Conscious Connection

Flowers of Summer Hill, May 2011 

As I reflect on the week, I am aware of and thankful for the Living Connection that permeates All That Is.  It's the Original Wireless Connection that has been in existence for a countless number of years.  From the birds flying south for the winter, to winter  giving way to spring... the connection is illustrated again and again, throughout the universe.  It's the connection we feel when someone is hurting, or is joyful...and we reach out.  It's the unspoken connection that's understood with a nod, or a smile...or a tear; or in our heart's knowing that someone "gets us" ...hears us...and truly understands.   It's the essence of compassion.  Our sense of connection, or disconnection, has a ripple effect on the entire Web of Life and every being and every thing in it.  So..it's beneficial to seek out and recognize our connection to others... in ways we are more alike, than different.

So today, I am grateful for my awareness of connection far and wide... visible and invisible. I am glad to realize that the joy as well as the pain (like sunshine and rain)... nourishes the connection within myself first -- and then I can better consciously connect with others in a way that's nourishing for all involved.

This mandala from my archive... I share with you.  It speaks of "Reaching Out" and how when we do, we connect.  I gave it a voice, which is the last paragraph of the above link...just some food for thought :)

May your Conscious Connections be all you need and want them to be; and if they're not... think on what you ARE connected to that feels good... like: your breath.  Conscious breathing  connects us to the Essential part of ourselves, feeds us in countless ways...and opens us up in ways beyond description....and what better connection than that!

Feeling...

Today, as I try to fathom and deal with the loss of life in Colorado recently, my heart and condolences go out to the families; as well as prayers.  How do we even begin to comprehend what the families are going through.  I feel the ache in my heart toom but of course, not like theirs.  I send my heart-felt blessingsn for comfort to the all the familie,,, and all of us too, or we are all connected.

As I was out for my walk by the river today at lunch time and began to feel the emotions of all this... I was reminded of the healing qualities of creative expression, and the process I call Mandala Medicine.  This practice was an integral part of my life for 3-4 years, and yet I've not created in a long time.  It's times like this that draw me to creating Mandala Medicine - as this is what the process is about:  emptying the energy, emotion, color and shape of what I am feeling (or not feeling) int the empty circle. A circle I recognize as  "sacred"- (mandala means, "sacred circle").    It's no wonder that often, either afterward or in the midst of tragedy or upheaval, children are given paper and crayons so they can draw to express how they're feeling... at a time when words escape them. 

I know, when I create that  mandala with the intention of expressing my feelings and  honoring those who have been killed, and their families -- that energy will set in motion a wave Love and Compassioon that will not only reach the families, but everyone who's touched by this....and even those who might not realize they are... and for that, I am deeply grateful.

(You too, are invited to: create Mandala Medicine with me.  Just click the above Mandala Medicine link - which serves as a guide... and to share your experience of the process, as well as what you've created...if you'd like. It's in the creating and sharing that we are made whole)    Godspeed, one and all.

Beginning again...

The wonderful thing about life is, at any moment we can decide to begin again.  It's never too late...it's never too early.  No matter what has happened or hasn't.  We can begin anew in the soil of our mind - where everything begins (and has the power of Infinite, Deeper Mind) to carry it thorough.

Whatever I'm being urged to do is what's needing to be brought forth...not just for me, but for all people who will be touched by it in some way.  This is true for each an every one of us.  Everything we do, think and say... the meditations of our heart, has an impact on not only our life, but the state and energy of the planet (and universe).

Beginning (this blog) again, after about 18 months... is my way of reminding myself of the Gratitude and Joy that awaits recognition, within me - despite what's happening in the world and our lives.  And, it's that piece -  that can be the seed of a whole new perspective... as I... as we "begin again".

My gratitude-joy today honors and celebrates this insight.  ...and it's in that spirit, I send it out into the world...  It's coming your way!  Look out for it... :)

Day 365 / 365

What a marvelous year, 2010.  As it has wrapped up I reflect on so much that to be thankful for, some nuggets are:

...inner-growth that yields to outward growth; and all the magnifcient creative processes and ingredients that have gone into it

...realizing how deeply loved I am...and how deeply I love, even when I don't realized it

...that healing can happen, when I stick with it no matter how many times or how many faces healing takes on...I have been attuned to them all...and have been blessed by the re-emergence of the Face of my Soul...through my every day.

