I am spirit
inhabiting a body of flesh and bone . . .
I’ve always been aware of it on some level,
but it shifted into the background
as my ego grew bold.
It was never encouraged to shine,
so was never able to bully or overpower spirit,
but thrive it did . . .
in the shadows of loneliness and fantasy.
Nature
was always my friend though,
and nurtured spirit,
coaxing it
(for I am neither him nor her)
to open its eyes and arms to the beauty and goodness
that was busily going on
right under my nose.
When Life laid me low,
I always sought out Nature
and over the years,
she made spirit-me,
not ego-me,
find comfort and safety
in her dangerous but loving arms.
Now that I am in safer waters,
Nature
is where I find Truth
because she never lies.
I am not solitary spirit though,
as I have learned I am not an island,
but part of a vast and far reaching family of beings
who teach me how to be wise
and use what Nature teaches me
to heal myself
and to heal others.
Often,
it is through the writings of people with great hearts,
and occasionally other,
living beings inhabiting flesh suits like mine . . .
people like you,
who seek goodness and kindness in a world that is not always kind . . .
people who want to give their best to make a difference
and find connection with the greater good,
which is always there,
and always accessible,
but not always easy to find.
I listen to the Universe,
for it always has something to tell me . . .
I need to be a part of the corporeal world,
but my soul lives in the Universe,
which is where we were all born
and where we will return to
one day. ♥
I go to Mass almost every Sunday but to be honest I have not found the right parish for me yet near my new house. When I was in HS I belonged to a protestant youth group and loved it. It is about finding the places that fit you. Being out in nature and near the ocean is also those place for me. In the summer we visit many different parishes. Newport has one that I really enjoy- where President Kennedy was married!.
I try to read, contemplate, have conversations and ask questions. I also, occasionally, listen to, and practice, guided meditations or listen to talks from a variety of spiritual people.
More of all of this, would be good for me.
Prayer, meditation, visiting this site and reading Richard Roger’s daily meditation. Deep breaths, walks, spiritual music and readings. All these moments help me nutrire my spiritual life.
As Eckhart Tolle says in today’s quote, “It is through gratitude for the present moment that the spiritual dimension of life opens up.” I have had trouble quieting my mind when I meditate but I’m learning to just listen to the silence and be still. When I focus on the silence it tends to speak to me from a deeper part of myself. I share something I wrote over 10 years ago when I seldom new how to listen to the silence.
I t’s an entry from my 2014 journal that seems timely for my many years of struggle to stay present to the gift of each day. Past and future come rushing in when all we truly have is now.
March 2 2014 Carrot Wisdom
I was up very early one morning this week. I was still tired but since I couldn’t sleep, I brewed some hot tea and began chopping veggies for the salad I would eat later in the day. All the while my mind was racing; my inner-world pacing from the past to the future. Then, something in me cried, “Halt,” and the carrot in my hand seemed to speak, “If you’re going to peel and shred me into little pieces, the least you can be is present. Soon I’ll grace your salad bowl and provide you with nourishment. Could we just have a moment of at-one-ment?” My mind snapped to attention. I was totally present to that carrot, aware of its gift to me. I felt my weary body relax. I said, “Thank you, Mr. Carrot.”
Through practice. Every moment I have a choice to be attuned to the present, or to sink into whirlpool of thoughts, feelings, and impressions. When you put your attention on something, it grows, so by choosing to focus on the present as often as I can, I nurture my spirituality.
I nurture my spiritual life with the reading of scripture, playing with my puppy, singing along with the radio, listening to classical music while studying, having good conversations with my husband, friends, sisters, my daughter, or grandsons and tending to plants and my garden. I want to expand it with better yoga practice, learning to meditate or practice contemplative prayer, and spend time journaling and some kind of art. I love personal spiritual retreats as well as outreach to meet the needs of others. I am fortunate to not be bogged down in the reports and meetings at work anymore – I had a hard time with the spirituality of that, though I was told it was there.
As mentioned already by several of you, meditation nurtures my spiritual life every morning, alone or together with other kindred hearts, reading Sutras, through letting go of any attachments which currently is work in progress although with moments, it might not look like to the outside but it is. Gratefulness is essential. Trying to allow being vulnerable even when feeling suddenly overwhelmed and exposed naked to the bones, trying to deal with this extreme feeling of helplessness, shame and pain through not giving back. I don´t know if this nurtures my spiritual life but I hope it does.
