I haven't blogged for some time, but feeling inspired to share a short story I wrote some years ago, that helped me at the time to recognise no matter where we live, what we do with our life we all have a place to fill, and we are all contributing in own our way to this world, no right or wrong, but mostly we are loved and looked after... Hope it reminds you too.
I'm being once again intuitively guided to add to my blog. So I thought I'd share a story with you that I wrote many yes ago. It's only a short story but one that I realised after writing that it was reminding me we all have a place in this world, and although at times we might not recognise what that is, there is always a bigger picture that only comes into view when the time is right. So I hope this will inspire and remind you that we all are contributing to this planet in our own way, there is no right or wrong way, but above all we are all loved..
As you are well aware spring is upon us, and welcome it is. Nature everywhere is showing us signs of new life. Spring is a time when after the cold winter months we look to new ideas, rejuvenation of the soul, new eating habits, excersise and so on, all in the hope we will find motivation to continue on our path.
To do this we need to shed the winter coat, and thats not always easy. What is the winter coat?, it is an energy , a way of thinking, a way of being that has kept you warm and protected through the winter months. When it is time to shed that coat we dont always recognise the signs, so sometimes it takes longer than necessary before we can appreciate the beauty of a new season- spring. Some may recognise time for change, and start 'cleaning out the cuboards' etc. , thats the external world acknowledging the work youve done to change internally- and if you follow that intuition then it can only lead to new beginnings. But, sometimes we don't recognise change coming, even though we've quietly been pursuing it internally, until it is upon us, then the best and most productive option is to accept that change until it passes. That change can come in the form of job changes, relationship changes, and ill health- or dis-ease. To work through this with as little conflict within as possible, is to accept that it is a good process that is happening, as hard as that is, because it wouldn't be happening if change wasn't needed for your spiritual growth and evolvement as a concious being. The difficulty we have is 'being concious'- most of the time we are 'unconcious' meaning we are not being aware of our thoughts and actions, instead we are just continuing on doing the same old and wondering why something out of the blue hits us and we are forced to change. I recently went through an episode of this. I have spent the last 2 years conciously working on letting go of past hurts and expectations. I then had the urge to let go of some work situations, and then more work that I'm passionate came to me. So i'd done the work mentally, recognised the signs in the external world to let go, but forgot about the physical part. Without warning, so it seems, I was stopped in my tracks, with ill health, 5 weeks it has taken for me to get back in the driving seat again. Of course I recognise this is the body shifting after the work I'd done internally. The worst thing you can do though is try to discover 'why'. I was having a ball, enjoying every aspect of my life, some say "oh you just picked up a bug,",,others ,"you were to busy",. Intuitvely none of that felt right, so this is when we just have to accept the change, go with it and know the answer will be made clear. For me through my writing I discovered it was yet again another sign of the internal change I'd done, my body was just saying, "stay still while I detox, all that isn't needed anymore". When I started to feel better, I noticed my intuition urging me to 'throw out' what I didn't need anymore, so out went 9 pairs of shoes:)-I believe that was a sign that I no longer will walk the same path as before , and changes in the home that have created more space- another sign of the internal change, being reflected in the external world. What ever is challenging you at this time, be the best you can be at any time- dont ask anymore of your self,be patient with your self and let the process happen, and you will see the signs that you are moving forward. In Love and Humility Trish It's been sometime since I wrote in my blog. I have no excuses, I've just been doing other things-creating.
