The creatures living in the forest did not require a map to find their way there. They followed the path that led them through the undergrowth, over twisted roots and shiny flint laid out like a secret code. They didn’t need to unlock doors or pay for parking. Life was free here and they were welcome. The branches of the fir trees bowed their heads as the deer quietly and majestically passed by. The butterflies led the way, dipping and diving, kissing them with their wings. They had come to a place of peace.
In autumn the forest flowers have laid their heads down and quietly retreated, but they lie unperturbed, knowing they will bloom again in the spring. The beech leaves fall, whispering in the wind, sometimes captured by a passer-by, and put in their pocket for luck.
The creatures of the forest know the secrets of the world. They know the clouds don’t just float above the trees, but hold the secrets of the night and wrap their arms around the moon and carry stars in their pockets. All is clear without the need for instructions or rules. There is a knowing and an acceptance for what is. The nightingale comes, and fills the night with a beautiful song, stretching its feathers like sheet music. It sings because the world is listening.
If you just pass by the forest, look towards the waving trees. ‘Here we are’ they say, ‘steady as you like’ as their arms reach up to the sun.
I like to think of myself as a spiritual person. I also embrace Christianity, having been brought up with a Church of England background. I seek a deep purpose and meaning in life while being a dreamer too. I feel grounded when I can feel the sunlight on my skin or the pull of the waves under my feet. I feel happy sitting at my desk creating poetry or a new story. These are the times I can wear my ‘spiritual slippers’; the more worn they are the better! (Okay, they are just ordinary slippers, but I think we all have those moments when we shut the door on the outside world, shrug off the day and put our slippers on – that, in its way, is a small spiritual happening!)
When life gets a little more tricky, and I am faced with challenges, then my spiritual slippers might get pushed to the back of the cupboard. Information overload, news bulletins, general media bombardment, personal worries etc., pile up like too much heavy furniture in a small room. When that happens it feels difficult to find the light.
I have always regarded myself as a sensitive person, one who sometimes struggles with processing difficult information and one who will zone out in loud or busy places. I can carry a heavy load and appear stoical but be prone to anxiety. Finding balance in these treacherous times can be hard, but looking more deeply into the way the world and its politics works is something I am aware I need to embrace. I have come to realise there is courage in owning a questioning mind. Equally, some things may never be explained and holding on to what is good is sometimes all we have.
I am going to think of my sensitivity as a superpower! It is up to highly sensitive people to warn others of impending storms, to find a peaceful path and test the water. I have superpowers. I am going to use them! Now, where did I put my spiritual slippers?
The light is out - I'm turning in My head trying to make sense Of what's spinning within. Then - these are the thoughts That I like the most... Tomorrow we will sit And butter our toast And have the luxury Of planning small things.
‘I must go and seek some dewdrops here, And hang a pearl in every cowslip’s ear.’ Fairy in A Midsummer Night’s Dream
The longest day has passed again. The time when the sun reaches its highest point in the sky and gives us our longest day of the year. This marks the second phase of the Earth’s journey around the sun – a time to nourish the seeds planted in the first phase. For centuries this time of the year has been marked with reverence and honour by people from all corners of the world. When the sun rose at 5am, and the light broke through the darkness of the day, it hit the ancient monument of Stonehenge directly in the centre, lighting up each pillar like a magical horseshoe. This awe-inspiring sight can only make us question how and why the people who came before us dedicated their whole lives in building such a monument. We cannot know precisely how they managed to do what they did but we can feel the divine rhythm and that connection to the movement of the Earth.
So many things in life cannot be explained and yet we marvel at them and can be refreshed emotionally. Perhaps after the rush of new growth and energy in Spring, Summer represents patience. A time to develop trust and confidence in ourselves and our future. In troubled times, this isn’t easy but the long summer days remind us to go outside and walk amongst the flowers. I watch an adult blackbird patiently feeding his young offspring – watch how, hour after hour, he collects the seeds and the crumbs, quite happy in the scheme of things. Perhaps our ancestors knew that to honour the sun was to celebrate the meaning of life and the importance of simple rituals and the art of nurturing life.
