The Body As An Illusion

"For in truth, you are not a body but a soul."

Tahlia Hunter

In childhood, I had an awareness of being other than a physical body. I would notice obvious qualities in others and sadly, negative emotions. Curiosity encouraged the practice of noticing individual characteristics. The words spoken often times did not coincide with behaviors. The harsh vibrations of some instinctively alerted me to step aside.

Admittedly, my desire to understand others from a non-physical stance was an escape for me. Somehow, I was able to pick up on the radiance from within others which made me question how this person could feel so unlovable, unwanted and unworthy. I took for granted my ability to extend love out into his or her field.

Years passed and I became increasingly adept at sensing the shame hidden within a person which enabled me to highlight their gift so very needed in our chaotic world.The obsession of others to cover uniqueness confused me.  I was so keenly aware that the body was the illusion, not the soul. 

 

Walk Beside Me, Please

"I'm not asking you to walk in my shoes; but, could you

walk beside me on secure ground and reach to hold my hand?"

Richelle E. Goodrich

There is a quote about walking not in front of me and not behind me, but to walk by my side. It has been a long time favorite of mine, as I do not like to lead, nor do I like to follow. My paths of solitude have been laced with insight and challenge, but now, to have a friend effortlessly walk beside me at this late date is an exceptional and extraordinary gift.

Although vastly different, my friend and I uncovered a growing calm between us that did not crowd nor push. There tends to be the ability for both of us to pursue our interests on  our own, and yet always return to center, side by side. Facing boring or challenging aspects of life seem to be more tolerable when not faced alone.

It feels as though we are each others home in that we can return  to this safe space where we both can just be. When our hands touch, vibrations of acceptance, affection, and loyalty flow strengthening us. Life offers endless possibilities and unforeseen challenges, and together, we walk side by side.  

 

Resist Or Assist

"Whatever you resist you become."

Adyashanti 

When I am confused, it is easy to revert back into my childhood stance of resistance only to find myself even more confused.  I avoid an emotion by bracing my lovely self against it. Even when an emotion is positive, if it is accelerated, I will resist the increase of feelings. Too easily, I can become overwhelmed by the surge of emotional energy.

Being highly sensitive can bring great joy to celebratory events, but equally, sadness can become amplified. A flood of incoming energy requires me to recalibrate, balance, and flow. Whether positive or negative, adjustments need to be made. As an energy worker, I can feel empowered just as easily as over powered. 

Pulsing energy can either be uplifting or depressing. The choice, actually, is mine. If I resist, I am caught. If I notice without attachment, it will follow its intended course. My ability to become a vessel for light with intention to help others, is rewarding. When I am able to share light with others, all is well in my world. Light is the one thing I do not resist.

 

Emancipation From Darkness

"Books are the plane, and the train, and the road.

They are the destination, and the journey.

They are home."

Anna Quindlen 

Granted a card to a Chicago Branch Library was emancipation from the darkness cramping my mind. Obtained in the second or third grade, exciting adventure lured me into the possibility of expansion. Introduction to amazing characters alerted me to the hope of changing, improving and surviving. 

Reading has been an escape.  The survival of fictional characters and case histories of psychological growth, encouraged my desire for emotional clarity. Books opened passage ways by offering knowledge of healing, and expansion.  Stories whether fiction or non-fiction escorted me on my twisting and turning path.

My passion for reading spilled over into prolific writing. The ability to create after reading stimulating scenarios, added to my life's journey. Eventually, self-imposed barriers were lowered allowing for artistic pleasure without censorship. My true home,  perhaps, is in the archives of books carefully stacked within my mind.

 

Incomplete

 

"Something has to be incomplete in our life to make us understand life."

Avijeet Das

Perhaps it was in grade school that I attached shame to the sense of being incomplete whether it was a homework assignment or lack in abilities. For as long as I can remember, my need to seek answers prevailed. I was self-driven to dig deeper in hopes of discovering what was beneath discomfort. To be incomplete was reason to seek.

 

To want more was not about riches or fame, but a drive to acquire knowledge. An end of result statement caused curiosity about the layers leading to it.  Questioning seemed to be the way I navigated through life, and continue to do so. This deep dive is not about judgment, but an attempt to understand diversity, attraction, and dreams  come true.

For strong connection, I delve into the makings of life experience not for comparison, but for appreciation for the journey. The endurance of the human spirit while seeking meaning kindles passion in my soul. If I maintained an essence of completion, it is doubtful that I would experience the depth of  joy created by insight, perceptions, and awareness.

