Subscribe to RSS
Oliver Wendell Holmes said: ” Man’s (or woman’s I added) mind, once stretched by a new idea, never regains its original dimensions.” Historically, when a new idea, opportunity, or adventure pops up, quite often my mind takes half a look and immediately says:”Absolutely not!!! No way!! That is so not me.”  But if I sit with the idea just a wee bit, that little voice deep inside says: “Hey there, not so fast.  Why not?? Let’s try this one, please?”
As I am sitting here at the computer, my mind races back to a few years ago. I was with an awesome group of people in Zimbabwe. We had just completed two medical clinics and were heading for some R&R at Victoria Falls.  My friend Cindi, said  the Zambezi has the best white water rafting in the world.   Lets go whitewater rafting. I was dog tired but she spent the next hour telling me all about it. The Zambezi River is filled with hungry crocodiles and vicious hippopotamuses? Their rapids start out with gradel 5!  Me, the grandmother, I thought? No way! But I heard that little voice say: “Why not? When will you get this opportunity again? Let’s do it!”
So I signed up.  Little did I know what this was going to entail.  When we arrived at the River I was presented with another choice. I could ride on the raft that someone else paddled or I could go hard core and paddle myself with my co-adventurers, the fighter pilot and construction workers in the group.  I chose the whole deal. I wanted the full ride.
Who knew that rescuing someone floating down the river toward the rocks (I know it sounds heroic) would leave me under the raft in the middle of the Zambezi. When I realized where I was I was diligently praying a crocodile would get me instead of a hippo.  As fate would have it, G-D was gracious, neither chose to pluck me from the teaming water.
It was an exhausting exhilarating day. I entertained a new idea and had an amazing life changing experience.  Even the exhausting hike up the gorge was enough to change my mind. I decided then and there to change my idea of the little old grandmother. I even have the t-shirt and the video. Come on over and I’ll let you watch it.
New ideas are everywhere. Open up and receive them.  I am not proposing you become fool-hearty, but rather, be more childlike. Rediscover your sense of wonder and adventure.  Tune in your receiver!
New ideas are everywhere but we must:
First and foremost be open to receive
Be on the look out for them
Receive them
Open them like gifts
Some will fit and others
Simply release from your hand like falling leaves.
But entertain them
open them up and try them on
Give the idea and yourself the chance.
Trust your intuition — Especially when it does not look like, smell like, taste like, sound like or  feel like anything you might consider.
Always,
I love my morning ritual. It is such an amazing calm way to start the day. I awaken early, grab a cup of tea, settle back in bed with my journal, my books, and slowly start the day. Although my routine was switched a bit, last week was no different. I was blessed to spend the week with my two little grandchildren. My routine completed, the morning was going great. From out of nowhere, the normally sweet, cooperative, 5 year old decided he not only did not want to get dressed, but he was NOT getting dressed for school. For a moment I found myself at a loss. I mean really! I was the adult here and he had to go to school. A confrontation was brewing that could sour the entire day. But, I stopped, took a deep sensual, and laughed. I laughed at me and the sudden clash of wills. I mused: What was the worst thing that could happen? He could miss school or go to school in his pajamas. Laughter is contagious! Soon he was laughing too. The crisis defused and soon he was dressed and singing happily on our way to school.
One last thing should you find a motorcycle jut sitting there with a cute French Air Force Officer near by in Paris, ask him if you could hop on! Need any hints? Contact me!
I woke up this morning just as the early morning sun began to peak its way through the clouds, shattering the darkness. My heart swelled with gratitude as I breathed a prayer of gratitude for this new day. I wandered to get a cuppa tea to start my morning routine. I paused to medicate Charlie, the elderly Persian cat and feed Zev, the wonder Scottie. My tasks complete, I took my steaming mug of mint tea and settled into my space for my quiet time. I love this time of day. I set my intentions for the day and drop in to discover what I require to do, be, and enjoy to be truly fulfilled at the end of the day.
the five people you spend the most time with.’ JB describes the sacred circle as these five or six people we are closest to. This is true and the people in my inner sanctum are vital for me to live my truth and fulfill my mission here on the planet.But, I would like to humbly offer you my wider more personal definition of my sacred circle.
This morning I woke up in a funk. This is most unusual for me. I wondered if it might have been caused by the change in the season. The calendar says we are heading into fall, but here in the Pacific Northwest summer just barely arrived. Yesterday, I turned on the air conditioner. No, I did not think it was the change in seasons.
As I sat for my early morning meditation, my mind was busier than usual. I felt like it was Washington National Airport. Thoughts were arriving and departing like jumbo jets. With some deep sensual breaths, I settled in and enjoyed the stillness. Thirty minutes passed like the a vapor.  The spirit of heaviness disappeared.  When I opened my eyes, the sun was beginning to peak through the shutters.
I realized this is a new day. I am brand new. Today is a gift. I chose to reach out and embrace it. I am so grateful for the opportunity to enjoy this day. 
