bless the darkness...

I think sometimes we create this idea that there is one way to live, a moral code that makes us & others wrong or right, & when times in our lives ask or require, or even demand through ugly circumstance that we deviate from that, we judge...OURSELVES, & often through others.

It is during these times of low energy, darkness, & shifting within our own experiences that the worst in others emerges, but if we can remember that there is no RIGHT way to have a human experience- there is no requirement that must be met to graduate to the next level, we would be so much better off.

An authentic experience is full of highs and lows, it does not hide from the shadow or the light, rather embraces them both, & accepts the lessons each have to offer- the messages.

Blissful, soulful living does not require you to deny your struggles, or believe & focus on ONLY your positive moments in this life- IT asks you to be REAL, & heartfelt, & honor all that you are...the LIGHT inside, along with the DARKNESS. 

There is no shame in hosting your shadow for some time. In fact, there is freedom & love in it because it holds the key to our truth; our conversations, struggles, recognitions not yet fully actualized. Bring them to the light & all will be well- your darkness is your gas light, reminding you when you are low and needing to be fed, fueled, or given a break. It says that some form of attention is needed internally.

From all the words, thoughts, actions, instructions floating around this world- please take only two things:

ONE- the things that RESONATE with YOU & FEEL right or so wrong you cannot deny its truth ;)
&
TWO- that YOU ARE POWERFUL beyond your greatest understanding. You do & will continue to create your life, & do the work required for your growth when you are ready- OR you won't & you will stay stuck, stagnant, frustrated & angry. YOU can & will shift your perception, words, actions in time as you are ready, & because our world needs it. No pressure, but certainly when the time is right I hope, as many do, you will choose a blissful, soulful engaged life... ;)

Please don't ever fear anything in yourself, even in that moment of fear (LOVE it & welcome your feelings, but remind yourself you are okay)- it can all change & you can be whole & integrated- fearless. Fearless does not mean never having fear creep into your life, it means you say hello to it as it arrives & then step THROUGH it into your next space along the journey.

You are all you need & have in this life, don't let this being 'human' thing convince you more is needed. When you move back into your heart space, & live openly with LOVE, compassion and authentic awareness- you have arrived & WE are ONE. :)

All my love to each of you, and MYSELF, as we wade through our sludge &/or sunshine & every potential stop in between...

Yours in sacred, loving service,

Lindsay

we are powerful beyond words...

The reason it is so scary to own your own power is because once you do, you can no longer blame things outside of yourself for who you are and what you'll become. You realize you must take ownership for all things that happen to you and in your life.

We invite and attract the very things which provide the lessons we need in order to transcend our current hardships. The brilliance, and frustration, in this beautiful, divine plan is that the lessons get harder, louder and more painful the longer you wait to hear them. Listen to the whisper before it becomes the thunder.

All spiritual practices indicate to us in one form or another that life is constantly testing our allegiance and trust in heaven. The more the ground beneath us shakes, the greater our chances of looking up. Look up, EVERYDAY, in each moment. Know and trust you are part of the Divinity that wraps its self around us and feeds our life. The sunshine, the bees, the flowers and the trees. Be ONE with it, and you will be unshakable. You will know heaven...the rest will all, but fall away.

You have the power to shift things in your life, and peel away the chaos that envelopes you, by stepping into your power and releasing veils of the past so that you can SEE clearly YOUR vision of the future.

You are a DIVINE and SOULFUL being, and 'you' always have been. Now remember it, and honor it- treat yourself as such. Treat life as such, and you will know heaven as it exists in each moment you allow it to.

WAKE UP, LOOK UP, and LIVE INSIDE YOURSELF!

Namaste,

Lindsay

Moments of Recognition...

If we could always come back to the place we exist in when our deep recognitions arrive...we would become virtually unshakable- solid as freakin' rocks.

I have been feeling super low energy the last few days, just not my dapper self.  Been noticeably short with my dudes, just not very open in my engagements with them, sort of distant.  In these times it is often because it is so easy to get swept away by the emotions, and the stories that accompany them in the moment.  They (the stories) usually include for me, that the irritations I am feeling are BECAUSE of someone else- usually those monkeys climbing around my house...but, of course it is not their fault.  It is mine.

I have not been speaking up for myself and advocating for the time and care I need right now, nor have I been honoring my body's request for it.  So here I am sick, tired, moody for a few days, and I finally sit down.  I go and find my own quiet space and I write- often the best medicine for my soul.  Tomorrow I will re-start my yoga practice, and I will take Guinness for a hike.  I will apologize to my monkeys for not communicating better during this time, and asking for the space I needed, but instead letting my stories about them shift my energy to funky- instead of simply resting and nurturing myself; checking in with my feelings and figuring out their orgins.

