Mirror, Mirror

It seems to me that if we have a wee bit of courage and an open mind and heart...

...if we develop enough fortitude to spend time with ourSelf; get comfortable with ourSelf; really take the time to examine what makes one singularly special and necessary; truly get to know who you are...

...if we fearlessly investigate what makes us happy and content.  If we learn what we want from life and expect of ourSelf... learn why we are here...  see what is possible and what we wish to accomplish...

...then maybe, just maybe...

...we can run through life with wonder, amazement and joy. Just like my beloved, intrepid Thoryn Peach whose mother, Alea, I have loved since she was that small.

I hope you find joy in your day and your life, just like Thoryn!

Namaste' Till Next Time,
Holly aka She Who Is Still Learning About HerSelf

It's All Good

Which ever day you are facing, live it.  And know it's all good.  Nothing is ever wasted.

Namaste' Till Next Time,
Holly aka She Who Lives

He's Become So Important To Me

 It's funny how some people have a way of entering into you thoughts and even heart almost as soon as you meet them.  He's one of those.  I knew straight away during the first meeting that this is a man who has lived his life as fully as possible, holds few grudges, loves to laugh and make others laugh.  He is the sort who wants you to feel comfortable when you sit with him.

Oh, he is the consummate sales man; was a traveling salesman for years and years before being offered a big job with Hanover Shoes.  Many of the people in Hanover owe him for giving them their first and perhaps only job.  He's well known, and well respected.  He loves the ladies, likes to make them feel special, pretty, necessary.  Likes to flirt, but not in the smarmy, icky way.  He's just the sort of guy you want to give a hug even if you don't know him very well.

He is not perfect by any stretch of the imagination. He's had his demons and issues with which to contend. And, as he has grown older, he's grown up and expanded his views on things.  He successfully raised eight children, survived the death of one of them way too early, and now listens to the stories of grand children and now the start of great grand children.

He's battled a significant battle with cancer that has ruined his jaw, stolen his eye, and marred that adorable face.  He's always been a bit vain about his looks; so now he doesn't like to go out much and he feels less than because his looks have been changed.  He is sad about all that he's lost through this fight. But most days, you can still easily see that twinkle in his good eye and he still loves to laugh.  Watching him go through all of this really has been an example of the tenacity of the Human spirit to thrive.  I have come to admire him a great deal through this long, hard ordeal.  And, my sister-in-love, Theresa who has been there every day for him truly gets my applause and admiration for all she's done to bring him this far.  It's been no easy feat for her and her family. 

He admits that he's becoming tired and ready to give up the fight.  He's all right if the Creator calls him home, and proud of all his children have done and become.  He classifies his life as a 'great one.'  And, I think he's proud of how he is still so very important to all of us.

Today, Michael is in Hanover with Dad while he undergoes a major cancer surgery.  This is a big one. It will require extensive removal of his scalp and perhaps part of his face. If we're lucky, the surgeon will be able to do the skin graft at the same time.  If she can remove all the cancerous tissue and get clean edges.  IF.  And, I am here praying and supporting from a distance.  The fact is, while he might be all right with leaving, I'm not.  I've come to think of him as Dad.  He's slipped into the void that was created when my beloved father left the world. 

I'm not usually a selfish person.  I try to put the needs of others ahead of mine.  But, today I can't do that.  Today, Dad, sorry to tell you, I'm going with my wants ahead of yours.  You need to come through this surgery.  You still have stories to tell me, and teases to make.  I need to hear you laugh again a thousand more times and watch that twinkle in your eye while you do.

Namaste' Till Next Time,
Holly aka Carroll Frock's Daughter-in-love

Silent Sermon Sunday

Life transpires in the gray places

between the absolutes of black and white.

If you seek certainty,

give love.

If you wish peace,

find it in the conversation, the communion,

with the God/Goddess of your understanding.

And remember that you are the Face of God in the 

misty gray.  

So smile often and kindly.

