Spiritual Thoughts

[Ann]

Thanks everyone, I'm glad you enjoy them. Finding and posting these brings me peace and healing, and I am happy that it brings something special to others as well.

Hugs
Ann

[Ann]

One Face, One Path,
Be One

A heart of Truth has Integrity
A heart of Integrity has Honor
A heart of Honor has Love
A heart of Love has Compassion
An individual that has embraced this way
Understands the balance of life

~Blackhawk~

[Ann]

IF I HAD MY LIFE TO LIVE OVER
by Erma Bombeck

I would have talked less and
listened more.

I would have invited friends over to
dinner even if the carpet was
stained and the sofa faded.

I would have eaten the popcorn in
the "GOOD" living room, and
worried much less about the dirt
when someone wanted to light a fire
in the fireplace.

I would have taken the time to
listen to my grandfather ramble
about his youth.

I would never have insisted the car
windows be rolled up on a
summer day because my hair had just
been teased and sprayed.

I would have burned the pink candle
sculpted like a rose before it
melted in storage.

I would have sat on the lawn with my
children and not worried
about grass stains.

I would have cried and laughed less
while watching television, and
more while watching life.

I would have gone to bed when I was
sick instead of pretending the
earth would go into a holding
pattern if I weren't there for the day.

I would never have bought anything
just because it was practical,
wouldn't show soil or was guaranteed
to last a lifetime.

Instead of wishing away nine months
of pregnancy, I'd have
cherished every moment realizing
that the wonderment growing inside
me was the only chance in life to
assist God in a miracle.

When my kids kissed me impetuously,
I would never have said,
"Later. Now go get washed up for dinner."

There would have been more "I love you's"
and more "I'm sorry's"

.....but mostly, given another shot
at life, I would seize every
minute.....look at it and really see
it ... live it ... and never give it back.



* In memory of Erma Bombeck
who lost her fight with cancer.

[Ann]

And the Skies of night were alive with light, with a throbbing, thrilling flame;
Amber and rose and violet, opal and gold it came.
It swept the sky like a giant scythe, it quivered back to a wedge;
Argently bright, it cleft the night with a wavy golden edge.
Pennants of silver waved and streamed, lazy banners unfurled;
Sudden splendors of sabres gleamed, lightning javelins were hurled.
There in our awe we crouched and saw with our wild, uplifted eyes
Charge and retire the hosts of fire in the battlefield of the skies.

Robert W. Service from "The Ballad of the Northern Lights"

[Ann]

Wolf Moon

When the wolf moon grows fat
and the North wind roars on the shore,
an angel shall feed your fire
and bolt your door.

When the long night moon wanes
and the darkness keeps deepening fast,
an angel shall forge from your fears
faith that will last.

[nutria.5.24.01]

most of the gray areas in life are between our ears.


new here ty

[Ann]

Robert William Service - Two Children

Give me your hand, oh little one!
Like children be we two;
Yet I am old, my day is done
That barely breaks for you.
A baby-basket hard you hold,
With in it cherries four:
You cherish them as men do gold,
And count them o'er.

And then you stumble in your walk;
The cherries scattered lie.
You pick them up with foolish talk
And foolish glad am I,
When you wipe one quite clean of dust
And give it unto me;
So in the baby-basket just
Are three.

All this is simple, I confess,
A moment piled with peace;
Yet loving men have died for less,
And will till time shall cease. . . .
A silken hand in crinkled one--
O Little Innocence!
O blessed moment in the son
E'er I go hence!

[Ann]

Reflections on Water

If you sit quietly on the shore
of a great lake or ocean for a time.
You may begin to perceive things
in a different way.

Your senses may become more aware
of some subtle qualities
that you hadn't noticed before.
The sound of each wave is ever so slightly
different from the others both in tambre
and duration as well as in volume.
The sizes and shapes vary widely,
and change constantly.
Some reach tremendous heights,
others are quite small by comparison.

You might watch one wave as it grows taller,
curling over, breaking into a froth of white foam
and then washing up to shore,
only to recede into the next wave.
Some waves break earlier,
some later in their short lives,
but all start and end in a similar fashion.

