When I think of Cairo…

When I think of Cairo I see pyramids, vibrant colors in bazaars, and heat rising off the sand. There on the bank of the Nile I see history, I see the oldest city on the continent of Africa, I see Giza.  Cairo as old as the Sphinx, monuments from antiquity, all representing a majestic part of our history as the human race.

Now there are no romantic figures, no Indiana Jones to rescue us or them; instead we have images of unrest that bombard us as the pictures go viral.  There’s no escaping the images, a city, a country that has reached the point of no return. What we see is real and dramatic. The country and it’s president have come to a parting of the way as we view the upheaval in Egypt.

I understand change and I understand each human has the right to the best life possible for themselves and their families. Each of us, each community, each country should have the right to decide when and how change should come and what change should look like.

My prayer is for the Egyptians to find their own course, to find their way to freedom, independence, peace and purpose. I pray that as the old guard relinquish power it’s replaced by a forward thinking government that will take Egypt and it’s people toward the dawn of a new era; an era of peace for the next 10,000 years. Egypt, we pray for you, we stand with you and we hold the light as you make your way toward peace.

Namaste’

Gratitude

My family has always had great Christmases. My mother, the matriarch, has a knack for making holidays special, and Christmas was always at the top of the list of holidays. For the last three years, I have travelled from Florida to Kentucky to be with my mother, daughter and our family. 

This has been a wonderful Christmas, family around and lots of love. My grandson is the alpha and omega of my life. At the age of 2, he has a better understanding of Christmas and Santa. He had one request, a dolphin pillow pet. He saw one on tv and it was love at first sight. For weeks and weeks he asked for the dolphin, no matter what other pets or toys he saw.  He told everyone he saw, “I want a dolphin.” His mother used the Santa visit as a carrot, and it worked.

Fast forward and Christmas morning came. The first thing he saw was a tent, complete with tunnel, and he ran right in. From there he opened all his presents one at a time, always going to the fat present,  his mother redirecting his attention. I don’t know how he knew this was the present he was looking for. Finally the moment of truth. His eyes were huge as he torn open the wrapping paper to see his beloved dolphin. His response was, “He bringed it, Santa bringed it!”) That, for me was worth the trip. He then said, “I want two dolphins”, throwing up two little fingers (which was also something else he had asked for, but we were ignoring him).

The Christmas celebration went from my daughter’s house to my mother’s, and low and behold his great-grandmother gave him another blue dolphin, saying, “He said he wanted two”. To see him trying to hold on to both with two-year old arms, was amusing, but there was a light in his eyes that melted my heart. The wonder, the surprise, the magic of Christmas was present in his  joyous face.

I am so grateful I have this wonderful little boy to remind me of a simpler time; when small things had a huge impact on your life, when magic and wonder are part of the celebration of this holiday season.

As we quickly approach the beginning  of another year, I pray that you are able to find less stress and more wonder in 2011.

Namaste’

Completion

On Sunday, 10-10-10 I was ordained as a minister from Universal Harmony Foundation. This has been a goal I set five years ago. There have been many stops and starts; challenges; upheaval and fear. There was the challenge of merging my 33 yr. Buddhist practice with the metaphysical christian church I have been attending for the last five years.

As it turned out, I could indeed merge the two and I believe it has made me a more well-rounded person with experience in different religious modalities. I am better equipped to meet people where they are in their understanding of our Creator.

Many thanks to the family members, friends, and Harmony Metaphysical Church members who have helped me along the way. I pledge to do my best in whatever the future holds for me. My love for all of creation continues to grow in a way that amazes me. When it’s all said and done only the love is real…everything else is illusion.

I ask Father/Mother God to walk with me as I walk with others, making me an instrument for their work.

Kadoish,

Rev. Cheri H.P. Makeda

The Dash

“I read of a man who stood to speak,

At the funeral of a friend.

He referred to the dates on her tombstone,

From the beginning…to the end.

He noted that first came the date of her birth,

And he spoke the date that followed, with tears.

But he said what mattered most of all,

Was the dash between those years.

For that dash represents all the time

That she spent alive on Earth.

And now only those who loved her,

Know what that little line is worth.

For it matters not, how much we own,

The cars, the house, the cash…

What matters is how we live and love,

And how we spend our dash.”

