More Often Than Not...

The Universe Paints A Lovely Picture.  

Open your eyes to the possibilities of a day, but never turn a blind eye to the tragedy that may await there as well. 

5

My word for the year is Gratitude. I originally had another word in mind, but something kept telling me that it needed to be Gratitude.  It seemed odd to me, I have so much to be grateful for, it seemed too easy.  I believe I am now beginning to understand why the word, Chose me.

At times, the things we should be grateful for take a backseat to the things that hurt us. I began a journal of five things each day that I am thankful for.  Some days I really have to stop and think, reflect on my day. So many simple, little, wonderful things happen each day, I forget them once they pass.  I have the desire to train myself to recognize them as they happen, and make a mental note.

Daily 5 - Sunday:

Sleeping In.  It has been so long since I have been able to sleep past 6:00 am. There is no better feeling than to wake up leisurely.

Big Fluffy Snowflakes. They fall so slowly, creating a sense of time slowing down.

Communication. Messages from friends. Staying in touch, no matter how busy you or they are.

Hot Bath. I have only had two or three in over a year. I generally prefer a hot shower. I'm grateful to have the option of either.

Inspiration. From the depths of sadness, anger, and confusion, comes meaningful art. As well from, the beautiful face in a photograph from the past.

Moon

it is not only light that falls over the world spreading inside your body

yet suffocate itself

so much is clarity

taking its leave of you

as if you were on fire within

the moon lives in the lining of your skin

                                                ~Pablo Neruda

Have You Seen Me Lately?

these days I feel like I'm being erased

Once

Falling slowly, eyes that know me

And I can't go back

Moods that take me and erase me

And I'm painted black

                                           ~ Glen Hansard

An unexpected discovery has left me in a bit of shock, and hurt, to say the least. It is nothing tragic, just, eye-opening I suppose.  Some people feel the need to hurt others in order to make themselves feel secure, if that is the way in which they choose to live their life, I have no doubt that they will eventually lose what they are so desperately trying to hold on to. 

Four

Principles of Spirituality

"Whomsoever you encounter is the right one" 

This means that no one comes into your life by chance. Everyone who is around us, anyone with whom we interact, represents something, whether to teach us something or to help us improve a current situation.

"Whatever happened is the only thing that could have happened"

Nothing, absolutely nothing of that which we experienced could have been any other way. Not even in the least important detail. There is no "if only I had done that differently..., then it would have been different..." No. What happened is the only thing that could have taken place for us to learn our lesson and move forward. Every single situation in life, which we encounter, is absolutely perfect, even when it defies our understanding and our ego.

"Each moment in which something begins is the right moment"

Everything begins at exactly the right moment, neither earlier nor later. When we are ready for it, for that something new in our life, it is there, ready to begin.

"What is over, is over"

It is that simple. When something in our life ends, it helps our evolution. That is why, enriched by recent experience, it is better to let go and move on. 

I am currently working on a four small paintings based on these principles. A visual interpretation of each.  I'll post a photo of the four pieces when I complete them.