Zaisho's Blog: Gratitude

My Passion started with making jewelry! And it grew into "Fun", "Fabulous", Work! My jewelry making turned in to a more serious adventure.

I meditated on it ,and prayed about what i could do to help others. To planting seeds, and wisdom. Giving them hope, for them to believe in their dreams, & visions. Be Creative . To encourage them to "Keep Moving, and to not Freeze up" & " With Ease and Comfort. It became my motto and i live by it to this day!

I created a Therapeutic Art Tool. Used in the Classes given by 'Zaisho Services'.

In April 2001, I founded "Zaisho Services" A Registered Non-profit Corporation. in the Charity's department in WA State. Giving Classes on Self-Esteem and Strength Building.

In one of the classes i have offered in the past, the student makes one of the art tools from start to finish.

I can honestly say, that i may go in as an instructor. And almost always i have learned so much from the individuals that have taken my classes. There is an incredible exchange that takes place.

Being trained in 1998 as a Certified Home Health Care Attendant. In private practice. I specialized in Nutrition & Cancer Care. I Loved my work.

I had been working for a local retirement center. It was a normal day, and everything was going smooth as clock work. It was 9:00 a.m. May 10th, 2005, and i went to the dinning room and i saw that one of my favorite clients was still there, and i asked the other aid pushing his wheel chair, if i could take him up to his floor. She said sure, and also told me to let him know not to get to comfortable, because he has to leave at 10:00 a.m. to have lab work done.

I grabbed hold of the handles and off we went & it was due to an accident at my day job that left me crushed. I have been away for 4, and 1/2 years,
I had to sit in this body, and learn how to get beyond the fact that it betrayed me when i needed it most. I really thought i was wonder woman's little sister, that could do every thing and anything. I was so proud of my muscles and my ability to use them.

I have had 6 operations, & so many torturous procedures, to count on all my fingers and my toes.

Both shoulders have titanium screws counter sunk and it took 2 operations on the right shoulder, and 3 operations on my left shoulder.

My neck had to have the nerve openings on the left side at 3 levels drilled out and the 3 bulging discs trimmed away.

I am now facing maybe another neck surgery just like the last one.

I will not give up or let loose of my dreams or my passion for life.

I have learned what it is like to live in pain every single day of my life and still keep moving on.

I want so much to do my life's work and will be able to do it soon.

This Brave Heart Women's Community has given me new hope and i am grateful for all of my Brave Heart Sisters that are out there in my larger Community.

With Passion and Gratitude,
Lisa Bull
Zaisho

Dear Sisters,

I found chickee's post today after she commented on my poem to all our Braveheart Women.

I had to add to it because it is so important to heal our own past wounds, so that we can really find our true purpose in life.

To Love, Nurture, Adore, & Uplift others that are wanting a better way to live their lives with Purpose & Passion~



Dear Chickee,


"Life begets life. Energy creates energy. It is by spending onself that one becomes rich." Sara Bernhardt (1844-1923)

I would have to agree. with her statement.


Without all the work i have done going to personal growth workshops, and healing from my past sexual abuse issues. I would not be the person that i am today.

My mission is to help others by giving them a hand up. Showing by example that it can be done. God gave me this incredible life and i choose to live it the best that i possibly can.

With that said i would like to share a conversation my husband and i had this morning.

I want to comment on this because my husband stated to me this morning how he does not give enough to help others.

I reminded him of the more than 12 plus charity's, that he donates to yearly.

The two animals Jerry our cat, & Diva our dog we adopted this last year. They have helped me by being companions to me during my healing. That is so important to have their love, and affection too. They are truly some of the best medicine. They just needed a loving home and we did that for them.

The homeless people that he has helped over the years. Giving them shelter when there was none for them.

All the real friendship he gives selflessly to others when they are at their wits end. He comforts them.

He told me that i give more than he does, and he feels like he is not doing enough.

These are difficult times and he works 7 days a week, and it is just keeping the bills paid. He is a master electrician & very good at what he does. Some days the jobs are small and others they are getting better. We are living in difficult times. Having work to go to is a Miracle in its self.

