The Music of the Spheres

If you listen carefully, you may begin to hear,
The Universe vibrating out the music of the spheres.

The Hum, the Hush, the Rush of particles in space,
The ancient song of mermaids, the sound that stardust makes.

The vacuum of space allows for unrestricted flow.
Sound, vibration, notes and tone emitted long ago

Traverse the void of nothingness that's filled with mystery,
Delivered to our collective Soul, from tomes of history.

An angel's voice, a loved one passed, a message on the wind,
A whisper of eternity that roars above the din.

There is a buzz, a rhythm, that lies within as well.
It's beckoning and calling us to listen to It tell

The story of akashic scrolls, of annals hidden, cloaked.
Faint tidings of old memories, that only time bespoke.

This living, breathing earth we ride is part of All That Is.
Waters, winds, and lightening storms, insects and whales' spout fizz,

Sweet birdsong, chirp, beast's bleat or bark, is bliss to one who "hears".
Together all of us compose the music of the spheres.



   

Perspective

I am a but speck of dust in the vast recesses of the Universe.

I am however, a speck of Life.  A point of consciousness.
A cognizant morsel of the mind of God.

In being so, that makes me an integral part of the Great Unknown.
Like every minute particle, an intrinsic portion of the whole of  Life.



It is said that if you take away one infinitesimal fragment of the Whole
the whole will cease to be.

Good thing no minuscule bit can truly be separated from it's Source.

In every seemingly insignificant mite the Perfection of the Totality is present.

Music Lessons

    ♫  Dance to the Rhythm of Well Being
     ♪ Sing a song from your Soul
    ♫  Breathe in and out the Renewal and Release of Re-awakening
     ♪ Return to the ancient roots of your Spirit
    ♫  Hum along with the Music of the Spheres
     ♪ Tune to the Frequency of the Source
    ♫  Sway with the Natural order of the Universe...
     ♪ and you will become a Virtuoso of your Instrument

My Chapel of Choice

   This Sunday morning my cathedral is beneath the tall spires of the trees.

   Brown crispy angels are descending from Heaven; spiraling, floating, some in coats of many colors.   The incense of  autumn leaves and earth is setting an air of reverence.  Stained glass leaves of gold, red and green against a clear blue sky are my sanctuary.  A dome of bending branches are like an old time outdoor canopy revival meeting.  Wind whispering and whistling through the pines, as if it were a pipe organ, revives my spirit.

   The congregation of creatures is gathering.  A fellowship of feathered friends, a choir of crickets and a hidden harmony of tree frogs are ready to begin.  There is silence for reflection,  a birdbath for baptism and the sacred, ancient music of birdsong to stir the soul.  A synagogue of devotion to the Source of all things great and small.  One can feel the bless-ed presence of the Pastor in the air.

   There is symbolism here to ponder.  The dogwood tree, the sparrows and what is left of the lily stalks are an inherent reminder of the sacred secrets Nature holds and the divinity and sanctity in all life.  After all, the "Good Book", Torah and scrolls of our ancestors were all made of trees.

Contemplation

I think I'd like to sit amongst the trees for awhile,
And leave behind my hectic, distraction filled lifestyle.
No one's in a hurry out here in the yard,
No one's rushing, no ones pushing hard.

Leaves descending, floating down toward the ground.
The breeze assists the process, otherwise, not a sound.
A few bird tweets remind me, that I could be more detached
From tv, devices and voices, email, tweets and fax.

A long deep breath in and I am once again renewed!
It only takes a moment to refresh and restore my mood.
Silky clouds drifting over my busy head.
Let go, let God, relax and breathe instead.

Take a Minute

Look up.  Look out and over those temporal things, those troubling things.  Look above those things that are of this world; earthly things, worldly possessions.  Look past the stuff of living, the stuff that needs cleaning and insuring and maintenance and moving about.

Take a moment to appreciate that which is free and free flowing. The beautiful, the unlimited, that which is abundant and always available.

 Look toward the sky.  Appreciate the air and the wind and the colors and the rain.  Recognize the expansive nature of the universe.  Note the consistency of days, of  seasons, of moons.

Feel the stream of consciousness that breathes in you and lives in you and loves through you.  Feel the emotion of well-being that wells up in you and spills over into your world, into all that you care about.

 Know that, this Life-force is there with us, within us,  available to us, ready to pour out upon those we hold dear and wash over situations and the troubling stuff of life.  Always available.  Always.

Mystery

The beauty of a dragonfly sparkling in the sun,

Dashing, dancing, darting, having dragonfly fun.

Trill of birdsong, scent of rose, glowing sunset view…

Each a tribute to the One who enlivens me and you.