As I delve into the wisdom of the solstice, I come across a profound insight into the importance of setting intentions and tapping in to the energy that is surrounding us. Taking time to state what we need or hope for, and to be open to receiving energy and strength can provide us with a guiding light as we navigate the future.
If nothing else, take some time outside and stand in the sun. Feel the warmth of the sun rays on your face whilst standing in the light. Just like our ancient brothers and sisters who stood in the light long ago and observed the rising sun and all its majesty, you are here. For now.
Love sends good vibrations across the fields, the miles, the skies, and the oceans. Love has no borders. It never leaves us. It sits in our memories and stirs us when we need it. It appears in our dreams and runs through our veins. It made us. Like Christmas, love is never cancelled! Step outside when everything gets a bit much, take a breath and watch the blackbird. He knows how to love and he is getting ready for spring without sweating the small stuff!
Be grateful for our world.
Most of us notice the sadness around us and hold space for all that is broken, and in the quiet corners of our minds, we may tremble at the thoughts of an unknown future, but let us picture a time where all the four corners of our precious world have been swept clean and we rejoice in new beginnings.
Have faith.
I like to believe there is a power that is bigger than us, that is all-encompassing and loving, and I find that even though I have doubts, faith is what gets me through. Faith in a world that is inherently good and a life force that cannot always be explained and is beyond understanding. What compels eels to cross the Atlantic from the Saragossa Sea to spawn in the Irish rivers of their origin, or birds to cross whole continents, following a favoured route that no one could explain, to land atop the same trees every year? In the hustle and bustle of our everyday lives, we may overlook the miracles that occur and the awesome occurrences happening in nature on a daily basis.
The small things are the big things.
Kind smiles and softly spoken words can help when the world wears a muddled face. Small acts of consideration are like gifts that fill life’s empty spaces. A patch of blue sky after the rain, a cup of coffee shared with a friend. Someone telling you things will be okay, that they have your back. These are the things that matter. Oh! And when I sit at my desk, writing comes much easier to me when I play my personal Spotify list, full of peaceful music.
Be aware but be happy.
I think of my late dad who often came out with some classic observations. One day we were out on one of our little jaunts, perhaps off to the garden centre, and he sat as usual with one hand clutching his seatbelt and sucking in his breath …(I don’t think I am a particularly reckless driver, but still…) ‘You wouldn’t want to venture out on a journey these days without wing mirrors’ he said profoundly. I chuckled inwardly but I still hear those words and I love the hidden wisdom – keep an eye on your surroundings whilst progressing.
Dust yourself off
For those times you feel things went wrong or life went a bit pear-shaped. Keep going. This time of year, we may feel we have over-indulged too, but we can always start again with the diet/yoga class/calming winter walks. There are no rules!
Daily choices are better than grandiose resolutions
I don’t feel New Year’s resolutions work. Not for me anyway. I gave up making them long ago. I take it a day at a time and try my best to make good choices with whatever life presents to me daily. And if I have faltered, any day I choose to start again is fine.
Shine a light.
I never like taking the Christmas decorations down! I love the twinkling lights on the tree and the familiar and well-loved pieces that come out every year. The Christmas season comes to a close too soon, and soon all the angels, fairies, elves and stars go back into their box for another year, poor things. I’ve learnt to cope with post-Christmas blues over the years by placing a new lamp in the window – a sort of compensatory light to keep the spirits up. It gives me a new routine to embrace and lights the still-dark winter evenings.
So, there is my short and eclectic mix of thoughts as we move forward towards 2024. Wherever you are and whatever you are doing, I wish you the best year possible. If you are facing tough times I hope you find comfort, peace and healing.
And here’s a quote for those days when everything does go a bit pear shaped…..