I let him know how grateful, i am that he does take care of me and our home and does what he can to help others.

We may not be rich with money, but we do have so much to be grateful for.

He says he prays everyday for my healing and for me to be back on my feet doing what i do best. And he feels that God is not hearing his prayers.

I know that God is hearing his prayers.

I may not be physically healthy yet, but emotionally and mentally i am healing.

God is truly working in my life to make it the best that it can be.


The support that i have gotten here has helped me so much.

It is Gratitude beyond words that i have for this place of Inspiration, True Love & Caring from Everyone that has touched my life for the better.

Many Blessings with Love & Light,
Lisa Bull

Dear BraveHeart Sisters,
I have been challenged by my physical ability to be in a body that has left me hoping for healing to come. My doctors are working on that.

So i have to use my mental abilities to help me emotionally keep balanced as i wait for change if any to come.

I so appreciate all the support that i have been given by my BraveHeart sisters in this community you are all so very special to me.

Many Blessings with Love & Light,
Namaste
Lisa Bull



ROOTED IN GRATITUDE

* source ~ unknown*


Consider ...

Just as Gratitude is give and receive, so it is, too, with trees.
These grow both up and down (branch and root),
continually exchange water, ground us in the NOW
and offer comfort, protection, and a daily changing
view.

Just for today :

Let's give thanks for our arboreal friends, their verdant
presence and watery essence as living, loving messengers
of time.

Look around for a nearby tree. Breathe deeply it's vibrant
nature. Take a moment to appreciate it's unique-ness,
stage of growth, and continual state of change ... as
well as it's subtle way of mirroring the symbol of Gratitude,
like this:



* tree rings*

*leaf stomata*
* tree knot*



Remember, the Buddha attained enlightenment under the
Bodhi tree, then expressing Gratitude for its' shelter and
assistance in his emancipation. Perhaps it's time to sit
a bit and listen, listen again, then listen deeply to
the tree next to thee.

~Dear BraveHeart Sisters~

Centering my self & quieting my mind.
I ground my self in Love & Trust that my prayers are being heard.
There is a peacefulness that comes with meditation.
To still my thoughts, & be in total Gratitude for my breath, going in & out. Like waves ebbing and flowing with the tide. I am One with the World.
My Spiritual Self is much larger than my physical self.
I hold my hands around the World and send White Light into every living being. Every Soul, Animal, Tree, Rock, Mountain, People here, and in Spirit.
We only have one life here, and i choose to put Good Energy into all things. As I am COMING H(OM)E into this smaller self, that my spirit lives in.
I feel whole and refreshed.
Knowing that i can live another day at peace with my self.
Knowing that i am doing all that i can.
One person at a time, as we grow together finding that peace within.

Imagine ...

By expressing our Gratitude (OM), we create peace at
home - near and far, within and without - for all to live
and love as One.

Listen!

Do you hear it? Peace is quietly advising,

"Hey Love, I'm coming H(OM)E!"

It helps my attitude when i am talking to my spouse, working with others, talking to my children & my grandchildren, & even playing with my pets.

I am Grateful for Amy Huentelman Her LiveAliveCommunity.com has been teaching me to be Present in this Body.
Teaching me many lessons. On how to be happy in this life time, to bring Joy to my self & others. I am still learning to be gentle with my self. And with others. It is a daily practice of My Mind Being One with My Heart & Soul.
Namaste*
With Many Blessings sending you all Love & Light,
Lisa Bull






Home is our sacred place of rest, relaxation, and
peaceful-ness.

Existing on many planes ~ in our hearts, as daily living
space, our Beloved planet Earth, as well as
Source-God-Creator ~ home is wherever we are.

At the heart of H(OM)E is OM, the universal sound
of Gratitude.

Expressed by toning (sounding), a state of peace is
achieved as One let's go ... releasing all distraction and
illusion of separation.

Imagine ...

By expressing our Gratitude (OM), we create peace at
home - near and far, within and without - for all to live
and love as One.

Listen!

Do you hear it? Peace is quietly advising,

"Hey Love, I'm coming H(OM)E!"




