" Celebrate … "

Everybody spread the word

We're gonna have a celebration

All across the world

In every nation

It's time for the good times

Forget about the bad times, oh yeah

One day to come together

To release the pressure

We need a holiday ...

You can turn this world around

And bring back all of those happy days

Put your troubles down

It's time to celebrate

Let love shine

And we will find

A way to come together

And make things better

We need a holiday ...

Holiday Celebrate

Holiday, Celebration

Come together in every nation

~ Madonna ~ Celebrate ~

***

Holiday celebrations are in full swing as cookies are baked, lights are displayed and gifts are bought.  This time of year we hope to witness the best that people have to offer.  We celebrate connections, we celebrate life.

So it is also a great time of year to reflect on what has occured in your life during the year.  Some years have been filled with significant landmark events while others have been more subtle, appearing to be less significant.  Yet what emerges from quiet reflection is an appreciation of my life.  

In the begining of the year, life started in one space and has ended in another ... the unfoldment of life and the changes that have occurred.  I am able to see how my life is supported and tailored to my growth.   And although there are situations that may have blinded my objectivity, the key is to release it when the bigger picture is explored.

Anticipating 2014, I am working towards a new sense of freedom, a deeper sense of joy ... I see my life working even as I know there are still many mysteries to explore.  But that is okay because I am starting from a new place within me.  And this new place verifies that action from a place of inner knowing works.  No matter what happens, I am safe, I am protected and I am definitely loved.  

❇ ❈ ❅ ❄ ❆ MERRY WINTER SOLSTICE ❇ ❈ ❅ ❄ ❆

May the solstice and turning of the wheel bring love, peace and good fortune in our coming year as we welcome the returning sun with joy ☼

" Quiet ... "

I am heading for a time of quiet

When my restlessness is past

And I can lie down on my blanket

And release my fists at last

I am heading for a time of solitude

Of peace without illusions

When the perfect circle

Marries all beginnings and conclusions

~ Paul Simon ~ Quiet ~ 

***

Why is it so hard to find peace and joy, continuously oveflow with bliss on a daily basis and seem free of problems and emotional pain?  Maybe because we mentally punish ourselves for failing, concluding that we don’t deserve it.  We can become easily distracted by the harsh demands of modern life and at times losing touch with our natural state of being.  But we do deserve it and there is a way if we choose to bring clarity in our lives, starting by quieting our minds.

You see, most of our problems stem from our mind.  Take note ... some external even happens, we choose to see only one side of the story, and then interpret the situation such that it cuases some form of mental conflict, resulting in emotional suffering.  Is that about right?  The advice telling us to just “forget about it” is not that simple.  After years and years of conditioning on how to attract conflict in our lives, to just “stop thinking about it” is not very effective.  We need to get to the root of the problem to truly solve it.  We need to go to our innner space and de-clutter.  Imagine if you will, like cleaning out an old closet of “stuff”, similar analogy.

And, our mind has a difficult time becoming still ... it is meant to be dynamic, move and participate.  Therefore practicing stillness, or meditation, where you focus on one thing can be tougher than one realizes.  You will probably notice that the moment you become silent, random and unrelated thoughts start to distract you from your inner silence.  You become cluttered with useless information also known as junk.  And where does this “junk” come from .... well we may be unconsciously feeding our selves with distractions we’ve declared as urgent and important .. watching TV, updating social media, checking email, gossip ... all pulling at us, at our attention and away from things that are truly important to us.  Recognize that the information we expose ourselves to fills our inner space on some level, and affects our emotions and desires.

Our ultimate desire is to get back to our inner selves, one which is sacred, wise, peaceful and eternal.  We can do this by waking up and taking control of our destiny ... start with what you focus on and allow into your life.  Observe your thoughts and words.  Limit your exposure to the “urgent and important” distractions.  You have the power to decide what you let into your inner space.  Be conscious of what you allow inside, beginning with your own words, thoughts and attention and become the guardian of your own mind.