Showing posts with label Books. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Books. Show all posts

Tuesday, 1 December 2015

Lists and Prayers #reverb15

What sort of lists do you have on the go at the moment?  What do they suggest you are praying for?

  • Help my son pack for his upcoming transatlantic move!

 

let go gracefully



care of the soul

  • Commit  to craft projects… Finish knitting my daughter’s Christmas gift.  Move on to handmade felt and sewing projects in the New Year.


creativity

  • Prepare for teaching new dance-fitness programs I plan to launch in January


prosperity

  • Try cooking one new healthy recipe a week.  


nourishment

  • Write my annual family newsletter to post with Christmas cards. 


enduring friendships

Home improvements: redecorate... paint, take out the old carpet and put down wood floors, print and frame recent family photos, put up the holiday decorations 
*resume reading & implementing The LifeChanging Magic of Tidying Up* 

beauty & tranquillity

Plan a kid-free weekend away with my partner. 

romance

Find thoughtful presents for my loved ones this festive season. 

joyfulness

Research and discover an interesting course to enrol in next year. 

inspiration


For the month of December I will be participating in #reverb15. If you're interested in learning more or receiving prompts such as the one I explored today, click here. Big thanks to Kat McNally for bringing us all together once more!



Monday, 17 December 2012

Inspiration: #Reverb12:16

Who inspired you in 2012? And why? What gifts did they give you?  
                    How will you carry these forward in 2013?

I’d like to share an excerpt from a post I wrote two years ago on a blog that no longer exists:

When I returned from America a couple of weeks ago, the postman delivered a mysterious package to me.  There was no return address or note inside, only a box wrapped in Christmas paper.  I eagerly tore open my New Year’s surprise.  I held a cardboard box in my hand with the following words written on it.  

"Willow Tree is an intimate line of figurative sculptures that speak in quiet ways to heal, comfort, protect and inspire.  This piece is cast from my original carving, and then painted by hand.  I try to keep the interpretation of Willow Tree open.  I hope this makes it more personal, and allows you to decide its meaning.  May the simplicity of these figures communicate peace and serenity to you and those you love.” –Susan Lordi

I was astonished by the image I uncovered.  It was a small sculpture of a brown-skinned woman with her arms outstretched, birds gently resting on her.  Her face is upturned towards the warmth of the sun.  The woman’s back is arched, exposing her heart chakra to the elements.  She obviously feels safe; the wild creatures must know she is no threat to them either.

Several things struck me about this most treasured gift.  Of all the wonders of the natural world, I feel most inspired by birds and trees. The Willow is special to me and was the first tree I planted in my garden when I bought my house.  It would seem that whoever chose this present knew me very well. Yet I was almost certain the gift was from a stranger.

Back in September when I volunteered at the Rude Health Fair, I connected with an older man called Damian.  Sometimes you hear stories of angels disguised as people walking the earth like the rest of us.  For some reason, it crossed my mind that Damian could be one, even though I don't really believe in earthly angels.  We only spoke for 20 minutes or so, but he radiated good energy and left an impression.  He lavished me with praise that day; I’ll never forget his kind words because they really touched me.  Damian asked for one of my business cards before he left my stall.  I wondered if I’d ever hear from again.  I had a feeling I would.

A month later I received a phone call.  Instantly I recognized Damian’s Dublin accent.  We had another meaningful conversation about the importance of spirituality and the challenges of modern life.  I enjoyed reconnecting with him, but tensed when he asked for my address.  He said he’d like to send me a gift someday.

I had a typical American response.  Part of me was afraid that he might turn up at my door and commit a heinous crime.  I’ve had poor judgment about other men.  Maybe I was wrong again!  Instead of an angel, I could be drawing Mr Crazy upon myself!

Fortunately I trusted my gut reaction and chose to remain open.  Before we hung up, Damian explained that his gift would arrive without a word attached to it. Something had reminded him of me, and he promised to send it when the time was right.

I had been curious but never imagined his gift would be so beautiful!  I don’t have his phone number or any way of thanking him, which is the way he must want it.  Perhaps we’ll never meet or speak again.  I am so grateful for such a heartfelt, unconditional gesture!  It gives me hope for humanity.
                                             
*     *     *

Sadly my son accidentally broke the statue and she’s now headless, but the sentiment remains.  Since the time when I wrote the passage above, Damian and I have developed a friendship. Nowadays I hear from him almost every week.  Though we only met briefly that one time, we have a genuine connection.  I’ve come to appreciate the work he does as a high school guidance counselor, and I value his advice.  Sometimes he calls and simply listens while I let off steam.  He has raised 5 children and has been married for close to 30 years.  He knows all about the ups and downs of family life!

He usually sends texts on Sundays with messages such as:
Let your heart soar and your soul fly. Be free. Be at peace.  But most of all... Be.
Forgiveness is the fragrance a violet sheds on the heel that has crushed it.  
Sing like birds sing, not worrying who listens, or what they think.  Keep celebrating your uniqueness.


