tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14808636765764311882024-03-13T15:55:41.911-05:00INTERRUPTIONCHILDHOOD, interrupted.Interruptionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08317087737011307005noreply@blogger.comBlogger122125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1480863676576431188.post-69416743512914279012014-03-24T12:17:00.000-05:002014-03-24T12:17:08.624-05:00HERE WE GO AGAIN<br />
<h1 style="margin: 24pt 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">Monday, March 24, 2014</span></span></span></h1>
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<span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: small;">I had a
very rough weekend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was supposed to go
to psychodrama all weekend but I only made Friday evening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were doing an exercise call the social
atom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is where you draw circles
around each other with the inner most circle representing “me”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then you put the people in your life in
proximity to “me”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I realized that there
are so few people in my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everyone
else had so many people surrounding them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Some close and some outside of their circle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were talking about feeling joy and
happiness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If freaked me out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When it was over, I left and totally
disintegrated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is the same pattern I
go through every time something happens. I go into isolation and do not want to
be around people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, I did not go to
the rest of the workshop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, I regret
not going.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is not a healthy way to
respond to life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One would think that
after all the years I spent in therapy and psychodrama I could react in a more
controlled way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That I could learn a
different pattern to use.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";"><o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">SOMETIMES
I JUST WANT TO GIVE UP…<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></h1>
Interruptionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08317087737011307005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1480863676576431188.post-85469865402404321622014-03-24T12:05:00.000-05:002014-03-24T12:07:17.091-05:00WHERE DO I GO FROM HERE<br />
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<span style="color: windowtext; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">Thursday,
March 6, 2014<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></h1>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">It has
been so long since I have written.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A lot
of positive things have happened in my life…more positive than negative, which
seems like a miracle to me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">But
today and the past week, I have been so depressed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I feel like I do not have a life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I do not seem to have a purpose about which I
feel passionate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That statement is not
totally true.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I do have someone in my
life that I would like to help and I feel passionate about that idea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This person has a lot going on in their life
and could use a loyal, trustworthy friend to give them help.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";"></span><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";"> </span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">
<o:p><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">I have
been a friend to them for a while now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In fact a situation arose in my life where I had to live in their
outside room for about six months.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now I
am supposed to be moving back to my house. But I am confused about whether I
should or not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I feel so lost and
confused.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have become accustomed to
being around someone that treats me with respect; that talks to me as an equal;
that enjoys being around me; that appreciates my input.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now I must return to my previous situation
with my husband who treats me just the opposite.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am truly at a loss.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have no other place to go right now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I cannot afford to move out on my own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both of them are out of town as I attempt
make this transition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was my choice
because I wanted neither of them to see the pain through which I am going.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I do not want my husband to know the dread I
feel nor do I want my friend to see the pain I feel in leaving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";"><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">My fear is
that once I am gone, their busy life will not allow me to be as helpful as I
have been in the past few months…out of sight out of mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will also miss being around them very
much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I ask myself if I have become
dependent on them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I do not think it is
a codependent relationship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We both do
things separately from each other and are fine with it this way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think my worry is that I will lose purpose
again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I volunteer at one other place
which I will continue to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, I feel
that the Creator has put me in their life for a reason.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So if this is what I believe then why am I so
fearful?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I should trust the universe to
help me through this whatever the outcome.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Life is always changing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is
how we handle the changes that either drag us down or help us move
forward.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even though I know this in my
brain, my heart is crying and pleading for this change not to happen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">Peace,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">Nico<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NuQC-w816kY/UzBkWMeyfvI/AAAAAAAAAMQ/zwRqXUs35go/s1600/248314_229463177071110_142794215738007_1082901_7036946_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NuQC-w816kY/UzBkWMeyfvI/AAAAAAAAAMQ/zwRqXUs35go/s1600/248314_229463177071110_142794215738007_1082901_7036946_n.jpg" height="320" width="268" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">I chose the
above picture because the past few years I have felt like I bloomed from a
flower, raised from the dead as a cross between a dragonfly and a
butterfly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The breaker of illusions
(dragonfly) and transformation (butterfly).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I look back and see how peaceful I have been with this person in my
life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How much purpose I felt as I
helped with daily chores, pet sitting and things they felt were mundane and
tedious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But these things are what
lifted me out of my depression and gave me a reason to live. I feel useful,
helpful and like I am contributing to someone/something that has a bigger
purpose in life than I do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They have the
ability to help a lot of people not only financially but spiritually.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And this they do on a daily basis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Anything I do to help them achieve this helps
me to feel that I am helping also.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p></o:p> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
</o:p><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
</span><br />
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</div>
Interruptionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08317087737011307005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1480863676576431188.post-55471276875181308462011-11-29T17:05:00.001-06:002011-11-29T17:13:19.123-06:00Smash365: Statement: An attempt to answer two comments from ‘Anonymous’ on my writing ‘Perfection’.<br />
<div style="line-height: 13.5pt;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt;">The reason one writes isn’t the fact he wants to say something.
