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My Spiritual Slippers…

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.

Lmh
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Self-care for the soul.

Soul – the spiritual part of a person that is believed to give life to the body and in many religions is believed to live forever. A person’s deeply-felt moral and emotional nature. The ability of a person to feel kindness and sympathy for others. To appreciate art and beauty.

I’m thinking about how we look after ourselves and give our best to the world when we get caught up in the hurly-burly of everyday living, but also, and more importantly, how we cope when we are knocked sideways by awful events going on around us, both in our personal lives and further afield.

So much is said about caring for the mind and body and yet so little is said about looking after our souls. Yet even the simplest act of self -care can have a profound effect. Surely, if our souls are nurtured, we will feel happier and calmer. But how easy is it to feel aligned with the universe? Perhaps we should exercise our souls just like we do our muscles. It isn’t difficult but how often do we do it? We can exercise our souls when we go about our daily lives. We don’t need to dress up in exercise gear or go to a special place. How lucky we are to have a beautiful soul right inside us! We can include our soul in everyday acts quite easily! As we get in the shower, make tea or dig the garden, for example, we can visualise our soul lighting our heart up like a beacon. We can put it to work too and allow it to enhance our everyday lives by carrying out simple acts of kindness, placing a thoughtful touch on someone’s arm, or taking time and properly listening to another. When you give your time to another person and connect with them, this is a spiritual act in itself. Compassion works wonders.

It is hard to be non-judgemental, especially with so many opinions being foisted on us from the media, but it is good to practise tolerance. Standing up for what we believe in is important too, but a good soul uses a gentle voice. When you hear someone raise their voice, lower yours and see how the atmosphere calms.

The soul likes to be creative. It helps it to grow and to spread beauty wherever its creations land. Anything lovingly created makes the souls of both the giver and the recipient happy. Think how heartwarming it is to receive a happily created stick-man drawing from a child.

What do we do on the days when we feel overwhelmed – when the care of our soul takes a back seat and we are challenged? Some days are far from perfect, but the soul doesn’t complain. It waits patiently for us to remember it is there and reminds us that those significant challenges may be a bunch of tiny things in a row . Perhaps they are like a path of pebbles that will eventually lead us to where we need to be.

Nurturing the soul means taking good care of yourself. The energy you nurture within shows the worth you have. It brings meaning to who you are. It’s the smallest things that count.

On the days of heavy noise
And dull spirits
Take me to where the waves wash the sand clean
And scatter shells made so perfectly
That each one is like a prize.
Lead me to where the wind blows softly
Yet carries me along, to that haven
Where the birds fly in and out
From feathery nests and splendid corners
Regardless of change.
Lift me high up to the rooftops
Way out of range,
And let me watch the big red sun
At the end of the day
Cast its rosy glow
Before it slides peacefully away.
My soul is happy.

Lmh

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Midsummer …Honouring the Light.

‘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.

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The Longest Day

This year, the D-day anniversary seems more poignant than ever as we face more global atrocities. I’ve been delving into some of the archives and reading about some of the young men who bravely set out on that June day eighty years ago to do their best for their country. The events of 6th June 1944, have achieved near – mythical status, but it’s so important to remember D -Day was a momentous battle fought by very real people. One can only imagine the fear and sadness that lived in the hearts of parents who waved goodbye to their sons, not knowing if they would see them again. And what of the men themselves? What must they have felt as they arrived at the coast to see the heaving sea heavy with vessels and the skies overhead full of aircraft? Who could ever tell us what went through the minds of young men who should have been at home fretting about nothing more than their studies or getting to work on time. The battle is extremely well documented and I’m not here to recount the actual events…I’m just here to draw attention to the boy next door with the smiling face who bravely stepped out that day, and all the other ones like him who didn’t make it home. I hope new generations go forth with peace in their hearts because of them. 

D-Day

Did you wake that early summer’s day,
And think of home
Where everything was where it had always been
And your mother waited -
Uttering prayers until she 
Folded like a pack of cards.
I saw someone like you smiling,
As they bravely looked ahead,
Somehow finding courage
As they left their future 
On a windswept beach.
And when the little ships
Stormed the shores of Normandy
Did the screaming skies
Watch you hold your falling comrades 
And know the cost of liberty?
Did someone speak your name
And reach for your hand
As you fell asleep 
In a foreign land?
Oh, the beaches may be empty now,
But the tide endlessly turns,
To whisper the names 
Of long-lost souls.


Lmh






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Turn the Page

Sometimes we yearn for small comforts…….I’ve slightly run out of steam due to various challenges today, but I have scribbled down these words. As my dad said – ‘onwards.’

Inside The Cover

I turned over and switched on the light,

The hours were still early

But I’d had enough of the night,

I picked up the book

I hadn’t read for a while –

The one with the turned-down pages

That made me smile. 

Inside the cover

An inscription was written

In a shaky hand

But lovingly given –

Perhaps you will find

Something useful here

So, upwards and onwards –

Be thankful, my dear.

But sometimes the tears fall

When pain rears its head – 

Anguish let loose

With a flashing of dread –

Because deep in our hearts

We are sometimes alone –

And words of comfort 

Feel like coming home.

No matter how many times

I read the same lines

The words gave me comfort

Time after time

And the thoughts that

Had been dancing 

A jig in my head

Lay right down

And went back to bed.

