Spiritual Thoughts

[JessicaNAJ]

Wow - very powerful thread.

I've been coming to SR since September of last year and just now stumbled across this forum.

I will definately be looking forward to reading more on this thread and this forum

[Ann]

~ Staying on the Path ~


Your circumstances do not determine
what your life will be;
they reveal what kinds of images you
have chosen up until now.

To change yourself,
look at what you fear
and what you hate.
Start There.

We are all at once teachers and learners
in every encounter of our lives.

What's over is over.
You did what you knew how to do.
It wasn't right or wrong or good or bad.
It just was. But all you've got is today.
You can't have it back.

You're always alone,
but you're only lonely if you don't like
the person you're alone with.

Your love is located within you.
It is yours to nurture and savor.
It is yours to give in any way you choose.
This is true for others as well.

If someone you love fails to return
the love the way you would like it returned,
that is the other person's choice.
It doesn't at all detract from your love.

Whatever is going on inside of you
is up to you. You own it all.
It's yours.

Get your nose out of everybody else's garden.
Get your own in order, and stop focusing on
everybody else's. Grow what you want to grow
in your garden.

All that you need
in order to have total happiness,
fulfilllment, and love in your life
you already have right now,
whoever you are, wherever you are.

Everything I ever worried about
turned out exactly as it was going to
despite my worry moments
to the contrary.

You mustn't attempt to will anything.
You need only be willing.

There is a rhythm to the universe.
When we are able to get quiet enough,
we experience how we are a part of that
perfect rhythm.

Advance confidently in the direction
of your dreams to live the life that
you have imagined.
That's when you have success.

Each of us has a well of infinite depth
within us, which contains more potential
for creativity than we can
ever imagine.

No one can depress you.
No one can make you anxious. No one
can hurt your feelings. No one can make
you anything other than what
you allow inside.

With everything
that has happened to you,
you can either feel sorry for yourself,
or treat what has happened as a gift.
Everything is either an opportunity to grow
or an obstacle to keep you from growing.
You get to choose.

When you argue for your limitations,
all you get are your
limitations.

Live...Be you...Enjoy...Love.



Dr. Wayne Dyer
Staying on the Path
Hay House Inc., Carson, CA 1995

[Ann]

All that you need
in order to have total happiness,
fulfilllment, and love in your life
you already have right now,
whoever you are, wherever you are.

Amazing how words can make you stop in your tracks and take notice. These words just knocked me over.

Hugs
Ann

[Ann]

The Inukshuk

May the Inukshuk be your guide for a safe journey throughout life’s travels.
Let it always guide you home.
The Inukshuk (pronounced IN-OOK-SHOOK) meaning "in the image of man", are magnificent lifelike figures of stone which were erected by the Inuit people and are unique to the Canadian Arctic. Standing along Canada's most northern shores, they endure as eternal symbols of leadership, encouraging the importance of friendship and reminding us of our dependence upon one another.

In the Baffin region of Canada's Arctic, the traditional meaning of an Inukshuk was to act as a compass or guide for a safe journey. The Inukshuk, like ancient trackers, helped guide people seeking their way through the wilderness. An Inukshuk on land with two arms and legs means there is a valley. At the end of this valley, you will be able to go in two directions. Today, this serves as a reminder that we always have a choice in the direction we choose to take in our lives.

Erected to make the way easier and safer for those who follow, an Inukshuk represents safety and nourishment, trust and reassurance. The Inukshuk guided people across the frozen tundra and gave them hope in barren places to handle hardships they encountered. These primitive, stone images showed the way ahead... pointing you in the direction you wanted to go. Had they been able to speak, I am certain they would have said... "Here is the road. It is safe. You can meet the demands that this path holds. You can reach your goals and attain your vision of where you want to be."

What is true about the Inukshuk is true about people.

Inukshuks in themselves are the product of cooperation. The hands and efforts of an entire group were required to build these massive stone sculptures. They are the result of a consensus of purpose, of focused action by a group united in its goal and labor. The inukshuk reminds us that as good as our individual efforts may be, together we can do even greater things.

Each individual stone in an inukshuk supports, and is supported by, the one above and the one below it. No one piece is any more or less important than another. Its strength lies in its unity. Its significance comes from its meaning as a whole.


Each individual, by themselves, is significant. As part of a team each of us supports, and is supported by, another. We are united by our common goals, and together we are part of a greater whole.

The stones which make up the Inukshuk are secured through balance. They are chosen for how well they fit together. The removal of even one stone would destroy the integrity of the whole. So, too, with a team. Each individual in a team is necessary for the realization of the team's purpose. The removal of even one person will result in the weakening of the structure. What holds the team together is the balance - the complementary nature of the individual skills.

The Inukshuk are a symbol of the human spirit. They recognize our ability to succeed with others, where alone we would fail. Remind us of our need to belong to something greater than ourselves. Prompt us to reconnect with our individual responsibility to invest our efforts today so we may all have a better tomorrow. Ask us to heed the knowledge of our inner knowingness, hear the voice of our intuition and move to the harmonious music in our heart and spirit. Inukshuk convey the importance of personal contribution and reinforce our ability to commit to common goals. They implore us to share the fruits of our learning, our wisdom with one another.

