grateful for the opportunity to experience life in a whole new way, through willingness to see with new eyes and choosing a new perspective. I can't wait to see what other unexplored regions there are to discover!