Frankincense Part 2

For those who are spiritually minded, this post may not surprise you.  For those who aren’t that way, you may think I’ve lost my mind, but believe me, I have not.  While I won’t tell the entire story, I would like to tell you what happened the afternoon after smelling frankincense for the second morning in a row.

Towards the afternoon, I felt exhausted and suddenly, out of sorts.  While I hadn’t been feeling up to par lately, I thought I’d better take a nap.  So I laid on the couch, set the alarm for an hour’s nap and closed my eyes.  But sleep did not come.  My body began to reverberate as if all of its nerves were trembling.  I ‘heard’ that my time had come.  I assumed it was that I was dying.  While I was/am not ready to leave this earthly realm, it became clear to me through what I was hearing that I am not in control.  So I chose to surrender.  I began to pray.  My mind wandered as to how I would be able to contact my loved ones from the other side and what signs I would be able to give them if I were indeed dying.  Then I thought about how I would be found here on the couch.  I was sad, thinking that my work here was done because I feel like I have much still to do.  But I made peace with the Powers That Be and when I thought about Heaven and Eternity, I felt as if moving there would be beautiful so I completely surrendered.  I closed my eyes and gave myself up to the sleep that was enveloping me.  For in my dreams,, I have visited Heaven before and I am not afraid of returning.

Needless to say, I am still here.  I heard the alarm which woke me.  I woke up deeply rested and felt so calm and at peace.  It was as if there had been a spiritual download of some kind during my sleep that aided me.  I cannot describe all that went on, but I wanted to mention the experience to you and to remind myself that it happened.  It’s funny that the thought of dying was my first thought instead of a spiritual awakening through sleep so my mind was at rest.  Whatever the reason for the nap experience, I am deeply grateful considering that I felt changed when I awoke and that feeling of peace has enveloped me every since.

Has anything like this every happened to you?

Shine On!

xo

 

A Particular Wind

Menacing skies with clacking electrical lines

A particular wind is blowing today at more than 30 miles an hour through the farmland.   Inside we can hear the wind howling through the fireplace and outside the house, the wind is audibly howling as well.  The trees are bending and the electrical power lines are clacking together noisily (that’s a new one for me by the way).  It’s almost a little eery like yesterday, but there’s a blue sky behind the clouds which are moving away at a fast pace.

Can you see how the leaves are upturned by the wind? It’s really blowing here!

On the cusp of the atmospheric changes, this wind feels like it is blowing away all the debris (quite literally) mentally, emotionally and physically in order to pave the way for the new phase in our lives.  Thank goodness, right?

A little while later, the sun came out and the winds have moved the clouds a bit. This is the farmland where the geese hang out! No geese today!

The windy conditions helped the birds in flight! This hawk soared effortlessly for quite awhile above me.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Are you having crazy winds where you live today too?  How do they make you feel?

I feel lifted and (pun intended) blown away by the powers that be.  Grateful for the change of the season and for the gradual beneficial changes in my life.  I hope you had a lovely weekend as well!

Shine On!

xo

 

During and After The Eclipse Experience

Just before the eclipse was to begin, the cats remained awake, ears perked up, listening and watching the unseen.  I watched as their breath was steady, but ever so slightly quickened.  I wonder how they react to such a phenomena?  The quiet is amazing outside.  Stillness except for the whir of a car on our country road.  It’s as if we are all holding our breath for the big reveal – the darkness of the moon’s passing over the sun on a summer’s day.  In quiet anticipation, I await as I assume so many on our planet do at this moment.  Await the experience, even though I am not in the direct line of view where I live.  It is the experience of being outside with the world as darkness falls for a few precious moments and life is reset.

From inside our home, I see nothing different outside as I check my watch.  I still see the sunlight dappled on the ground, peeking through the leaves of the trees.  I know I have to look for the crescent-shaped shadows when it’s time.  I only hope I can get a photo or two to show you.  The eclipse is slated to begin at 1:20pm in my area, to peak at 2:45pm and to end at 4pm.  It is only 1pm and my limbs feel heavy suddenly.  Is it my imagination or is it a real feeling from the Universe?  Did you have any reactions as the eclipse time grew nearer?  I would love to hear how you spent the eclipse time?  I didn’t get glasses so I won’t be looking directly into the sun as I value my eyesight.