Namaste' Till Next Time,

Holly

Image from the Internet: Stotebury, WV~ St. John the Baptist Church by Victoria Bowden

Silent Sermon Sunday

Solomon's Wall

by:

Jean-Leon Gerome

For this one Sunday, I'm breaking with the "Silent Sermon" part.  Because I want to let you know that in a few days, My Lion and I will be departing for Jerusalem.  I will have lots to share with you when I return here.

Israel, I admit, has never been on my list of world places I've longed to see.  But, it is at the very top of Michael's short list of places he's always wanted to visit.  I am beyond thrilled for him to have this wish answered.  I know I will be more than delighted by all the history and sights I will encounter over the eight days.

How can one not be fascinated to stand in a part of our world that has such ancient energy and humanity?

So, to that end, I make you an offer.  If you have a special intention, or you have a special prayer that you would like me to include at my time standing at The Wall, please let me know.

I promise you that it will be included in the small paper I leave in a crack of The Wall....it will join the millions of prayers that have now become part of that sacred place.  Carrying it for you will be an honor.

The ancient cry of the Jews is always the hopeful, "Next year in Jerusalem!"  Somehow, I feel especially fortunate to live in a world that means world travel is so easy to actualize.  Somehow, I know I am especially  blessed to be able to say, "This year in Jerusalem!"  And, I am especially blessed to have wonderful people like you, with whom to share this Mitzvah.

Namaste' Till Next Time,

Holly

Silent Sermon Sunday

Dundyvan church, Scotland

Spend time in the sacred space where

the God of Man

and

the God of Nature

Meet.

Namaste' Till Next Time,

Holly

photo by Mark Leslie   

Silent Sermon Sunday

Eastend House, Scotland

When, through the power of your prayers,

 a way 'in' presents itself to you,

Summon your courage and walk through.

Namaste' Till Next Time,

Holly

Image courtesy of  Abandoned Scotland,

 http://www.abandonedscotland.com

Spirit Vs. Science- And The Winner Is...

Recently, I was flabbergasted by events that took place right here in my own study. First I was shocked, then incredulous, then I was down right sad. I was disrespected in the effort of doing a good deed. The story and all the details are too long to share here, but I'll give you a summary:

A friend of mine has a very young cousin who wanted to marry the guy she's been in love with since she sat next to him on the school bus. She was six at the time, he was eight. Over the years they went their own ways, but something continued to draw them back to each other. And so they fell in romantic love and then he went away to the be in the Army. She went off to college.

One day, a few months back, they both came to the conclusion that they didn't want to be separated from each other. And, although she is soon to be 20 and he 21, young yes, the heart wants what the heart wants.

Their parents who have known both since they were young, agreed. But, when they went to their churches, neither the Catholic priest who she knew, nor the fundamental Christian pastor that he knew would agree to officiate since he is away in the Army. Not being able to meet him and have them take the prep classes, the pastor offered the church as a site, but told the young girl she'd have to find an officiant.

Enter my friend who calls and asks for my help. She knows I am a licensed Minister with The Universal Life Church. I became a minister as part of my Reiki practice. Since we do not qualify for mal-practice insurance, many of us are licensed as ministers because, you can not be sued for putting your hands on an individual for purposes of prayer. I have officiated at another wedding and will help when called upon.

Yes, it may seem a loop hole, but the world has become so litigious, that anyone who does any sort of body work must do what they can to protect themselves, and for Reiki practitioners, this is an answer.

Back to the bride to be. I agreed that I would officiate only after I sat and met with her to determine her emotional state and maturity. I am morally obligated to refuse to officiate if I believe the individual is not of sound mind and emotionally ready. On the agreed upon day, the girl showed up with a woman in tow.

The woman turned out to be her soon to be mother-in-law. The girl asked if she could sit in on the meeting; I agreed.

Cutting to the chase, what happened is this: We sat in my study and talked for over an hour. I told her my qualifications. I listened to her story and believed her to be ready for marriage. When it came time for her to ask me questions, she had none. I asked her mother-in-law if she had questions. She had been looking fidgety through the entire interview and she finally erupted like a tea kettle left too long on the fire. Hot liquid thoughts spewed everywhere.

