The world breaks everyone and afterward many are strong at the broken places.~Ernest Hemingway

Archive for the ‘Dark/Light Meditations’ Category

Meditation Twenty

One night I dreamt that I was riding my horse along a country road…

“I think we’d better turn back,” I said, feeling that we were getting a little too far from home. As we made a U-turn on the gravel and headed for the farm, a gray haze settled over and it began to rain… Afraid that my horse would step into the path of an oncoming vehicle, I pulled on the reins.

The horse suddenly reared up on its hind legs, and I thought I would be thrown to the ground. Instead, I became wound into its large, curved neck as it whispered in my ear,  “Don’t do it again!”

“I won’t,” I whispered back. I promise.”

~Excerpt from The Dream Horse


Author’s Notes:

I had never owned a horse. But as I sat writing the details of my dream, the meaning of its intimate presence became clear.

As a young girl, I’d been free-spirited and eager to explore the world around me. Along the way I made some bad decisions and, out of fear, attempted to rein in my adventurous spirit. That essential part of me, however, would not be restrained. Not indefinitely.

Take good care of your Dream Horse.

Within each of us there is an eternal, unerring wisdom that seeks to direct us at work, at play, even in our sleep. We only have to be open to it. With practice, we begin to connect with it more often. We begin to understand how it can change our direction. We begin to believe that life is good; that we are good, and secure.

Out of obligation, shame or fear, have you sought to disown some part of your self?

Heed the wisdom within. Honor your true nature.

And take good care of your Dream Horse.

I am learning to trust my inner wisdom. I am inspired to reclaim my true self.


Category:

Dark/Light Meditations, Meditations: Eleven to Twenty

Meditation Twenty-Two

I’d rather not talk about it.

 

Is there an elephant in your living space?

Many of us have subjects we would rather not think about, much less discuss with others. They can, however, occupy our thoughts and influence our behavior. They may take up so much room that family and friends have to tiptoe around them, too. To make matters worse, they could hang around indefinitely.

If we let fear run the show.

If there’s a big burly bear guarding the door, it’s a sure thing the elephant’s not going anywhere. Perhaps the first order of business is to tame the bear. Not an easy task. But you have the power.

You can turn that overbearing monster into a cuddly toy.

Give fear a whole new face with paints. Open your journal and scribble it a brand new name—Rejection, Shame, Loss. See it for what it really is. As you develop new perspectives and begin to take control, fear takes on new meaning. You find that not only do you want to express what is in your thoughts and your heart, you can.

Step by step, you can free the elephant.

 

Shameful secrets no longer dominate my living space because fear no longer guards the door. I am free!

 

Category:

Dark/Light Meditations, Meditations: Twenty-One to Thirty

Meditation Twenty-Three

Do not fear mistakes—there are none.

~Miles Davis

Night has passed. This is the beginning of a brand new day.

As you rise…

Take a deep breath. Stretch. Bathe in early morning light. Allow gentle breezes of change to wash over you. And awaken to a new day, to a world of possibilities.

No matter what you did yesterday, or how long the night lingered on, today is fresh and full of potential. Like a blank canvas, it is untried, and awaits your input. This is your day. You are the artist. Now, get to work on your masterpiece.

Splash a little color. Grab a few lines. Experiment with form and texture. Be curious and bold. Make mess. Seek beauty. Give little thought to mistakes. When things fall short of expectation, remember that time is rolling on. Moments pass. The day is a work in progress. As are you.

Breathe. Stretch. Absorb and express. You are growing, every single moment. Let that, if nothing else, inspire you. And begin. Simply begin.

As the artist of my day, I choose to anticipate, participate and appreciate. One moment at a time, I see that I truly am a work in progress.

Category:

Dark/Light Meditations, Meditations: Twenty-One to Thirty

Meditation Twenty-Four

There is a lot of pain in this world. War, famine, oppression, disease, environmental sabotage—this short list paints a pretty depressing picture. And that’s just the wide shot. Up close and personal are the people we know who have experienced chronic illness, abuse, relationship breakdown, divorce, work-related stress and financial instability.

Life can be hell.

But then again…

Zooming in from another angle, we find peaceful neighbors, kind strangers, caregivers, visionaries, enthusiasts, builders, advocates, champions and leaders. One by one, they testify to the power of the human spirit. Hold onto these snapshots. Frame them as part of a living collage; a stirring, vibrant panorama of healing.

Now, put yourself in the picture and focus on you. Get close. Look deep inside. View your self from many angles.

Have you captured your true essence?

Do you see how precious and necessary you are to the rest of us?

Perhaps not yet. But you’re getting the picture.

I am compassionate, resourceful and strong. I am a little bit of heaven here on earth.

Category:

Dark/Light Meditations, Meditations: Twenty-One to Thirty

Meditation Twenty-Five

Every flower must grow through dirt.

~Anonymous

The Promise of Spring is growth.

Do not doubt your potential.

It is not uncommon to fall back into old patterns of thought, to doubt that a new life is possible. You may try to hide in the familiar comfort of the past and go underground. You might actually even attempt to pull the earth in over your head. The seasons, however, are changing. And you are destined to emerge.

