Blink of An Eye

We are one blink of an eye from being fully awake. -Pema Chodrun
 
This was a delightful surprise I came across this morning as I walked around Joyful Pause Cottage and my gardens. 
 
In the gully across from my cottage, some coneflowers must have reseeded themselves. Among all the green they practically called out to me to come pay them a visit.
 
Upon closer inspection, spotted or are the pink petals fading, I wondered?
 
And then I thought, No matter. They are beautiful.
 
Being awake is about appreciating all the stages of life.
 
Wishing you a lovely week…
 
XO
Barb
 
                  

The Mighty Acorn Reminds Us We Aren’t Nuts But Expanding into Rich Potential

An infinity of forest lies dormant within the dreams of one acorn. – Wayne Dyer

For the last two weeks or so I’ve walked by an oak tree with acorns just beginning to emerge. I can’t even tell you how delighted I was the first time I saw them! Three oak trees in a row that were planted quite a few years ago are now beginning to bear the presence of this sweet nut.

It was in my early 40s when I felt lost about the direction of my life. I’d been let go from a bookkeeping job (a blessing in disguise!) and was trying to find my way. What was I meant to do with the rest of my life was a question that played like a broken record in my mind.

I eventually worked up the courage to hire a life coach. This still remains one of the best things I’ve ever done for myself. It also paved the way in understanding that reaching out for help when one feels stuck at different times in our lives, would continue to serve me in a positive way in order for me to serve others in a beneficial way.

Walking past the oak trees and feeling connected to the acorns I was reminded of those days I sat on the sofa in what felt like a “treehouse” looking out over the lake as I shared my frustrations, hopes, and dreams with my life coach, Diane.

As I explored what it was my soul really wanted I’d often repeat this phrase, “Am I nuts?” 

This was back in 2005. I wanted to write about animals and work from home and I no longer wanted anything to do with the corporate world, But oh, how odd I felt in these feelings! So I was continually wondering if I’d lost my marbles, not to mention the lack of self-confidence to go after what I wanted. Not only questioning if I was nuts, but could John and I make it financially if I left the corporate world?

As the world around us feels like it is crumbling, and it is in many ways, with things needing to break down in order for the breakthroughs to make themselves known, many are questioning what this is all about. Perhaps in a place where they are asking themselves if they are nuts for what they are feeling and thinking at this time.

I’m no different and even though I’ve done tons of inner work, I can still have my moments of questioning if it is me that is crazy with the thoughts I have about so many different things. But on my daily sauntering past these oak trees and the acorns still tucked somewhat in their caps, I am reminded that in this stage of incubation is where all the magic is happening. We just can’t see the outcome yet, but we have to trust that what will emerge will be for the highest good for all even though it may not feel like it right now.

The acorn symbolizes many things, but this one really struck a chord from a search I did on the internet:

“From small acorns grow the mighty oak, through struggle amid hard times. Therefore, the lucky nut is said to symbolize rich potential and willpower to persevere.”

Don’t you just want to now embody the energy of an acorn? I do and no doubt why I’ve been so drawn to them of late. Their teaching is such a welcome one that I just had to share with you today.

And a reminder that we aren’t nuts and all that we are feeling and experiencing will have us each expanding into strong and mighty acorns of our own.

XO

Barb

                  

Hummingbird Faith

The hummingbirds have tripled in number the last two weeks, causing a welcome chittering heard throughout the day outside Joyful Pause Cottage windows, as they drink with gusto from the two feeders I have out for them. 

They also happen to love this geranium on my deck that is its 4th year. I cut it back and winter it in the cold season.
 
Though the hummingbirds don’t get nectar from it but are attracted to the red color, they never give up on faith as they flit from one blossom to the next. I wasn’t able to get a picture of them because they simply move so fast!
 
But because of their determination, I thought this quote was fitting as a reminder of faith:

May my faith always be
at the end of the day

like a hummingbird…returning
to its favorite flower.”
― Sanober Khan

XO

Barb