Crying, she said to the bride, "I'm sorry, but I can't agree to this." Looking back at me she continued, "You are all about light and airy fairy and I raised my son to be God fearing and a good Christian. You are all about kind and gentle, but I am about doing everything to be in communication with God as my savior and supreme commander. I give glory to God in all things and you do not talk about the importance of putting God as the head of your household or the need to get down into the muck and hardship that can be part of marriage and fighting to make it work at all costs! I'm sorry, but I raised my son to go to Sunday school and you have Buddhas everywhere in your home. I can't have my son married by you!!!!"

I sat there stunned. She bawled. The young girl looked embarrassed. Quietly I said, "Yes, there are Buddhas in my home. There is also a crucifix, a cross, a pagan star, Madonnas and saints. There are many reflections of Spirit in my home. I hear what you are saying about your beliefs and I respect your traditions. My relationship with "God" is not based on fear, suffering, brimstone, and sadness and ultimately this is about what this young woman wants as her wedding ceremony."

She bawled back, "My God expects all things from me, and my church is critically important to me!"

And I responded, "And yet, your church has turned away from you in this important life matter because your son is away serving his country and can't be here to sit and chat with them."

With that she stood up and as she was fleeing my house she wailed, "I know!!!! And that's what makes all of this even worse!!!!"

Clearly, I didn't officiate at the wedding. Because their are Buddhas in my house...

Sad. Very sad and unsettling...

The National Day of Prayer coming up soon has caused a major brouhaha...not unlike the feelings I had in the situation I just described. So many are opposed to it on the grounds of separation of religion and state. So many are equally strident that it is important and should be allowed. So many who believe in prayer and feel as though their right to be positively accepted in this country as Christians is being systematically stripped away. They believe that the United States of America was founded on Christian principles and that they should not be under fire by liberal view points as they seem to be currently.

Standing firmly on the other side of the aisle are the many who do not believe in God. Those who call themselves either atheist or agnostic who feel public rituals and prayer have no place in our society. Who believe with a great deal of historical events to back them up that formalized religions have caused such narrow trains of thought and intolerance that they should be outlawed all together.

Some believe that God and formal religions funded in dogma are becoming antiquated and unnecessary in the face of Science unveiling so many of life's mysteries. Science and facts are acceptable while faith in a Creator is not.

As vitriolic as that woman was sitting here in my own home, disrespecting me and what I believe, that's how strident many are now against formalized religions. They almost spit when they talk about "God" and those bovine enough to engage in formalized religions.

And, while I don't agree with most formal religions and their tendency to make us all want to be 'RIGHT' while it makes any who believe differently 'WRONG or even DAMNED'...I do believe that we still ALL must find the God thread that is in us and develop it. In whatever means seems best to you...alone or in a congregation, we must do our work in this regard.

I don't care what you believe. But I do care that you believe in something. I don't care how you express that belief, so long as you find a loving way to express it. Not in a condescending, self-righteous way...just express your belief in a kind and considered manner.

I am all for Science uncloaking and unlocking mysteries of life even if, for some, it does take the miracle and magick out of life. I am in awe of how exponentially fast we are learning and discovering because of our advancements in Science. Sometimes it seems that Science has become Miraculous! I believe in facts and theories that can be proved or disproved. I believe that drilling down to the most fundamental of elements is important in terms of getting us to the next level of life and living.

But, in my opinion and this is strictly my opinion, many of us act as though we are petulant five years olds when it comes to discussion about Spirit. We're mad at the concept of God like a five year old can get mad at a parent having control over us.

Some use Science as a bludgeon to beat the ignoramuses who are stupid enough to believe in their religion. We see it as a case of Science Vs. God instead of seeing the inextricable bond between these two concepts.

