Month: December 2021

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World Peace Meditation

You want peace. I want peace. We all want peace.

So, how do you achieve a sustainable peace within yourself, your family and work places, your communities and world? There have been plenty of individuals and communities around the world who have modeled a committed and effective way to live this peace. For example, the Quakers focus upon peaceful reconciliation and nonviolent confrontation of evil as central tenants of their practice.

Mahatma Ghandi reminded us that “There is no way to peace. Peace is the way.”

And he modeled this with his every moment. Uniting a divided country, earning the title “Great Soul” (Mahatma), and blessing the man who shot him even as he collapsed. He inspired Martin Luther King, Jr. whose courageous modeling of peace and nonviolent protest changed our country.

Jesus was a peaceful presence and reminded us that “Blessed are the peace makers for they shall inherit the earth.”

At this time in history, the Earth and all her inhabitants are in need of peace makers. I’m taking the first couple weeks in January to drop within during an extended silent retreat. Quieting the noise of my inner and outer world. Seeking to soothe my nervous system, slow my pace, and hear the voice of my Soul.

I imagine my Soul will have a thing or two to teach me about “peace is the way.”

If you want Peace in the World, you must first create Peace Within your Self.

 
Meditation and contemplative practices have long been promoted by all wisdom traditions as a way into the peace that surpasses everything.

That peace that is back behind all things and all frenetic movement. Just waiting to reveal its very nature as your own. Meditation is a strong practice for many religions, yogis, and now the scientific community with its acceptance of mind-body practices and mindfulness techniques.

Research has shown that groups of experienced meditators can lower crime rates, reduce ER visits and psychiatric crises, decrease accidental deaths, and decrease complaints against police.

There are many studies of large groups of experienced TM meditators creating statistically significant effects (beyond chance) like this. My favorite is the Washington DC project where they found violent crime reduced by 23%. Here’s an article published by the World Peace Group that may inspire you.

I’d invite you to join the annual World Peace Meditation on Friday, December 31st at 7am, EST. 

This tradition was started many years ago by John Randolph Price who invited people around the globe to meditate on peace for one hour – synced with noon, Greenwich Mean Time. I’ve been participating for years and always enjoy the personal and communal experience of this deeply peaceful intention.

The Center for Conscious Living in Moorestown, NJ is hosting a ZOOM World Peace Meditation. 

Sign in, mute your microphone, and drop within to add your beautiful energy and intent to this world so in need of peace.

I’ll be with you.

 

Peace be with you and with all.  No exceptions. 

HeartWarming

 News

Your brain likes to meditate. Silent contemplation, or simply closing your eyes and breathing, activates neural pathways that support calm. These pathways underlie beneficial traits such as feeling present, grateful, and steady. With meditation you can deliberately stimulate that circuitry and bring such experience into awareness. Activating calm, steadfastness, and contentment within your body actually converts those experiences into lasting change in neural structure and function. Explore psychologist Rick Hanson’s books Neurodharma and Buddha’s Brain to understand neuroplasticity and the benefits of meditation.

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12 Days of Gratitude

I used to read and sing the 12 Days of Christmas to my daughter as part of our holiday tradition.

I haven’t heard that song on the radio this year. That’s surprising. I guess all stations are too busy playing “Last Christmas I Gave you My Heart” by Wham! Without fail, every time I’m in the car, that song comes on. Twice if I’m going any distance. Okay, enough bah humbug and trash talking Wham!

Deep in meditation the other night, I saw a list write itself in light. It was entitled “12 Days of Gratitude.”

The jingle bells, wrapping paper, and flying reindeer faded away in that moment. As I watched this list, I felt it deeply. As if the light was writing through every distraction to remind my very cells what was most important.

So warm was my heart, I’ve decided to make my 12 Days of Gratitude a new holiday tradition.


I’m sending out my list like a big Thank You Note to you who read this. And to all who never will see these words, I hope they feel the warmth in my heart.

1. The beautiful wisdom of all things Divine and my Soul which never fails to guide me, when I remember to listen and when I’ve forgotten. Showing me that Life holds more than I can now know. Inviting me always to venture deeper into the imaginal crucible of creation.

2. My little family, crazy dog included, for so many years of love, support, and traveling through life’s ups and downs together. May we continue to grow in a way that supports our individual and collective happiness and purpose in life.

