Spirit In Gear

Nonviolent Approach

 
  
   
The nonviolent approach does not immediately change the heart of the oppressor.  It first does something to the hearts and souls of those committed to it.  It gives them new self-respect; it calls up resources of strength and courage they did not know they had.

- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

 

Photo Credit:  Thomas Brauchle

Being the Light

 

One of the most calming and powerful actions you can do to intervene in a stormy world is to stand up and show your soul.  Struggling souls catch light from other souls who are fully lit and willing to show it.

- Clarissa Pinkola Estes

Photo Credit:  Vladimir Boudko

Great Love

Where there is great love there are always miracles.

- Willa Cather

How to Treat Everyone You Meet

 

 

Treat everyone you meet as if he or she were going to drop dead by midnight.  Extend to them all the care, kindness, and understanding you can muster, and do so with no thought of reward.  Your life will never be the same.

- Og Mandino

Photo Credit:  Sean Kearney

Words for the Season

 

Tis the season to be inspired!  Beginning Christmas Eve Day, and for 3 days afterward, you'll find powerful quotes to ponder and reflect upon.  May these words nudge us in a higher direction.

Early Chrismas Visitor Brings Joy

This December, as in Christmas seasons past, I decorate our home and tree, purchase and wrap gifts, send out cards, and bake my favorite cookies.

Unlike any Christmas season preceding this one, I face my first holiday celebration without either of my parents.  We lost Mom less than 2 years ago, and Dad passed away 3 months ago.  My siblings and I attempt to put on a brave face, while feeling trepidation at facing Christmas with the empty spaces left by our parents.

This morning, without benefit of my alarm clock's loud buzzzzzzz, I awaken from a dream feeling a sense of happiness.

In this dream that feels "real," I stand outdoors in a meadow with a vista reaching beyond for some distance.  I see my mother standing about 15 yards away.  She is watching two men garden.  That doesn't surprise me to find her in the garden, as she loved to plant flowers.

Oddly, the men don't see Mom (or me, for that matter).  I realize then that Mom is invisible to them, even though she looks solid to me.  With excitement, I call out to Mom several times.  My mouth forms the words, but no sound comes out.  I keep calling out and am rewarded when Mom hears my soundless cry.  She slowly walks over to me and extends her arm at the same time that I do.  We touch fingertip to fingertip, just as "E.T." did in the movie by the same name.  Mom's touch is solid before she fades away.  Still in my dream, I am feeling incredulous joy that I could see Mom and make a physical connection. 

I gradually wake up from the dream, feeling happy and light.  Bittersweet tears roll down my face as I replay the dream in my mind.  I feel profound gratitude that Mom found a way to reach across the Universe to touch me.  Connecting with Mom brings me a sense of comfort, joy, and of course, fresh sadness too.

My dream confirms that our loved ones who pass on before us are alive, albeit in a different form.  They still cherish us and want the best for us.  Death is simply a door to the next life. 

Mom and Dad, we will raise a toast to you on Christmas Day.  We love you always and look forward to meeting up with you when its our turn to walk through the door.  God Bless Us All!

Christmas Cheer at Spirit in Gear

 
  
Photo Credit:  Diane Call