Says who? We say—those of us who, like you, have doubted our potential. We’ve seen your kind before. We are your kind, and we have achieved the impossible. So can you. Look how much you’ve grown already.

You are a survivor and a thriver. Believe that, and reach for the light. Although you may not see it now, the best of you really is yet to come.

I am emerging. My destiny is to bloom.

Look out world!

Category:

Dark/Light Meditations, Meditations: Twenty-One to Thirty

Meditation Twenty-Six

A mind that is stretched to a new idea never returns to its original dimensions.

~Oliver Wendell Holmes

 

You put your best foot forward, make a concerted effort to say and do the right things, attempt to be positive, rational, and understanding. But no matter how hard you try, you don’t always shine. Your heart gets ahead of your brain and you say something you wish you hadn’t. You do the thing you thought you would never do. You don’t understand, or perhaps don’t want to. At least, not yet.

Stuff happens. Sometimes you simply get the blues. Just don’t let the blues get you. Don’t kick yourself when you’re down. Be still, instead, and let it rain. Allow yourself to be less than perfect, to be human. All is not lost, even though it may feel that way.

We don’t understand everything. We’re not consistently rational. We don’t always get it right. But there is hope. You know your rainbow is out there somewhere. You know you can do better. And you will again, after the worst is over, just as the sun breaks through.

 

I can do this. And keep on doing it. I really can.

Category:

Dark/Light Meditations, Meditations: Twenty-One to Thirty

Meditation Twenty-Seven

Large streams from little fountains flow; tall oaks from little acorns grow.

~David Everett


At the outset of our strange new life we are intensely focused on survival, on getting through the seconds, minutes and hours of the day. One day at a time is all we can handle. In the process, we become more in tune with our unique rhythms, and more responsive to our needs. We learn our limits and set boundaries.

As we heal we gain confidence. We sense that we are capable of so much more, and find ourselves longing to stretch, to reach farther.

Do you dream of becoming?

Go with it. Take your wildest dream, make a plan to achieve it, and do one thing that will make it real for you now.

Think BIG. Start small. Bit by bit, day by day you’ll get there.

I believe that all things are possible. One day at a time, my dreams are coming true.

Category:

Dark/Light Meditations, Meditations: Twenty-One to Thirty, Uncategorized

Meditation Thirty-One

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? …as we let our own Light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.”

~Marianne Williamson

This little light of mine…     (song by Harry Dixon Loes, c. 1920)

Do you doubt that your power exists? Or are you secretly afraid of it, of how it can affect you or those around you? You’re not alone. Too many of us have put the lid on self-expression for far too long. It’s time to let the genie out of the bottle and spread a little magic around.

The best way to get the hang of letting your light shine is simply to do it. Give yourself permission to do it imperfectly. Practice. Experiment. To get the juices flowing, try a little scribbling on paper. Let your writing/drawing tool make contact with the paper and move it around. Lift whenever you feel it’s time. Repeat, making marks freely on the page. Think about your own special powers. If you don’t know what they are, ask. Keep moving your hand. Stop when you’ve had enough. Rest. Or grab a new paper and begin again.

When you’re ready, share what you’ve got.

Is this scary? Possibly. Worth the effort? Definitely.

My light is an asset to me, and an inspiration for others. Today, and every day, I’m going to shine!

Category:

Dark/Light Meditations, Meditations: Thirty-One to Forty

Meditation Twenty-Eight

Few influences on our behavior are more powerful

than the support and approval of a group of friends or acquaintances.

~David W. Johnson with Frank P. Johnson,

Joining Together, Group Therapy and Group Skills


How we think, feel and act is strongly influenced by our companions. The very quality of our lives, in fact, can depend upon them.

Who do you spend time with? Have you chosen to be with people who not only  match your interests, but also validate and nurture your efforts? If so, your chances for success are greater by far.

This is not to say that friends shouldn’t disagree, nor ever challenge each other. Differences can stimulate and promote growth. But if, in general, a relationship causes you to feel or behave badly, it might be time to consider its true place in your life.

Seek out those who demonstrate respect for your ideas, honour your feelings, and actively seek your participation. These are your people. Cherish them.

And wherever possible, return the blessings of friendship that are offered to you.

 

I surround myself with those who bring out the best in me. I, in turn, bring out the best in them.


Category:

Dark/Light Meditations, Meditations: Twenty-One to Thirty

Meditation Twenty-Nine

 

 

 

A self is developed not alone, but in community.

~Julia Cameron

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Linger in the garden. Before long, the flowers will be gone. Why not make the most of your time together?

Like a flower, each of us is sensitive and vulnerable. Each of us also has an untapped potential for growth, and something quite brilliant to share.

As you unfold the splendid colors of your true self, be mindful of those closest to you. Make way for them. Give them their due. Honour their part in your growth.

Linger, observe and learn.

Bloom gently.

My eyes and my heart are becoming more open to the wonders around me, and I am grateful to be a part of it all.

 

 

Category:

Dark/Light Meditations, Meditations: Twenty-One to Thirty