Feathers are a marriage of form & function.
They are beautiful & virtually weightless, while allowing flight.
Soar where the Current takes you.
(This little feather in particular landed right outside my doorstep. I discovered it upon arriving home from a family wedding. Isn’t that loverly?)
Random Card Draw:
Light + Compassion = Synthesis
We must shine the Light upon ourselves & have Compassion for what we find in the shadows.
This coming together of disparate parts, Synthesis, will strike a chord in our own lives, & the greater cosmos, as healing energy reverberates throughout.
A choir of souls can create beautiful music… in bowing to a Benevolent Conductor.
(These little cards you see above appeared in my life via my mother. Originator of the deck is unknown. I give such person credit, nonetheless).
Random Card Draw:
Transformation ~ Willingness ~ Synthesis
Life is full of it.
Start from the Center & work your way out.
(These little cards you see above appeared in my life via my mother. Originator of the deck is unknown. I give such person credit, nonetheless).
Random Card Draw:
Harmony ~ Flexibility ~ Power
When we experience a wave of Harmony, inside & out, Ego recedes with the tide.
We are made to be flexible. Flexibility allows us to bend like a reed with the natural ebb & flow of the current, as well as in times of drought & flood.
Our Power is found in surrendering to something that is bigger than our own limitations. Letting go of the need to feel in control, while remaining grounded in fertile soil…This is where our Spirit can flourish & our Soul can grow.
(These little cards you see above appeared in my life via my mother. Originator of the deck is unknown. I give such person credit, nonetheless).
Random Card Draw:
Transformation ~ Tenderness ~ Simplicity
As we go through the shape-shifting of deep, healing Transformation, may we show ourselves the same gentle Tenderness we would afford a fragile newborn. In this time of birth & rebirth, may we approach our internal & external lives with the uncluttered focus of Simplicity.
(These little cards you see above appeared in my life via my mother. Originator of the deck is unknown. I give such person credit, nonetheless. Photo by Maggie Begley).
Hmmm, the synchronicity of a ‘random’ card draw, so in line with Lent, & the Vernal Equinox. This season before Easter, & the onset of Spring, presents a prime opportunity for taking stock & regrouping, an invitation to formally retreat. We are encouraged to set aside downtime within the routine of daily responsibility.
We can retreat for a weekend by getting away to a supportive, contemplative venue; or, by reserving daily time & space within our own home. It is the supreme Spring cleaning. Regardless of where we do it, I realize that for most this break from worldly reality is rather a luxury, but for some it is a spiritual necessity. The reward, so to speak? Our angst carries with it unworldly blessings just ready & waiting to shed their disguise & claim their rightful place in our lives.
It is not uncommon to have Transformation foisted upon us, rather than being a choice we are given. It seems that each season of life calls for transition, often for which we are unprepared. Transition can be a super-charged catalyst for forced Transformation & vice-versa. (As is often the case, when it’s happened to me, I’ve felt I had no choice in the matter…except that I DID pray early on in my life for God to care for & direct me in ways everlasting. I wanted to cleanse, & thereby build up my soul, in a way that I could carry forth, not to pass this way again. Geez, as they say, be careful what you wish for! Lol).
I have learned in this journey that Tenderness & Simplicity are key, as the process of Transformation demands a huge dose of time & energy. Over & over, in stages, we die & bloom again. Growing pains are real as we slowly develop & redevelop, ultimately expressing our way outward. Like the babe in the womb, or the larva in the cocoon, may we build a strong foundation from which to burst forth & take flight. Follow the Light.
Growing up, this hung on our wall at home. I still hold fast to its message.
An Old Preacher’s Greeting To Each New Day:
“It has been said that Faith is not belief without proof, but rather Trust without reservation, and that Trust, when cared for and respected, encourages the self to bloom. Trust is divine medicine.” ~ The Healing Runes, by Ralph H. Blum and Susan Loughan, page 75.
Random Card Draw:
Patience -> Trust -> Clarity -> Synthesis
The cards always speak for themselves, ready & waiting for our
personal interpretation & application.
What’s yours?
(The little cards you see above appeared in my life via my mother. Originator of the deck is unknown. I give such person credit, nonetheless).
Welcome to the Year of the Sheep! Or Goat! Or both! Depending on whom you ask. February 4th, 2015 is the first day of the Year of the Sheep/Goat in both the Chinese and Tibetan calendars – specifically the Year of the Female (or Yin) Wood Sheep/Goat. Although Chinese New Year’s Day and Losar (Tibetan New Year) will not be celebrated until the new moon on February 19th, the 4th is the start of this lunar cycle, and so really the first day of the related energy shift in both astrological systems.
Over the last few years, exploring the energy and meaning of the lunar New Year shift through astrology, imagery, and mythology has become one of my favorite posts to research and write. But I have to admit, despite having been born in a year of the sheep/goat myself (or maybe because of this), I initially found this…
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It’s in the grip of North American winter that I often dream of escape to warmer climates. Thanks to the WordPress.com Reader and the street photography tag, I can satisfy my travel yen whenever it strikes. Here are just some of the amazing photos and photographers I stumbled upon during a recent armchair trip.