Keep In Touch

 

"No one has ever become poor from giving."

Anne Frank

Swing by the post office and pick up some fun stamps. Dig through your desk and unearth note cards or stationery while thinking positive thoughts about friendship and blessings in life. It requires only minutes to jot down a memory shared with an old friend. Recalling it, you may even hear the echoes of laughter and joy.

Maybe the last time you reached out was in  a dark time of sadness or loss. If so, it may be difficult to find appropriate words. It is quite easy to find a quote about friendship or a poem about happier tomorrows. Then of course there is the tried and true captions like: "I am thinking of you," or "I am missing you."

When was the last time you received a personal note through the mail? Can you recall how fun it was to randomly receive connection without it being a holiday or special occasion? Your thoughtfulness will more than likely touch the hearts of those who receive it. Come on, have a little fun and bring joy to the self and happiness to others. 

Feeling Squirrelly

"In my very heart of hearts, I'm feeling squirrelly."

Pinterest 

The squirrel outside my patio doors is scurrying around, bursting with hyper activity. Although it seems sociable enough, nervous energy abounds as food is scrounged up to be buried in a hole. As I observe, it takes time to wrestle with other squirrels. The chatter of this animal, to me, sounds very annoying. I do admire, however, its preparedness. 

As I am attempting to balance out the crazy energies of the Solar Eclipse, I am feeling really squirrelly. I am grasping at ideas regarding the future of our society and the world we live in, I tend to be creating anxiety that is unnecessary. It is the same old theory of remaining in the moment to not be overwhelmed by the future. 

It's nuts to hoard fear. Burying everything underneath the surface contributes to this squirrelly behavior. I cannot climb a tree and make a nest, but I can sit upon a meditative perch to view life from a higher perspective. I will give thoughtful observance to the balance between work and play while eliminating the annoying chatter!

 

Rough Sailing

"When you come out of the storm, you won't be

the same person who walked in."

Haruki Murakami

The Solar Eclipse churned the waves for many of us. Choppy waters (emotions) and undercurrents (issues) triggered shifts on numerous levels. Two resolutions were offered: 1. react with fear or 2. embrace unknown with curiosity. Either way, shifts were felt altering our courses.

Many of us were surrounded by friends to assist us in returning to the safety of equilibrium.  Those alone turned to resources such as mentors, meditations, and prayers. The artists amongst us  created intriguing works of art reflecting turbulance and new resolve. 

Hopefully, we were all able to greet the Solar Eclipse with a willingness to learn and a gentleness to adapt. Each of us receive messages in differing ways which help us to stretch and grow. Change is uncomfortable, but necessary in order for us to reach our full potential.  This has been an opportunity to change who we were yesterday!

Distance From Misunderstanding

 

"The greatest distance between two people is misunderstanding."

Unknown

When words are spoken, they often lose intentional meaning. The person listening is apt to translate each word based on his or her own emotional makeup. What is said may be taken out of context and misconstrued. When offense is taken, a divide is created forming a negative consequence to the relationship.

When left unaddressed, this division grows wider. Energy is used to defend the self rather than finding common ground. It is human nature for emotional reaction to hamper  elements of healing. When ignored, a deeper infestation occurs. There comes the time when evaluation is necessary to determine closure or new growth.

If we can stand back from an emotionally triggered situation, and determine if we are more interested in winning an argument or salvaging a relationship, the path becomes clear. Do we want to let go or begin anew? Either way, it is best to address the issue with respect for the other as well as respect for the self. 

In The Midst Of Giants

"For me, trees have always been the most penetrating teachers."

Herman Hesse 

As a child, trees were my mentors. They showed me how to endure the bitter cold, tolerate extreme heat, and sway with the breeze. Even when a bough was broken, they exhibited the strength to carry on. Leaves sprouted, changed colors, and then fell gently to the ground. Following the exposed roots, I understood the connection between these trees.

Leaning against a tree, perhaps for hours, I felt the exchange of energy creating a sense of belonging. I could travel neighborhoods with friendly trees aligning city streets. If alone in a park, there would be the comfort of trees just waiting for me. Even as I was aging, I could travel anywhere and discover encouragement and solitude in the midst of trees.

When I feel especially alone, I take myself to the park with the diverse selection of trees.  In the midst of these giants, I feel safe to drum or write or sketch until I am able to return to what is termed reality. Oh, the trees I have both loved and mourned! They created an enduring knowing of who I yearned to be.