We live in a world where we are governed by time and material possessions, and at times in our lives, we have needs, and wants, and go to great lengths so achieve them, often without the outcome we hoped for. Is it fate? or was it that we could have gone about achieving our goals in another way. Over the years whilst working fulltime and raising 3 children often by myself, as my husband worked shift work, and we were like ships in the night, I also worked for myself in natural therapies and taught meditation development classes at least twice a week, and come to think of it went out at the weekend public speaking- phew!!- whilst all this was going on I to had dreams and aspirations, and doing what others had said was the 'right way' to create. Creative visualisation, and Journaling as 'if now'- only looking back I realised the way I wanted things to be never quite materialised. Having a 3 children and their many needs I was of course often motivated by money- many years late and much learning has taught me that my focus was wrong- sure we need to bring in what we need to pay bills, put food on the table etc, but I had read a couple of books that said just, visualise, believe and write as if it is happening now, and it will work- well not for me. That's not to say it doesn't work for others, in fact I know that if we put out we get back- only my focus was in the wrong place, and that's the key for me -to creating what we want. Often our focus is ego driven. Life as we know has many twists and turns, and looking back I have maybe one or to regrets, things I could have done differently, but nothing that has kept me from learning the best way to create that brings peace- for me. Whether you want a new relationship, a different job, more money, a better home, or new opportunities what ever they maybe, creating has to start with the little things to create the bigger things, and we don't always know how that will turn out. I had always when I was younger with children, wanted a house, like on the American movies, with a pool and a phone on the wall with a longer cord, that was my focus at the time, I can't say I thought about it day and night, but when it crossed my mind. When the right time came we did move and end up with just that, a pool, and a phone on the kitchen wall Hi Everyone
Now that 2015 has arrived, I guess most people are starting to think about how they can make this year a more positive experience for themselves, whether through work, lifestyle, friends, social, or holidays. Like a lot of people, I sometimes reflect back on my life, I can honestly say I have no regrets, perhaps some unfullfilled wishes that perhaps I recognise the learning from. The other day I found myself with some quiet time and in reflecting back, over the last 30 years, I say 30 years, because that is when I remember taking a positive move to increase the positive in my life, experiences and people, although it can be a slow process to change, what has been the norm for the previous amount of years. Growing up I was in a loving family with 4 brothers, with parents from the war era, that had the 'scarcity' mentality and the 'you can't have everything' mentality. So that kind of thinking takes time to change, and a lot of effort on my part- still on going of course. Whilst reflecting I realised that I could measure the last 30 years of evolvement by noticing the changes in myself, more confident, all round. More confident about my beliefs, less difficulty letting go of negative people and experiences, happier with my own company, and recognition that I need less material 'stuff' in my life. One of the big things though that I now know, is that nature can give you the direction and guidance we often find ourselves looking for from other people. Nature is a true reflection of our innerselves- if you have times of peace around you, or chaos, stop and notice how you are feeling inside. If you notice a thing of beauty, notice that this is reflecting the beauty back in you, otherwise how would you know what beauty is. You have to be determined and perservere to gain the meaningful things in life- what ever is meaningful to you. If something is a constant struggle, or not working, then perhaps you need help and guidance, or it's just not meant for you,at this time. Ive covered a lot in my working life, and always with the public, so I guess I have been wondering of late, what's next? and I guess thats up to me. But, on our pergolar, we have/had Willy Wagtails, again, raising 3 young. In a couple of weeks the they will be fledgelings. Willy Wagtails, mate for life, so while one is sitting on the nest, the other is forraging for food, then they whistle to each other to let each other know it's time to swap shfits. On xmas day there was a big electrical storm in the afternoon, and sadly that night, we realised one of the parents had not returned to the nest- there was only one parent left- to nest, to feed, to forrage for 3 young. I felt sad, even though I know it's nature taking it's course. But there was no more whistling to each other:( Two weeks later, this parent is going about it's job, quietly, that is required of it, the young are growing, and no doubt will thrive, due to the perseverance and determination of this one parent left. When we are faced with challenges, small steps, day by day, hour by hour are the stepping stones to helps us to perservere, and remain determined to reach our goals, know matter what the goal is, big or small- dont be too hard on yourselves. This little bird taught me through it's struggle that no matter what lies ahead , persevere and stay determined and I will get there. What about you?? Wishing everyone, a bright happy and peaceful existance for 2015. In Love and Humility Trish Sent from my iPad Today I have been working on updating my website, Ceremonies to Celebrate, not because I enjoy that sort of thing but because I'm well aware of the need to keep moving forward, whilst listening to my favourite selection of Christmas songs- to keep me motivated.
