Merry meet Friends!
Michelle here, bringing lots of love and light!
"The key to success is to focus our conscious mind on things we desire not things we fear." ~ Brian Tracy
"Everything you want is on the other side of fear." ~ Unknown
"You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step." ~ Intent Blog
Last night, May 21st, in addition to being my youngest son's birthday, was the full moon. The moon is in Sagittarius, my sun sign and the sun is in Gemini, my moon sign. To top that off, Mercury goes direct today! Whew! As a Sagittarius with a Gemini moon, I am always restless anyway; with the moon and the sun's placement, it seems a double whammy. It does have its advantages though. I'm thinking but I also want action.
I am facilitating a workshop on June 18th. It seems as if once I actually set it up, even though it hasn't happened yet, I now have the courage to look into other things that I desire to do. I have always had ideas floating around but now I intend to implement them. Fear is not my friend! While I want to give the information in the workshop, I'm doing it more for me. This is a step that I must take in order to overcome my fears. We teach what we need to learn.
Somehow I intuitively know that this time I will actually act on my dreams. One of my problems has been that I would visualize the entire event in my head, which would then lead me to all sorts of things that could go wrong. I would end up not doing anything. W. Clement Stone said, "Thinking will not overcome fear, but action will." I realize that we must think and I am a thinker, but over thinking has been a detriment to me. All I need do is take the first step. Taking that step will allow me to see all else.
When we decide to move forward on our dreams, the Universe will and does conspire to help. Doors will open that one didn't know existed. I am so grateful to live in this loving Universe. I have found that once we put it out there help is available. So I am focusing on my desires and not my fears. As I focus on what I desire, more desires surface and more opportunities become available. I am open and receptive to all Spirit has for me!, is my affirmation daily.
I have stated that I'm in transition and I am. Sometimes we don't want to transition into the next phase of our life. We can become comfortable where we are but transitions take us higher. We expand our consciousness and grow into our best selves. It may not feel that way at first but if we go with the flow and where it takes us, we will end up in a beautiful place. We all wish to expand our consciousness and become more of our God selves, don't we? I know I do! Let's become fearless and fly!
Until next Sunday,
Merry part and merry meet again,
Blessed be,
Gypsi Mama Michelle
Sunday, May 22, 2016
Sunday, May 15, 2016
Richmond, VA/ Growth
Merry meet Friends!
Michelle here, bringing lots of love and light!
"Some periods of our growth are so confusing that we don't even recognize that growth is happening...Those long periods when something inside ourselves seems to be waiting, holding its breath, unsure about what the next step should be, eventually become the periods we wait for, for it is in those periods that we realize that we are being prepared for the next phase of our life and that, in all probability, a new level of the personality is about to be revealed." ~ Alice Walker
"It is always the simple things that change our lives. And these things never happen when you are looking for them to happen. Life will reveal answers at the pace life wishes to do so. You feel like running, but life is on a stroll. This is how God does things." ~ Donald Miller
I am entering another phase of my life so I understand well what Alice Walker is saying in the above quote. When we begin to realize that the growth period, which can seem as if nothing is happening, is actually preparing us for the next phase, we begin to look for them. Questions arise about what this phase will reveal. Who am I becoming? What will I do? This is frightening and exhilarating at the same time. The possible loss of my job has me thinking about the next steps for my life.
My job is being phased out but the new job title is exactly what we do now. The new title is Peer Recovery Coach and full time. The pay is much higher than the current rate. I am not interested in a full time position. There is a part time position entitled Crisis Triage Center Peer Specialist. My volunteer work with Safe Harbor qualifies me for this position. The hours are flexible and the pay rate is higher than the recovery coach. I believe I would like this work and it would afford me the opportunity to work on my own business.
My passion is to work with women. I intend to do this via facilitating workshops, seminars, and retreats. I have an upcoming workshop on June 4, 2016, entitled "Step Into Your Dreams". There is a saying that says: "We teach what we most need to learn." I think that's fitting because we understand what individuals are feeling. Essentially we are teaching ourselves as well. I certainly will be. Fear has, for the most part, kept me from doing what I strongly desire to do. The fear hasn't so much been a lack of confidence in my abilities as it has been wondering what others might think. If I continue with that line of thinking I would never do anything.
Here are the questions that I ask myself. Do you have a strong desire to do this? Are you capable of doing this? Do you think it has benefit to your audience? The answers to all of the questions are YES! Each time I feel any doubt or fear I ask myself the questions again. I will continue to do so until the event, if the fear continues. Doing this workshop is a dream of mine. I am "stepping into my dreams", at least one of them. Experiencing doubt and fear and overcoming them gives me the experience, as it were, to aid others in doing the same.
I wasn't able to attend the workshop in Maryland on Saturday that I wanted to attend because there was no one to work in my place. The workshop was with Sage-ing International. The title was Awakening the Sage Within. The organization deals with conscious aging. I would like to facilitate a wisdom circle here in Richmond. The workshop isn't required but I wanted to have more information. I still plan to facilitate the circle. I have all of the documents necessary. The simple things will change our lives. A chance reading of something will provide an opportunity previously unknown when one wasn't looking for it.
On Friday I went to DC to measure the staircase at the venue for my daughter's wedding. She has a vision of what she wants to see upon entering. Since I am an artsy/crafty person, I can assist her in making it come true and save her additional expense. We can't decorate until 2pm and the wedding is at 5. She doesn't want me to undertake too much (I'm doing the bouquets) and not be dressed in time. Of course I feel as if I can do it all. LOL I enlisted the help of a friend to come up and do it, with my help if needed. I'm mentioning this because making the bouquets and decorating a portion of the venue is an opportunity to earn money in the future and feeds that creative crafty side.
I believe it's the Korean culture that says at 60 one becomes a child again and should only have joy in their lives. I'm all for that! I anticipate a joyful future doing what I love and using the gifts that God/Goddess/All That Is have given as I "step into my dreams". Won't you do the same regardless of age?
Until next Sunday,
Merry part and merry meet again,
Blessed be,
Gypsi Mama Michelle
Michelle here, bringing lots of love and light!