He writes because he has something to say. ~F. Scott Fitzgerald<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 13.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 13.5pt;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt;">Step on your soapbox and write about what is on your mind. Make
a statement in your writing about anything that is residing within you. The end
of a 4-day holiday weekend? Black Friday shopping? The space between holidays
and the coming new year?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 13.5pt;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt;">Make a statement without judgment. Give yourself the platform
you need to shout it out on paper for ten minutes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 13.5pt;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt;">Where did writing take you today?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PjzzI7n5ZC8/TtVmM1PyH5I/AAAAAAAAAKE/X3aq7-UonXY/s1600/angels+dante+image+from+Dante+Angels+in+Dante+s+Paradiso.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PjzzI7n5ZC8/TtVmM1PyH5I/AAAAAAAAAKE/X3aq7-UonXY/s400/angels+dante+image+from+Dante+Angels+in+Dante+s+Paradiso.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 13.5pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"> Picture: Dante: Angels </span></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="mso-line-height-alt: 13.5pt;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt;">My thoughts:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="mso-line-height-alt: 13.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="mso-line-height-alt: 13.5pt;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt;">When I opened my email today, I had this
prompt and two comments from ‘anonymous’ on my article titled ‘Perfection’.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="mso-line-height-alt: 13.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="mso-line-height-alt: 13.5pt;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt;">This is my human attempt to answer the
two following comments:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="mso-line-height-alt: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">1)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="mso-line-height-alt: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">Nico,<br />
I saw your posting on Let Go Let Peace Come In. I am deeply disturbed by Penn
State scandal and feel that I must do something. I am a mother of two boys and
work full time but there must be something I can do... Any ideas?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="mso-line-height-alt: 13.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="mso-line-height-alt: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">2)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="mso-line-height-alt: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">Nico, <br />
One more question... I am having a hard time with the fact that g-d would allow
innocent children get raped over and over again... I am losing my faith. How do
you forgive g-d for allowing all that happened to you to take place? <br />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
My Answer:</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The first
answer that comes to mind for question one is vigilance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you see or suspect any type of abuse, whether
it is with a child or an adult do not be afraid to report it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When people do nothing evil blooms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do not assume that someone else will take a
stand against abuse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Never make that
assumption.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Take action by reporting
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You have nothing to lose, but
whoever might be the victim of abuse has their Soul to lose…because abuse
murders the Soul.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you do not have
time or the ability to volunteer, you might donate money to a shelter or
home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You could write letters to your
Senators and Congressman to help change laws. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">To answer
your second question, I must take the liberty to express MY PERSONAL BELIEFS
about g-d.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By no means am I trying to
change or challenge your beliefs or convince you of anything different than
what you believe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I do not
believe that g-d ‘allows innocent children to get raped’.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I do not believe in a punishing g-d.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are the ones who forget g-d, not the other
way around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Humans have free will.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Humans have choice to do good or evil.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is humankind hurting each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I do not feel any need to forgive g-d.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The direction my forgiveness has to take is
towards my abusers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are the ones
who inflicted the pain and anguish I endured as a child.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are the reasons I chose to live in the
suffering and anguish I experienced as an adult.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, you heard me correctly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I chose to continue my suffering as an
adult.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> No, </span>I did not realize I was
choosing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt helpless and hopeless.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just as when I was a child, as an adult I saw
no way out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt trapped and
imprisoned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could not let go of the
pain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had no hope. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was disillusioned with g-d, but did not
blame g-d.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It has been
a long journey to heal my Soul back to life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But now I feel the winds have turned and I am moving forward.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, I still have difficult times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, the darkness now goes away after I
feel the pain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Until recently I lived in
continual darkness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That has been my
path and I have accepted it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has led
me to become the person I am today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
have no regrets.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It was not
until I realized that other choices were available to me, and I felt empowered that
I began to make my own decisions on how I wanted to live; that I began to take
control of my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The abuse was not
from g-d, it was from humans.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Humans are
weak.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our ego controls our actions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>WE HAVE TO LET GO OF OUR EGO and find our
HIGHER SELF to reconnect with g-d.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Healing is about forgiveness, love and learning to connect…because as a
victim/survivor we do not trust enough to connect on a Soul level to
others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Without connections we shrivel
up and die not only emotionally, but spiritually.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With connections we THRIVE.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With connections we can begin to forgive,
take in the painful lessons our past has taught us, and use them to help
others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Hope never
dies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Never give up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To give up is to allow the abusers
victory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are no winners in these
situations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So we learn to live our life
to the fullest and try to make a difference whenever we can.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hopefully, once we heal, our suffering will
have taught us compassion for others; made us more loving people; and make us
realize that g-d was with us through it all.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I hope you
will not lose faith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If at all possible
connect to g-d.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is the beginning of
our Soul and that is where healing begins. You are not alone.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peace,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Nico<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>Interruptionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08317087737011307005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1480863676576431188.post-28763412068003720412011-11-18T08:58:00.001-06:002011-11-18T09:04:59.585-06:00Smash 365: PERFECTION<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div style="line-height: 13.5pt;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt;">We keep searching for perfection, and in our search we find that
everything in the universe is perfect except the humans. The sun is perfect,
the stars are perfect, the planets are perfect, but when it comes to the
humans, “Nobody’s perfect.” The truth is that everything in creation is
perfect, including the humans. ~Don Miguel Ruiz, The Fifth Agreement<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 13.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 13.5pt;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt;">What stops us from seeing ourselves as perfect? Redefine
“perfect” for humans and make a list of the things that make you perfect.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">My Thoughts:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In one word,
EGO stops us from seeing ourselves as perfect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>‘Perfect’ does not mean conceited or arrogant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>‘Perfect’ to me means living in a state of
openness and love, tethered to our Creator.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When we live in the state of ego, we depend on our attachment to others
as the reflection of our selves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This, I
believe is a hurtful way to see ourselves because how others see us comes from
their reality and their ego.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Depending
on our attachment’s moods and whims, one day they may see us as good; the next
they may see us as causing pain. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So
while we are affirmed with love one day, we are suffering and in pain the
next.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But in reality, we all cause our own
drama.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The responsibility for our life
is within us. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am not speaking of a child because children
are born innocent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Children have to rely
on their caregivers to protect them and nurture them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But as adults we must take responsibility for
our actions and strive to let our ego die.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The Creator is calling our Soul.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Our Soul longs for a reunion to the Creator.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we refuse the call, we become frozen in
our ego.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am not speaking of physical
death.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a spiritual death and
rebirth while we are here on the Earth.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The thing
that makes me ‘perfect’ is my belief that I originate from the Creator and I am
a part of the Creator.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because of this,
I am a part of the Universe which lives in the Creator.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am in a continuous search for my Soul.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I do realize that ‘perfection’ can be
fleeting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am also still human;
therefore the ego will be with me until the end.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The trick is to learn to live as the Self because
the Self is your Soul, the Soul is love, and love comes from our connection to the