...learning to get over it when folks don't behave the way I think they should... (or the way I think I would); when they don't own their responsibility... yep, more for me to reflect on w/in myself to see if and where I might do this

...I've become even more smitten with the Creative Process of Living - and my part in that as co-creator/co-partner with the Force... it has indeed been with me (as I know it always is...I just might not always remember)

...dreaming bigger...and even bigger in 2011 "... to infinitiy and beyond.!" ... as Buzz Lightyear would say..and having people in my life to remind me

..the ever-expanding Creative Tribe that surrounds me in 3D... and blesses me beyond my imagination and sometimes beyond my awareness; and yet...I am well aware of  bounty that blesses me in each and every one who I come in contact with, be it for a minute, an hour...or a lifetime; whether we've spoke words or with our eyes and hearts... it's all real.  It's all felt...and it all blesses everyone involved...and beyond.

I am grateful for the prospering power of Gratitude-Joy... the vibrating elixir of joyful love...coursing through the veins of my body...the breath and breadth of my being, as it meets yours! 

Here's to a new year... may it be the best one yet!  ...for each one of us!

Wondrous, sweet blessings...
Cheryl

Day 349 / 365 - When you least expect...

Taking time at lunch from the fast pace at work...to breathe, and be aware of all the brilliance in my life that makes my heart and soul bloom in warmth and love...and appreciation.  It's like a hug from my heart.   And yes, that Spirit is all around me, bouying me up whenever I may waiver, or question the "why, why me, why them" of how things are.... 

That Spirit of Gratitude greeted me this morning as I hopped into a cab (at 8:55) at the train station...to make it quickly and safely to work on time at 9AM.  As always, I greeted the cab driver with a hello and how are you...and he began to talk about how good he was, how good life is...and how no matter how bad we might think we have it at times...there's always someone else who's going through the same, or seemingly worse; but when we have friends, family and love in our heart... we are rich!  Really.. he went on for 1-2 minutes!  As he's talking I'm grinning ear to ear...'cause I know I am experiencing a Divine Gift!  I have never expereinced a cab driver with such exuberance for life... and I thank him for his joyful testimony...and for getting me to work on time!

What an incredible way to start the day.   When we least expect it... Grace and Gratitude  shows itself in our lives...like a radiant smile; we just have to have our inner-vision attuned.  And so...right now..in this moment...I'm also aware of my gratitude for....

1) ...my brother Billy...for all the deep, mystic conversations we have, the creativity we share...and for him being his loving, courageous, strong, spirited self.  He's a spiritual warrior and I am inspired and  learn more from him than he may ever know.  I love you Billy! -- And.. I love that he loves the charcoal gray, chenille scarf I crocheted for him a few years ago.  In an e-mail he said:  "... today, looking for a brace against the elements and shazamm!  I thought I told you how much I loved it.  Visually it has an embracing aura of comfort. In a practical sense it's awesome in it's volume.  And when you wrap it around your face the wind is weak against its protection" -- Wow..."giving" truly is the gift that keeps on giving.   xxoo

2) ...taking time to learn something new... for the first time I'm learning to knit socks!  Crazy-Wacky, colorful socks - using 4 double-pointed needles (and a 5th to knit with) yikes! - with all that going on it's actually calming... not much room left in my mind to think of anythng else - meditative.  ...glad that part of me is coming forward again... I honored that "inner part" of me with a SoulCollage card, here.

3) ...working... being in a rhytym with work... with life...and the insights gained  yet again through my conversation with Billy last night which coincided with the indescribable book Feng Shui for the Soul, by Denise Linn, here.. I can feel the deeper shifts beginning - within, and with my home;  a time of letting go, re-defining, re-visioning and saying "yes" to my bloming soul!

Now.. off to enjoy the cold sunshine of this Winter day...

Day 337 / 365 - Letting go...

Ahh...yes... sitting here, cozy in the living room on this cold winter day... glad to have my humble abode.  I breathe.  I let my mind slow down..to come down from hanging on all the thoughts that assemble there; reminds me of a bumper sticker I saw recently that read "Don't believe everything you think" - or something to that effect. Hmm..   And so.. coming back to the peace, the stillness, coming back to my intention to slow down and to get off of the merry-go-round of thought... to let go of it all, again and again.  In that light, I breathe a conscious breath... settle into my chair... feel my inner being cement it's connection with my physical being...  In this moment, I am aware of my gratitude for....

