unwritten
March 15, 2012 § 3 Comments
Stuck inside my thoughts, dwelling in distraction, I came across a quote that inspired me to set aside the act of writing for an exercise in living.
How vain it is to sit down to write when you have not stood up to live.
Henry David Thoreau
This blank space that so peacefully accepts my thoughts without judgment created a place of solitude where I could pause on the periphery of my life lost in thought. In my youth I tucked myself quietly between the pages of countless books seeking the reassuring security of a story. Writing has gifted me the same peaceful reprieve from expectations and uncertainty.
Rather than reflecting, I have begun to seek. Where I rested in uncertainty, I have created movement inspired by curiosity. I am balancing my words with exercises in living. The pauses between sharings filled with life.
written wishes
February 23, 2012 § Leave a comment
This week my daughter’s school celebrated the multicultural diversity of our community with an evening dedicated to honoring the customs of our school’s families. A photojournalist shared his extensive travels; eclectic collections of music were performed and traditional dances demonstrated; art activities and game stations provided an occasion to learn through play; the library was littered with fairy tales from across the world. Around each corner the building was bustling with curiosity and acceptance.
Making my way among the displays shared by families from our school I found myself drawn to a cardboard wall sprinkled with tiny pieces of paper and messages scribbled in the whimsical penmanship of children. A dear friend had contrived a mock Wishing Wall engaging student’s curiosity for her culture by encouraging them to write a wish for the world and then placing it on the wall.
A wish.
My heart swelled and something resonated in the quiet unconscious corners of my mind. In the chaos of a school function I felt myself emotionally drawn to more than an endearing exercise that shared a custom from a different culture. The gift of giving voice to a wish weighted me serenely in a place centered in the written word. The feeling of peace followed me home after a joyful evening of learning and sharing.
The next day my heart full of wishes I came across another sharing. An author I respect and admire shared an article about creating and using a God Box, a safe vessel to store written prayers. I found this lesson on letting go of hopes and fears with faith on Facebook. Much like the space of a crowded gymnasium, I was amused to uncover a moment of spiritual insight outside a traditional place of worship, but acknowledged the relevance of a timely chorus giving voice to a personal moment of growth rippling the surface of my consciousness.
I have come to believe life, God, the universe speaks to us in moments of uncertainty lending us the wisdom of the wind. Truths that fill the air around us and as old as time itself. In these moments my heart swells and I pause to center my spirit, acknowledging the power of listening to silence around me. In these moments of awakening I try to uncover the value of an unexpected lesson.
My heart has been heavy recently with concerns outside of my control. My spirit centered peacefully welcoming the suggestion of giving voice to my deepest hopes and fears in the simple act of writing them and letting go in faith. I won’t name these private hopes and fears, rather I want to acknowledge the beauty of lessons woven intricately into the fabric of our daily activities with a wish for each of you: Be still. Listen. Be present that you hear your own lessons whispered to your heart. Know when to give voice to that which you cannot control and let go in faith.
playing house
August 27, 2011 § Leave a comment
There are friends that tie us to a younger self; the girls we women once were. In their company time stands still and the reality of marriage and motherhood feel like a grand game of make-believe. Discussing our lives after childhood, I feel like a little girl playing house.
I never envisioned this part of my life, it has been an experience of improvisation. My parents were divorced with widely differing personalities and parenting styles; they lived in different communities and without the predictable social rhythms of my close-knit neighborhood. I sometimes feel like a child’s toy misplaced; a round peg stuffed into a square space.
I am comfortable in the company of my family, but sometimes lost in the space of expectations. A little voice seems to whisper, I don’t know how to do this. I have learned to follow my gut and lead with my heart. Asking for directions and watching for answers. Still I marvel at those that seem to know with a quiet confidence, what comes next at each turn.
It is with great joy and reassurance that I perpetually find myself in the company of wise souls that share with me a vision of Happily Ever After in the space of everyday life.
scribblechic 