As you sit and listen, the sound of the wind
can stir up nearly forgotten memories.
You might recall events of the day in a
different light than when you experienced them.
There is no fear or anger.
Wisdom appears when you allow yourself to listen.
You might begin to realize
that even the worst day has many
hidden messages to lead you toward
making better choices tomorrow.

As you gaze at the water,
you may notice the light reflecting
off the surface of the waves...
the loving sun, bringing warmth
and light to our world.
If you are willing to listen,
the water will speak to you.
It will say: "I am here for you...
I will comfort you and nourish you.
I will help you to learn and grow.
I will love love you and care for you.
until you reach the pinnacle of your achievments.
And then when you've exhausted your devine
spark and can no longer endure this life,
come back to me. I will be
here for you...always."

As you watch the light
dancing on the wave tops,
you might begin to feel
a joyous sense of inspiration.
Perhaps you'll feel inspired
to sing or dance or write or to paint.
You might find that there are more ideas,
more thoughts, more revelations coming to you
than you can articulate.

And then the dancing light might begin
to make it's true source known to you.
All your life, you've probably been told
that this light on the water
is only a reflection from the sun.
Perhaps it is.
But you might suddenly notice that the sun
has dipped under the horizon
while you've been sitting here.
The light that you now see
eminates from the water itself!
A kind of shimmering glow
from the infinite depths
of this sacred place.

You might suddenly be struck by the feeling
that some of this light exists within you,
burning unnoticed at the core
of your consciousness.
As you contemplate this light,
you might notice that it begins to brighten,
as if it has suddenly found
a new source of fuel.

Then you might become aware that
as your own lights intensity increases,
so does that of the water...
that it is in fact the same light!
And then, if you are at all like me,
you'll cry tears of joy
at having found your way home.

Dean Thomas

[Ann]

Circle Of Light

Here and Now,
We are in the Light of Love;
We are centered in our own Light;
We are forever in the Light.

No negation may enter our Light,
For dark may neither abide
Nor penetrate the Light.
All that enters our Light,
That too is universal Light.
Truly we are surrounded
By a Globe of impenetratable Light --
The Spirit of Life -- the Circle of Light.

We radiate the Light eternal
And receive it back again,
Here and Now.

[Ann]

Faith and Hope

Faith and hope are like two wings
of a bird up in the sky;
faith believes the good not seen
hope supports the upward flight.

Faith perceives a certain vision
hope sustains 'till fruition;
faith removes assailing doubts
hope hangs on when pressure mounts.

Faith and hope belong together
flying in all kinds of weather.
We need both to make our flight
'till we reach our final site.

~unknown~

[Ann]

Desiderata

Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons,
they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.

Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs;
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love;
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment
it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.

Max Ehrmann, Desiderata, Copyright 1952.

[Ann]

Phoenix of Courage

Born in the ashes of despair
A Phoenix of courage and will
To be strong is the lifelong dream
To fly in the sky as the sun sets
Singing its song
The fires that burn along her feathers
Only reminds her of the ashes
Flying faster to numb
Wind beating around her
The feathers burn but her skin does not
Now not afraid
Excepting her fate
To seek and bind with fiery wings
To make the sun seem like a light bulb
Dim and fading having seen better days
Fueled by what is around
Fueled by the ones that drive her on
Sending her to the sky to live among the clouds
Banishing her with undeniable love
The fires die down
Not the one inside
It lives on
Even as the fiery wings go out
By the littlest wind among the sky
Up in flame
To descend as ashes
Ashes of something better than before
Still a burden but lighter
Bursting from the ashes
Sending a halo of ash
To settle on the clouds
Screeching into the night
Lighting the sky in new found glory
The world is her playground
The universe is her limit
And the hearts of others
Are her places to enlighten
To send people beyond their helplessness
Lighting the dark and brightening the day
Bursting from the ashes
In a wild song

[FaeryQueen]

You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

This always gives me chills.....because I know it is Truth.

Thanks Ann.

[Ann]

I love that part, too, Faery Queen, it's a beautiful piece.

Hugs
Ann

[Ann]

Earth Healing Ceremony

by: Medicine Grizzly Bear

O Great Creator,
I come before you in a humble manner
and offer you this sacred pipe.
With tears in my eyes and an ancient song from my heart
I pray.