Do you ever find yourself in a place that has you wondering, 'what am I doing' and questioning which path you should have/could have followed?. I had a conversation over the weekend about situations that often arise in our life that encourages us to reflect on ourselves- it's a good thing I think, as long as you don't dwell on the what if's, and berate yourself. Everyone we meet in life, like them or not, has something to teach us, like it or not. And this morning I was reflecting back on some writings I have done over time, at a time when I had people in my life that, as far as I know, are still in the living and have got on with their life. I have seen many people, friends, come and go, and reflecting back, I can see each one of them has helped me to be a better person to try to see through compassion and empathy the difficulties life presents to us all. So when you find yourself reflecting on the 'why' or how' stop- think about the now, feel the presence/the present- and begin to notice what you have in your life that gives you momentum to keep moving forward- maybe not in a big way, but every step, small or big, is a step forward. It could be the simpler things in life, like, feeling love nature, children laughing, a loved one, good health- albeit these things are profound. Everyone of us can recall moments in our life that we wish we could change, or have had handled better, thats not to say we need to regret anything, but unless you had the life skills at the time, there would not have been mI'd like to share a poem with you that I wrote, when times were tough, you know the story..not much money around and mouths to feed, and bills to pay... uch you could have done to change a situation. It’s only in hindsight with age, and maturity that you see that. As we move forward to a new year , choose to let go of the past and pain, reflecting on the positive that has taken place this year, not the things that caused us pain- remembering there is no such thing as negativity- just movement. The Humble Spaghetti was all that I had, A meal in itself, Boy was I glad, I hadn’t eaten for 3 whole days, Eating a meal had become a passing phase. I sat there in awe of this wholesome food, And new I was blessed and I understood, that we take so much for granted, and don’t spare a thought, For those who just like us, Need food for thought. The Humble Spaghetti was all that I had, I was so thankful, and a little bit sad for, all those out there, who are not aware, of their blessings each day, as they go on their way. So let us be humbled and ‘know’, what we have, Is a darn sight more, than those who are sad. Today is my mums birthday, and although I remember it every year, she is not here for me to share it with her.
As a funeral Celebrant, I see many families grieving their loved ones, and especially at this time of the year when they are not around to celebrate with. Their loved ones may have passed from this life, or missing, or not in contact for some reason. But all of us feel the loss. So I thought I'd share with you a verse I wrote to my mum, when she passed in 2006, and one that I wrote, when the son of a good colleague, died in a road accident a few years ago. If your thoughts are on your loved ones at this time, remember the good and happy times, let go of the hurt, it will only hold you back, and, remember you are not alone. My mum 2006 No restrictions- floating in space Being cushioned, wrapped up in lace, Not needing to talk, or even to listen, Quietness, silence, memories I keep. Nurtured and cared for, blessings abound, New understanding and learning I’ve found. Days are for living, night is for sleep, All of those things in my mind will I keep. Memories of loved ones, and times gone by, All a part of me now, and soaring up high. This is the freedom that comes with a loss, Time and memorial cannot be cost. If I could have one thing that gives me your face It would be the encounter, yet to take place. For now I will cherish your love and your life, Now you are where you have chosen, somebodies wife, Take care mum, I love you – you will always be mine, My mum, my friend, a keeper of time.
In Love and Humility Trish x Peace is something I assume most people want, and when we achieve it albeit fleeting, it seems that we don't hold onto it.
