I’ve come through the darkest of winters and have met spring with a searing gratitude for new life.
                                                                                  Jane Alexander

Welcome back to our Co-Creative Mandalas blog!

Each month, we share insights, inspiration, and all the ways the cycles of the Great Mandala uplift and support you.  We draw upon the metaphors and messages of each season to explore and celebrate our individual and collective journeys toward Freedom.

The Co-Creative Mandalas have a name that represents something about the natural world and the energy in the universe at this current time.
 
This month's mandala is Emergence.

Happy Spring Equinox!

Finally!  Spring has arrived…the beginning of the inner and outer growing season and with it comes emergence, renewal, expansion, and growth.

Even though it may have been a long, cold, lonely winter…here comes the sun (to borrow from George Harrison)!

Spring is a joyful time, with themes of awakening, rebirth, and new life. Nature is waking up after her long winter's rest. Everything is coming alive; the natural world is being reborn.

This same thing is happening within you – in your life and in your spirit.

Let’s welcome back the long days of sunshine and celebrate our tender connections with our essential self… with nature… with the present moment …and with the Wholeness of infinite spirit.

March equinox marks a moment of pause, when the planet isn't tilted away from or toward the sun. This means that the sun's rays fall in a horizontal line along the earth's equator.  At the time of the spring and fall equinoxes, day and night, light and dark are balanced and of approximately equal duration all over the planet. Just like the Yin and Yang symbol, light and dark meet in the middle. In the Northern Hemisphere we invite balance and the emergence of new growth, of blossoming, and expansion of light.

As it's happening in nature, the seasonal biorhythms shift our energy.  Have you noticed more energy as the daylight hours lengthen? Do you feel delight that comes with spring? The dormancy and darkness of winter is giving way to  the emergence of budding trees and flowers. I notice that I'm more energetic and feel the urge to increase physical movement, and connect with the land, water, and life.

The heart is like a garden. It can grow compassion or fear, resentment or love. What seeds will you plant there?
                                                                                   Jack Kornfield

In late fall, I planted bulbs and scattered seeds, envisioning lovely spring blossoms. All throughout winter, above ground, I waited, trusting all the incredible things were happening beneath the surface. Without all of this invisible work in the darkness of winter, we wouldn't have the abundance of spring.

The seed's job is to know what it is. The soil's job is to hold the seed and nurture it, bringing it what it needs to enable its identity to unfold and flourish. In this relationship, the seed doesn't struggle to bring forth its nature. It opens to the soil to empower it to do what it needs to be to unfold itself.
                                                                                  David Spangler

The spring equinox is a a time of pure potential on the wheel of the Great Mandala. Anything is possible in the months ahead! Co-creating with the universe, with the seasonal energy, we empower ourselves to shine our unique light, fully and freely.

Use this powerful seasonal energy to check in with yourself and align more deeply with your purpose, with the all that you envisioned at the fall equinox and at the beginning of the year.

What inner seeds did you plant? What do you want to see grow in your life in the months ahead? How do you want to grow? What long-held dream are you nourishing? Imagine what it would feel like to realize your dream.

What inklings, inner promptings are stirring within?  As you would take care of the seeds you plant in a garden, nurture your vision, the dream seeds you planted. Show them care and they will come to light, too. If you continue to take care of your fondest desires and dreams, like plants in a garden, they will grow and blossom -- sometimes in small ways and sometimes big ways.

Being aware of infinite possibilities gives space for your mind to wander and opens your heart. What allows us to grow during this seasonal cycle happens as we enter the flow of life. This process of growth will bring out a more powerful version of you. The intentions you set are amplified by these spring energies.

In the words of the famous philosopher Laozi, Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.

In nature, emergence happens slowly. I didn't wake up this morning to find fields of bright yellow, blooming daffodils and trees alive with pink and white blossoms. The same is true for our personal growth, for our Emergence.

The term “spiritual emergence” was coined by Dr. Stanislav Grof and his wife Christina Grof, two leaders in the field of transpersonal theory.  It is, as the Grofs describe it:

...the movement of an individual to a more expanded way of being that involves enhanced emotional and psychosomatic health, greater freedom of personal choices, and a sense of deeper connection with other people, nature, and the cosmos.
                                                                    Grof and Grof 1990, p. 34

Lukoff, Lu, and Turner (1998) say that “In spiritual emergence there is a gradual unfoldment of spiritual potential with minimal disruption in psychological, social, and occupational functioning". Spiritual emergence is generally experienced as pleasant and typically occurs at a slow enough pace to be properly assimilated into our consciousness.

As a gardener of the soil and the soul, I know that perfect conditions need to be present for the flowers to emerge, for trees to bud. So,  during the winter months, I waited (sometimes patiently, sometimes--not so much) for the cold, darkness of winter to give way to warm sunshine, for the frozen soil to loosen, and the late snow storms and early rain to nourish and moisten the earth below. I trusted that, eventually, spring would sproing.  Now, I'm beginning to see the first signs of new growth in my garden and on my walks.

Just like the trees, bulbs, and seeds need the right conditions to emerge in the spring, our spiritual emergence needs conditions that support our personal growth.

So, I encourage you to  be kind to yourself. It's important to prioritize self-care, your daily practices and rituals,  that support remembering the things that reconnect you to who and what matters most, to nature, and to your community.

Emergence isn't a goal or destination, it's a constant invitation to embrace yourself exactly as you are, in all your glorious imperfection. Here are some conditions and pointers that support creating your container for emergence, transformation, and growth.

Acceptance: For self and others
Surrender: Befriend uncertainty
Trust: Yourself and the process
Welcome Challenges: See them as opportunities
Be Here Now: Fully present, mindful of all your experiences
Honor discomfort: Welcome and breathe into pain
(Adapted from: The Stormy Search for the Self By Christina and Stanislav Grof)

I ran across this song, "May I Walk" by Karen Drucker, a while back. When I heard it I was reminded of how important it is to find music and songs that inspire me and remind me to remember my Wholeness. I often play it as part of my spring equinox celebration.

The Co-Creative Mandala below, "Emergence", is from a photograph of hyacinth (symbolizes joy) and daffodil (symbolizes rebirth and new beginnings). It is associated with the solar plexus, heart, throat, third eye and crown chakras. It reminds us to trust our intuition and to allow transformation and growth. Remember, we are already who we want to become--we are Wholeness.

We are always emerging.
Never perfect. Never finished.
Always Wholeness.

Emergence Exercise:
Intention:
Spring Equinox invites you to honor both darkness and light as you release what no longer serves you and open up space for Emergence.

The real power of the practice is the intention you place behind it. Start your day with gratitude and by setting the intention that you are dedicating time for self-care, to allowing Emergence, and awakening to Freedom.  This exercise is a simple way of helping you ground and expand as you access Emergence.    This exercise reminds you that this is the perfect time for inner and outer spring cleaning.

Allow yourself plenty of time to complete this exercise. You can use this exercise throughout the day. The most powerful time for this exercise is on the spring equinox and during the days that follow.  Remember, as you co-create this exercise, be gentle with yourself as you discover what nurtures and sustains you.

Before you begin the exercise:

There are two parts to this exercise. (You'll need something to write with, paper or a journal, colored pencils, markers, etc.)

Part 1: Invest time toward moving into stillness.

Light a candle. Create an altar that contains items that remind you of spring. Take a few deep breaths to ground & center.

When you are ready, invite any subtle colleagues, allies, your guides and helpers to join you in your sacred space. Wait a moment for that connection and alliance to form.

Next, invest some time for reflecting on the Emergence mandala.

Let you gaze fall softly on the mandala. Use one or all of the  following prompts for connecting your energy to the energy of the mandala:

What message does it have for you? How will you surrender to Emergence? How will honoring Emergence support your journey toward Freedom?  How will you nurture the mandala of your life? How will you practice self-care and self-compassion and welcome Emergence into your awareness?

Part 2: Opening to Emergence

This is a meaningful time to find the balance that comes with the spring equinox.  During these vibrant and energetic times,  the power of Emergence is particularly potent. Setting the intention to invest your attention toward honoring Emergence increases the likelihood that you will realize your dreams.
 
There are 3 Steps to this exercise.
Complete as many steps as you're called to complete.

I encourage you to use whatever ways that inspire you, writing, drawing, a song--for completing the steps below.

Step 1: Inner Spring Cleaning
Acknowledge and let go of thoughts, emotions, beliefs that no longer serve you. Without judgment or drama, briefly list what mistakes, regrets, disappointments, fears, worries, limiting beliefs you want to discard as spring emerges. Then let them go. (If you need support in letting go--please reach out to me or another support person.)

Step 2: Get Your Joy On!
The Spring equinox, when a new cycle of life begins and light and dark are equal, bids us to rejuvenate and balance our lives.
>List or draw 4 things you’ve done this past year that brought you joy.
>What creative or playful acts are calling you?

Step 3: Connect With Nature
One of the best ways to refresh your spirit and welcome in Emergence is to hang out in nature.
>What are 3 nearby places, e.g. a park, a botanical garden, your backyard where you can spend some quiet time strolling, reading, or meditating?
>Be mindful of smells, sights, textures, tastes and sounds.

Here’s to all of your dreams blossoming this spring.

I'm sending you bountiful blessings for the season ahead. May this be a time of beautiful, expansive growth and  Emergence for you.

It's easy to be an angel if no one or nothing
ruffles your feathers.
                                                                                    Anonymous

Welcome back to our Co-Creative Mandalas blog!

Each month, we share insights, inspiration, and all the ways the cycles of the Great Mandala uplift and support you.  We draw upon the metaphors and messages of each season to explore and celebrate our individual and collective journeys toward Freedom.

The Co-Creative Mandalas have a name that represents something about the natural world and the energy in the universe at this current time.
 
This month's mandala is Equanimity.

Wow - have you noticed how quickly 2023 is just flying by!

As we cross February off the calendar, there is still so much potential toward experiencing and living Freedom that this year holds for us

And I am being inspired every day by our Co-Creative Mandalas members who send me updates on their progress so far.

It warms my heart to see and hear all the ways you're co-creating and aligning with your life purpose.