***

The universal sound of attraction is Ah (as in God,
Allah, Jehovah). The universal sound of gratitude
is Om. These sounds are sung on one note (this is
also called "toning").

Technically speaking, Ah is sung for 20 minutes in the
morning and Om for 20 minutes in the evening (the most
powerful times being sunrise and sunset) and right before
bed sing "shalom" which is the combination of the two.

However, any amount of time toning is great, and you can
even do this in the car while commuting. A clear intention
is all that is required. My favorite way to meditate is lying
down, and if I fall asleep, it's all that much better!

In my case, I discovered that I'd sing Ah in the morning and
forget to sing Om at night. Then I'd feel a bit guilty for
forgetting to be grateful! So I devised my own system where
I'd sing Ah and Om on the same breath so I'd be guaranteed
to accomplish attraction and gratitude all at once! (That
may not be technically correct, but the Universe ALWAYS
understands our intentions.)

~ http://www.heathermacauley.com/toning-m editation.htm

For those (k)new to toning with OM, here is a great
introduction and guide. enjoy!
http://swamij.com/om-mantra.htm

Dear BraveHeart Sisters,
I know in this economy we can see change happening. It is slower in some places and faster in others. I would love to share
this ABUNDANCE AS CURRENT-SEE with you today and hope that you have a Bountiful Day in what you currently are seeing in your vision.
Namaste
Lisa bull


ABUNDANCE AS CURRENT-SEE

*artwork by Frank Riccio for Cafe Gratitude*



Consider this:

Abundance = currency = current see

Giving thanks for that which you currently "see"
sets a pattern, allowing the Law of attraction
to create a way for you to receive all you believe
possible.

Just for today:

Peacefully focus on what IS, giving thanks for current
resources, surroundings, companionship, opportunities,
silence and sound.

As you feel "in the flow", Gratitude glowing within,
shift to a space of intentional creation. Allow your
heart to manifest an optimum pathway, a vision
leading you through intended experiences filled
with bliss and joy.

You may choose to lend your voice to this process,
toning Ah-Om as you visualize, emotionally appreciate
and intellectually assimilate your intended manifestation.

(remember: Ah = Attraction, Om = Gratitude)

As you enter this state of intentional manifestation,
allow Gratitude to be your guide, continually shifting
focus to appreciate an abundance of currency you are
able to currently see!


The above exercise utilizes all four brainwave patterns,
creating a unified field in sync with your highest good, and
that of others, too. Consider using this daily to flow
beyond attitude to aptitude of Gratitude!

For reference, these four brainwave patterns are:

Beta = Senses and Logic
Alpha = Flowing Emotions
Theta = Intellectual or conceptual
Delta = Unified Intent

***

Cafe Gratitude co-creators, Terces and Matthew Engelhart,
share their experience, wisdom and insights into how to
live a thriving, great-full life in their book, Sacred Commerce:
Business as a pathway to awakening. We have been profoundly
inspired by these simple teachings, and by witnessing the
integrity, ingenuity and creativity that radiates through Matthew
and Terces.

To explore more on the philosophy of Cafe Gratitude's founders,
and the book Sacred Commerce, go here:

http://www.cafegratitudestore.com/sacredcommerce.html


World Gratitude Gathering is a project of Go Gratitude - a global
service organization dedicated to empowering Wisdom, One-ness
and a Great-full heart!

FULL SPECTRUM INTENTION


*art by Bruce Harman - Rainbow Heart*


Rainbows ~
full spectrum visualizations of watery manifestations
bridging earth and sky right before our very eyes.

Rainbows offer a sensory confirmation that change is in the
air, using present elements to create a shift in perspective -
full spectrum, that is.

So it is with manifesting intentions. By shining our light
(attention, intention) through water (our bodies being 70%
water, brain 85%) an arc connects all that IS with all that
may BE.

What is this arc, this connection, this bridge?

Simply this: Intention

Intention bridges emotion with possibility.

Like a rainbow ~ arcing through watery time, bending Light
to reflect colors sublime ~ our intentions bridge
heaven and earth ... connecting emotion with
matter, possibility with manifestation.

Gratitude is our presence, witness and acceptance
of this gift.



