Spinner Blessed My Sunday

Hi! I’m Spinner!

Good morning and Happy Sunday! I’m excited to introduce you to my date this morning. This 28 year old bay named Spinner was my companion on my early horseback riding lesson today. It’s been a few years since I’ve ridden, so it was back to basics for me and Oh, how good it felt!

I was told that Spinner’s a bit of a grumpy old man so we fit together perfectly because I’ve got a soft spot for those and apparently he had a soft spot for a heart-monitor wearing open heart surgery survivor who’s trying to get back in the saddle slowly after a few years of being away…What a win win for me!

I have to tell you, I had butterflies this morning. It’s been a few years since I’d been back to the farm. But the smell of hay and horse felt like nostalgia to me and although a bit nervous, I was calm. Because it felt grounding and centering as horse healing does. I’d forgotten what magnificent creatures horses are and especially I’d forgotten how BIG! I couldn’t even brush the top of his back because I’m too short, but we did the best we could. He was pretty patient with me, only showing his grumpy side a few times and more to my teacher May, than to me. I think he instinctively knew I needed kid gloves today especially. They’re so intuitive! Who could blame him though because I’d interrupted his relaxing morning with a lesson?! Big smile..

It’s interesting to me because in my head, it’s all so natural to ride and yet, when I’m there, in reality, I’m nervous which is why I keep coming back to riding. Because I want my imagination and reality to merge, to blend, so that I am riding with more ease. Of course, I’m always looking to soak up that horse healing energy!

I’m so much more aware of my body when I’m on a horse. Aren’t you? That was another one of those revelations as May led us around the outdoor arena. I’d forgotten what it’s like to ride, to sit up tall, to hold the reins, butt in the saddle and feet angled in the stirrups (heels down). To be so high up off the ground is surprising too! (Maybe that’s a short girl thing?)

We worked on steering (not sure if that’s the right vocabulary word?) while in the outdoor ring. It’s been awhile so I was a little rusty. I remembered how to hold the reins, but the nuances were buried. They’re getting unearthed now though! After awhile, May took us on a riding tour of the farm which was awesome too. To be relaxed, on horseback, seeing the ponds, the deer, the other horses, the barns, the trails, to be outdoors on a cool day…just magical. Truly. Magical.

So, Happy Sunday everyone…mine started out beautifully and I had to share with you because, well, we have to count these small moments of triumph even if they don’t last long. They deserve to be heralded a little bit because they count.

We all count…Thanks to May and Sasha for their infinite patience with me as this next chapter unfolds. You’ve heard horses are healing, but to experience that healing is beyond words…I feel a lil’ teary as I write this (sorry for the long post), but I’m feeling very grateful and very blessed.

I hope you have a lovely Sunday too…

Shine On!

xo

Angels Walk Among Us

Throughout my lifetime, I have been blessed. I know this and I don’t take it for granted. In fact, I want to celebrate it so that you can see it in your lives too! Because when we see with a grateful heart, we understand that we are never alone. God sends us angels in all different forms to help us along the way. Strangers who become friends. People who go out of their way for others whom they don’t know. Information and synchronicities that come out of nowhere that are the key to unlocking certain situations. Wisdom that’s shared simply because it will help someone else. Do you see what I mean?

These human angels walk among us. Have you ever wondered how you got the right person on the phone when you were trying to fix something? Or noticed a stranger in line at the grocery store doing something so kind and it makes your day? Have you ever been nudged to reach out to someone to help them? Why, that’s God’s way of expanding his angelic kindness through us!

If you’re not a believer in God, but perhaps in Mother Nature’s infinite wisdom or the Universal Laws or something else, I feel as if it is all similar when we connect with kindness with others. Can you feel it?

Since the start of this next chapter with my heart, I have met so many angels along the way that it’s been amazing. The Divine Timing of our meet cutes has been extraordinary. But I know (big inner smile) that there’s a soul plan here at work. It’s not by chance most likely. It’s got more of an angelic feel to it and I am relishing in all of it.

For when we are grateful, when we acknowledge the blessings, we open our hearts/minds/souls to more of the same. When we receive with grace, we can also give out and flow with the loving energies that are so healing.

Not just now, but throughout my life, angelic humans have made their presence known to me, helping me when needed in extraordinary ways. My sister and I have had many of these experiences and we are so grateful to continue to have them. We marvel at each encounter which solidifies our thinking.

So I hope that if you are nudged to get out of your comfort zone to connect with someone else that you will not hesitate. Sometimes we are the catalyst for joyfully changing someone else’s life and that’s the best feeling ever! For those of you, who like me, have been the recipient, let’s continue to pass it along, spreading kindness and love with each personal encounter.

Our world aches to grow in love so let’s feed it! Keep shining your heartlights for we can see them!

Shine On!

xo

A Fluttery Heart

I’m more aware of my heart these days which is pretty fascinating since it’s been with me my whole life. Right? I mean, are you aware of your heart? Or of your breathing? Because they are working 24/7 365/6 days a year, non-stop to keep our human selves alive. We can’t go on without either one doing their jobs, but how much are we really aware of them?