I nurture my spiritual life through being present. When I am there, all is good even in hard times when I look back on a challenging situation. There are places and spaces where it is easier for me to nurture my spiritual life such as moving in the out of doors, beautiful gardens including my own, on shores of lakes and rivers, woods and parks. Solitude often brings me to that place. Like Antoinette, living a seamless
life with spiritual grace at the center seems a worthy goal. This has been a helpful question for me today. Thanks for listening to me process. 🩷
“It is written that man shall not live by bread alone but by every word of god” Luke 4:4 KJV. I nurture my spiritual by studying the bible. As much as I love Ngoc, god always remains my first love. Loving god helps me love myself and everyone else around me.
With meditation and gratitude each morning and randomly during the day.
With my actions and chores, putting care into them as I move through whatever it is I am doing.
When I’m outside, by breathing in the air and really feeling it fill my body, noticing the sky, the birds, the butterflies, the other people and dogs walking. Noticing my life and all of the life around me.
By doing the work I want to do to be the best version of myself that I can be.
The “Word of the Day’ “It is through gratitude for the present moment that the spiritual dimension of life opens up.” (Eckhart Tolle)
Being present, living with presence, opened eyes and essence to what is, has allowed me to realize what I told many a ‘church goer’, including family, that my cathedral is the out of doors. I am always at church when I am one with the earth. “We are star dust, we are golden”, as CSNY sang in the cover of Joni Mitchell’s song “Woodstock” so many years ago. Peace, Love, & Light.
Eckhart Tolle
was the first person who turned the key for me,
although I’d read many books
by many great and wise people . . .
after that,
going back to them
they all made sense.
My cathedral is also the out of doors,
mostly in the garden.
I never found god in a church.
And thank you for the memories . . .
“We are star dust,
we are golden…”
ah,
yes . . . ♥
Nature is such a great church. Always been my favorite! I told my mom years ago that I felt the presence of God more while sitting on my surfboard in the ocean than I ever felt in any building, and I have enjoyed going to churches in the past and may still enjoy it again although I teach on Sunday mornings 🙂 We can connect to our Source anywhere, as it resides right inside of our heart. At least, that’s what I believe 💜
I don’t disconnect from my so called spiritual life- there is no separate thing. Due to the meditation method I am able to see clearly what is in my mind and discard it knowing it’s false and an illusion. This is so amazing and I’m completely humbled by how much love the universe is going us each moment. As the word of the day reminds us – happiness is here help yourselves to it !
If I’m not free and happy right now then ask yourself what is blocking me? Why ?
I’m so grateful to let go of my attachments to anything and everything. Of course this takes consideration and effort! It’s been the only focus for five years ! But what else is there to do that could be more important than to live forever? There is nothing more important. Number one is to do as god or the universe wants which is to BECOME Truth not talk about it .
Thank you so much universe for giving the method to eliminate the life lived, habits and body .
I love you and you love me we have never been apart .
“I don’t disconnect from my so called spiritual life- there is no separate thing.”
This is true for me too,
dear Antoinette,
even on the darkest days.
Loving hearts
is the eternal connection
of us all . . .
Thank you for your observation today. ♥
« I don’t disconnect from my so-called spiritual life – there is no separate thing. » That is an ideal place to live, Antoinette, a place to work towards for me. Thank you.🩷
Hi Ose ! It’s so nice you’re here ! I hope you are well . I’m happy to hear from you . Yes transformative change is possible in every moment we choose Truth and let the false illusion disappear.
Give yourself the gift of free bi-monthly inspiration including uplifting articles, diverse stories, supportive practices, videos, and more, delivered with heart to your inbox.
I am spirit
inhabiting a body of flesh and bone . . .
I’ve always been aware of it on some level,
but it shifted into the background
as my ego grew bold.
It was never encouraged to shine,
so was never able to bully or overpower spirit,
but thrive it did . . .
in the shadows of loneliness and fantasy.
Nature
was always my friend though,
and nurtured spirit,
coaxing it
(for I am neither him nor her)
to open its eyes and arms to the beauty and goodness
that was busily going on
right under my nose.
When Life laid me low,
I always sought out Nature
and over the years,
she made spirit-me,
not ego-me,
find comfort and safety
in her dangerous but loving arms.
Now that I am in safer waters,
Nature
is where I find Truth
because she never lies.