In Gratitude we stand with this Bridge of Light,
a prism revealing the colors of white
in remembrance - We are One as living Love.

Remember - One may wait for rainbows to arrive,
or intentionally create one by spraying water into Light.
Either way you choose ~ relax, enjoy and revel in the
wonder of these watery hues.

oh, and check this out:

Light reflects off water at a 42 degree angle to
create a rainbow ~ 42 Days of Gratitude =
Full Spectrum manifestation. Whohooooo!

***

It was during an afternoon discussion with the Guides that
an idea came to mind. We'd been discussing the idea of
intention and how its effect on one's life is accessing the
sacred practice of manifestation. I began thinking, "If
manifestation is the ability to practice living in the
feeling of a future reality, so we become the magnet
attracting it into the present moment, intention
must be the bridge that (returns) us to this mindset
on a daily basis."

... Life is merely a manifestation, playing out into
form the emotions you feel most often. I humbly
offer you this gift from the Universe, so that your focus of
emotional freedom may allow you the chance to create
the world you've been waiting to see.

Using "The Spectrum of Intention," you can step-by- step
expand your consciousness by allowing your focus to
change, which then changes how you are feeling in the
moment. I recommend using each line as a daily theme of
what you are intending to focus on, so the forces of
Universal harmony may gift you with the joy that has always
been waiting for you in the spaces of today.


~ Spectrum of Intentions by Matt Kahn

As long as I am breathing, I will always be alive.
As long as I am alive, I will always be evolving.
As long as I am evolving, I will always be changing.
As long as I am changing, I will always be conscious.
As long as I am conscious, I will always be deliberate.
As long as I am deliberate, I will always be intentional.
As long as I am intentional, I will always be focused.
As long as I am focused, I will always be consistent.
As long as I am consistent, I will always be certain.





Dear BraveHeart Sisters,
I am sharing this connection, from my
Heart to Your Heart.
Namaste,
Lisa Bull

Dear BraveHeart Sisters,

Sanskrit Blessing
This ritual is one.
The food is one.
We who offer the food are one.
The fire of hunger is also one.
All action is one.
We who understand this are one.


How i communicate with others, and share what wisdom is sent to me. I choose to send it out to everyone, and it is up to all what they choose to chews and toss out the rest. I am blessed with wonderful friends and family. There are great links that are on this post for recipes new ones or maybe some that you already enjoy. Have fun checking them out.
We who understand this are one~
Namaste*
~Lisa Bull



* kirlian photo of an apple - source unknown*

Just for today:

As you prepare to eat of earthly treats
~ be it morning, noon, or night ~
intentionally project Love and Gratitude
to bless and perfect your food.




Whole fruits and vegetables are high-water content
- containing anywhere between 65% (potatoes and
yams) to 95% (watermelons). As water reflects our
intentions, changing its crystalline structure - so, too, do
the waters in our foods - creating a meal in harmony with
the body, and in resonance with the highest good of all.

Consider this:

Plant life emits an energetic signature, as shown above in
the Kirlian photograph of an apple. Imbuing our food
with Love and Gratitude opens a gateway, connecting our
physical bodies (earth, water, fire, wind) with Source,
amplifying currently available stores of energy to uplift,
nourish and strengthen our bodies.

Returning waves of appreciation also roll through every
heart and hand that tilled, planted, and harvested the
Land ... as well as confirming to the Mother plant it's
offspring are well-received ~ encouraging a continuous
bounty and abundant supply of earthly treats for all to eat!

***

"Because we live in a fast food culture, with larger & larger
urban populations and fewer rural farming communities,
we have more and more of an emotional, spiritual and
physical disconnect from our food supply, and from
knowing where & how our food is grown.

By making food production and consumption a form of
communication with the Divine, we will individually
and collectively develop the Will Forces, the Heart
Forces & Soul Forces within we so desperately
need to strengthen us to perform our task upon
the Earth at this crucial moment of cultural
transformation -- the end of the Age of Competition,
Industrialization and Oil and Global War, and the
beginning of the Age of Co-operation, Environmentalism,
Renewable Power and Global Community. By being
prayerful in our gardens and our fields, in our kitchens
and dining rooms, we learn to acknowledge the Divine
Spark within all life forms on earth, from the smallest to
the most predatory -- humans.