Can we begin to understand the consciousness that was birthed

In each and every being on this magnificent earth?

If caterpillars’ chrysalis and birds’ migration awes,

Then Infinite Intelligence inspires Nature’s laws.

And what if there’s much more to know?  Imagine, do we dare?

That mountains, trees and waterfalls are similarly aware.

The mystery and majesty of a butterfly’s intent

Remains a veiled intimacy we behold, but can’t comprehend.

Changing of the seasons, ebb and flow of tide…

There’s eternity embedded in us, interconnected from the inside.

Aspire To Be Unencumbered

I am unencumbered, I am free.
I float through my days like a leaf on a breeze.
I spew nor retain any malice debris.
I blow through my life as wind in the trees.

I am unencumbered, I let myself dream.
I joyously harbor no wrath.
I merrily dance on life's energy stream.
I carry no excess along my path.


I am unencumbered, I bear no ill will.
Light as a feather I fly.
I no longer labor by travelling uphill.
I'm a wisp of a cloud in a bright blue sky.


I am unencumbered, a bird on the wing.
I roll and I flow like a brook o'er a glade.
My Soul swells to the song that I sing,
while I march my own Happy Parade.

I am unencumbered, I choose my own way.
I tweak and adjust as I go.
I feel my way through every part of my day,
Alert and aware of the flow.

I am unencumbered, and I am in charge
of what seems to be happenstance, fate.
I relax and I know my Source is at large
and with It I will Co-Create.

Unencumbered and free is a possible state.
Letting go of what troubles us, key.
Put aside the crippling myth of "Fate",
Captain you ship and be free!

Nature's Abundant Nature

As the snow flies over the house in a whoosh of white whispers, I am suddenly enthralled from my station at the front door.  A feeling of peace overtakes my initial thrill to the sight of snow in a warm region.  Silent snowflakes are drifting downward in uncountable lilting legions.  They gather in little fluffy clumps of Wintery wonder before their final destination.

There are far, far too many to comprehend.  The human mind is built for calculating and counting and less often employed for pondering the wonders of the Universe.  How many?

How many raindrops fall in a Spring storm?  How many blades of grass are in your lawn, on your street? In the neighborhood? - the country, the continent?

Unfathomable!  Grains of sand, leaves on trees, the trees themselves!  Infinite? What does that even mean?

Some say the number of stars in a Summer sky are infinite.  I'm no astronomer, but it sure is pleasurable to gaze up into our current Winter night's frozen darkness at the brilliant bits of ancient light, and wonder.  What portion of the whole do I see?

Abundance is the way of Nature.  Infinity is the norm.

What is our place in all of this abundance?  Is there not a secret meaning for us to revel in?  Are we not a part of this limitlessness?  Our thoughts are abundant.  Ideas are bountiful.  Imagine how many cells were in your tiny body the day you were born.  Trillions of cells have regenerated themselves and added to the incalculable transactions of Life in you.  Do we live on into Eternity in some form (or non-physical form)?

We are a part of this Nature as breath is a part of air.
Life is abundant, Love is illimitable, we are inestimable and entitled to know, to savor, to live our abundant nature in every unlimited way possible!

The Candle

There is a tiny candle glowing deep within my soul.

It speaks to me and lights the darkened corners I behold.

To some its music, others brushstroke.  For authors it is prose.

But when we recognize it, its flicker grows and glows.

The pen, the brush, the instrument - utensils of the light.

But also there is guidance that lets your mind take flight.

Brilliance hides beneath the fearsome, shadowed cloak of night.

Illumined inspiration flows from tiny sparks made bright.

The candle’s waiting, ever present, ever out of view.

For centuries its light has been there, lit for those who knew.

This secret flame is in you too.  I’m certain this is true.

And if you give attention to it, it will guide you too.