1)  ...my home - an all the Spirit of my home has witnessed... I am grateful for all She has taught me, is still teaching me... and what I have yet to learn...  I am thankful to be listening....

2) ...Pat Allen's Studio Process:  Art For the Soul at Lisa's studio, Whispers From the Moon today...  it's indeed a gift to create art from the heart with the kindred spirits there... and in that special place that is the studio.   I'm thankful I had today off, that I could attend.

3) ...my evolving Tree Woman that's emerging during the Open Studio Process - I'm thankful for the process, for her evolving physical body...and for all she's teaching me in Spirit, in Process...as she emerges..  Thank you Tree Woman.

4) ...family... connecting with K this week, even if it was brief... she sounds good

5) ...my rejuvenating health, appreciation for life...and Spirit that animates this body of mine...

6) ...my good job.. as well as my life's Work...which I'm consistently reminded that my Life Work is mine to do from where ever I am... at any moment...

7)  ...The Creator of All that Is - and It's upholding, sustaining energy in the universe...and in the lives of every one of us...

Blessings do indeed abound.

Day 329 / 365 - Honoring...

As this Thanksgiving day winds down...I reflect, and let the spirit of Gratitude-Joy encompass me.  Today is a day of honoring:

1)  Honoring my feelings and emotions...all of them, the warm and fuzzy ones, the joyful ones..and even those that make me tearful...and naked with vulnerability  

2)  Honoring family connections...ancestors, present family: parents, grandparents, siblings...my daughter - oh..the honoring runs deep and wide; honoring my birth family and my soul family which I am grateful that it continues to expand...spanning the globe... each one gifting me with a treasure for my soul

3) Honoring the richness of my life that becomes more apparent as I acknowledge all the mediums that make up my rich, rich life... the online kindred, inspiring spirts and the opportunities to share my experiences and insights not only on my blogs, but through the generosity of dear friends i.e. Laura Hegfiled by being a guest contributor on her blog, Shine the Divine...where I shared about Gratitude-Joy: Gifts of the Present ; and Jun Mhoon as guest on his radio show on Unity.FM, as well as the Mandala Oasis Yahoo Community as we share our mandalas and the insights of the process.  And, intimate sharings of friends via email and blog comments... all examples of each of us "honoring" one another's gifts and contributions to this world...

4) ...and me filled with gratitude for those that share their generous gifts with me personally...and the world...and honoring them.. my friends, some of which include: the Radiant Prema,  Luminous Judith Cornell, who made her transisiton on May 18, 2010 - whom I had the "honor" of knowing and co-facilitating a series of tele-seminars on the sacred art of creating mandalas; my soul sister, Brilliant Vimala Rodgers and her Alphabetical Blessings; another soul sister, Courageous Anne Marie Bennett and her gift of Bright Side of the Road;  Creative Soul Coach Susan Cadley; Magnificent Muse, Jamie Ridler; Moon Medicine Woman, Lisa Schmitz and Healer and SoulCollage sister, Brenda Fernandez and of course, free spirited creator of SoulCollage, Seena Frost;  Pioneer Barb Fleming and her work in educating us on our biofiled health; and Artistic Doreen as she shares her Artistic Journeys.,, and finally... my dear friend Bill of Campbell Quest ...he's a seasoned, compassionate, creative life coach who always holds sacred space for not only his clients, but his friends as well.

5)  Ah.. the beautiful, pure life lessons of animated (children's) movies.  Tonight it's the deep clarity and wisdom of Kung Fu Panda... oh my.. it's focus on discovering The Secret Ingredient... it's one of the best movies to watch to gain perspective when I'm taking life much too serioiusly... I appreciate honor the creators of these types of movies..(including The Velveteen Rabbit).

6) ...Honoring all of the above...and all of the below.. honoring this very moment and all that is yet to be.  Honoring the spirit in me...and  the spirit in you.

Namaste...

Day 328 / 365 - Awareness

The last few weeks have been weeks of  heightened awareness.  Awareness of the shifts that are occurrig within me...and that feels good.   Sometimes I'm not always been aware that growth is taking place; deep down I know it is, but it's not always evident...that is until I step back...pause  and take stock. I review..allowing the visions, insights and inclinations to play across the screen of my mind's eye...and my inner-being.   It's amazing how this pause is often inspired by daily encounters along my way:  overhearing a conversation, being inspired by someone else's resiliance, synchronicities, and answered prayer; ...as well as receiving  responses to inner-inquiries...from the simplest request to the deepest.  Oh so much to be thankful for.  And so, I allow myself to bathe in it.  In this moment, I am aware of the Gratitude-Joy that warms my heart... I am thankful for...