The winds have picked up.  I can see the leaves dancing on the limbs of the trees outside my window.  It feels like the anticipation before Christmas morning.  The sky grows dimmer.  It’s now 1:18pm.  It is silent except for the whispering of the wind through the trees.  Even the farmer across the street has stopped his tractor in the corn fields.  Outside it’s beginning to look like the darkening of the skies before a summer thunderstorm.  I’m not sure why I’m so riled up about the eclipse.  It feels like a giant present to the Universe for me to witness.  You know, like when you’ve bought the perfect gift for a loved one and they are about to open it and you just know they’re going to be so surprised and love it?

I watch a car stop across the street.  A teenage boy gets out, puts on his solar eclipse glasses and looks up to the sky.  Since I don’t have glasses, I wonder what he sees if anything yet?  Is it too early to see a change?

Meanwhile, at the same time in Los Angeles, a friend sent this photo:

A friend in Los Angeles just sent this photo of the crescent-shaped shadows on concrete. Cool!

No need to wear sunglasses now.  Skies are darkening overhead slowly, but steadily.  I await hungrily in anticipation.  Do you?

2pm Cats meowing relentlessly.  Do they feel it?  Do you?  Do your pets?  What was their reactions, if any?  Outside the light is fading.  No sunshine to see.  No shadows on the ground.  Willow tree gently sways in the gentle breeze.  No birds are chirping.  No movement from any animals either.  Are they resting?  Do they think evening is here already?

Clouds have darkened the sky. Only a sliver of blue remains and the sun is covered by dark clouds.

Suddenly three geese burst forth honking on their way across the sky.

And then all grows eerily quiet.

Until the clouds part for the briefest of moments and voila! I capture the eclipse!

And then again, two seconds later!

I guess my Universal gift was that I was able to photograph the eclipse because of the cloud cover.  However, I am dismayed that I never got a shot of the crescent-shaped shadows on the ground though.  Thank goodness my friend sent me a photo earlier in the day which I shared here.

It may have been the big reveal that wasn’t such a big reveal, but as you read through my two posts about my experiences, perhaps you’ll share yours.

What’s the big reveal to me?

I think it’s the unity in experience that counts.

Each person’s experience is one’s own,

even when it’s as universal as seeing an eclipse in the sky

over our planet Earth.

Shine On!

xo

 

Come Fly With Me!

This is a sunrise shot from my recent flight.  I love the colors of the sky as well as the gentle, yet beautiful reminder that there is always a dawn.  Perhaps you will find some inspiration as I did from the photo.

For every day, we can count on the dawn and dusk.  Do you ever think about all we take for granted?  The air we breathe, the Earth we live on, the homes and food we have?  The fact that we are here on this earthly plane to shine our loving heartlights for all to see and to connect with kindness to others?

Come fly with me ~ our heartlights can shine together!

Sing along with Frank and me below!

Shine On!

xo

Infinite Sky Poem

To see the world from above

is to touch a piece of Heaven,

Peace, unity, love.

United in sunlit clouds

and moonbeamed sky.

Wonderment reigns

with a quiet smile

of knowing

that in this present moment

all is well in our world.

Shine On!

xo

 *Photo and poem by The Presents of Presence

Angelic Visitors

Sky-filled with angelic clouds was how I was greeted the other morning.  Luckily before the winds moved the clouds too far, I was able to get a photo of what I deem a sky filled with angels, just waiting for me to notice them.

What do you think?  Do the cloud formations look like angels to you?  Or is it just me?  Can you see the angels gliding through the sky with your imagination?  Do you even believe in angels?

I do believe in angels and in spiritual encounters.  I myself, have dreamed that I died and went to Heaven and told you about it in a previous blog post here.   So for me, it was a natural assumption that these were angelic clouds reminding me of the peace in my life, the blessings that are mine by Divine Right and the fact that I am grateful every single day to be here with you.

