The Promise of Tomorrow
~ Jamie Sams ~
“Earth Medicine”

The promise Creator gives us
Comes with every new day,
The gift of breath, the gift of life,
Opportunities in a vast array.
How do we count our blessings,
Through the choices life can bring?
Is it through joyful lessons?
Or the fears to which we cling?
Are we learning to show gratitude,
For the victories over human pain?
By honoring the feeling choices,
We grasp the will we’ve regained.
Can we change our focus,
With no need to defend?
Acknowledging joy and sorrow,
Without judging foe or friend?
Tomorrow promises the fullness
Of every human way to know:
How we master each challenge
Determines our balance -
reflecting how we grow.

*************

I enjoy collecting inspirational quotes, poems and various writings and when I find one that is particularly thought provoking or enlightening I post it. I hope you enjoy this Native American quote.

Bright blessings, Lady Rose

Written by Lady RoseTags:native american, quote

A childhood friend of mine who I’ve recently reconnected with on Facebook  recently posted a quote. Originally I thought it was something that she herself came up with, but a quick internet search (oh Google how I love thee so) revealed that it was first uttered by Theodore Roosevelt.

Now Teddy I’m sorry, but I added a line (in parentheses) because as I read the quote to myself a few times I kept hearing it spoken in my inner voice (yes I occasionally do in fact listen to the voices in my head) but I wanted to share it here because it is so simple a concept and at once so wise that I felt that I couldn’t possibly be the only person who found meaning in it.

“Do what you can
(when you can)
with what you have
where you are.”

Theodore Roosevelt

See what I mean? Simple on face value, but as you read it a couple of times the meaning, the impact, goes quite a bit deeper.

We can only do what we can.

We are all blessed with gifts and talents that are unique.

We are all beset with pains and limitations that are unique, as well.

No one can give more than 100%.

Can most of us do more to improve ourselves, our lives, our circumstances? Probably.

But, that does not mean looking at our friends, co-workers, neighbors, acquaintances, etc. and comparing our abilities and achievements to theirs.  They may have a better support network, more free time, better health, more financial security.  Their priorities are sure to be different, their needs as well.  So trying to compare ourselves to them will never lead to satisfaction and is generally more likely to lead to frustration than inspiration.

Instead, we should spend that energy means looking at our own situation and deciding what can realistically change.

This is not necessarily about letting ourselves off easy, it is more about being forgiving of and gentle with ourselves.  It speaks to giving ourselves the same benefit of the doubt, the same permission to be imperfect, that we would allow a friend, a family member, a loved one of any flavor.

Most of us live to one degree or another on a hamster wheel that requires that we keep pushing ourselves beyond the levels of our endurance of pain and exhaustion and stress.

And yes there are times when there is no choice – in times of true emergency, in times of tragedy – but it shouldn’t be an everyday lifestyle.

Because in running on our hamster wheel we lose sight of beauty, we lose out on small pleasures, we stop finding ways to feed our soul and nurture our dreams.  If we run long enough we wake up one day and find our life is half (or mostly) over and we have forgotten how to truly live.

Give yourself permission to do what matters.

Give yourself permission to be imperfect.

Forgive yourself your weaknesses and recognize your strengths.

Ask the Divine as you see it to bless you with

serenity to accept what can’t be changed

courage to change what can

and the wisdom to truly know the difference

Reinhold Niebuhr

Blessings

Mama Kelly

Written by Mama KellyTags:inspiration, quotation, quote

“The greatest natural resourse in the world is not in the earth’s waters or minerals, nor in the forests or grasslands. It is the spirit that resides in every unstoppable person. And the spirit of the individual benefits us all. Choose to be Unstoppable” ~Cynthia Kersey

W – Woman
 I - In
T – Total
C – Control of
H – Herself

*****

W = Wonderful 
 I = Intelligent 
T = Talented 
C = Charming 
H = Hell of a Woman

*****

W = Wise 
 I = Individual 
T = That 
C = Can 
H = Handle ‘anything’

Written by Lady RoseTags:inspiration, quote, witch

In honor of all the great teachers out there (Teacherman, my hubby, being one of them) – here are a few inspiring quotes.   FYI: Teacher Appreciation Week (in the U.S. May 4th – 8th 2009).