I can say, I wasn’t really aware until now. As I sit here writing, I can feel my fluttery heart beating in my chest. Even though I’m seated in my new recliner for the moment, my little heart is fluttery which is how I describe this feeling of it beating out of my chest for no reason. It’s not like I’m exercising or anything, and still, it’s making itself known. That’s a good thing as I don’t want it to stop anytime soon!

Because I wear my heart on my sleeve. I always have. That and every emotion shows front and center on my face. I’ve been told that you can read me like a book and I guess it’s true because I don’t have a good poker face. I don’t like to hide how I feel because that’s not how I’m made. I’m more of a let it all out type of person which may or may not help in certain life situations. But it is what it is…and I am who I am. No excuses. No guilt. I’m me. Take me or leave me. It’s ok now. I’m at peace, finalmente.

This whole-hearted experience has changed me, enriched my life emotionally, spiritually and for the better. There is a peace which has emerged from within me, sprouting up like a tender flower stalk and blossoming with showman spirit using all the courage she can muster. It’s like a ‘ta-da’ moment, arms raised in victory, that I’ve gotten to this very place of loving myself and not being afraid to fearlessly give out love, shine my own heart light and enjoy every sparkle of love given and received. Not that I haven’t always quietly been that way, but now, more than ever, the fluttery heart demands her presence known everywhere I go. I’m smiling as I write this because it’s as if I’ve always known I would come to this – a surrender, a delivery of who I really am and an embracing of my authentic self with all of my strengths and weaknesses, without excuse, without fear, and with love and acceptance.

I love the way the Soul works. There’s a divinity in the perfect timing of all of this even though I haven’t figured out how/why/when. What I do know is that there’s no such thing as coincidence. There’s a plan here and I am grateful to be a part of it.

So I’ll embrace my fluttery heart and allow it to lead me without question, and to shine without reservation. Can you see my heartlight?

Shine On!

xo

How Do You Remember The Birthday Of A Loved One Who’s Passed Away?

This past week, two of my loved ones who have passed had their birthdays.  In a quiet moment, even though I suppose that after one has passed away, birthdays aren’t celebrated, I took a few moments to remember them and their kindnesses to me.

But it brings up the question, What do you do on the birthday of a loved one who has passed away?  Do you think of them?  Do you say a prayer for them?  Do you talk with them?  Do you feel anything from them when you do?

I often wonder if after we have passed away if we look down (because this is how I imagine it) and see if anyone thinks of us?  Do we have the ability after we’ve died to communicate with loved ones who are still living?  Would we feel that tug to let them know we are ok and that we’re here in spirit?  Would we still care about those still living?

I know people have had experiences with psychics as I have as well.  I have had experiences that are not explainable and I feel like they could be signs from above or from deceased loved ones.  I have had messages given to me that were spot on from a medium whom I met on a whim.  So I do believe there’s communication between the living and the dead.

I did say prayers and talked with each of them on their birthdays.  Maybe it’s my imagination, but I felt that they knew how much I loved and appreciated them.  At least that’s what I’m hoping for I felt a sweet peace in my heart afterwards.

I know for me, if there’s any way I could reach through the veil after I pass and let my loved ones know that I’m still here, still loving them and sending all the blessings my heart could give to them, I most definitely would – especially when they were thinking about me.

What about you?  Do you have any stories to share?  Please do!

Shine On!

xo

I looked back and I’ve written about this before in my blog a few times.  In case you’re wondering…here are a few of my past posts. xo

Papa can you hear me?

Orb of Light and Flickering Electricity

Life After Death

Have You Ever Had Signs From Loved Ones?

 

Writing Freely

Writing frees my soul and my heart.  My words flow freely when I write as opposed to when I speak sometimes.   It’s easier for me to tell you how I feel through a letter or blog post then to actually speak aloud for I often feel I am misunderstood when I speak, especially when it’s a hard subject or a disagreement.

Sometimes when we are in a conversation, we have a hard time listening to the other person entirely.  A thought may jump into our heads while they are speaking and we may concentrate on what we are planning on saying about that to them, instead of listening to everything the other person is saying.  I know it’s happened to me before and I guess it’s a natural reaction at times.

Here, I feel like I can be me.  The true me.  The one who doesn’t always have to watch where she’s walking on the path of conversation for sometimes in conversations we walk a mine field, carefully, hoping not to detonate a land mind that will start a disagreement.  Do you feel that way sometimes?

Shine On!

xo

 

Prayer Does Not Change God

but it changes him who prays.

– Soren Kierkegaard

Do you pray?  Do you meditate?  Do you have faith that there’s a Higher Power in your life that guides you when you listen to your own inner voice?  What are you beliefs?  Do you even know what you believe?  Have you thought about it?

Perhaps now’s the time if you haven’t already thought about your beliefs.  Spend some time today quietly, perhaps surrounded by nature, and ask yourself what you believe in your heart and soul.  Allow the answer to come to you in the stillness of the moment.  Listen carefully and notice what you’re thinking and how you are feeling.  Many times the answers to our innermost questions are revealed when we allow our souls, hearts and minds to speak to us.  Listen with an open heart.

