Shhh...

Posted by: vkwspirit / Category:

This morning I am reminded of the importance of silence.  When electronics are turned off you can actually hear Creator “hum.” Try it, turn off everything and listen. There is only the sound of God harmonizing with you. Of course, this happens all the time, you always have the opportunity to hear Creator speak. It is just that when there is complete silence you will hear the movement of Spirit around your head. Try it! You will hear that for which I write. To me, it is very comforting. To others that may not be true.
  I was at the local hardware store after a thunderstorm the night before and the clerk commented on the intensity of storm. She said the power was lost at her house and her humidifier, TV and fan were unable to do their job. She said she realized how noisy silence was and how much she did not like that sound.

  And so, try it for yourself. Turn everything off and listen. Then see what you feel about the presence of silence. While I am certain there are “intellectually appropriate” technical answers for the molecules that move about us to create such sounds, I prefer to believe it is God humming to me. Shhh . . . Listen and let us know what you experience and how your heart interprets such moments of silence.


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Good Friday

Posted by: vkwspirit / Category:

As we move toward Good Friday, my heart remembers the teachings of both sadness and hope Easter brings. Throughout the observance of these teachings a reverence and respect for Jesus and what he brought to Earth is brought to our attention. The short life of Jesus forever changed our world.
  If we will simply get past the various “interpretations” and allow our hearts to listen and feel the depth of Truth shown throughout his life and not merely through the words reporting his impact, we will find a “peace” for which our hearts are searching. For it is in that personal connection one’s heart will find the Truth.
  This new Pope offers a visual example of the teachings of Jesus. What a breath of fresh air to observe his humbleness, his willingness to “be among the people” and not just stand in a window or behind a Plexiglas shield and talk to them. Pope Francis shows through his actions how to love. When I see his face, my heart feels hope, it feels joy that someone of such influence is so very willing to be so authentic! He does not use words to condemn and judge others or espouse scriptures to keep people in their place; rather, he demonstrates, just as Jesus did, how to see God in each person. It is an example to me of how to really make a difference in the world, one compassionate loving act at a time.

   And so while there is great unrest in the world and it saddens my heart to watch what humans can do to each other, the environment, and those living beings that inhabit the world with us, there is great hope that things are changing. May this Easter season bring such hope to your heart, and may each of you look at your lives to see what you contribute to your corner of it. Personally, I am resurrecting a more loving heart to be visible through my thoughts, words and actions.  


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Wind Chimes

Posted by: vkwspirit / Category:

  I could hear the winds throughout the night. They did not keep me awake; however, the new wind chimes I put up yesterday sang to me all night. It was a deep, low-pitched vibration that provided a sound that touched my heart. Masculine, I would describe the new wind chimes as a protective, loving  “feel.” I hung them just outside my bedroom windows where only very strong winds can find their way. 
  There are small, high pitched, chimes on the front porch of the main entry way to my home. They provide a sweet, high-pitched sound easily moved by even the most gentle of winds. That porch is directly opposite the porch outside my bedroom. It is a great balance each of the chimes provides and last night the new chimes brought a teaching into my heart, “Forgiveness frees everyone.”
  What an amazing realization to wake to. Over the past few years, many situations have occurred that I would have never dreamed would happen within my family. From the realms of my human mind, I have attempted to understand the whys and to seek some sort of bridge to keep our family close. Of course, as the human mind does so well, judgments were made. Who was in error, who was correct, and with that came all the behaviors that had been tolerated for the sake of keeping family peace.
  Very interesting how quickly the human mind moves into that all too familiar place; “Right/wrong, good/bad.” I have been guilty of such behaviors and with that came a separation of myself from my family. This morning, my “handsome” new wind chimes helped me realize exactly what I need to do in order to calm the unrest my heart has felt. I need to first forgive myself for such behaviors, and then those with whom I have estranged myself.
  While I already communicated with my loved ones about the various situations that occurred, I had continued to carry sadness. That sadness was my lack of forgiveness. I can call it residue from his/her actions and words; however, that would only be an excuse … a justification for feeling angry, hurt, disappointed. The real truth is, I felt unloved and with that, I created a reason to be separated from him/her.

  This morning the winds carried a message to me via the chimes that has brought understanding and a deeper compassion to my heart. There is no need to find fault in myself and/or others, there is merely an opportunity to love unconditionally. The way in which I relate to my loved ones has changed, and no doubt it is all for the better; however, there is absolutely no need to see us as separate from each other. Despite our difference, our hearts need each other and that can only happen if I take responsibility to forgive myself for making judgments and holding resentments. And, believe it or not, his/her actions have actually helped me become more authentic. Now, instead of placating for the sake of keeping peace, I can choose when and how much time to spend and communicate with those family members that live his/her life differently then me. Forgiveness does, indeed, free everyone! And this lady intends to be free!! All that from the Wind Chimes!