“The smartest person in the world is not the one who knows the most, but the one who knows where to find the most.” ~6th Grade Teacher

“Imagination is more important than knowledge, for knowledge is limited to all we now know and understand, while imagination embraces the entire world.” ~Albert Einstein

“If I could wish for my life to be perfect, it would be tempting but I would have to decline, for life would no longer teach me anything.” ~Allyson Jones

“There can be no knowledge without emotion. We may be aware of a truth, yet until we have felt its force, it is not ours. To the cognition of the brain must be added the experience of the soul.” ~Arnold Bennett

“The highest function of the teacher consists not so much in imparting knowledge as in stimulating the pupil in its love and pursuit.” ~Henri Frederic Amie

“Life is a succession of lessons which must be lived to be understood.” ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Bright blessings, Lady Rose

Written by Lady RoseTags:inspiration, learning, quote

“Llife is your Mother, Death is your sister. If you hate your sister, you will be hated by your mother”. ~ quote from book by Dr. Jorge Adoum

Samhain has just past, a time to honor the the spirits of our ancestors and deparated loved ones. We are approaching the season of winter, the night will be getting longer and our minds and hearts turn inward, reflective, quiet.

An excerpt from song, “Death and the Maiden”,
by classical composer, Schubert
(death talking to The Maiden)

“Give me your hand, you beauty.
I’m your friend and I’ve not come to punish you.
I am not wild.
You’ll softly sleep in my arms.”

In the course of my studies as a witch and my own natural curiosity I have done a lot of reading and had many interesting first hand experiences dealing with death, spirits and ghosts. I accept that death is a natural part of the life cycle. I belief that spirit continues to exist after it leaves the physical body.

It is only natural to at first fear death. But I have learned to understand it and be a peace with the darker side of the Goddess. Coming to terms with how one feels about death and the here after, truly does bring a much deeper level of peace, joy, and appreciation for life each and every day.

Have you ever explored your feelings, fears, and beliefs about Death and the Here After? Feel free to join in the discussion in our forums or leave a comment.

Bright blessings, Lady Rose

Thank you to Betsemes, one of readers who shared the quotes in comments to a post (8/22/08) at our previous blog location.

Written by Lady RoseTags:death, quote, samhain

Blast from the past – I sorted out some boxes this morning of old, old junk, papers, etc., and found some old emails I had printed out way back from 1996. They made me chuckle so I wanted to share them with all of you.

Jesus saves sinners, and redeems them for valuable prizes.

Jesus is coming, and if he is late, you get your next pizza free.

I’m serving Jesus, and he wants 2 egss over easy, ham, grits, coffee light and sweet, whole wheat toast, and a side of pancakes.

I am not stupid, I am not expandable, and I am NOT getting out of this Pentacle!

I’m Lost. I’ve gone to look for myself. If I should return before I get back, please ask me to wait.

If olive oil comes from olives and peanut oil comes from peanuts, where does baby oil come from?

The only way to kill a vegetarian is to drive a steak through its heart.

Don’t play with your food until you have eaten all your toys.

I believe in Dragons, good men and other fantasy creatures.

My Karma ran over my Dogma.

Don’t try to outweird me! I get weirder things than you with my breakfast cereal.

Do not mess in the affairs of Dragons, for you are chewy and taste great dipped in chocolate.

An angry Dragon may eat you, but an angry Woman is truly dangerous!

Jesus has returned, and he says the whole religion bit was a joke dreamed up by coyote, and now the Great Mother is pissed.

Bright Blessings and hope everyone is enjoying their weekend, Lady Rose

Written by Lady RoseTags:humor, quote

” … During midlife the desire to be our real selves, which comes from our soul, contributes to the crises we unconsciously create when we do not feel vital and authentic. There is an internal impetus to become a whole person and when we spend time in the metaphorical forest and the actual forest or natural world, we are exposed to the possibility and growth of our instinctual nature, our spiritual connection with Nature, and our sense of oneness with the universe.”