"Some periods of our growth are so confusing that we don't even recognize that growth is happening...Those long periods when something inside ourselves seems to be waiting, holding its breath, unsure about what the next step should be, eventually become the periods we wait for, for it is in those periods that we realize that we are being prepared for the next phase of our life and that, in all probability, a new level of the personality is about to be revealed." ~ Alice Walker
"It is always the simple things that change our lives. And these things never happen when you are looking for them to happen. Life will reveal answers at the pace life wishes to do so. You feel like running, but life is on a stroll. This is how God does things." ~ Donald Miller
I am entering another phase of my life so I understand well what Alice Walker is saying in the above quote. When we begin to realize that the growth period, which can seem as if nothing is happening, is actually preparing us for the next phase, we begin to look for them. Questions arise about what this phase will reveal. Who am I becoming? What will I do? This is frightening and exhilarating at the same time. The possible loss of my job has me thinking about the next steps for my life.
My job is being phased out but the new job title is exactly what we do now. The new title is Peer Recovery Coach and full time. The pay is much higher than the current rate. I am not interested in a full time position. There is a part time position entitled Crisis Triage Center Peer Specialist. My volunteer work with Safe Harbor qualifies me for this position. The hours are flexible and the pay rate is higher than the recovery coach. I believe I would like this work and it would afford me the opportunity to work on my own business.
My passion is to work with women. I intend to do this via facilitating workshops, seminars, and retreats. I have an upcoming workshop on June 4, 2016, entitled "Step Into Your Dreams". There is a saying that says: "We teach what we most need to learn." I think that's fitting because we understand what individuals are feeling. Essentially we are teaching ourselves as well. I certainly will be. Fear has, for the most part, kept me from doing what I strongly desire to do. The fear hasn't so much been a lack of confidence in my abilities as it has been wondering what others might think. If I continue with that line of thinking I would never do anything.
Here are the questions that I ask myself. Do you have a strong desire to do this? Are you capable of doing this? Do you think it has benefit to your audience? The answers to all of the questions are YES! Each time I feel any doubt or fear I ask myself the questions again. I will continue to do so until the event, if the fear continues. Doing this workshop is a dream of mine. I am "stepping into my dreams", at least one of them. Experiencing doubt and fear and overcoming them gives me the experience, as it were, to aid others in doing the same.
I wasn't able to attend the workshop in Maryland on Saturday that I wanted to attend because there was no one to work in my place. The workshop was with Sage-ing International. The title was Awakening the Sage Within. The organization deals with conscious aging. I would like to facilitate a wisdom circle here in Richmond. The workshop isn't required but I wanted to have more information. I still plan to facilitate the circle. I have all of the documents necessary. The simple things will change our lives. A chance reading of something will provide an opportunity previously unknown when one wasn't looking for it.
On Friday I went to DC to measure the staircase at the venue for my daughter's wedding. She has a vision of what she wants to see upon entering. Since I am an artsy/crafty person, I can assist her in making it come true and save her additional expense. We can't decorate until 2pm and the wedding is at 5. She doesn't want me to undertake too much (I'm doing the bouquets) and not be dressed in time. Of course I feel as if I can do it all. LOL I enlisted the help of a friend to come up and do it, with my help if needed. I'm mentioning this because making the bouquets and decorating a portion of the venue is an opportunity to earn money in the future and feeds that creative crafty side.
I believe it's the Korean culture that says at 60 one becomes a child again and should only have joy in their lives. I'm all for that! I anticipate a joyful future doing what I love and using the gifts that God/Goddess/All That Is have given as I "step into my dreams". Won't you do the same regardless of age?
Until next Sunday,
Merry part and merry meet again,
Blessed be,
Gypsi Mama Michelle
Sunday, May 8, 2016
Richmond,VA Mother's Day
Merry meet Friends!
Michelle here, bringing lots of love and light!
"Beautify your inner dialogue. Beautify your inner world with love, light and compassion. Life will be beautiful." ~ Amit Ray, Nonviolence: The Transforming Power
"Inner guidance is heard like soft music in the night by those who have learned to listen." ~ Vernon Howard
"When you trust your inner guidance and begin moving in the direction of your dreams (aligned with your individual gifts) you will be cloaked in an armor bestowed upon you by your guardian angel." ~ Charles F. Glassman
"Keep on questioning. Keep on searching." ~ Lailah Gifty Akita, Pearls of Wisdom: Great mind
Happy Mother's Day to all who nurture and mother!
Happy Mother's Day to Gaia, our planet Earth that sustains us!
I have a mother and I am a mother. I have four beautiful children, 2 boys and 2 girls; I should say 2 men and 2 women because they are adults. I treat them as such but they are still my babies. They gave me the gift of motherhood, and I am and always will be eternally grateful that they chose this wild, unpredictable, crazy and unstable at times, intelligent, seeker of truth, empathic being called Michelle to be birthed through. We teach our children but they also teach us. Sometimes I believe we learn more about being humane and about ourselves through them than they learn from us.
I realized last week that some of my sadness is due to my daughter's upcoming marriage. I'm not sad about her marriage or her mate. In analyzing it, I determined that it's about her stepping into another phase of her life which makes me think about the next phase of mine. My oldest son has been married twice but I was so much younger then, and he is my son. I'm guessing the feeling is different with daughters or maybe it's just my age. As she enters this next phase of her life, it raises all sorts of questions about my next phase. How do I plan to spend this next portion of my life? What is it that I truly desire? What gifts and talents do I wish to use for the betterment of myself and others? Will I use them?
Changes are happening everywhere, we are all in a state of transition. Mercury and other planets are in retrograde. Life is happening through us not to us. What is it that we want to come through? What do I want to come through me? I've been practicing listening to and for clues that life provides. I started this practice based on Mark Nepo's book: Seven Thousand Ways to Listen. Mark says, "What often starts as a moment of unexpected feeling that startles us becomes, if leaned into, a deeper way of knowing." The sadness I've been feeling was unexpected but it is leading me to uncover some things about me. Listening to the sadness can propel me into the next phase of my life.
I receive emails from various organizations. Some I read and some I trash. Last week something made me read one before I trashed it. I'm glad I did. It's leading me to a workshop in Maryland that will lead me to forming something else. More details after I attend the workshop. The point is that I stopped to listen to my inner voice and that led to something. Opportunities will present themselves when we ask the Universe for answers. I'm not always sure where something will lead me but that's the beauty of the journey. We can think a thing is leading us one place and we end up finding our"true north".