I’ve been inspired by his kind words and continuous generosity.  He has sent me various little surprises throughout the year. Once he randomly sent €20 with specific instructions to treat myself.  The letter arrived on a day when I was really struggling, and the timing couldn’t have been better!  It’s uncanny.  On my birthday I received a mass card with a lovely note attached, even though he doesn’t know when I was born.  He has also given me a couple of books on spirituality. Most recently he sent Awareness by Anthony de Mello.  I also received a copy of Osho’s Courage: The Joy of Living Dangerously.  I’m determined to finish reading them in 2013.  Hopefully I’ll be able to apply what I learn to my daily life.

My relationship with Saint Damian (as I’ve come to think of him) is purely unconditional, which is a real blessing.  Who knows if we’ll ever meet face to face again!  It doesn’t really matter.  I’ve also formed bonds with writers online through projects such as reverb.  These friends listen and offer support, they bear witness to my story as it unfolds.  I do the same for them.  In the coming year I’d like to nurture these connections, regardless of the outcome.  

As I approach the New Year, I’m reminded of a quote Damian sent me: “Life is not the pursuit of happiness but the discovery of joy.” I couldn't agree more.

 #Reverb12 is an annual December writing project which aims to reflect on the past year and manifest the next.  Blog, journal, or simply leave a comment. Everyone is welcome to participate! Today’s prompt is from I Saw You Dancing. Follow Kat on twitter @kat_anew


Monday, 25 June 2012

Weekly Photo Challenge: Create

Serpent by Susy Cramer (photo by me)
At the beach yesterday, creative energy swirled through the air, almost tangible.  My children tirelessly dug in the sand, creating a hole nearly as big as themselves.  They dug so deeply, it unexpectedly filled with cool saltwater, tickling their toes, further delighting them.

Isn't that the essense of creativity? 

Sunday, 29 January 2012

Nature's Gift: Homeopathic Miracles

Tranquility by Linda & Lawrence (LL Photography)



It’s been a tough week.  Lately I find it even harder to read the newspaper than usual.  A few days ago, I flipped through the headlines of the Irish Examiner and was frustrated reading about the upcoming exodus of midwives from maternity hospitals, which will result in putting both mothers' and babies' lives at risk. Three newborns recently died at a hospital in Belfast.  Health-care, while essential, is lacking here.  I think society ought to protect the vulnerable.  The Irish government, however, has placed this sector of society at higher risk through recent budget cuts.

Feeling disheartened, I put my paper down and sipped my latté. I had just finished teaching a class and was at the café below the dance studio. A local artist I know passed by my table, and we began to chat about the depressing state of affairs in Ireland at the moment. She doesn’t read the paper anymore because it makes her feel too disempowered. We spoke about the need for more Positive News coverage. Good things are happening in the world, believe it or not!

This week I want to share a positive story with my readers.   Are you ready?

My daughter developed mosaic warts when she was 4 years old. We ignored them, assuming they would eventually go away. Over time they multiplied and grew larger and larger. Shortly after her 6th birthday, they spread from her hands- which were covered with nearly 30 warts- to her beautiful face. Although they didn’t hurt, she began to worry about being different. Other children no longer wanted to hold her hands or touch her because they feared catching the warts. She’s a shy child and internalizes her feelings, but I suspected the warts were beginning to have a negative impact on her self-esteem.

We went back to our GP. Previously I’d been advised to try wrapping my daughter's fingers in duct tape.  It didn't work.  Her dad tried chemicals with no luck.  My friend recalled an old Irish wives' tale, which involved rubbing the warts with a potato and burying it in the garden.  When everything failed, my GP said the warts would eventually disappear on their own, although it could take years before that happened.

On our last trip to the doctor's, she tried to freeze the warts off.  Nothing happened.  Finally we were referred to a dermatologist in the city. Our GP explained that my daughter might need to have the warts surgically removed. They would have to put her under general anesthetic because the process would be painful. She explained that there would possibly be scarring, and the warts could grow back. I was distressed by the news, but what was the alternative? Clearly something needed to be done!

I spoke to my mom on the phone and made a comment about homeopathy; I wished I could afford a consultation. Before money became so tight, we used to go to our local homeopath regularly. My mom generously offered to help out on this occasion, so I booked my daughter the next available appointment.

Homeopathy utilizes natural medicine and is based on the principal that like cures like. Rather than treating the symptoms- like conventional medicine does- the whole person is treated, based on their unique temperament. Therefore two people suffering from the same ailment will often need different remedies.

First aid kits and courses are available for common sicknesses, which can be treated at home. Remedies can easily be purchased at health food stores. They are much safer and cheaper than prescription drugs. Miranda Castro’s Complete Homeopathy Handbook has proven to be a great resource for me over the years. However, a visit to a qualified homeopath is necessary to heal more serious conditions.

As we entered the Harbour View Clinic, I hoped we would be helped. West Cork is blessed with a true healer; Angela Kearney has been practicing homeopathy for over 20 years and is dedicated to serving others. I first went to her in 1999 after my baby was hospitalized for asthma. She has helped my family many times. I have grown to trust and greatly appreciate her wisdom! She is a homeopath with a heart and genuinely cares about every patient.