... A simple act of Reverence, opens us to Grace, grounds
us in the present awareness of our lives, and links us
energetically to all with whom we are connected. Gratitude
& Reverence open the gate to remembering our
Spirit Selves. We pass through this doorway to the
invisible world of Nature spirits. When we engage the
Spirits of Nature, we further open ourselves to invisible
nourishment -- to the unceasing incalculable flow of
universal life force energy which creates, which fulfills
& which moves through us all."

~ Satya Center

Follow this link to enter the Satya Center's nutrition area ...
you'll find tons of recipes, tips, and valuable insight!

"God gives talent, work transforms talent into genius." --Anna Pavlova

"Change cannot be avoided... change provides the opportunity for innovation. It gives you the chance to demonstrate your creativity." --Felice Jones

"Live with intention. Walk to the edge. Listen hard. Practice wellness. Play with abandon. Laugh. Choose with no regret. Do what you love. Live as if this is all there is."
--Mary Anne Roadacher-Hershey




Dear BraveHeart Sisters,
I may not be all the way healed from my injury of May 10, 2005.
And i may never be all the way healed, and out of pain.
I refuse to give up and will continue to uplift those in
difficult situations and do it with Love and Light.

Thank you so much for all of your loving support and kindness.
You all know who you are that have uplifted me. Bless you all.

Many Blessings with Love & Light,
Lisa Bull

My Dear BraveHeart Sisters,
I have put links to these sites, so that i can share with you the supportive love from above that is streaming into my life. I hope you enjoy the paintings that are linked to the photographer of Dr Michael Schlosser. The paintings are very Spiritual. Sharing her Inner Heavenly visions of Love & Light & Beauty.

With Clarity & Gratitude for all that i have received for all of you Braveheart sisters in my life.

Namaste
Lisa Bull
PS Gazing with Gratitude, even into your pets eyes too!


*Dr. Michael Schlosser*, photo by Cynthia Rose
Schlosser ... a pure feeling of Love and Gratitude
flows thru this image, an example worthy of
emulation.

Just for today:


Connect eye to eye with another while expressing
Gratitude. This opens a direct channel between each heart
through the eyes, allowing truth to flow easily between you,
charging energetic pathways with current possibilities ~ and
creating a sacred moment as each recognizes,
reflects and returns flowing expressions of Love
and Gratitude.

To experience yet another level, let go of saying words.

Simply direct your energy, projecting Gratitude as
light-in-action, through your gaze, body gestures,
and emotions.

Be fully present to note and appreciate how others receive
and return this silently spoken message of Love and
Gratitude. Pay special attention to how this feels to you.

Remember: Conversations/possibilities/opportuniti es
may arise and surprise as you gaze-a-way in Gratitude.
Keep what's worth keeping and return the rest to Love.

***

Go Gratitude!

***

Pay special attention to children when practicing this
activity. You will find delighted amazement and brightened
faces as you grace these young hearts with your Love and
Gratitude gazes.

***

When you are grateful, your heart is open -- open towards
others, open for surprise. In the days since the Wake-up Call
we have seen remarkable examples of this openness:
strangers helping strangers often in heroic ways. Others
turn away, isolate themselves, dare even less than at other
times to look at each other. Violence begins with isolation.

Break this pattern. Make contact with people whom you
normally ignore -- eye-contact at least -- with the agent at
the toll booth, the parking lot attendant, someone on the
elevator.

Look a stranger in the eyes today and realize that
there are no strangers.

You can feel either grateful or alienated, but never both at
the same time. Gratefulness drives out alienation; there is
not room for both in the same heart. When you are grateful
you know that you belong to a network of give-and-take
and you say "yes" to that belonging. This "yes" is the essence
of love. You need no words to express it; a smile will do to
put your "yes" into action. Don't let it matter to you whether
or not the other one smiles back. Give someone an
unexpected smile today and so contribute your
share to peace on earth.