Found It!

"My good fortune lies in having found my life."

Elyn R. Saks

There isn't anyone I know of who professes that family members early on encouraged them as a child to openly share his or her wounds or dreams or observations. To be a truth teller was never encouraged. The message seemed to be: 'Present how we want you to be, not as you truly are.' And how did that work out for us?

Early on, we learned to hide our true colors and not stray outside of the lines. We became confused by what we saw as reality later described with an entirely different story line. Uncertain as to who was entirely safe, fear began to spread deeply within our experiences. Even when we had a sense of self, it was overwhelmingly challenged.

As an adult, we spend endless hours unpacking the debris hidden beneath our soul. We unravel stories discovering the spoon fed fiction. As we breathe in new perceptions, we reawaken our dormant self.  We then become empowered to embrace our authentic life. With  joy and freedom, hope then abounds.

The Stars That Shine

"Not only do we live among the stars, the stars live within us."

Neil Degrass Tyson

Each one of us is a host to a light like a twinkling star that can shine brightly for the betterment of the self as well as others. When our inner glow expands there is a sense of warmth in our heart. As this generates outside of our body, we can shine on the lives of others bringing both comfort and joy.

The best example of this, perhaps, is the exchange between a vulnerable elder and an innocent child. The connection emanates joy. It is very common to catch the reflection of someone's star  beam when they lovingly accept us without reservation. The exchange of our light with others unites us as we have always meant to be.

If we can hold our hearts open, reflecting our inner light like a star, we draw others to us. We experience a sense of recognizing the spirit of strangers as though they have come to us from a very long  past. The gift is in remembering to look up from our darkness to discover fellow stars. There is a need for all of us to shine like the stars! 

"Run" or "Rise"

"F-E-A-R has two meanings"

'Forget Everything And Run' or

'Face Everything And Rise."

The choice is ours."

Unknown

The emotional development of a human being can be extremely perplexing and inconsistent. What is appropriate in one situation is not necessarily acceptable in the next. When a human is driven by pleasing others, all focus is on meeting the emotional needs of others, while personal emotional health becomes dysfunctional.

Humans are capable of recognizing an inner spirit and may even be able to hear the cheering of the Divine. Human nature, however, experiences numerous levels of fear and our inner voice tends to scream ' run'.  Discerning between danger and challenge helps us to choose to rise above presenting obstacles.

The ability to reach inside of oneself with the ability to recall past experiences, human beings can progress more peacefully. Application of what has been learned, paves the way to accelerating positive experiences. Life strides are best attained when human beings strive to  overcome cognitive impairment.

 

Fragrance Clinging To The Hand

"A bit of fragrance always clings to the hand that gives roses."

Chinese Proverb

Without ulterior motive for giving something away, both the bestower and the beneficiary are blessed. The value of the gesture is a reward to both participants. It doesn't matter if it is money or a gesture, the act itself is reward. It is somewhat ridiculous that we are not giving to each other on some level every day.

The proud mother smiles when a wave is given to her child. The aging grandmother is delighted to be respectfully assisted. Some will carry bottles of water in the car to be offered to those on the corner asking for money. Whatever our strength may be, could it be volunteered for free? 

There are those who offer prayers or healing light out into the world. Avid readers may leave finished books in an airport to be discovered by a fellow traveler. Animal lovers who cannot house a pet, volunteer to walk those detained in a shelter. The fragrance of kindness lingers on the hand that is generously extended.

 

One Small Mascot

"The worst enemy to creativity is self-doubt."

Sylvia Plath

Whether orchestrating life or designing a piece of art, self-doubt can quickly destroy progress. No matter how great the odds are for success, if we don't stay out of our own way, momentum will be disrupted and collapse could easily follow. Too often, we give up prematurely, triggering unnecessary defeat.

Incubation of an idea is necessary, but there comes a time when a crack in the shell is needed to let a little light shine in. A  trusted sounding board allows the opportunity to hear our untamed thoughts spoken out loud. As our ideas take on a life of their own, we can evaluate the cadence of how we want things to unfold.

We may have ten faithful cheerleaders surrounding us with praise, but let one small mascot raise a questionable eyebrow, and our ego goes on a rampage. Insecurity allows the foundation to crack and brilliant inspiration tumbles underneath the debris. It is primarily when we believe in our lovely selves that manifestation of dreams comes into play.