I'm glad I "stumbled" upon the book by Mark Nepo. It came at the exact moment that I needed it. I listen to my inner guidance but I don't/didn't always follow the signs that life would present. Mark wrote about making plans for a particular day that he had free to do nothing, which he wanted to do, but then began filling it with "things". He became overwhelmed that he wouldn't have the time to get them done. As he pumped gas, a bird landed near him then flew off. He decided to follow the bird. Whether he actually followed the bird or it was a metaphor for following life clues, makes no difference. He listened. Michael Beckwith ministered the same thing a few Sundays ago. Pay attention to the clues which are everywhere. Spirit has been trying to get my attention for quite some time with this.
I recall two of my favorite movies, Fools Rush In and Under the Tuscan Sun stating the same thing. Clues or signs are everywhere if we /I just pay attention! Listen, watch, see and hear what Spirit speaks through everyday subtle things we take for granted. It will make a world of difference. By the way, I received a package from Colorado which contained old jewelry. There is no return address. I have no idea who sent it. A sign of something, perhaps?
Until next Sunday,
Merry part and merry meet again,
Blessed be,
Gypsi Mama Michelle
Michelle here, bringing lots of love and light!
"Beautify your inner dialogue. Beautify your inner world with love, light and compassion. Life will be beautiful." ~ Amit Ray, Nonviolence: The Transforming Power
"Inner guidance is heard like soft music in the night by those who have learned to listen." ~ Vernon Howard
"When you trust your inner guidance and begin moving in the direction of your dreams (aligned with your individual gifts) you will be cloaked in an armor bestowed upon you by your guardian angel." ~ Charles F. Glassman
"Keep on questioning. Keep on searching." ~ Lailah Gifty Akita, Pearls of Wisdom: Great mind
Happy Mother's Day to all who nurture and mother!
Happy Mother's Day to Gaia, our planet Earth that sustains us!
I have a mother and I am a mother. I have four beautiful children, 2 boys and 2 girls; I should say 2 men and 2 women because they are adults. I treat them as such but they are still my babies. They gave me the gift of motherhood, and I am and always will be eternally grateful that they chose this wild, unpredictable, crazy and unstable at times, intelligent, seeker of truth, empathic being called Michelle to be birthed through. We teach our children but they also teach us. Sometimes I believe we learn more about being humane and about ourselves through them than they learn from us.
I realized last week that some of my sadness is due to my daughter's upcoming marriage. I'm not sad about her marriage or her mate. In analyzing it, I determined that it's about her stepping into another phase of her life which makes me think about the next phase of mine. My oldest son has been married twice but I was so much younger then, and he is my son. I'm guessing the feeling is different with daughters or maybe it's just my age. As she enters this next phase of her life, it raises all sorts of questions about my next phase. How do I plan to spend this next portion of my life? What is it that I truly desire? What gifts and talents do I wish to use for the betterment of myself and others? Will I use them?
Changes are happening everywhere, we are all in a state of transition. Mercury and other planets are in retrograde. Life is happening through us not to us. What is it that we want to come through? What do I want to come through me? I've been practicing listening to and for clues that life provides. I started this practice based on Mark Nepo's book: Seven Thousand Ways to Listen. Mark says, "What often starts as a moment of unexpected feeling that startles us becomes, if leaned into, a deeper way of knowing." The sadness I've been feeling was unexpected but it is leading me to uncover some things about me. Listening to the sadness can propel me into the next phase of my life.
I receive emails from various organizations. Some I read and some I trash. Last week something made me read one before I trashed it. I'm glad I did. It's leading me to a workshop in Maryland that will lead me to forming something else. More details after I attend the workshop. The point is that I stopped to listen to my inner voice and that led to something. Opportunities will present themselves when we ask the Universe for answers. I'm not always sure where something will lead me but that's the beauty of the journey. We can think a thing is leading us one place and we end up finding our"true north".
I'm glad I "stumbled" upon the book by Mark Nepo. It came at the exact moment that I needed it. I listen to my inner guidance but I don't/didn't always follow the signs that life would present. Mark wrote about making plans for a particular day that he had free to do nothing, which he wanted to do, but then began filling it with "things". He became overwhelmed that he wouldn't have the time to get them done. As he pumped gas, a bird landed near him then flew off. He decided to follow the bird. Whether he actually followed the bird or it was a metaphor for following life clues, makes no difference. He listened. Michael Beckwith ministered the same thing a few Sundays ago. Pay attention to the clues which are everywhere. Spirit has been trying to get my attention for quite some time with this.
I recall two of my favorite movies, Fools Rush In and Under the Tuscan Sun stating the same thing. Clues or signs are everywhere if we /I just pay attention! Listen, watch, see and hear what Spirit speaks through everyday subtle things we take for granted. It will make a world of difference. By the way, I received a package from Colorado which contained old jewelry. There is no return address. I have no idea who sent it. A sign of something, perhaps?
Until next Sunday,
Merry part and merry meet again,
Blessed be,
Gypsi Mama Michelle
Sunday, May 1, 2016
Richmond, VA Transitions
Merry meet Friends!
Michelle here, bringing lots of love and light!
"A lot of people resist transition and therefore never allow themselves to enjoy who they are. Embrace the change, no matter what it is; once you do, you can learn about the new world you're in and take advantage of it." ~ Nikki Giovanni
"Times of transition are strenuous, but I love them. They are an opportunity to purge, rethink priorities, and be intentional about new habits. We can make our new normal any way we want. ~ Kristin Armstrong
"I suppose whenever you go through periods of transition, or in a way, it's a very definite closing of a chapter of your life - I suppose those times are always going to be both very upsetting and also very exciting by the very nature because things are changing and you don't know what's going to happen." ~ Daniel Radcliffe
"Life is one big transition." ~ Willie Stargell
Blessed Beltane, Northern Hemisphere! Blessed Samhain Southern Hemisphere!
May Day! When I was in school we danced around the May Pole. I daresay the schools didn't know they were practicing an ancient Celtic holiday and one of fertility, no less. What fun it was though! After elementary school, the next time I danced the Maypole was in Earthhaven in 2014. I also jumped the Beltane fire with Corinna Woods to signify future partnership and luck. It was a festive day and one I will never forget.I wrote about it in this blog in May 2014.