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Hope ...

Posted by: vkwspirit / Category:

  It is a hazy, foggy morning as I watch with great anticipation for the Sun to arrive. After several cloudy, gray days it will be good to see clear, blue skies. At least, that is what the local meteorologist reported last evening, we shall see if that is true today.  Either way, spring is beginning to warm the days and the yard around my home is calling to me to get outside. While I have done my best to keep up with fallen tree branches, and gathered eight leaf bags of debris last week, the emerging plants are heralding my attention. I just may wait another couple of weeks to rake the leaves around these tender growths that serve as a blanket during Indiana’s ever-changing temperature swings!
  I was at a local store the other day and a young couple was eagerly examining various vegetable plants from which to begin their garden. I nearly added my two cents worth of insights by repeating the wives tale, about waiting until after Mother’s day to plant. Surprisingly, I did not “offer” that advise, why dampen their obvious eagerness to begin their garden season?

  What a wonderful time of year. Such anticipation for what lies ahead, it warms my heart. While I do my best to stay in the moment, I so love the unknown anticipation of what is coming. Even if it is not clear what that “something” is, it still offers a mystery that feeds my spirit of “what if,” “perhaps, maybe,” or simply put, Hope for what might be. There is much to be said about not knowing what is just around the corner … it is yet another mystery of life!   


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Trusting

Posted by: vkwspirit / Category:

  Spring has finally arrived! We have green emerging from the Earth as a result of all the rain. There will be no complaining from me however; I am just grateful the temperatures are warming. It does remind me that after the turbulent wind and weather moves across the land, growth comes forth with a diversity of color, shapes and sizes. 
  It is good I remember this, because sometimes I wonder what all the “upheaval” is about! Of course, that is my “head” trying to understand it. I do realize things just are what they are, and ultimately, in the end, everything works our perfectly. Matter of fact is, it works out better than my “mind” could begin to figure it out. The universe has a way of bringing forth beauty regardless of apparent circumstances.

  There is great comfort in this awareness. It means I don’t have to spend so much time and energy trying to figure it out! Gee, I really am grateful the plants that are emerging from the Earth realize this truth … may I be as “in the moment” and trusting as they are.


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Hypocrisy

Posted by: vkwspirit / Category:

  I sit in my usual place of contemplation this morning wondering about hypocrisy. Most of my life hypocrisy was defined by the guidelines of my Christian upbringing. As a young child I heard my father and uncle “debate” scriptural interpretations, and from those “observations,” people, ideas, other denominations were put under the microscope …(how’s that for being gentle?) While I had and continue to have great respect and tremendous gratitude for my father and uncle’s passion, it did leave its mark. Most assuredly people are quick to notice the ways in which another person is “in error” with regards to his or hers beliefs, and, we quickly offer an opinion as to the “right way.”

  Over the years, I have personally and professionally witnessed the life long unwinding of such manner of teaching. If we can focus on the heart of the “microscopic” person, we will no doubt find his or hers behavior is based on the way in which they too, were a specimen on the slide glass of a microscope. In order to rebuild his or hers experience after being scrutinized by a watchful eye, he/she will generally choose actions to find error in others so he/she might find validity for his/hers way of living life. That is to say, in order to feel good about themselves, they will have to find fault in others. Or, in order to build themselves up, they have to tear someone down.

  It is really is a vicious cycle until someone in the “circle of relatives, friends, community,” decide to change the direction of such behaviors. It takes great courage to continue to love those that have been so critical; however, it is, indeed, the only way for unconditional love to return to our world. All of the great teachers have taught the importance of such love . . . seems time for each of us, individually, to begin within our own hearts to see what is truly beautiful. To look at others to correct their actions is ensure the vicious cycle will continue.  It is a guarantee hypocrisy will continue to grow and flourish. Each of us must choose carefully what we want to see more of in the world, and if it is to see God/Buddha/Creator, then we will begin the journey within to discover the truth, and not humankind's interpretation!


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Spring Break

Posted by: vkwspirit / Category:

Gracious, this little town is beyond its normal, quiet and serene, it is just about comatose! Seems everyone with any sense at all is out of town and into warmer weather. I saw one young man jogging in the subdivision where I am keeping tabs of a friend's house and cat. Poor fella probably doesn't know what to do with all his friends out of town.

It's beautiful today, cold, but gorgeous! There are patches of green dotting the yards, while buds are taking shape on bushes and tree branches. While raking yesterday, I noticed blades of green from the bulbs that have been "incubating" this winter ... yep, there's hope for those of us still wearing our winter coats while our friends and neighbors bask in the sun in Florida or San Padre Island, TX. We'll get our "turn in the sun!" In the meantime, I am enjoying a glass of ice tea, the company of a reluctant "full figured" kitty, and the sweet feel of a home that is filled with much love!


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