Anonymous

I assisted with a funeral on Saturday.  Beaunet G. Leath is the daughter of a couple I have had the honor or working with over the last few years. Charles, a reflexologist and Melissa, an author and medium, would visit us when they came to the Tampa Bay area to visit Beaunet, and their various clients several times a year. They came to several Sunday morning services just last month, and their lovely Beaunet was with them. What was even more exciting was to see Beaunet at Sunday morning service without her parents. I remember greeting her with a hug, and telling her how happy I was to see her again. I said she could consider Harmony her spiritual home and we would be there for her. That was only two weeks ago. Little did I know how quickly she would  need us.

It is my understanding that Beaunet had trouble breathing, went to the hospital, and died. There were none so devastated as her parents. No parent should outlive their child, that just goes against nature, but sometimes that’s how life goes. They planned a lovely memorial service and I had the honor or reading two poems, one of them “The Dash”.

“The Dash” reminds us to make the most of our lives because all of our living happens within the dash. We can live life small, scared and inconsequential or we can live large, bravely and bold. We are not human beings having a spiritual experience, we are spiritual beings having a human experience. We are here on this Earth plane to learn. We learn with the use of this vessel we call a human body. This vessel is only on loan for the short time we have here on Earth. The reason we come here is to experience the other side of light. Life with our Mother-Father God is only the light, to experience the contrast we must live here.

 If that is the case, if we are truly the sons and daughters of Mother-Father God we are powerful beyond measure, we are that light. With that light we are empowered to do grand things. We have gifts like writing, dancing and singing. We are the doctors and scientists that come up with new ways to save lives. We are the humanitarians like Martin Luther King Jr., Mother Theresa and Gandhi here to show us the way to our own humanity.  We are Jesus, Moses, Muhammad and Buddha to illustrate what the sons and daughters of our Creator can do with the illuminated light of our Mother-Father.

Although we may know and understand the metaphysical explanation of life and living, it doesn’t take away from our pain when we lose someone we love. Beaunet was young, had so much going for her, her particular gifts were singing and cooking. She had friends and family that loved her, and had a special love of her guy Cliff.

 By all accounts she had done everything “right” in her life. The point here is there is no right or wrong way to live, there are no instruction manuals on how to live our best life, all we can do is just do it. We must love hard and completely. We must say “I love you” and “you matter to me”, each and every day to those we love. Every moment should be lived as if it’s our last. 

It was Beaunet’s time to go home. Her brilliant light will continue to shine and we must remember that she has only shed her vessel, the light hasn’t gone out. Make no mistake, everyone she touched is left with a void. Her parents who adored her must walk through the pain of this shattering. You can hear the love as her father talks about her. He said she had him wrapped around her finger, and I believe that to be true. The grief in her mother’s eyes would break your heart. But, no matter how deep the pain I believe they know her light continues to shine. Regardless of what side of the Veil we are on, we stay connected to each other through all directions of time.

My prayers go out to the Leath family and friends. I ask Mother-Father God, the Ascended Masters, and all the beings of light love and ascension to walk with them as they walk through this pain. 

Our time will come soon enough, so we should concentrate on living our lives, learning our lessons and shining our light for all to see brightly and completely, and without REGRET!

Namaste’

Love Is All There Is

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY

 I feel that I am the luckiest woman on the planet to have such love in my life with a wonderful family and great friends. At the top of my list are my “Baby Girl”, Monique, her husband O’Farrell (aka O), and my grandson, O’Farrell Jr. (aka Lil O). Then there is my “Cowboy” Ronnie and my brother Ronnie, all my wonderful aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. Our greatest blessing is Beatrice Crawford Huff, a wonderful mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, niece and friend.

If you are reading this letter, you too have been touched by my mother is some way. Mom has been a hero, or rather a “she’ro” to us all. I think now is a good time to show her how much she means to us. She has been described by her brother Oscar as, “The Mother to us all!”  She has been a pivotal figure in the raising of her younger siblings, their children, her children, everybody’s grandchildren, as well as nieces and nephews.  She has supported her loved ones as they grew up, and she has supported them during their transition at the end of their lives.