I was undergoing a transition during that time and I am undergoing one now. Perhaps Beltane is that time of year for me. It is a time of reaping wealth from the seeds which have been sown. I can see why I get restless at this time; I want to reap. Whatever has been sown is waiting to burst through. Oddly enough August is when things seem to change in my life. Llamas, a festival celebrating the first fruits of the harvest is in August. Once again, a reminder that my life is tied to The Wheel of the Year.
Transitions are always happening in our lives. Sometimes we are aware and sometimes we are not. When it's due to something major we are more aware. It's the subtle things that can throw us off guard. "Sometimes the transition from being in control of your life to having no control is swift, but other times it is so gradual that you wonder exactly when it truly began." said Mickey Rooney. Sometimes it begins with restlessness or dissatisfaction with the way things are. William Throsby Bridges says it this way: "Disenchantment, whether it is a minor disappointment or a major shock, is the signal that things are moving into transition in our lives."
I can usually tell when I am transitioning. If I'm working, the job doesn't hold the same appeal that it once did, as is the case with me now. I will also feel sad or unhappy. I wrote this in my journal on April 25th:
Happiness is a temporary feeling. It comes and goes...up one day, hour, minute and down the next. I can choose to be happy regardless of the circumstances I may be facing, knowing that 'this too shall pass/' Yet I am NOT happy. I know that things will usually work themselves out. I also know that 'all things work together for good for those that love GOD and are called for GOD's purpose'. I love GOD and my belief is that we are all called...therefore everything in my life is working together, not just for my good but the highest good of all. Yet, I am NOT happy. I'm going through another "dark night of the soul" as coined by St. John of the Cross in his eight stanza poem.
I wish for this job to be over NOW, not June or July, NOW. I don't desire this type of work anymore, noble though it may be. I'm burnt out and worn down. The energy field from the clients can be overwhelming, especially without a break for 8 hours. I dread coming to work. I don't look forward to it as I once did. I don't have the energy anymore. My soul and spirit are crying for something else but I'm not sure what that is.
What would make my spirit soar? What would make my soul sing? Experts say we already know the answer.
I can't be there for the clients 100% as long as I feel this way. I don't treat them any differently but the ones closest to me will ask if something is wrong. They can see it, I believe. I have decided to be a part of the ministry my friend is forming. I am also planning to utilize my gifts, before I'm not able to do so, in my own ventures. I am basically self taught through reading although I hold several certificates from classes, programs and workshops. I don't have a degree though and it undermines my confidence slightly. I know what I know and what I am capable of doing but the "world" will sometimes want more credentials than I have. Spirit is calling me to come forth however so I must not let fear paralyze me. I must step out on faith, trusting that if Spirit calls me then Spirit qualifies me.
Transition, transition, transition! Strenuous, as stated in the above quote yet I do love them. A time to grow and be more of who we are.
Until next Sunday,
Merry part and merry meet again,
Blessed be,
Gypsi Mama Michelle
Michelle here, bringing lots of love and light!
"A lot of people resist transition and therefore never allow themselves to enjoy who they are. Embrace the change, no matter what it is; once you do, you can learn about the new world you're in and take advantage of it." ~ Nikki Giovanni
"Times of transition are strenuous, but I love them. They are an opportunity to purge, rethink priorities, and be intentional about new habits. We can make our new normal any way we want. ~ Kristin Armstrong
"I suppose whenever you go through periods of transition, or in a way, it's a very definite closing of a chapter of your life - I suppose those times are always going to be both very upsetting and also very exciting by the very nature because things are changing and you don't know what's going to happen." ~ Daniel Radcliffe
"Life is one big transition." ~ Willie Stargell
Blessed Beltane, Northern Hemisphere! Blessed Samhain Southern Hemisphere!
May Day! When I was in school we danced around the May Pole. I daresay the schools didn't know they were practicing an ancient Celtic holiday and one of fertility, no less. What fun it was though! After elementary school, the next time I danced the Maypole was in Earthhaven in 2014. I also jumped the Beltane fire with Corinna Woods to signify future partnership and luck. It was a festive day and one I will never forget.I wrote about it in this blog in May 2014.
I was undergoing a transition during that time and I am undergoing one now. Perhaps Beltane is that time of year for me. It is a time of reaping wealth from the seeds which have been sown. I can see why I get restless at this time; I want to reap. Whatever has been sown is waiting to burst through. Oddly enough August is when things seem to change in my life. Llamas, a festival celebrating the first fruits of the harvest is in August. Once again, a reminder that my life is tied to The Wheel of the Year.
Transitions are always happening in our lives. Sometimes we are aware and sometimes we are not. When it's due to something major we are more aware. It's the subtle things that can throw us off guard. "Sometimes the transition from being in control of your life to having no control is swift, but other times it is so gradual that you wonder exactly when it truly began." said Mickey Rooney. Sometimes it begins with restlessness or dissatisfaction with the way things are. William Throsby Bridges says it this way: "Disenchantment, whether it is a minor disappointment or a major shock, is the signal that things are moving into transition in our lives."
I can usually tell when I am transitioning. If I'm working, the job doesn't hold the same appeal that it once did, as is the case with me now. I will also feel sad or unhappy. I wrote this in my journal on April 25th:
Happiness is a temporary feeling. It comes and goes...up one day, hour, minute and down the next. I can choose to be happy regardless of the circumstances I may be facing, knowing that 'this too shall pass/' Yet I am NOT happy. I know that things will usually work themselves out. I also know that 'all things work together for good for those that love GOD and are called for GOD's purpose'. I love GOD and my belief is that we are all called...therefore everything in my life is working together, not just for my good but the highest good of all. Yet, I am NOT happy. I'm going through another "dark night of the soul" as coined by St. John of the Cross in his eight stanza poem.
I wish for this job to be over NOW, not June or July, NOW. I don't desire this type of work anymore, noble though it may be. I'm burnt out and worn down. The energy field from the clients can be overwhelming, especially without a break for 8 hours. I dread coming to work. I don't look forward to it as I once did. I don't have the energy anymore. My soul and spirit are crying for something else but I'm not sure what that is.