Creator.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Peace, </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Nico</span></div>Interruptionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08317087737011307005noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1480863676576431188.post-81564584988477387142011-10-19T09:23:00.000-05:002011-10-19T09:23:51.556-05:00Smash365: Domestication<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt;">"Humans are dreaming all the time. Before we were born the humans
before us created a big outside dream that we will call society’s dream or the
dream of the planet. The dream of the planet is the collective dreams of
billions of smaller, personal dreams, which together create a dream of a
family, a dream of a community, a dream of a city, a dream of a country, and
finally a dream of the whole humanity. The dream of the planet includes all of
society’s rules, its beliefs, its laws, its religions, its different cultures
and ways to be, its governments, schools, social events, and holidays." ~ Don
Miguel Ruiz, The Four Agreements, “Domestication and the Dream of the Planet”<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div style="line-height: 13.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 13.5pt;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt;">Do you accept fully Ruiz’ statement that humans are dreaming all
the time? Write about your awareness and/or acceptance of Ruiz’ “dream of the
planet” and your own domestication.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">My Thoughts:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Unless you
have read this book, you might not fully understand the term “dream” as Ruiz
comprehends it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is not talking about
dreaming in the sense of during sleep.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I cannot
disagree with his belief.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have
created this ‘reality’ in which we live.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The farther away humanity as a whole becomes separated from the Creator,
God, Higher Power, Source, or the word of your choice, the more we live in an
illusion of who we are and from where we came.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We lose our connection to our Soul or Spirit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We lose our ‘Life Force’.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We lose our ‘Energy’.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We lose our ‘Light’.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I believe
this is why there is so much chaos in our world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have forgotten that everything we are,
everything we have comes from our Creator. Our ‘domestication’ begins at birth
when we are taught what our parents or caregivers ‘dream’ is the correct way
to live, the correct way to view the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We can
continue to live in this illusion we have been given or we can begin our own
search for our true Soul.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No other
person can give us OUR connection to our Creator.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have to search and find for ourselves that
umbilical cord that is connected to our Creator while we are here on
earth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we finally find that
connection, we transform into who we are really meant to be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We find that our main purpose in this life is
to create love for all things and spread peace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We learn to recognize that there are billions of umbilical cords coming
from the same Source—that everything is connected and alive.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I cannot
pretend to comprehend all the wisdom of Don Miguel Ruiz.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I agree with the four agreements he presents
in this book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have read this book and
continue to re-read it because every time I do, I learn more how to live as our
Creator intends for us to live. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I believe
that we learn to live as a ‘Soul’ from many sources.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Long ago I dropped the illusion that there is
only one source of wisdom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This works
for me, but it may not work for others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I believe we need to find whatever works for each of us to live with
integrity and in the Light of our Creator.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peace.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Nico<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>Interruptionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08317087737011307005noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1480863676576431188.post-39638841286292860572011-10-17T22:01:00.001-05:002011-10-17T22:29:27.082-05:00Smash365: Purity Everything and Everyone is Connected<br />
<h2 style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">Smash365:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Purity<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></h2>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 13.5pt;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt;">Everything in existence is a manifestation of the one living
being we call God. Everything is God. . . Human perception is merely light perceiving
light. . . .Matter is a mirror — everything is a mirror that reflects light and
creates images of light — and the world of illusion, the Dream, is just like
smoke which doesn’t allow us to see what we really are. ‘The real us is pure
love, pure light.’” ~Don Miguel Ruiz, The Four Agreements<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div style="line-height: 13.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 13.5pt;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt;">Take time today to observe a natural setting. While studying the
grass, the trees, the sky, consider each as its own entity and not existing for
our needs, our uses. Strip away the labels we have given these natural things,
and then reflect on their individual beauty — a beauty that has nothing to do
with human beings.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 13.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 13.5pt;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt;">When you write, stay focused on the purity of each natural
existence. What happens when we remove the man-made mist surrounding them?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">My Thoughts:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“When we
remove the man-made mist surrounding them,” the first veil drops from our sight
and we finally see the reality of whom and what we are…we are also a part of
the grass, the trees, the sky.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All is created
with light and energy emanating from the Creator.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we refuse to acknowledge this one and only
reality our light dims and our energy lessens.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Life becomes full of trials and tribulations that are difficult if not
impossible to overcome.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We feel alone
and unloved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Until we return to our true
essence, our soul, we are not ALIVE.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>WE
MERELY EXIST.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our human birth has made
us forget our true identity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have
become the ideas of our parents, our religion, and our cultures.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, I believe we only have one identity and
that is the one we came from as Spirit from our Creator.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our goal in life is to become find and become that Soul
and embody the life it is meant to live.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peace.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Nico<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>Interruptionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08317087737011307005noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1480863676576431188.post-78227969165585546022011-10-02T10:12:00.000-05:002011-10-02T10:12:29.871-05:00Breathe life into my soul<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y5zfnTpZ40E/Toh-jNtIWmI/AAAAAAAAAJc/Xegq5f4mISw/s1600/breathe+daily+spititual+tools+dot+blogspot+dot+com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y5zfnTpZ40E/Toh-jNtIWmI/AAAAAAAAAJc/Xegq5f4mISw/s400/breathe+daily+spititual+tools+dot+blogspot+dot+com.jpg" width="263" /></a></div>
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<br />
<br />
<div style="mso-line-height-alt: 13.5pt;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt;">All I really want is for the Creator to
breathe life into my soul.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want to
feel alive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t want to feel dead
anymore.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="mso-line-height-alt: 13.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="mso-line-height-alt: 13.5pt;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt;">While I may have been born many years
ago, I have never felt alive; I have never lived my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has always felt like I was on the outside
of everything and everyone, watching but never participating.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="mso-line-height-alt: 13.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="mso-line-height-alt: 13.5pt;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt;">I want to be a part of life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want to belong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want to be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="mso-line-height-alt: 13.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="mso-line-height-alt: 13.5pt;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt;">Why can I not feel this way?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="mso-line-height-alt: 13.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="mso-line-height-alt: 13.5pt;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt;">Peace.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="mso-line-height-alt: 13.5pt;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt;">Nico<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">STOP CHILD ABUSE. IT MURDERS THE SOUL.</span>Interruptionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08317087737011307005noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1480863676576431188.post-61253613753542150692011-09-30T12:39:00.000-05:002011-09-30T12:39:16.283-05:00<a href="http://paulocoelhoblog.com/e-cards/"><img src="http://paulocoelhoblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/03/eCard-fromafan.jpg"></a>Interruptionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08317087737011307005noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1480863676576431188.post-70419511869808275352011-09-18T11:26:00.000-05:002011-09-18T12:36:03.933-05:00"THE GIFT"... SMASH365: WRITE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YFL6uYlDswc/TnYZ2AQenmI/AAAAAAAAAJY/bQcjshq62ew/s1600/KINDNESS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YFL6uYlDswc/TnYZ2AQenmI/AAAAAAAAAJY/bQcjshq62ew/s320/KINDNESS.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
KINDNESS...PASS IT ON. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Photo: Courtesy of unknown source...no copyright infringement intended.</div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt;">“Use this prompt to inspire. Write for 5 minutes:<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div style="line-height: 13.5pt;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt;">A gift is left on the back porch.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">THE GIFT<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It had been a difficult
day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A deep sadness permeated my
heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yet, I knew I had to go home and
face the ghosts of my illusions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">As I was walking from the
garage to my back door, I noticed a small piece of paper jammed in the crevice
of the storm door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I really did not give
it much thought as I approached the door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I was deep inside and was thinking:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“‘storm door’…does it keep the storms in or out?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I grabbed the note and unlocked the door.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Forte; font-size: 18pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“I just stopped by for a quick