Lately I’ve been having dreams that include my Dad (who’s passed) and a few others who have passed as well.  I am thinking that perhaps their presence in my dreams is actually them visiting me, to give me a message that they are still with me.  But then again, maybe it’s simply my mind processing new information or going back to kind memories.  The funny thing is that all those who have passed, when they are in my dreams, they are not how I remembered them at the end.  Instead, in my dreams, they are vibrant, young and happy.  How wonderful is that!

Have you ever had any angelic experiences?  Please share as I love to read them!  I hope and pray you have a lovely, peaceful Sunday ~ that you find gratitude in the smallest of blessings in your life and that you cherish and love those around you for kindness and a loving heart expand the heartlight of the Universe which we are all a part of today.

Shine On!

xo

How Much Love Do You Put Into What You Do?

“I am not sure exactly what heaven will be like,

but I know that when we die and it comes time for God to judge us,

He will not ask,

‘How many good things have you done in your life?’

rather He will ask,

‘How much love did you put into what you did?”

~ Mother Teresa

I found this quote this morning and thought it was a good reminder for none of us know our exact ‘expiration date’ on this planet unless one chooses to expire early which I hope you will not. ♥

I’ve always thought of kindness and good deeds to be highly regarded, but as I’ve grown older, I find that putting love into everything we do is just as, or perhaps even more important.  It was refreshing to find Mother Teresa’s quote today to confirm that someone else thinks the same as I do.  Isn’t that always the way?  We find comfort in connecting with others?

It’s the simple things my friends.  Love, kindness, gratitude, forgiveness, peace.  Being the best we can be in all aspects of our lives.  Living spherically, listening to others with an open heart to all they say and omit.  Compassionately communicating to help, not harm.  Stepping back when it does not serve you or others to jump into the fray in whatever form.  Stepping up with courageous kindness when it does serve you and others.  Not being afraid to speak the truth in a kind way.  To listen, to be heard, to connect.  To add love in all you do.  To be a role model and shine your heartlight.  To enjoy The Presents of Presence.

Today, try to infuse love into whatever you are doing.  Slow down and be present, be the present of love.  Share a smile, a hug and a “I love you” with someone you cherish.  Really feel the loving connection and be grateful.  Use your beaming heartlight for good.

Shine On!

xo

 

Find Your Way Home

If light is in your heart, you will find your way home. ~ Rumi

I love this quote as I write about your heartlight shining often.  I believe that when we lead with our heart, we shine, we grow and we connect with others.  Sometimes, we hide in the darkness of despair, never reaching out to the light which Mother Nature gives us everyday.  A new dawn, a new possibility, and/or a connection can change the way we are looking at our present.  Divine Intervention often delivers miracles, but unless we are actively aware of our heartlight, we can miss even the most obvious blessings.

So keep the light in your heart turned on dear friends.  Even when life seems dreary and stormy.  There is always your heartlight shining, helping to bless your life with peace and love to find your way home.

Shine On!

xo

In the Middle of Every Difficulty

“In the middle of every difficulty comes opportunity.”
~ Albert Einstein

It’s been a long few months for me.  I’ve taken on a lot of responsibility which isn’t mine to bear, but someone had to do it.  It hasn’t been easy, but it has certainly been a great opportunity for me to learn about myself.  I have learned that I can do more than I thought I could.  I have learned that I have infinite inner strength.  I have learned, I need to rely on myself.  I have learned to not take things at face value.  I have had my rose-colored glasses lifted.  I have learned to ask for help and feel gratitude when receiving it.  I have learned to let go and to allow people to do whatever they wish and not try to make it better for them.  I have learned to give myself permission let go of what I can’t control and not try to be responsible for everyone else ~ just for myself.  I have learned that I need to take off the blinders which had previously blinded me to the role that I had been given as a child and believed was my destiny.  With situations that aren’t of my doing, I have let go of the outcome and simply tried to do my best with the situation.  I continue to try to be a good person, but I am human.  I make mistakes, but those have lead me to grow in ways I couldn’t possibly have grown without the difficulties I’ve endured.

