On Giving

There are those who give little of the much which they have - and they give it for recognition and their hidden desire makes their gifts unwholesome.

And there are those who have little and give it all.

These are the believers in life and the bounty of life, and their coffer is never empty.

There are those that give with joy, and that joy is their reward.

And there are those who give with pain, and that pain is their baptism.

And there are those who give and know not pain in giving, nor do they seek joy, nor give with mindfulness of virtue;

They give as in yonder valley the myrtle breathes its fragrance into space.

Through the hands of such as these God speaks, and from behind their eyes He smiles upon the earth.

- Kahlil Gibran

In Honor of My Father

I am honoring the emotions that flood my being…the most important one is that it feels like my Heart cannot contain the immense Love rushing to the surface and superseding all other ones…perhaps this transition is breaking me open to further realize the only experience that has ever truly mattered.

Love Energy: Michael Bernard Beckwith

A few years ago, I heard the buzz about The Secret, so I checked out the film to see for myself. Though I appreciated the universal principles that were spoken about, I believe much of it narrowly focused on their applications for financial wealth. There was, however, one person in the film who stood out to me - Michael Bernard Beckwith. His words and energy carried such resonance that I later sought out his work. As it turned out, he’s the founder and spiritual director of Agape International Spiritual Center in Culver City, CA.

When I was recently in the Los Angeles area, I was fortunate to be able to visit the centre. I was smitten by the fact that it’s situated in an industrial building in a humble neighbourhood. Not only did it help to confirm his authenticity, but also it was inspiring to see that he’s keeping it real with all of the fanfare he’s received.

While I missed the actual service, someone at the center let me know about the new live streaming events every Wednesday and Sunday at www.agapelive.com. As a member of the online community, I listened to his sermons via recordings and always found them to be revelatory and riveting. Through this new medium, it's been a whole new experience - witnessing Dr. Beckwith deliver the services, hearing the Agape choir sing and being part of the congregation through "streamland" has provided me with even more nourishment.

Bringin' Home the Mojo

Chess Players at Santa Monica Beach

Just got back from a trip to Vegas and LA.

Stayed on Fremont Street this time. You know the economy is challenging when sex trade workers are boldly staking out business in busy tourist areas. During one of his encounters, my partner was followed to Walgreens and waited for while he shopped inside - lol. Nice guy - he thought by explaining he’s married, she’d cease and desist. He eventually had to drop into security officer mode (from days gone by) and, in his best base tone, tell her that he wasn’t interested. Guess the over-politeness that we can be known for in Canada wasn’t working in the context. Anyhow, the casinos were not of the same caliber we’re used to, and I missed the gaudy monoliths of the Strip. Yes, Vegas is one of my guilty pleasures.

After the stopover, we headed to La-La Land. Not having stayed there for years, the size of the city was overwhelming at times. To get a sense of how large it seemed to me, the population of California is equivalent to all of Canada. As my Grandma used to convey, I sure felt like a "country mouse"! Nonetheless, I did enjoy its colors and textures. By the time we returned home, I felt as if I was living in a bucolic town. Vancouver is one of the younger cities in Canada, and she can be pretty monochromatic in terms of urban life.

I love my country for several key reasons, but there’s an energy about the States - a drive, determination and spirit - that’s contagious. Great opportunity to bring some mojo (yeah, baby) back with me and start the new school year off right.

Perseverance

"Accept the lesson. When things don’t go our way, something more important to the growth of our soul is in the works."

- Cheryl Richardson, from the Grace Cards

Many plans I had for the summer fell by the wayside. Re-assessing things, I believe I made the best choices for myself. The choices did, in fact, steer me in another direction, which I feel is better for my well-being. Still, I’ve been feeling dejected at times. Wondering if and where I went wrong. Looking at circumstances from a broader perspective, I did right by my spirit - by honoring my intuition, not being attached to outcomes and surrendering to the process. I believe, also, there are lessons about perseverance. There's no failure, if something vital has been learned.

Trusting Life

Accustomed to survival

Conditioning from the past ~ habits that served me

then

Kept the real me safe from harm

Enabled me to take countless steps

To keep walking

I embrace you

I thank you

I am grateful for you

Now I can say good-bye to you

And know that I am safe still

Free Hugs

When I came across this video about the Free Hugs Campaign, it brought a smile to my day ~ I’m sharing it in hope it brings one to yours too!

As notes of interest, when Aboriginals gather, people hug on their left sides, so hearts symbolically touch in the embraces. And Amma the hugging saint has passed on such beauty to the world through these simple gestures.

Inspiring Story! Free Hugs Campaign (Music by Sick Puppies)


Hugs,

Denise

~ Dancing ~

A dream came to me in which I was told, “Before you give back…you must first learn how to dance.” When I reflected on giving in the past, a favorite poem had come to mind ~ On Giving by Kahlil Gibran ~ timeless wisdom about being a clear channel of God’s grace…

After embracing the dream’s message for awhile, I sensed it was about learning to live with inner peace and joy. A realization dawned on me ~ it would be impossible to pass on that which I had yet to feel…

A journey was calling me to surrender, one of internal cleansing, which felt like a dark night of the soul. Deep-seated fears surfaced, so they could be transformed and released to the light of day. And my essence ~ this love which connects me to everyone ~ could come forth…

I've begun to feel what it’s like to live with a light load, yet a lofty dream. In recent months, I've experienced several synchronicities ~ ones that let me know the major cleansing has been completed, and a new beginning is in the making…

~ I am joining the divine dance ~