Do you have times when you feel disconnected from the Universe? I think many people do. So much is happening around us and we are taken away from our inner core thinking and led to believe that our world is changing beyond all recognition. Many of us like our lives to retain a certain order of things – routines have been established in our lives that keep us grounded. Sometimes of course we need to embrace change, and if it’s from choice, we can benefit. But many things going on around us are out of our control, and life becomes frustrating. If we were to list our concerns presently, I think the lists would be long. I’m not going to itemise anything here – where would I start?! But I think most would agree that the is a lot of general unrest and distress in our world today.
It’s easy to get swept up in a storm of emotions. Life will always throw up the odd curve balls, unfortunately, and stressful situations can leave us drowning in negative thoughts. Think of the 3 am thought maelstrom – something I encounter from time to time! When we are caught in the storm that is the time we need to stop and centre ourselves.
How Do We Stay Centered?
When all around is raging (at least in your mind) it is time to stop fretting and be in the moment. Think about what is happening now – at this very minute in time. If you are in bed, listen to the nighttime sounds – the tick of the clock, the breeze in the trees outside the window, the hooting of the owls. Now you are in control of your emotions. Being focused on the now helps give you respite from stressful thoughts.
Being centred means staying calm and collected. It doesn’t mean you don’t get upset – it means you handle the stresses that come along in a better way.
Be a Compassionate Witness to Yourself
Realise that some things make us very sad. The news can be very upsetting and hard to process. Thoughts and feelings aren’t true or false, they are just there and real to us. Anger can rise in us too – but we can allow ourselves to tell our inner voice what is OUR truth and acknowledge what we feel to be right or wrong. Above all, we need to treat ourselves kindly.
Sadness envelopes us at times because we love. Being loving and compassionate to others is part of who we are and if we see others in pain, we are bound to react.
Imagine the Field of Positive Thought
This field exists I am sure, but for now, go there in your mind. It is beautifully green and fertile. The sky above is blue and the sun is shining. You can feel the warmth on your back. Many other people are there too. They are peaceful and smiling serenely. You all join hands and pray for peace. You feel your soul lift. You know you are acting for the common good and working to create trust and cooperation. You feel better for having been to the field and you are feeling hopeful. You can revisit the field whenever you need reassurance.
Look At The Stars
On a clear night, stand outside and look at the stars. How often do we do that? Look deeply at the deep blue velvet canopy above and relax. Stargazing is a stress reliever. It eases our minds and rejuvenates our spirits. Looking at the expanse of the sky helps problems become insignificant and tensions in the body and mind start to loosen. We can look at the sky and realise there are no boundaries or limitations – no borders to space or time. Planet Earth is beautiful, and beyond it lies a huge space, with secrets and experiences unrevealed.
Always the Small Things
The small things are the best things. And of course they are the big things. Write a small note to someone you really care about. Leave it on their pillow.
Leave a funny stick man drawing in your child’s lunchbox with a simple message telling them they are special.
Bake.
Be generous with time. It doesn’t cost anything and could make someone’s day.
Write a poem! Creativity is wonderful for the soul.
Smell the blossom. Spring is coming.
Thank you for showing me life can be good
With you, I know the world is full of people who care
And seek what is still beautiful and right.
Thank you for choosing softness in a hard world
And keeping your heart open instead of building walls.
I am grateful to you for your kindness
When the darkness falls,
And for taking the time
To point out the stars.
The world is a better place
When WE are in a better place
And harmony comes from gentle words
Spoken with grace.
Thank you for not being perfect
But for doing your best
And not making judgements.
Thank you for shining through difficult times
And wearing your Sunday best on grim days.
Thank you for showing up today.
Sometimes you need to hear that
And that's all I wanted to say.
Thank you.