~ David Steindl-Rast, www.gratefulness.org

*

FOR GIVING LOVE


album cover: Artful touch Love with Gratitude


Gratitude opens the way to forgive-ness - allowing
our heart and mind to receive wisdom and experience
release while letting go of timely attachments,
expectations, or perceived notions on how life
could-would-should be.

Just for today, ask yourself:

Are there any grievances I have yet to resolve?

Am I yet to forgive another person, or myself?

As so, allow these memories to surface.


With Gratitude, give thanks for their presence,
lovingly asking, "What is the gift of this experience?
What hidden wisdom is ready to be revealed?"
As this gift is received and accepted by you,
clear, seal and heal the experience by using this mantra:

I AM For Giving LOVE with GRATITUDE.




Forgiving LOVE

For Giving LOVE

... a (k)new perspective, as seen through the eyes of Gratitude!

***
Emotions really are only indicators of the vibrational
state you are choosing to express, and by awareness
of the the variations in the inner comfort you feel,
you will recognize their value. Your state of happiness
at all times is determined by the choices you are making,
and you can enjoy a lighter level of consciousness, either
by choosing a brighter emotion, or by viewing yourself
in a more positive light.

Thus a sure method for invoking the highest emotion of
joy, is to deliberately choose to either see yourself as the
Divine being of Intelligent Love that you are, or to feel
genuine gratitude for whatever the situation offers. The
quality of your living is always a product of the choices
you are continually making moment by moment.

It follows then, that as you practice looking beyond
appearances and express feelings of love, kindness and
gratitude, you will enjoy immediate benefits of joy and
well-being that are highly therapeutic, not only for
yourself, but for our whole body. That kind of emotional
attitude is a proven and enjoyable way of maintaining
optimum heath patterns in both your mind and body.

An excellent exercise to ensure your own inner peace,
is to examine your consciousness for all embedded
grievances, and dissolve them one by one with forgiveness.

~ Paul LeBaron

http://www.mrdynastyempire.org/email-THE-FIELD.htm

As we spiral out, beyond the Self, to co-create with others,
what virtue enhances this syntropic journey, allowing us to
manifest increasingly complex, harmonious structures that
support our dreams and passionate pursuits? ... While
gracefully moving through daily challenges, as we change
and re-arrange our reality?

In essence: What keeps YOU true to YOU, while
co-creating through Gratitude?

Fortitude.

You see, Fortitude, defined as "constancy under difficulty",
is Gratitude in action. This is what keeps us true to our
selves, following Divine inner virtues, while serving both
Self and our growing family of Gratitude.

Why is fortitude such a powerful gift?

Simply this: Fortitude is what turns our hearts to
Gratitude in times of challenge. Fortitude is our
strength, commitment, and dedication to
co-creating a world waking to the power of
Love in Gratitude.

***

Go Gratitude!

***

What creates Fortitude? Daily practice.

Hmm ... Coincidence our gathering is 42 days in length?

42 = Fortitude?

Perhaps! ... Certainly a (k)new confirmation our timing is
Divine, our efforts sublime and all is well, all IS well.

***

"God, Goddess, Divine Spirit of all there is, we thank you for
this opportunity to gather together in one another's
company. We thank you for the light you bring to this family
gathering.

Please grant us the vision to see the highest in one another,
and grant us the opportunity to continue to be there for each
other in good times, as well as not-so-great-times.

Give us strength and fortitude to ride the tides of change, and
empower us always to be nurturing and loving with one
another. Open our spiritual eyes that we may see one
another for who we truly are... and love one other in the
same spirit.

May sadness, disappointment and anger be minimal; may
happiness, positive thoughts and good experiences together
be bountiful. May we always cope, and hope, with each other...
with Grace."

~ Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway

Angels~

Cosmos Love Peace Light Africa Music: Dead Can Dance - Nierika

Finding Comfort

If you feel that you aren’t getting the support you need today, you may find yourself becoming overwhelmed. You may even have difficulty deriving your usual pleasure from the company of your loved ones or from staying at home. As a result, you may feel unappreciated and uncared for.

Your inability to find comfort in the aspects of your life. Those things that usually soothe your soul, could be the result of anxiety or other turmoil.

