Daily Affirmations: Abundance Begins Within

Abundance begins within. Today, I acknowledge the prosperity and abundance that surrounds my life in the form of loving family and friends. I am grateful for all the abundance in my life. In gratitude, I accept the riches that manifest daily in my life. ~~ Pamela J. Leavey

(Photo: Three Mute Swans at Joppa Flats, Newburyport ~ c. Pamela J. Leavey 2012)

Food For Thought: Outward Things

A deep contemplation today from J. Krishnamurti…

Awareness of outward things

If you are aware of outward things—the curve of a road, the shape of a tree, the colour of another’s dress, the outline of the mountains against a blue sky, the delicacy of a flower, the pain on the face of a passerby, the ignorance, the envy, the jealousy of others, the beauty of the earth—then, seeing all these outward things without condemnation, without choice, you can ride on the tide of inner awareness. Then you will become aware of your own reactions, of your own pettiness, of your own jealousies. From the outward awareness, you come to the inward; but if you are not aware of the outer, you cannot possibly come to the inner… When there is inward awareness of every activity of your mind and your body; when you are aware of your thoughts, of your feelings, both secret and open, conscious and unconscious, then out of this awareness there comes a clarity that is not induced, not put together by the mind. ~~ J. Krishnamurti: The Collected Works vol XV p 243

What do you see when you look around you… And how do you feel when you see it… I believe that “ride on the tide of inner awareness” we must see everything with an open heart that radiates love.

(Photo: Young Mute Swans at the Artichoke River Reservior ~ c. Pamela J. Leavey 2012)

Reflections: Rough Seas

I’ve been charting rough seas for a few weeks now and I keep looking for a break from the many storms that have been thrown my way, financial, physical and given the first two, emotional as well. It’s been one of those times in life that no matter how hard you try, you just feel like it’s tough to get a break.

I’ve always believed in the power of positive thought and intent but sometimes even within a daily practice of affirmations, gratitude and prayers, you still feel as though the sea is tossing you from side to side.

Still, there are moments as each day passes by, that I see the light at the end of the tunnel. There is a reflection of light so wonderous, that it fills me with the necessary strength to push through the rough seas…

(Photo: Reflection on the Salt Marsh ~ c. Pamela J. Leavey 2011)

On The Parker River Path: In Flight

Taken earlier this month at the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge… A Rough Legged Hawk in flight…

Sitting at my desk today, watching the rain pour down on the Merrimack River, I wish I could be like this lovely raptor, in flight.

(Photo: Rough Legged Hawk in Flight ~~ c. Pamela J. Leavey 2012)

Reflections

Reflections…

As I have mentioned here previously, it’s not easy for me to stay down. I’m working hard at this time to “be in the moment and go with the flow” although going with the flow, feels quite a bit like swimming upstream… or worse, being caught up in a whirlpool.

I have plenty of time right now for inner reflection… As the universe has grounded me for a while. Given the fact that I’m stuck at home unable to drive I’m reading 3 wonderful books that I would recommend for anyone who’s looking to read good “food for thought” books:

I somehow missed reading Marianne Williamson’s The Gift of Change when it was first published a few years ago. I’ve long been a fan of Marianne’s books and lectures. Early in my years spent living in Los Angeles, I frequently went to her lectures at the Wilshire Ebell in the ’90′s. Reading it now comes to me at a profound time of change. It’s helped to re-mind me of many of the spiritual lessons I have learned over the years studying A Course In Miracles, Buddhism, Shamanism and the Goddess.

Women Who Run with the Wolves was published around the time I started to seek out spiritual knowledge, particularly focused on the Goddess and female Shamanism at the time. Clarissa Pinkola Estes long awaited new book, Untie the Strong Woman does not disappoint. I’m not far into Untie the Strong Woman yet… I will try to write more about it, as I am reading it.

Last night, I just lightly began to delve in the Dalai Lama’s new book, Beyond Religion: Ethics for a Whole World and so far I’m loving the message.

We all need to take time in our lives to reflect on our lives and free ourselves from past ties that bind us. It’s about slowing down and listening to the messages that the universe has for us… Often seen in reflections if you slow down enough to look at them.