When she arrives, with bags in hand much like Mary Poppins, she brings medicine to cure what ails you. Usually that includes her love, warmth and some of her wonder food, because it’s truly food for the soul. She will freeze some of that love and pack her suitcase with all kinds of wonderful delights, like sweet potato pie.    

 Mom has always been a loyal friend and she has friendships that go back over 60 years. Whether you are a lifelong or new friend you have been blessed by her kindness, consideration, grace, hospitality and her ability to make you feel special. 

My father always referred to my mother as “Queen Bea” and I believe that is a fitting title. I am proposing we start a write-in campaign to Oprah. This incredibly loving, compassionate, generous woman deserves acknowledgement for who she is and what she has done. I think she warrants an “Oprah” type recognition.

There are several ways in which you may participate in this campaign. You can write a letter to Oprah describing how “Queen Bea” has affected your life.

Oprah Winfrey

Harpo Studios

1058 West Washington Blvd.

Chicago, IL 606

312.633.1000

 Or, you can send a message via Oprah.com. Look under “Contact Us” and complete the form for your submission. Please use “Queen Bea” in your 2,000 character allotment. I have also enclosed a sample letter you can use. I feel it’s a safe bet that Oprah gets millions of requests over the course of a year, so if you are able to send multiple letters or emails that increases our chances of reaching Oprah. I want her staff to ask, “Who is this Queen Bea?” As a firm believer in the “Law of Attraction” I believe “Queen Bea” will be recognized for the woman that she is, and the accomplishments she has made.

I have one last request, every February, across the country candy, flowers, and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine. It is the traditional day on which lovers express their love for each other as well as family and friends. If you are so inclined, you can reach out and share your love with her on February 14^th, Valentine’s Day.

Thank you in advance for your love, time and consideration.  May the light of Father/Mother God shine upon you and your loved ones this year!

Namaste’

2010, THE POWER IS IN OUR HANDS

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

After much anticipation 2010 is here!

The following is what I believe is a POWERFUL tool to use as we enter 2010. For some, it may be too far out or “woo-woo”, for others it is a powerful tool to prepare for the manifestations of 2010. The last decade was for bringing our “stuff” to the surface so we can purge and heal. Now is the time to begin to see the fruit of our labors. I invite you to read the information and see how it resonates with you. If it feels right for you, I invite you to “invoke and dream awake” all that you wish to manifest in your life this year.

This is rather lengthy, but I believe it’s worth your time. The power of our lives is in our hands. Now is the time to release what continues to hold us back; bring up what darkness you have within, and bring it to the light so that it can be transmuted into light as well.

“The Light of God is ALWAYS Victorious, and WE are that Light!”   

        Patricia Diane Cota-Robles

Namaste’

2010, A  POWERFUL  NEW  YEAR!

by Patricia Diane Cota-Robles
January 1, 2010

http://eraofpeace.org

It is hard to believe that we have already completed the first decade of the New Millennium. I do not think anyone can dispute the fact that time is being accelerated. The unprecedented awakening Humanity experienced during the first decade of the 21st century was miraculous, but it will not hold a candle to the shift of consciousness that will take place during the second decade. This shift of consciousness will result in the unification of millions of Lightworkers, whose dedicated service to Humanity and the Light will change the course of history. From outer appearances this statement may seem too good to be true, but actually, it does not begin to adequately describe the wonders that are in store for Humanity and all Life on this planet. These monumental changes will begin in 2010, and they will unfold day by day until the patterns of perfection for the New Earth are physically manifest. If you have any doubt about that please meditate on the following Truth: “The Light of God is ALWAYS Victorious, and WE are that Light!”

Since the dawn of the New Millennium, Lightworkers around the world have been invoking Divine Intervention to assist with Humanity’s awakening and Earth’s Ascension into the 5th Dimension. For the past ten years the Earth has been going through an intensified cleansing process, that has pushed everything that conflicts with Heaven on Earth to the surface to be healed. This process is not complete yet, but enough of Humanity’s human miscreations have been cleared to begin the manifestation of the patterns of perfection for the New Earth. This is the next phase of the unfolding Divine Plan, which will be birthed with the New Year, 2010.