To the four powers of Creation,
To the Grandfather Sun,
To the Grandmother Moon,
To the Mother Earth,
And to my ancestors.

I pray for my relations in Nature,
All those who walk, crawl, fly, and swim,
Seen and unseen,
To the good spirits that exist in every part of Creation.

I ask that you bless our elders and children and families and friends,
And the brothers and sisters in prison.
I pray for the ones who are sick on drugs and alcohol
And for those homeless and forlorn.
I also pray for peace among the four races of humankind.

May there be good health and healing for this Earth,
May there be Beauty above me,
May there be Beauty below me,
May there be Beauty in me,
May there be Beauty around me.
I ask that this world be filled with Peace, Love and Beauty.

[Ann]

Today

So here hath been dawning
Another blue Day:
Think wilt thou let it
Slip useless away.

Out of Eternity
This new Day is born;
Into Eternity
At night, will return.

Behold it aforetime
No eye ever did:
So soon it forever
From all eyes is hid.

Here hath been dawning
Another blue Day:
Think wilt thou let it
Slip useless away.

Thomas Carlyle (1795-1881)

[Ann]

Stars
by Sherri Anderson

I look to the sky at night and admire the beauty of the stars.
I stand in awe of their brilliance;
They are as shining and constant
and they have been since the beginning of time.

They light the heavens and fill our hearts with wonder.
When one burns out, another takes its place;
for they are eternal.
Wherever you are, they guide you from their home high above the earth.
At times, they seem close enough to touch,
as they transport your dreams far away.

Their magic compels us to offer up wishes for their consideration.
They make us realize that even when the sky is the darkest,
a tiny beacon of light still shines through.
They are God's reminder to us that some things really do go on forever.

[Ann]

STONEHENGE VOICES

Colours of day knelt in liquid gold

Long shadows thrown by the Sun God of old

Creep across landscape in haze and in mist

To swirl within Henge by Mystery kissed


And the Henge shadows cast as long stretching fingers

Point over the Ditches and Barrows and lingers

With the deftly drawn profile of horizon hill

To the Land beyond where is reborn men's will


The land beyond where hope is reborn

And Love's Labours found for the lost and forlorn

To recast their dreams in the refiners fire

To be raised in the East upon bird song and lyre

Raised in the East as a fresh Golden disk

A paintbrush for Landscape in fresh colours kissed

Light dance to fill up man's sickening Soul

Babel towers of children all part of the whole


Henge that's changeless in Ancient Past

Yet forever changing its face in the light

Measureless might in its substance to last

Past reflections of rebirth of hope in the night

~Bill Charlton~

[Ann]

To Believe

To believe is to know
that every day is a
new beginning..

It is to trust that
miracles happen, and
dreams really do
come true..

To believe is to see
angels dancing among
the clouds..

To know the wonder
of a stardust sky and
the wisdom of the
man in the moon..

To believe is to know
the value of a
nurturing heart..

The innocence of a
child's eyes and the
beauty of an aging
hand, for it is
through their teachings
we learn to love..

To believe is to find
the strength and courage
that lies within us..

When it is time to pick
up the pieces and
begin again..

To believe is to know
we are not alone,
That life is a gift and
this is our time to
cherish it..

To believe is to know

[Ann]

One

One song can spark
a moment..
One flower can
wake a dream,
One tree can start
a forest..
One bird can
herald spring..


One smile begins
a friendship..
One handclasp lifts
a soul..
One star can guide
a ship at sea,
One word can frame
the goal..


One vote can change
a nation..
One sunbeam light
a room,
One candle wipes
out darkness,
One laugh will
conquer gloom..


One step must start
a journey..
One word must start
each prayer,
One hope will raise
our spirits..
One touch can show
you care..


One voice can speak
with wisdom..
One heart can know
what's true,
One life can make
the difference..


You see..
it's up to you!...

[Ann]

A prayer for my special angel...

A Sunbeam To Warm You

May God grant you always
A sunbeam to warm you,
A moonbeam to charm you,
A sheltering angel so nothing can harm you,
Laughter to cheer you,
Faithful friends near you,
And whenever you pray,
Heaven to hear you.

[Ann]

For my son and all addicts who still suffer...

