Happiness

Finding the Source of True Love on Our Journey.

There’s a metta practice I’m quite fond of, one adapted from the fifth century text, The Path of Purification. It reads simply:

May I be peaceful, happy and light in body and spirit.
May I be safe and free from injury.
May I be free from anger, afflictions, fear and anxiety.

In these simple lines we are afforded the opportunity to explore the internal barriers to a true and authentic appreciation of self. As we begin to understand the challenges related to our own happiness, we are better able to understand the same challenges reflected in others.

More specifically, we can begin to see the links between our own self-love and that of others. What is it that’s keeping us from being peaceful, happy and light? Perhaps, the same is true of others? Through this transformative inner-dialogue we begin to open the pathway to a boundless heart.

Though, the answers may be difficult, at times – they provide us invaluable insight. Through this careful examination, we may begin to disentangle ourselves from the images of judgement, self-deprecation and anger – in order that we may finally cultivate that deepened sense of love we so very much deserve.

So tell me, what is it that’s keeping you, my loves?

Let those answers serve as the ‘map’ to your journey.

Just Smile.

I’ve always wondered why people are so stingy with their smiles.

They don’t cost anything. In fact, they’re free! So, tell me – what possibly could go wrong in this scenario?

And yet, how readily we avert our eyes – cautious to give our happiness away.

But, happiness is never depleted by sharing. Rather, it grows knowing it has served its purpose.

With puffed chest, it gathers strength and the will to offer its heart again.

With just a simple, our world is made so much brighter.

With just a simple smile, we lend hope to all.

My darlings, just for today – offer your smile in service. Share its bountiful energy with all and everyone you meet.

Namaste.

This Gift of Love.

Stephen Chbosky once wrote, “We accept the love we think we deserve.”

Myself, I’ve always viewed love in terms of reflection. Meaning, that which we share is always graciously returned.

And, we don’t always recognize it, at first. We struggle with this view of feeling love must be deserved.

Oh, but that couldn’t be farther from the truth. Because, the energy of love is present in every aspect of our being.

Look at the trees, how they bow to provide their shade. And, the songbirds who herald us sweetly at dawn, to mark the beginning of a brand new day.

Can you not see the love that is shared?

It is everywhere, my loves. Every stick, every twig, and every stone unturned.

All there just for you. Even in silence, the Universe extends her love.

Today, make a point of really believing it. You get love, because it *is* – and, not so much what you think you deserve.

The True Root of Happiness.

I read an article first thing this morning regarding the ability of mind to chase after ‘shadows’.

In life, we are continuously seeking safe refuge and peace. Under false impression, we assume that happiness may be derived from that which is external to self. We resolve, we rectify, we continuously readjust – and yet, contentment seems always just out of our reach.

As Steven Levine once said, “The distance from our pain, from our wounds, from our fear, from our grief, is the distance from our true nature.’ That is to say, suffering increases as we move further from self.

My darlings, you are a beautifully, authentic, and dynamic human soul – within which is the source of your greatest happiness.

Not derived from position or stature, nor contingent upon external measures of ‘wealth’ – rather, born in the simplicity of knowing our true nature.

‘You are the universe in ecstatic motion’, my darlings – a testimony to all that is ‘right’ within this world.

And, also – you are my dearest friends.

So, stop looking elsewhere for the foundation of your being. It’s right here, my loves – everything you ever hoped, wanted or needed.

Remembering Always to Play.

“We are never more fully alive,” writes Charles Schaefer “more completely ourselves, or more deeply engrossed in anything, than when we are at play.”

My darlings, isn’t it amazing this energy of ‘play’?

Travel to the farthest most points in this world, and you’ll find little ones chasing shadows beneath the trees. Or, constructing ‘castles’ out of fallen branches and raging rivers from old garden hoses.

And, it’s all so effortless – isn’t it?

Instinctually, we are driven to discover – though time and this ‘getting bigger’ nonsense may attempt to cast its shadows upon it.

Our hearts our ‘wired’ for simplicity, yet – how easily we relinquish it. Is it any wonder that we’re continuously chasing authenticity?

My darlings, in the end, our life is summarized by a cascading of moments. And our legacy, a testimony to the choices we’ve made.

In my life, I’ve learned to let go of ‘somedays’ – honoring this space with the richness of life fully lived, instead.

So, dance…giggle…love…laugh. Dive headfirst into the seemingly impossible endeavors, and marvel at the resilience gained just at the other side. Take risks, dream big, and lead a messy, fulfilling life.

But, above and beyond everything else – my darlings, never forget to play.

Namaste ❤️

Photo: My wee-little one; age – not quite 2 years old.

A Love to Overwing All Bounds.

My darlings, just look who came to visit today—a butterfly with gilded wings, and wishes of love for this day.

It reminded me of a letter once written by author John Keats:

“My dearest Lady,” he professed. “I almost wish we were butterflies and liv’d but three summer days—three such days with you I could fill with more delight than fifty common years could ever contain.”

Indeed, to live these days just as they were intended; with a voracity for the uncommon, and a passion for everything in between.

“You are always new,” he wrote.

Oh, how we might blessed to see in much the same way—as if with each passage of light, a brand new world might be revealed.

“When it is moving on luxurious wings,
The soul is lost in pleasant smotherings.”

And so, a wish for you, my loves—that love may find the will to “overwing all bounds!”

Namaste <3

A Little Something About Splashing in the Rain.

