“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!

What I dream of is…a soothing, calming influence on the mind, rather like a good armchair which provides relaxation from physical fatigue.

~Henri Matisse

Do you long for cozy, pine-scented evenings? Lazy afternoons on a sun-drenched beach? Early morning strolls through a hillside meadow?

You may have a special getaway spot, a favorite retreat. But trips there occur far too infrequently to provide year-round relief from routine obligations.

There is a place you can visit anytime the need arises. Shakti Gawain, in her book, Creative Visualization, refers to this place as a sanctuary, an “ideal place of relaxation, tranquility and safety”. It requires no materials and costs only a few minutes of your time. It also goes wherever you are, because it exists within you, once you create it.

Why not make your own micro-vacation right now? Close your eyes and take a couple of slow, deep breaths. Imagine a place you’d like to be—anywhere that makes you feel good when you think of it. See yourself there. Breathe in the scents. Take note of the colors. Listen for sounds that soothe. Add any objects that make it comfortable and safe enough for you to be completely as ease. Enter joy. And relax. You are free here.

When you are ready, open your eyes and carry on. You can return to your sanctuary whenever you like, and make any changes to increase the peace.

I am now relaxed and revitalized, ready to face the rest of my day.

The clearest way into the Universe is through a forest wilderness.

~John Muir

Year One of a major transition is filled with firsts. First celebration since… First night on the town since… First vacation since… The occasions themselves may be familiar but you’ve changed. Suddenly everything is new and filled with uncertainty. What will they think? What will I say? What if…?

There are a few things you can do to prepare for the upcoming event. First, get your bearings. What is the reason for the occasion? What is your purpose in attending? Establish why it is important for you to participate. This will help you regain balance and perhaps look forward to, rather than dread the occasion.

Next, anticipate awkwardness. And realize that you’re not the only one feeling it. Those who ‘knew you when’ may have some apprehensions of their own, and are making adjustments to the new you. As for everyone else? There are no guarantees, but you just might make some exciting connections. Why not anticipate a wonderful time in good company?

Finally, remind yourself how far you’ve come. This is just one more step in your journey. Whatever comes your way, you’ll handle it. You can. You’re doing it now.

I don’t know exactly what’s around the corner, but I trust that whatever comes my way, I’ll handle it.

ahhh, the quiet dusk of day,

pastel streaks in bold display,

long broad strokes of gray transcend,

palette rinsed, day at end

At the edge of darkness, Mother Nature calls us to reflect and to rest. With bold kisses of color she reminds us that the day, from beginning to end, is filled with magic. Then she wraps us gently in a starry blanket, turns the night light on, and bids us goodnight.

Before nestling in, take a few quiet moments to consider some of the magic in your life. What are you grateful for today? Keep it simple. Focus on the first few things that come to mind, no matter how mundane or outrageous they might seem.

Yard sales. Morning dew. New flip-flops for the beach.

Don’t worry about what you’re leaving out. This is a light dusting, only enough to spark your imagination. While you sleep, these positive thoughts will vibrate through your unconsciousness, create panoramas of prosperity, and awaken you to the miracle of a new day.

Make this a nightly ritual and before long you will find magic everywhere. In places you’d never thought to look. In every leaf. Each busy street. All hours of the day and through the night. Magic is in everything, and everyone, including you.

At the edge of darkness, give yourself the gift of positive vibrations. Reflect. Give thanks. And sleep well.

One day at a time, in the cycles of light and dark, I’m discovering riches… all around… and in me.

The music starts. We feel the urge. We move.

Why?

We’re part of the dance. How can we not respond?

Why are certain people, places and things put in our path?

We may not know. At least, not immediately.

I took a step, tripped over the cat and dumped his water dish. “Damn!” I thought as I threw down a towel to soak up the mess. “Just what I needed first thing in the morning. Now, what could there possibly be for me to learn from this? Slow down? Wake up?” Then it occurred to me that maybe there wasn’t anything to learn. Perhaps the cat simply needed water.

~Author’s Notes

Life is a dance, a series of interconnected events, one step leading to the next. It’s not all about our own needs. It’s not all about the needs of others. And it doesn’t always make sense. It doesn’t have to. As we recover, we begin to understand that we’re part of something larger than ourselves. Sometimes our role is simply to keep up with the beat, even when we’re dancing in the dark.

I am part of something meaningful. Every step I take is precious to myself and to others.

The greatest gift of the garden is the restoration of the five senses.

~Hanna Rion

As small children, we probed everything within reach and reached for everything in sight. The world was one big sensory playground. We were innocents, curious and uninhibited.

Mostly for our safe-keeping, we were trained to be cautious. Practical. Grown-up.

We may leave behind our innocence as we grow, but the need to satisfy our senses remains for a lifetime.

Let us now get back to the garden. To marvel at the exquisite forms growing right before our eyes. Taste the sweet juices of life. Breathe in delicate scents. Feel the pulse of nature. Hear the spirit of harmony in a world not of our making. And learn how to really live.

I am a sensory creature. The world is my playground. Today and every day there is something new and exciting just waiting for me.