Sometimes...

Sometimes there is a whisper
on the slightest wind
of birth...to begin again
The light that dances in the mind is
in transformation
refined

The wind asks only that we see her dance
and believe
The music she brings everywhere...is ours to rewrite
This is her gift of life...of hope...of agility of Spirit
dancing with Creator in the utter song of Love
the Journey to Light


copyright Red Sun Hawk Woman
2002

[Ann]

Let me not pray to be sheltered from dangers but to be fearless in facing them.
Let me not beg for the stilling of my pain, but for the heart to conquer it.
Let me not look for allies in life's battlefield but to my own strength.
Let me not crave in anxious fear to be saved but hope for the patience to win my freedom.
Grant me that I may not be a coward, feeling your mercy in my success alone;
But let me find the grasp of your hand in my failure.

~Rabindranath Tagore~

[Ann]

RECOVERY IS A LEARNING PROCESS

Recovery is about learning to love and valve yourself enough to stop destroying yourself. It's about learning to change your mind and your heart.
It's about forgiving yourself and others. It's about letting go of shame and learning to accept your true self.

Recovery is about letting go of the lofty expectation of perfection that you have placed upon yourself and others. It's learning to love and accept yourself and others unconditionally.

Recovery is about learning to use your anger as the fuel to create something good, rather than denying it or holding it inside until you self-destruct or strike out at another.

Recovery is about learning that you have a choice: You can choose to be hopeful rather than hopeless; you can choose to act from faith rather than react from fear; and you can choose to enjoy life rather than merely survive it.

[Ann]

Okay, this one's a stretch as far as being spiritual, but the only person I know who loves cats as much as me is T.S. Eliot, and that just lifts my spirit.

Gus - The Theatre Cat - a poem by T S Eliot

Gus is the Cat at the Theatre Door.
His name, as I ought to have told you before,
Is really Asparagus. That's such a fuss
To pronounce, that we usually call him just Gus.
His coat's very shabby, he's thin as a rake,
And he suffers from palsy that makes his paw shake.
Yet he was, in his youth, quite the smartest of Cats--
But no longer a terror to mice and to rats.
For he isn't the Cat that he was in his prime;
Though his name was quite famous, he says, in its time.
And whenever he joins his friends at their club
(Which takes place at the back of the neighbouring pub)
He loves to regale them, if someone else pays,
With anecdotes drawn from his palmiest days.
For he once was a Star of the highest degree--
He has acted with Irving, he's acted with Tree.
And he likes to relate his success on the Halls,
Where the Gallery once gave him seven cat-calls.
But his grandest creation, as he loves to tell,
Was Firefrorefiddle, the Fiend of the Fell.

"I have played," so he says, "every possible part,
And I used to know seventy speeches by heart.
I'd extemporize back-chat, I knew how to gag,
And I knew how to let the cat out of the bag.
I knew how to act with my back and my tail;
With an hour of rehearsal, I never could fail.
I'd a voice that would soften the hardest of hearts,
Whether I took the lead, or in character parts.
I have sat by the bedside of poor Little Nell;
When the Curfew was rung, then I swung on the bell.
In the Pantomime season I never fell flat,
And I once understudied Dick Whittington's Cat.
But my grandest creation, as history will tell,
Was Firefrorefiddle, the Fiend of the Fell."

Then, if someone will give him a toothful of gin,
He will tell how he once played a part in East Lynne.
At a Shakespeare performance he once walked on pat,
When some actor suggested the need for a cat.
He once played a Tiger--could do it again--
Which an Indian Colonel purused down a drain.
And he thinks that he still can, much better than most,
Produce blood-curdling noises to bring on the Ghost.
And he once crossed the stage on a telegraph wire,
To rescue a child when a house was on fire.
And he says: "Now then kittens, they do not get trained
As we did in the days when Victoria reigned.
They never get drilled in a regular troupe,
And they think they are smart, just to jump through a hoop."
And he'll say, as he scratches himself with his claws,
"Well, the Theatre's certainly not what it was.
These modern productions are all very well,
But there's nothing to equal, from what I hear tell,
That moment of mystery
When I made history
As Firefrorefiddle, the Fiend of the Fell."