Happy Mother’s Day

 This is a special day to remind us all of how much Mothers mean to each of us.  The following quotes about Mothers show some of the feeling behind our celebration of Mothers.  

"Mother: the most beautiful word on the lips of mankind." —Kahil Gibran

"To the world you are a mother, but to your family you are the world." —Unknown

"Mothers can look through a child’s eyes and see tomorrow." —Reed Markham

"To a child’s ear, 'mother' is magic in any language." —Arlene Benedict

"My mother is a walking miracle." —Leonardo DiCaprio

"Mothers hold their children’s hands for a short while, but their hearts forever." —Unknown

 "A mother understands what a child does not say." —Jewish Proverb

"There is no influence so powerful as that of the mother." —Sara Josepha Hale

"Mother: the most beautiful word on the lips of mankind." —Kahil Gibran

"The art of mothering is to teach the art of living to children." —Elaine Heffner

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Blessings,

Judy

Kola Bears

       

Snuggling!  One of the greatest joys in life for all beings!  These two Kola Bears, spirit animals, tell us that touch is a much needed in the world.  Hugging, snuggling, keeping one safe, are all parts of this.  Kola also tells us that a big part of touching is trust.  Keeping one’s eyes closed while another watches over you is the greatest form of trust.

We humans, in the decades beyond 2010, have lost much trust in our selves, in our community, and certainly in our leaders.  We are in a place where we need to find a safe place to learn to trust.  Kola shows us that being at the top of a tree, with no place else to go, gives you a space to learn to trust.

Perhaps we need to climb a mountain, or trek a long way from our safe environment to meet ourselves and others that we can trust.

Blessings,

Judy

Two Kinds of Rocks

This picture along the Kootenay River reminds me of the stories about rocks.  There are two kinds of rocks that grow in the Earth.  One rock represents goodness, kindness, steadfastness, and strength.  These rock are guardians or sentinels.  A good example is the ring of rocks at Stonehenge.  Another example are the mountains of the Rocky Mountains.

 

Then there are the rocks that are grown from anger.  These rocks are pushed up through the Earth because people have expressed a heart felt wish of extreme anger.  The rocks lose their ability to hold strength and push up as broken and feel “off”.  These rocks can mark a place of Sorrows.

This day, be mindful of what your heart holds and what you create in the world.

Blessings,

Judy

Leadership Lessons From A Border Collie

Not only are dogs man’s best friend, some dogs have special skills.  A Border Collie is a born leader.  And yet with all of its skills, it does not try to take over the world.  He simply tries to do his best at each job each day, and to keep all those around him happy.   Don’t we wish all leaders would do the same?   The Border Collie, Magic, gives us these simple lessons.

1. Begin each day with a good stretch – the yoga pose downward facing dog and upward facing dog work well.
2. Eat a good breakfast of protein – it gives you energy through out the morning.
3. Do not force your leadership.  Sometimes you must take the long way around to get the herd facing the correct direction.
4. Fun is serious work.  Allow a good hour or two of fun in your day.
5. Stick to a routine of sleeping, eating, working, and playing.  This will keep you sharp and your charges will gain confidence in your choices.
6. Anger does not lead.  It puts fear into those you must care for.  Fear awakens doubt.

Blessings,

Judy

No Need For Temples

Picture of the Dali Lama from http://www.joenolan.com/2008/10/no-mas-for-dalai-lama.html

This is my simple religion.  There is no need for temples; no need for complicated philosophy.  Our own brain, our own heart is our temple; the philosophy is kindness.  Dalai Lama, 1935 - -now.

I saw this on a quote page as I was scrolling through web sites.  This is the same philosophy that the indigenous people and their Shaman, Medicine Woman/Man, Wiseones, Mystics, etc. use around the world.  Indeed, there is no need for temples. We are all connected to Creator and vice-versa.  We are connected with everything in creation, if only we can find a way to hear or see or feel or remember.

As we get caught up in the drama around us, we forget to look inside for the answers.  For thousands of years, the teaching has been to look outward. 

If you look around, does it seem to you that the world is getting kinder?  Does it also seem that more and more people are moving away from the old fashioned religion?  Yes, many of the individual church congregations are creating their own philosophy for their church and the people.  It includes new ways of doing things and bringing energy healing into the church.  It is perfect for this time.