There are several celestial events that coincide with the birth of 2010. This is not by chance. Through the unified efforts of Lightworkers and the entire Company of Heaven, this powerful New Year is being catapulted into the highest frequencies of vibration that Cosmic Law will allow. 2009, was an eleven (11) year. Eleven is the master number that reflects the transformation of the physical into the Divine. These energies have been preparing every atomic and subatomic particle and wave of Life on Earth for the shifts that will take place in 2010.

On December 12, 2009, 12:12, our Mother God and the Feminine Aspects of Deity throughout the Universe expanded the portal of Transfiguring Divine Love. Through this expanded portal, the Earth and all her Life are being bathed with higher transformational energies than we have ever experienced. These frequencies of Divine Love will build in momentum daily and hourly until December 12, 2010. During this 12-month cycle, Humanity will have an unparalleled opportunity to release any of the behavior patterns that are preventing us from tangibly manifesting the patterns of perfection for the New Earth. This is a merciful gift of Divine Grace. It is a time for us to focus on our Divine Intentions.

On December 16, 2009, the portal of Transfiguring Divine Love was intensified through a very powerful New Moon. This enhanced the influx of Light that bathed the Earth during the Solstice, December 21, 2009. On December 31, 2009, we will experience a BLUE MOON LUNAR ECLIPSE. The Beings of Light have revealed that this is going to be the most significant New Year we have experienced since our fall from Grace millions of years ago. This is a vitally important time for all of us to empower what we want to cocreate in our individual lives and on this planet. Not only will our hopes, dreams, visions, and Divine Intentions be expanded a thousand times a thousandfold by the Company of Heaven, they will be exponentially expanded by the tremendous influx of Light we will experience on that sacred day.

These gifts of Divine Intervention will expand in power and might until January 14, 2010. On that day, we will experience an incredibly powerful New Moon Solar Eclipse. During the Solar Eclipse, the patterns of perfection we have empowered will be permanently sealed in the highest frequencies of vibration possible. From that moment forth, they will build in momentum daily and hourly. When our visions reach a critical mass, an unstoppable shift will occur that will bring our cocreations into manifestation.

It is important for all of us to go within our hearts to see what our I AM Presence is guiding us to empower in our individual lives. We can also join together to invoke the Light on behalf of Humanity and all Life on this planet. The Company of Heaven has given us wonderful and very powerful tools to help us reprogram ourselves. I would like to share one of them with you now. This exercise will help us to release the fragmented and fear-based thoughtforms from our lower human egos. It will help us to give our I AM Presences, full dominion of our lives.

THE NEW TECHNOLOGY OF THE VIOLET FLAME

The 5th-Dimensional frequencies of the Violet Flame allow us to easily download programs or patterns of perfection from the Causal Body of our Father-Mother God that we would like to manifest in our lives. We begin with an invocation, then we decide what programs we want to download and ask our I AM Presence to assist us. The downloading occurs instantly and automatically, very similar to the way the process occurs when we put a disc with a new program into our computer.

After the program is downloaded, our I AM Presence uses the technology of the Violet Flame to scan all of our records, memories, belief systems, fears, blocks, etc., from all time frames and dimensions both known and unknown. Any thought, word, action, or feeling that we have ever expressed in any lifetime that conflicts with the new program is identified, transmuted, and deleted.

We also have the ability to download programs for our families, our friends, and all Humanity. All we have to do is invoke their I AM Presence and ask that the program be downloaded according to their Divine Plan.

For our collective purposes here, the Beings of Light have grouped the programs we are going to download together according to subject matter. We are also going to invoke our families, friends, and the entire Family of Humanity.

The first step involves invoking our Father-Mother God, our I AM Presence, and the I AM Presence of all Humanity:

DOWNLOADING PROGRAMS FROM THE CAUSAL BODY OF GOD

Through the Presence of God, I AM, I Invoke:

My Father-Mother God, My I AM Presence, the I AM Presences of ALL Humanity, and the entire Company of Heaven.

I invoke the full-gathered momentum of the 5th-Dimensional Violet Flame.