A year ago, my neighbors would have looked at me oddly from the window. But, now they’ve come to realize – barefooted in rain puddles is the *only* way to live.

And, how joyful that they’ve ‘opened’ enough to finally come join me here.

My grandmother used to say, “Once a moment has passed, it’ll never find its way here again.”

So, these days I don’t wait for the moment to be ‘right’ – rather, I kick off my shoes and splash around in the rain instead.

I take long walks on overgrown trails, flip over rocks and marvel at snails. I count the spots on a ladybug’s wings. I eat dessert first, and as many as I please.
I give love and share love as often as its needed.

And, isn’t that the way we should be living?

Yes, I could have easily watched the storms pass from coziness of my bed. But, my goodness, can you imagine just what might have been missed?

I would have missed the scent of rain moving in; or the coolness of droplets forming against skin. I’d have missed the squealing of little ones scampering past. Or, the smiles of parents hoping it might last.

Indeed, and with just a little bit of silliness, and a tossing of caution to the wind – you and I, my dearest darlings, together – we bring these miracles near.

‪#‎upsidetoparkinsons‬

Taking the Path Which Helps Your Heart to Smile Big.

“For every fork in the road, there are often two paths from which to choose: the one you “should” take and the one you want to take.

Take the second. Always take the second.”

Oh, what a lovely reminder from author, Mike Dooley – founder, and super-heart in chief of “Notes from the Universe.”

I receive his updates nearly every morning, and always – they help to make my heart smile big. As, in some small – sometimes imperceptible way – they cause me to reflect on that which matters most of all.

My Mother used to say rather simply, “Follow your heart – as, no matter where you end up, you’ll *always* be happy.”

I’ve thought to these words many times through my years. Moments of hesitation between that which ‘feels right’ and that which ‘is’.

In our hearts, we always know – though, that ‘thinking mind’ might try its best to convince us otherwise.

Follow your hearts, my dearest darlings. Dance, live, love, laugh. Dream BIG. Take risks, make all the muddled up mistakes that you can.

And then?

Learn to get up, brush it off and start all over again.

Life is too short for watching things pass. Today is the day. Not tomorrow, or another day. Engage with fiery glory that which makes the heart smile big.

Much love, darlings ~

The Sweetness of Release.

I once had a friend who experienced a very difficult time. In the time span of just one month, she had lost both husband and father to a devastating illness.

In the months to follow, she withdrew from the world. The pain of accepting sympathy from others was just too much to bear.

“I don’t want to be reminded,” she once said. “I want the pain to go away. How can I ever let it go, if I’m presented with the memory each day?”

Bit by bit, she retreated further into herself. At first, the holidays went uncelebrated. Following, she stopped accepting calls. Until one day, when she ultimately refused to leave her house.

Oh, how I begged for her one day at the door. “I can’t,” she cried, through a slit in the door. “It’s just…too big.”

Oh, my goodness – haven’t we all, at some time, felt this way? That the circumstances surrounding our ‘just being human’ were far too big to live in peace?

And, haven’t we all made a hasty life’s retreat? Compelled to hide from the pain of this world, and forgetting…

It’s the pain in the heart that most needs our mending.

But, that’s human nature – now, isn’t it? Pulling away at that first wince of pain – hoping to avoid any further ‘fallout.’

“We think that the point is to pass the test or overcome the problem,” writes Pema Chödrön, “but the truth is that things don’t really get solved. They come together and they fall apart. Then they come together again and fall apart again. It’s just like that. The healing comes from letting there be room for all of this to happen: room for grief, for relief, for misery, for joy.”

In an attempt to unburden our pain, we actually takes steps to fortify it. We reinforce old patterns, and hang our hats on it never going away. It’s our ‘monster in the closet’, so to speak – and just as we did when we were so very small – it’s easier to hide beneath the covers, then take a look with the lights yet so dim.

But, inevitably, through our looking in – we find our peace. The eternal bliss, our one sure shot at absolute happiness.
It’s within these moments we realize, that the true sweetness in life lies within our release.

 

These Challenges to Freedom.

[blockquote source=”Eric Klein and Devi Bliss”]”You can be really, really busy with a full schedule of activities and *still* be lifeless. You can set goals, check off action items, follow the dictates of your conditioning without being present to the deeper calling of your life. You and I could spend a lifetime without being present. We could live our lives in the dark . . . if we don’t heed the Call.

What is the Call?

The Call is unique to you. It’s beckoning you to realize, embody, and fulfill your life purpose. To enter, more deeply, more fully, more consistently your true life.”[/blockquote]

Oh, I just love this. And, such a wonderful reminder from our friends at Wisdom Heart!

Sometimes, we might experience this as a gentle knowing; an unexpected nudge to help us find and fulfill our purpose.

It is this inner unsettledness that leads us to a much deeper introspection, offering the soft light of awareness to our path ahead.

And yet, so often we feel caught in the ‘crosshairs’ of struggle, as we try to force fit our hearts into society’s expectations.

At what point did ‘status’ become an indicator of bliss? My darlings, I can assure you happiness holds no monetary value.

So, how do we break free from these self-imposed chains? How do we disentangle ourselves from another’s opinion?

By realizing (and embracing), that everything we experience is an integral part of our spiritual awakening.

Every doubt, every fear…ever moment spent tumbling forward into the darkness – it’s all very much needed.

To help us find, and power through, these challenges to freedom.