visit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hope you are having a beautiful
day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Love always, your friend.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The tears flowed freely as
a read the note.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The love of my friend
entered my heart and suddenly the sadness lifted and I was filled with
peace.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt;">Sometimes,
the smallest gesture…a note, a smile, a simple hello, can make the BIGGEST difference
in a person’s life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt;">Let
us all go out and make a difference.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt;">Peace.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt;">Nico<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<br /></div>
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Interruptionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08317087737011307005noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1480863676576431188.post-75654822877042821062011-09-14T09:38:00.000-05:002011-09-14T09:38:19.475-05:00Smash 365: I AM THE OWL<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC29Uy8aSYoynjX3Y0n7xAozDEb0XdTFnegY7fE44bTW15eKrRwMmNDI_Pkp1xNNiPod63xAjnaEMDiZwJXdJhAqDEwb8McGobkWnvwsv4etFOo6vOHxON-lPv6SLq0-lgxQAo-on5JzH-/s1600/16960-desktop-wallpapers-owl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC29Uy8aSYoynjX3Y0n7xAozDEb0XdTFnegY7fE44bTW15eKrRwMmNDI_Pkp1xNNiPod63xAjnaEMDiZwJXdJhAqDEwb8McGobkWnvwsv4etFOo6vOHxON-lPv6SLq0-lgxQAo-on5JzH-/s320/16960-desktop-wallpapers-owl.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #4f81bd;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">Smash 365:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am the Owl<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Prompt:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt;">“. . . Human beings already are animals. But becoming fully
conscious of our animal nature and identifying with the lives of nonhumans is a
way to increase our awareness that animals share the Earth with us, that they
are made of the same fiber as we are, that they are our kin. Writing from the
viewpoint of an animal puts us in touch with minds that are starkly different
from our own — an excellent way of growing our creativity and intensifying the
kind of understanding we can call writers’ empathy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt;">Select any animal that you are fascinated with and consider life
through that animal’s eyes. What does he see? What does he think of what he
sees? Write in first-person point of view and capture that animal’s inner
thoughts in a particular setting.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt;">How can this exercise help you better convey the inner thoughts
and motivations of others you might be writing about?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I am the owl.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am the creature who awakens in the
darkness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My vision is unlimited.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hear all things below as I am perched above
the earth on my branch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You, however,
will not hear my arrival for I fly in silence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But, you will know the wrath of my search.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will swoop down and capture you with my
claws and take you with me back to my darkness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If you do not fight me, you will learn that you have great vision.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You will learn to see in the darkness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No one will be able to deceive you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No one will be hidden from your vision.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your wisdom will become known not only to you
but to all those around you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Truth
will become known to you, for you will no longer be blinded by your darkness.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This is my gift to you as
my fellow traveller on the earth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Take
heed of my generosity and you will learn to survive in your darkness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your insight will be heightened and you will
never be fooled again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your lesson will
be to thrive in adverse situations and come to see the illusion that others
will try to make your reality.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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Interruptionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08317087737011307005noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1480863676576431188.post-76435194940647001032011-09-12T02:08:00.001-05:002011-09-12T02:11:23.077-05:00Smash 365: Write: ALGAE<br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt;">Use this prompt to inspire. Write for 5 minutes:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt;">“She lays motionless underneath the surface of the water with
bright green algae.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Can she breathe?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Will the stagnation keep her in the darkness?
What is this bright green substance trying to teach?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Could it be that she might need to stay under
for a while longer?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Could it mean that
she needs to hold her breath and feel the isolation that surrounds her being?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is certainly a lesson to learn from
this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is meaning in all situations
if you look deep enough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Is she alive?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How long has this state of stagnation been
her life?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What will it take to jolt her
out of this dead zone in which she is suspended? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Is it the pain of the
past?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is it the longing for the comfort
from a mother’s love?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How long will it
take to let go of the chains that bind her to the depths of despair?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When will she ever look from above to see the
beauty of the bright green algae…instead of looking from below, up into the
darkness, where the sun never shines?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">There is no answer for
this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In her own time, in her own way,
when she is ready.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is no other
path to take at this moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She must
live in the illusion; she must survive in the pain.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The only thing that will
help her break through the green darkness is connection to others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The algae may seem bright on the
outside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, looks can be
deceiving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do not let this trick you
into believing the task is simple.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
could very well be a life long journey.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Bid her well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To her closest friends, reach out to her in
the darkness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Be her tether, ground her
to the present.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For she does not know
the time in which she lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her sight
is altered by the algae.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Interruptionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08317087737011307005noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1480863676576431188.post-74141470148090948972011-09-06T20:54:00.000-05:002011-09-06T20:54:42.377-05:00Smash 365: The River
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<span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">Use this prompt to inspire. Write for 5
minutes:<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></h2>
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<span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">“Paddling the canoe down river, I finally
understood what Dad meant. “<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></h2>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PPv4mrX4Rog/TmbOG8irK2I/AAAAAAAAAJQ/sH5Nm0depOk/s1600/River+rainbowcabins+dot+com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PPv4mrX4Rog/TmbOG8irK2I/AAAAAAAAAJQ/sH5Nm0depOk/s320/River+rainbowcabins+dot+com.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> Photo Courtesy of Rainbowcabins.com</span></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">RESPONSE:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">**As a young
child, my dad would take me to the river to fish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was so peaceful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We could stand in silence for hours, yet feel
connected to each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">It
did not matter if we ever caught a fish. </span></span>It was something about nature.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could never put it into words, but I could <strong><u><em>FEEL</em></u></strong> it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before we would leave to return
home, dad always said, “Life is like a river.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Always remember, live your life like a river.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">He never
went into detail, probably because of my age.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Then suddenly, unexpectedly, one day, he was taken away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Through the years, I always returned to the
river because of the memories.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, I
also needed and longed for his thoughts about living life like a river.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One day, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“paddling the canoe down river, I finally
understood what Dad meant.”<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">The river
flows onward without clinging to where it has already been.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> It does not look back with regret the path it has taken and carved. </span>It has no fear of the inevitable upcoming boulders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If it comes upon a DARK hole, it fills
it up without dread. It moves toward
something bigger than itself without the worry of losing its control or losing its identity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> I</span>t merges with the vastness elegantly and
gracefully, becoming one, contributing to the larger body all its power and energy. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">This is my
ultimate goal…to let go of the ego and become one with the Self; to flow in
harmony with my Creator; to live in respect of nature and FEEL its connection;
to join the vastness and dedicate all my power and energy for good; to help
others heal; to play my role in helping humanity heal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is how I want to live the rest of my
life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is where I will find peace.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Nico<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">**The part
about my father is fiction.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-size: large;">STOP CHILD ABUSE. IT MURDERS THE SOUL.</span></span></div>
Interruptionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08317087737011307005noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1480863676576431188.post-59900166409361209472011-09-05T10:20:00.000-05:002011-09-05T10:20:12.975-05:00Smash365: Create<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TzYSxOKM3yo/TmToDOpJX7I/AAAAAAAAAJI/fZYvyEHMQB8/s1600/telescope-sam-1+howstuffworks+dot+com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TzYSxOKM3yo/TmToDOpJX7I/AAAAAAAAAJI/fZYvyEHMQB8/s320/telescope-sam-1+howstuffworks+dot+com.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Photo Courtesy of howstuffworks.com</div>
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<h3 style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">Original post for September 2, 2011 by Cara Moulds<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></h3>
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<span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">Start with this scene and bring it to life.