…and I know that many beings are struggling--close to home and around the planet.  More than any time in our lifetime, it is so important to be intentional about our personal development and daily practices.  

We're just at the end of the second month of the year. Take a moment to reflect on all that has happened in your life since January 1st.

What were the first two months of 2023, the journey toward Freedom,  like for you?  What are your struggles? Your triumphs? Insights? I've marveled at how much change is happening in my life, in such a short amount of time. For instance, I've decided to leave a job that I've been doing (and love) for a few years and allow what unfolds next without a clear idea of what that will be. That's huge for me! And, a bit unsettling.

Where did you find Inspiration?   Are you already feeling the powerful energy of the year?

I'm seeing a couple of themes emerge in nature and humanity--individually and collectively:

1. Many of us are in a TRANSITION. Moving to a new place, starting a new job, leaving a job, stepping up to a new level in our career, business or purpose, experiencing a transition in relationships… the list goes on.

and/or

2. Many of us are in a TRANSFORMATION - Deep internal shifts, old patterns and stories coming up and healing, deep, buried things being illuminated, profound reflections in our relationship to ourselves and others… the list goes on.

This doesn't surprise me because we are in a period of inner and outer expansion--both globally and seasonally.

Spring is on the horizon--in just 20 days! A big shift is occurring in nature too: All of nature is beginning to wake up.

This is the power of the season. This powerful shift is reflected in the changes and challenges around the globe.

New life is just beginning to stir deep in the dark, but it’s still the stormy, cold winter season. Energetically, we're pulled in two directions: the quiet, introspective winter season (being angels) and the life force that's beginning to grow in the spring season (when our "feathers get ruffled"). This contrast can feel wonky. It can be a wild ride. Our energy is still in introspection mode while simultaneously, we’re asked to leave what is safe and comfortable in order step into something new, something unknown and uncertain. And, exciting--all at once.

This particular part of the Grand Mandala's seasonal cycles serves the purpose to  connect us more deeply to our own power, and to the recognition that each of us is an expression of Wholeness.

We need to TRUST that this is the magic of the seasonal energy right now (and the energy of bringing darkness to the Light globally). It is causing things to stir in your life, in your spirit, in your own personal growth journey. And, you're not alone.

This can be an intense time--in nature and in all beings--as the Great Mandala turns. It can feel chaotic, unsettling, uncomfortable.

Learning to be present with the harder parts of the human experience, with our own shadow side, with the unknown and uncertainty, holds some of the biggest access points to  personal power, inner connection, transformation and transition.

In the midst of the changes and challenges, we need an anchor, something that will ground us in the present moment. This is the time for creating a portal to Equanimity.

What does Equanimity mean?

Equanimity means being in harmony with yourself and allows you to respond to life from a place of presence, compassion, loving kindness, acceptance, and awareness.

Equanimity comes from balance and detachment. Balance is seeing all sides of a situation (multiple points of view). Detachment is being comfortable with uncertainty, dichotomy, and ambiguity.

The art of Equanimity is a continual letting go...that calm confidence necessary for being the "peace that passes understanding" when no matter what's going on around us, we have the power to lightly hold Equanimity in the middle of it all; to be here now. This is where curiosity, wonder, humility, and lightly holding come into play.

Image found on the Web

I heard the quote at the beginning of this blog post in the early 70s when I lived a very sheltered life at a retreat center. It's stuck with me ever since. That was about the time that I also discovered Ram Das, who became (and continues to be) one of my earliest teachers. In case you don't know his story--he was a Harvard professor and psychiatrist who was fired from his position because of his research into the use of therapeutic psychedelics, then landed in India in search of enlightenment. He told his story and wrote about spiritual wisdom in the book Be Here Now.  I read and re-read the book multiple times over the years. The title has become something of a spiritual mantra for many people. The book and the phrase are part of contemporary spirituality. Teachers, including Eckhart Tolle in The Power of Now attest to the continued interest in being in the Now as a spiritual practice.

Whether our practices have their roots in mindfulness, Buddhism, New Age spirituality, Shamanism, Celtic or conventional religious traditions,  the phrase "Be Here Now" is often identified as an essential principle of Equanimity.

But what does it really mean to "Be Here Now"?

Patrick Paul Garlinger, author, mystic, and psychic,  illuminates the deeper meaning of three parts that make up the phrase in his blog post The Truly Radical Meaning of “Be Here Now”.

In a nutshell: When you’re fully present, you are aware of your responses to what's happening in your life and align with your inner wisdom.

To act wisely and kindly in the world, especially in times of difficulty, the first step is to learn to quiet the mind. When our minds are peaceful and hearts are open, then we can expect peace to come through the actions we take. However strong a response is needed, it goes better with a peaceful mind and an open heart. 
                                                                                   Jack Kornfield

Around the world, so many souls are joining together in our prayer for Equanimity, for peace. While the news may give more attention to points of conflict and disruption, there is a yearning in our hearts and minds for Equanimity.

If you want to live a life of balance, of Freedom, start now with small steps. Turn off the news for a while, meditate, turn on Mozart, walk through the forest or the mountains. Let go of the latest story--yours and the world's. Listen more deeply.

Equanimity begins with a soft and open heart.

Quiet the mind, the heart will speak.
                                                                                       Anonymous

If you're feeling unsettled, I invite you to consciously practice embracing those ebb moments instead of resisting them. Demonstrate self-compassion instead of self-condemnation simply by sitting with yourself the way you would a friend in need, without trying to fix or convince yourself to feel something different. Oftentimes a few minutes is all it takes to move the energy.

How are you talking to yourself? Be mindful of your internal dialogue. Notice how you deal with self-critical thoughts. The more you practice self-awareness, the easier it will become for you to see and experience Equanimity as you continue your journey toward Freedom.

What would change in your life if you got really good at this practice?

We didn't come into this lifetime to be angels who watch from the sidelines as life unfolds around us.

As an expressions of Wholeness, we are infinite potential and possibility.

The real reason we are here is to remember our Wholeness, discover our unique expression of this, and to bring it to the world--even if our feathers get ruffled.

Does discovering, understanding, and remaining grounded in Equanimity and your true purpose elude you? Then I invite you to co-create with me. Discover how Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT-Tapping) supports you in tuning into your inner guidance system and helps you unlock your greatest gifts so you stay aligned with your deepest purpose.

The Co-Creative Mandala below, "Equanimity", is from a photograph of purple primula aka primrose, which symbolizes balance, focus, and grounding. It brings calmness to all areas of our life. It is associated with the solar plexus, heart, and crown chakras. It reminds us to create and allow space around our worries, so that we can release them and be more present with others and ourselves--even when our feathers are ruffled. 

Peace flows from that place in consciousness where Equanimity fills my awareness.  Wherever I go, whatever I’m doing, I am a peaceful presence.

Equanimity Practice:
Intention:
Step more deeply into alignment with Equanimity by being a peaceful presence in the world.

The real power of the practice is the intention you place behind it. Start your day with gratitude and by setting the intention that you are dedicating time for self-care, to remembering Equanimity, and awakening to Freedom.  This practice is a simple method of helping you access Equanimity.    This practice reminds you create space around your worries, let go and Be Here Now.

Equanimity is possible to attain in the presence of stress, chaos, and danger. Like inner peace, Equanimity is a sense of emotional, mental, and spiritual harmony, even as life’s challenges arise. When Equanimity is present, there are strong feelings of serenity, balance, tranquility, and calmness.

Research suggests that people can begin to derive psychological and physiological benefits from the following CPR breath meditation after just a single introductory session.

This Equanimity practice emphasizes a focus on breathing and awareness of one's thoughts.

A simple meditation, “CPR”,  is based on the words Calm, Peaceful, and Relaxed and includes  these three sentences:

I am calm. I am peaceful. I am relaxed.

Allow yourself plenty of time to complete this practice. You can use this practice throughout the day--anytime your "feathers are ruffled". The most powerful time for this practice is when you're feeling pulled out of your center. Remember, as you co-create this practice, be gentle with yourself as you discover what nurtures and sustains you.

Before you begin the practice:

There are two parts to this practice.

Part 1: Invest time toward moving into stillness.

Light a candle. Take a few deep breaths to ground & center.

When you are ready, invite any subtle colleagues, allies, your guides and helpers to join you in your sacred practice. Wait a moment for that connection and alliance to form.

Next, invest some time for reflecting on the Equanimity mandala.

Let you gaze fall softly on the mandala. Use one or all of the  following prompts for connecting your energy to the energy of the mandala:

What message does it have for you? How will you surrender to Equanimity? How will honoring Equanimity support your journey toward Freedom?  How will you nurture the mandala of your life? How will you practice self-care and self-compassion by welcoming Equanimity into your awareness?

Part 2: Opening to Equanimity

This is a meaningful time to find the wisdom and clarity of Equanimity. During these unsettled times, the power of Equanimity is particularly potent. Setting the intention to invest your attention toward cultivating Equanimity increases the likelihood that you will Be Here Now  in the midst of the changes and challenges all around you.

Think of something or someone that bothers you--an event, a conversation, an interaction, something you're worried about.

With soft eyes, focus on the Equanimity mandala.  Using your breath to guide you, repeat these three sentences this way:

On the inhale through your nose say: I am…
On the exhale through your mouth say: …calm.
On the next inhale through your nose  say: I am...
On the next exhale through your mouth say: …peaceful.
On the next inhale through your nose say: I am...
On the next exhale through your mouth say: …relaxed.

As you're doing this practice, notice your thoughts and emotions. There's no need to do anything about them--just notice. Repeat this process until you begin to feel more calm, peaceful, and relaxed. This can happen quickly, or it may take a few minutes.

Continue your journey by practicing Equanimity in the present moment wherever you are, whatever the circumstances.

Wishing you peace,

Inspiration transforms the way we perceive our own capabilities.
                                                           Jennifer Grant

Welcome back to our Co-Creative Mandalas blog!

Each month, we share insights, inspiration, and all the ways the cycles of the Great Mandala uplift and support you.  We draw upon the metaphors and messages of each season to explore and celebrate our individual and collective journeys toward Freedom.

