I guess being a Mother. I have been accused of being a helicopter Mom. I will go to the ends of earth for my children and I know sometimes it can be to a fault. Yesterday I was faced with the reality that my daughter who suffers from addiction was arrested. I have calmly or not so calmly acted on her behalf and I am feeling confident that my “most alive self” was pushed to the challenge today. My faith also helps me stay centered and great friends that are right there for me all the time. Thank goodness for friends/family that show up in tough times. I am also grateful for this website that helps me stay in the moment and to find light at the end of the tunnel.
God and myself, which feels weird to say. I don’t have children and may never have so I feel called by God to show up fully alive for me and my art. And for friends, clients, and the people I serve as well.
First is my little child. She is so endlessly creative and fun.
I have a few friends whom I may have mentioned before. They are deeply empathetic and nurturing. Their personalities are so buoyant that it really has an impact on me. Sadly, the two friends who come to mind most readily are dealing with their own hardships at the moment. One has a chronic disease and is recovering from major surgery. The other just lost her mother. I am doing what I can to be supportive of them. I hope I can provide for them some of what they provide for me.
Creator God, who is as near to me as my next breath. The angels that I’m convinced visit me regularly, the unconditional love and acceptance of my husband, daughters, and son-in-law. Our little family being together at last….all living in the breath-taking surroundings of the western U.S…..the last stop on our journey!
~Om Shanti friends
I believe I energize myself to show up as my most alive self. Although I must admit I have helpers, my belief in a higher power, prayer, Mother Nature & all her wonders, my yoga practice, spiritual guides, books & this sanctuary. I have many helpers who have shaped me & guide me. Thank you to All here, inspiration galore lives here.
Mother nature in her endless manifestations energizes me to show up as my most alive self. When/ as I am able to let go of attachment to self, and surrender to be open, available and committed to her generous presence, a sense of grounding, connection, lightness and ease are on offer for this being. The moments are fleeting and rare, but/ and they do happen, with perseverance, commitment and practice.
As a few others have mentioned, this community of fellow humans on the journey is a gift to begin each day, to touch into our inter-being in so many places around the world.
My sister, who is very good at being present and enjoying the here and now. She is often able to help me do the same, as she did yesterday by taking me on an amazing hike up the Na Pali coast. 😁
I’m grateful to find you here this evening, Diane. We have had gale force winds here since yesterday afternoon and am hoping for a peaceful night. Blessings to you and yours!
I am energized when my family is able to gather together for the holidays, birthdays, a summer gathering, etc. We do not all live in the same area or state, so getting together is a gift.
I feel like it’s me, that has to remind myself to show up and be a full participant. Sometimes I can be a little too alive and need to remind myself to listen and observe as well.
The what and the why energize me. Waking up and knowing I have another day to fulfill my purpose, I am energized and take in all that comes my way in gratitude.
Those who faithfully gather each day on this site, especially the community that gathers for the daily question. The honesty, openness, vulnerability and love is inspiring and very helpful. Wisdom abounds here. Encouragement and support is always present. The daily companionship is deeply appreciated. I’ve shared this poem before but today’s question prompts me to share it again because it expresses the need and importance of willingness and I find so much willingness when I read the posts on this site:
Wings of Willingness by Carol Ann Conner (1995)
The Butterfly awakens inside the cocoon – TRAPPED.
Her wings imbedded in her sides – CHAINED.
Her mind is reeling – AFRAID.
Every circumstance says she can’t move.
She bargains; she pleads. But at last, she lets go.
The power of surrender surges through her.
Little by little, the darkness begins to fade into light.
She’s learning to trust.
At last, she’s embracing true freedom.
Her prison begins to crumble.
Her wings begin to spread.
SHE FLIES!
Some of us build cocoons from the inside out,
And the only way to shed them is to let go.
No amount of digging, scratching, or pushing can remove them.
Only letting God send those who can comfort and guide,
Only letting God peel off one layer at a time will constitute real change.
Transformation is God’s business. Willingness is mine.
When I can truly let God be God,
My wings will spread and I will discover that
I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN ABLE TO FLY!
Deepak Chopra speaks of the process of transformation in and through the ‘Dark Night,’ [of the soul] that we are now enduring in the world; he adds that many of us are also experiencing it within ourselves. He indicates that it could be compared to the different stages of a caterpillar’s transformation into a butterfly.
He describes how the caterpillar spins a cocoon around itself and dissolves inside the cocoon into a featureless grey gunge (sticky, slimy or messy semi-liquid substance); he compares this grey gunge to the chaos and confusion of the ‘Dark Night,’ a chaos and confusion that is also pregnant with new possibilities, pregnant in fact with the experience of the caterpillar’s birth as a butterfly that is genetically and physically as different from the caterpillar “as a bicycle is from a leer jet.”
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My kids and my grandkids, this group and being greatful as well as spirit all energize me to show up as my most alive self❤️
Children
I guess being a Mother. I have been accused of being a helicopter Mom. I will go to the ends of earth for my children and I know sometimes it can be to a fault. Yesterday I was faced with the reality that my daughter who suffers from addiction was arrested. I have calmly or not so calmly acted on her behalf and I am feeling confident that my “most alive self” was pushed to the challenge today. My faith also helps me stay centered and great friends that are right there for me all the time. Thank goodness for friends/family that show up in tough times. I am also grateful for this website that helps me stay in the moment and to find light at the end of the tunnel.