Gathering Pieces

"Everyone is trying to accomplish something big,

not realizing that life is made up of little things."

Frank A. Clark

Too much time is wasted when we are totally invested in an outcome without gathering pieces along the way. There is a need to not be too narrow minded about the end result. Using imagination, ideas can shift and take on heightened form. Randomly collect inspiration without being too concerned about how all of the pieces will come together.

When we are filled with passion, basic ideas can be ignited into bursting fireworks. There is no need to worry about how things will line up, keep exploring and collecting. Things can be sorted out later. Hone skills to develop personal craftsmanship allowing unique signature to be established. 

Whether designing a new living space or anticipating a new garden plot, imagination will fuel excitement and advancement. One builds energy as an investment of our time and creative touch contributes to the task at hand. The creative expansion of the goal becomes a journey filled with incidental steps weaving the way.

 

Become A Victor

"Our world is made of our assumptions.

Create it yourself."

Lion Goodman

We may not have control over certain events in our lives, but we certainly have choice as to how we respond. Reactions can vary from feelings of defeat to a readiness to begin a new challenge. It is a matter of allowing life to dictate how things go or replying with positive action. We do not have to be a victim of life, we can be the victor.

Lessons repeat themselves nudging us to be aware and dig deeper. When we can view the repetition as an opportunity to create a heightened result, there is no need to experience the role of a victim. There is a need to ask the self, 'what do I want' and then build upon that lead. Gather fresh ideas and be determined to follow through.

If we expect disaster and defeat, that is exactly what we will get. If we are unrealistic and base action upon fiction rather than clarity, dreams will remain untrue. It is when we believe in our own power and create a goal with room for variation, shifts by the Universe will begin to meet us halfway. 

Fool Me Twice, Shame On Me

 

"Any fool can criticize, complain, and condemn ... and most

fools do. But it takes character and self-control

to be understanding and forgiving."

Dale Carnegie

Human development includes the experience of being foolish or fooled. It is not intended for us to remain stuck there, labeling the self as a fool. It is imperative to apply the same compassion to the self as one might extend to others. It is when we learn to trust our inner self more than a fool parading in front of us that we learn to avoid foolishness.

When we have an open heart, we do not anticipate someone to be taking advantage of us. Often times, a person who chooses to fool us, presents as being quite charismatic. We do not realize that his or her actions lack sincerity and tend to be manipulative. Sadly, we can be foolishly sucked in to harmful schemes. 

The focus needs to be on the outcome of the charade by asking what has been learned. We cannot escape being occasionally duped, but we can raise our antennas to determine when boundaries need to be raised. Self-evaluation also determines what part we played. With each incident, we can become smarter and still keep our own heart open! 

Ascension in Spring

"Spring adds new life and new joy to all that is."

Jessica Harrelson

Spring calls to us to come out of our hibernation with a willingness to release excess heaviness. It is time to come up out of the dark, reaching for more light.  There seems to be an awareness of no longer wanting to wait and a desire for new beginnings. We may even feel the nudging of the seeds we carefully planted months ago.

Contrary to the winter tones of black and white, spring escorts vibrant colors for all of us to see. Our minds may become pregnant with new thought, while our body stretches for active movement. Spiritually, we may request faith to escalate us from the worst case scenario to a new thriving life.

The grass turns green, buds pop out, and even the breeze is more fragrant. The shift in season calls to us to be outdoors which connects us with all things. As we are comforted by the essence of Spring, we find it to be easier to communicate with spirit guides, those who have passed, and especially with our most inner thoughts.

 

Early Sorrow

"The suppression of early sorrow is not limited 

to overt trauma or abuse."

Gabor Mate

Experiences as a human are very diverse and what happens as dysfunction in one case scenario, may be quite different in another. The common thread seems to be not having someone to talk to or a safe place for release. The lack of security leads to feeling vulnerable. The disconnect heightens over time, not in one isolated instance.

To add to dysfunction, we tend to minimize our experiences by comparison to others. The level of pain suffered aught not be diminished by someone else's background. In some situations, we incorrectly use a double standard, having compassion for acquaintances, but none for ourselves. We may lower the bar for others, then raise it for ourselves.

We need to step through the falsehood of thinking we were the cause of inappropriate events and recognize the impact of unavailable people, healing can begin. Understanding that no matter how large or small, negative events impact our development. These situations are heightened when we have no one to turn to or no safe place to go.

 

Strength and New Vision

"You've seen my descent gradually, right? Now wait

and see my rising suddenly!"