Now that I have paused, and taken some space for myself, I recognize what is really happening in me emotionally.  I am feeling a shift in our house- we are all about to go our own ways for a while, or I suppose have been for a few days now- on new adventures.  Aaron's passion is being ignited by coaching- he is inspired, and he steps away from me...he engages his spirit and feeds his passion.

That is all it is- it is not about me- he is not forgetting who he is, he is REMEMBERING.  And my discomfort towards him is because I am now adjusting to him shifting away.  He has been so engaged with me, and curious and supportive of my journey- he has been giving me LOTS of fabulous attention.  Suddenly, it is not there the way it was.  He is not as available to me in the ways he was, and I deeply enjoyed and loved his attention. 

And, perhaps I am still settling into our beautiful 10 year partnership, finally trusting and knowing at a soulful level, that he will come back soon.  He will walk his path for awhile, without me.  I know his path is beautiful and perfect, even when I cannot always find myself on it with him.  In fact, I know how important it is that we sometimes walk alone. 

The discomfort I have felt the last few days, is my own, and now I have paused and acknowledged the different feelings moving through me, so I can let them rest now- release them to go on their way now.  I will start, and continue, nurturing myself during this time so I can stay strong, and vital...awake and aware of where we are.  I will gently remind myself about how balanced and centered we can be during these times, too. 

Keep these moments of recognition close to your heart, hold the wisdom gently, but with diligence.  Remember your HOME base, and the good here because when you are home you realize everything- all the moments, the funks, the space and the distance- it's a gift- though it always could have been.  This space is full of love, honor, compassion, support, acknowledgment, soulful connection.  This is home!  And if your home does not feel this way most of the time, or never- it can, I promise. 

Been making lots of promises lately- never used to do that, must be feeling really safe- truly living close to home most of the time now.  It's no longer about putting things INTO practice- they are my practice!  It feels nice--actually, it feels amazing- and wholesome.  And so it is!

With deep gratitude and blessings,

Lindsay

the authenticity of being...

 

 

 

And the moment comes when you can no longer look at yourself, and lie- about who you are- what you want- what your soul longs for- the authenticity of being. When you arrive in this moment, you remember- you ARE all that you need and want, and dream of...this moment of truth is undeniable, powerful beyond words- you cannot put this realization back in that box hidden beneath your skin. Embrace it, honor it, let it grow in the sun and whisper in the dark, all the wisdom you have denied hearing it speak to you for so long. Heart is soul, mind is body- integrate them, create a SOULFUL partnership between the two- and you will know freedom for the rest of your days, i promise...

Yours in loving service,

Lindsay

the merry-go-round

We truly must be compassionate to ourselves and others- always, especially in moments of heated emotional honesty. While we may not be able to relate to the space the other person may be in (or they to us), it is so important to recognize- with an open heart- that we have once been in that emotional state before, and probably will be again some day. Honor each other, and offer space and love when you need it, or they do. We all ride the merry-go-round, and someone always exists on some point of that ride at any given moment- it is only important that you know where you are.

xx,

L.

life's guiding pulse

You know I was sitting here tonight with my boys, watching them move around clumsily, yet with more grace than before and realizing that unless I slow down more, and pause for a moment to really etch these memories into my heart, someday many of them will slip away. They may become, but THIS moment, and nothing more. But they are all worth so much more.

So many things are worth pausing for, to sit in wonder while drinking every little detail in, down to the smell of the kitchen dinner behind me, the sounds of their small, LOUD feet playing bball on the hardwood, and that amazing hand screened train shirt I got a couple years ago for Bman while in Santa Fe, now being worn by my rapidly growing 3 year old, Cooper...

Pause and DRINK it in as much as you can because these memories are fleeting, as life so quickly transitions. Carry the memories that MAGNIFY your presence in each moment, because before you know it life's next shiny object may catch your attention and you will forget this joyful moment, and what it feels like to be here. These moments add structure and strength to your heart. Life's guiding pulse!

Much love,

L.

a CONVERSATION with my son...

Today when talking with my son he spoke about his little brother being a "rascal", and said it in a manner in which he implied that quality was unique only to him. I brought to his attention that we can all be "rascals" or "fill in the blank" sometimes- that is life- but we must learn to be aware enough, and to catch ourselves in those moments so we may shift things, or step away until we are ready to be our best selves. He said, "Even you mom?" Sweet boy, how quickly he apparently forgets, or smooth he is growing. ;)

Yesterday afternoon, I was very tired, and very grouchy with the boys and I used that example, reminding him about how I came to him and apologized very soon after being rude and short with them, and discussed how I did not handle my frustration and feelings very well. In that moment, he smiled and said he remembered, but then we moved on from that. This morning, he had a pretty moody couple of hours himself. He did not always do very well at shifting it, but tonight at bedtime, on his own time and desire, he apologized for being "ornery, grouchy, and selfish" this morning. It touched my heart so deeply.