1) ....the blessing of a warm, cozy, safe home... a home that is a womb for my 'being'... a home that nurtures and teaches me about myself.. I appreciate the Spirit of my home

2) ...this warm, enlivened feeling in my heart... I am thankful for my glad and peaceful heart

3) ...my computer...and the worldwide web ....and all the kindred connections I've made, and community that I am a part of

4) ...my family....all of them...and the smile in my heart when I think of them;  even though we're miles and miles away... they are a part of the divine recipe that makes me...me!

5)  ahh... a good night's sleep

6)  ...the deepening relationship with God and my soul... which is allowing me to appreciate myself and my journey here on Earth...

7) ... I am really thankful for my ability to reflect and contemplate - those two ingredients are warming to my spirit...and are a  potent form of prayer and meditation... ahh.. thank you, thank you, thank you....

Life is good....

Day 317 / 365

Tonight as I sink down down into the chair, getting comfy...listening to the sound of silence...enjoying the soft lamp-light in the Mango Studio, I relax into my body, aware of the Presence in my body...feels good.  Right now, in this moment I am aware of my gratitude for...

1)  ...the Divine Order that is ever present, and prevails - even when it doesn't look like it

2) ...the shared gratitude stories on sweet Laura's blog; and her generous spirit for rounding up fellow-travelers to contribute a blog post, including me; .and most of all for the inspiration that Laura is...she teaches and gives of her radiant spirit by simply being here on Earth...and doing what's for her to do moment to moment.    Thank you dear Laura Hegfield - kindred spirit, SoulCollage sister, friend...

3) ...spending the afternoon with Lee P. today;  we always have a good time together no matter how much time in-between has gone by.. a wonderful spirit connection...

4) ...this time of year..oh is so gorgeous and soothing and luminous!  radiant yellow Maple leaves that I swear...emit a light.  Standing up under them is like  giant umbrella and their healing, loving energy showers over me... I feel it deep inside.. very healing...and enchanting...

5) ...feeling good in my body; and the healing practicioners that are a part of my well-being team;  overall improvement

6) ...family, family, family....

Day 303 / 365

In this moment... on this truly magnificient Fall day... I breathe in... and I am aware of my feeling of Gratitude-Joy for...

1)  the colors and scents of Fall... the crisp, yet warming breezes...the sound of the breeze through the trees...and the haiku poem Kamaria wrote for me in third grade...that refrenced "the breeze through the trees"... ahh.. out of the mouths of babes...

2) this quite time in my studio space...as I work with Tree Woman...which I realize now..she's a part of my self-portait project... tears flowed this morning as I felt and heard her compassionate direction: lowering her arms from trying to hold up the world...to a position of open embrace...a posture of receiving...and surrender...and  gratitude...and of faith really...open arms...open heart...ready to receive blessings, guidance...and the feeling of "all needs met"

3)  the spirited, engaging conversation (and tea) with Pat Allen yesterday... oh my... what treasures were shared, uncovered...and seeds planted...  blessings, blessings everywhere!

4) the gift of the Open Studio Process that Pat created...it has indeed made my creative time more mindful...prayeful... and sacred;  and opened the door to other easily assessible mediums to create with i.e.. tape and foil ...thank you Pat!

5)  good neighbors...and my friend and neighbor Pat W.

6)  ...living another day to embrace...and be present to...the sights and sounds of the season; and my role in the big picture of life....

7)  listening to the recorded telecast with Catherine Anderson on SoulCollage as prayer... thank you Catherine for beaming your loving spirit our way...with your generous and wise offering...

Blessings...blessings...blessings...

Day 300 / 365

Wow.. it's hard to believe there are only 65 days remaining until the end of 2010.  It doesn't seem like it's been that long ago that I started this blog....w/the summer off :)   And now.. as the Autumn daylight gives way to this October night... I reflect...I breathe.. I am aware...that I am filled with gratitude, and peace and a sense of well being like that...well... just makes my heart glad.. And so.. this night.. I feel the thrill of abiding Gratitude-Joy withn me for:

1)  it being just cool enough to still have the windows open...keeping me connected to the sights and sounds of this Season of Change and Release

2a)  connecting with my sweet, creative Circle-sister, Michelle...