Enchanted

     A spell comes over me as I enter through the garden arch.  The trumpet vine is allowed to grow through the top of the trellis intentionally so that a commensurate bow is required.  This in deference to the Life/lives of those who dwell within.
     The tinkling of chimes and the rustling of the breeze through leaves of all shades begin to set the scene.  What new colors have bloomed since last I passed this way?  Who has hatched, emerged, began life in this garden?  Tweets and chirps, whistles and caws accompany me as I make my way through my enchanted wonderland.
     A friendly bunny greets me with soft half closed eyes as a precocious little catbird swoops in dressed in his finest grey suit and black cap.  The swish of his wings so close would have startled me if I weren't already under Mother Nature's spell.
     Enchanted.  Grinning like the Cheshire Cat of Alice in Wonderland fame I drift through the grass and boughs, listening, observing, taking it all in.  The scent of rosemary rises up, wafting through the moisture laden morning air.  Further along the heady perfume of pink Mimosa tree puffs intoxicates me and lifts the Spirit even more.
     The sweet Summer sunshine is drawing dappled patterns of light and shade upon the glistening dewdrops of a morning lawn.  Bewitched by the movement and flow of leafy shadows and the warmth of this day my awareness shifts to a butterfly sipping on Bee Balm and then the mating song of a romantic cardinal.
     Insects launch from the old stump wafting upward in a cloud of gossamer wings to become breakfast for the Purple Martins and Barn Swallows performing aerial acrobatics above.  Diving through the sky, closer and closer to me dozens of winged wonders delight in the feast, never even coming near to colliding.  Some force keeps them safe.  Perhaps they are enjoying enchantment as well.
     I know there are Faeries dancing on the dandelions.  I can feel the gaze of Elfin beings from the dark recesses of the meditation area though I cannot see either of them.  Yet.
     What magick enlivens this place?  Is there some vortex of energy swirling through the ethers and focusing here?  Perhaps it is the continuing ever-present stream of consciousness that passes from generation to generation, the continuity of all Life.  Birds, blooms, insects, shrubs, animals and unseen beings too, feel it and rejoice in it.  For now, I think I will join them.      

The Healing Power of Animals

     So many times I have been inspired by stories people have told me about how their pets have helped them heal or came into their lives at a particularly difficult time.
     There is no doubt that they have a certain "something" that we lack.  Dogs seem to know when you're coming home, even if its a different time every day.  I have tested this and silently crept in to my house only to find the little furry mind-readers waiting and wagging.  There were no car door slams or windows for them to spy on me through.  Just pure love on four paws.  I'm sure cats are even more aware but they don't want you to think they care so much!
     So, are they psychic?  Are they just more able to focus than we are?  Are they less distracted by the world around them?  Are they more closely connected the the Creator than we are, or all of the above?
     Pets know when you are sick and curl up on your lap or your bed in support.  Animals are sensitive in ways we do not yet understand.  Dogs are employed to find bombs, drugs and missing people.  Many different species are helping us as service animals.  I've even seen a pygmy horse assisting a wheelchair bound human!   Are they so full of pure energy that they just really want to help us?                                                                                                                                                  
     Now, how can we tap into this?  Perhaps all we need to do is love them back and that will open the pathway, the flow of healing.  We know that laughter is the best medicine; that smiling actually releases endorphins (those healing, stabilizing hormones).  I've heard that petting your cat can do the same thing!  All of this used to be "hocus-pocus" but is now backed by science.
     Anyone who has pets will tell you that they can be very funny!  They seem to do it on purpose.  They are very fast learners and it is possible that they just enjoy our laughter or feel the response as pleasant, but I think they know exactly what they're doing!  I had a pig once who would tug on my pantleg cuff and try to get me to chase her around the barnyard! (Which I, of course, did.)  She was a character!
     I would like to take this a step further.  I think it is no accident that animals come into your life at the perfect, divinely directed time.  Those of us who believe there is a grand scheme to the Universe, a Divine Design if you will, would not find this to be a stretch.  Maybe the critters are even in on it!  They seem to show up "by accident" or "needing a home".  Even if you go out seeking a pet, you never know who you'll find and at precisely the right time.  All of my dogs, cats, birds, turtles and barnyard adoptees have come to me unexpectedly.  Are they dependent upon us or are they here for us, in support of us?
     Animals not only help heal us individually with their comfort and companionship, but they might save the next generation as well.  I am very concerned about kids in this society not learning empathy.  They are bombarded with disturbing images in the form of bloody, violent games, music and movies that I believe callous their feelings and make the occasional horriffic crime seem commonplace and expected; sometimes even funny.  If the "bad guys" are heroes and cruelty to humans and animals is justified how will they learn compassion?
     Animals on the other hand cannot help but teach us patience, (when they have an accident on the rug), forgivness (when they come running right back to you after you trip over them or step on their tail).  Loyalty is demonstrated when your dog guards your children and the yard.  Responsibility is a huge lesson sometimes difficult to instill in the "young'ns" without the help of a hungry, doe-eyed furball anxiously waiting to be fed. 
     Horses don't take any guff from you, bees are amazing communicators, monkeys show us a sense of community, cats have mastered "the art of self ", ducks will eat anything you give them and not complain (unlike kids)!  Bears take their naps when they're supposed to, birds of a feather flock together!  (Just threw in that last one to see if you're still awake!)
     Animals can heal the world if we let them!  The world sure needs some healing, so let's listen to them!