My first stop was Alexis Pazoumian’s fantastic SERIES: India at The Sundial Review. I loved the bold colors in this portrait and the man’s thoughtful expression.
Photo by Alexis Pazoumian
Speaking of expressions, the lead dog in Holly’s photo from Maslin Nude Beach, in Adelaide, Australia, almost looks as though it’s smiling. See more of Holly’s work at REDTERRAIN.
Photo by Holly
In a slightly different form of care-free, we have the muddy hands of Elina Eriksson‘s son in Zambia. I love how his small hands frame his face. The gentle…
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❤ From My Spirited Soul to Yours: ❤
May the sacred & the profane, married in we fractured imperfect human beings, serve as a catalyst towards Wholeness & Perfection.
With worldly love as our teacher, schooling us in the ways of Divine Love, may we find Ultimate Connection in the process of losing our self.
Whether or not it is obvious, Love is always present. Indulge.
I’ve been living with terror & anxiety since September 5, 1974, the day my dad died. Helpless, I was 8 & had long watched him shrink, suffer & die from cancer. My #1 & he didn’t even warn me, or say goodbye?! I was in complete shock, sidled with the dread of when my mom would leave me too; as well as the opposite fear & responsibility of being left alone to tend to her & myself. (She no doubt felt the same way). Mom had sleep apnea although there was no term for it back then. I just remember running downstairs to her bedroom in a panic to see if she was still alive, almost every night. When I did sleep, solitary on the second floor, I had nightmares of walking home from school to a boarded-up house. Once a ‘normal’ kid, my health & well-being were never the same.
At the time of loss, it’s all about survival (mental, emotional & physical). You know, when well-meaning adults say, “The children are so adaptable; I’m amazed at how resilient they are!” That makes me upset. Duh. When we are a dependent child, what other choice do we have but to be resilient (at least temporarily)?! A lot of times the adults fall apart (openly or not, but kids are sponges, taking it all in) & there is a role reversal that occurs. Adults acting stoic doesn’t help. Strong (including tears), yes. Cold & stoic (denial), no. I felt I was such, for almost 40 years. Coping skills can usually only last so long & take us so far before something starts to unravel.
Some are lucky enough to have remarkable built-in resources &/or outward support of some kind, enabling them to press on, & on, rising up, & up, with remarkable success. Some are likely to become dependent & addicted on other sources in order to slog through. For most of us, our system protects us by allowing us to dissociate from certain traumas. Some are forced to confront deep healing, going through the gunk enough to come out on the other side. Some are not, or do not. The conditions of life are extreme & every soul acts/reacts/copes/thrives in a way as unique as their very fingerprints. Therefore it is best not to judge, under any circumstance. None of us is EVER privy to ALL the information (in regards to our own selves, let alone another)!
I’m glad I didn’t know what lay ahead. For us, a family of six in one house was quickly reduced down to just the two of us, my mom & I. As it is with life, a variety of things ensued for all. Most recently, dementia came for my mom & has been holding us hostage ever since. As much as humans tend to worry about the future & want to know how it’s going to go, I don’t think any of us would really benefit by knowing ahead of time what we will be required to face (even if it were a beautiful dream coming to fruition). In just a few short years life can change dramatically, for better or for worse.
It wasn’t until I got divorced at age 39, did I seek counseling for all the unbearable distress that seemed to surface out of nowhere. The therapist even went so far as to call it, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. (I didn’t believe her at first. After all, I’m not a war veteran, at least not externally speaking. Surprisingly I hadn’t read anything about it till just now, that short link above. Hmm, it fits). After ten years of re-associating, I have no doubt of her diagnosis.
From this experience, compassion, empathy & understanding have become my default mode; an automatic state of being which I can offer to myself, loved ones & clients. Though dealing with others & the world at large can still be overwhelming, I’m finally painfully aware & at least know what I’m dealing with. I’m supremely grateful to Dr. Metz for supporting me through this healing journey with his gift of insight & special brand of energy medicine.
I know my momma isn’t long for this world now. She has yearned to reside beside the heavenly hosts (which now includes, siblings, friends, & offspring). I am getting older by the minute, too! …We shall see…We shall see…How will things transpire for she & me? I can’t help wanting & needing to know… After all, I’ve been waiting with terror & anxiety for 40 years…Who, what, when, where, why & how?!
As I often do, I humbly bow my head & calm my heart with prayer to let go & have faith. “Angel of God, my guardian dear, to whom his love commits me here, ever this day be at my side to light & guard, to rule & to guide. Amen.”
And, it never hurts to have a Teddy Bear to hug:
Betty Bear & Maggie Bear, courtesy of my dear friend, Sunshine. She lovingly knits bears which she donates to the Mother Bear Project, serving AIDS orphans in Africa. She made these in homage to my mom & I, using yarn that we had donated to her from clearing out my mom’s sewing room (in that ‘scary’ upstairs of my childhood!).
(Photo by Sunshine Psota)
As you may know, Love is a favorite focus of mine. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., was a living proponent of such, which included his call for non-violent action; a sense of justice driven by, & framed within, Love.