The Co-Creative Mandalas have a name that represents something about the natural world and the energy of the current time.
 
This month's mandala is Inspiration.

Wishing You the Blessings of the New Year.

We're nearly two weeks into the next trip around the Great Mandala. This time of reflection, belief in new beginnings,  invites us to open our heart and mind to the best we can be by raising our vibration. When we raise our individual vibration it has a ripple effect which moves out into the world to help raise the vibration of our collective consciousness. We’re grateful to be sharing this moment with you.

Even if you aren't feeling the shift in energy that comes with this time of year, no worries; it can take a few days, or a week or more before we fully feel the impact of the New Year energy.

Full disclosure: Even though I was all fired up to begin another year of sharing the Co-Creative Mandalas blog, it took me over two weeks to write this blog post. I just wasn't feeling it. I'm calling it "blogger's block". More on that later.

In the meantime:
The New Year celebrations, our resolutions and intentions are all human creations. I'm pretty sure that nature doesn't throw a party on December 31st or check her calendar on January 1st and set intentions for the year ahead. But our belief that crossing the liminal space from the old to the new opens the doorway to believing we have the power to co-create new possibilities. Our intentions and our resolutions acknowledge that power.

One of my deep beliefs is that there are no accidents in life, and there is purpose in everything that happens--even if I don't see that in the moment.

So for the past few days (14, to be exact), I've been thinking about the topic for this  blog post. Perhaps because the Co-Creative Mandala for January is Inspiration,  I (sometimes) trusted that Inspiration would surface at the right time. (I hoped) It always does.

And, today it did! So, here goes:

In the new year, I wish you the wisdom to know you already have and already are everything you wish for.
                                                                                   Geneen Roth

This year, Co-Creative Mandalas offers you tools for remembering your Wholeness and raising your vibration by sharing 12 Qualities that support your upward spiraling journey toward Freedom, the word, the theme, for 2023. Freedom, not just to do and have what we want (which is important), but Freedom to be who we are meant to be. Freedom to stand, unshakable, in Wholeness amidst the chaos of everyday experiences.

With Freedom in mind, the 12 Qualities that govern this year are Inspiration, Equanimity, Emergence, Connection, Authenticity, Generosity, Tenderness, Compassion, Harmony, Kindness, Appreciation, and Acceptance. By embracing these Qualities you have many opportunities to experience Freedom on your journey;  these Qualities are your guiding lights.  Stay tuned: We'll be sharing more about each of these Qualities in the months ahead.

But first: What is Freedom?

For me, Freedom means there is no resistance to what is. Or, if there is resistance, it is witnessed without judgment.  Freedom is remembering your Wholeness; living in alignment with the Universe, Life, the flow, your soul--your True Nature.

I don't always experience Freedom. At times, I may feel constricted by circumstances, limited by old beliefs and patterns, or faced with life happening. Has that ever happened to you?

When that happens in my life, I may feel anything but free and expansive. I may feel a range of emotions--despair, frustration, disappointment. I've learned to allow those feelings, because I know they need and want my attention.  As you may have also discovered, allowing those feelings and loving and accepting yourself anyway is the pathway to finding the Freedom to remember the limitless expressions of Wholeness. I find my way there with daily practices, in nature, breath work, EFT-Tapping, and journaling--most of the time.

How do you find Wholeness when life appears to be fractured?

It takes courage to let go of the long held beliefs about our self that have kept us safe and to immerse our self in the potential and possibility that Life calls us to co-create. It takes courage to live life in alignment with the magic of Life, where we surrender control, where Life uses us to express all the expansive possibilities, beyond our wildest dreams, beyond our goals, or beyond our intentions, beyond our perceived limitations.

By shifting my perspective from the limits of the world (and the ego) to the expanse and perfection of Spirit, peace fills me. I remember there is universal energy seeking to emerge through me and as me.  I experience inner strength when I release limiting beliefs and remember that I am whole and complete, right here, right now--whatever the outward appearances are.

This view of Freedom includes accepting and allowing what is, which don’t focus on end results; rather, they are processes.  Accepting and allowing provide many opportunities for developing awareness and self knowledge that support us in finding the truth of our being, who we are, and our purpose. This truth can then set us free from limitations and allow the flow of energy and co-creativity that is seeking to emerge through us.

What is Life, the Universe, our deepest impulse seeking to express through each of us now, throughout 2023, and beyond? Where and how to begin again?

We begin with Inspiration.  Inspiration is a feeling of enthusiasm you get from someone (including yourself) or something, that gives you new and creative ideas.

Derived from the Latin word “inspirare,” meaning to “breathe into,” inspiration is the feeling of being mentally stimulated to manifest what we want to create.
                                                                                         D. Welke

Inspiration has an intelligence that knows what to do even if we don't. Often, Inspiration seems to just happen; Inspiration "strikes" the saying goes.  I think we can spontaneously experience Inspiration, it can arise from within, and/or it can elude us if we aren't paying attention.

Why does that happen?

Now, back to "blogger's block".  I set the intention to post the January blog on the 1st. After all, I should post it then, it's the right time for a New Year's blog post, right? As the 1st came and went, I was sure each new day was the day--I'd finally write something, anything.  Sitting in front of a blank screen, with an equally blank mind, was torture. I couldn't figure out what was going on. I'd done my research (turns out there are quite a few folks who write about inspiration, why it's important and ways to access it).

This was different from my typical procrastination (a subject for another blog). The self-talk was brutal. Reading articles and posts about writer's block wasn't helpful. Finally, I decided to give up. Then it happened. No, not the writing, but a small nudge, a quiet voice that prompted me to watch a The Best Year of Your Life Summit video. "Oh, great, I thought--another person telling me what to do" about setting goals for a "new year, new me"! I nearly didn't watch the video.

I'm so glad I responded to the gentle nudge and watched the video. Right away, I felt my energy shift. I love that he identified Surrender as the password to aligning with Inspiration, i.e., I don't need to know what to do (or write)! Intelligence infuses Inspiration. He reminded me to let go and let God (Goddess, Universe, Spirit, Life) and get myself out of my own way. How simple is that?

When we're in alignment with Inspiration,  energy naturally flows unimpeded from nature, the Universe, through us, as us,  and into our experiences. Saying yes to Inspiration, to your evolution of consciousness and  growth raises your vibration and frees you to remember you are here to shine. It allows you to envision possibilities and express what Life is calling us to be and do.

How do we access Inspiration? How do we find the clues?

This is what I learned from my "blogger's block" experience:
1. Trust that Life will show you what's next.
2. Be still and listen.
3. Be curious.
4. Let go of how things "should" be.
5. Hold your goals and intentions lightly.
6. Expect the unexpected.

Right now, and throughout the month, the seasonal energy  is offering space for you to pause. It's encouraging and supporting you in listening to the still, quiet voice deep within. This is where Inspiration is, where wisdom is, where guidance and direction are, and from which new ideas emerge. Trust that Inspiration is one way the Universe is inviting and using you to express the expansive possibilities that you will bring to life this year.

Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that , because what the world needs is people who have come alive.
                                                                          Rev. Howard Thurman

Choose to find time every day to welcome Inspiration, envision possibilities, and allow your heart to discover the unique gifts you have to offer to the world. Little by little, choice by choice, you will gradually co-create more and more joy, well-being, and Freedom in your life.

The Co-Creative Mandala--"Inspiration" is from a photograph of pine (symbolizes strength), snow (symbolizes optimism), and ice crystals (symbolizes stillness). It is associated with the heart, throat, third eye, and crown chakras. It reminds you to pause and appreciate the time for accessing your innermost self. Surrendering builds confidence for accessing Inspiration and for acting on your ideas, dreams, and intuition. See yourself co-creating with Life. Trust  you will find that the Inspiration you receive is what you truly need at this moment for allowing the deepest impulse of the Universe to effortlessly flow and express through you.

Inspiration prepares the soil for planting the seeds you want to see grow.

Inspiration Practice:
Intention:
Step more deeply into alignment with Inspiration by letting Life show you what's next.

The real power of the practice is the intention you place behind it. Start your day with gratitude and by setting the intention that you are dedicating time for self-care, to remembering Inspiration, and awakening to Freedom.  This practice is a simple method of helping you access Inspiration.    This practice reminds you to surrender to Life, let go and let the Universe guide you toward what is seeking to express through you.

Throughout January and the next trip around the Great Mandala, practice looking for Inspiration all around you. Inspiration works in so many different ways; it awakens us to new possibilities by allowing us to transcend our ordinary experiences and limitations. Inspiration raises our vibration and helps us align our intentions with our values, with what matters to us, it allows the flow of Life to express through us and as us.

Allow yourself plenty of time to complete this practice. You can start and finish on different days. The most powerful time for this practice is at the beginning of the new year. Remember, as you co-create this practice, be gentle with yourself as you discover what nurtures and sustains you.

Before you begin the practice:

There are two parts to this practice.

Part 1: Invest time toward moving into stillness.

When you are ready, invite any subtle colleagues, allies, your guides and helpers to join you in your sacred practice. Wait a moment for that connection and alliance to form.

Next, invest some time for reflecting on the Inspiration mandala.

Let you gaze fall softly on the mandala. Use one or all of the  following prompts for connecting your energy to the energy of the mandala:

What message does it have for you? How will you surrender to Inspiration ? How will honoring Inspiration support remembering your Wholeness?  How will you nurture the mandala of your life? How will you practice self-care and self-compassion by welcoming Inspiration into your awareness?

Part 2: Opening to Inspiration

This is a meaningful time to find the wisdom and clarity of Inspiration. During this month, the power of Inspiration is particularly potent. Reflect, look inside and to the ones you love, and to things, events, and objects that allow the expansive energy of possibilities to flow. Setting the intention to invest your attention toward looking for the Inspiration "clues" increases the likelihood that you will recognize Inspiration when it calls you.

Find a few, quiet moments for being still and listening.

Light a candle. Take a few deep breaths to ground & center.

