A Planetary Pause

As we relax into the gentle and nurturing arms of Virgo and sway into the bountiful harvest of autumn, we again breathe the fresh outdoor air as the seasons shift. The cool morning breeze dances through the trees and rustles the leaves.  The voice of the wind sings harmoniously through the wind chimes.

The oak trees share an abundance of acorns to provide seedlings for the ages to come, and cedar trees are all abloom with multitudes of juniper berries.  The animals are in preparatory mode as they sense the need to gather, and the leaves are preparing to don the bright and beautiful colors of fall.

The natural world tunes into its inner wisdom and aligns with the internal navigation signaled by the planetary rotation and angle to the sun. 

This beautifully orchestrated seasonal dance of the natural kingdom is a recurring symbol of its alignment to the natural rhythm of life.

Do we, as humans, also maintain an alignment to this beautiful intermingling of the natural world, or have we drifted into an aimless repetition of days with a withdrawal from our connection to inner rhythms and to the planet on which we live? 

Do we aimlessly wander through each day attached to the endless cycle of consumption, technology, and survival?   

 

If we take a moment to pause………..to take a deep breath and silently observe, what shall we gather from the current state of the world around us? 

 

I ask you to do that now.  Just stop.  Close your eyes.  And breathe.

 

Pause and reflect upon life today.  In fact, picture the whole world pausing.  Step back and observe the city, the state, the country, the continent, the hemisphere, and the planet on which you reside.    

What do you observe?

 

Do you see a humanity that possesses reverence and respect for one another and for the natural world?

 

Do you see a humanity that honors the sovereign right for every person to lead a safe, comfortable, and dignified life?

 

Do you see a humanity that encourages deep connection to one another as we share a genuine interest in the lives and well-being of others?

 

Do you see a humanity that wakes up every morning grateful to be alive? Are we each ready to embark upon another day with the opportunity to embody happiness, compassion, and resilience as we take advantage of opportunities to uplift others who we find in our presence?

If the answer to any of these questions is no, then I encourage you to explore what you, as an individual person, might be able to shift within yourself so you can radiate that which you desire to see represented in the world around you. 

 

A stream of continual stimuli from endless sources bombards us each day.  We can choose to be vigilant to minimize external influences that distract, discourage, and disconnect and - instead - focus on those that foster camaraderie, calm, strength, and joy.

 

Our personal sense of well-being and comfort can be fostered and strengthened by taking time to disconnect each day from the external world. We can shift our focus to our inner world that enables our mind and emotions to take a well-deserved rest. In this way, we can stay aligned to a state of natural well-being.         

 

As we take regular mental retreats, we can begin to condition our minds and bodies to align to a higher state of consciousness that we begin to radiate into the collective consciousness of the planet.  Together, we can make small shifts within ourselves, which will then gather momentum and impact the world around us in a positive and uplifting way.

 

If your answer to the above questions is yes, then share your zest for life with those around you and let them know what has enabled you to see with the eyes of an empowered, wise, joyful, and grateful human.  

 

Yes, there will always be trials in life, but our perceptions and attitudes frame our personal reality and influence the way in which we impact those around us.   

 

Well-being is only a state of mind away.  It is our natural state of being, and we each deserve to be happy, healthy, and attuned to the rejuvenating life force that flows within our being.

 

Interested in strengthening your sense of well-being?  I invite you to try this simple method. 

 

If you enjoyed the quick reprieve as we paused to stop, breathe, and just be – you can do that at any time!  

 

While you are at it, go for a walk outdoors in the fresh air. Let your bare feet feel the caress of grass or soil beneath you as autumn says hello.

The nature photos I shared in this article were taken in the wilderness around my home as I enjoyed the sunshine on one of my nature walks.

Take a stroll and see what you can capture! 