The Inukshuk is a reminder for all of us that our efforts towards the common good of our earth community are appreciated. It is an enduring symbol that invites us to speak with one another on a higher level, from our hearts and spirit, about what really matters in life.

[greenmeadow]

What a beautiful thread.... I only now saw it and am part way through but wanted to thank you for all those inspirational words.

I will be back to read them again.

They lightened my heart and reminded me of so much.

Thank you.

Greenmeadow.

[CAPTAINZING2000]

Keep Sharing Ann

Ty

[Ann]

When I was in northern Alberta a couple of years ago, I saw many of these Inukshuks and they really are something that moves the spirit. They were not only to guide others to water, food and safe paths, but they also represent spiritual guidance. I felt that and felt peace each time I saw one.

I had forgotten about this, until something I read last night made me think about it and I wanted to bring it here. Glad you like it.

Hugs
Ann

[Ann]

Dream Catchers

Long ago when the world was young, an old Lakota spiritual leader was on a high mountain and had a vision.

In his vision, Iktomi, the great trickster and teacher of wisdom, appeared in the form of a spider.

Iktomi spoke to him in a sacred language that only the spiritual leaders of the Lakota could understand.

As he spoke Iktomi, the spider, took the elder's willow hoop which had feathers, horse hair, beads and offerings on it and began to spin a web.

He spoke to the elder about the cycles of life ... and how we begin our lives as infants and we move on to childhood, and then to adulthood. Finally, we go to old age where we must be taken care of as infants, completing the cycle.

"But," Iktomi said as he continued to spin his web, "in each time of life there are many forces -- some good and some bad. If you listen to the good forces, they will steer you in the right direction. But if you listen to the bad forces, they will hurt you and steer you in the wrong direction."

He continued, "There are many forces and different directions that can help or interfere with the harmony of nature, and also with the great spirit and-all of his wonderful teachings."

All the while the spider spoke, he continued to weave his web starting from the outside and working toward the center.

When Iktomi finished speaking, he gave the Lakota elder the web and said..."See, the web is a perfect circle but there is a hole in the center of the circle."

He said, "Use the web to help yourself and your people to reach your goals and make good use of your people's ideas, dreams and visions.

"If you believe in the great spirit, the web will catch your good ideas -- and the bad ones will go through the hole."

The Lakota elder passed on his vision to his people and now the Sioux Indians use the dream catcher as the web of their life.

It is hung above their beds or in their home to sift their dreams and visions.

The good in their dreams are captured in the web of life and carried with them...but the evil in their dreams escapes through the hole in the center of the web and are no longer a part of them.

They believe that the dream catcher holds the destiny of their future.

[Ann]

don't go to sleep
this night
one night is worth
a hundred thousand souls

the night is generous
it can give you
a gift of the full moon
it can bless your soul
with endless treasure

every night when you feel
the world is unjust
never ending grace
descends from the sky
to soothe your souls

the night is not crowded like the day
the night is filled with eternal love
take this night
tight in your arms
as you hold a sweetheart

remember the water of life
is in the dark caverns
don't be like a big fish
stopping the life's flow
by standing in the mouth of a creek

even Mecca is adornedwith black clothes
showing that the heavens
are ready to grace
the human soul

even one prayer
in the Mecca of a night
is like a hundred
no one can claim
sleep can build
a temple like this

during a night
the blessed prophet
broke all the idols and
God remained alone
to give equally to all
an endless love

Rumi~ Fountain of Fire

[Roxann]

The poem and the picture are beautiful Ann. TY for sharing.

Your signature line is beautiful too.

[Ann]

Thank you, Roxann, I'm glad you enjoyed it. I like to build little spiritual retreats where I can go rest when I need to, a place of comfort and peace, and this is becoming one of them.

Hugs
Ann

[greenmeadow]

Ann,

Another thank you ....

The words you post, the pictures I view are beauty in ways I cannot describe.

Words are not enough for me to express my thanks.

May you know that this thread is a kaleidescope of support.

Love,
greenmeadow

[Ann]

Thank you, greenmeadow, I get as much pleasure finding them and sharing them as you get looking at them. And I welcome anyone to add their own. There is so much beauty and so many words that touch my spirit, and it's just nice sometimes to collect them all in one place to share with everyone.

Hugs
Ann

[Ann]

There is a light that shines beyond all things on earth,
beyond all things on earth,
beyond us all,
beyond the heavens,
beyond the highest, the very highest heavens….
This is the light that shines in our heart.

~ Chandogya Upanishad 3.13.7, 800 B.C.

[mayra]

Ann I can not thank you enough..I have been in limbo for many days and nights. Where everything seems hopeless and YOU have bring into my life a sense of comfort.
I need PEACE of mind so I can take the right path, which I can not find.
My fears are my great obstacles.
THANK YOU

[Ann]

I need PEACE of mind so I can take the right path, which I can not find.
My fears are my great obstacles.