1. What is being illuminated in you right now?

2. What are your sources of Inspiration, i.e., people, music, nature, movies?

2. What are your favorite words for Inspiration?

3. Find Inspiration in yourself, i.e., what do you love about yourself? What are you proud of accomplishing?

Write freely, allow whatever comes up for you. Don't think about it, just listen and write whatever is on your mind and in your heart. This is a really meaningful way to connect with you inner voice. Just let whatever comes up flow out.

I hope this powerful time of surrender supports you in aligning you with the magic and joy of Inspiraton and brings you profound guidance and insight for the year ahead and beyond as your journey continues toward Freedom.

May you know peace and joy,

Develop contentment with whatever you have—the present moment, the silence, the breath.
                                                                                       Ajahn Brahm

Welcome back to our Co-Creative Mandalas blog!

Each month, we share insights, inspiration, and all the ways the cycles of the Great Mandala uplift and support you.  We draw upon the metaphors and messages of each season to explore and celebrate our individual and collective journeys toward Unity.

The Co-Creative Mandalas have a name that represents something about the natural world and the energy of the current time.
 
This month's mandala is Contentment.

We are in the deepest, darkest days of the year, but it's also a time that reminds us of the light around and within us. And it is from  darkness that our light comes forth. This is the season of welcoming and honoring light. Ancient traditions and celebrations of light include Chanukah, Christmas, and Kwanzaa. These holidays occur at the end of the Hebrew and Gregorian calendars.

In nature, it's also the end of the year that began with winter solstice in December of 2021 and officially begins again with winter solstice today at 2:47 pm MST. The cycle
of the earth around the sun this time of year spiritually symbolizes light and darkness, life and death.

From nature we learn this is a time of rest. We see reflected all around us--in the trees that have lost their leaves are resting before new buds form in the spring. The animals are resting and conserving energy (I see very few critters on my wintry walks). When spring arrives, all of nature has been preparing for bringing forth and nurturing new life. I can't help but feel wonder when I think about the ease with which all of nature persists each winter and is reborn in the spring.

This pattern of changing seasons reminds me that life is continual and never-ending rest, reflection, and renewal. The winter solstice offers a natural pull inwards for contemplation and inner listening.

The winter solstice also brings our attention to how we find our way through the darkness toward the birth of inner and outer light.

As we honor the year that’s ending, we celebrate the new spark of light being ignited within us, the tiniest spark of new fire burning deep within.  It's a time of hope for everything that will grow in a new cycle of life.

This is the time to invite contentment into your life. By staying in touch with your inner stillness, you allow contentment to flourish.

We are all capable of producing magic and blessings in our lives. We can also choose contentment with our thoughts and with how we interact with one another.

Yesterday I felt like I wanted to crawl out of my own skin because I had some hard stuff coming up for healing. So, I took a walk off the beaten path to move some energy. My destination? Nowhere in particular.

It was a windy day (this month has seemed particularly blustery), the tree branches were swaying wildly, but the scene on the horizon was serene.

Nature moves me. It grounds me, it settles me, and it helps me get above the inner chatter and noise so that I can reach that special place inside where thoughts just pass
through, and then there is nothing--and there is everything. That place of contentment.

It's magical to walk in nature, feel the blessings of the season all around me, and see and feel things I've never experienced before. I love to listen to the sound of birds (even yesterday I heard, then saw, a robin) and the sound of the water flowing in nearby Poudre River. I noticed the trees, pine and blue spruce, and the stark, bare maple tree branches against the bright blue sky.  I saw my breath. I noticed the purple, orange, and pink sunset colors.

When I’m out walking, I notice how many paths there are for each of us to travel down. Each path leads us somewhere different, and it’s up to us to choose where our
journey will take us. It's up to us to choose our thoughts, our focus, our way of being in the world and looking at the world. It's up to us to choose contentment.

Is it time for you change the story you have been telling yourself?

This winter, I'm going to remember to bundle up and walk both when I am in a state of joy and when I am going through a difficult time. In the "wintering" phases of your
life, when restlessness is calling you toward deep healing (paraphrased from the book Wintering by Katherine May), what are the things you can count on to help you stay
present to what is up, to allow yourself to be transformed by the challenges, and to land in a place where your soul knows contentment?

For some, this is the season of joy and good tidings. For others it’s the season of depression and gloom, or a tumultuous, emotional roller coaster ride.

If you find yourself stuck or confused or overwhelmed, I suggest you take a walk.

So, in this season of gift-giving, it's worth remembering that the greatest gift of all is your presence, your magic, your blessings, your contentment.

The Co-Creative Mandala--"Contentment" from a photograph of juniper, pine, and ice crystals. It reminds us to pause and appreciate the completion of the grace-filled cycle of the Great Mandala. It's been an  upward spiraling journey toward Unity within, with others, and the natural world.

Embrace the blessings of contentment
and share you gifts with others.

Contentment Practice:
Intention:
The real power of the practice is the intention you place behind it. Start your day with gratitude and by setting the intention that you are dedicating time for self-care, to remembering Contentment, and awakening to Unity.  This practice is a simple method of helping you to release stuck energy and shift your perspective toward Contentment.    This practice reminds you to remember the light within you, be grateful for what is, and consciously wish yourself and others contentment.

Allow yourself plenty of time to complete this practice. You can start and finish on different days. The most powerful time for this practice is on winter solstice. Remember, as you co-create this practice, be gentle with yourself as you discover what nurtures and sustains you.

Before you begin the practice:

There are two parts to this practice.

Part 1: Invest time toward moving into stillness.

When you are ready, invite any subtle colleagues, allies, your guides and helpers to join you in your sacred practice. Wait a moment for that connection and alliance to form.

Next, invest some time for reflecting on the Contentment mandala.

Let you gaze fall softly on the mandala. Use one or all of the  following prompts for connecting your energy to the energy of the mandala:

What message does it have for you? How will you embody the gratitude that is the foundation of Contentment ? How will honoring Contentment support manifesting your vision?  How will you nurture the mandala of your life? How will you practice self-care and self-compassion by welcoming the shift toward the dark side of the Great Mandala?

Part 2: Burning Ceremony*

Background
A burning ceremony at winter solstice, marking a new year in nature, is a symbolic way to leave behind what no longer serves you and bring light and contentment into your life.

Fire is portrayed as a powerful symbol of wisdom, knowledge, and purification. It is also used as a symbol of inner and outer light.

Burning ceremonies have been used historically in many religious traditions and adopted for spiritual practices as a way of releasing the past.

Native Americans have a burden basket or worry basket. While their tradition does not burn their basket, it is a place to deposit worries so that the house would be peaceful and conversations would not be burdened with worries.

Anytime you want to clear out unwanted memories and conditions from your life, a burning ceremony offers a sacred and powerful way to release stuck energy.

The goal of the burning ceremony is to make space for new beginnings. It can be done at any place, at home alone or in a gathering with others.

The ceremony is sometimes done on or around New Year's Eve as an alternative to creating resolutions for the new year.

By burning away that which we choose to leave behind, we create room for new opportunities, experiences, and possibilities. Letting go opens us to the abundance surrounding us.

Your personal ceremony can be very simple.

You can be inside or outside, wherever you can complete the ceremony safely.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:
    Paper
    Pencil or Pen
    Lighter or other source of flame
    Candle
   Burning-friendly surface/vessel: e.g. large metal/glass/ceramic bowl cauldron/cast iron pan, a fireplace, dirt or stone clearing, etc.
  Whatever else supports you  toward embodying contentment.

Burning Ceremony Steps:
First, invest some time reflecting on the year ending, what you're releasing, what you're ready to let go of.

Letting go opens us to the power of inspiration, insight, wisdom,  love and contentment.

Write your answers on a piece of paper.

1. What do you want to leave behind from 2022? Is there stuck energy weighing you down?  Are there old resentments, hurt, grudges, regrets, suffering, or limiting beliefs you’re holding onto? What else would you like to let go of?

2. Light your candle. Very carefully hold the paper to the flame and let it drop into the bowl. 

3. Offer an Affirmation of Release
Example:
     Easily, gracefully, I release the past so that I am content in this moment.

4. Bring the ceremony to a close with an affirmation. As the smoke travels up, say words of letting go such as:
    Today I release what I don’t want.  I am  renewed. I open my heart to love, and I am blessed with contentment.

Begin Your Intention List for 2023

Once you've completed the burning ceremony, it's a good time to consider the future. Set aside some time to journal or to visualize what you want to take the place of what has been released. What do you want to experience in life for 2023? How do you want your intentions to take shape? What are you already starting to dream about?

Write your intentions in a journal. Come back to it in January when we'll explore how Inspiration supports your intentions. 

May you be gentle with yourself as you find your way to  contentment.

*Adapted from Unity burning ceremony

Optimism and gratitude go together hand in hand, like two sides of the same coin. Gratitude is the practice of looking back and being thankful. Optimism is the practice of looking forward and being hopeful.
                                                                                   Alesha Printz

Welcome back to our Co-Creative Mandalas blog!

Each month, we share insights, inspiration, and all the ways the cycles of the Great Mandala uplift and support you.  We draw upon the metaphors and messages of each season to explore and celebrate our individual and collective journeys toward Unity.

The Co-Creative Mandalas have a name that represents something about the natural world and
the energy of the current time.
 
This month's mandala is Optimism.

As we celebrate Thanksgiving in the US and November comes to an end, I'm delighted to express my gratitude for YOU, for your  personal practices and your efforts  toward helping make our world a better place. It's because of you that I feel such optimism about the future.

Today, many of us in the US will sit with our families and friends at the Thanksgiving table, hold hands, and humbly express our gratitude for the blessings in our lives. How ever you celebrate Thanksgiving (or even if you don't), you may have a similar ritual.

I love this Thanksgiving ritual. Practicing it one day a year is a great way to incorporate gratitude into our life. Why not enjoy all the benefits of gratitude year 'round by intentionally practicing gratitude in daily life?

What is gratitude, anyway?

Gratitude is one of many expansive emotions. It's about focusing on what's good in our lives by pausing to notice and appreciate the people in our lives--family and friends, and the things that we may take for granted, like having a place to live, food, clean water, and even internet access.

