Grace Reborn

     As I was walking yesterday at Sedgwick County Park, I was listening to Rob Bell's Podcast #176 with guest, Alexander Shaia, wherein they were discussing the "Mythic Power of Christmas." It is a very informative podcast about how our present-day Christmas traditions developed.
     As is usually the case with the Robcast I choose, it was just "what the doctor ordered." Mr. Shaia talks about darkness (as in the shorter days of winter AND the dark times in life) as being the place where grace is reborn. That brought me great comfort. As you can see from the past couple of posts, there has been much darkness surrounding me the past couple of weeks, including two unexpected transitions.
     Just as a human fetus takes time in the womb to develop, I feel like I have a tiny seed of grace to nurture in myself, and it will continue to grow and ultimately bring even more light within me. I'm holding on to that comforting thought, as I hold those who are suffering near and dear to my heart.
     Love and grace,
            Leta

P.S. During my walk, I was delighted to discover this very unusual squirrel at the park. Being no nature expert, I'm not sure if this is albino or what? It sure stands out among the gray squirrels. I had fun playing with it to get this photo.

I am a candle. You can be, too.

     Right now, my candle flame is tiny and being battered by the winds on ongoing (yes, more) distressing news about loved ones.
     To back up... the big family news is our oldest son planning a temporary work adventure on the other side of the world, somewhere in Australia. That's good and exciting, and since that country is at the top of my travel bucket list, I'm happy about it. Nevertheless, that ongoing "letting go" thing with our kids continues to challenge me... my baby will be on the other side of the world!
     The other change I briefly mentioned in my previous post is a minor (tax prep) job change that is fine.
     Then yesterday, I received more bad news about several loved ones.
     I was discussing with my awesome prayer partner yesterday that I guess my role is to be a "life is good" candle in this darkness that is swirling around me. I was feeling so overwhelmed that I even sat down to paint last night. While I feel too much of a rookie at painting to title my works, this one has to be "Too Much Darkness," as that phrase just kept revolving through my mind as I painted.

The bottom center is my internal cave which is full of light.
     Then this morning, something happened which made me so angry, I could do nothing but soul-rinsing (commonly know as crying) which will ultimately make my candle flame brighter. I am grateful to friends who let me vent on them, which helps keep my flame burning.
     Lots of folks (LOTS!) are distressed right now. Angst is running way high. I think those of us who are aware of our nature as light truly can uplift others. It takes good self-care. It takes faith. It takes a close relationship with a power bigger than me, which, thank It, has things way more under control than I do.
     Please join me in keeping your candle flame going... we all need the light!
             Leta

But Wait, There's More!

     See previous post... Everything Has a Lifespan...
     As several friends can attest, earlier in the fall I claimed that I had a feeling changes were coming, but I didn't know how it would all play out. One change is dropping the two weekly yoga classes to make room for ???
     Well, over the last few days, even more change has been added to the pot that is my life. One change is so huge, I could never in a million years have seen it coming. It's all good, but it will be the biggest change in our family since having kids. Another potential change will be revealed later today. It, too, was initiated "out of the clear blue sky."
     To note my new book's title, WHOA! I feel like I set this cute little snowball called "Change" at the top of a mountain, Spirit gave it (me) a nudge, and that cute little sucker is roaring down the mountain getting bigger and bigger.
     I have mostly good feelings about all of this. I feel my faith in the goodness of life is strong. I have good friend support to keep me from overeating. I have the power (and will, if needed) to say "no." 
     I'll keep you posted.
               Leta

Everything Has a Lifespan

     Note the title of this post. That statement can inspire good, bad or neutral feelings.
     This week, on Tuesday and today, I had the unpleasant task of announcing to my Tues/Thur Body Studio yoga class students that Dec. 21 will be my last time teaching weekly classes there. There were tears (mine and students'), and we all were bummed. Even though this move is my choice (and a decision considered for many months), there is still a grieving process I must pass through. I've been teaching on Tuesday and Thursday mornings for over four years. It will be quite a change to stop that.
     Alas, emotional upheaval like this for this addict makes me want to eat the entire universe. I am attempting to cope in a more productive fashion by writing. In addition, my husband is on a trip to visit a many-decades friend who is being treated for a very serious case of cancer. I am happy he is able to make the trip, but the concern for our friend is heavy on my heart. I swam this morning, which usually improves my mood significantly, but my heart (and body) couldn't even get into that.
     I am well aware that there is infinitely more for me to be grateful for and celebrate than there are downers in my life. I feel confident that there will be an end to my grieving, so for now, I'll just let myself feel the low feelings. Fortunately, there's plenty of food at home, so that I can stay away from the grocery store today! And I remember one of my favorite recovery phrases, "This, too, shall pass."
     On the way back up,
           Leta

Trust Those Nudges

Today's wisdom comes from Rev. Dr. Christian Sorensen:

Learn to trust your creative urge and you'll know how to live. Be thankful to the idea that has used you to get you out of your fixed position and into a new adventure of Spirit's expression. 

For follow-up reading, check out the Oct. 29 post, "No Risk Involved."
      Happy adventuring,
             Leta

STUFF

      I often say that if the economy depended on my shopping to support it, we'd all be in deep trouble.
     A couple of years ago, over a period of several weeks, I took one room at a time and did major cleaning and stuff-purging. It was a lot of work, but it led to an awesome feeling of accomplishment and lightness. One result of this effort was my commitment not to bring more stuff into the house. Food, clothes I love, consumables--those things are OK. For "stuff" to get in the house, I have to really love it.
     An activity that supports my commitment is going to estate sales. I went to one this morning, a huge sale, where on the 3rd day, there was still an amazing amount of stuff. There was an entire room devoted to the former resident's love of red--glassware, dishes, statues, roses in the carpet, furniture. I love red more than most people, but this room (and the whole sale) really pushed my "too much stuff" button. There were even stacks of (cleaned) styrofoam meat trays from the grocery store. [If you have stacks of those, trust me, you don't need them. Get rid of them.] 
     Maybe it's my age, but less stuff makes for a simpler life, and that really appeals to me. I recently sold a sewing machine cabinet that came from my mother, and so far she has not haunted me. More important than the item, I have carried on her ability to sew, which she so patiently taught me. Skills and memories are a much finer legacy from those we love than is stuff. And now I can use the ultimate phrase related to all that "precious stuff"... you can't take it with you.
     Here's an idea... get rid of one thing every day. Hmmmm...
          Less is more,
                 Leta

MELT--check it out...

I am now an official MELT Method Hand and Foot Instructor. What does that mean??!?!?
Click on the tab above to learn more: MELT Pain Away!