I am not solitary spirit though,
as I have learned I am not an island,
but part of a vast and far reaching family of beings
who teach me how to be wise
and use what Nature teaches me
to heal myself
and to heal others.
Often,
it is through the writings of people with great hearts,
and occasionally other,
living beings inhabiting flesh suits like mine . . .
people like you,
who seek goodness and kindness in a world that is not always kind . . .
people who want to give their best to make a difference
and find connection with the greater good,
which is always there,
and always accessible,
but not always easy to find.
I listen to the Universe,
for it always has something to tell me . . .
I need to be a part of the corporeal world,
but my soul lives in the Universe,
which is where we were all born
and where we will return to
one day. ♥
I go to Mass almost every Sunday but to be honest I have not found the right parish for me yet near my new house. When I was in HS I belonged to a protestant youth group and loved it. It is about finding the places that fit you. Being out in nature and near the ocean is also those place for me. In the summer we visit many different parishes. Newport has one that I really enjoy- where President Kennedy was married!.
I try to read, contemplate, have conversations and ask questions. I also, occasionally, listen to, and practice, guided meditations or listen to talks from a variety of spiritual people.
More of all of this, would be good for me.
You are here,
dear Charlie,
every day . . .
that means everything.
You are wiser than you know. ♥
Prayer, meditation, visiting this site and reading Richard Roger’s daily meditation. Deep breaths, walks, spiritual music and readings. All these moments help me nutrire my spiritual life.
As Eckhart Tolle says in today’s quote, “It is through gratitude for the present moment that the spiritual dimension of life opens up.” I have had trouble quieting my mind when I meditate but I’m learning to just listen to the silence and be still. When I focus on the silence it tends to speak to me from a deeper part of myself. I share something I wrote over 10 years ago when I seldom new how to listen to the silence.
I t’s an entry from my 2014 journal that seems timely for my many years of struggle to stay present to the gift of each day. Past and future come rushing in when all we truly have is now.
March 2 2014 Carrot Wisdom
I was up very early one morning this week. I was still tired but since I couldn’t sleep, I brewed some hot tea and began chopping veggies for the salad I would eat later in the day. All the while my mind was racing; my inner-world pacing from the past to the future. Then, something in me cried, “Halt,” and the carrot in my hand seemed to speak, “If you’re going to peel and shred me into little pieces, the least you can be is present. Soon I’ll grace your salad bowl and provide you with nourishment. Could we just have a moment of at-one-ment?” My mind snapped to attention. I was totally present to that carrot, aware of its gift to me. I felt my weary body relax. I said, “Thank you, Mr. Carrot.”
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this,
dear Carol Ann!
It happens to me all the time
and I thought it was just part of my strangeness.
Thank you . . . ♥
Through practice. Every moment I have a choice to be attuned to the present, or to sink into whirlpool of thoughts, feelings, and impressions. When you put your attention on something, it grows, so by choosing to focus on the present as often as I can, I nurture my spirituality.
I nurture my spiritual life with the reading of scripture, playing with my puppy, singing along with the radio, listening to classical music while studying, having good conversations with my husband, friends, sisters, my daughter, or grandsons and tending to plants and my garden. I want to expand it with better yoga practice, learning to meditate or practice contemplative prayer, and spend time journaling and some kind of art. I love personal spiritual retreats as well as outreach to meet the needs of others. I am fortunate to not be bogged down in the reports and meetings at work anymore – I had a hard time with the spirituality of that, though I was told it was there.
As mentioned already by several of you, meditation nurtures my spiritual life every morning, alone or together with other kindred hearts, reading Sutras, through letting go of any attachments which currently is work in progress although with moments, it might not look like to the outside but it is. Gratefulness is essential. Trying to allow being vulnerable even when feeling suddenly overwhelmed and exposed naked to the bones, trying to deal with this extreme feeling of helplessness, shame and pain through not giving back. I don´t know if this nurtures my spiritual life but I hope it does.
You are on the right path,
dear Ose . . .
acknowledging your vulnerability
opens the door to Grace. ♥
Dear Ose, it is my belief that feeling exposed and helpless is a precursor to grace. Wishing you much grace and peace on your journey.
Thank you very much, dear Drea. truly wishing this to you also.