3. My bigger family. To those who birthed and raised me, my heart overflows with love and gratitude. For all who’ve been here and gone, live near and far, and are related by blood or love, I’m better for your presence.

4. My friends who create a community of love, support, wisdom, laughter, and shared adventures. Those who were, are now, and are yet to arrive. I’m blessed to be accepted for who I am and inspired to grow into what they see in me.

5. Soul Sanctuary and this beautiful community who has contributed to the sacredness of this space. Inspiring us all to learn more, offer more, and reveal more of our essential nature. And for the many spiritual communities who nourish me in this work.

6. The Mystery. This mythical, magical Divine space back behind the world I know through my small perception. As It beckons and I stumble along this Path, I have an inkling that there is so much more. And I am here, available to where this Path will lead me.

7. My many teachers. Spiritual teachers. Indigenous Wisdom teachers. Energy Psychology and Energy Medicine teachers. Etheric Angelic and Feminine teachers. I’ve learned so much and hope to impart some of the knowledge these wise beings have generously offered me.

8. Pachamama, the natural world, and especially the forests. The reconnection, beauty, delight, and inspiration I receive when in nature makes me wonder why I don’t spend the majority of my time quietly communing with this great teacher – healer. May I attend to Her wellbeing for the rest of my days.

9. The ease in which I live in this abundant, convenient life. Ever aware that I was born in a place on the planet that afforded me the opportunity to be safe, fed, housed, educated, and nurtured. To have the freedom to move around the world while I live my aspirations and support others to do the same in a way that is deeply meaningful.

10. My shared opportunities to give to and receive from Love Orphanage family in Haiti, SisterHood in Burlington City, NJ, and many other communities. So much good flowing from you and generous souls like you to these worthy neighbors and human family members. Reminding me of the importance of love and generosity in all directions.

11. My own meandering, adventure of a life path. For the wisdom that has guided me well through the peaks and valleys, joys and sorrows, shadow and light. May I remember that this life is precious and recommit daily to be worthy of such a gift.

12. For what is to come. Walking into the unknown with as much awareness on the vast cosmic potential that I can muster in this holy moment of now. And now. And now.

May your 12 Days of Gratitude list write itself in you and through you anytime of the year.

So the generosity of a full, grateful hearts overflow into this world so worthy of attention.

Peace be with you and with all.  No exceptions. 

HeartWarming

 News

Writing a gratitude letter to someone has valuable benefits. Many college psychology students are given this assignment when studying the impact of gratitude. But you don’t need a college degree to understand the benefits. Reflection allows you to explore times in life you were aided by another. It could be a big thing or a tiny action, personal or viewed from afar. Feeling gratitude is good for your overall wellbeing. Same for those in receivership. Communicating about your gratitude inspires you (and them) to reflect and act from a place that serves others and the world. You aren’t doing it alone. So grab a pen and send that letter.(Yup, the old fashioned kind with a stamp.)

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Sucker for Santa and No Need for Presents


I’m a sucker for Santa.  

Always have been. Always will be. I was that kid at the top of the stairs calling to my parents, “Can we come down now? Now? NOW?” while they took their sweet time making coffee and arranging a healthy Christmas breakfast of homemade chocolate chip cookies.  

I can still access that visceral thrill of rushing down the steps to find the unexpected under the tree. It was a magical time. 

In the midst of holiday planning recently, my daughter laughingly announced “I remember when you told me there was no Santa.” 

Wait? What?! There’s no Santa?  

So full is my enjoyment of this magical flying, red suited, white bearded dude that I am still shocked each time I hear that statement.

“It was in Kohl’s parking lot.”

You’ve got to be kidding me. I have absolutely no memory of that exchange. She filled in some details but it was clear I had definitely blocked out that moment.

At this age, she found it funny, but I’m sure I felt the poignancy of the disappearing magic at the time.



I did recall the year before while putting her to bed when she asked, “Mom, tell me the truth, are you Santa?” I responded like any parent who was infatuated with the magical wonder of innocence and also wanted to tell the truth to their kid. I smiled and asked her,

“Do you really want me to answer that question?”

“Nope.” Sweet dreams. Crisis averted. Apparently the following year I just answered the damn question when asked.

“Yup. I’m Santa and magic is real.”