Write for 10 minutes or create a piece of art.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></h3>
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<span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">Place: under a bush<br />
Character: an independent thinker<br />
Object: a telescope<br />
Mood: interested<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">My weakness and I had been
travelling companions for many years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
had traversed many different terrains…the highest peaks and the lowest valleys
on the earth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our struggles were many.
There were times when our wills clashed and we became engaged in battle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">One day, as we were raging
war against each other, we rolled under a thorny bush.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we continued to struggle, suddenly we saw something
shiny inching its way up through the dirt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Curious, we both started excavating this brass looking object.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Much to our surprise it was a telescope.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We cleaned it and began looking through the
lens.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We looked up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We looked outward.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Beauty was abounding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Without warning, a small
voice whispered through the air, “Look within you, look within each other.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It frightened both of us as we were not used
to hearing other voices.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We only heard and
listened to our own voice.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We began to take turns
looking within.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was no surprise as
we knew our own selves very well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then
we looked into each other with open minds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was then that I saw the value in my weakness and realized that I had
been struggling and fighting with myself all these years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I saw the beauty and strength in what I had
viewed as less than human.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For in my
weakness, I found vulnerability; I found kindness and gentleness; I found a
caring for humanity and earth that I had never recognized before this moment.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So, as I looked into my
weakness’s eyes, I begged her forgiveness and took her into my arms embracing
all the beauty that I had left in the wilderness for so many years. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had always thought I was stronger without my
weakness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, in the moment of
acceptance, I could feel my strength growing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I had finally found peace…no longer did I have to live in the torment of
war. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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Interruptionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08317087737011307005noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1480863676576431188.post-66629390112081594102011-09-01T22:31:00.001-05:002011-09-01T22:31:19.360-05:00A Very Nice Face book page in the making!The Power of Authenticity: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/The-Power-of-Authenticity/273106916049479">https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/The-Power-of-Authenticity/273106916049479</a><br />
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Beautiful Pictures!!<br />
Interruptionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08317087737011307005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1480863676576431188.post-46264118073550473172011-08-31T10:30:00.000-05:002011-08-31T10:30:32.666-05:00Smash 365: Write: THE JOURNEY TO PRIMORDIAL SPIRIT
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"Use this prompt to inspire. Write
for 5 minutes:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Instead of landing the space shuttle
on earth, its captain steers the shuttle into…"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hCnkjtWBJuw/Tl5SFQQWsCI/AAAAAAAAAJA/qif8_LsV4p8/s1600/Kati+Astraeir+Journey+to+Primordial+Spriit+No+140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hCnkjtWBJuw/Tl5SFQQWsCI/AAAAAAAAAJA/qif8_LsV4p8/s320/Kati+Astraeir+Journey+to+Primordial+Spriit+No+140.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">PHOTO: Journey to Primordial Spirit: Copyright by Kati Astraeir</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">After travelling in the Darkness for
many light years, the captain felt a calling to a different way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thinking that the earth had become a less
than desirable place and was filled with dead end roads blocking their desired
destination, the captain suddenly decided to listen to intuition and order the
ship into hyper drive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Let it Be, that
we travel to the realm of the unknown,” the captain said to his crew.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Suddenly, they arrived in the most
unimaginable, extraordinary sphere.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
Land of Atonement (at-one-ment) was before them in all its glory and serenity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It will be in this land that the
captain and the crew will come to know each other and their Self. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It is here that bliss (Creator) and pain
(humanity) will join to become one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
will lead to living in peace, love and compassion until all are taken back into
Eternal Life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peace, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Nico<o:p></o:p></span><br />
Interruptionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08317087737011307005noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1480863676576431188.post-63452336408714170972011-08-30T06:46:00.000-05:002011-08-30T06:46:04.391-05:00Ten Minutes of Silence: Smash365<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nQ9E0FuFyx4/TlzMY29SLRI/AAAAAAAAAI8/4MW1O25IYEE/s1600/time+for+tranformation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nQ9E0FuFyx4/TlzMY29SLRI/AAAAAAAAAI8/4MW1O25IYEE/s320/time+for+tranformation.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Time + Silence = Tranformation</div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">There was a
time when ten minutes of silence would have been excruciating for me to
bear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For in this silence I heard deafening
screams. I felt immeasurable suffering.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>At that time, my mind broke.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Unknowingly, I became a traveller on the road to wholeness; to the Self.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had no idea what this undertaking entailed
nor did I know what it was called when my journey began.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was asleep. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In no way am
I claiming that I have arrived at my destination.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think my life will be a lifelong
journey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How is it possible to ever stop
learning; to stop growing emotionally and spiritually? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Now the
silence beckons me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For, in silence,
lies transformation; a connection to others, to spirituality, to the Self.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, there are times when I have to MAKE
myself leave the silence and interact with the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have to keep my life balanced.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have to try to stay centered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is in this state where I find the most
serene peace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">My goal is to
not allow negativity take away my peace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This is much easier said than done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But, I do believe I can accomplish this with determined practice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peace.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Nico<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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Interruptionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08317087737011307005noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1480863676576431188.post-41507620797199864622011-08-30T05:59:00.002-05:002011-08-30T06:46:04.395-05:00<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7TlwAu0KTXU">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7TlwAu0KTXU</a><br />
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I love this song. I love Ireland and hope to go to my ancestral home one day!<br />
Hope everyone has a wonderful day! Take care.<br />
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Peace,<br />
NicoInterruptionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08317087737011307005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1480863676576431188.post-75153133916770455612011-08-29T12:51:00.001-05:002011-08-29T12:51:05.955-05:00The OPEN HEART Is on Fire: The Path to Your Soul’s Freedom<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxjHsJvpV8rsZwlhgPcmhHwnf_MrJ7LfDmQLdC-VkjI89UZpmBwuE0I-APNnBVzp-cXvdSCAd9DrXBZVNZ3pw8hccxFRR3dyDtHyXBdqE4-YOJBrJwDt1n_WN34BVFb5Fm70DKw1P9dJ20/s1600/The+most+poweful+weapon+on+earth+is+the+human+soul+on+fire.+%257Eferdinand+foch%257E.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxjHsJvpV8rsZwlhgPcmhHwnf_MrJ7LfDmQLdC-VkjI89UZpmBwuE0I-APNnBVzp-cXvdSCAd9DrXBZVNZ3pw8hccxFRR3dyDtHyXBdqE4-YOJBrJwDt1n_WN34BVFb5Fm70DKw1P9dJ20/s1600/The+most+poweful+weapon+on+earth+is+the+human+soul+on+fire.+%257Eferdinand+foch%257E.jpg" /></a></div>
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"The most powerful weapon on earth is the human Soul on fire."~~Ferdinand Foch</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">In
the past and because of the nature of my past, i.e. extreme, long term child
abuse, my heart was closed not only to me, but to all of mankind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was no fire in my soul.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since, I last wrote, for the most part I have
turned inward again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some people may
think this is selfish or egotistical.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>However, I believe it is the path to freedom; the path to letting go of