These concepts are not mutually exclusive. Science and your belief in it is NOT a free pass out of faith; out of considering that there is a Spirit, a Universal Life Force, a God or Goddess if you will. No. On the contrary, a belief in Science and all that it continues to unfold is, in fact, a clarion call for all of us to awaken to the FACT that we are God/Goddess. As Human Beings, we are not something separate from a benevolent dictator God. We are not something small and inconsequential. We are not subservient to God. No! We are partners with Spirit. We are the physical embodiment of Spirit. We are created in the Image & Likeness of God. WE are GOD!

As such, while on this Earth plain we have an obligation to continue to build our God energy in order to lift all of Humanity to the next level of being and in directions we cannot even begin to imagine! Science is here to help us to stop looking outside of ourselves to the heavens and screeching at each other about faith and belief. Science is here to make us all begin to look inward, just as we look inward through a microscope at things so small they can't be seen with the naked eye and marvel at them.

Things that can't be seen with the naked eye, yet we know they are there...hmm, sounds a great deal like Faith to me.... how curious...

At the end of it all, Science is likely to take us all back to the space where we started. It's likely to take us back to the beginning and make us finally understand that we are the Creator. All of us. What form we choose to reflect our beliefs is unimportant. None of us is more right; more correct; more enlightened. We are all of us GOD.

When we begin to accept this responsibility and begin to carry it with love, the rest will be at peace and harmonious. We will no longer care about the various paths that lead us to the same destination.

I don't care what you believe. Just start believing in something and be willing to express that belief with love and not as shield and buckler. Stop worrying so much about what everyone else believes and if they believe as you do. Let each walk their own path. Spirit believes in us even when we don't believe in Spirit. Can't we follow that example?

Faith: The substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Science and God...I believe. Where love and hope exist, the Light always shines.

Namaste' Till Next Time,
Holly aka She Who Believes

Silent Sermon Sunday

Simple conversations held at kitchen tables, or seated on the ground, or leaning against doorways are powerful means to start influencing and changing our world.
~ Margaret Wheatley

Namaste' Till Next Time,
Holly aka She Who Loves Her Kitchen

No Boys Named Judas

Can you explain to me why there are no boys named, Judas? I've never heard of a single one, have you? Why? Seems like a perfectly good name. Strong. It's a variant of the name, Judah, which is Hebrew for, "the praised one." Ironic, isn't it? No one has ever praised Judas the Disciple. Ever.

We just wouldn't consider naming a child, Judas. Any other odd name, sure, but not that one. Hell, thanks to the late Frank Zappa, we even have a Dweezle walking through this world. But, by all means, steer clear of Judas. Odd...and unfair.

I suppose it's because we recognize the intrinsic power of a name. What you call something is often what it becomes. Names hold us fixed in certain circumstances. In certain ways of being... A name is a very personal, and should be considered, a sacred thing. So, we avoid those that are historically associated with 'evil doers'. We simply stop remembering the truth of the name, focusing only on a person who, having that name, acted miserably.

Here's another beautiful name that no one will use. Lucifer. It means, "Light Bringer." It's been said that God called this, his favorite angel, "The Morning Star." How beautiful! What? You didn't know that Lucifer was one of God's supreme Archangels? Indeed. And, Yahweh was heartbroken that when given the choice, Lucifer decided to reign in hell rather than remain and serve in Heaven. The second Archangel, Michael "He Who Resembles God" The Warrior, was called upon to show him to the heavenly door. But, God's first chosen of the celestial body was his beloved Lucifer. He, whom we Humans re-named, Satan "The Wanderer".

Hmm. If you didn't know about that lost, grieved relationship, perhaps you weren't aware of the close friendship that The Christ had with Judas, then? Judas was one of the closest of the twelve because he constantly challenged Jesus, whose name is actually, Yeshua "Salvation, " to consider the potential of his ministry. He kept The Christ honest, as a man, in his intentions to impact political oppression. Judas was the one who, for the sake of his countrymen, pushed for more, bigger, better from Christ's ministry, in the hope of alleviating their suffering.

So, what's in a name? Perhaps, everything.