I ask the I AM Presence of each member of my family, my friends, and the entire Family of Humanity to downloaded these programs for each person according to his or her highest good and their individual Divine Plans: And I begin…

Beloved I AM Presence, download now the programs from the Causal Body of God for the Infinite Flow of God’s Abundance, Opulence, Financial Freedom, and the God-Supply of ALL good things.   (pause)

The programs are successfully downloaded, and my I AM Presence now scans through all facets of my Being and transmutes and deletes anything that conflicts with these programs.   (pause)

Beloved I AM Presence, download now the programs from the Causal Body of God for Eternal Youth, Vibrant Health, Radiant Beauty, and Slim, Firm, Flawless Form.  (pause)

The programs are successfully downloaded, and my I AM Presence now scans through all facets of my Being and transmutes and deletes anything that conflicts with these programs.   (pause)

Beloved I AM Presence, download now the programs from the Causal Body of God for Perfect Health Habits including Eating and Drinking Habits, Exercise Habits, Work Habits, Relaxation and Recreation Habits, Spiritual Devotion, Meditation, and Contemplation Habits.  (pause)

The programs are successfully downloaded, and my I AM Presence now scans through all facets of my Being and transmutes and deletes anything that conflicts with these programs.   (pause)

Beloved I AM Presence, download now the programs from the Causal Body of God for Divine Family Life, Loving Relationships, Adoration, Divine Love, Divine Sexuality, True Understanding, Clear and Effective Communication, Open Heart Sharing, Oneness, and the Unification of the Family of Humanity.   (pause)

The programs are successfully downloaded, and my I AM Presence now scans through all facets of my Being and transmutes and deletes anything that conflicts with these programs.   (pause)

Beloved I AM Presence, download now the programs from the Causal Body of God for Eternal Peace, Harmony, Balance, and Reverence for ALL Life.   (pause)

The programs are successfully downloaded, and my I AM Presence now scans through all facets of my Being and transmutes and deletes anything that conflicts with these programs.   (pause)

Beloved I AM Presence, download now the programs from the Causal Body of God for Self-Empowerment, Success, Fulfillment, Divine Purpose, A Rewarding Career, Self Esteem, Spiritual Development, Enlightenment, Divine Consciousness, and Divine Perception.   (pause)

The programs are successfully downloaded, and my I AM Presence now scans through all facets of my Being and transmutes and deletes anything that conflicts with these programs.  (pause)

Beloved I AM Presence, download now the programs from the Causal Body of God for the Perception and Open Heart and Mind Telepathic Communication with the Company of Heaven and the Angelic and Elemental Kingdoms.   (pause)

The programs are successfully downloaded, and my I AM Presence now scans through all facets of my Being and transmutes and deletes anything that conflicts with these programs.   (pause)

Beloved I AM Presence, download now the programs from the Causal Body of God for Inspired Creativity through Music, Singing, Sound, Toning, Dance, Movement, Art, and Education.   (pause)

The programs are successfully downloaded, and my I AM Presence now scans through all facets of my Being and transmutes and deletes anything that conflicts with these programs.  (pause)

Beloved I AM Presence, download now the programs from the Causal Body of God for Laughter, Joy, Playfulness, Fun, Self-expression, Elation, Enthusiasm, Bliss, Ecstasy, Wonder, and Awe.   (pause)

The programs are successfully downloaded, and my I AM Presence now scans through all facets of my Being and transmutes and deletes anything that conflicts with these programs.   (pause)

Beloved I AM Presence, download now the programs from the Causal Body of God for the physical manifestation of Heaven on Earth.   (pause)

The programs are successfully downloaded, and my I AM Presence now scans through all facets of my Being and transmutes and deletes anything that conflicts with these programs.   (pause)

I now ACCEPT and KNOW through every fiber of my Being that these programs from the Causal Body of God have been successfully downloaded. I also ACCEPT and KNOW that my I AM Presence will update these programs every single day and continually delete anything in my Being that conflicts with these programs.

In deep Humility, Divine Love and Gratitude I Decree,
It is done. And so it is. Beloved I AM, Beloved I AM, Beloved I AM.

Patricia Diane Cota-Robles
New Age Study of Humanity’s Purpose
a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit educational organization

Website: http://eraofpeace.org

BLESSINGS TO YOU FOR 2010

After all the rush, stress, hustle and bustle we have made it through Christmas 2009. If you’re like me, the holidays came much too fast and caught me ill-equipped, again. The 365 days we had in preparation just didn’t seem to be enough time. Nevertheless, me and millions of my unprepared friends, made it though. We decorated, shopped and cooked. We sent greeting cards to celebrate Christmas, Hanukah and/or Kwanzaa; and the most important thing was, as a whole, we were nicer to each other as we carried out these tasks. 