Children understand the messages of our actions, and also our words. When we stand in the light of humility, honesty, and self-reflection even when it is not our favorite picture, it teaches them how to practice the same things in their life- it gives them permission to open their heart to the same things in themselves.

Never fear the things in yourself that are less than perfect, in fact, celebrate them. Whether you are a parent, partner, friend, co-worker, etc. it is in acknowledging your imperfections and struggles and then OWNING them and CHANGING them, that creates beautiful shifts in our world. One exchange at a time. We empower our hearts ability to grow, and eliminate the power of our mind to dictate the negative course of our actions.

As you change yourself, you hold space and understanding for others to do the same. Be a space holder in our world for something better- a more loving and accepting world, that honors all that is, but that in the same breath, roots for all that we are, and have yet to become.

Love and Light,

Lindsay

OUR future, OUR responsibility...

I often just stare at my children as they play. Children understand this magical gift that is life. They don't take it for granted, and they certainly don't question its magnificence- they dance with it, roll in it, smile at it, cry in it, and revel in its wonder. It is an incredibly healing thing to observe.

Try to live through a child's eyes as often as possible, and if you are a parent, or have children in your life who look up to you, do this while honoring and guiding them through the details that try to interfere with 'our' ability to maintain this present and focused child-like wonder. Help assure for them they won't have to "remember" and re-learn how to be this connected to their lives down the road.

Offer yourself as a model by taking the responsibility to WAKE up yourself &/or STAY AWAKE, teach them in ways that will allow them to stay ENGAGED and PRESENT- living with an open heart, lovingly, curious, empowered, and kind...they are the true future of our world- help them BE so.

Namaste,

Lindsay

DOORS

Lots of doors from my past are gently closing so that others may open unobstructed. A whole period of my life concludes seemingly fluidly, and I sit for the first time, grounded and peaceful amidst the transition. The discomfort of all the energy that bounces around in me confirms big change on the horizon and for the first time I do not fight it, but let it move me forward on my path. No more dragging my heels in fear, only love and trust in my heart today. Lokah Samastah Suhkino Bhavantu

Soulful Partnership

Soulful partnership requires each person allowing the other space and time needed to grow together, as well as apart, and to honor and offer these cycles to one another with respect and dignity, while releasing imposing expectations.

Soulful partnership includes a silent surrender and bow to each other in moments of escalation and instability. It recognizes in the action of the bow that there is an acknowledgment that this moment is real, and it is time to step away and reflect on what is causing the feelings to erupt, while also seeing that the feelings and emotions are very temporary- absolutely temporary- and with love and intention it will soon pass, and you all will grow.

Soulful partnership does not hold each other as emotional hostages by indulging our lower impulses of manipulation, selfishness, or anger, but frees the other to be the most authentic self possible. It exists without judgment, and instead with love, compassion, and ownership.

Soulful partnership asks for great flexibility; it is all about learning the divine dance...

Love and Light,

L.

filled by you, JOY!

Pure MAGIC is all I know these days; it is a force and phenomenon that has been flooding my life lately, and it is truly, and fantastically, beautiful.  The capacity we have to be filled with JOY is incredible.  We are such magnificent beings whose energy can flow so smoothly and efficiently that it literally feels some days as if your chest might burst wide open and the love flowing inside of you will just radiate for miles and miles...and it does!

It is so incredible.  To feel this energy in your toes, in your fingers- as they dance while you tell your stories about life.  Your blood courses through you and you feel so alive.

This feeling should not be so foreign or intimidating- people should understand how easy it is to LIVE- to really be ALIVE- when this flows through you.  When your thoughts ONLY pause to note all the beautiful things in your day, or the visions that flow through you of your future, or the future of those you love.  When you can see everything for the magical force it is, and you understand the joys and the sorrows alike as part of this magic, you will realize that sorrows only come when you really LOVE something, and it is lost; it is then, sorrow is used only as a means to honor that love. It never need come because of something outside of you, or from someone else who is attempting to intrude upon you because something lives unresolved in them.

All is so good here.

If only there were some way you could plug others who don't feel this full of life into your blood line for just a moment, so they would know, so they could trust- that through the other side of their fear, sadness, or discomfort of any kind- they would find goodness, pure light.  They would know only love and acceptance of self, and in that, discover that there is no option beyond that, but to love and share that with all beings, even those you could never imagine offering it to before.  Everyone and everything is magic here, and it is so magnificent, so sturdy, so REAL.  You ARE fearless and free.

I accept my purpose with my whole heart, and vow to offer my life in service, to support and love  humanity in any way I can, as they learn how to step into their fears and insecurities, and TRANSFORM into powerful, free, and enchanting beings of light who have nothing to offer each other, but pure JOY.

Yours in sacred, loving service,

Lindsay