May kindness guide your day!

Many blessings.

Judy

Self-Awareness And Self-Centeredness

 

The poster says:   

Self-awareness is not self-centeredness, and spirituality is not narcissism. 'Know thyself' is not a narcissistic pursuit.   Marianne Williamson. 

There is a lot going on in the world about spirituality versus religion, and individualism that has become narcissism.  The world has become confused about the difference between independence and individualism.

Remember that narcissism has been around since before the birth of Christ… it comes from the Greek God Narcissus who rejected love from others.  Instead, he gazed at his own reflection, admiring the perfection of his looks.  

Dictionary

Definitions from Oxford Languages · Learn more

nar·cis·sist

/ˈnärsəsəst/

noun

1. a person who has an excessive interest in or admiration of themselves.

   "narcissists who think the world revolves around them"

1. Remember that those that are selfcentered will never put your needs before their needs.  They have no emotional intelligence; they have no compassion.  These personalities are destructive, and they will not change.  These folks are to be avoided.

   
   

   Blessings,

   Judy

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

Parrot Circle

Australian Wreath.....is there anything more beautiful than nature at it's best!! This delightful circle was taken at Lamington National Park, west of the Gold Coast. They are native Australian mountain parrots; the red and blue kind are Crimson Rosella, and the red and green are King Parrots. They are feasting on sunflower seeds which were left for them.

How cool is it that the Parrots in the above picture have all the colours of the chakras?  I heard a quote the other day that zinged right through me.  It was, “All things are created perfectly in God’s world.  If it is not perfect now, it is still in the process of creation.”  I look at the animals in the world and know that quote is true.

Blessings,

Judy

Tea Time

‘Drink your tea slowly and reverently, as if it is the axis on which the world earth revolves – slowly, evenly, without rushing toward the future.’ ~Thich Nhat Hanh

This wonderful quote reminded me that I often drink my tea on the run.  Tea, food, friends, and family, are some of the things and people that we need to take more time with.   

Blessings,

Judy

Winter Solstice December 21 2024

 

Picture of Glenmore Lake Taken December 2024 by Judy Hirst

On this winter solstice, we celebrate that we are still alive and well given the terrible conflicts going on in parts of the world.

We celebrate that we are a place that people run towards, and not away from.

We celebrate our families, our friends, and our communities, for these are the anchors that hold all of us to the fabric of loving kindness and compassion.

We celebrate with food and conversation and song and quiet meditation.

Blessed be.

Blessings,

Judy

When We Visit Nature

 

If we go out into the natural world and just talk about the same things we talk about all the time, we may as well have stayed at home. When we visit nature we should put down everyday small talk, subjective mental activity, judging and discrimination, and just open up and observe nature. 

Starting from the time of the Buddha, it was almost always the custom for those who had left home life to spend some time practicing in the mountains. Generally the hut they lived in was made so that it could be put up and dismantled very quickly, so that the person could move on to another place. The purpose was to live a life that would not foster a group mentality, but rather cultivate a holistic attitude where one would feel at one with all lives and the universe.  — Master Sheng Yen, "As Spacious as Nature"

Blessings,

Judy

Buddha Talks - Recognize the Ego Mind

I was looking at some of the speeches from different politicians in different parts of the world.  It made me think of this lesson from Buddha.

When we look for the mind, we can't find any shape, or color, or form. This mind that we identify as the self, which we could call ego-mind, controls everything we do. Yet it can't actually be found—which is somewhat spooky, as if a ghost were managing our home. The house seems to be empty, but all the housework has been done. The bed has been made, our shoes have been polished, the tea has been poured, and the breakfast has been cooked. The funny thing is that we never question this. We just assume that someone or something is there. But all this time, our life has been managed by a ghost, and it's time to put a stop to it. On one hand, ego-mind has served us—but it hasn't served us well.  – Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche, "Searching for Self"

Blessings,

Judy 

Be A Happiness Engineer

The message from Creator and the Angels today, is about creating happiness for yourself.  Think of all the great monuments in the world, and that they were built by architects, engineers, and willing builders.  