We greeted each other with respect and salutations. We departed with a cheerful, “Happy Holidays”. There was much more solidarity and unity as citizens of this country. This respect crossed over racial, religious and social economic lines. For a time, albeit a short time, we were of one accord.

As the New Year quickly approaches I hope we can take some of this good will forward to 2010. The coming year has been predicted to hold a lot of the same challenges of 2009, as well as some incredible blessings. We will face tragedy and redemption; love and hate; obstacles and victory; war and peace; fear and bravery; hunger and hope. Through all of this, my hope is that we learn from all of these life lessons. One way or the other we WILL go through life lessons and we have a choice to make.  We can either go kicking and screaming, or we can make the best of each situation we encounter and grow from it.

My prayer for you is to find the love, peace, joy and laughter that can be found in your everyday life and living. Know you are not alone, because you are a beloved member of this collective. Spirit flows through each of us, connecting us, and this makes each a unique and valuable part of our global community.  May you and yours receive all the blessings the Creator holds for you in 2010.

Namaste’

Holiday Home Comings

With the big day quickly approaching most are running around frantically trying to check off their list of gifts,  buy groceries and prepare food, lots of food both traditional and family favorites. And we can’t forget the decorating that needs to be done. Each year we promise ourselves we’ll begin this process earlier, but somehow that really doesn’t happen  and we feel the holidays have come too soon.

The reality is all of that really doesn’t matter, spending time with our loved ones does. Forget about buying crap that people don’t want, can’t use or don’t need.  Why not donate gently used or new things to your local charities instead. Spend time helping others. Help a neighbor, a coworker or a stranger. We all need help at some time or another and Christmas always seems to be the time when challenges tend to hit hardest . It is not too late to make a difference.

I arrived back home for the holidays yesterday. Seeing my mother, daughter, son-in-law and 22-month-old grandson is what the holidays are all about for me. Not the crap I use to buy. Spending time with them is the greatest gift. We will be eating, drinking and making merry. I will see more family before it’s all over and I so look forward to that as well.  We enjoy each other and leave all drama behind; that’s what the holidays are all about. We will reminisce, tease, cajole. We will marvel how much the children have grown in the last year. The reason for the season is being with your loved ones, giving thanks and connecting with Spirit. . Time is short and not promised to any of us. Take this time to make lasting memories; these are the gifts that are cherished and last a lifetime.

Peace, love and blessings to each and every one of you and may the new year offer you all that you desire.

Merry Christmas and Namaste’

The Season of eBay

My 20-month old grandson is an Elmo nut. The sun rises and sets on everything Elmo. He was Elmo for Halloween and loved his costume, keeping it on when usually he’s trying to strip down to the skin, including his diaper. He wears Elmo diapers, has a Elmo blanket and Elmo DVDs. Apparently there is a Chicken Dance Elmo at his daycare that he covets. He  jumps out of my daughter’s arms when he arrives at daycare to claim it, and cries every day when he has to leave Elmo in the evening.

My daughter did some research on Chicken Dance Elmo and found out he was the hottest Elmo item in 2001. When she found lots of used one’s for sell on-line she decided the new Elmo his great-grandmother is giving him will have to do.

Now, I’ve only been a grandmother for 20 months, but I know if my baby boy wants a Chicken Dance Elmo, damn it I’m going to find it. That was my entry into eBay.

I know many people who live on eBay, purchasing all kinds of stuff from widget to what nots. If my baby wants this Elmo, I’m going to exhaust every avenue.  Did you know they sell EVERYTHING on eBay? And guess what?? Yes, there were new Chicken Dance Elmos, still in the box for sell. No problem, I’ll just bid on one and get it in plenty of time before Christmas.

The first Elmo was lost because I, didn’t stay on top of the bidding,  but no matter there where others, and I was determined to win the second one. The bid started out at $5 and some change. My goal, not to spend more than $30; then $33, $35, $40, $45. Had I lost my mind? Apparently! I didn’t know the bidding could be so competitive.