What is the difference between being grateful and thankful? Where thankfulness is an emotion, gratitude is an attitude of appreciation under any circumstance. Gratitude involves being thankful, but it is more than that. Gratitude means expressing thankfulness and being appreciative of life daily. The effects are profound.
                                                                        Rob Wergin

Think of gratitude as a very powerful, felt experience that dispels constricted energy and clears disruptions to our energy system, just as a candle dispels darkness or breath work opens our awareness. I wonder what would happen if we intentionally shifted our attention toward gratitude on a continual basis? What would life be like?   What would it feel like? What would it look like?

What are the benefits of practicing gratitude?

Scientific evidence is mounting that the act of practicing gratitude has far reaching psychological and physiological benefits. These include reduced inflammation, lower blood pressure, less pain, more exercise, and better sleep (Lindberg, 2019), as well as reduced fatigue, improved immune function, and cardiovascular health.

Studies (and experiences) also show that gratitude helps us connect with others and build and strengthen relationships. It helps others feel good about themselves when they hear that they are appreciated. Practicing gratitude boosts self-esteem. When you focus on appreciating who you are, (yes, even those parts of yourself), you are remembering your wholeness, your goodness. That's a powerful practice!

Gratitude increases satisfaction with life. Appreciating what you have, taking stock of your experiences, the joys in your life, and all your blessings, are important for enjoying life.

Gratitude is a habit you can cultivate, like brushing your teeth or drinking enough water! By taking time each and every day to focus on gratitude for all that you have, you’ll start to appreciate the gifts in your life even more. By focusing on the positive, you invite more positivity into your life.

How will you practice gratitude today? How will you hold it in your heart every day?

Practicing gratitude cultivates optimism.

Thinking about what we're grateful for helps create optimism.

Optimism in action has the potential for changing the world.

Viewed through the lens of optimism, all the troubles--individually and collectively--we experience and see today offer ways for accelerating our individual and collective awakening. Rather than focusing on the crises (admittedly, by all appearances there are quite a few), we can choose to see the opportunities.

There are so many heartbreaks happening in the world right now. And still, that does not compare to the power of humanity to elevate and heal whatever situation we are in. Especially when we work together. That perspective gives us the choice to use our ability to transform and co-create a better world, one in which we are working together in Unity.

Gratitude is immersing ourselves in the greatness of life. It is the foundation of optimism.
                                                                                      Julio Olalla

Optimism is an extraordinary, free way to shift the constriction that comes from fear, division, and separation to the expansion that comes from wonder, curiosity, hope, and love. Optimism isn't about deluding ourselves into believing something that’s not true. It’s about noticing where our attention flows, and learning how to direct it in helpful, not harmful, ways.

How do gratitude and optimism create a brighter future?

Being mindfully grateful supports these qualities of optimism: positive emotion, resilience, and social connection. If you want more expansive energy in your life  (and by extension, in the world) now and for the future, there are plenty of simple ways to cultivate it. How about replacing complaints with gratitude statements? Be more mindful of and grateful for the current moment, and see little things that enhance your life — the gentle breeze, the colors of the fall leaves, the warmth and comfort of sharing a meal with people we love and care about. Incorporate Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT Tapping) into your self-care routines to help clear the blocks to your energy system.

We can also practice gratitude as a way of living that shapes our experiences and fosters optimism by turning the expressions of gratitude back toward ourselves, allowing us to be an embodiment of gratitude. These feelings and sensations of gratitude--warmth, joy, ease, safety, and connection--activate self-repair, self-regulation, and healing. Even on difficult days, accessing and embodying gratitude helps shift our perspective and our perception of our experiences from constriction to expansion and toward optimism.

Every day we have the opportunity to be grateful for what is. To believe that things can get better. To create space for new possibilities.

The Co-Creative Mandala "Optimism" below is from a photo of chrysanthemums (symbolize optimism, joy, and well-being) and are associated with the solar plexus, heart, and crown chakras.  It reminds us that we are here to fulfill our potential for learning, growing, and remembering our wholeness. The story we tell ourselves makes all the difference in how we see the world; choose a life story that supports and sustains you.

When we acknowledge and then accept our circumstances, and choose gratitude and optimism, we are led to hope and happiness.
                                                                             Dr. Gregory Jantz

Gratitude and Optimism Practice:
Intention:
The real power of the practice is the intention you place behind it. Start your day with gratitude and by setting the intention that you are dedicating time for self-care, to remembering Optimism, and awakening to Unity.  This practice is a simple method of helping you to honor the power of practicing gratitude for shifting your perspective toward Optimism.    This practice reminds you to remember the light within you, be grateful for what is, and consciously wish yourself and others well-being, happiness, and peace.

Allow yourself plenty of time to complete this practice. You can start and finish on different days. Remember, as you co-create this practice, be gentle with yourself as you discover what nurtures and sustains you.

Before you begin the practice:

There are two parts to this practice.

Part 1: Invest time toward moving into stillness.

When you are ready, invite any subtle colleagues, allies, your guides and helpers to join you in your sacred practice. Wait a moment for that connection and alliance to form.

Next, invest some time for reflecting on the Optimism mandala.

Let you gaze fall softly on the mandala. Use one or all of the  following prompts for connecting your energy to the energy of the mandala:

What message does it have for you? How will you embody the gratitude that is the foundation of optimism ? How will honoring Optimism support manifesting your vision?  How will you nurture the mandala of your life? How will you practice self-care and self-compassion by welcoming the shift toward the dark side of the Great Mandala?

Part 2: Viewing the Past, Present, and Future with Gratitude.

A better world, a brighter future, begins with each of us individually; how we relate to ourselves and others. We can light up our life and our troubled world with love and light. To accomplish our purpose, one of the best tools we have easily available is gratitude. Gratitude fosters optimism, which strengthens hope.

Practice Gratitude for:
The Past:
There are 8 billion people on the planet – and pretty much all of us have had stressful events in our lives to one degree or another. This is the human condition--this is our shared humanity.

Everything that’s happened in your life has been purposeful to bring you to this moment now. Send blessings to the challenges and pain, filling those experiences with light and love, because it’s stretched your capacity to grow.

Take a moment to consider the possibility that the stressful events or people that hurt you in the past can turn into a source of healing, growth, and wisdom.

Think of an event that was stressful or a person that you had difficulty with. What can you find in that experience that you are grateful for now? Who were the people that supported you during that time? In what ways did the experience or person inspire you to make positive changes in your life?

Practice Gratitude for:
The Present:
Each day seek out opportunities that allow you to look at life from a different perspective.

Making Gratitude Lists or writing in a gratitude journal and actively thinking about the good things in your life will shift your perspective and cultivate optimism.

Right here, right now--look around you and write down five things you are grateful for.

Write the names of five people, near and far, who contribute to the goodness in your life.

Now, write down five qualities you appreciate about yourself.

What physical sensations, feelings, or thoughts came up while you were making your gratitude lists? Write down your experiences.

Practice Gratitude for:
The Future:
Optimism is the anticipation of the best possible outcome. 

As you embody gratitude, despite the changes and challenges you face, you can fill your days with more optimism when you remember that by doing the best you can at the time you create a brighter future for yourself and the world.

Imagine your life 5 years from now. What are you doing? Who are you with? What are you most proud of about your yourself and your life?

Optimism is contagious.  

Right here, right now with gratitude:

Breathe in the optimism that's all around you.

Now breathe out that wonderful energy into the world.

Wishing your the blessings of gratitude and optimism--today and every day.

Persistent helps us remember that we are already whole, there's no place to go--
we're already there.
                                                                                        Rob Preece,
                                                        The Psychology of Buddhist Tantra

Welcome back to our Co-Creative Mandalas blog!

Each month, we share insights, inspiration, and all the ways the cycles of the Great Mandala uplift and support you.  We draw upon the metaphors and messages of each season to explore and celebrate our individual and collective journeys toward Unity.

The Co-Creative Mandalas have a name that represents something about the natural world and
the energy of the current time.
 
This month's mandala is Persistence.

On October 31st, approximately half-way between the autumnal equinox and winter solstice, we enter into the dark half of the year. Darkness happens earlier, daylight comes later. This time is the border between light and dark, when the year has almost gone full circle. And, so have we.

What are some of your favorite aspects of this time of year? For me, two words: Flannel sheets!

We're putting our gardens to bed knowing that as the seeds from harvesting the garden's bounty lie dormant, they are in the darkness for a reason. As the bright orange, red, and yellow leaves on our maple trees are falling to the ground they remind me of the power and beauty that comes with this time of year.

Now is the time for reflection and introspection, for taking a deeper dive, for leaning into the mystery, magic and mysticism that comes with being a conscious human who is co-creating with the universe. This is a transformational time which acknowledges the value of the rest, darkness, and silence that is necessary for rebirth within and on earth in the spring.  Death all around is a reminder that we live in the never-ending world of cycles, of seasonal changes, the same life, death, and rebirth we see in the natural world.  

The seasonal energy is supporting you right now in the challenging work of releasing and letting things die in your life.

I invite you to embrace endings in as many ways as possible. There are losses that come with endings. It's important to acknowledge the losses and honor all your feelings. You have the opportunity to allow the process of letting go and welcoming new possibilities.

 As the seasonal changes happen around you, this is also the perfect time to reflect on all that you’ve accomplished in the last year and check in on goals you’re still working to achieve.

Take a moment to recognize your accomplishments so far and to appreciate your hard work and persistence.

Persistence is a powerful tool for remembering your wholeness and your goodness. Being persistent is a kind of hope.

Many of us today are engaging in a tremendous amount of spiritual work. We’re meditating, praying, attending workshops, seminars, and retreats.

And this is good news. Because if the world is going to evolve, it’s going to take a lot of conscious people to lead the way.

Personal growth is a multi-billion-dollar industry.

Why? This world demands so much – toughness, persistence, and resilience. Our practices, our spiritual work help cultivate those qualities.

As human beings, we have a deep yearning to learn more about ourselves, how to navigate life, find meaning in our experiences, and help bring healing to ourselves and to the planet. Each of us makes an earnest commitment to be persistent in whatever spiritual practices we incorporate into our daily lives.