Each day, you can be the architect of your day, and plan happiness.  Each day, you can be the engineer that makes happiness happen by looking at all the things that are in your life – the abundance, the home, the family, the friends, and even the dog, and seeing that everything, not just ONE thing, does contribute to happiness.  All of the components are the willing builders that work with you to build happiness, if you allow them to be part of your life.  This means that you do not control them, but, you can suggest to them all the things that build happiness.

Blessings,

Judy

A Prayer For Being Grateful

 I was walking through the park, and my thoughts turned to the idea of being grateful.  I am grateful for everything, even the tough things that challenge my faith in a compassionate world, filled with love and laughter.  I heard someone say, very far away, “Take it back to the basics!” 

Immediately, I knew that meant that one needs to be grateful for all the basic things in life – food, shelter, clothing – all the things in Maslow’s needs hierarchy.   And then the Angels, in their mysterious way, directed me to this wonderful prayer.   

I share it now with you.

 

May We Be Grateful

We are blessed today, with enough to eat,
May we be grateful.
We are blessed with clothes to wear,
May we be grateful.
We are blessed with shelter from the elements,
May we be grateful.
We are very well blessed today.
May we remember that there are many people
who do not have these blessings.
May we be grateful enough to help others when we can.

Copyright Abby Willowroot 2008

Many blessings,

Judy

Kodiak Bear In My Meditation

         

I sat in meditation and breathed slowly sinking into a place of a running river, flowing over and around rocks.  Forest bordered the river about fifty feet from the sides of the river.  I then became conscious of movement to the right of me.  There was a very, very large brownish red bear.  I was startled even though I knew I had nothing to fear.  

I welcomed the bear.  He replied that he was a Kodiak Bear.  He had some sharing to provide to the world.

• Do not be afraid to let your unique abilities shine through at this time.  Each of us has a different way of dealing with a situation.  The time for you to act is now. 
• Find your mate, and stick with them.  Each of you is drawn to the other so that you both may grow.  It is the way of things.  
• Use your language and your body stance to defend your position.  It will earn you respect.  Fighting does not earn any  respect, and instead, demeans who you are. 
• Define what you are able to do, what you are good at, and what you are great at.  Pursue the greatness in you.  It emerges at the most appropriate time.  

I thanked Kodiak, and he drifted away.

Blessings,

Judy

Welcome October 2024

This picture looks like the parks around our area.  October comes in, and the leaves change colour.  The changes are reflected in life around us.  I have so many friends that are changing –  locations, houses, spouses, jobs, and even careers.  This year is the year of shedding the things that do not work in our lives.

I see the changes that are happening too, in the world.  I see people working to unlock the secrets that are supposed to protect us, the people, because we will panic.  When information is kept from us, it means that someone else’s ego is working overtime, saying that they as a person or as a group of people are better than the rest of us.  I am grateful to the folks who think it is time to end secrets and end corruption.  Change is good. It is hard and takes effort, but it is good.

Here is a lovely poem by Robert Frost that talks about the changes in Nature.  Enjoy.

 

October

by Robert Frost 

O hushed October morning mild,
Thy leaves have ripened to the fall;
Tomorrow's wind, if it be wild,
Should waste them all.
The crows above the forest call;
Tomorrow they may form and go.
O hushed October morning mild,
Begin the hours of this day slow.
Make the day seem to us less brief.
Hearts not averse to being beguiled,
Beguile us in the way you know.
Release one leaf at break of day;
At noon release another leaf;
One from our trees, one far away.
Retard the sun with gentle mist;
Enchant the land with amethyst.
Slow, slow!
For the grapes' sake, if the were all,
Whose leaves already are burnt with frost,
Whose clustered fruit must else be lost--
For the grapes' sake along the all.

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Blessings,

Judy

Angels Talk About Picking Up The Pieces

                                                            Picture from stock.free.org 

 The Angels say that when things do not go the way that we thought they would, and our world seems in pieces, it is the time to pick up the pieces.  

When our world falls apart, it is because we have attached too much significance to the different events in our lives, or to the outcome of a set of events.  This is the problem with being attached.

Often, when everything falls apart, it is an opening for Great Spirit to send something new your way because you have now opened the door, and you are not closed to something new happening.  