Mayra,

When I was a little girl, my mother would often tell me that if I ever got lost, to stop and be still in one place and she would find me. That always made sense to me, rather than us both moving around trying to find each other. And I trusted my mother, I knew she would find me.

That was a valuable lesson that helps me today, when I cannot find the right path. If I am still and calm my heart, the answer finds me and leads me to the path I must follow.

I miss my mother, but everytime I learn this lesson, I feel her presence, her spirit.

Hugs
Ann

[Ann]

Let It Be

When I find myself in times of trouble
Mother mary comes to me
Speaking words of wisdom, let it be.
And in my hour of darkness
She is standing right in front of me
Speaking words of wisdom, let it be.
Let it be, let it be.
Whisper words of wisdom, let it be.

And when the broken hearted people
Living in the world agree,
There will be an answer, let it be.
For though they may be parted there is
Still a chance that they will see
There will be an answer, let it be.
Let it be, let it be. yeah
There will be an answer, let it be.

And when the night is cloudy,
There is still a light that shines on me,
Shine on until tomorrow, let it be.
I wake up to the sound of music
Mother mary comes to me
Speaking words of wisdom, let it be.
Let it be, let it be.

~Paul McCartney

[Ann]

Become The Light!

We walk not Alone through our Darkness
The Spirits of others just go Unseen.
They remain Faithfully there to Guide us.
We need only to Open our Heart.

The Darkness need not be Ours for long -
Unless we need Darkness for what it Brings.
If we seek its "Peace" for Imagined Wrongs
We will remain Blind, but quite needlessly.

Next time let your Spirit Embrace the Light
And Bathe in its Warmth and in its Pure Love
You don't Deserve to remain in the Dark.
Your own Light is Needed more than you know.

We Humans can do only our Best.
We Give more than we tend to ever See.
Our Failings are Inconsequential.
We're here to Celebrate Living instead.

Oh, yes we can all be somewhat "Better"
And say, and Do the Right Thing all the time.
There is, of course, much room for "Improvement".
What will it matter a lifetime from now?

Become the Light and just See what happens -
Believe in yourself and others as well!
Be Guided by a Light that's still Brighter
You've Learned, now Share and become Brighter too.

~ Russell Alan Ligeikis~

[Ann]

"God Bless The Child"

Hallelujah, hallelujah
God bless the child who suffers
Hallelujah, hallelujah
God bless the young without mothers
Hallelujah, hallelujah
Let every man help his brother
Hallelujah, hallelujah
Let us all love one another
Hallelujah, hallelujah
Make all our hearts blind to color
Hallelujah, hallelujah
God bless the child who suffers

~Shania Twain~

[Ann]

Rivers

Rivers hardly ever run in a straight line.
Rivers are willing to take ten thousand meanders
and enjoy every one
and grow from every one.
When they leave a meander,
they are always more
than when they entered it.
When rivers meet an obstacle,
they do not try to run over it.
They merely go around
but they always get to the other side.
Rivers accept things as they are,
conform to the shape they find the world in,
yet nothing changes things more than rivers.
Rivers move even mountains into the sea.
Rivers hardly ever are in a hurry
yet is there anything more likely
to reach the point it sets out for
than a river?

James Dillet Freeman

[GoldenGutters]

What is IS.

Could be, should be, ought to be, might be, hope will be, wish could be, want to be, are postures we maintain to avoid accepting what is...to remain ignore-ant of what is.

In this way we manage to avoid the only time in which we live...our lives consist of "what is" in the present moment.

"Should" is a stick we use to beat ourselves with.

Nothing but the way it is "could" ever be or "should" ever be.

THIS IS IT.

Anything else is just our "better idea".

There is nothing wrong with the way it is.

The only "wrong" is in our thinking, in our believing in our "better idea".

"Should" is "Never Never Land". "Should" never has been and never will be.

When you stop comparing what is right here and now with what you wish were, you can begin to enjoy what is.

(You might as well enjoy it, it's all you've got.)

And you don't really know for sure that you don't want it because you've always been off looking at how you'd rather life were.

If this is all we've got, it's also the best we've got.

Why not enjoy it?

-Cheri Huber "The Key...and the Name of the Key is Willingness"

[Ann]

I like that GG, so often we lose sight of the beauty of today by wishing it different or worrying about tomorrow.

Thank you.

Hugs
Ann

[Ann]

The Guesthouse

"This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.

A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.

Welcome and entertain them all
Even if they're a crowd of sorrow,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture.

Still treat each guest honorably,
He may be clearing you out
for some new delight.

The dark thought, the shame, the malice,
meet them at the door laughing,
and invite them in.

Be grateful for whomever comes,
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond."

~Rumi~

[indigo]

Ann I love this thread first time I saw it although I look in here often. You are an inspiration thank you.

love indigo

When we walk to the end of all light we have and take the step into the darkness of the unknown
We must believe that one of two things will happen: that we will land on something solid or we will learn to fly~~~

[Ann]

I'm glad you enjoy it Indigo. I get a lot of peace just looking for these poems and writings, and I come here often, expecially before I go to bed just to read through them and calm my spirit.

Please feel free to post anything here that soothes our spirit and thoughts.

Hugs
Ann