Daughter calls last evening and I say distractedly, “Someone keeps outbidding me”. Her response, “Mama, oh no, don’t tell me, are you kidding me? Are you bidding against me?” Yeap, she was in a bidding war for Chicken Elmo too. “OMG are we bidding against each other?” Fortunately, we weren’t and I stopped bidding because she had only minutes left on her Elmo and her’s was $10 less than mine. She won the bid and we can’t wait to see the face of our baby boy on Christmas morning. That will be magic.

All of that to say, Christmas has lost a lot of the magic that I experienced as a child. We were naive, not having the mass media of today, growing us up way too soon. Santa was magic, and my parents did their part to allow us to keep the magic going for as long as possible. To this day, I remember my family returning home late one Christmas Eve evening. The snow was falling in Youngstown, Ohio and I remember it being cold and crisp. My younger brother urged our father to drive faster because sitting on our knees looking out the back window, this was long before safety belts, we were so sure we saw Santa’s sleigh in the sky and he couldn’t find us still awake.

Is Christmas too commercial? Yeap, in my opinion it is; however, it’s up to us to keep the magic going. The lights on houses; decorating trees; sitting on Santa’s lap at the mall; writing letters to the North Pole are ways to keep the anticipation going.  It’s not about going further into debt to buy gifts, but a time of year that we are allowed to be kinder, more generous and appreciative of all that we have. Presents shouldn’t be given based on expense, but on something thoughtful that really touches another’s heart. Christmas is a time for loved ones; sharing and caring.  I can’t wait to see our little man’s face come Christmas morning, that will be my bit of magic.  Regardless if you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanza keep the magic alive and enjoy the most wonderful time of the year.

Namaste’

Confession is Good for the Soul?

There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t beat myself up with woulda, shoulda, coulda. I should have zigged when I zagged. I take my inventory on a daily basis and the outcome isn’t pretty. I’ve sinned; sin meaning ‘to miss the mark’, and I feel that I have sinned every time I wasn’t thoughtful, compassionate, honest, considerate…the list can go on endlessly.

What I realize is I don’t give myself the love and support I would normally give a complete stranger. I set a standard that no human can possibly live up to. So what is the answer? Do I keep on adding to the limitless list of infractions I’m accumulating, or do I give myself permission to be human? What would I tell someone who has come to me for spiritual counseling? I would say. “Forgive yourself for being human!”

 We are human and as such we are guaranteed to have missed steps. The issue isn’t if we make mistakes, but when and how many. Some believe we are humans having a spiritual experience, while others believe we are spiritual beings having a human experience. I believe the latter, we are spiritual beings having a human experience. I believe without a doubt that we spiritual beings come to this Earth School to learn by experience. When you come from a place where there is only the light how can you compare or enjoy the complete experience if you have nothing to compare it to? Everything that happens to us is for the lesson. We can’t grow, mature, and learn if mistakes aren’t made.

It’s all well and good to say we are here to meet this lofty goal of learning, but what do we do in the meantime? What do we do with the guilt, anger, frustration and fear?  What do we do with all that weighs heavy on our heart? I believe the answer is to ‘speak out’  or purge all that ails us. Instead of holding on to all that pain we need to let it go. You can tell someone. Some believe confession is good for the soul and I would agree. If you’re a recovering Catholic, you may  feel a  confession to a priest isn’t the way to go, but you really don’t have to ‘confess’ to anyone but yourself. Get it out of your heart, your mind, and your soul. It can be as simple as writing it out. Sit down with pen and paper and pour it out. Take the paper put it in an envelope and seal it. In seven days take the envelope and decide if you’ve said all you need to say without opening it. If there is still anger, hurt, hostility, write it out and seal it in a new envelope for seven days. At the end of this seven, if you feel purged take both envelopes and burn them. That’s it. You may consider mailing your letters, but I would wager that would just add fuel to the fire. It’s not about anyone else but you. Stay away from the drama, because that usually breeds more drama. Again, this exercise is for your healing, everyone else has to handle their own stuff.

This human experience is filled with ups and downs, the good, the bad, and the ugly, but it’s what we’ve got and it’s up to us to make the experience the ride of your life or hell on earth. What does your life look like? Why not make it the time of your life?

Namaste