Lmh
They say we are directed to where we need to be if our hearts are open. In the last few weeks, I have picked up several different books – novels, autobiographies and a book of essays and musings on the divine. Although they were looking at life from completely different angles, they seemed to have a familiar thread running through them, one that linked deeper thinking with simplicity. Yes, that sounds like a paradox, but I think enlightenment does come from a place of calm and contemplation in these times of intense social media and news bombardment.
It is easy for frustration to settle in our very being as we feel weighed down by events, both personal and in the wider world. Times are challenging. Yet times have always been challenging if we look back in history and will be in the future. What will help us along the way, along our journey through this life? What helped those before us and those that will come after us?
I have read somewhere that if you feel disturbed by something the wisest thing to do is to pray. For many of us, this may be something we have forgotten how to do, or perhaps we wonder how to pray and to who do we send our prayers? Again, simplicity is the key. A quiet place for some time out is all we need. If we calmly gather our thoughts and requests together, our feelings of love for others, our hopes for peace and love to prevail and send them to an all-loving being we can find the light. We don’t need to look for explanations because we cannot know the future. We can spread love though, and send out blessings for those who need them, and we will feel it return to us. And the prayers will know where to go. To God, to the Universe, Mother Earth – whoever waits and looks over you and knows your heart.
I’ve had another birthday. For the first time, I have been thinking a lot about becoming a senior person. Really quite senior! It’s almost as though, at the stroke of midnight on my birthday, my glass slipper came off and was replaced by a fluffy one, built for comfort, cosiness and practicality! I’m not sure what Prince Charming would think of that!
Time whispers around my ears and I find myself thinking it’s time to be sensible and pace myself when I’m out walking and to drink more water and take more vitamins. Perhaps we should start looking at bungalows too! Then I look at all the people in the public eye who are still out there ‘strutting their stuff’ even though they are well past retirement age and realise that whatever age we are, all we really need is a good and positive mindset. I think of my dad too, who was still working at the age of 89 and who never gave up on trying to improve his health and was always happy to meet new people and strike up an interesting conversation.
It’s quite easy to spend a lot of time reminiscing, at least, I find it so. At times, looking back down the years is rather like looking through a kaleidoscope, seeing a jumble of places and faces, of memories, of good times and sad times, and everything in between. The brightest colours shine through and these are the memories we hold on to.
One thing I realise, is that we can spend our whole lives trying to find the meaning of it, only to get to our later years and find that simplicity is the way. All the striving and all the hurly-burly of life can only take us so far, whilst loving and just ‘being’ takes us exactly where we need to be.
I've seen a lot of years
As I've moved from place to place
And you can see the storms I've weathered
In the lines upon my face.
For every step I have travelled
There has been much to understand -
How life can be unravelled
By an unseen sleight of hand.
But even the sweetest flower
Sometimes twists in the wind,
But then it spreads its precious seeds
So new life can begin.
With every turning tide
Comes a new and mighty wave,
And I remember there is always time
To stand up and be brave.
L.M.H
We have heard so many news bulletins. We feel the need to listen, and we hope for a glimmer of good news. The good news, at Christmas, is that we can try to put normal thoughts and worries on hold, even if for just one day. We can wrap ourselves in feelings of warmth and enjoy the intangible atmosphere that is Christmas, and which surrounds us all, every year, whatever our circumstances and wherever we are. Who can fail to feel a certain magic when looking at the starry skies on Christmas Eve? And somewhere, out there, under those same skies, our loved ones are looking out and hoping for the same things that we are. The one thing the virus can’t stop us doing is loving, even if we are apart. Love sends good vibrations across the fields, the miles, the skies, the oceans. Love has no borders. In fact, it never leaves us. It sits in our memories and stirs us when we need it. It appears in our dreams and runs through our veins. It made us. Like Christmas, love is never cancelled!
So many of us may not be able to physically sit around a table with our loved ones this year, but our hearts will be together.
Whilst we notice the sadness around us and hold space for all that is broken, and in the quiet corners of our minds, we tremble at the thoughts of an unknown future, let us picture a time where all the four corners of our precious world have been swept clean and we rejoice in new beginnings.