Why do we hate some people? Why do we shun them? Attempt to erase all traces of them? When they've done unthinkable, evil things, aren't they still Human Beings? Yes. But, not the Human Beings we want to be...hope to be...

Unable to separate the person from their actions, certain individuals become the face of evil. And, that's what they remain. We forget that they were children who were loved by parents. We don't want to consider that they had friends. Or that they deeply loved someone. That they struggled with life just as we do. No. They are villains; nothing more. Reduced to one dimension.

But, if they, all of them- Hitler, Genghis Khan, Marie Antoinette, Saddam Husein, Timothy McVeigh, Lucifer, Judas, hadn't carried out their destiny...what then? History is written by the victors and survivors, not necessarily the truth tellers....

Besides being universally hated, these despised spirits have one thing in common; all met and carried out their destiny. We don't have to like or admire that. We simply have to consider it.

Destiny: "A predetermined course of events often held to be an irresistible power or agency." The ancient Greeks thought that all things were predetermined. We were simply playthings for the gods who pushed us around on a game board. Willynilly doing what they wanted with us. It's as good an explanation as any for the random things that often shock our lives.

I think many of us, without realizing it, seem to have the same thinking when it comes to our view of Spirit. Some find comfort in believing in Spirit as an all-powerful entity that loves us while orchestrating all of our moments. But, can you imagine how utterly bored God would be if he already knew the moves just because he'd designed them? UNIVERSAL YAWN!

It's not that way, thanks to the gift of free will. We are the captains of our own ships. We make our choices. We must own our actions. And, I'd like to think that Spirit has some surprises each day because of how we've behaved.

I also know that, along with free will, we have a unique role in the unfolding play of life. Each of us. So, as it relates to The Christ's dear friend, Judas...look at it this way: If Judas had not accepted his role...if he had not betrayed The Christ...the story of the death and resurrection would not have played out. And, the miracle would have never come about.

Some spirit had to agree to accept the heavy weight of being the betrayer. Some spirit had to agree to be the one who goes through history absolutely hated. Some strong spirit had to agree. And, I believe The Christ didn't hate Judas for doing his part because he understood the necessity of it. He understood the rightness of it. But, we don't seem to be able to follow his example.

All villains have a significant message. They teach us what not to be. They demonstrate the need to reach for better. They remind us what is required to be a real Human Being. Even as they serve as examples of what not to be, they serve as part of the story of shared Humanity. Most importantly, they are significant change agents; out of their evil acts, unimaginable good emerges. They escort levels of good into being because we learn, through their examples, how to be better.

I'm not suggesting that you name the next male child in your life, Judas or Lucifer. (Although there may be episodes when you, in total frustration, call him a Little Demon.) But, I am asking us to consider that Judas was loved deeply by Jesus. Just as Lucifer was God's first angel in the tiers of heaven. If they were loved enough to stand intimately close to those divine Spirits, can't we find it in ourselves to consider the totality of them? Can't we remember that our devils are actually Human Beings, not the events they were called to put into action? Could we stop and remember that each spirit is more complex than we can truly understand? Who are we to judge? And, why should we...

Namaste' Till Next Time,
Holly

An Open Letter To Spirit

Dear Spirit:
On this last day of the year, I'm sending my regards for another year of growth. For opportunities to expand my notion of who I am and what I know. To learn from others. To learn from myself. To learn about being a Human Being. To learn that I am more than I think myself to be...on most days.

Along with the growth, there have been tears of frustration, of anger, of pain. Tears from fears. Fears that I can identify, and bigger fears that I can't yet name. Fear. Why I am I still so fearful? Help me in this new year to begin to name the unnamed. For, I have learned that when I can call it, and stare at it, its power evaporates and I can be free of it. That is, until the next fear comes along and the work begins again!

Along with fear, there have been moments of bliss. In large things. And, bliss that exists in the unexpected. Those moments of grace when I can sense the rightness of it all. When I feel connected with the truth of me. And, connected with the beauty of this world. Moments like- feeling the comfort of my dogs curled next to me. Like the luxury of a nap on a gray afternoon. The warmth of a cup of tea held in my hands. The crisp cool of an autumn day. The uncomplicated delight in a sandwich when I'm hungry. The mystery of the beauty contained in a rose.