When you pick up a piece of a puzzle, most often, you do not immediately know where it fits.  This is exactly what happens when Creator sends you little experiences that are outside of your comfort level.  You do not know how it fits, and yet it does.  If we had a big enough capacity to view everything, we could see immediately where this new “thing” fits.

So, take each new experience, and celebrate it, instead of locking it up somewhere.  Let go of that kind of control.  Be joyful around each day!

Many blessings,

Judy

Pelican Offers Advice

As we walked along the path by the river, we were surprised to see a lonely looking Pelican floating along the water, occasionally sticking its head below the water and then pulling it up again. 

My friend recently lost her husband to a long battle with cancer.  She was enjoying the walk and we were having a lively conversation.  Suddenly, the Pelican squawked, and stared right at her.  It began a lively combination of swimming, and sticking its head under water, and shaking water off, and then starting the combination all over.   We were surprised yet again, by this unusual behaviour.

Elizabeth asked me what I thought the bird was doing.  My reply was that the Pelican was giving her a message about life.  Here is my interpretation of the message.

• Pick up the pace of what you are doing.  It is okay to be gentle for a while, however, you do need to get on with things.
• When you feel an emotion, dive into it, and find out where it takes you.  Remember that an emotion is symptomatic of something else going on.
• Hiding from the world view by burying your head will not change things.  Meet things head on.
• When you have explored something, shake it off, and move on to the next thing.
• Moving with the water’s flow is easier than swimming upstream. 

Blessings,

Judy

Spirit Says One Learns In The Space of Silence

 

The poster says:

This is what I want: My little piece of silence, the world full and blooming all around, and me here listening to the wind.

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There is only one real rhythm; in Silence you hear it. When you live to the rhythm of this Silence, you become it slowly.    - Mother Meera

Mystic writers say that we are moving now into the time of Oneness – a time where we will all be as one.  These writers say that we need to be still, and to listen.

For me, silence is about stilling one’s own mind so that you can hear the messages from the life around you. 

I have written about this before.  Check out….

https://www.lightstationwisdom.com/2023/06/the-beauty-of-silence.html

https://www.lightstationwisdom.com/2024/02/feeling-silence.html

https://www.lightstationwisdom.com/2023/08/feel-silence.html

https://www.lightstationwisdom.com/2023/11/silence-and-meditation.html

https://www.lightstationwisdom.com/2024/04/we-must-be-silent-to-hear.html

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Many blessings,

Judy

Happy July 4th, 2024

Happy 4th of July 2024 to all the folks in the United States.

What a wonderful day to celebrate all the good things around us. 

I wish each of you a day of celebration so that you are at peace with yourself, your family, and the rest of the world.

I wish you each a time of forgiveness so that you may let go of what you are holding on to, and that you may move forward without regrets.

This is my blessing for you.

Judy

Great Blue Heron - A Spirit Animal

Today, as we drove down the highway, a great blue heron appeared and was flying into the north east.

               Great Blue Heron flying over the water – source unknown.

What struck me as curious was how far she seemed to be from any water. I also wondered why she was flying in such gale force winds.  I pondered the message that Heron was bringing to me.

Heron is about grounding and wading through one’s emotions.  She is also about standing one’s ground, and not being influenced by others.  As you might guess, most encounters with Heron are on the ground, usually when she is standing in the water.  To encounter her in the air is indeed a gift!

I asked for her message, and received immediate feedback in a knowing and clear thoughts from her.  First, being alone, she is showing that regardless of the difficulty, sometimes one is best traveling alone.  Wizards, leaders, and wisdom keepers often travel the lone path.  Flying in the difficult wind, she shows that even slow progress is still progress and should not be seen as a defeat, but as the wonderful affirmation of Spirit that it is.  Heron is flying above the Earth to show that one does not have to be embroiled in all the negative things happening on the Earth; one can fly above it, and observe it from a distance.  In this way, one has a larger perspective so that the story becomes more distant, and the perfection of movement, of aligning of parts of the Earth, is seen in its beauty.

Further, Heron said, “ Flying into the north east is the direction one goes when it is time to share your knowledge with the world.  However, you must find the means to do that in a way that feels comfortable to you…. not to others.  The Wizard only shares what needs to be shared at the time that it needs to be shared, and not before.  Be confident in your guidance, and move in the flow.”

Many blessings,

Judy