In her recent post, Nimue Brown writes about the value of being bored. "Big dreams come out of idle wondering. Big visions come out of empty days, if we use that space. The urge to make and do, to meet and... Continue Reading →
You’ve probably had those moments or passages — the ones where you feel like someone or something has suddenly put shrink-wrap or a straitjacket on your life (and in your mind), making it hard to breathe and offering what seemed... Continue Reading →
I'm still listening to and gazing deeply at threads of integration that are weaving themselves together after the flurry of energy wildings, weirdings, and Eureka-moments of recent weeks. How about you? The waves of the intense energetics have continued to... Continue Reading →
Ancient olive tree (photo from Medilico’s Olive Facts)
It’s a rich and wonderful contemplative and spiritual practice to invite a word or theme for reflection.
Each word has a frequency or a power or a ‘mood’ of its own,which is why certain words and themes are more helpful than others when we’re ‘cultivating’ through spiritual practice.
You can feel it, even, when you see or say them … holy, Beloved, grace, be still and Know …
As we sit in reflection with a certain word or theme, we invite the essence of that word to arise within us, to envelope us, to inform us, to center and ground us, and to emanate from us.
I’ve been in reflection for keynote words and themes as guides for the coming year — and several have arisen into my awareness (I’ll likely be writing about each soon) — so when I came upon Anna Lin’s post about the word ‘Holy‘ I wanted to pass it along to you.
It reminded me of a bit of holy wisdom I’ve shared before here at Sophia’s Children:
“Take off your shoes,
for the place where you are
standing is holy ground.”
(Exodus 3:5)
Enjoy Anna Lin’s own reflection on this evocative word-reflection.
This morning I spent time in silence to see where my focus lies. My wandering mind tells me that I focus my energy on how to “fix” things — how to get to perfection. I was given the breath word HOLY for this day. It helps me to re-focus on all that is God, rather than on myself and my needs. This is a great help to prayer.
But I recognize this is also a great challenge to prayer. For within this awareness of the Holy, is the element of Holy Fear. Fear of this nature is fear of the unknown — fear of the mystery of God that is unknowable, that cannot be controlled or contained. I sense within me a fear of surrendering my power, my control. I sense a fear of unworthiness in the presence of the Holy One. Then I recall Luther’s explanation of the first…
“Yes, our life energy must be a gift for our future. Your life, my life, everybody’s life must follow your given path. So pray or meditate. Follow your inner path and learn just how powerful you are and learn that... Continue Reading →
When Virgo archetypes and energies are activated -- as they might be during a Virgo Full Moon time or with heavenly bodies traveling the Virgo constellation, Virgoan Feminine mastery and magic steps into the center stage and spotlight. Virgo is... Continue Reading →
“If you have these two things - the willingness to change, and the acceptance of everything as it comes, you will have all you need to work with.” –Charlotte Selver (1901 - 2003), grand dame of 'experience through the senses'... Continue Reading →
In mid-April, I reached an important 1000 day milestone in my mantra-yoga practice. When I started that long sadhana in July 2011, I didn't think beyond the 40-day Kirtan Kriya sadhana, or practice period, I'd been invited to do. Several years... Continue Reading →
"Listen and attend with the ear of your heart." ~ St. Benedict Who doesn't want to step out of the perpetual spin-cycle of fear, dread, and anxiety? Heart- and Spirit centering practices come in many shapes and sizes, and have... Continue Reading →
"The question holds the lantern." This, from the late John O'Donohue, could in itself be a meditation, which I find to be the case with much of what he wrote. But here is a bit more from The Question Holds... Continue Reading →
“What I am suggesting is that each of us turn from the negativism that permeates our society and look for the remarkable good among those with whom we associate, that we speak of one another’s virtues more than we speak... Continue Reading →
Okay, raise your hand if you resonate with this in your very heart and core (if you're a fellow introvert, the chances are excellent that your hand will be raised): "But in truth, there is no glory in listening. There is... Continue Reading →
This is one of my favorite Muse Foods for my morning reflections, though it seems a lovely reflection for any time, doesn't it? "Let my song give blessing and insight to those who can’t see for themselves. And let your... Continue Reading →
"Live where you are, where you stand is your altar ... right where you are, all is sacred." ~ T. Thorn Coyle, Kissing the Limited Muse-a-liciously Yours, Jamie
"As Way Opens" is a reference to the old Quaker saying that we should "proceed as way opens" after patient, prayerful waiting for Spirit to move in the world, and open or reveal the way forward." This saying popped up... Continue Reading →
“I have had many Zen masters as teachers – and all of them cats!” ~ Eckhart Tolle Any among us who are of the Feline Tribe understand The Way of Cat. And we know that we learn much from our... Continue Reading →