Yet, even with our best intentions, sometimes we get stuck looping the same beliefs and patterns that don't really serve us.

Like any journey, personal growth comes with ups and downs. Sometimes, those downs can surprise us. I recently had an experience that reminded me that the spiritual path can be rocky sometimes. I had a very unpleasant encounter with a neighbor, which led to a shouting match in her backyard. I was stunned by how angry I was. After the incident I berated myself for not being "spiritual enough", for losing my temper, for being unkind. For not being the perfect spiritual being after decades of meditating and personal growth work. For quite a while, it was hard feel in alignment with my wholeness, the wholeness I work so hard to remember. It seemed to take forever to shift from the intensity of the anger to feeling calm, relaxed, and at peace.

This is a great example of life taking me to a place I didn't consciously want to go. At first, I felt as if I must have made a mistake somewhere along the line. You know, bad karma and all. But in reality, I came to realize the experience was life’s way of taking me somewhere I needed to go in order to heal.

That realization was a process that didn't happen immediately.

I've been told that I'm very disciplined. I've sometimes carried that as a "badge of honor". My daily practices have been at the "hub" of my life for over 1/2 a century. I believe that persistence is a strength that supports my awakening and remembering. Persistence keeps my feet solidly on the path so that when changes and challenges shape my reality, I know I'm still headed toward the growth I want in my life.

Persistence is important in this difficult world - but so is softness.

That realization raises some questions: When does persistence become harsh, become another way to judge myself when I fall short? What is the downside of persistence? When does persistence become a weakness instead of a strength?

For many of us, that experience has its roots in childhood.

Maybe you've had these experiences: When you were a kid, did you feel like you had to always be a good little child, cute, and lovable? Were you allowed to express your anger or sadness?  Were you appreciated for being yourself?

What happened when you didn't meet their expectations?

Did you believe that being perfect kept you safe? I know I did--and still do, believe that.

Perfectionism is an invisible force that gets turned on in our childhood and follows us around into adulthood. Our parents', teachers', and other voices stay stuck in our heads and continue playing without words. The need to be perfect becomes our motivation for persistence in achieving our goals.

As an adult, are you okay with making mistakes? Do give yourself grace when you do? Do you feel like you always have to stay the course, be persistent, push through, be tough on yourself?

Do you sometimes tell yourself:

I can't love and accept yourself until I get "there". Until I accomplish the goals I've set for myself? Until I'm "enlightened"?

This unattributed statement was recently on Facebook. Variations on this theme have been attributed to Brene' Brown.

Just because the journey toward remembering our goodness, our wholeness is lifelong…

It doesn’t mean the person that you are now isn’t good enough--just as you are!

Remembering your wholeness is a long process…sometimes it feels like one step forward, two steps back. There will be set-backs and disappointments along the way.

Moments of reactivity are great reminders to ease up on ourselves. I love that this awareness softened and lightened my reactions to my experience with my neighbor. It helped me release my resistance to what is. I eventually saw the patterns and unresolved emotional baggage that stand in the way of remembering my wholeness. Wholeness exists within  whether things go my way or not. And when I forget my wholeness, I can still trust that I will find it if I am willing to see with "soft eyes", surrender to the situation, and move through it.

I came to realize the importance of allowing both persistence and permission. I gave myself permission to soften the harshness that sometimes comes when persistence is used in service of perfectionism.

Sometimes I wake up and have to remind myself: THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH ME. I have patterns to unlearn, new behaviors to embody, and wounds to heal. But there is nothing wrong with the core of me and who I am. I am unlearning generations of harm and remembering love. That takes time.
                                                                                         Yolo Akili

The symbolism of this time of year implies that it is time to stop being negative toward yourself.  And, to look at  each challenge, every "mistake" in your life with kindness, self-acceptance, and humility.

So while it’s important to be persistent and keep learning, growing, and healing every single day…

It’s equally important to give yourself permission to love, accept, and appreciate yourself and who you are right here, right now.

Embracing permission AND persistence is the way forward.

Be persistent with your practices of stillness, meditation, laughter, prayer, noticing the birds, taking walks, connecting with those you love,  and being kind to yourself.

Give yourself permission to own your wholeness. And, permission to sit in the sun, to breathe deeply, to tell yourself "I am good enough" - and believe it.

The Co-Creative Mandala below, "Persistence" is from a photo of marigolds (symbolizes clarity and overcoming obstacles). It reminds us that nothing is lost when we let go; it's transformation. Surrendering to the mystery is a part of life. You can accomplish anything with persistence, love, and grace.

sometimes...we are cocooning and becoming
for quite sometime...
but from inside the cocoon, the caterpillar
while dissolving whispered, 'trust the process.
trust the process'.
                                                               Stasha Ginsburg

Persistence and Permission Practice:
Intention:
The real power of the practice is the intention you place behind it. Start your day with gratitude and by setting the intention that you are dedicating time to self-care, to remembering Persistence, giving yourself permission, and awakening to Unity.  This practice is a simple method of helping you to honor the power of Persistence and the softness of permission.    This practice reminds you to remember the light within you, be persistent, and consciously wish yourself a better, healthier, and happier life.

Allow yourself plenty of time to complete this practice. You can start and finish on different days. Remember, as you co-create this practice, be gentle with yourself as you discover what nurtures and sustains you.

Before you begin the practice:

There are two parts to this practice.

Part 1: Invest time toward moving into stillness.

When you are ready, invite any subtle colleagues, allies, your guides and helpers to join you in your sacred practice. Wait a moment for that connection and alliance to form.

Next, invest some time for reflecting on the Persistence mandala.

Let you gaze fall softly on the mandala. Use one or all of the  following prompts for connecting your energy to the energy of the mandala:

What message does it have for you? How will you allow releasing and letting go? How will honoring Persistence support manifesting your vision?  How will you nurture the mandala of your life? How will you practice self-care and self-compassion by welcoming the shift toward the dark side of the Great Mandala?

Part 2: This is a time for reflection and self-care. For releasing self-judgment.

Persistence is important in this often difficult world - but so is softness. Being able to soften is what allows us to breathe, to create, and to dream.

For one full day, go on a “fast” from any form of harshness, of self-judgment.

Throughout the day, any time you notice that you are judging yourself, engaging is negative self-talk or criticism,  give yourself permission to simply put it down. Let it go. Turn your attention to remembering your goodness, to acknowledging one part of yourself that you appreciate.

If you want to really get a taste of something different, try turning your attention away from your inner turmoil and placing it on the part of you that is already aligned with the big YES at the heart of the cosmos.

Think of the last time you felt soft and gentle - Who were you with? What were you doing? Where were you?

And notice how your perspective on your problems changes.

This may initially seem difficult to do, but with a little practice, you might find that you begin to have access to a depth of presence and awakened clarity that you never could have imagined.

Try it for just one day. You might be surprised at what you discover.

When your practice is complete, write a note to yourself and express how proud you are of all the hard work you’ve done this year. Talk to yourself like you would a beloved friend, or your child, and let yourself know that you are willing to love and accept yourself just as you are, right here, right now.

Softening starts with permission.

Permission to sit in the sun, to breathe deeply, to tell yourself "I am good enough" - and believe it.

May you know kindness.
May you know peace.
May you know wholeness.
May you know goodness.

Love, Blessings, and Light,

Let all the barren and dry things in your life that don't matter fall off in the breeze. Stop clinging to what doesn’t work for you anymore. Let it all go.
                                                                                       John Roedel

Welcome back to our Co-Creative Mandalas blog!

Each month, we share insights, inspiration, and all the ways the cycles of the Great Mandala uplift and support you.  We draw upon the metaphors and messages of each season to explore and celebrate our individual and collective journeys toward Unity.

The Co-Creative Mandalas have a name that represents something about the natural world and
the energy of the current time.
 
This month's mandala is Luminosity.

Happy Autumnal Equinox in the Northern Hemisphere (and Spring Equinox in the Southern Hemisphere). Twice a year when the sun shines directly on the equator there are nearly equal amounts of day and night throughout the world.

Wherever we are located, Autumn announces itself before it arrives--the daylight hours begin to shorten, the air cools (even when temperatures still feel summer-like), the light angles change. In Colorado where I live, as if on cue, overnight the temperatures dropped nearly 40 degrees and brought welcomed rain to the sun-parched Earth. We notice the changes in our garden, too. After the summer-long burst of growth and production our plants have begun to slow and start forming seeds. The color of leaves are changing from green to orange, gold. and red.

When changes occur in nature, they resonate within our own spirit. Whether you consider yourself a “nature person” or not, you are connected to Earth.  And as such, are affected by the forces and energy in nature–just like trees, just like the gardens, just like all the animals.

Autumn is asking for simplicity in life. As the season changes, the inner and outer energy  changes. Are you noticing that your spirit wants to release and turn inward? I invite you to allow autumn to work in your favor. I believe that when you say goodbye to the things that limit your potential (like trees letting go of their leaves), you open your life to the limitless possibilities within and around you.

The equinoxes are moments of balance on Earth. The earth is literally balanced on its axis, it's leaning neither toward nor away from the sun. As a result,  Earth is flooded with this beautiful energy of balance. Energetically, the autumn equinox is a time of balance and pause, a transitional moment between the bright half of the year and the dark half of the year. This time also brings with it a sense of equilibrium to those parts of your life that need it.

We're at the halfway point on the path of darkening days. This time is a gateway to what is called the dark half of the year (which is the time between the fall and spring equinoxes). The word "equinox"  invokes balance and implies an balancing of the forces of life.  Can you feel the call back into the dark? Right now, it's faint, but it is happening. For those of us who live in the Northern Hemisphere, we're being called back into a slowing down time, to inner reflection. It’s like the slow fade at the end of an old movie.

We're shifting out of a season where so much of our energy has been focused on the outer, Yang-energy in our lives, into a season of introspective Yin-energy. Fall equinox is the beginning of exploring our inner lives; diving into our shadows, exploring our dark spots, letting go of what no longer serves us. Today we experience what Chinese philosophy calls the "valley between the light side and shadow side of the mountain".  In the days ahead, we'll shift more into the dark half of the year; the inward-focused side of the Great Mandala.