2b)  inspiring..and inspired SoulCollage Faciliator sisters...and dear soul friend... Laura H and Kathryn

3)  realizing tonight that my neck and shoulders have felt just fine today!  Wow.. freedom! thank you, thank you, thank you

4)  continual improved health.. mind, body, spirt...and the continual discoveies that my inner-work reveals, stirs up...and heals...

5)  beautiful, vibrant, compassionate Denise Linn and all she offers to the world...and to be a part of her expansive soul work with her Soul Coaching training-retreat in the Spring ; and her book Unlock the Secret Messages of Your Body... is a soul excavation experience like no other...

6)  the radiant, creative spirits in my Women's Medicine Circle..

7)  that I consistently acknowlege, listen, heed...and trust my soul's voice...deepening my realtionship with her.  thank you dear soul...for being my eternal beacon

8)  Joanna and her spirited Receiving Project: http://www.receivingproject.com/

9)  Joy!  ...abiding Gratitude-Joy!!

Day 278/365

Winding down the day.. the Night Owl part of me is very content...and there's another Part (who is that?) that knows it's time for light's out as tomorrow is a day to catch the earlier train; but tonight, I had to acknowledge my gratittude-joy for:

1)  being led to Joana's blog and her Receiving Project -- via Jamie's weekly Wishcasting Wednesday creative prompt...thank you ladies!

2) being home and feeling a greater sense of well-being..for the healing on all levels that's taking place...and for my team of holistic practioners...for they each bring essential ingredients to my healing soup;  and I thank my inner-team too...my heart smiles to embrace and listen to every facet of myself...and to let the jewel inside my heart shine brilliantly.

...Good night dear ones...

Day 275 / 365

As I wrap up the weekend and get ready for the week... I reflect..and feel gratitude for:

1)  Good-hearted, personable, caring neighbors
2)  Rae's inspiring post on her blog:  The Art of Collecting Yourself .. thank you Rae.
3)  Thank you Jamie Ridler for always inviting us to probe deeper...and find our inner-treausres
4)  The beautiful Fall day today... and the enjoyment of puttering around the house
5)  Watching the movie, The Velveteen Rabbit today... which I'd nver seen... the memorable ending lesson was:  "Loving" makes us real... and then I saw the Velveteen Rabbit emerge from a cloth sack...as a living, breathing charcoal colored bunny... come to life through the love of a little boy. It really makes me ponder the distinguishmnent between "love" and being "loving" (which the swan in the movie pointed out).  I just love children's movies...stories and books!

Day 259 / 365 - PIcking up where I left off...

Ahh... it feels good to be back here.  In the Spring of the year, I took a vacation from the DAILY blogging of Gratitude-Joy.  After feeling the pleasure and enchantment of Gratitude-Joy, I decided to let myself embody it in my daily sojourns...and to fast from daily blogging .  And so.. I embarked on appreciating what surounded me and accepting the gifts it brought, be they "quiet moments with my own thoughts", or the not always so wonderful encounters of... "quiet moments with my own thoughts!"  Oh..if we don't have a sense of humor, we'll be invited to grow one in one way or another!

And so... to actually see from a distance - via my blog - that which stirs me to appreciate life...is something I needed a closer snapshot of; and starting with Autumn,  blogging gives me the perfect amount of distance to see and feel the full appreciation.  Drawing inward as our bodies attune to Mother Earth's Autumn season, as She prepares to retreat inwardly for hibernaton, rest and replenishment.

And.. of course, being back here again with all of you, my Creative Kindred Spirits, is one of the best parts of all!  It just wouldn't be the same without setting my Gratitude-Joy free to the Winds of the Worldwide Web and beyond...intended to blow joyful breezes of gratitude awareness your way...and then circle back my way via yourbeautiful, colorful, sacred Creative Offerings.  I intend to blog my Gratitude-Joy at least once a week, thata feels like enough to keep the appreciation fires stoked - and to stay in touch with all of you as well.  I do thank you for being here!

Right now...my heart is filled with joy that:

1)   I talked witih my daughter tonight... it was SO good to hear her voice...she's Good Medicine!
2)   S.C. who's guiding me through some unique territory
3)   I connecting with Creative Sister, Angelia and her colorful, unique soulful art that calls us to a higher place within. Angelia.. I" glad you left a comment on my Mandala Oasis blog!
4)  my very good job
5) I'm back here...at my blog... turning up the Gratitude-Joy within!