    
    

Early Morning, Late Summer

    There is a time in late Summer mornings when the sounds and sights and scents are intoxicating.  When the sun peaks through the masque of shattered shade and illuminates tenacious Impatiens, the effect is stunning!  Multi-colored threads of spiderwebs glisten in the dappled sunlight like oil in puddles of
Summer air.

  Starlings gather in the treetops above to discuss the day's itinerary.  In a whoosh of wingbeats they are on their way.  Cicadas are chattering, dragon and damselflies begin their day and crickets are marking their metered music.  Bullfrogs are quieting and settling in to their hollows and insects are hurrying by trying to
avoid them.  Every living thing seems determined and purposeful as it begins the day.

  The sweet scent of some unseen flowers mingles with the earthy smell of cedar and fresh-fallen leaves.  I am overcome as my nose tries to sort them out.  My lungs drawing in more and more as if I couldn't exhale and try again!  Something green, something musty, floral, spicy- the incense of  Nature.
 
  There is a time in late Summer mornings when the breeze is delicious and the birds are too busy to be afraid of you.  When you are "glowing" with the power of appreciation of the surrounding beauty,  you pose no threat to them.  This must be communicated to them because they are all instinct and senses we do not yet understand.  Chickadees are chick-a-dee-dee-ing and Hummingbirds are humming their happy morning song.  Even the yard bunny is otherwise engaged with her breakfast.

  There's a coolness in the air before the sun takes over.  Today the clouds are ever-changing pouffs of every possible cloudy hue.  From brilliant white to deep blue-grey they billow and undulate as they hurry on their way.  Are they going somewhere to wreak havoc and are we just not privy to the joke?
      
   I allow the breeze to blow through me and clear the cobwebs out of my mind.  In a peaceful moment such as this, one can gather one's thoughts and commune with whatever percieved Spirit dwells within.  Perhaps we can hear the plan for our day whispered on the breeze or hidden in the chirps and chatters that fill the
early morning air.

  There is a time in late Summer mornings when one can become enchanted by the launching of Life and the begining of a new day.

Rain

Into every life a little rain must fall...
Have you ever heard those wise words?  Perhaps, if you are blessed enough to still have a grandparent, you may have been imparted many little hidden wisdoms like this one.  Heed them well!

Into every life, a little rain must fall...
It's Natural.  It's the ebb and flow of the ocean.  It's the change of seasons.  It's the breathing in and breathing out of Life.  Sometimes it's a sprinkle and sometimes it's a torrent, but it comes.

The clouds drift in, the rain begins, the wind might blow, tears may flow but you must always know it will end.

There are umbrellas and raincoats, kind words and faith that help to get us through the storms in our lives.
It takes a little practice to know which one to reach for, but that comes with time and age.  I suppose that's one good thing about getting older, we learn when to find a tissue and when to grab an umbrella!

April showers bring May flowers.  What do February showers do?  Tell you it's too warm outside to snow?
Wash away the remnants of that last snowstorm?  Rinse the birdpoop off your feeders?  All of the above, plus let you know in a whisper that the Earth is preparing.

She's preparing to have a party!  To burst forth in all Her multi-colored, festive finery.  The budding artistry has begun!  The trees are thinking about blooming.  The watering of silent roots and sleeping creatures beneath the surface is in progress.  They soon will emerge hungry for the hors d'oevres of Spring... more rain (and sun eventually).

The Fairys will dance in the garden once again.  The airy cloud Sylphs float overhead on white whisps of moisture.  The elves and their kin will soon be tending to Life's unseen celebration.  All unbeknownst to us.
All because the rain sent out the invitations.  All because of the wisdom of Nature.

She sees around the corners, through the fog, past the storm and into the forest.  And beyond the dark woods of uncertainty, there is a rainbow that makes everything "right as rain".

If you listen, the rain speaks to you.  There is a whining in the wind, a whistling in the trees, a rhythm in the raindrops.  It's saying "All is well.  This too shall pass.  Into every life... a little rain must fall.