From a spiritual, personal growth perspective, autumn is a magical season of transformation, regeneration, and release. Beginning today and throughout the fall, the task is to let go,  let autumn's gorgeous change unfold, and rediscover balance. This is a shift between the extroverted spring/summer seasons, which are all about play, pleasure, and connection, and the introverted fall/winter seasons which is a time for rest, solitude, and reflection.

This time of year always brings me back to an inquiry I often entertain about our light and our shadow.

They are two parts of one whole, of Luminosity. They are the Yin and the Yang of our inner life and outer life. You can't have one without the other. Without darkness you would not even know what light was, everything would be white and so you’d see nothing at all. Without darkness there would be no light.

Through experience, I've come to believe that balancing the light and dark aspects of life is vitally important and is the focal point of my spirituality. Daily, I strive to honor the shadow and the light, and incorporate both light and dark into everything I do. I've also come to understand that darkness is not evil. Life cannot exist without both dark and light. Imagine if it was always daytime and never night; what kind of a life would that be?

In my opinion based just on my experience, we must go within the darkness to see the light, the Luminosity, of our true nature to be in alignment.  We are the physical body and spirit; right and left hemisphere; the masculine and the feminine; Yin and Yang energy.

We are both. You can not see one if you don't acknowledge the existence of the other. Until you fully accept your dark half, you can not see the light. We are the duality that has come here to experience Unity within by integrating both.

Check out this blog post by author and Yoga instructor Julie Peters who offers a wonderful perspective on  The Spiritual Meaning of the Autumn Equinox

Sometimes, this time of year we notice parts of  life that feel out of sorts, funky, wonky,  or down. The equinox can help bring these things back into alignment. Luckily, the autumn equinox comes with nourishing wave of beautiful, balancing energy.  

If you invest some time reflecting on where you need more balance in your life right now, you can draw on the equinox's balancing energy and direct it to those parts of your life that really need it. Take simple steps toward what you want. Don’t push, let the autumn energy speak to you. Listen. Respond. Move forward.

The autumn equinox is one of two days throughout the year when Earth is in perfect balance. That makes it an ideal time to examine balance in our own lives. Below are some powerful questions to ask yourself that help you bring balance into your life. Stay present. Enjoy yourself! Use these questions as journal prompts throughout autumn:

1. Where do things feel out of balance in my life right now? Where do they feel in balance?

2.  How can I bring some balance back into this part of my life? What did I do to foster balance in my life?

3. What's one action item I can start today that would help maintain and/or restore balance to my life?

In Autumn we are drawn, in particular, to the balance between life and death. Everything is dying all around us. And that death is necessary, in order for new life to grow in the spring.

That’s true for the trees and the flowers, and its true for the Self as well. In order to experience new growth, we need to let go of our old leaves–old patterns and habits that no longer serve us.

What are you ready to let go of? What do you need to shed in order for new life to grow?

The Co-Creative Mandala below, "Luminosity", is created from a photograph of a dahlia (the solar symbol of the universe). The colors are related to your solar plexus, heart, third eye, throat, and crown chakras. Dahlias also represent release and healing. This mandala invites us to relax and reflect; notice balance and harmony; and remember your brilliant light within.

It's not about binary but awareness of Oneness riddle. Between two extremes I choose the way in the middle.
                   Ana Claudia Antunes, The Tao Of Physical And Spiritual’

Autumn Luminosity Ritual:
Intention:
The real power of the practice is the intention you place behind it. Start your day with gratitude and by setting the intention that you are dedicating time to self-care, to remembering Luminosity, and awakening to Unity.  This practice is a simple method of helping you to honor both the shadow and the light of Luminosity.    This ritual balances the scales and mirrors nature’s own division of light and shadow, which strike a perfect balance at fall and spring equinoxes.

This ritual also includes a ritual found online at Mabon: A Ritual for Autumn Equinox

Allow yourself plenty of time to complete this ritual. Do all parts of the ritual or as many as you want. You can start and finish on different days. Remember, as you co-create this ritual, be gentle with yourself as you discover what nurtures and sustains you.

Before you begin the ritual: (Please note: These are suggestions for creating sacred space with a Yin/Yang circle. Use whatever stones, flowers, leaves, items that represent autumn, and other light and dark objects you have.)

For creating sacred space, a Yin/Yang circle gather:
• One white or cream candle to represent your light harvest

• A gemstone to represent your light (e.g., selenite, scolecite, clear calcite, quartz, or petalite)

• Palo santo, copal, or white sage for smudging

• One burgundy or black candle to represent your dark harvest

• A gemstone to represent your shadow (e.g., black tourmaline, jet, golden sheen obsidian, or aegirine)

• A perfume or essential oil blend to integrate your light and shadow aspects

There are three parts to this ritual.

Part 1: Invest time toward moving into stillness.

When you are ready, invite any subtle colleagues, allies, your guides and helpers to join you in your sacred practice. Wait a moment for that connection and alliance to form.

Next, invest some time for reflecting on the Luminosity mandala.

Let you gaze fall softly on the mandala. Use one or all of the  following prompts for connecting your energy to the energy of the mandala:

What message does it have for you? What expansive and balanced energy do you want more of in your life?   How will honoring Luminosity support manifesting your vision?  How will you nurture the mandala of your life? How will you practice self-care and self-compassion by welcoming Luminosity into your life? How will you bring your brilliance, your light into the world?

Part 2: (Complete the ritual found at Mabon: A Fall Equinox Ritual)

Part 3: Preparing to let go and release
In Autumn we are drawn, in particular, to the balance between life and death. Everything is dying all around us. And that death is necessary, in order for new life to grow in the spring.

That’s true for the trees and the flowers, and its true for your Self as well. In order to experience new Soul growth, we need to let go of our old leaves–old patterns and habits that no longer serve us.

Use these prompts to journal about releasing and letting go and looking ahead:
•   What am I ready to let go of?
•   What do I need to shed in order for new life to grow?
•   What is one thing I'm looking forward to the most this   autumn?
•   How can I nurture myself during this transition from the light half of the year to the dark half of the year?
•   How do I want this year to close?
•  What are the simple things I want to complete or finalize by year's end?

When your ritual is complete, write a note to yourself and express how proud you are of all the hard work you’ve done this year. Talk to yourself like you would a beloved friend, or your child, and let yourself know how proud you are of all your accomplishments.

I hope this shift in seasonal energy feels balancing, nurturing, and comforting to you.

Remember, as you're going through any transition in your life this autumn, I'm wishing you ease and peace.

Something very deep and mysterious, very holy and sacred is taking place in our lives right where we are, and the more attentive we become the more we will begin to see and hear it.
                                                                                   Henri Nouwen

Welcome back to our Co-Creative Mandalas blog!

Each month, we share insights, inspiration, and all the ways the cycles of the Great Mandala uplift and support you.  We draw upon the metaphors and messages of each season to explore and celebrate our individual and collective journeys toward Unity.

The Co-Creative Mandalas have a name that represents something about the natural world and the energy of the current time.
 
This month's mandala is Serendipity.

I hope you’re having a magnificent summer, and that you are taking the time to bask in the preciousness of small things. August 1st marked mid-summer and now Fall Equinox is on the horizon. In Colorado (and other parts of the US), we're still enjoying summer's heat.

This is the hottest time of year, when all the plants are flourishing, growing out of the rows we neatly planted in the spring. Even so, I sense the shift in energy that comes with the subtle changes in the light and shortening of the daylight hours. We've entered the beginning of harvest season when we're really rewarded for our gardening efforts.

Our garden continues to be a miracle, a sacred space of goodness, which Don and I appreciate daily. It feels as though we're living in a paradise. “If you want to live in the garden,” a friend says, “you have to be the gardener.” That’s key to what we’re doing. We're Being gardeners in paradise tending to the plants, in just the same way we tend to our families, our friends, ourselves, and each another. It can't get much better than that!

As the new season is unfolding, do you feel called to create positive change for yourself, those around you, and our planet? Our individual and collective evolution of consciousness, our inner growth is a lot like growing and tending to a garden.

Whether you're physically or metaphorically growing your garden, this is a very powerful time to remind yourself of what you planted and wanted to harvest this year by revisiting and examining your intentions--what you planted in the spring  & what you're growing in your life right now.  What are you beginning to see ripen from those intentions? What still needs nurturing? How can you re-engage with those intentions? What is something you can do to continue to move those intentions along? 

From ancient times, wisdom teachers tell us that our Universe is perfectly balanced by natural and spiritual laws which maintain order. We can learn to depend on these laws and live in alignment with this order and be “in the flow”. If we plant carrot seeds, carrots will grow, not squash. One of the Universal Laws is, “what we sow in consciousness we reap.” It is important to remember that Source (the Divine, Nature, the Universe--whatever you name that power and presence) doesn't operate in a straight line. Many years ago I realized that we're on a "zig-zag path to enlightenment". Our logic would like to use the straight line method of getting things accomplished, for setting intentions and meeting our goals--with no detours, scenic routes, or inconvenient barriers to fulfilling our dreams.

With experience we learn that when we are “in the flow” things run smoothly in our lives AND unexpected events happen. Some call these events coincidences or synchronicity, some even call it luck. Others call it Serendipity.

Webster defines it as, “the gift of finding valuable or agreeable things not sought for.” It refers to the discovery of a idea or goal which you stumble into (or which stumbles into you) while you are on a search for an altogether different one.

Read about the fairy tale that inspired the word serendipity.

Those are delightful or surprising moments when you bump into an insight, a person, or a circumstance that you never could have imagined, but you recognize deeply in your soul as something that you’ve always wanted – that’s serendipity.  Serendipity is the Universe’s way of saying "YES"--telling you that you’re on track. 

