“Don’t fear the light within. May it ignite the Sacred Flame in your soul.” ~ Paulo Coelho
A Time of Awakening
I chose to use awakening as our theme for October in answer to the disparaging and degrading way the term “woke” is being used to describe and discredit individuals and groups of people. Whenever I see or hear that word, I know what is coming and shudder a bit.
Let me begin by saying that awakening is a process, and I’m not sure anyone arrives to a fully awakened state. Early experiences are sometimes powerful and awe inducing, so I think sometimes it can feel that we have arrived, or sometimes we are scared to death and afraid to move forward. But as we progress, we become aware that there is always more to learn. Awakening is a personal experience and is not meant to give us feelings of superiority, but greater understanding of life, Spirit and our connection to God and each other.
Awakening is not always glorious and blissful. Don’t get me wrong, there are times when there are no words to express how wonderful it is. Direct connection to the Divine is beyond explanation. But there will also be pain and suffering as you let go of old thoughts, feelings and beliefs that may be holding you back. For years, letting go of my identity as an American Baptist was a big struggle for me. I felt forced out of the denomination I grew up in and it took years to realize I had left all that behind and was moving on. In fact, now I know I was called by Spirit out of the church and my reluctance to let go caused much of my suffering.
Please join me this month as we explore awakening. Also please feel free to share your thoughts and awakening stories.
The Friday Affirmation
“I contribute to the world in a significant and vital way.”
We end our month of focusing on love and care for the earth with the acknowledgment that we do contribute to this world. The lives we live and the actions we take do make a difference.
May we be aware of the impact our actions have on our Mother the Earth as we affirm together, I contribute to the world in a significant and vital way.
,
Mother Earth
Nature Will Teach You
“Unfortunately, modern man has become so focused on harnessing nature’s resources that he has forgotten how to learn from them. If you let them, however, the elements of nature will teach you as they have taught me.”
― Anasazi Foundation, The Seven Paths: Changing One’s Way of Walking in the World
The Friday Affirmation
“My spirit is grounded deep in the earth.”
Walking into Autumn … again
Copyright 2013 by R.A. Robbins
Genie’s Note: Today we celebrate the Autumnal Equinox. Each season of the year as well as of our lives has lessons for us. It is important that we not ignore them. In honor of the first day of Autumnal (or Fall) I am reposting an oldie by goodie from 2016.
With the Autumnal Equinox on September 22nd the journey toward winter began. For many this is a time of planning and preparation, making sure homes and vehicles are ready for the impending cold. Squirrels are busily burying nuts so they will have food for winter. Our daily lives begin to change as we dig out the winter clothes and soup recipes. This flurry of activity is in preparation to settle in and hunker down as the weather gets colder and colder.
As the earth prepares to slow down, this is our chance to slow down as well. With the cooler weather we can now begin cooking meals requiring lengthy times in the oven. The smell of fresh baked bread may begin to fill the kitchen. We are more inclined to settle in with a good book and a piping hot beverage.
This year especially, I hope we will heed the lessons of Autumn. Mother Earth has much to teach us if we will only slow down and take the time to listen.
Blessings to you during this beautiful season.
Honor the Earth
“When we honor the earth, we honor ourselves.” – L.M. Wilde
Read more https://www.yourfates.com/beautiful-earth-quotes-and-sayings/
Man’s Heart Away from Nature
“Wherever forests have not been mowed down, wherever the animal is recessed in their quiet protection, wherever the earth is not bereft of four-footed life – that to the white man is an ‘unbroken wilderness.’
But for us there was no wilderness, nature was not dangerous but hospitable, not forbidding but friendly. Our faith sought the harmony of man with his surroundings; the other sought the dominance of surroundings.
For us, the world was full of beauty; for the other, it was a place to be endured until he went to another world.
But we were wise. We knew that man’s heart, away from nature, becomes hard.”
― Chief Luther Standing Bear
The Friday Affirmation
I am kind to all living things.
espirational.com 