Lmh

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Be like the Butterfly…

For various reasons I have not been here recently. Life throws up storms from time to time as we all know. Sometimes it is hard to cope and we wonder why things happen as they do. But I have learned that showing up and putting one foot in front of the other helps, as does the kindness of friends.

Where would I be without my writing? I’m not sure, as writing helps me focus on the light. My writing, both in written stories and poetry is simple, but carries a message from my heart to yours. It’s a rocky ride, this world, but writing with hope helps keep my world, and hopefully yours, on its axis.

I read two things today which resonated with me, so I would like to mention them here. One of my favourite authors is Marian Keyes and I read an email from her this morning. She talked about how the world can be a scary place and how we can feel fearful (I’m paraphrasing), and struggle, but (and this is the bit I like): ‘You can’t set yourself on fire to keep others warm.’ We all want to save the world but we have to care for ourselves as well, before we can help others.

That leads me to the next thing that caught my eye somewhere. Words about a butterfly. ‘A butterfly won’t fly when it rains because the raindrops damage their wings. They rest and wait it out, it’s self preservation. It’s okay to rest during the storms in your life. Take all the time you need and you will fly again once the storm passes.’

We can fly
We can grow,
We can listen to
What we think we need to know.
We can dress
To impress
We can follow a plan,
As we carry our life
In the palm of our hand.
But remember, all the dreams we wrote
Lie tucked in the pocket
Of our old overcoat.

Lmh

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Walk the Glittery Path

As we wound our way around the village and walked towards the woods near Dove Lane, the path beneath our feet sparkled in the sun. Looking more closely, I could see there were hundreds of glass chips embedded in the tarmac. I had never noticed this before; maybe it was the direction of the sun or the time of day, but the effect was magical. The path glittered like something out of a fairy tale and I almost expected to see the King appear! I thought about the beauty that surrounds us and that whoever we are and whatever our circumstances, rich or poor, we are all entitled to walk the glittery pathway.

We are all created as equals. Sometimes it is easy to forget that. I certainly do. I think most of us at some time in our lives, have looked up to someone famous, mega wealthy or seemingly more accomplished than ourselves and felt overshadowed. It is a hard habit to shake off. But we all have our skills, our uniqueness that no one can take away! We can all have a chance to shine and take a walk in the sunshine. There are so many unsung heroes we may pass along the way; those who carry on in the direst circumstances and still raise a smile.

I walked with my soulmate in the bluebell wood today and we talked about life; how things sometimes surprise us and turn out differently than expected. We noted how sometimes it’s hard to take the rough with the smooth. How busy life can be at times, and how challenging. But would we really want to walk in anyone else’s shoes, however important they are?

I love this Malagasy proverb –

‘A canoe does not know who is King, when it turns over, everyone gets wet.’

I am certainly looking forward to watching the Coronation of King Charles 111; I will enjoy the pomp and circumstance, the making of history, and the feeling of times moving on, but I will remember the glittery path and all the unsung heroes that walk along it.

I hope you can walk the glittery path!

What did I do today?
Nothing I say,
Yet that can't be true
Because I sat here with you
And the sky was full
With soaring birds
With the sun on their wings.
Every ordinary day
Is full of perfect things.
                                  Lmh
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Remember Winter turns to Spring …

This winter seems to have been very long. Even now, the weather seems chilly and the north wind has been constant of late. However, the signs are now good – there has been sunshine here in Dove Lane today, and the birds are sounding glorious. With the first sighting of the delicate wild violets in the woods and the soft fragrance from the primroses that are lighting up like stars on the grassy banks, we are reminded that after every winter, spring does come eventually!

Life can be far from perfect, but a walk outside on a beautiful spring day can lift the heart and fill us with hope. We can engage with all the simple but important things in life. We can look to nature and realise that there is a force around us that carries on no matter what. We take it for granted that spring will appear and carry new life with it, but what a miracle it is.

With the sunshine on our shoulders we can view the world with an optimistic air. We can dream!

My dream might go something like this:

I am sitting in the sun alone, writing a poem that sums up everything I want to say,

I am in a beautiful cottage, full of books, with a view of the river. Here my husband has been fishing nearby and has just landed an enormous fish which he admires greatly then puts back into the water so it can swim off and be free…..

There are friends to laugh with just around the corner.

Family members have called to tell of happy days.

I have meditated without veering off track.

I am eating good chocolate.

I’m going off to watch a good play later

I’m wearing simple but stylish clothes and big jewellery.

The world around me feels safe.

There is no need for a food bank because there is enough money for everyone to buy what they need. (The government has stepped up.)

I can carry my dream with me and know that even in the hardest winter, underground the most beautiful flowers are only sleeping….

Enjoy the spring days and walk with peace in your heart.

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Reconnecting with Your Soul

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
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Last days of December….

Some thoughts as the year draws to a close.

Remember to love.

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!

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.

Small big things with my Grandchild

Today we saw a blackbird
Collecting feathers for her nest,
And beautiful white butterflies
Looking quite their best
And an aeroplane flew overhead
As you waved and rode your bike
Ten times around the flower bed - 
These are the days I like.

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 2023. 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. 

Thank you for sticking with me!