What would make my spirit soar? What would make my soul sing? Experts say we already know the answer.
I can't be there for the clients 100% as long as I feel this way. I don't treat them any differently but the ones closest to me will ask if something is wrong. They can see it, I believe. I have decided to be a part of the ministry my friend is forming. I am also planning to utilize my gifts, before I'm not able to do so, in my own ventures. I am basically self taught through reading although I hold several certificates from classes, programs and workshops. I don't have a degree though and it undermines my confidence slightly. I know what I know and what I am capable of doing but the "world" will sometimes want more credentials than I have. Spirit is calling me to come forth however so I must not let fear paralyze me. I must step out on faith, trusting that if Spirit calls me then Spirit qualifies me.
Transition, transition, transition! Strenuous, as stated in the above quote yet I do love them. A time to grow and be more of who we are.
Until next Sunday,
Merry part and merry meet again,
Blessed be,
Gypsi Mama Michelle
Sunday, April 24, 2016
Richmond, VA
Merry meet Friends!
Michelle here, bringing lots of love and light!
"When fate arrives at your door, there is no lock strong enough to hold it back. It may find you asleep, unprepared, too busy, or defiant, but these states are not a deterrent. Destiny does not wait for your mood to change. When the time is ripe, the rite of passage begins. ...
This is known as the call and it comes in many forms. It may begin as a restless dissatisfaction with your daily life, or a deep depression. It may result from a churning in your gut over the daily news, or an inspiring story told to you by a friend. It may come from a tragic loss, or an unexpected boon. But however the call finds its way into your private chambers, it changes the course of your life." ~ Anodea Judith, Awakening the Global Heart
"If you ask me what I came to do in this world, I, an artist, will answer you: I am here to live out loud". ~ Emile Zola
"I believe there's a calling for all of us, I know that every human being has value and purpose. The real work of our lives is to become aware. And awakened. To answer the call." ~ O[rah Winfrey
"The crowning fortune of a man is to be born to some pursuit which finds him employment and happiness, whether it be to make baskets, or broadswords, or canals, or statues, or songs." ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
"If God gives you something you can do, why in God's name wouldn't you do it?" ~ Stephen King
I attended a vision meeting on yesterday for a friend who wishes to start a Spiritual Life Center. I am honored that she chose me to be a part of the planning and to be a part of the ministry. We were told by a former pastor of hers that we would work together. This pastor was one I heard on a local television broadcast many years ago as I surfed through stations. She said something that made me pay attention. I called the TV station to get her information and I gave her a call. I wanted to know where she obtained her information. Among other things, she mentioned a book called "The Holy Grail". I found it in the library. I found that scripture was quoted incorrectly and things were said that I, in my "religious" state of mind at the time, could/would not accept. I set out, for my own edification, to prove the author wrong. Along the way, like Paul on the Damascus road, the light of truth prevailed. It has been my quest since then to seek and find truth,
Anyway, my friend's vision is similar, as far as what she wishes to offer, to a vision I had, again, many years ago. The name of the center was to be named after one of my poems. I saw the vision quite plainly. It was to be a place for women. The thing that held me back was money. However, there are ways around having the upfront money; for instance, grants. I often get ideas but let them die in the thought realm. Some say if a dream doesn't come to fruition that it must not have been from the Creator. I used to believe that at one time, I don't anymore. I think many ideas are buried in the graves with the ones given the ideas and I believe they came from GOD. We don't always act on what we are given. I used to tell my children that Spirit rained down ideas and it was up to us to catch them and more importantly, do them. How many times has someone said, "Someone needs to invent thus and so," only to see the "thing" later?
One can argue that particular thing may not have been your calling and that may be true. That doesn't mean the person could not have acted upon it and sold the idea, advancing what possibly is the calling. We don't know. What I do know is that "the call" does come to each of us at some point in our lives. One may say that he or she has never received a call but as stated in the first quote, it comes in many ways and we all have felt one of those ways. Granted, we may not have recognized it as call. We may have just thought it a fleeting feeling but it is definitely a call. What have you been feeling in your heart? Are you hearing to do something that you feel is quite impossible for you? Is there something you wish to do but feel you would be persecuted or ostracized? People are still being burned at the stake or stoned for living their truths. Answer the call! Do what GOD has given you the ability to do!
Sometimes we feel as if we aren't able to do it or we aren't worthy. If Spirit gives it to us, we can do it. Whining, complaining and fighting will not change the call. Hello, Moses, Jonah and whomever else. We may not always act on ideas that we are given, but do answer what will not leave us in peace; in other words: the calling. It may not be what one has planned, or take one where one wishes to go but it will lead to a life most rewarding. A life of being true to one's self, a genuine authentic life and that in itself is the call.
"But beware of this about callings:they may not lead us where we intended to go or even where we want to go. If we choose to follow, we may have to be willing to let go of the life we already planned and accept whatever is waiting for us. And if the calling is true, though we not have gone where we intended, we will surely end up where we need to be." ~ Steve Goodier
Until next Sunday,
Merry part and merry meet again,
Blessed be,
Gypsi Mama Michelle
Michelle here, bringing lots of love and light!
"When fate arrives at your door, there is no lock strong enough to hold it back. It may find you asleep, unprepared, too busy, or defiant, but these states are not a deterrent. Destiny does not wait for your mood to change. When the time is ripe, the rite of passage begins. ...