Along with bliss, there have been moments of joy. From welcoming a new baby to Earth. Or, that of a child discovering something new. Joy at the start of a new venture or relationship. Laughter that makes my sides hurt from the hysterical comments that fly when friends get together. From watching the antics of a pet; the birds at the feeders or from a chipmunk who lives in the garden wall.

Along with joy, there have been moments of sadness. Profound sadness. Over the loss of friends and loved ones. For, even though we faithful understand that they are not really gone, as Humans our senses are fragile. And, we are unable to see them. To hear them. To feel their touch. To know, easily, that they are there. It takes time to realize that those who have gone before are still with us and we with them. There's also the sadness in the loss of things that keep us intact, like jobs, homes, our possessions. Sadness for health that is lost and physical abilities that have diminished. Sadness in the ending of relationships that we hoped would last. Sadness in things loved and lost. Sadness in hearts that have been broken open.

Along with sadness there have been moments of hope. In the hope that today well-lived is the best I can do. In the hope that tomorrow will be better when today has disappointed. In the hope that, so long as I have courage to believe, all things are possible. In the hope that we hold for our country and its leaders, for our friends and family. In the tiny hopes we hold for ourselves. In our huge hopes for this world.

While I'm at it, I want to thank you. For walking with me each day of this year, even in those moments when I felt as if I was walking alone. Thank you for giving me the space I need to try things on my own and for assisting when I asked. Thank you for your continual belief in me even when I don't believe in you, or myself, for that matter! Thank you for allowing me to witness your face in the loving eyes of others. Thank you for it all.

For all, in 2009, I wish-

Moments of joy and bliss found in simple things, like the smell of freshly mown grass.

Faith that all of it has meaning and purpose, especially in incomprehensible moments.

Trust that life is good and worth our efforts, even when times are hard.

Knowledge that when one thing is lost, another is found.

Liberation that comes from the willingness to say, "I'm sorry," along with, "I forgive you."

Decernment of what is needed and what is simply wanted; along with flexibility to change when needed.

A sense of purpose coupled with the constant awareness that we are created in your image and likeness.

Courage to live as a peaceful warrior doing the best that can be done in each day.

Love returned ten-fold, but most importantly, the love of Self which is the most lasting love of all.

Peace that exists when living this moment only and not leaping ahead into the unknown that we call Tomorrow.

Gratitude for all that we have, are, and will bring into being.

Grace, to accept things as they are while working toward goals.

Thank you for listening Spirit. Thank you for my life. Even the parts that I cannot easily comprehend. Oh, and if you'll keep us laughing while we discover 2009, that would be wonderful!

Namasate' Till Next Time,
Holly

No Entry From Me Today

As a Reiki Master Teacher I am often directed by Spirit to deliver a message. It doesn't happen during every Reiki session, but it does happen often. At first, I didn't understand; I thought that the 'ideas' or flashes of insight were generated from inside me. I would hold back thinking, "I don't have the right to say something that personal. I don't want to make them uncomfortable or to think I'm weird! What if I'm wrong??" But, when I didn't share, I'd get subsequent confirmation that 'the thought,' was actually information that would have proved very helpful.

Over time, I began to recognize the difference between a message from Spirit and my own thoughts. The only way to describe it is that, when Spirit is speaking, there's a moment of calm and then it seems as if I'm listening to the radio instead of hearing the stream of internal thoughts that we all have minute to minute.

Often, what I am directed to share makes no sense to me but does to the person. That's because the message is not for me, it's for another's benefit. I always start by explaining, "If what I share doesn't seem to hold any meaning, let it go. If you sense it does but you're not sure how, then file it away." Generally, when I give the message, I can see the immediate recognition of its truth in the eyes. I am still not always comfortable with being Spirit's voice, but I accept the responsibility and, as a Reiki practitioner, I serve as I can.