*

PS, I have a quick update to share.  As I was immersed in my afternoon quiet time today (in stillness/contemplation/meditation) a couple of hours after I wrote this, a song arrived in my awareness very clearly. Interestingly enough, it was a Christmas hymn.  It is one that I learned to play on the piano/organ many years back. Check it out (especially the original lyrics from 1739). I encourage you to share what arrives in your quiet mind in moments of deep relaxation and contemplation.  

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If you enjoy the information shared here or you have questions to ask or topics which you would like to discuss, I invite you to contact me.  Please feel welcome to join my email list and stay updated on upcoming events and discussions. Thank you for sharing your valuable time with me and come see me at www.letearthrise.com! :)

Eternal Summer of the Soul

What feelings, thoughts, activities, and emotions arise when you think of summer? Does summer usually hold a positive connotation? Does it awaken a sense of playfulness and creativity within you?

 

If you imagine the feelings and thoughts of freedom, excitement, playfulness, relaxation, exploration, vacation, holiday, along with the carefree attitude of summer, do you ever wish you could live within that state of mind all year long? 

 

Well, it’s as easy as refining your mindset, attuning to the endless power of positive thought and creativity, and actively living as a child in the eternal summer of your soul.

 

Just writing this seems to have placed my awareness within the essence and beauty of fun, relaxation, possibility, and active creation. Did it happen to lift your mood or assist you in focusing your energy on actually making time to do something fun or creative?

 

How about this?  

• I choose within every moment to look at the bright side and actively express feelings and attitudes of playfulness and freedom.
• I choose to make the best of every situation.
• I choose to turn boring activities into fun ones by stepping outside the confines of life’s routines and expectations.
• I choose to celebrate the beauty and blessings that each new day of life brings to me.

 

With that in mind, I invite you to share your fun creations, drawings, paintings, songs, activities, or favorite images or quotes of summer.  

 

What do you like best about summer?

 

*Join me here* and submit your reflections
for inclusion in the gallery!

 

We are celebrating collaborative creations of beauty, joy, harmony, and playfulness! Want some ideas on how to align your creativity to the energy of summer fun?  Check out the suggestions below.

 

Spend ample time preparing your intentions and dreams to hold in your heart. 

 

Feel free to consider the following questions:

• Offer gratitude for the blessings, celebrations, playfulness, and delight you currently have in your life!  
• How do you wish to celebrate life this season? How do you wish to bring blessings and light-heartedness to others?
• Are you scheduling ample time for fun, happiness, and play?
• What intentions do you wish to set for the remainder of the year that allow you to maintain a fresh, optimist outlook?
• What dreams do you continue to empower and wish to bring to fruition?
• What burdens or completions do you wish to release to make space and allow energy for the fun time you wish to schedule on a regular basis?
• What small actions will you take day to day to keep the spirit of fun alive in your life?
• What gifts do summer seasons bring to you?

 

The Summer season offers a generous window of opportunity to bring a sense of PLAYFULNESS to all areas of your life. Let's celebrate the blessings that are ours to behold in the fullness of the summer sun.  

 

One final thought to ponder. How long has it been since you walked barefoot in the grass?

 

See you in the summer sun!  I invite you to share your summer blessings in the comments below. I am especially looking for some fun summer quotes.  Thanks in advance!


If you enjoy the information shared here or you have questions to ask or topics which you would like to discuss, I invite you to contact me.  Please feel welcome to join my email list and stay updated on upcoming events and discussions. Thank you for sharing your valuable time with me and come see me at www.letearthrise.com! :)

Count Your Blessings ~ Name Them One By One

{When upon life’s billows you are tempest-tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.}

~ Count Your Blessings Hymn

 

The “count your blessings” topic recently came up in a conversation I was having with my mom.  She was reminiscing about how she and her mom would sing this lovely and inspiring song in church when she was a young girl.  They would get dressed up each Sunday, and she would wear her nice dress and white gloves.  It was a song she would always remember and call upon in times of need.  I was not aware of it, so I wanted to learn more about it. I quickly found various versions of the song, and now it frequently holds a comforting space in my heart and mind on a daily basis.   