This is known as the call and it comes in many forms. It may begin as a restless dissatisfaction with your daily life, or a deep depression. It may result from a churning in your gut over the daily news, or an inspiring story told to you by a friend. It may come from a tragic loss, or an unexpected boon. But however the call finds its way into your private chambers, it changes the course of your life." ~ Anodea Judith, Awakening the Global Heart
"If you ask me what I came to do in this world, I, an artist, will answer you: I am here to live out loud". ~ Emile Zola
"I believe there's a calling for all of us, I know that every human being has value and purpose. The real work of our lives is to become aware. And awakened. To answer the call." ~ O[rah Winfrey
"The crowning fortune of a man is to be born to some pursuit which finds him employment and happiness, whether it be to make baskets, or broadswords, or canals, or statues, or songs." ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
"If God gives you something you can do, why in God's name wouldn't you do it?" ~ Stephen King
I attended a vision meeting on yesterday for a friend who wishes to start a Spiritual Life Center. I am honored that she chose me to be a part of the planning and to be a part of the ministry. We were told by a former pastor of hers that we would work together. This pastor was one I heard on a local television broadcast many years ago as I surfed through stations. She said something that made me pay attention. I called the TV station to get her information and I gave her a call. I wanted to know where she obtained her information. Among other things, she mentioned a book called "The Holy Grail". I found it in the library. I found that scripture was quoted incorrectly and things were said that I, in my "religious" state of mind at the time, could/would not accept. I set out, for my own edification, to prove the author wrong. Along the way, like Paul on the Damascus road, the light of truth prevailed. It has been my quest since then to seek and find truth,
Anyway, my friend's vision is similar, as far as what she wishes to offer, to a vision I had, again, many years ago. The name of the center was to be named after one of my poems. I saw the vision quite plainly. It was to be a place for women. The thing that held me back was money. However, there are ways around having the upfront money; for instance, grants. I often get ideas but let them die in the thought realm. Some say if a dream doesn't come to fruition that it must not have been from the Creator. I used to believe that at one time, I don't anymore. I think many ideas are buried in the graves with the ones given the ideas and I believe they came from GOD. We don't always act on what we are given. I used to tell my children that Spirit rained down ideas and it was up to us to catch them and more importantly, do them. How many times has someone said, "Someone needs to invent thus and so," only to see the "thing" later?
One can argue that particular thing may not have been your calling and that may be true. That doesn't mean the person could not have acted upon it and sold the idea, advancing what possibly is the calling. We don't know. What I do know is that "the call" does come to each of us at some point in our lives. One may say that he or she has never received a call but as stated in the first quote, it comes in many ways and we all have felt one of those ways. Granted, we may not have recognized it as call. We may have just thought it a fleeting feeling but it is definitely a call. What have you been feeling in your heart? Are you hearing to do something that you feel is quite impossible for you? Is there something you wish to do but feel you would be persecuted or ostracized? People are still being burned at the stake or stoned for living their truths. Answer the call! Do what GOD has given you the ability to do!
Sometimes we feel as if we aren't able to do it or we aren't worthy. If Spirit gives it to us, we can do it. Whining, complaining and fighting will not change the call. Hello, Moses, Jonah and whomever else. We may not always act on ideas that we are given, but do answer what will not leave us in peace; in other words: the calling. It may not be what one has planned, or take one where one wishes to go but it will lead to a life most rewarding. A life of being true to one's self, a genuine authentic life and that in itself is the call.
"But beware of this about callings:they may not lead us where we intended to go or even where we want to go. If we choose to follow, we may have to be willing to let go of the life we already planned and accept whatever is waiting for us. And if the calling is true, though we not have gone where we intended, we will surely end up where we need to be." ~ Steve Goodier
Until next Sunday,
Merry part and merry meet again,
Blessed be,
Gypsi Mama Michelle
Monday, April 18, 2016
Richmond, VA
Merry meet Friends!
Michelle here, bringing lots of love and light!
"Be gentle with yourself. Be kind to yourself. You may not be perfect, but you are all you've got to work with. The process of becoming who you will be begins first with the total acceptance of who you are.." ~ Bhante Henepola Gunaratana, Mindfulness in Plain English
"When she transformed into a butterfly, the caterpillars spoke not of her beauty, but of her weirdness. They wanted her to change back into what she had been. But she had wings." ~ Dean Jackson
"What the caterpillar calls the end of the world the master calls a butterfly." ~ Richard Bach
"As with the butterfly, adversity is necessary to build character in people." ~ Joseph B. Wirthlin
"In order for the butterfly to emerge, the caterpillar that it once was must completely give up its life." ~ excerpt from MoonCat @Mother Tongue Ink 2011
"I'm still like a butterfly going from one job to another job. But it's quite lovely - I hope to keep the freedom, to have fun." ~ Carrie Roitfeld
I've been contemplating more than usual this week; and for me, that's saying something. I believe I've mentioned before that my employment may soon be over with Rubicon due to a merger with RBHA. Our jobs will be phased out. I do qualify for the job that's closest to mine except in one aspect; I am not now, nor have I ever been in recovery or have two years clean because of that. I've heard all of the jobs are full time and I don't desire that. I'm not bothered by these events. I am looking forward to traveling again and creating. I believe this is the reason for my contemplative state. I've also been feeling sad, not because of the job but because I don't feel as if I'm being fully myself.
My thoughts turn to Earthaven at this time of year. I miss the idea of the place....being at one with nature, growing food, and living in community. I'm not planning to return there but maybe somewhere similar? Also, whenever I read or hear anything about Celtic lore I feel a sadness, as if I'm longing for something, someplace familiar. Sometimes it feels as if I'm losing myself but oddly enough it also feels as if I'm finding myself. The ancient calls out to me and I wonder will happiness elude me if I don't answer?
We are all in the state of becoming who we are, just like the caterpillar. The caterpillar has to be a caterpillar first and be content with that state; knowing that what it presently is, is not what it will be. Actually what it will be is already within the caterpillar; and so it is with us as well. To become a butterfly is a process that the caterpillar must endure; a process that ends with the death of the caterpillar. Does the caterpillar look forward to the death of its present self knowing what awaits? Is the caterpillar content with being a caterpillar? Does it dream of the day that it is not earth bound? Does it dream of the day it will fly? Would it rather remain in the caterpillar state only seeing the world from the ground?
It doesn't matter whether it's content or not. life and nature will run its natural course. Is it that way for us as well? Will we be what we are destined to be? Will it take more than one lifetime for it to happen, if we don't listen? Some of us dream of soaring and some of us are content with a ground view. Is that a destiny too, to be earth bound? I suppose it is, for there are chickens and there are eagles. An eagle raised with chickens will look to the heavens and feel as if it doesn't belong. One day it may spread its wings and soar. But there is always the possibility of the chickens telling the eagle that it is foolish and can not fly. The sad thing is, the eagle may listen and not find its true self/life.
