Those of you who have a fur-child will most likely relate and with a deep sigh we might exclaim the sacrifices we make even if it means waking crooked like a question mark each day. I’ve had dogs before, but never has one expressed the need for such a closeness, literally laying nearly on top of you and always needing to make some sort of bodily contact like Cinnamon has. She is just slightly over 40 lbs, but becomes dead weight when she lays on you and you can’t budge her lol. She might as well weigh a ton, at least it’s what it feels like. I think she likes the warmth of a snuggle and despite I wrap her in a blanket on the couch before I go to bed, she still prefers her human blanket and ends up in bed. If there was a dog’s prayer at bedtime, this would be it.
Now I lay me down to sleep, the king-size bed is soft and deep. I sleep right in the center groove, the people here can hardly move. I’ve trapped their legs, they’re tucked in tight, and here is where I spend all night. No one disturbs me or dares to intrude, til morning comes and I want food. I sneak up slowly to begin, and lick a nose or a bit of chin. For mornings here, it is time to play, I know the food is on it’s way. Thank you Lord for giving me these wonderful people that I see. The ones who hug and hold me tight, and share the bed with me at night.
Driving home from a supply run, I usually have some time to let the mind wander. Traffic is lighter than on most common roads and I guess you could say that I am taking the path less travelled. I am driving away from the hectic and bustling life to a place that spells peace and serenity for me. There is time to sightsee and I am never in a hurry anymore. I can appreciate these subtle changes that bear such a huge impact, knowing that it hasn’t always been the case and I once too chased a very different life. Actually it’s been a few years since jumping off of the hamster wheel that I purposely work on slowing time and therefore life down. I seldom drive fast anymore and if I do, it’s because I want to and not because I have to. I am the one that will show up early for any appointment, factoring in extra time for the unforeseen, just in case. I guess my effort is to make everything last longer. To live every moment and never get into such a rush that I am robbed that pleasure to enjoy time. A lover of music, my love and commitment to make time last and marvel in it’s stillness has translated into that I drive in silence most of the time. The radio is off and the favorite tune is on mute as if not to distract me from my surroundings and taking in the moment.
On my trips there is always enough time to look for Pronghorn Antelopes found within this area. Somehow they always appear out of place, like their exotic markings should belong to a continent like Africa or somewhere else like that. I smile and greet them like friends, like one who understands, like one who is feeling out of place at times myself. I greet you and I know what it’s like I say to myself as I pass by and smile. Snow had fallen overnight and while the roads were clear, the mountains and fields were covered in white. The higher elevation showcased trees, crisp as if frozen in place rather then covered by a blanket of soft snow. Cinnamon was curled up on the seat next to me and had fallen asleep from the smooth monotonous sound of the engine. Soon enough she’d be up once we took our turn of the main road, knowing we’d be home soon. She loves living in the tiny abode and while I was worried about her initially, bringing her into such a tiny space, I think she loves the energy there the most, feeling perfectly content and at peace.
Driving that morning, I was thinking about the power of prayer. Soon, Germany popped into my mind and I was thinking about a trip taken a few years ago. Mom was celebrating her 80th birthday which was a very deal. Something different happened during that trip and I noticed somewhere along the line that I felt drawn to the church. Up until now I had never experienced entering or going to church with such an awareness, such an intensity, such a feeling of being so overwhelmed. I’m not quite sure what had changed. It wasn’t only the church in my hometown that I felt drawn to, but also churches in general. Previous sightseeing trips always expressed various interests for a city or town, never specifically for a church. If it happened to fall within the program, so be it, but it was never planned. During that year I took a trip to Mittenwald Bavaria for my own birthday. The area is known for ornate chapels and churches everywhere and again, I felt drawn to them. Wherever I went, if there was a chapel within sight, I had to enter and visit. I remember it well for many reasons. Overnight into my birthday, while staying at a guesthouse in the area, I was awakened by something I couldn’t immediately pinpoint. Something had bitten me underneath the left eye and it started to swell shut immediately. By the morning it was completely closed and the left side of my face had swollen to un proportionate dimensions. I always thought I looked a bit like the hunchback of Notre Dame, but I guess that’s not either here or there and I definitely won’t post a picture of it. The swelling lasted for nearly a week, although relief was soon within reach.
During breakfast we were serenaded by the sound of several church bells near by. It was nothing short of magical to hear this heavenly sound while standing on a big terrace, being surrounded by giant granite peaks. Soon we were off to a little stroll through the neighborhood and came across our first chapel. I entered quietly and sat down, hands crossed in prayer. The inside was beautifully decorated with fresh flowers and burning candles. The ceiling and walls had ornate paintings of Angels in heavenly scenes. Statues lined the outer perimeters all the way to the front Altar. Above it a giant cross with Jesus crucified. I remember sitting in silence, staring at the cross and feeling such pain and sorrow inside of myself. Not for myself but for Jesus, for they didn’t know what they were doing. For what had happened and how we had failed him. I felt embarrassed for humanity, how could something this horrible ever transpire. I remember tears trying to escape from the closed shut, swollen eye, and all of a sudden my discomfort and trouble seemed small and insignificant compared. I sat for a long time and each church I entered afterwards had a similar effect on me ever since. Despite of putting my own troubles to the side, from the moment I entered the first church, overcome by emotions, my symptoms and my swollen face felt comforted.
I was surprised that this memory showed up during my supply drive that morning, but then again there are no ordinary moments. I took it as a sign and said a prayer for a friend. I felt the need to ask God for forgiveness, for his sins as well as my own. To smooth and comfort uncertain times for him and to bring healing and light to his soul if it is meant to be in his destiny. Asking for forgiveness and surrendering any sin or wrongdoing, brought tears of relief. Not only was the forgiveness of someone (God) much greater than me necessary and needed, but it also required the forgiveness from myself and whatever I considered in my own eyes as a wrong doing. Sin, mistake, wrong doing or wrong turn, poor choice, or whatever else you label it, whether you have to ask for forgiveness from higher up or from yourself, soon or later you will have to answer. You will pray for your sorrows and you will need to have faith to be forgiven. Trust the process and feel love unconditionally.