 

It provides a healthy reminder of the power of gratitude and its ability to transform every thought, feeling, and situation into one filled with positive potential and thankfulness.    

 

This was just the beginning of the synchronicities.

 

A couple of years ago, I found myself at a local symphony and choir performance of Handel’s Messiah at a local church.  I enjoyed it so much that I intended to visit future performances and did so again this year. Fortunately, this time, my mom was able to accompany us.  


Interestingly enough, I discovered that the venue (same location this year and in years past) just happened to be where she attended church as a young girl.  I just knew she had to join me this time.     

 

As we arrived and took our seats in the beautiful glowing space inside the church decorated with festive lights, Christmas trees, and holiday décor, the stained glass just glistened as we sat in our pew near the front row.  I saw the church hymnal in front of us and quickly located the song of interest.  It was in this very church that my mom would sing the “Count Your Blessings” hymn with her mom and family over 50 years ago. 

 

I took a snapshot of the song in the hymnal – which you can see here – and handed the book to my mom so she could recall all of the verses.  She was really touched, and a tear glistened in her eye as she acknowledged the recollection of the story she shared with me about the hymn.

 

I am pleased to share the song with you in hopes that it might bring inspiration to you and help nourish you with never-ending gratitude as you flow through another beautiful year full of little miracles like these. 

 

Happy synchronicities! I encourage you to begin the new year by focusing on all of the things in your life for which you are grateful. 

 

Enjoy the “Count Your blessings” verses below.

 

When upon life’s billows you are tempest-tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.

 

Refrain:
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God has done!
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
*Count your many blessings, see what God has done.
[*And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.]

 

Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,
And you will keep singing as the days go by.

 

When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
Count your many blessings—*money cannot buy [*wealth can never buy]
Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.

 

So, amid the conflict whether great or small,
Do not be discouraged, God is over all;
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.

 

I also invite you to sing along with these video versions.

 

Count Your Blessings

 

Video Version 1

 

Video Version 2

Blessings to you and your family in this coming year that will be filled with many miracles!

***

If you enjoy the information shared here or you have questions to ask or topics which you would like to discuss, please do not hesitate to contact me.  Please feel welcome to join my email list and stay updated on upcoming events and discussions. Thank you for sharing your valuable time with me and come see me at www.letearthrise.com! :)

5 Days of Gratitude: Day 4 Message

5 Days of Gratitude: Day 4 Message

As you begin to incorporate more gratitude in your daily lives, it becomes increasingly apparent that a sustained approach serves you and the people around you in the most effective and beneficial way.

Instant gratification is not always available because you count on receiving abundance gradually in return for your good deeds and actions. You receive the benefits at the perfect time, and you continue to give of yourself.

Make gratitude a new habit.

> View Day 4 Message

Suggested Introspection: I make gratitude a daily habit by____________.

See you tomorrow!

5 Days of Gratitude: Day 3 Message

5 Days of Gratitude: Day 3 Message

Do you notice how those around you can have such an impact upon your day? The people around you notice the same about you.

If we take the time to acknowledge and be grateful for the contributions and kind deeds offered by others, then we are more inclined to offer and encourage that behavior in ourselves and in others. Take time to thank others for the support, insight, and wisdom they offer to you on a daily basis and inspire others to do the same - all while you brighten
someone else’s day!

> View Message Day 3

Suggested Introspections: 1.) Today I express my gratitude for others by_____ 2.) I offer acts of kindness in return, such as ______

See you tomorrow!

5 Days of Gratitude: Day 2 Message



5 Days of Gratitude: Day 2 Message

Why is gratitude important? How can
it be so powerful? 

If we focus on being thankful for what we have, we are able to invite more abundance into our lives because we positively reinforce the welcoming of things and situations that fulfill us.

If, on the other hand, we focus on lack, then we are empowering that feeling and attracting less desirable situations into our lives.
 
Spend your energy saying thanks
as often as possible!
 


Suggested Introspection: Today I am thankful for ___________ .


> View Day 2 Message


See you tomorrow!