Every ending is also a beginning. It may be an unknown beginning but a beginning none the less. Every ending is a death of some sort. Life is possible after death albeit a different life than one knew previously. What an adventure we creatures have awaiting us! Something must end in order for something else to emerge. We don't know what that might be but isn't that the thrilling part? Mysteries, I've always loved them and I probably always will. What awaits on the other side of the door? What's next on the agenda of my life, our lives? I don't know. What freedom and what fun!
Until next Sunday, (LOL maybe)
Merry part and merry meet again,
Blessed be,
Gypsi Mama Michelle
Michelle here, bringing lots of love and light!
"Be gentle with yourself. Be kind to yourself. You may not be perfect, but you are all you've got to work with. The process of becoming who you will be begins first with the total acceptance of who you are.." ~ Bhante Henepola Gunaratana, Mindfulness in Plain English
"When she transformed into a butterfly, the caterpillars spoke not of her beauty, but of her weirdness. They wanted her to change back into what she had been. But she had wings." ~ Dean Jackson
"What the caterpillar calls the end of the world the master calls a butterfly." ~ Richard Bach
"As with the butterfly, adversity is necessary to build character in people." ~ Joseph B. Wirthlin
"In order for the butterfly to emerge, the caterpillar that it once was must completely give up its life." ~ excerpt from MoonCat @Mother Tongue Ink 2011
"I'm still like a butterfly going from one job to another job. But it's quite lovely - I hope to keep the freedom, to have fun." ~ Carrie Roitfeld
I've been contemplating more than usual this week; and for me, that's saying something. I believe I've mentioned before that my employment may soon be over with Rubicon due to a merger with RBHA. Our jobs will be phased out. I do qualify for the job that's closest to mine except in one aspect; I am not now, nor have I ever been in recovery or have two years clean because of that. I've heard all of the jobs are full time and I don't desire that. I'm not bothered by these events. I am looking forward to traveling again and creating. I believe this is the reason for my contemplative state. I've also been feeling sad, not because of the job but because I don't feel as if I'm being fully myself.
My thoughts turn to Earthaven at this time of year. I miss the idea of the place....being at one with nature, growing food, and living in community. I'm not planning to return there but maybe somewhere similar? Also, whenever I read or hear anything about Celtic lore I feel a sadness, as if I'm longing for something, someplace familiar. Sometimes it feels as if I'm losing myself but oddly enough it also feels as if I'm finding myself. The ancient calls out to me and I wonder will happiness elude me if I don't answer?
We are all in the state of becoming who we are, just like the caterpillar. The caterpillar has to be a caterpillar first and be content with that state; knowing that what it presently is, is not what it will be. Actually what it will be is already within the caterpillar; and so it is with us as well. To become a butterfly is a process that the caterpillar must endure; a process that ends with the death of the caterpillar. Does the caterpillar look forward to the death of its present self knowing what awaits? Is the caterpillar content with being a caterpillar? Does it dream of the day that it is not earth bound? Does it dream of the day it will fly? Would it rather remain in the caterpillar state only seeing the world from the ground?
It doesn't matter whether it's content or not. life and nature will run its natural course. Is it that way for us as well? Will we be what we are destined to be? Will it take more than one lifetime for it to happen, if we don't listen? Some of us dream of soaring and some of us are content with a ground view. Is that a destiny too, to be earth bound? I suppose it is, for there are chickens and there are eagles. An eagle raised with chickens will look to the heavens and feel as if it doesn't belong. One day it may spread its wings and soar. But there is always the possibility of the chickens telling the eagle that it is foolish and can not fly. The sad thing is, the eagle may listen and not find its true self/life.
Every ending is also a beginning. It may be an unknown beginning but a beginning none the less. Every ending is a death of some sort. Life is possible after death albeit a different life than one knew previously. What an adventure we creatures have awaiting us! Something must end in order for something else to emerge. We don't know what that might be but isn't that the thrilling part? Mysteries, I've always loved them and I probably always will. What awaits on the other side of the door? What's next on the agenda of my life, our lives? I don't know. What freedom and what fun!
Until next Sunday, (LOL maybe)
Merry part and merry meet again,
Blessed be,
Gypsi Mama Michelle
Sunday, April 10, 2016
Richmond,VA
Merry meet Friends!
Michelle here, bringing lots of love and light!
"Don't try to prove to everybody that the reason why you can't is that nobody could. It's no excuse. You can break the tradition by being the first person to make it happen!" ~ Israelmore Ayivor, Daily Drive 365
"It's quite a scary path to walk, when you have no one's past experience to lean on, or learn from. It's all new and uncharted. But nothing is finished unless it is started." ~ Innoceent Mwatsikesimbe, Reality Check: A Collection of Poems
"Great things often come from actions and decision taken by others, that are deemed wild, stupid or unreasonable at the time, but later prove to be very useful." ~Innocent Mwatsikesimbe, The Reason
"Don't be a prisoner of the past, become a pioneer of the future." ~ Farshad Asi
I'm still watching murder mysteries. The latest is the Murdoch Mysteries set in Victorian-era Toronto. Detective Murdoch was raised by Catholic nuns and is in a state of conflict between his religious upbringing and his scientific mind. The forensic pathologist is a woman. He admires her and is falling in love with her. Her view of life is more open minded than his. Her name is Dr. Ogden. She is from a wealthy family, has traveled extensively, is intelligent and bold. She has chosen a career that most women in that era would not have chosen. I admire that.
In one episode a doctor who has a facility for gifted people, made a statement about women. He said, "Miss Pringle possesses an extraordinary brain for a woman. Men have a brain capacity of up to 19% larger. Women's brains are not designed for complex thought, their reproductive organs sapping energy from any further development." Detective Murdoch asked if that had been proven, to which the doctor replied, there have been naysayers. I said, "You think?" Detective Murdoch doesn't buy into this theory because of Dr. Ogden.
There have always been women pioneers. Women who forged ahead with their thoughts and ideas; women who were thought to be crazy because of their ideas. Some were even burned at the stake as witches, all because they knew certain herbs and plants could heal or kill; or because they intuitively knew things. A term that was used to describe women's behavior was called "Female Hysteria" "Female hysteria was a once-common diagnosis, reserved exclusively for women, which is today no longer recognized by medical authorities as a medical disorder. It's diagnosis and treatment were routine for many hundreds of years in Western Europe." (Wikipedia) A woman having sexual thoughts, orgasms and engaging in masturbation were signs.
