Universal Gratitude

My life is (and always has been) chock-full of magical moments and events. I am largely oblivious to them in the way, I suppose, a ridiculously wealthy princess takes for granted riches we peasants drool over. They're every-day occurrences to me.

From the moment I first considered accepting this new writing project, the Universe has conspired to direct resource material in my direction. I call this synchronicity. The closer we get to "our" ideal journey, the more the Universe packs our knapsack with provisions (because we danged sure are gonna need every one of 'em).

So a big ole "THANK YOU" to you, Uni and all your minions. ♥

[Tomorrow: Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros]

Writer in Training

Occasionally, a friend will ask me why I bother taking more writing classes when I seem to have a pretty good handle on my craft. I appreciate these votes of confidence more than you can know! 

I continually hone my skills, try to cull unnecessary habits while bulking up juicy tidbits, so my readers will receive the best I have to offer. It's along the veins of a boxer perpetually in training.

You never know when the Universe and the Muse will join forces and deposit the Story of a Lifetime in my lap. I want to be ready when it happens. ~~GH

"Unless a writer works constantly to improve and refine the tools of his trade, they will be useless instruments if and when the moment of inspiration, of revelation, does come. This is the moment when a writer is spoken through, the moment that a writer must accept with gratitude and humility, and then attempt, as best he can, to communicate to others."
                ~~Madeleine L'Engle

Saved by the Bell

[Changed post: original image used developed broken link. Text screen image changed 05-02-13.~~GH]

I may or may not write a scene into one of my stories/novels about a character who has been sick, is feeling run-down. She develops a sudden case of severe diarrhea and on her way to the bathroom, has an "accident," slips and falls in the floor.

She begins to sob, feeling like surely this is the lowest point in her life. She is exhausted, in pain, swollen, miserable. Now on top of all that, she has a big mess to clean which she certainly does not feel "up" to dealing with but has no choice. And the indignity! Is there truly any point in even trying any more, she wonders. Just let me die right here and now.

Just then, the incoming text signal on her cell phone goes off. She glances at the screen. The message is from her ex. "Just wanted to say hello and hope you are doing well." 

This triggers a near-hysterical reaction whereby she dissolves into helpless giggles. The Universe is so clever! She can think of nothing else that would cause her to rally and pull herself together quicker or more effectively. Sheer stubborn pride takes over and she texts back a simple "Thank you." 

Now she finds the strength to pull herself together and do what must be done. Somewhere, a goddess smiles. 

This may or may not be a true story.~~GH

Grace vs, Rationalization

In a perfect Universe, when Doubt stands on your shoulder and whispers sweet somethings in your ear, Grace steps in.

Grace is transforming. Grace offers a safe haven that enables us to gather our courage and take action, but does not restrict us. Grace is an open shelter.

Grace's evil twin is Rationalization. Rationalization is crippling. Rationalization is a wall that blocks us in and keeps us trapped.

So how do we recognize the difference between the roof and the wall? 

First, let me remind you that I am not a psychologist (nor do I play one on TV), or anything else; I am just a person like you traveling the Path. I have no authority or power. These are just my thoughts, expressed and shared with others. This is some heavy-duty stuff. Each of us is responsible for doing our own work. I'm just letting you peek at my paper.

So I am faced with the situation (carrying over from yesterday's blog post) where I need to decide whether I can trust others (Still? Ever? Someday?), or whether it is safer/more acceptable to me to choose not to trust. Note that this has nothing to do with others and everything to do with me.

Grace says, “Rest in me and it will be enough. You are safe. You can do it; you can move forward. It will be all right. I promise and I always keep my promises.” And She does.

Rationalization sidles up and whispers, “Do [or don't]; you can always change your mind later.” Rationalization is the voice that tells you to stop thinking about a situation and put it off until tomorrow. Sometimes we get so overwhelmed and confused that we rationalize in order to function.

Rationalization is like quicksand. It sucks at your shoes and prevents you from moving forward.

I'm thinking Grace allows all parties involved to move freely; Rationalization holds back the one who rationalizes while permitting the object of the rationalization to move along.

The illusion is that you are moving on. Your feet shuffle, the scenery changes, it seems like you're traveling. But in reality, you are marching in place. Rationalization says “He meant well; he wasn't trying to hurt me with those lies.”

Now we're moving into not only Motivation, but Judgment as well. This may well be a neverending series of musings, folks. Every time I think I'm coming to a natural conclusion, I find another butterfly to chase. Maybe I'm drawing closer to finding Truth?

Then again, maybe all of this is total bullshit.

Still, I find myself wanting to forgive, to let go, to refuse to hold onto anger and resentment, to trust. This represents one of Life's paradoxes. While it is simple to close one's eyes and -- poof -- blow away the chaff from one's hand, it is complicated to let go of anger and resentment.

Forgiveness and trust feel a lot alike to me. The sensation I get when I actively forgive another person is a breath of fresh air, a lightness, a positive energy. Trusting someone freely feels nearly identical.

I like how it feels. 

So for Today, with the help of Grace, I choose... to trust.~~GHC