If you can let go of your worries today, you can enjoy your usual comforts.

Deep breathing or meditation could allow you to replace caustic thoughts, with tranquil ones.

Creating a sense of comfort within one’s own soul is often the first step in finding comfort in life.

When your mind is stressed or plagued with unpleasant thoughts, it can be difficult to feel good even when we’re around the people we love. Or doing the activities that nurture us.

Letting go of your worries, can quiet your mind enough to let the calming power that comes from surrounding yourself with who and what you love.

It becomes difficult for your errant thoughts to interrupt your meditative state and the jarring surprise of interruptions is soon forgotten.

The peace you experience is coming from within.

The comfort you find in your own soul today will help you take comfort in your life’s many blessings.

Dear BraveHeart Sisters~

One of my Dear Friends Wanda Winters-Gutierrez on Face Book posted this and gave permission to share it with others.
I feel that it is a very good read and the video link on the bottom is a wonderful message for everyone.....
Many Blessings with Love & Light,
Lisa Bull


As posted by Wanda Winters-Gutierrez

"The Road Ahead Lies Within."
Share
Yesterday at 9:50am
I borrowed this weeks blog title from a new FB friend Nancy Pistorius. She posted on her status that she had found a tray that says: "The road ahead lies within." That struck me as a very simple but powerful truth. In the 63 years that has brought me to this journey of discovery the only place I have left to travel is within. Every other road I have ever taken turned out to be a dead end.

God knows I have made an art form of focusing outward. I've tried comparing myself to others wanting to be someone, or somewhere I am not. I have found myself endlessly falling into the dream of another life. Sometimes the fall was into the delusional la-la-land of thinking that if 'they' would change then 'I', and 'my life,' would be fine.

From time to time I also tried 'behavior modification' to make my life work. Behavior modification books and classes sound reasonable. "Just act like this, and they will do this and everything will be wonderful." But one of my problems is I have a hard time being reasonable. There has always been a voice deep within my soul that called me to beyond what is reasonable. And that flickering flame of a voice has set me on this journey.

Poet Mark Nepo says. "To journey without being changed is to be a nomad. To change without journeying is to be a chameleon. To journey and to be transformed by the journey is to be a pilgrim." I have been a nomad...I have been a chameleon...now I am a pilgrim.

As a pilgrim I have come face to face with myself as I step into a world I have only dreamed of inhabiting. It is the world where I take full responsibility for my happiness. No more 'ifs'...but a choice.

While talking to a friend about her own challenge to stop allowing other peoples moods, actions and words to control her happiness, I recalled a little fable about a kind old sage who waded into the river everyday and prayed. One day in the midst of his loving prayers he saw a poisonous spider struggling in the water and cupped his hands to carry it ashore. As he placed the spider on the ground it stung him. Unknowingly his prayers diluted the poison. The next day the same thing happened. On the third day the kind man was knee deep, and sure enough there was the spider, legs frantic in the water. As the man went to lift the creature yet again, the spider said, "Why do you keep lifting me? Can't you see that I will sting you every time, because that is what I do."And the kind man cupped his hands under the spider, replying, "Because this is what I do."

My friend and I agreed that our goal was to journey so far into our souls that we know exactly what 'we' will do no matter what 'they' do. I believe the Bible calls it, 'Purity of heart." It is our choice. As long as we are on this earth we will know, or be in relationships with people just like us, who carry baggage in their wounded souls. Our choice is to re-act out of our own woundedness...or respond from a place of peace to do and say the right thing.

NOTE TO SELF: Regardless of how others act I will 'do what I do'...and let God handle them and the poison they try to inflict. I no longer want to just act kind...I want to be predictably kind. I choose happiness. It is my decision.

Thanks again Nancy...the road ahead indeed lies within and the farther I travel inward the more peace I experience. Thanks also to all the readers of this blog. for your feedback, comments, and for sharing it with other ''pilgrims'.

In closing please take a moment to watch this...and make a decision to be happy...try it for five minutes...then an hour...then a day...take a deep breath and step from that day into you entire life...you will never regret it. I promise. (:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t4AJFyK63Hg