In honor of him & his birthday this weekend, I offer you this very short yet very inspiring video link: Tavis Smiley references his new book, Death of a King, speaking on MLK, Love, Grace, Forgiveness & Radical Empathy.
Let Love be our greatest aspiration.
As the New Year Dawns Upon You,
Whenever & Wherever You Find Yourself:
May your heart feel uplifted & supported throughout the daily risings & settings to come; the inevitable darkness, the beckoning shadow, & the incredible lightness of being.
Remember that sometimes when the light is brightest, it allows the darkness to come into focus.
❤ Blessings, Maggie ❤
My fellow Spirited Souls:
Whatever it is you celebrate this blessed Winter day, may you imbibe the Love that surrounds you EVERY day, in EVERY season. (You’re getting a dose right now, from me)! 🙂 Thank you for all your support, virtual & otherwise. 🙂
Life is but a Play in which we are all actors…2015, what do you have in store for your cast & crew?!! Hmmm….And on we go, Spiritual Warriors; enjoy the show.
❤ Maggie ❤
Definition of Term:
Quo·tog /KWO-täg/
noun, formally informal.
1. a term that connotes an original quote paired with an original photograph, created by any given Spirited Soul who possesses artistic proclivities & sensibilities. 🙂
Origin: As far as I can tell, that would be me, Maggie B., 2010.
Example Usages: “What a lovely Quotog you posted.” “You are quite the Quotog.” Or, “Allow me to share that oh so clever Quotog.” LOL.
Definition of Term:
Quo·tog /KWO-täg/
noun, formally informal.
1. a term that connotes an original quote paired with an original photograph, created by any given Spirited Soul who possesses artistic proclivities & sensibilities. 🙂
Origin: As far as I can tell, that would be me, Maggie B., 2010.
Example Usages: “What a lovely Quotog you posted.” “You are quite the Quotog.” Or, “Allow me to share that oh so clever Quotog.” LOL.
My Usual Aside: Bovarism is the Dictionary Word of the Day…So I saw when I was consulting for my new word. Haha. Am I a Bovarista?!
The Attitude for Prayer:
“Has He [the Creator, who is genderless] given you poverty? Then know it is so that — free from attachments — you may concentrate on the wealth of Nam [the Word, the celestial inner Divine Sound], and so never again lack the warmth, light and food necessary for the soul. Never, never complain of His gifts.
Has he given you loneliness? Then know that it is so you can be alone with Him — and therefore never again be lonely. Never, never complain of his gifts.
Has He given you sickness that keeps you from the worldly work? Then know it is to give you time for Simran and meditation [prayer, repetition of the Holy Name, focus on Nam] unbroken by the world — so that you are sooner freed of all the body’s ills. Never, never complain of His gifts.
Has He given you all the good things of life? Then of you He demands tenfold effort in payment of your debts to Kal [the ‘Devil’, Lord of this earthly plane of Pinda] that you may not, through love of this life, need again return. Make constant Simran [rememberance of Holy Nam] the thanks for such a gift.
When you feel far away from Master [the Lord God of all], remember — it is you who have turned away, not He.
Be thankful the Master will give you only what you NEED [to make spiritual progress], in spite of what YOU pray to Him for.” ~ Author Unknown [within the brackets is my commentary].
I came across this typed note that I had saved, going back 20 years. I had gotten it at a gathering I had attended affiliated with, Science of the Soul Research Centre.
I liked it at the time and boy oh boy does it SPEAK to me NOW! It was book-marking a place in the Bible my mom had given me for my 15th birthday. (Isn’t that a present every teenager dreams of?! Lol.) She had it personalized, with my name engraved in gold type on its cover, to make it extra special. I do treasure it now, though the print is so small I need a magnifying glass for things to come clear. No…the metaphor on that one is not lost on me.
Art & Photo by Maggie Begley
Don’t forget love;
it will bring all the madness you need
to unfurl yourself across
the universe.
― Mīrābāī
(Female Hindu Mystic Poet from Rajastan, India, born c. 1498)
And On We Go
(Art & Photo by Maggie Begley)
“IN
THE DARK NIGHT OF THE SOUL
BRIGHT
FLOWS THE RIVER OF GOD.”
~ St. John of the Cross, (1542 -1591), Mystic Poet born in Spain
Random Card Draw:
Love ~ Abundance
This little card deck you see above appeared in my life, originator unknown. I give such credit, nonetheless.
(Photo by Maggie Begley)
These two cards I pulled are the perfect pairing,
especially with which to end this series.
The number ‘8’
is also an auspicious number
of spirituality & eternity.
Go forth & prosper. ❤
Random Card Draw:
Freedom ~ Peace ~ Honesty ~ Balance
This little card deck you see above appeared in my life, originator unknown. I give such credit, nonetheless.
(Photo by Maggie Begley)
Words for the day
grabbed in a clump
overturned
one by one.
I will not subject them
to the constraints
of sentence structure. 🙂
I’ll leave that to each individual
as they see
fit.
The Spirited Soul 