Chaos and Change

“All great changes are preceded by chaos.” -Deepak Chopra

I am contemplating a major change in my life and I feel the panic start to rise when I really consider what it might mean. Some of it is amazing and some just downright scary. As I explore the options presented, I feel as if I am standing in chaos but I am aiming for the calm at the centre of the storm. I trust that all will unfold as it should.

Peace,

Suzanne

Healthy Living

"Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity." ~ World Health Organization, 1948

I have had an interesting day health-wise. I have been seeing a physiotherapist for a number of years. Today during one of our interesting chats, he mentioned that even though I was a person living with chronic pain that I did not have a chronic pain personality. I was struck by that comment. I have tried hard not to let the pain control me and not to let it devour my sanity either. I felt heartened by that insight and affirmation.

Later in the day, I saw a health professional for the first time. In my journey I have been reluctant to go to a chiropractor but decided that this was an opportunity that I should grab. I had the opportunity to have a complete assessment (digital imaging and x-rays) for only $20, a fraction of the regular price. I have had these prejudices against chiropractors but I had a really good feeling about this one's holistic approach. I return tomorrow to have him discuss what he saw in my x-rays.

Also today I felt quite well-loved after a presentation I gave to a group of spiritual directors. Some felt that I have a real gift of teaching, which I probably have yet to claim. The experience did wonders for my mental and emotional well-being. Perhaps that is why I do not have a chronic pain personality. I have my faith, hope, love, and joy to buoy me up.

Peace,

Suzanne

Know Thyself

"She who knows others is wise. She who knows self is enlightened." ~ Lao-tzu

I am presenting tomorrow the second of the sessions on leadership. I will be talking a wee bit about self-awareness before moving on to the gist of the message. I think I do know others well and I am always striving to know myself better. I have spent a lot of time lately thinking about a number of things and how I react to them.

I am currently trying to lose 10 pounds before I head off to Mexico. I thought it would be fairly easy but I have already lost 10 pounds since the fall so these next 10 are not slipping off so graciously. I do find that being stronger is a wonderful benefit of the work I have put in physically to the goal. Looking so critically at my body has been an eye-opening challenge. I can be more accepting about the benefits such as the strength and flexibility than how my body currently looks. I can also be proud that my triglycerides and blood sugars are low and that I do not have to worry about certain health scares.

I think I have struggled to love my body on and off for many years. This aging process is a tough challenge. I know I will get there again--to that place of self-acceptance.

What is it about you that needs to be enlightened right now?

Peace,

Suzanne

Life is Like A Coat

"How things look on the outside of us depends on how things are on the inside of us." ~ Parks Cousins

Sometimes life just feels like a warm, comfortable coat that you don't want to take off. You love the vibrancy of the colour, the softness of the fabric, the memories that linger, and the knowledge that it fits well. The solidness of life takes root deep within and shines through without even trying to. That glow lets people know that life is good on the inside, that the lining of that jacket is holding together the whole outfit.

When was the last time you experienced that vibrancy?

Peace,

Suzanne

One of Those People

"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor." ~ Luke 4:18

At a fundraising concert tonight for street children in Rwanda, the CBC radio host introduced the organizer by saying she was one of those people. We all know them. They are the people who dream big but also shift their dreams into being. They breathe live into their dreams and enable them to take on form. Their dreams are not self-serving. They are generous gifts. They are anointed ones.

The second reading from 1 Corinthians 12 speaks of the one body needing each of its parts and no part having more recognition than another--each is needed the same amount for the end goal, for the greater good. A fundraising event does not just happen. A group of committed individuals creates success.

Be one of those people. Help to change the world for the greater good.

Peace,

Suzanne

Beautiful Moon Arising

“No one grumbles when the moon shines. Everyone becomes happy and appreciates the moon in their own special way. Children watch their shadows and play in its light, people gather at the square to tell stories and dance through the night. A lot of happy things happen when the moon shines. These are some of the reasons why we should want to be like the moon.” ~ Ishmael Beah

Driving tonight I was once again distracted by beauty. This photo turned out rather funky but I like it anyway. The white orb in the middle is the moon rising in the centre of a busy thoroughfare. The street lights and car taillights are the other colourful dots. I could scarcely keep my eyes on the car ahead of me as I caught sight of the beautiful full moon low on the horizon.

What is it about the moon that attracts the gaze of humans? After half a century on earth I still find it can take my breath away. I find myself fixated on its brightness, its roundness, and its texture. I watch it rise and love its fullness as it leaves the horizon. Part of me wants to pluck it out of the sky and bite into it, devouring its richness; another part of me is horrified at the thought of defiling it in this way. Perhaps it is my prairie girlness that aches for the sheer beauty of it and creates a longing of something beyond this expansive earth. That deep instillation of the land in my soul that cannot be separated ever.

I have so many happy memories of the moon: a smile in the Kenyan smile, a reflection on a mountain lake in Kelowna, a red harvest moon rising over the prairie fields, and a sliver peeking through clouds as the waves crashed in Crete. Yes, Beah is correct, the moon makes me happy because of the special memories it creates: romantic suppers, dancing in the moonlight, a hacky sack game in the dark in Guatemala, breathing in the peace of friends and campfires on Manitoba nights, a surprise birthday kiss from a Belgium pilgrim who was en route to El Camino via Taize, and so much more. I do not grumble when the moon shines...I shine!

Let the moon bless your heart with joy. Play in its light and know that you too were made to shine.

Peace,

Suzanne

Dark and Light

"Without darkness, nothing comes to birth,
As without light, nothing flowers." ~ May Sarton

Life lived to the fullness cannot be lived only in the dark or only in the light. There must be a balance in order to stay sane. While many of us would prefer to stay in the light and celebrate the beautiful bouquet of flowers that brings, the dark has its gift, too. We must be able to open ourselves to both gifts to grow, to blossom, to die, and bring new life.

Peace,

Suzanne