As I was thinking about posting an entry today and not sure what to write, I got the momentary calm and heard Spirit. This time, dear reader, I have no way of even knowing who this message is for, much less the context, but I trust that you are there and in need, and so does Spirit. So, this entry is courtesy of Spirit, who says:

"Trust & follow your heart."

If this resonates with you, or perhaps several of you, I am honored to be Spirit's writer as you work toward clarity in making your decision.

Namaste' Till Next Time,
Holly

In The Image & Likeness

I had an interesting experience last night. I can't fully explain it, but it's worth sharing. I met a group of fellow Light Workers; Reiki practitioners all. They've been meeting for several years sharing Reiki and different techniques of working with energy.

Paul, a kind and centered soul who spends his summers in far away lands to experience ancient ways of deepening connection with his Divine Spark, led the group through a meditation. Vipassana, a meditation modality used by monks in Burma, is believed to be a psychic healing technique. It creates the space for you to become passively aware of your complete body. To acknowledge, while not reacting to, any sensations that come along be they pain or bliss. To bring about healing to anything that requires it. It also welcomes in the Divine to pay witness to the totality of you in the moment-lumps, bumps, and all. It's spiritually saying , "Spirit, I am here. Please see me."

As with most meditations, you sit in silence, waiting for something to happen...going on hoping anything might happen...going on wondering how long do we have to sit there...going on, okay, enough I don't want to sit here...going further beginning to unravel...going further unfamiliarly, quietly being...quieter...still. Blessedly, Still.

I have to talk more with Paul, but what I understand is, with Vipassana and other forms of meditation, the practice is to get to our place of internal quiet. The spot of- Least Of, which acts as an amplifier, if you will. Coming from this spot of stillness, all energy work, prayer and light, magnifies and grows much more powerful and brighter. When intention emanates from sacred stillness, it's like throwing on halogen high beams.

Here's the impression I took away: The door bell rings and to my surprise when opening the door, Spirit is standing there! Of course, I invite Her/Him in to sit and have a cup of coffee. Sitting in the silence last night, there were moments when I became internally fidgety and uncomfortable. In my mind, that's the point when both Spirit and I had run out of things to talk about; neither certain where to go next...

Longer into the silence and following my breath, I grew connected to the others as we sat together. Instead of individuals, we became a collective of energetic beings and I felt that shift. In my mind, that's when Spirit and I shifted in our visit from the uncomfortable silence of nothing to say, to the welcomed, relaxed silence of a couple who know each other so completely that they can just 'be.' Words no longer necessary for effective communication with each other. Completely in sync.

Last night got me thinking about my upbringing in Catholic school and learning to recite large portions of the Baltimore Catechism. If you're from the Catholic tradition, you'll be chuckling or groaning in rememberance about now. There's a great deal I no longer keep as part of that experience, but one memorized mystery truly defines how I see things spiritually.

It is imprinted, "I am created in the image and likeness of God." The Image & Likeness. Like most profound things, this one is glossed over and not recognized for its seminal importance.

This doctrine means that if you could look at Spirit and then look at me, you would not see a difference. It doesn't say that Spirit created us to look sorta' like...it clearly says, if you see one you see the other. We are Spirit's Human face.

So, I wonder...if we would accept that miracle...

If we constantly remembered that miracle and owned the power of it...

If we walked in the truth of that fact...acted with each individual we encountered with that awareness...

Would we be living in a different world? A better, happier world? A more loving world?

You are not a separate entity from Spirit; you are not less-than. You are not a creature that was created for Spirit to direct. You are a vital thread of the vast net of Spirit. You are a unique and qualified reflection of Spirit. You are Spirit. You/Spirit- not only connected; You/Spirit-the same as!

Today, I will remember, that I am lovingly created in the image and likeness of God. With each living being, I will remember that I may be the only reflection of Spirit's loving face they may encounter. And, I will act accordingly. What a responsibility! But oh, what a profound honor.

Namaste' Till Next Time,

Holly