The Birthday Card

We don’t see the world the way it is. We see the world the way we are.

The other day, my dad turned 82. He’s been both my biggest blessing and my deepest pain. I find that this is the way things go… if we would be so brave as to look Fear right in the face, we would see Freedom.

In every fear, the seed of freedom awaits. Even fear is an aspect of God. When I ceased demonizing our relationship, dad and me, a most beautiful and unique flower began to bloom in our garden.

There were years that I resented sending a card, knowing that my heart still ached for an apology or at the very least an explanation or acknowledgement. Nod your head in my general direction, please Dad! See me, see me, see me!

But I’ve been on the journey of healing me… the events from my childhood were not “my fault” and my feelings are not bad, but the actions I take now and the healing are all mine… all mine to own, stand in, allow, breathe into and through… and transmute all that lead into gold, all that shit into fertile soil for Flower to root into… turn that caterpillar into a butterfly…

and all that transformation stuff…

I sent the card, not because he’s kind, but because I’m kind.

Lately, I understand more that life is a series of choices… and we have the opportunity to make them borne of our own energies, of actions taken rather than reactions taking over. It was a most powerful truth indeed to realize that I hold all the power to make my choices. I do not have to wait for the outside world, circumstances or people, to dictate my path. I choose. As consciously as I currently operate, I make my way.

The world squeezes us… and we get to see what we’re really made of.

To see the other as an extension of my-Self has been helpful in my choice-making. I see the flawed human being, muddling around in the dark, reacting out of pain, unresolved ache, body-held trauma… and I have deep compassion for us all.

Living from Peace – my true identity – is powerful indeed.

This being human thing ain’t for the faint of heart… it’s a lot. Really. A. Friggin’. Lot.

I am remembering to respond from Presence… this has been a journey.

I love having my Dad in my life because he has helped me gauge my compassion, how “awakened to Love” that I am. My heart has always been slayed wide open in our relationship – which is how I believe he and I planned it before we incarnated this time around – and he has been among my best reminders, awakeners, healers.

Happy birthday to you, Dad. Peace be with you, with me, with us, and with us all.

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Here is a short practice that you can do right now to cultivate intentional mind-body connection for the purpose of remembering the aspect of God which is you that is Peace:

Just for one minute, place both of your hands over your heart. Breathe. Feel the air come miraculously into your nostrils, through your throat, down into your belly, and back out your mouth. What a miracle breathing is! You’re a miracle! If you’re able, picture someone in your life right now who you are struggling with… in your imagination, see them as a young child, maybe two years old. See their innocence, their wonder, their playfulness, their simplicity… before life began to bruise them, batter their heart, create in them a hardness. Hold onto this image and every time you see them or think of them from now on, remember this picture… and be on the journey of awakening to Compassion, Understanding, and Patience. (Have I told you lately that you’re a miracle, an absolute shiny, sensational ray of the Divine. Thank you for being here, among us on earth at this time.)

Edgy, joyful, pondering…

Lisa

Modern Mystic & Life Coach
If you like these contemplations,  please check out my 30-day journals. They’re just perfect for someone like you. 🙂 Downloadable PDFs on a variety of topics. Sure to encourage, inspire, motivate, and create meaningful ponderings. ❤