prepare ye

At this time of year it is so easy to be caught up into the rush. Especially this morning, cyber Monday. My mailbox is blasting me with lures to shop and save, save, save.
Do you feel up to your neck yet?

Yesterday was the first Sunday of Advent and this season of preparation offers a remedy.
Reflect. Anticipate. Prepare.
"There is more to life than increasing its speed." If ever there was a time to slow down it's now.

A part of every day there should be time to breathe, stretch, meditate. And every day find gratitude and joy to keep your inner flame aglow.
If you are reading this you should know that I am grateful for your stopping here and send my thanks.
In the days ahead, take good care of yourself.

clarity in the fog

I'd lost track of a practice that I've recently learned to embrace once again.

Breath work and meditation. 

I know it looks as if I'm napping, and I think perhaps Jerome thought I was as he snuck around taking snaps of his girls snuggled together in the sunlight. In truth I was doing my controlled breathing followed by a meditation that moves chi through your chakras. It is both energizing and cleansing and the movement of the energy nearly always attracts the cats. 

It's all too easy to pass through a day and not make time for the most important bits. To love your neighbor as yourself implies that you love yourself first. I think this means you must be in touch with yourself to really be able to connect to those around you. 

A remarkable example of this can be found on Anne's blog today. Despite the challenges in her personal life since the opening of 2016, she has courageously and steadfastly sought her inner journey and by doing so has been able to give so much to so many. Please take time to read her post soon. You've so much to gain by it. 

Love you, Anne. 

choosing the light

Words fail.
Instead I share with you graces that bring their healing energy to my depleted soul:
Dovey

a mini bouquet of Cherokee Spirit echinacea

a handful of late season greens

We have our work cut out for us now. Find strength in daily miracles. Move towards the light.

Way to go Cubs!

For the first six years of my life I lived two blocks from Wrigley Field, 1169 Eddy Street. I grew up being able to hear Pat Piper announce the games, from the opening lineup of each team, to the final out. I knew every player, his position, his batting average. My Dad was their biggest fan.

Celebrate wisely, Chicago.