Thank God/Goddess/All That Is, that this is no longer true! Some may still believe it but it's not a diagnosis anymore. No, what we most commonly hear now is:"It's that time of the month.". Yes, it is true that women are highly sensitive at that time and rightly so. It is a time when women receive dreams and visions if they pay attention. This is why women went into The Red Tent during biblical times. It was in order for the women to come together to nurture one another and be free of the demands of society; a practice which would do well today. Women are empathetic during their menses and can pick up on the vibrations of others. This may be a reason for the off balance women feel at this time.
We have all felt indignation about something, and some do something about it. Those people,women and men, are considered pioneers if nothing had been done in the past. I believe had I lived in what we call pioneer days, I would have gone in the covered wagon to new lands and new adventures. I may be considered a pioneer in certain things that I have done but I haven't pioneered any sort of movement. I have not acted on any indignation other than to speak to whomever would listen. I am on a soapbox about women's issues though. There have been many women activists who have inspired others to do the work they wish to do. Here are a few:
Kishida Toshiko: Japan, 1863-1901, Writer and Activist
"If it is true that men are better than women because they are stronger, why aren't our sumo wrestlers in the government?"
Carrie Chapman Catt: United Stataes, 1859-1947, President, National American Woman Suffrage Association
"To the wrongs that need resistance, To the right that needs assistance, To the future in the distance, Give yourselves."
Rosa Parks: United States, 1913-2005, "First Lady of Civil Rights"
"Each person must live their lives as a model for others."
Mother Teresa: Republic of Macedonia, 1919-1997, Missionaries of Charity
"I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples."
Arundhati Roy: India, 1930 - , Author and Political Activist
"Another world is not only possible, she is on her way. On a quiet day, I can hear her breathing."
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf: Liberia, 1938- , Africa's "Iron Lady", first female head of state
"If your dreams do not scare you, they are not big enough."
Be inspired to go out and change the world, if only your world!
Until next Sunday,
Merry part and merry meet again,
Blessed be,
Gypsi Mama Michelle
Michelle here, bringing lots of love and light!
"Don't try to prove to everybody that the reason why you can't is that nobody could. It's no excuse. You can break the tradition by being the first person to make it happen!" ~ Israelmore Ayivor, Daily Drive 365
"It's quite a scary path to walk, when you have no one's past experience to lean on, or learn from. It's all new and uncharted. But nothing is finished unless it is started." ~ Innoceent Mwatsikesimbe, Reality Check: A Collection of Poems
"Great things often come from actions and decision taken by others, that are deemed wild, stupid or unreasonable at the time, but later prove to be very useful." ~Innocent Mwatsikesimbe, The Reason
"Don't be a prisoner of the past, become a pioneer of the future." ~ Farshad Asi
I'm still watching murder mysteries. The latest is the Murdoch Mysteries set in Victorian-era Toronto. Detective Murdoch was raised by Catholic nuns and is in a state of conflict between his religious upbringing and his scientific mind. The forensic pathologist is a woman. He admires her and is falling in love with her. Her view of life is more open minded than his. Her name is Dr. Ogden. She is from a wealthy family, has traveled extensively, is intelligent and bold. She has chosen a career that most women in that era would not have chosen. I admire that.
In one episode a doctor who has a facility for gifted people, made a statement about women. He said, "Miss Pringle possesses an extraordinary brain for a woman. Men have a brain capacity of up to 19% larger. Women's brains are not designed for complex thought, their reproductive organs sapping energy from any further development." Detective Murdoch asked if that had been proven, to which the doctor replied, there have been naysayers. I said, "You think?" Detective Murdoch doesn't buy into this theory because of Dr. Ogden.
There have always been women pioneers. Women who forged ahead with their thoughts and ideas; women who were thought to be crazy because of their ideas. Some were even burned at the stake as witches, all because they knew certain herbs and plants could heal or kill; or because they intuitively knew things. A term that was used to describe women's behavior was called "Female Hysteria" "Female hysteria was a once-common diagnosis, reserved exclusively for women, which is today no longer recognized by medical authorities as a medical disorder. It's diagnosis and treatment were routine for many hundreds of years in Western Europe." (Wikipedia) A woman having sexual thoughts, orgasms and engaging in masturbation were signs.
Thank God/Goddess/All That Is, that this is no longer true! Some may still believe it but it's not a diagnosis anymore. No, what we most commonly hear now is:"It's that time of the month.". Yes, it is true that women are highly sensitive at that time and rightly so. It is a time when women receive dreams and visions if they pay attention. This is why women went into The Red Tent during biblical times. It was in order for the women to come together to nurture one another and be free of the demands of society; a practice which would do well today. Women are empathetic during their menses and can pick up on the vibrations of others. This may be a reason for the off balance women feel at this time.
We have all felt indignation about something, and some do something about it. Those people,women and men, are considered pioneers if nothing had been done in the past. I believe had I lived in what we call pioneer days, I would have gone in the covered wagon to new lands and new adventures. I may be considered a pioneer in certain things that I have done but I haven't pioneered any sort of movement. I have not acted on any indignation other than to speak to whomever would listen. I am on a soapbox about women's issues though. There have been many women activists who have inspired others to do the work they wish to do. Here are a few:
Kishida Toshiko: Japan, 1863-1901, Writer and Activist
"If it is true that men are better than women because they are stronger, why aren't our sumo wrestlers in the government?"
Carrie Chapman Catt: United Stataes, 1859-1947, President, National American Woman Suffrage Association
"To the wrongs that need resistance, To the right that needs assistance, To the future in the distance, Give yourselves."
Rosa Parks: United States, 1913-2005, "First Lady of Civil Rights"
"Each person must live their lives as a model for others."
Mother Teresa: Republic of Macedonia, 1919-1997, Missionaries of Charity
"I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples."
Arundhati Roy: India, 1930 - , Author and Political Activist
"Another world is not only possible, she is on her way. On a quiet day, I can hear her breathing."
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf: Liberia, 1938- , Africa's "Iron Lady", first female head of state
"If your dreams do not scare you, they are not big enough."
Be inspired to go out and change the world, if only your world!
Until next Sunday,
Merry part and merry meet again,
Blessed be,
Gypsi Mama Michelle
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