the negative; the path to overcoming the ego; the path to my Creator.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">It
is not so much that I ignore the world and my surroundings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I do not…I continue to live each day to the
fullest, but my focus has been on the opening of my heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe it is only when we examine our ‘heart’
which I am using as a representative of our soul, that we can become
whole.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We must face the pain of our
existence, our humanness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even if you
have not suffered child abuse, you have suffered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You will recognize and find your suffering in
your defenses; in your reactions to situations; in your ‘shadow’ or ‘light’
aspects of your personality, better known as your ego. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Until
recently, I felt I had to encapsulate my heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I felt I had to protect it from being vulnerable, from being abused,
from feeling, from all the ‘evil’ I feared so vehemently.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was dreadfully wrong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This has been the destruction of my soul, my
Self.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ironically, the walls I built to protect
myself were the walls that were causing my pain. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">For
to block out ‘shadow’, we also block out ‘light’.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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</span><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> I am not
saying that we go out and find people to abuse us or hurt us or cause us pain—quite
the opposite.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We go out in the world and
live in compassion and love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do to our
human tendencies, we all will have pain put in our life, sometimes we might
even be the cause of another’s pain. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hopefully, the pain we cause will not be purposeful;
it will be coming from our subconscious or even conscious inadequacies. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We must remember this one basic fact:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="messagebody"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN;">“When someone acts out, when they
yell or conduct themselves with arrogance or are purposefully hurtful, it is
usually because <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>THEY</u></i></b> are hurting in some way, whether they will admit it
or not. You have a choice: be in compassion or sit in the pain and resentment
that they have shared with you.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Ayamanatara<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">We must acknowledge, admit, and accept our inadequacies to overcome what keeps us un-centered. This can be
very difficult and extremely painful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
do not succumb easily to the realization that some of our aspects are on the ‘shadow’
side, or even on the ‘light’ side.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In
all aspects of our personalities there are two sides:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>shadow and light.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Neither one of them are ‘bad’ in and of
themselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is when we are living in
the extreme of one or the other that they can become destructive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is the extremes that cause destruction and
negativity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Think of it this
way:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In an addiction, is it really the
substance that is ‘bad’ i.e. alcohol, food, drugs, religion, etc. ? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I view it more as using the substance to
either extreme…this is when it becomes an addiction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course, people realize the ‘shadow’ aspect
of addiction…which would be the overuse of a substance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But have you ever thought about the ‘light’
attribute of addiction—the total abstinence of a substance or the <strong><em><u>total</u></em></strong> alignment
with a certain world view. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This can be
an addiction also.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This too can be an
escape from your reality.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It can lead to
intolerance, a feeling of superiority and living in illusion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It can also lead to our causing pain to our
fellow humans.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">If we try to live
centered, in compassion and love, with an open heart—here we will find our protection.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is in this state of being centered where
we will find our true selves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We will
find our Creator, our God, our Source, our Higher Power, and our Self (or
whatever terms you choose).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We will need no other protection. For if you honestly
know, if you truly believe—when you are openly connected and centered in your
Belief, there is nothing you cannot overcome. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Today, I have emerged with a fire in my Soul I
have never felt before.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Peace,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Nico</span><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
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Interruptionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08317087737011307005noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1480863676576431188.post-43058347192875228652011-08-23T23:28:00.001-05:002011-08-23T23:28:42.504-05:00Anastasia...a part of my soul<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1wnrLVliY-4">Anastasia's Eyes, by Dan Fogelberg</a>Interruptionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08317087737011307005noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1480863676576431188.post-61564150906609780412011-08-17T10:13:00.000-05:002011-08-17T10:13:47.956-05:00The Journey to Silent Listening, “Divine Gloom”, 30 Day Creative Challenge (Day 10)
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">In a sense,
I have been away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, I have been
working on my Creativity Challenge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
try to create every day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Sometimes,
my creativity is focused inward. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is
sitting in the silence and listening for its wisdom and healing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
cannot be expressed in words until I have done the work that needs to be
done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My most recent journey inward has
been very painful, yet very healing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When I realized the process I had been through and the outcome, I was in
awe of how the Self and its connection to God, my Creator, my Higher Power, my
Source can be unconsciously within us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There it is—dormant, waiting for us to reach out, waiting for us to feel
the healing power within our grasp.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">For me
healing is a daily process.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Parts of my
soul, my essence were stolen during my childhood.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This left me permeable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The things that filled these holes were
negative.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All the wounds in my soul left
me feeling less than human.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt
cursed and evil.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">But, I AM
NOT.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is what the abuse did to
me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>ABUSE MURDERS THE SOUL.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They, the abusers, determined my life for
me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They put me on the path that
continued the destruction of my soul.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Once I
finally realized that I no longer had to follow the life they chose for me,
that I could choose the life I wanted to live, I began to heal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is a realization that all people need to
experience, not just survivors of abuse or trauma.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe that every person <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>has wounded souls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is part of life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is the nature of our existence.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">I had to
search for myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had to find the
parts that were stripped from me, the parts that dissociated and kept me alive
through some very unbearable, unspeakable pain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I have to reclaim my soul that was shattered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have to reclaim my mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have to remove the negative.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No one can do this for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, I need help and support.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But the work has to come from within me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have to go into many dark places to find
what needs to be found.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will be
totally honest with you, it is a painful journey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have no choice in this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I want to become whole and healed, this is
what I feel I need to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It may not be
the same for everyone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We all heal
differently.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">I am no
longer afraid of the pain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will not
avoid it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It will no longer conquer my
soul.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Invictus<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">By:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>William Ernest Henley<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Out of the
night that covers me,<br />
Black as the pit from pole to pole,<br />
