Tag: Maya Angelou

This Blessing of Being.

Maya Angelou once spoke of forgiveness, that it was the greatest gift that we might ever share. “Love recognizes no barriers,” she said. “It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope.”

And, hope is what we need most of all.

Hope is the catalyst for shared understanding. It is the empathy we see reflected in another’s eyes. It serves us in our quest for humanity; to reach through where otherwise disinclined. As grief threatens to force Freedom’s wings, hope begs Soul’s liberation.

“I am grateful to have been loved and to be loved now,” she once said. “And, to be able to love, because – that liberates. Love liberates. It doesn’t just hold; that’s ego. Love liberates.”

My darlings, today this message couldn’t be clearer.

There’s been much in the press regarding the separation of heart from human; questions raised as to the viability of an everlasting peace. But, there is a sense of boldness inferred – a request to raise compassion over ego. And, forgiveness – our primary obstacle.

To forgive is to lessen this burden; to free our hearts to contemplate what might be – rather, than holding tightly to that which has passed.

On this day, I wish to share an inspiration through video; and the blessing of always ‘doing right.’

In peace…

Namaste ♥

The Lessons We Learn.

Today I am inspired through the words of poet, Maya Angelou who shared through delicate lines the importance of being human.

So often we forget this aspect of self; we refuse our own vulnerability – the same vulnerability which forges compassion.

Are we afraid to know these blessings of heart? To hear the voice that cries from within?

And, how do we know, my loves – that which is ‘right’ and ‘good’? Isn’t the better path one that is allowed to unfold?

Myself? I’ve learned a few lessons or two. Most prominently – that where heart is lacking, will shall carry us through. And, that peace is restored through humbled step.

Likewise, and in spite of what we might wish to believe – the unexpected is a blessing, not something to be feared.

My darlings, I hope that I’ve left you feeling absolutely loved.

In peace…

Namaste ❤️

From Maya Angelou, “I’ve Learned.”

“I’ve learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.

I’ve learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights.

I’ve learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you’ll miss them when they’re gone from your life.

I’ve learned that making a “living” is not the same thing as making a “life.”

I’ve learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance.

I’ve learned that you shouldn’t go through life with a catcher’s mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw something back.

I’ve learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision.

I’ve learned that even when I have pains, I don’t have to be one.

I’ve learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back.

I’ve learned that I still have a lot to learn.

I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

“I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.”

[pullquote align=”left” background=”on”]The news came on the wings of a wind, reluctant to carry its burden. – Maya Angelou[/pullquote]

I remember the very first time I heard her speak – the soulfulness of her voice resonating through me in a manner I had not ever experienced. In one simple breath – my dears, she pulled back my veil.

And, her words…they cast a life altering spell.

“I know why the caged bird sings…”

And, in those few short words – I knew what it meant for a spirit to be free; to dip “his wings in the orange sun rays and dare to claim the sky.”

As she so eloquently stated, everyone has gone to bed one night feeling the pain of loss, of fear…of suffering. And yet, ‘each of us has awakened arisen. Somehow made our ablution, seen other human beings, and said, “Morning, how are you?”

It is the most indelible part of our human soul, and that which joins these oft’ barren threads of humanity. It instills within us our deepest desire, the desire to rise again.

This is the essence of the human will; and this is, the magnificence of the divine.

And, this will – it grows with every newly opened bud, every mottled leaf; it meets us by the meadow’s brook, and when the winds stirs the mighty trees.

My dears, it is the human will that begs our freedom.

[blockquote source=”Maya Angelou”]The caged bird sings
with fearful trill
of the things unknown
but longed for still
and his tune is heard
on the distant hill
for the caged bird
sings of freedom[/blockquote]

Indeed, Ms. Angelou ~ I, too, know why the caged bird sings. And, through your delicate words this bird has found its wings.

Thank you, from my heart, my dear ~ and thank you, once again. I am so very grateful to have known the gift of your spirit.

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.

The free bird leaps
on the back of the wind
and floats downstream
till the current ends
and dips his wings
in the orange sun rays
and dares to claim the sky.

But a bird that stalks
down his narrow cage
can seldom see through
his bars of rage
his wings are clipped and
his feet are tied
so he opens his throat to sing.

The caged bird sings
with fearful trill
of the things unknown
but longed for still
and his tune is heard
on the distant hill
for the caged bird
sings of freedom

The free bird thinks of another breeze
and the trade winds soft through the sighing trees
and the fat worms waiting on a dawn-bright lawn
and he names the sky his own.

But a caged bird stands on the grave of dreams
his shadow shouts on a nightmare scream
his wings are clipped and his feet are tied
so he opens his throat to sing

The caged bird sings
with a fearful trill
of things unknown
but longed for still
and his tune is heard
on the distant hill
for the caged bird
sings of freedom.
~ Maya Angelou

Video: The  Many Inspirations of Dr. Maya Angelou

His Day is Done – A touching tribute to Nelson Mandela.

Still I rise – A gift of spirit.