Joseph Jacson K.

Life brings people challenges and we have the choice to react peacefully and learn or experience irritably and fall. There is no avoiding the darkness. If we hold hope for meaning while searching for the light, we carry a torch not only for ourselves but for others as well. Choices do not singularly impact just one person involved.

Minimizing the shame and the blame, we wander in the dark in search of wisdom and healing. It may seem that the pain is never ending, until life shifts, streaming light right in. As we gather strength and new vision, possibilities become opportunities and we become radiant once again.

The Biblical telling of Good Friday demonstrates this very thing. The worst possible thing happens, creating rage and despair, but it is followed by the example of life after life which embeds greater understanding and aspirations. With time, we can not only survive, but thrive in a new way of living. 

Movable Parts

"Growth is painful. Change is painful. But nothing

is as painful as staying stuck where you do not belong."

N. R. Narayana Murthy

Holidays tend to provoke a self-assessment of how we will present to our families. Will we don an old costume, sliding back into out grown roles or will we wear attire that reflects creative movement forward. Perhaps we adjust our dialogues to slide back into safe conversations or try new genres to side step the past.

Change is inevitable, and we may no longer be who our family wants us to be. They may want the security of old roles with everyone in his or her designated place. Evaluate the audience determining how much to reveal. Remain confident in personal progress, but do not agree to sit in front of the firing squad. 

Building pressure can be released by getting on the floor and playing with a child, petting the family pet, or gazing out the window in hopes of seeing a bird. Breathe and resist being frozen in place. If we discover the space to be intolerable, perhaps it is time, with grace, to leave where we no longer belong.

Hissy FIt!

"When we recognize that our suffering is based on images

instead of current reality, then living happily in the 

present moment becomes possible right away."

Thich Nhat Hahn

It is no wonder we desperately seek peace outside of our lovely selves. We have our higher self attempting to guide us, our ego misdirecting us, and our inner child pitching a hissy fit! Chaos within leaves very little room for clarity. Our higher self adjusts to be silent, and our ego minimized, but the inner child ... we must take her hand and heal her.

It is not easy to discover this inner being as she has been buried beneath trauma, disillusionment, and endless repression. An invitation needs to be extended to her, informing her that it is not only safe, but imperative for her to come out and play. As we reintroduce ourselves, a childlike freedom escorts us forward.

Apologies need to be offered to this little one, and with heightened listening, we begin to understand her compounded dysfunction created by our own personal detachment. Welcoming this child fully into our lives, we experience a sense of completion with creative flair and unlimited energy. Hold her, hug her, and welcome her back. 

Hell No!

"Aging is not lost youth, but a new stage 

of opportunity and strength."

Betty Friedan

My age has never meant anything to me and I never had elders in my life to portray what aging looked like. Turning twenty-one is the only milestone, age wise, that I remember as life simply unfolded afterwards. I clearly remember what year I was born, but rarely remember exactly how 'old' I am today.

This morning, I will attend a Pilates class at the YMCA followed by a coffee clutch with newly acquired friends. Then I will watch the Illini game with an incredible human being, Jim.  Lastly, I will attend a Drum Circle at Unity with my regular Drum Circle friends, and of course, Jim.

Oh my gosh! I am so glad I am not 'old', sitting around isolated and weeping without companionship. I refuse to wear the polyester nylon blend suggested for elders. Give me my Birkenstocks and all things hippie!  I will continue to loiter in the library and walk at least 3 miles with Jim at the park. As for me aging, hell no! 

Created For A Reason

 

"Can you find a place within you that allows for the

possibility that each soul is whole?"

Gregg Braden

There is importance in choosing what is best for me especially when I share the rewards with others. Whether my gain is financial or emotional, the ability to use in common what I have gained creates harmony. Without forcing or encapsulating knowledge, diversity will prevail. The avenue is opened equally for all to come forward and share.

As I learn to embrace my own anger and limitations, I am in a heightened position to understand the negative qualities of others. If I spend as much time engaging with my own limitations, I will learn a tolerance for the shortcomings of others. Perspective must not be hampered by personal wounds, as it needs to be open and clear.

Prior to deciphering the imperfections of others, look into the mirror and with new eyes truly see the 'self'.  Notice the flaws and imperfections while seeing how they all contribute to life lessons and the dynamics of personality. Each of us have been created for a reason and by discovering our individual cadence, we are more likely to move forward.