Crossing to Avalon: A Woman’s Midlife Quest for the Sacred Feminine
~ Jean Shinoda Bolen, M.D. ~

This excerpt struck a cord with me and resonants with my goals for Womon Gathering, to return to my true self and live my life from a place connected with spirit and renewing the light I know resides within me. Tomorrow Mama Kelly and I will be journeying to the camp in the forest, but it is also much more, it is a journey for our souls to the “metaphorical forest.” I have added this book, Crossing to Avalon, to my wish list and hope to read it soon.

I found the excerpt from Crossing To Avalon, on Maitri’s blog Magic and Moments At Dragonfly Cottage. I only recently discovered her blog but it has become one of my favorites and I visit often for the warmth, insights, and gentle wisdom. Here is a brief description: “Living in The Moment. Art as life, and life as art. This blog shares thoughts of cherishing life and living in the moment, as well as living with my 12 animal companions, life as a writer and fiber artist.”

Here is a poem that was in my head the other day that also reflects my focus for Womon Gathering – to renew my soul – Reclaiming My Power

I also found this quote today that seemed very appropriate - “The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any.” ~Alice Walker

Bright Blessings, Lady Rose

Of interest – Two Tarot card readings I did about our trip to Womon Gathering, posted on Stir the Cauldron:
Tarot Reading – Womon Gathering (lessons to focus on at Womon Gathering).
Tarot Reading – My Path Unfolds (spiritual path unfolds after Womon Gathering).

Written by Lady RoseTags:inspiration, quote

Here are three quotes by various yoga teachers that I came across today in my random web surfing that I felt were worthwhile to share.

“The only reason we suffer in the world is because we compare one moment to the other.”  ~ Cameron Shayne, founder of Budokon (hybrid class combining  the classical arts of yoga, martial arts and meditation).

“At the highest understanding all paths lead to the same place.” ~ Phil DiPietro, owner of Yoga Mandali in New York City

“It’s just powerful when you document something, when you write it down, it helps manifest it faster.” ~ Angelique Shofar (Washington), founder of Soulful Yoga (hybrid of African dance, eclectic music, journaling, and Yoga)

Bright blessings, Lady Rose

Written by Lady RoseTags:inspiration, quote

“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

We have all heard it before, and most of us ignore it. But it is true – our bodies are the temples of our soul. If we truly want to express our true spiritual selves, then the only way we can do that is through our bodies. Our emotions, thoughts, actions, everything we do is affected by the state of health our bodies are in. Yet on a daily basis we continue to neglect and abuse our bodies.

May 1 of this year I began yet again another quest to get healthy and fit (goal to loose over 100 lbs). It will be a long road but at 50 years of age, I have come to accept that I absolutely have no other choice. I have tried before, failed, and tried again many times. But this time — it’s succeed or I may not have another chance. Years of neglect, lack of exercise, yo-yo dieting, obesity, junk food, stress, emotional crisis after emotional crisis have left me exhausted, high blood pressure and the beginning signs of heart desease, a fatty liver, and who knows what else that hasn’t manifested yet.

My first responsibilitie as a witch is to honor and care for the body the Goddess provided me with. In order to express the spiritual Witch inside of me, I have to first be gentle with myself, relax into my physical body and allow the energy to flow, nurture my life force energy, enhance my self esteem, and listen to the wisdom of my body. Without a strong, nurturing connection with my physical self I am cutting my self off from the Goddess and the Universal Life Force. I want to live a long and healthy life to enjoy raising my daughter and watch her life unfold, to be with my husband well into our golden years, to travel and be creative, to be a living expression of the divine purpose the Goddess has for me. Each day I need to take time to make this goal a reality.

A cared-for body repays us with well-being, energy, and a home for building our soul. Be good to yourself.

Bright blessings, Lady Rose

Written by Lady RoseTags:health, quote, spirituality, witch in you

“To live is so startling it leaves little time for anything else.”

~ Emily Dickinson

This is one of my favorite quotes. It is an elegant reminder to appreciate and truly live each moment of every day and appreciate the wonders of nature and everything and everyone around you.

Bright Blessings, Lady Rose

Written by Lady RoseTags:quote