Contemplating Life on a Sunday ...

Some messages that have come across my path today:

"Hear our call to embrace your life as we embrace you. Live every moment fully alive, savoring every feeling, experience, and deed, for it is through you that your eternal life becomes known."

This one is a huge challenge to me today ... living fully alive in this moment of pain ... savoring the pain, embracing the pain ... such a tall order! And yet ... I sense the truth of it. And what choice do I have? Either I allow this pain to diminish me, limit me, and thwart me ... or I dive headlong into it, fully experience it, and allow it to have its transformational way with me. And so, I yield, tears streaming down my face ... pain encapsulating my heart ... arms opened wide to All That Is, saying, "Help me, and have your way with me!"

"When we want to move beyond the pain, when we want to feel better, when we are ready to move beyond where we are, emotionally and spiritually, we must forgive.”
~Iyanla Vanzant

In the midst of this pain, I feel an inward smile ... see? I hadn't yet read this, when I wrote the last paragraph above ... and here is my answer. And I do - I forgive. I did so immediately, when I first received the blow, because what else can love do? And yet, I recognize that forgiveness is a process ... that each and every time I'm rushed with another wave of pain, I forgive, again and again ... I send love and light ... I allow my heart to be grateful for the memories, the experiences, the love and joy that transformed and enlarged me. And I can even allow myself to be in eager anticipation, at the prospect of experiencing such love and joy again ...

This is the work of my life. I have much work to do ...

"You know, no matter what your dream is, no matter what obstacles you face, all success, healing and transformation begins in the same way for everyone - with an inner shift. An inner shift is simply a new way of looking at things. It can appear as a question you never asked before, a new perspective on an old situation or belief, or a possibility you never before considered. How do you create those inner shifts? You stay open to new information, inspiration and opportunities to integrate what you learn into a new way of living."
~Sonia Miller
Life Coach
(Dallas, Oregon)

An inner shift. Yes. This I know. A new way of looking at things ... I'm open to this. I *need* this. I cannot stay where I am, as I am ... the pain won't let me. This pain is a catalyst for my growth ... remaining IN it, engulfed by it, is not an option ...

I've learned SO very much in recent years, particularly in recent months ... profoundly life-transformational shiftings. And yes, it needs to be integrated into a new way of living ... so, I am open. Show me, lead me, guide me ... I ask this of my own inner Self ... that which is connected to (& One with) All That Is ... I dare to trust again ... I dare to receive ... I dare to live.

I lay bare this aching heart, these trembling arms, this seemingly-shattered life ... and I dare to go on. I dare to grow.

Shalom & Namaste ~
Dena