Ditto
I nurture my spiritual life through being present. When I am there, all is good even in hard times when I look back on a challenging situation. There are places and spaces where it is easier for me to nurture my spiritual life such as moving in the out of doors, beautiful gardens including my own, on shores of lakes and rivers, woods and parks. Solitude often brings me to that place. Like Antoinette, living a seamless
life with spiritual grace at the center seems a worthy goal. This has been a helpful question for me today. Thanks for listening to me process. 🩷
” living a seamless
life with spiritual grace at the center seems a worthy goal.”
Indeed,
dear Mary . . . ♥
“It is written that man shall not live by bread alone but by every word of god” Luke 4:4 KJV. I nurture my spiritual by studying the bible. As much as I love Ngoc, god always remains my first love. Loving god helps me love myself and everyone else around me.
I nurture my spiritual life through gratefulness, Nature, meditation and prayer.
https://nationaltoday.com/national-random-acts-of-kindness-day/
As a random act of kindness,
dear Michele,
I send you an imaginary flower . . . 🙂
Michele, just had a few 50-degree days up in the Twin Cities. Spring isn’t that far off.
With meditation and gratitude each morning and randomly during the day.
With my actions and chores, putting care into them as I move through whatever it is I am doing.
When I’m outside, by breathing in the air and really feeling it fill my body, noticing the sky, the birds, the butterflies, the other people and dogs walking. Noticing my life and all of the life around me.
By doing the work I want to do to be the best version of myself that I can be.
What more could you ask,
dear SunnyPatti? ♥
The “Word of the Day’ “It is through gratitude for the present moment that the spiritual dimension of life opens up.” (Eckhart Tolle)
Being present, living with presence, opened eyes and essence to what is, has allowed me to realize what I told many a ‘church goer’, including family, that my cathedral is the out of doors. I am always at church when I am one with the earth. “We are star dust, we are golden”, as CSNY sang in the cover of Joni Mitchell’s song “Woodstock” so many years ago. Peace, Love, & Light.
Eckhart Tolle
was the first person who turned the key for me,
although I’d read many books
by many great and wise people . . .
after that,
going back to them
they all made sense.
My cathedral is also the out of doors,
mostly in the garden.
I never found god in a church.
And thank you for the memories . . .
“We are star dust,
we are golden…”
ah,
yes . . . ♥
Joseph, I know his “The Power of Now” book.
I love this, Joseph, thank you.🌟
Nature is such a great church. Always been my favorite! I told my mom years ago that I felt the presence of God more while sitting on my surfboard in the ocean than I ever felt in any building, and I have enjoyed going to churches in the past and may still enjoy it again although I teach on Sunday mornings 🙂 We can connect to our Source anywhere, as it resides right inside of our heart. At least, that’s what I believe 💜
Amen, dear Patti
I nurture my spiritual life with daily meditation as the sun rises and practicing grateful living every day.
I don’t disconnect from my so called spiritual life- there is no separate thing. Due to the meditation method I am able to see clearly what is in my mind and discard it knowing it’s false and an illusion. This is so amazing and I’m completely humbled by how much love the universe is going us each moment. As the word of the day reminds us – happiness is here help yourselves to it !
If I’m not free and happy right now then ask yourself what is blocking me? Why ?
I’m so grateful to let go of my attachments to anything and everything. Of course this takes consideration and effort! It’s been the only focus for five years ! But what else is there to do that could be more important than to live forever? There is nothing more important. Number one is to do as god or the universe wants which is to BECOME Truth not talk about it .
Thank you so much universe for giving the method to eliminate the life lived, habits and body .
I love you and you love me we have never been apart .
“I don’t disconnect from my so called spiritual life- there is no separate thing.”
This is true for me too,
dear Antoinette,
even on the darkest days.
Loving hearts
is the eternal connection
of us all . . .
Thank you for your observation today. ♥
Thank you, Antoinette
Thank you too Carol Ann- 🙏💓
« I don’t disconnect from my so-called spiritual life – there is no separate thing. » That is an ideal place to live, Antoinette, a place to work towards for me. Thank you.🩷
No separation dear Mary . 🙏🌻💓hugs
” I love you and you love me . . . ” Thank you Antionette.
Thank you too Joseph. 💓💯🙌
Thank you, dear Antoinette. I can sense that you really try to transform things, which is of big support also for me right now. Thank you.
Hi Ose ! It’s so nice you’re here ! I hope you are well . I’m happy to hear from you . Yes transformative change is possible in every moment we choose Truth and let the false illusion disappear.