I have learned to allow others to be themselves, to act as they wish without judgement.  I have wrestled with the inability of some to help themselves, but I am learning to be with it.  I offer help, but I do not force change even when I believe that seeing a situation in a different light would be beneficial.  In short, I’ve stopped trying to do everything for everyone else and help God.  I am responsible for me.  I am responsible for my children.  I am responsible for being the best person I can be, to be helpful when needed and to remember that I can’t save others from themselves.

Big lesson for me, let me tell you.  For I was always a ‘fixer’ as my familial role given to me as a child.  Be the peace-maker.  Be the good one.  Be the responsible one ~ not that the others in my life didn’t have those traits because they did.  It was just I felt that my assigned role seemed to encumber all that and more.

But I am growing up and learning that nothing is set in stone.  That roles may change and that change can be good.  Change forces us to expand out of our comfort zones and to grow in ways that prior to now, we never even dreamed were possible.  It comes at a price for sure, but the payoff is peace within which for me, is priceless.

I am my brother’s helper but not his keeper.  Decisions that others have made in their lives are their decisions.  The decisions I’ve made in my life, are my own now.  The past role is not longer mine to own.  My responsibility rests in doing the best I can each and every day of my life and to be able to put my head on my pillow at night peacefully, knowing that I tried and hopefully I succeeded.  To help others, but to not hold onto the guilt when they choose whatever their choice is and to not judge their decisions.  It’s a handful of lessons that spill over into many forms in my life.

I hold peace within and pray for peace for others, no matter how battered their psyche.  I own the responsibility for my own actions, but not for the actions of others, nor do I try to change them.  I simply find peace within no matter the chaos around me.  I try not to engage in the swirling mindless chatter of those who aren’t well.  I limit my engagements with them, so to protect myself and my own heart.

I am a work in progress.  I am not perfect.  I will fall and get back up again and again.  I will be myself, wear my heart proudly knowing that as I love, I am loved.  I look to the positivity in my life.  I look up to the Heavens for support, guidance and the ability to find peace.  I look within myself, in the nooks and crannies of my heart for forgiveness of others and of myself.  I am learning to be free of the shackles which bound me and freedom in this moment, feels delicious.

Have the sweetest day, dear friends.

Shine On!

xo

All About You!

“You’re not the same person you were a year ago,
a month ago, or a week ago. You’re always growing.
Experiences don’t stop. That’s life.” – Unknown

A new normal which is always evolving ~ that’s what life is all about I think ~ change is inevitable and with change comes growth spiritually, mentally and emotionally.  It’s not always easy to accept change in our lives or to know that there simply are some parts of our daily lives that we have no control over.  Health issues, relationships, financial dips and simple day to day hardships can be overwhelming at times.  I understand.  But when you can look back as the observer in your own life and see how you’ve developed, it’s amazing to see where you’ve come from and how much you’ve progressed as a soul in a human body.

Looking back to your past, looking at your present and planning your future can be difficult.  We’ve not always made the choices we wished we had.  We can beat ourselves up over things that have occurred and how we reacted or we can be kind and forgiving to ourselves and others.  We can take the lessons learned albeit not easily and hold them dear to our hearts or we can punish ourselves and others for choices made.  It’s up to you.

Life throws curve balls sometimes.  That’s a fact.  But as Ram Dass reminded us, “we’re all just walking each other home.”  We can choose to take baby steps down our life path, we can move backwards or we can stop and spin until we’re dizzy and fall down.  But we still have to get up and begin moving on again, taking the lessons learned into our repertoire and incorporate them into our lives.  It’s your choice dear friends.

You are not the same person you were a year ago.  For some of us, that’s a good thing.  We’ve gotten stronger, more understanding and loving as time heals all wounds.  Look back with a gentle, loving hug, embrace your present situation as it is and hold lovingly your plans for the future.

And take my hand…I’m here.

We’re all just walking each other home.

Shine On!

xo