We still wait at the top of the stairs for my husband to slowly, slowly, slowly put out the coffee and cookies.

The excitement is there, but to tell you the truth, a bit of the wonder has receded.

This year, perhaps more than any time before, I remembered again something important.

I don't want presents.  I want Presence.

What is most important to me can’t be found in a material thing.

I don’t want stuff. I want meaningful interaction. With myself. With the Divine Presence. With my family and friends. I want deep conversations, rich experiences, relaxing with loved ones, and belly laughs.

These things don’t fit in a box, nor do they need a big red bow.

When I am present to the magic of my moments and the people in front of me, there is no sense of longing. I don’t need to shop for anything. In such moments, everything is delivered. Delight included.

I haven’t mailed my list to Santa at the North Pole yet. I guess I can save a stamp. 

I’m choosing to cherish Presence in little and big ways this year. I’m not only consciously inviting more of these experiences into my holiday, I want to offer so much Presence to others. As if my big red bag was filled with meaningful conversations, laughter, enjoyable holiday rituals, plenty of quiet time, and lots and lots of light. 

I’m still a sucker for Santa. And I believe the magic is real.

It just isn’t confined to being under the tree. For this I’m grateful. I didn’t know how to wrap a belly laugh anyway. But, I sure know how to share one. I’m looking forward to bringing delight to those around me.

May the holidays rest within your heart so fully this year that your beautiful Presence shines on strangers and friends alike. Lighting the way to joy in simple encounters and deeply shared moments.

And may you receive the same beauty from others so that Love wraps around you. Leaving you feeling shiny, new, and really, really delighted.

Peace be with you and with all.  No exceptions. 

HeartWarming

 News

“Recreational companionship” gives a boost to those on both the giving and receiving end. This phrase, coined by Willard F Harley Jr, PhD, combines two very important human needs: having fun and having someone to share it with. If you like rock climbing and your bestie enjoys knitting, you’re probably searching for a middle ground. Explore this concept with your family, friends, and colleagues. Find those activities which others also find intriguing, fun, or worth a try. Doing something interesting together can boost your sense of belonging, active the feel good chemicals, and create some lovely memories (and funny stories!). Communication, creativity, and a sense of adventure go a long way. Enjoy

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Holiday Magic Brings Love to our Kids

I have some totally fantastic, unexpected news about Love O!

A friend of Gabriel and Ahaji who runs a local organization in Haiti has arranged for a shipping container of supplies to be sent from NYC to Haiti. AND he offered some space for Love O!

Oh, Holy Night! That got the Culture Camp elves singing!

The news arrived Sunday. The elves had 3 days to shop, organize, and pack. Lots of hustle and bustle. Other elves made the delivery to NYC on Friday and packed the containers.

Coming together as a team in a way that would make Santa proud.

In the past, the shipping container option was dismissed given the prohibitive cost. As were other means of sending goods to this small island in a big ocean. We always rolled suitcases full of supplies when heading to Haiti for Culture Camp and other visits.

You can imagine it was like the sleigh in the Grinch who Stole Christmas. Except backwards.

With bungee cords holding a tower of bulging suitcases atop our van.

You can see evidence of this good stuff in the photo of Wideline above. T shirts, bracelets, and paintings just give you a glimpse of the art, story telling, game playing, light bringing activities we’ve shared. Her smile is all her own.

As is her love and gratitude which is written all over her T shirt.

After 3 long years of being unable to visit due to disruptions in Haiti and our COVID world, this struggling family is getting a tangible breath of fresh air. In the form of school supplies and backpacks, clothing, medical supplies, toiletries, games, art supplies, sewing machines, and a computer.

Ahhhhhh. Put a dose of that happiness in your eggnog as you savor the miracles of this season.

Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year to our Love Family in Haiti.

Peace be with you and with all.  No exceptions. 

HeartWarming

 News

Connection to Humanity Quiz. The holidays often invites you to give generously to the communities, projects, and organizations  that mean something to you. If you consciously choose who you are giving to, it is likely that such offerings align with your values. One question researchers at Western Kentucky University asked was how much kinship you feel to humanity. Near to home, within your country, abroad, or generally across all of these factors. Want to know where you land?  Take this Connection to Humanity Quiz which is a modified version of the research instrument. You may be surprised who belongs in your “Family.”