It is hard to focus at times. Easy to lose faith and wonder what on earth is going to happen next. The ground seems to be shifting under our feet as we await the latest news and feel like we should hold our breath. That’s how it feels to me some days anyway. I am a bit of a thinker and I regard myself as a believer… I believe there is a bigger picture even if I can’t totally understand it and sometimes need to re-affirm my faith in it.
If you feel a bit like me, I hope these words might help a bit….
The Bigger Picture
We are part of a bigger and better picture
Even if we cannot see it,
Part of a Universe where we are free,
Even when we cannot feel it.
Part of a humanity where we see those who are invisible,
Rather than those who are in the limelight;
A place where we don’t nurture our fears
At the expense of others,
Or turn our backs when others weep.
In the quiet, long hours
With the challenge of despair,
We long to find this place of hope and new life,
For here is where all the bad things are banished,
Have you ever had times when you get disillusioned or feel that you can’t get where you want to be? You aren’t alone – I know there are times when I think I’ve ‘cracked it’, and have found my way – but then – wham, down I come to earth. But I guess if we had life all fathomed out we could become complacent or even a little smug. There is a reason why there are so many self- help books out there. People are always searching to find a new way of dealing with life; a new angle that might just make everything become clear. It’s a big industry, but I’m not knocking it. I have found several books and audio tapes over the years that have helped me through rough times, and are still helpful today. I’ve followed some inspiring gurus too. ( I loved to listen to the late motivational speaker Dr. Wayne Dyer, who always sounded warm and friendly and came across as a lovely man when I attended some of his seminars.) Sometimes just reading or hearing one illuminating story can offer up a ‘light bulb ‘ moment that gives us the answer we have been looking for.
Here is a story of one man’s quest for enlightenment…..
There was once a man who wanted to find the meaning of life. He spent many years listening to all sorts of gurus, and read many ‘self-help’ books. He tried yoga classes and quite enjoyed them and soon learned how to ‘Salute the Sun’. He learned how to meditate, and once he had stopped his busy mind wandering off and thinking about what to eat for his supper, he more or less got the hang of it. He ate an amazingly healthy diet with only a few slips-ups (he had rather a liking for donuts). He took plenty of exercise and breathed in the invigorating fresh air in the woods behind his cottage. He gave up his stressful job and decided to live simply and he put on sandals.
But with all this to help him there were still times when he felt he hadn’t quite ‘got it’.
So the man went up to the top of a mountain, made himself a simple camp, and stayed there for five years. He contemplated his life. He relaxed and completely ‘chilled out’. He prayed for peace in the world. He felt at one with the universe. Occasionally, the odd climber or two came up the mountain and he smiled at them most benignly, bestowing calmness upon them. That felt good.
One day he woke up and thought ‘I’m ready to go back and face the world and nothing will phase me now.’ Gleefully, he set off down the mountain. But he had forgotten how steep it was and by the time he got to the bottom, his feet were a bit sore and he was thirsty and tired. He walked into the café at the bottom of the mountain and asked for a bottle of water. No one heard him. He asked again but the staff were busy and ignored him. After five more minutes he felt the anger boil up inside him and banged his fist on the counter, and demanded to be served. A waitress rushed over and nervously placed a bottle of water in front of him mumbling an apology. He grabbed the water and drank it down without a word. From a table in the corner and old friend spotted the man and walked over to him. He asked him how he was getting on with his quest for enlightenment. Without a word the man turned and walked out of the café. He headed back up the mountain.
This is just a reminder that we can all fail from time to time no matter how far we think we have come. But it is okay. It happens to us all and it is never too late to try again. The man was just human like we all are. And remember – nothing good is ever lost.
‘Today is a new day; there is no need to focus on yesterday’s mistakes. Just as the pathway will sparkle again in the sunlight, so will you sparkle again too’.
Lyn Halvorsen
Notes From Dove Lane 