Back To Normalcy

"Every grievance you hold hides a little more of the light of the world

from your eyes until the darkness becomes overwhelming."

Donna Goddard

Our inner thoughts project the coloring of what we hold true. If we choose to look through the eyes of love, our strength and ability to connect strengthens. Viewing life through cloaks of fear, our inner darkness triggers dis-ease. When we learn to perpetually align our body, mind and spirit, healing becomes apparent.

Each human being has the ability to impact his or her health. We have choice as to how to eat, think and present. When these actions are aligned, we are powerful human beings. However, when we have chosen to numb ourselves from the reality of life, we will falter, falling into darkness and isolation. 

Life happens and how we react is imperative to maintaining health. If we view life as happening to us, we fall into negative mindsets eating away at our power.  If we can manage to face reality with the question of  'what am I to learn', momentum towards empowerment increases. No matter how distraught, find and follow the light back to normalcy. 

Sitting With The Unknown

Accept yourself, love yourself, and keep moving forward.

If you want to fly, you have to give up what weighs you down."

Roy T. Bennett

When things are falling apart, there is an opportunity for learning to appear. The most important element is the ability to sit with the unknown. Even when we do not know if we are going to fall on our face or rise to new heights, there is a need to simply be still. We don't know if the story is going to end or if it is time to begin anew.

We find ourselves in the midst of a hopeless cycle if we believe that we can live in endless pleasure and avoid pain or suffering. By being present and still, we can observe what is truthfully happening and adjust accordingly. It is by our ability to see the truth of the matter that we discover ways to cope and to heal.

Facing crisis, we can choose to discover what didn't work so we can make better choices in the future. When a barrier is thrown in front of us, presenting as a terrible thing, hindsight will usually show it was redirecting us to a better scenario. Let go of what is no longer working and with delight seek what will propel life us forward with curiosity and joy.

Suitable Pulse

 

"The fusion of yin and yang opens a whole 

new potential of manifestation. It is 

blending knowing and doing."

Chris Griscom

As the yin and the yang energy merge, the question and the answer find themselves. Upon initiating action, the higher self provides direction which guides us in new and more fulfilling ways. It is through a willingness to open and blend energies that transformation begins to take place.

As our masculine and feminine energies come together, we experience the result of combining inspiration with productivity. As we remind ourselves that we are not just one thing such as masculine or feminine, we expand our perceptions of who we can truly be. Our experience heightens with exhilaration and possibility.

As our doing and our being become aligned, our perception of limitations shifts.  Wisdom is the result of experience which spurs us even further establishing a pulse suitable for purposeful living. The progression is to create a goal and engage in a plan which results  in the manifestation of powerful living. 

Spunk and Fire

"Fashion has to reflect who you are, what you feel

at the moment, and where you're going."

Pharrell Williams 

Women and men, both, use clothing as an expression of their male or female orientation. As the choosing may be unconscious, the reflection is a cue as to what and how one is feeling. How we dress is also an expression of our energy. It also can be used as a disguise, to hide our most inner fears.

Our attire need not be flashy or brilliantly colored. There are ways we can dress that are striking or uniquely creative. A woman my choose to wear slightly masculine clothes with the intention to appear decisive, and powerful. When comfortable in personal feminine identity, one may choose soft and gentle fabric with striking colors.

It is interesting to browse through old photos taking notice of how we are dressed on differing occasions. No matter our age, we have the right to dress comfortably with a defining addition of expression. Be it a piece of jewelry, scarf or feisty shoe, have fun sending the subtle message of personal spunk and fire.

Mourning ...

"The song of the dove speaks to all who hear it. Its mournful

tones stir the emotions, the  internal waters."

Ted Andrews

While walking in the park, I asked my significant other if he knew what a Mourning Dove was as it is one of my most favorite birds. I proceeded to tell him that I had not seen one in a very long time, and missed hearing the haunting tones. These doves are a beautiful taupe color, mate for life, have two offspring yearly and return to the same nest every spring. 

The next day we were at the dinner table when movement caught my eye outside of the window. I slowly approached the window and discovered a Mourning Dove sitting on the ledge staring at me. (We were up on the 12th floor, hardly a place for it to be.) Joy filled my heart, as I knew it was there for me.

Another day passed and while sitting on the couch, we wondered about the odd sound we were hearing. Again to the window, and there was a Mourning Dove singing its mournful song. It is known to invoke new waters of life, creating new birth as one releases the past and embraces the future. This was synchronistic confirmation and yes, I cried.