We've been taught over the years that Christmas is a reminder to foster peace and goodwill to everyone-regardless, doesn't it make more sense to try to do that all year round? The things we hear on the news and read in papers, and sometime hear people say more than often can stir up emotions in us all that can be hard to handle- but they are also a reminder that we could be fostering peace through our own behavior, thoughts and actions. So here is my version of what peace is;- P -Patience. We need to have patience firstly with ourselves, especially when we are trying to achieve outcomes and that is not happening quick enough- patience for others when they don't fit in with our way of thinking or being- everyone is entitled to be who they want to be. E - Empathy. How many of us have empathy towards ourselves? not many I suspect, we are too hard on ourselves, again when it comes to trying to change or achieve something - empathy with others- it's the old saying unless you've walked in their shoes no-one really knows what another is going through, know matter how well you think you know them. A- Attitude. Do we need to soften our attitude toward ourselves? of course we do otherwise we push ourselves too hard and it defeats the purpose of what we are trying to accomplish. We either hurt ourselves physically, get sick because we are run down, or miss the point completely because we are not concentrating on the now- we are too hard on ourselves, and when we do that to ourselves we can often be too hard on others too. C- Contribution. Contributing to the world or the lives of others to bring about comfort, healing, peace is great, and it doesn't have to be difficult- one of the things I get pleasure out of is, at this time of the year when charities and stores are asking for presents for families, I love wrapping up presents and putting them under the trees, hoping that it will give someone some joy, and perhaps letting them know that people do care. But contributing to yourself is also very important, saying no, resting, healthy eating, taking time out to relax, meditation, good friends and family.- without these we can get very rundown and we are not good for much. More importantly, when we find ourselves, caught up in judging others, we are without realizing it contributing to the negativity that is in this world, perhaps when we are tempted, we could turn that around and just think, 'loving kindness' for them, then we'd be contributing a more positive energy, and you'd be amazed at how it will make you feel too. E- Effort. Of course all of the above takes effort on our part, and its a choice, I want to live with peace, I want a peaceful world, so I have to work at making the effort to do that, because no one can do it for me, and no one can do it for you, except you. The world around us is a reflection of the world within us, I believe, so if your inner world is in torment, unsettled, unhappy, try working at peace and then you will see your world begin to change, and that can only have a positive effect on the world at large. In love and humility Trish. Please feel free to comment. It’s my diary.
As this years is coming to a close, I’ve come to a point where I feel the need to put my thoughts in writing and put them ‘out there’- so I have called this ‘It’s my diary’, and each week I will be posting my thoughts- with the intention of hopefully bringing some skills and help to whoever feels the need, and always with humility and love. ……………………… It’s increasingly obvious that Xmas is getting closer and closer every year. The retailers start filling up with Xmas goodies, after the October long weekend. The radios start advertising carols in November, and families start decorating their houses inside and out, earlier each year, and the kids, that’s another storyJ, start putting in their requests with every ad on TV. What all this says to me is that we are not enjoying, let alone, living in the moment, we seem to be always looking for the ‘next thing’ to do, to plan, no wonder so many people feel extra stress at this time of the year because we are brain soaked from October on. What happened to Xmas being one- two days a year- and the shopping and planning was left to the last few weeks in December. As I reflect back I can still feel the excitement of a few days before Xmas eve, cooking and wrapping, and then Xmas eve going to the shops for last minute groceries and having a coffee, soaking in the excitement, the buzz. And then carols on Xmas eve. For some, Xmas is a very sad and lonely time, and that needs to be acknowledged. Being reminded months before about what lies ahead for those people, is not helpful, they certainly don’t need reminding. I’m well aware nothing ever stays the same, but isn’t it time we brought back some of those moments that were precious for so many reasons, and not allowing ourselves to be drawn into all the media/retail hype. As I’ve gotten older, and my children have all grown and have families of their own, I can now live my xmas vicariously through the younger grandchildren, as they help put my tree up,, which I resist until the last week, and visits to Santa in his workshop, looking for the brightest star in the sky. I always used to remind my children, no matter what, look for the miracle of Xmas. That could be bumping into a long lost friend, a family member that hasn’t been in touch for a long time, or a stranger who wishes you merry Xmas. There’s no ‘bah humbug’ about this, it’s just a shame we don’t try harder to live in the moment, whether it is shopping, cooking, or hanging decorations, or planning even, I’m sure that we would feel the magic of xmas more if we did all this being more consciously aware of the moment, rather than racing around for weeks on end- or months in some cases, and being exhausted, and sometimes disappointed at xmas. 2015, is a universal 8 year, a time of personal growth for those aware enough to acknowledge this, the number of infinity, what goes around comes around. How we change and grow will reflect on our personal world, and the world at large. If you find the need or want, after Xmas, to develop a mindfulness way of life, that brings calm, and relaxation to everyday life, or you may want to be more in touch with your intuition, then I will be running workshops on those very topics, and more. If you are interested and would like me to contact you in the New Year, please leave me a personal message with your email address. Or have a look at my website- http://itismydiary.weebly.com |
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