How do you describe emptiness? How do I wrap words around the peaceful space I have been opening to since being diagnosed with breast cancer last August? Language seems inadequate to translate something so vast and limitless. My experience has been one of emptying out, sometimes called “dying unto yourself” in spiritual traditions. The dissolving of past identities, opinions, questions, expectations, fears, hopes, disappointments. All the parts of our selves that we accumulate over a lifetime and don’t even realize we carry around with us. Gradually, day by day, week by week, pieces fell away. No grief was involved; it was a lifting off, a lightening. Space opened up within me. I felt increasingly empty, but with no sense of loss or regret. In many ways, it was like opening the door to my soul, which was a room without walls filled with nothing but light. I observed all this without any particular emotional response. It was just happening, peacefully.

Words—no matter how intangible they seem—hold so much meaning. 

Because of words, we can tell our stories, share our dreams, and mouth our aspirations. They can spark a revolution and inspire people to push for a meaningful cause. 

At the same time, words are powerful enough to become weapons of negativity. They can hurt, alienate, and discriminate. Words can become too hateful and judgmental, that is why we should use them mindfully. 

Are you aware of how much power your words have? Think about that the next time you’re sending a quick text or posting something on Facebook or Instagram. Keep in mind that words can inspire, heal and transform. They can be as gentle as a hug and have a positive effect on others. But on the flip side, words can be as sharp as a knife and can cut down someone’s else’s spirit. They can also be hurtful, especially when directed at yourself.

If people are constantly talking about gloom and hardship, then it’s most likely that their lives are a reflection of what they’re saying. It can be draining to be in their company. You come away feeling exhausted, because inadvertently, they’re sapping your precious energy.

"Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence." —Helen Keller

I've Been Thinking...

I love words. I love how certain words make me feel. I love how they can be strung together to create stories and images. I love how certain words remind me of special people in my life and how they make me feel.

My takeaway from Wednesday’s presidential inauguration was this: Words matter. Tone matters. Temperament matters. Excellence shines. Manners never go out of style. Hope is there even when you can’t see it. And, no matter how old you are, a beautiful rendition of “Amazing Grace” can bring you to tears.

It’s worth pausing to realize that history isn’t just stuffed in old books. It’s unfolding before our very eyes. It’s revealing itself in real time and in real ways. Thank God I’m alive because I’ve felt so lost the last few years and now I feel like I’m found. That’s how I felt Thursday morning after America began her new chapter.

"When your mind and heart are truly open abundance will flow to you effortlessly and easily."

I have an emotional response to the following words that I don’t think is unique: loving, peaceful, forgiving, warm, tolerant, harmonious, heartfelt. To me, these words all have feminine overtones.  The same is true of the “A words” that are in circulation: appreciation, affection, acceptance, and allowing. If you are distressed by the deep divisions in society, these words seem to describe what has been lost.  They also outline a path to healing.

Does the feminine have a chance right now? Within every person resides two polarities, the masculine and the feminine. When both are free to express themselves, the foundation is laid for living in harmony, balance, and fulfilment. This need for wholeness is known to modern psychology as well as ancient spiritual wisdom. When we experience one polarity overshadowing the other, disharmony, imbalance, and inequality prevails.

My writing has been described as lyrical or even whimsical.  I know my words as truth; they carry an awareness of a kinder and compassionate world.

We are living in a time that allows our actions and reactions to be far reaching into our world.  Humanity has documented challenges and successes of our planet throughout the ages.  Our ability to be aware of current situations across the oceans has gifted us a unique knowledge and challenge. The media is sharing terrifying footage of fires, wars, and other devastating events that are portrayed as out of control.  It might appear like humanity is being brought to our collective knees….

I choose to look at this moment in history as an opportunity to gain a higher perspective of our options.  We can unite, bring light, and vibrancy to the areas where fear has trapped us.  To achieve this, we need to look deeper into every image.  For example, we see animals fleeing the fires in Australia.  This has triggered emotions for many of us.  Seeing the animals loosing lives to an out of control fire stirs up grief, fear and sadness.

Mantras are honored in a vast variety of spiritual practices and traditions, through many centuries. They elevate daily lives, and have an important place in both mindful and intentional living. Mantras are also one of the main ingredients in successful manifestation. They can be words, sounds or even repetitive actions.

Many people experience life without recognizing their personal power.  The words and thoughts we repeatedly tell ourselves are basically mantras that are void of sacred energy and intent. I invite you to take charge of your life by using intentional mantras. Follow these simple steps and get ready to celebrate your dreams:

''Why am I so unhappy,'' ''Everybody seems to think that I should be a joyous creature as I seem to have every material comfort, yet I feel completely listless and burdened with stress.'' These are statements I get to hear very often from my clients, friends, relatives and a lot more people.