God and myself, which feels weird to say. I don’t have children and may never have so I feel called by God to show up fully alive for me and my art. And for friends, clients, and the people I serve as well.
This is a beautiful response.
Thank you, Laura. Blessings to you!
First is my little child. She is so endlessly creative and fun.
I have a few friends whom I may have mentioned before. They are deeply empathetic and nurturing. Their personalities are so buoyant that it really has an impact on me. Sadly, the two friends who come to mind most readily are dealing with their own hardships at the moment. One has a chronic disease and is recovering from major surgery. The other just lost her mother. I am doing what I can to be supportive of them. I hope I can provide for them some of what they provide for me.
Creator God, who is as near to me as my next breath. The angels that I’m convinced visit me regularly, the unconditional love and acceptance of my husband, daughters, and son-in-law. Our little family being together at last….all living in the breath-taking surroundings of the western U.S…..the last stop on our journey!
~Om Shanti friends
I believe I energize myself to show up as my most alive self. Although I must admit I have helpers, my belief in a higher power, prayer, Mother Nature & all her wonders, my yoga practice, spiritual guides, books & this sanctuary. I have many helpers who have shaped me & guide me. Thank you to All here, inspiration galore lives here.
Mother nature in her endless manifestations energizes me to show up as my most alive self. When/ as I am able to let go of attachment to self, and surrender to be open, available and committed to her generous presence, a sense of grounding, connection, lightness and ease are on offer for this being. The moments are fleeting and rare, but/ and they do happen, with perseverance, commitment and practice.
As a few others have mentioned, this community of fellow humans on the journey is a gift to begin each day, to touch into our inter-being in so many places around the world.
Best for a beautiful day all …
My sister, who is very good at being present and enjoying the here and now. She is often able to help me do the same, as she did yesterday by taking me on an amazing hike up the Na Pali coast. 😁
Good morning to my longtime friend Diane! Blessings to you and your family. I hope you are well.
Good afternoon my friend…I’m late to this site today. Sending you blessings for a day filled with both peace and energy. 🥰
I’m grateful to find you here this evening, Diane. We have had gale force winds here since yesterday afternoon and am hoping for a peaceful night. Blessings to you and yours!
I am energized when my family is able to gather together for the holidays, birthdays, a summer gathering, etc. We do not all live in the same area or state, so getting together is a gift.
I feel like it’s me, that has to remind myself to show up and be a full participant. Sometimes I can be a little too alive and need to remind myself to listen and observe as well.
The what and the why energize me. Waking up and knowing I have another day to fulfill my purpose, I am energized and take in all that comes my way in gratitude.
Those who faithfully gather each day on this site, especially the community that gathers for the daily question. The honesty, openness, vulnerability and love is inspiring and very helpful. Wisdom abounds here. Encouragement and support is always present. The daily companionship is deeply appreciated. I’ve shared this poem before but today’s question prompts me to share it again because it expresses the need and importance of willingness and I find so much willingness when I read the posts on this site:
Wings of Willingness by Carol Ann Conner (1995)
The Butterfly awakens inside the cocoon – TRAPPED.
Her wings imbedded in her sides – CHAINED.
Her mind is reeling – AFRAID.
Every circumstance says she can’t move.
She bargains; she pleads. But at last, she lets go.
The power of surrender surges through her.
Little by little, the darkness begins to fade into light.
She’s learning to trust.
At last, she’s embracing true freedom.
Her prison begins to crumble.
Her wings begin to spread.
SHE FLIES!
Some of us build cocoons from the inside out,
And the only way to shed them is to let go.
No amount of digging, scratching, or pushing can remove them.
Only letting God send those who can comfort and guide,
Only letting God peel off one layer at a time will constitute real change.
Transformation is God’s business. Willingness is mine.
When I can truly let God be God,
My wings will spread and I will discover that
I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN ABLE TO FLY!
Deepak Chopra speaks of the process of transformation in and through the ‘Dark Night,’ [of the soul] that we are now enduring in the world; he adds that many of us are also experiencing it within ourselves. He indicates that it could be compared to the different stages of a caterpillar’s transformation into a butterfly.
He describes how the caterpillar spins a cocoon around itself and dissolves inside the cocoon into a featureless grey gunge (sticky, slimy or messy semi-liquid substance); he compares this grey gunge to the chaos and confusion of the ‘Dark Night,’ a chaos and confusion that is also pregnant with new possibilities, pregnant in fact with the experience of the caterpillar’s birth as a butterfly that is genetically and physically as different from the caterpillar “as a bicycle is from a leer jet.”
Carol, thank you for the poem and I agree with you 💯 about this beautiful resource and the amazing people that contribute to it. ❤️
Ditto. Thank you, Carol.
Me, when I make the choice to do so and the practices. And my Guru , all my teachers including the unintentional, and fiends,.
Carol, I’m guessing you meant “friends” but I have a very funny mental image now of classic devils with pointy tails and pitchforks chasing you.