I thank whatever gods may be<br />
For my unconquerable soul.</span></i><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In the fell
clutch of circumstance<br />
I have not winced nor cried aloud.<br />
Under the bludgeonings of chance<br />
My head is bloody, but unbowed.</span></i><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Beyond this
place of wrath and tears<br />
Looms but the Horror of the shade,<br />
And yet the menace of the years<br />
Finds and shall find me unafraid.</span></i><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It matters not
how strait the gate,<br />
How charged with punishment the scroll,<br />
</span></i><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I am the master of my fate:<br />
I am the captain of my soul.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-size: 14pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">During my participation of the #Trust30 Ralph Waldo Emerson Challenge, my
friend Michi Lantz (you can find her here: <a href="http://barefootonsacredground.wordpress.com/">http://barefootonsacredground.wordpress.com/</a> ) suggested I listen to this poem on
You Tube.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had heard of it but never
really ‘heard’ it…if you understand what I mean. You can listen to it here: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/Interrutpion?feature=mhum#p/c/9F1F9610BB3263AD/0/Nv2Thlik6ck">http://www.youtube.com/user/Interrutpion?feature=mhum#p/c/9F1F9610BB3263AD/0/Nv2Thlik6ck</a><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">This realization that I can heal myself is very
powerful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The healing process is very painful,
yet cleansing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a lifelong journey,
because we never know when pain will enter our lives, we just know it is
inevitable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Left unprocessed and
unhealed, pain and the loss of soul it creates, wreak havoc in our lives.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">My wish is for all of humanity to be healed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> If we each work on healing ourselves and helping each other on our journey, it can happen. </span>HAPPY
BIRTHDAY!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Peace.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Nico<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gvMGXqgtIvE/TkvZg1Xv4UI/AAAAAAAAAI0/F1cMlDIvaqU/s1600/Oleg+Korolev+Peresvet%252C+Oslyabya%252C+Divine+Gloom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gvMGXqgtIvE/TkvZg1Xv4UI/AAAAAAAAAI0/F1cMlDIvaqU/s400/Oleg+Korolev+Peresvet%252C+Oslyabya%252C+Divine+Gloom.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Oleg Korolev Peresvet, Oslyabya, Divine Gloom</div>
Interruptionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08317087737011307005noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1480863676576431188.post-46864106738328626002011-08-11T09:00:00.000-05:002011-08-11T09:00:08.768-05:00Sometimes, I Just Wonder Why…30 Day Creative Challenge (Day 9)
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Why?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Why was I born?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why was I born
into MY particular family?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why was I
neglected?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why did I almost die at 14
months from malnutrition and neglect?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Why did they hurt me?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why did I
never receive the love I deserved as a child?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Why was I abused?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Why does it still hurt so much?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why do I wake up some mornings and wonder the
reason I am still alive?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why hasn’t all
these years of therapy ‘cured’ me?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why
can’t I get past ‘the past’?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why hasn’t
feeling all the pain, loss, and abandonment I experienced made the past ‘go
away’?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why are so many wounds still
festering and bleeding?<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">So then from ‘why’, I go to ‘HOW’?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">HOW AM I EVER GOING TO GET THROUGH
THIS PAIN LIVING SO DEEP </span><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">INSIDE MY SOUL; THIS ALL-CONSUMING
VOID THAT IS ALIVE AND WELL TODAY; THIS DREAD SWIMMING IN MY HEAD?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Then, I look outside my window and see
the sky, the trees glistening in the sun, the birds resting on the branches,
and the squirrels romping from tree to high wires.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I see my dog sleeping peacefully on her
bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">I DO NOT HAVE ALL THE ANSWERS.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>ALL I HAVE IS THIS MYSTERIOUS FAITH; THIS
INNER SOURCE TELLING ME TO LIVE.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Do I need the answers to these
questions to live my life?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Possibly, that
answer is no, because there are no good answers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have searched and only found one
answer:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>humans choose to do good or evil.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">ALL THERE IS FOR ME TODAY IS BLIND
FAITH--faith in something bigger than all of us; kinder than all of us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A Creator showing me that life is fragile
and filled with humanness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That all of
us are wounded in some way, some fashion, and if we are not feeling it today…then
tomorrow, or the next day, or the next.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">So I will continue the good
fight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will choose life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will find some way to help serve humanity…a
smile given to a stranger, a friendly hello, a call to an old friend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Today I will believe: “Nobody made a greater
mistake than he who did nothing because he could do only a little.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Edmund Burke. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is the smallest things in life that can
make the biggest difference.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Go out today and live small.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Live your life gently.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Create.</span></div>
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Peace.</div>
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Nico</div>
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Interruptionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08317087737011307005noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1480863676576431188.post-34662666988449289742011-08-09T20:44:00.002-05:002011-08-09T20:44:59.301-05:00“A Change Can Do You Good,” 30 Day Creative Challenge (Day 8)
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I am not feeling very
creative.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, I am feeling drained.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> This thought process will have to be my creaivity for today. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Today, I went to
group.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I feel much support there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a very ‘real’ place to be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are no illusions in place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">My problem is with a
friend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I see changes coming in our
relationship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This saddens me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know I will do whatever I can do keep the
friendship alive, but I have my doubts it will work out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our paths have come to a juncture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We seem to be going in different
directions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is not necessarily
wrong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We each have our journey to take
in this life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes, when people go
inward to find their inner truth, their true Self, friendships can suffer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is not whether one journey is better or
more important.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is not that one
person’s thoughts or actions are on a higher level.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some people change, drop their illusions and
begin to view life in a different way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Some people are not ready for change and cling to their illusions for
their survival.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is no judgment
here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What I feel is loss, abandonment,
and sadness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know these are my
emotions at play, coming from my own issues that are still unresolved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I will have to learn the
process of detaching with love and compassion, not with anger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe I can do this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By choosing to let go with gentleness in my
heart, I leave the door open for a re-attaching in the future.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, I will accept the reality that this
could be the end of a very long friendship.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The following quote is reveals
what this friend help me accomplish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
will be forever grateful for the time we shared.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 16pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">“In
everyone’s life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into
flame by an encounter with another human being. We should all be thankful for
those people who rekindle the inner spirit.” – Albert Schweitzer<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peace,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Nico</span></span></div>
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<img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UVuJovRrZw8/TkHhpoWC53I/AAAAAAAAAIs/DlQ2g8MbTJA/s320/AlbertDuherMeloncholia.jpg" width="247" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albrecht_D%C3%BCrer" title="Albrecht Dürer"><span class="goog_qs-tidbit-0"><span style="color: #0645ad;">Albrecht Dürer</span></span></a>: Melencolia 1</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Engraving Year 1514</div>
Interruptionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08317087737011307005noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1480863676576431188.post-32653248587606641312011-08-07T21:58:00.003-05:002011-08-07T21:58:29.734-05:00My 7 LinksThank you Denise at <a href="http://madebydenise.wordpress.com/">DENISE'S BLOG</a> for nominating me for this challenge. Here is the link to the "My 7 Links" Page: <a href="http://www.tripbase.com/blog/my-7-links-the-rules/">My 7 Links Homepage</a><br />
They also have a facebook page: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Tripbase?sk=wall">Tripbase Blog</a> You can 'like' the page and post your link to it.<br />
<br />
Here are the links I have chosen from my blog:<br />
<br />
My most <strong><em>beautiful</em></strong> post: <a href="http://interruption-interruption.blogspot.com/2011/06/10-year-text-by-tia-singh-trust30-day.html">Ten Year Text </a> I felt this was one of my more joyful posts!!<br />
My most <strong><em>popular</em></strong> post: <a href="http://interruption-interruption.blogspot.com/2011/05/thoughts-on-holocaustsimilarities-in_16.html">Thoughts on the Holocaust, Similarities in Surviving (Post 4)</a> As a survivor of long term child abuse, I have felt a connection to many Holocaust survivors and read many books about their trauma. This post by far has had the most 'hits' on my blog.<br />
<br />
My most <strong><em>controversial</em></strong> post: <a href="http://interruption-interruption.blogspot.com/2011/05/thoughts-on-holocaustsimilarities-in.html">Thoughts on the Holocaust, Similarities in Surviving (Post 2)</a> This post is about suicidal ideation and I have found that many people do not want to approach the subject.<br />
<br />
My most <strong><em>helpful</em></strong> post: <a href="http://interruption-interruption.blogspot.com/2011/07/deep-in-your-soul-by-michael-mcfadden.html">Deep In Your Soul</a> It was one of the most helpful to me.<br />
<br />
A post whose <strong><em>success surprised</em></strong> me: <a href="http://interruption-interruption.blogspot.com/2011/06/call-to-arms-by-sasha-dichter-trust30.html">A Call To Arms #Trust30</a> This one got a very positve response and I was not expecting much from it. It did not take me very long to write. <br />
<br />
A post I feel <strong><em>did not get the attention</em></strong> it deserved: <a href="http://interruption-interruption.blogspot.com/2011/06/personal-recipe-by-harley-schreiber.html">Personal Recipe</a> WELL, I liked it!!<br />
<br />
The post I am most <strong><em>proud</em></strong> of: <a href="http://interruption-interruption.blogspot.com/2011/06/intuition-by-susan-piver-trust30-day-24.html">My Intuition is ANKH</a> I totally took a different approach on this post by not describing my intuition as a person.<br />
<br />
I have nominatied the following people to post their 7 links:<br />
<a href="http://tiffs-life-in-the-margins.blogspot.com/">Tiffany</a><br />
<a href="http://amazedamused.blogspot.com/">Rich</a><br />
<a href="http://treeparker.wordpress.com/">Teresa</a><br />
<a href="http://heartofmagdis.wordpress.com/">Magda</a>Interruptionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08317087737011307005noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1480863676576431188.post-54349349481517941102011-08-07T08:16:00.000-05:002011-08-07T08:16:26.618-05:00Peeling Away the Layers, 30 Day Creative Challenge (Day 7)
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Today begins
the remodeling of one of our bathrooms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>A while back it was flooded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A
company came in sucked up all the excess water, ripped out the flooring,
drilled holes in the bottom of the walls, and brought in huge heaters and
dehumidifiers to make sure everything was dry...even the hidden places behind the walls. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Now, I will
begin to peel away the wallpaper to get down to the bare walls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The holes will have to be repaired.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There will be a lot of work required before I
can start creating a new, functional bathroom.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Let me
explain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I was thinking about all
of these things, I realized that anytime we create something new, whether it is
in the physical world or our inner world there is a ‘peeling away’, a
dismantling process, a destruction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
must remove the old, the outdated, and the things which do not fit before we
can birth our new creation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">So today, as
I begin peeling away in the physical world, I will be reminded of the work I
need to do in my inner, spiritual world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I will think about what old ways of thinking and acting need to be cast
out of my mind, my heart, my soul to help on my journey to create the Self.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because, this life is not about our ego or
the self (with a small ‘s’).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This life
is about becoming connected to our God, Creator, Higher Power, The Source…which
is a part of our being called the Self (with a capital ‘S’).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even when we reach this ‘Self’, our journey
of recreation will continue to keep up with the flow of constant change in our
universe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Recreation needs to happen on
a daily basis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If we do not continually
clear our minds from the ‘floods’ of which daily life inundates us, I think we
will become filled with mold <span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">in
the dark, damp places behind our ‘walls’. The ‘holes’ in our hearts and
souls will become larger leaving us susceptible to ugliness and evil.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>In my opinion this causes us to slip back
into our self egotistical states which only cause harm, not only to our ‘Self’
but to all others in which we have contact.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Since we are human, we must continually strive to find the ‘God within’
and work to stay connected to this Sacred Being; this will help keep us on our ‘Sacred
Path’.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Peace.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Nico<o:p></o:p></span><br />
Interruptionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08317087737011307005noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1480863676576431188.post-72379680460395170262011-08-06T11:32:00.001-05:002011-08-06T11:32:55.126-05:00Painting with a Twist 30 Day Creative Challenge (Day 6)
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">I am trying
to be committed to experiencing new things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This certainly takes me out of my comfort zone, maybe more than anyone
can imagine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I still deal with a lot of
fear on a daily basis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of the fears
is leaving the house alone, especially if it means going into unfamiliar
territory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">A couple of
weeks ago, I was invited to attend a private “Painting with a Twist”
party.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is a place to go to socialize
and receive instructions to paint a picture. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It took
me a while to respond to the invitation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>However, I am reading a book which talks about learning from all
situations in your life; that there are reasons certain people have entered
your life. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You have to be open to this
adventure of exploration.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">I feel very
insecure and ‘less’ when I am around the people that were going attend this
party.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, I reached inside to find my
adventurous, artistic spirit so I can have the opportunity to learn from these
people that make me feel ‘less’.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What is
inside of me that causes me to feel this way?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What is it that I need to focus my energy on to overcome these feelings?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What lessons do I need to learn from these
people?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are in my life for a reason
and while they are here, I need to learn about my insecurities and how to
overcome them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">So, I
went.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have a lot of inside work to do
with this part of me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, I accept that
it is my OWN attitude causing my fear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It has nothing to do with them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
do not have the answer yet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will have
to do some soul-searching to come up with a good solution to my problem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, I think the acknowledgement is the first
step—the ‘opening of the door’ that has been shut for many years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Here is what
I created while I was there!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is my
first attempt at painting with acrylics.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was so enjoyable and while I was painting my fear and insecurities of
the other people totally disappeared.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
were all new and inexperienced in this adventure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was certainly a learning experience in
many different ways!</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JklfBFqH7-c/Tj1pLMm-VMI/AAAAAAAAAIo/pCQ6DfwiAfk/s1600/IMG_1028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JklfBFqH7-c/Tj1pLMm-VMI/AAAAAAAAAIo/pCQ6DfwiAfk/s320/IMG_1028.JPG" width="264" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><o:p>The perfectionist in me sees all the flaws and the ways I could change things about this picture. I respond to those criticisms with, "You were painting from your soul, this is your creation. Why do you see it as 'less' than perfect? <span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">There is
beauty to be found even in the imperfect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In fact, it is the ‘imperfect’ that makes it beautiful. It is called unique.<o:p></o:p></span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Peace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Nico<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Interruptionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08317087737011307005noreply@blogger.com2