Now I lay me down to rest. I pray that all the world be blessed. Lady Moon and Sister Star, watch over me from afar.
Mother Earth is always there, and keeps me safe within her care.
The lord of Dreams will dance and sing, and happy dreams to me he brings. And when I wake to greet the day, Brother Sun will light my way.
Let’s remember the power of collective prayer. For ourselves, for others, for the world, all humanity, all animals and whatever we hold near and dear. Be safe everyone…xoxoxo
Today we can join in the power of collective prayer. In my own humble opinion I believe that even though this is a day founded by woman, anybody should join and power in numbers is always greater.
Today we have the opportunity to send a prayer to the universe for someone, for ourselves, or for something much greater than that, such as perhaps the world that we live in.
If you could have one wish granted, one prayer heard, what would it be. I realize this is very personal and of course there is no pressure to share. There is no right and wrong, no need to feel selfish, no feeling of one reason being more important than the other. Just an exercise to be vulnerable and to be heard.
For myself, I have multiple prayers and most likely we all do. If I had to pinpoint it, my prayer today is for love and light. It’s something we healers often say at the end of a conversation, wishing someone love and light.
What it means is that love conquers all and light illuminates the shadows, the darkness within us. Today my prayer is that we always find our way out of the darkness and never forget that we carry the light already within us. Sometimes the flame is dim and our light barely shines but even the darkness has purpose and without it the stars can’t shine. May you never forget your worth in the darkness and remember that there are no ordinary moments. Everything has purpose and together we lift each other, together we lean on each other and together we conquer in love and light 🙏🏼💙
Here is a little more about it.
Worldwide Movement of Christian Women
World Day of Prayer is a worldwide, ecumenical movement of Christian women of many traditions who come together to observe a common day of prayer each year, and who, in many countries, have a continuing relationship in prayer and service.
It is initiated and carried out by women in more than 170 countries and regions.
It is symbolized by an annual day of celebration observed on the first Friday in March to which all people are welcome.
It brings women of different races, cultures and traditions together in fellowship, understanding and action throughout the year.
Through World Day of Prayer, women affirm that prayer and action are inseparable and have immeasurable influence in the world.
The motto of World Day of Prayer is “Informed Prayer and Prayerful Action.”
Article and picture taken from yahoo: source unknown
For my American readers, just in case anyone needs this in these uncertain times. I know many of you are scared, and I wanted to take the opportunity to send light and love your way. Together we can connect and send healing to the world, and to all of us who feel panic and anxiety.
You are not alone, and I will send healing love this evening at 8 PST, that you may find peace and comfort. We will start with soft drumming to connect to the heartbeat of the earth. State our intentions, while asking for healing, strengths and protection of all our loved ones.
If you want to join, see how this time converts to your time zone and take a moment to become still with me. Close your eyes and relax. Let your thoughts drift away, and tell your ego to step aside and not to interfere. If you find it hard to stop the noises in your head, ask again, until you become still. Find your rhythm and breathe deeply, picturing your stomach rise and fall. Relax and rely on your senses. Here you are safe and all that matters is the current moment. Maybe you can burn sage and clear your space of negative energy. Maybe you have soft music playing in the background. Maybe you allow yourself to relax while taking a bubblebath. Whatever way suits you, be thankful to yourself for granting this moment to you. For taking the time to do something for yourself.
Sending love and blessings during this difficult time and always. 🙏🏼
Please feel free to contact me and leave me a message if you would like more help.
I am praying for more consciousness, to not miss a single thing and to make choices that yield no regret. I am not doing so well at it, and this decision came because of another missed opportunity that happened today.
A little white haired lady keeps nodding at me when I drive by, or when I walk the dogs with my cousins on Sundays. I know her from a distance and I know that she used to interact with Mom a great deal. Recently I found a picture of Mom as she was young. She was in the company of another man, not my father, but I guess he could have been. I happened to find out that she had a thing with this man before Dad, and it so happens to be the brother of the little white haired lady who no longer lives in town. I’ve been meaning to talk to her and been contemplating visiting her. I’m sure she has some stories to tell about Mom, stories and memories I cling onto right now, but my heart is still raw, and I’m not sure if I could hear them just yet and smile back at her in memory.
As I drove home today, I saw the little lady a few blocks from her house. She is slow going and walks with the help of a walker. I had to stop at the interaction, and she saw me. Slowly she made her way to my car window and grabbed my hand, apologizing about having missed the funeral. She couldn’t have walked that far. I now wished I could have picked her up so she could pay her last respects. I might still take her to the cemetery another time and we can visit Mom together. Somehow I feel a connection to this little lady, like I know her on a soul level.
There she stood next to my window crying about poor Mom, while she clenched my hand and made me cry as well. “Best, best Wises to you” she said, squeezing my hand once more, eventually moving on, and still crying. And would did I do? I cried too and drove away like a coward, taken by the unexpected, not facing up to it. I should have parked and walked with her. I should have not let her hurting heart walk alone, and I sure hope she made it home safe and sound.
I have much work to do and I hope I can be more conscious and not miss these opportunities that are everything in the future. Tonight my heart hurts because of my actions once more. For I don’t know what I am doing, please hear my prayer.
God, grant me the serenity to stop beating myself up for not doing things perfectly, the courage to forgive myself because I’m working on doing better, and the wisdom to know that you already love me just the way I am.
Rhapsody Bohème 