For me, prayer is peace.  Perhaps it was the way I was brought up or how I’ve evolved over the years.  I find when I give my worries up to my Higher Power, Inner Spirit, Universe, God, answers come to me.  Ways are made clear and my Divine Purpose is revealed to me with more detail.  Prayer stops my monkey mind (you know, the anxiety of what to do, the mind that perseverates over problems over and over) and allows me to be at peace.  Not always are the answers to my inner most questions revealed after praying.  But in time, I trust in faith that because the questions have been asked, answers are delivered with Divine timing.  It’s just the peace in being in the Presents of Presence.

How about you?  How do you feel about prayer?  What do you believe?  On such a beautiful peaceful Sunday, I would love to hear your thoughts on the subject!

Please Share!

Shine On!

xo

 

Another Lesson From The Little Prince

“The most beautiful things

in the world cannot be

seen or touched,

they are felt with the heart.”

~ Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

You may have heard this quote before and not known that it was part of The Little Prince.  It has become one of those inspirational messages that we use when we speak of love.

For what is love?

Is it the entwining of souls through respect, admiration, taming and fidelity?  Or is it the soul to soul connection we receive when we love with our whole hearts?  Is it the bond of family that just is because we are family?  Is it a mother’s innate bonding with her child that is born from her body or for the child who is chosen through her heart?  Or is it the friendships that we forge throughout our lifetimes through similar experiences?  Is it the caring for or from a stranger in crisis?  Or is it God’s love for all of his children who are perfect, whole and complete just as they are?  Is it the heart’s understanding of the preciousness of this moment in time with another person or animal or nature?  Or is it just the complete feeling of bliss when we are grateful for the presents of presence?

What is love to you?  Please share!

Shine On!

xo

 

 

Rose

Every flower is a soul blossoming in nature.

~ Gerard De Nerval

I adore flowers and all that is found in nature.  But especially flowers and trees.  There is something so magical about them and their fragrance and ease in which they blossom captivates my heart.

The little prince speaks of his rose in the book, The Little Prince. 

“People where you live,” the little prince said, “grow five thousand roses in one garden… yet they don’t find what they’re looking for…

They don’t find it,” I answered.

And yet what they’re looking for could be found in a single rose, or a little water…”

Of course,” I answered.

And the little prince added, “But eyes are blind. You have to look with the heart.”

-Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

To look with one’s heart is to see with the eyes of love and compassion.  When we choose to look with only our eyes, at only the surface of any relationship or situation, we are blind.  Blinded by reasons that don’t matter, by superficiality, by greed, by ego and perhaps even by dark emotions.

We all have a knowing inside, call it what you will – intuition, soul, self, innateness, whatever word you choose, but we know that in using our gifts, we connect with others and together we bring more love and light to our planet.  One by one we emerge from the cocoon of ego reasoning to brighten the lives of the other roses whom we touch soul to soul, heart to heart, mind to mind.  It is in making those connections that we find the beauty in the tender rose.

I wish you love and light as always.  I pray you to see with your heart, shine your heartlight and know that you are love.  Let your soul blossom and shower your loving presence into the world.  Feel the gift of loving connections from all of us to all of you.

Shine On!

xo

Sunday Rose

That which God said to the rose,

and caused it to laugh

in full-blown beauty,

He said to my heart,

and made it a

hundred times more beautiful.

~ Rumi

Just a little inspiration on a Sunday evening.  Blessings to all of you!

I see your heartlight from here!

Shine On!

xo

You Gotta Live and Let Live

My Granddaddy owned a general store in a small town in South Carolina.  Because people sometimes didn’t have the money for the necessities that they needed to buy in his store, he would often trade with them instead of using currency.  He would come home with chickens or eggs, once even a goat, from the farmers who needed to buy flour etc.  The story goes that he never let anyone leave without what they needed even when they lacked money.

“You gotta live and let live,” was his motto even back then.  He has long since passed, but the refrain still sticks in my head.  I was talking with one of my cousins today and we were reminiscing about our family and the memories that we shared were priceless.  When I told him the motto above, he chuckled and said it was one of his favorite sayings from AA and he never knew why.  It was simply one that stuck in his brain.

~ Live and Let Live ~

What a lovely way to look at life, don’t you think?  Allow others to be who they are, don’t judge and just look after your own self.  Do what’s right.  Be a good person.  Be yourself.  Be kind and loving towards everyone.  Just remember you can only change yourself and you need to accept everyone else as who they are.  Be a blessing in someone else’s life.  Allow your hardships to help others and not to harden your heart.  Look up and embrace life.  Be joyful that you are here to hold someone else’s hand.  When it’s your turn to need help, embrace the kindness given to you.  Pay it forward.  Don’t hoard your lessons, but share the experiences.  We are all battling something ~ patience and understanding go far when we connect with others on our life journey.  It helps to share when you connect with understanding and embrace others in a kind, loving way.  Be grateful that you can help someone else, even in a small way.  That’s what we are all here for on this life’s journey.

Hold my hand…let’s share!

Shine On!

xo