Serendipity is the process of making happy discoveries along the road of life. Whenever you have a clear goal that you visualize continually and that you are working toward each day, happy, unexpected events and experiences occur in your life, each of which seems to help you to achieve your goals even faster.
                                                                                   Brian Tracy
                                                                      Goals –second edition

The Universe continually sends messages to help us remember our Wholeness. Often we're so absorbed in the changes and challenges that we call life, we miss the subtle clues. Serendipity, is a slight nudge in the right direction,  a tiny hug to let you know you are not alone in the Universe. It's the reminder to stop, breathe, and notice.

Martha Beck, life coach and columnist for Oprah's O Magazine, talks about serendipity in her book Steering by Starlight. In her comments on how things unfold when people get started on the the path to living their best life – fulfilling their destiny, she says, “Circumstances beyond your control will begin aligning as if to facilitate your actions."

These are often happy accidents.

The challenge is to have an observant mind that accepts the unexpected, or at least pauses to be present with what these un-looked for happenings may mean in relation to your vision, your intentions, your life in this moment.

Serendipity has played a significant role in my life, so much so that I feel it has outweighed all my carefully laid out plans, both personal and professional. I like the idea of Serendipity in that it allows me to think life is purposeful, i.e., that things happen for a reason.

One quick example, which I'm guessing is quite typical for others--even if the details are different. I know the power and magic of being open to the unexpected from personal experience.

Read how Co-Creative Mandalas manifested because of Serendipity and were born out of a random search on Google.

John Krumboltz says in his Planned Happenstance Theory that people with optimistic qualities are more likely to turn Serendipity into opportunity.  We can transform uncertainty into opportunity if we can keep a philosophical attitude that “something good and enjoyable can happen"...which creates a space in which we notice Serendipity.

When you trust your guidance and your intuition you begin to trust you're on the right path. When you experience Serendipity you'll notice that you feel:

    Motivated by the experience.
    Filled with a sense of Wholeness.
    You and the world are uplifted.

The unexpected happens all the time and that kind of unexpectedness can lead to positive outcomes. Trust what you are feeling. Let go of someone else’s meaning if it doesn’t resonate. Simply call it in and let go. Then, open your eyes to the mystery, magic, and simple wonders in the present moment. That's where you'll find Serendipity.

If you calmly and confidently believe in the mystery and magic of Serendipity, no matter what happens, you will have repeated serendipitous experiences that will help you to achieve your real goals in life.
                                                                                 Brian Tracy
                                                                     Goals--second edition

The great news is that this attitude can be cultivated by all of us. If you want to experience Serendipity more often, cultivate these six qualities that support noticing and experiencing those magical moments:

1. Humility: The willingness to meet anyone and any opportunity with openness, curiosity and compassion.

2. Surrender:   For a fun and interesting talk, check out Todd Kashdan's TEDtalk "Becoming a mad scientist with your life" 

3. Openness: Make space to explore, to discover, to be surprised. This...“or something better.”

4. Growth mindset: When we step outside of our comfort zone and take calculated risks, magic happens.

5. Wonder: Mix perspectives by building self-awareness while simultaneously reflecting on the world around us.

6. Ownership:  Acknowledging you have gifts that can benefit others, a voice that can bring about change, and a responsibility to show up fully.

Serendipity is not simply good fortune that shines on a blessed few. It is a frame of mind, a desire to live fully, that allows us to venture into the little mysteries of life with humility, curiosity, and a real hunger to make a difference.

Staying open to the power of Serendipity helps you remain flexible when things don’t go as planned, or when you’re invited to an even better opportunity. We can’t always see the path ahead, so practicing mindfulness and paying attention to the small things helps steer us in the right direction. Plus, gratitude and patience are two of the keys to living in the flow of serendipity-filled lives.

This Co-Creative Mandala, "Serendipity" is from a photograph of Turk's Cap Lily (symbolizes reassurance).  The colors are related to your heart and crown chakras. Lilies also represent the circle of life, compassion, and the love and support from your guides, allies, and the Universe. This mandala invites us to see the wonder in everything around us, in nature, in music, in our creations.

I have always been delighted at the prospect of a new day, a fresh try, one more start, with perhaps a bit of magic waiting somewhere behind the morning.
                                                                              Joseph Priestley

Serendipity Sacred Practice:
Intention:
The real power of the practice is the intention you place behind it. Start your day with gratitude and by setting the intention that you are dedicating time to self-care, to remembering Serendipity, and awakening to Unity.  This practice is a simple method of helping you to honor Serendipity.   So with practice, it can be used to be present, without conscious effort to the magic and mystery of Serendipity. With practice, you'll discover that this inner resource is available to you  for increasing periods of time.

Be gentle with yourself as you discover what nurtures and
sustains you.

Before you begin the practice:
Choose what you need to create sacred space: Flowers that
represent summer, candles that represent the fiery summer
energy, incense, and music can help guide your focus.

Invest time toward moving into stillness.

When you are ready, invite any subtle colleagues, allies, your guides and helpers to join you in your sacred practice. Wait a moment for that connection and alliance to form.

Next, invest some time for reflecting on the Serendipity mandala.

Let you gaze fall softly on the mandala. Use one or all of the  following prompts for connecting your purpose to the energy of the mandala:

What message does it have for you? What expansive energy do you want more of in your life?  You may choose to reflect on your vision statement. How will honoring Serendipity support manifesting your vision?  How will you nurture the mandala of your life? How will you practice self-care and self-compassion by welcoming Serendipity into your life? How will you bring more light into the world?

Now, the Serendipity Practice. (It has two parts)

Part 1:  (Remember, there are no right or wrong answers).
Give yourself five minutes to center yourself and sink into the topic of the mystery and magic of Serendipity.

Find a comfortable position. Take three deep breaths. Feel the details of your body—where it is touching the chair, how your feet feel on the floor, the sensations of your breathing.

Take a few moments to notice what is happening right now. What do you hear? What kinds of sensations do you feel?

Part 2:
As you find your center, think about Serendipity—those times when you accidentally stumbled on something fortunate, especially while looking for something entirely unrelated. How do you define Serendipity?

Consider timing associated with those moments of Serendipity.  When were the times you felt yourself magically in the flow of life? When frustration evaporated, when parking spaces opened, when you made it just in time, when you said just the right words at the perfect time, or someone said the perfect words to you.

Continue to focus on the experiences that you know as Serendipity. It might be a chance encounter, a song you heard,  a moment of connection with your favorite place in nature.

Fill yourself with the feeling of connectedness, of life opening to you, of it unfolding, of the Universe saying "Yes".

What does Serendipity feel like in your body? Notice where you feel sensations, ease, tingling. Place your attention there and notice what happens. Go back and forth between the memory of Serendipity and the sensations in your body. Fill yourself with the memories. Think of the smallest details. What is it that makes this moment serendipitous? Allow yourself to luxuriate in your memories. Remember how those experiences felt in your body. What thoughts come up? What images do you see? Stay in these memories for as long as you like.

When you're ready, gently bring your awareness back to yourself sitting, present in your space.

Invest the time to journal about the Serendipity Practice. Write down how that experience felt in your body. How will you anchor those memories in your body, so that you can practice being present for Serendipity when it happens in the future?

In the days ahead, be on the lookout for Serendipity.  When a serendipitous event leads you to a new opportunity, it’s a chance to revisit and refresh your goals. Trust your experience, your guidance, and your intuition. Does the experience motivate you? Does it fill you with a sense of Wholeness? Does the information uplift you and the world around you?

Ask yourself: Is the new opportunity in alignment with my priorities and core values? Is it in alignment with my goals, my vision for the year, or is it time to set new goals based on this new information?

Making the most of unexpected moments comes with positive thought, the act of living in the moment, and creating action. This is both the wonder and awe of serendipity.

Wishing you the mystery and magic of Serendipity,

No matter how wrong or lacking we may feel, how caught in separation, or how trapped by the messages, violations, and inequities of the society we live in, this basic goodness remains the essence of our Being.
                                                                                           Tara Brach:
                              Trusting the Gold: Uncovering Your Natural Goodness

I don’t think anyone “finds” joy (or goodness). Rather, we cultivate it by searching for the preciousness of small things, ordinary miracles that strengthen our hearts so we can keep them open to what is difficult.
                                                                               Dr. Dawna Markova

...the gold of our true nature can never be tarnished. No matter how it might get covered over or disguised by feelings of anger, deficiency, or fear, our awareness remains radiant and pure. In the moments of remembering and trusting this basic goodness of our Being, the grip of “something’s wrong” dissolves and we open to happiness, peace, and freedom.

The difference between enlightened beings and us is that they have confidence in their basic goodness and we don’t.
                                                                                           Fleet Maull

Everything good, everything magical, happens between the months of June and August. 
                                                                            Jenny Han

Flowers always make people better, happier, and more hopeful; they are sunshine, food and medicine for the soul.
                                                                        Luther Burbank

Whenever I touch a flower, I touch the sun and yet I don't get burned. When I touch the flower, I touch a cloud without flying to the sky. When I touch the flower, I touch my consciousness, your consciousness, and the great planet Earth at the same time. This miracle is possible because of insight into the nature of inter-being. If you really touch one flower deeply, you touch the whole cosmos. The cosmos is neither one nor many. When you touch one, you touch many, and when you touch many, you touch one...
                                                                        Thich Nhat Hanh
                                                                 Cultivating the Mind of Love

Every thought we have and action we take becomes part of the collective energy of the planet.
                                                                          Anonymous

     Are you walking the spiritual path or are you just along for the ride?    
                                       Arlene Lawrence                                                                           The Love Project

Love and belonging are irreducible needs of all women, men, and children. In the absence of love and belonging, there is always suffering. May you love and know that you are deeply lovable.
                                                                       Brene' Brown

The universe is a multidimensional matrix projection of your soul and each person you meet is a different version of you awakening from the illusion of separation.
                                                                           Alan Watts

I am the chaotic wind blowing every which way.
I am green leaves attached to branches and limbs.
I am the warmth in the air signaling that summer has arrived.
I am bright green grass watered by the rain and warmed by the sun.
I am the tall thick maple tree that endures season after season.
I am the red-tailed hawk crying out, where's my food, where's my food.
I am the child laughing in delight for the joy of playing.
I am a man walking, toward a destination? or for pleasure?