A Sense of the Season

***Alright, enough of what we shouldn't eat and do!  Its holiday time for goodness sake!  (My husband will be glad to hear that!)   Its time to celebrate the season.
***The ancient peoples of the Earth were pretty smart.  Right smack in the middle of the bleakness of Winter, in the coldest of short days and the darkness of long moonless nights is an oasis.  Lovingly and benevolently placed in the doldrums of the Solstice (at least in the northern hemisphere) is Christmas, birth of hope; Hannukkah, the festival of lights; Eid al Adha, festival of sharing;  Bohdi Day, Buddhist day of enlightenment; Diwali, India's festival of Lights and Mardi Gras (12th Night) celebrated in Rio and New Orleans, La.  They must have wisely known the value of distracting oneself from what's missing, what's grey and lifeless as cloudy skies over brown curled up corn husks.  If you focus on Wintry woes you go there.
***So light the candles!  Let's savor the season and take note of every juicy detail of joy we can squeeze out of the moment.  Let's devour chocolate (dark is best for you!), and revel in it's
decadent comfort.  Let peppermint awaken your sense of wonder as it chills your nose and plays upon your tongue.  Notice the sparkling diamonds in the snow and how beautiful bright red cardinals look against pine boughs.  Breathe in the sweet scent of cinnamon, bayberry,
evergreen wreaths and Mom's sumptuous holiday feast.  Break out the bubbly and delight as the bubbles tingle your nose.  Listen to the crackling of a fireplace log, the squeaky crunch of snow beneath your boot and the muffled sounds of a moonlit fresh-fallen snowy night.
***Its easy to lose our Greater Selves in the rubble of wrapping paper, rambunctuous kids and kitchen prep.  If you remember to breathe you'll restore your balance (and sanity). In the spirit of giving give this to yourself.  A moment of focus is like a big fat mistletoe kiss to your Spirit!
***This season, join me in childhood awe.  What makes your heart sing?  What turns you inside out?  What makes you feel as though you're about to burst?  Taste the deliciousness of that thought.  Keep it close.  Make it your default setting as you go... dashing thru the mall, with the one last gift, hurray!  On the bills we'll stall, laughing all the way! ( I couldn't resist!)
***Keep it Festive, reminisce with family, pet your dog or cat, daydream over hot chocolate and enjoy the harmony of carols.  Bake cookies with children and let them show you how unfettered silliness and giggling restores the Soul.  Taste, inhale,observe the fun.  From our backyard to yours, have a Blessed time!

Renewal

***This morning as I began my day. I was feeling a little less than hopeful;
maybe somewhere in the range of blah or ho-hum. (Its Monday). So, I took my own advice and went outside to fill the bird feeder.
***I immediately felt the cool air. It was refreshing. My eye was taken by a shiny something in the grass. What is that? It looked like leftover tinsel from last year's tree. Right in the middle of the yard, in a shadow. ***Then a glistening diamond caught my eye across the yard. Dangling from a low tree was a beautiful large dewdrop. Wow. There was a thick fog last night so a heavy dew is responsible for the sparkle.
***Then I noticed the smell of morning. No, not eggs & bacon, but earth and leaves! My senses are awakening. What better place for them to do that but in Nature. You don't even have to go camping for this delight.
***The colors are drawing me now. A pretty, persistant Petunia is showing me her lavender lushiousness. A happy little Tropicana rose surprises me
by popping out even more beautiful bright orange blooms after resting a month or more. The trees are wearing their Autumnal best and the grass and evergreens show off many verdant shades.
***Nothing is moving. The stillness is most likely caused by a lurking Hawk. "Cooper" has been keeping the residents on their little birdie toes!
They'll be back. They always are. Like the seasons and the weather and the Spring flowers, Nature is continually renewing Herself. And so should we.
***The purpose of this space is so that I can share with you my appreciation
for the "Finer Things In Life". Put in perspective, that's what Nature is.
The renewal, rebirth works over & over. I guess that's the definition of renewal, isn't it? Its a sure thing in an unsure world. I want to convey
to you this deep secure Spiritual anchor to Life Itself that benefits me and connects us all to all that is.
***I was interrupted in my revielle and lost that "lovin'
feelin'". Went back outside and checked on that bright little gem in the grass. It was a tiny delicate web, bedazzled by the dewdrops. There's no "Finer Thing" than that on a late Autumn Monday morning.

Sacred Moment

I love on Autumn evenings how the leaves begin to glow,
The grey clouds seem to hover as the sun peeks out below.
A spotlight shines across my yard and beams upon the trees.
The moment is so beautiful it brings me to my knees.
The contrast of the golden light that plays upon dark tones
of evergreen and sepia and Nature no one owns.

A sunset is a gift from God for just a few to see.
It lingers not, but hurries on. It doesn't wait for me.
For those of us who catch it, a calm and thoughtful lot;
Are the ones who find such wonder, the ones who Time forgot.
It marches on not caring who witnesses the show
So take the time to notice as the sun slips down below.

If you're hurried, worried, harried, you may miss your chance tonight.
But in Autumn, in the evening sometimes there's a sacred light!