Angela spent a lot of time with us that December afternoon. After the session I gave my daughter 3 doses of the prescribed remedy. Almost immediately her nose began to run. She had been congested, but now the goop flowed freely out of her body. This continued for nearly 3 days and was part of the healing process. A week after her first dose of Calc.Carb., the warts shrivelled up. Two weeks later they completely disappeared! We called it our Christmas Miracle. Unfortunately I didn’t take pictures.

Not long afterward, my middle child started to grow mosaic warts on his hands... yikes! It turns out they're a family problem. Again we ignored the warts, since they weren’t bothering him. Last fall a large wart developed inside of his nose though, which  was uncomfortable and sometimes bled.  By now his hands were getting worse, but not as bad as his sister's had been. I decided to book another homeopathy appointment in November.

Before: Warts- Nov. '11
Halfway Cured- Dec.'11
My son’s experience was different, not so dramatic. This time Angela prescribed Sulfur. A month later we returned to her office.  The warts were 50% smaller. They were softening and changing color. She gave me more of the remedy, but advised me to only give a dose if the healing slowed down. I’m ashamed to say I completely forgot about the warts during the holidays...

It was only when my phone alerted me that we had another appointment this week, that I remembered to check. I couldn’t believe it when I looked at my son’s hands and the warts were gone! The painful one inside his nose? Gone.

Homeopathy cured both of my children!  Conventional medicine could only offer an invasive procedure, whereas homeopathy provided a gentle and effective alternative. It was the best money I’ve ever spent!

After: Cured! Jan.'12
If my story has piqued your curiosity, why not try homeopathy for yourself? A typical consultation might last a whole hour. Prices vary, but a first visit could cost up to €70. Follow up appointments are usually necessary, but are generally shorter and less expensive. Some insurance companies now cover homeopathy, so it’s worth checking out. A directory of practicing homeopaths can be found on the Irish Society of Homeopaths’ website. If you’re living in the USA check out the North American Society of Homeopaths.

In closing, I’d like to share a quote:

“The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quiet, alone with the heavens, nature and God.
Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be and that God wishes to see people happy, amidst the simple beauty of nature. I firmly believe that nature brings solace in all troubles.”
- Anne Frank

I couldn’t agree more. Nature brings many gifts, and healing is among them. Wishing you good health and inspiration!

Big hugs,


Sunday, 11 December 2011

#Reverb11 Prompt: Day 10- Beauty


Beauty
Describe a moment of beauty that you witnessed this year.

Yesterday my mom remarked that she’s never thought of me as an only-child because I have so many “sisters”.  She rattled off a list of names from my childhood, conjuring up memories of sleepovers, cheerleading, gymnastics, bike riding and long jogs together.  My sisters and I have passionately laughed, cried, gossiped, fought, and loved one another for over 25 years.  

Vanessa even drove me to the hospital and photographed the birth of my first child.  We roomed together all through college, and I was her matron of honor when she married her high-school sweetheart.  She has been among my oldest and truest friends for as long as I can remember.

Though I have many girlfriends I love to bits, there are three I shared particularly poignant moments of beauty with last summer.  In their presence, I can completely relax, knowing I’ll never be judged or written off.  

Maureen and I were neighbors and walked to school together.  She has a big family of origin, with four siblings, including a twin brother.   When we were young, I enjoyed the bustle of her busy house, which was different from mine in many ways.  On summer nights, she and I would often rock on her porch swing, dreaming of the future, the families we hoped to someday create.

While I was visiting Ohio last summer, Vanessa and her family drove up from their home in North Carolina.  Our daughters share the same name, and it was beautiful watching them play!  As they scaled steps on the riverfront, I watched nervously, hoping they wouldn’t fall.  Then they began to jump, arms outstretched, confident and fully aware of their small bodies.  I caught a glimmer of the energetic girls Vanessa and I once were.  Our carefree children were full of trust and at ease with one another.  One word came to mind: Grace.

That same week Maureen and I brought our kids for ice-cream in our parents’ neighborhood.  When we were teens, we’d walk the same path on hot nights.  The trip to Dairy Queen became a ritual for us; it was special including our kids and sharing stories about our history.  Both of us were touched watching our sons hold hands as we walked.  Maureen’s boisterous three year old looked up to my “big boy”, and my son instinctively felt protective of him.  They are both chatterboxes and it was hilarious listening to them!  Their sense of wonder and curiosity, as they moved along together, made me smile.

My kids and I were fortunate to also be invited to a very special 18th birthday celebration while we were in town.  It was a family party, and I was pleased that my sister Jodie asked us to come.  I remember helping to plan her baby shower when we were 18.  It was a shock realizing her son is the same age we were back then!  Jodie was the first to become a mother in my circle of friends, and I have always admired her strength and commitment.  Her son has become a wonderful young man and is off to college now.  I’m so proud of them for their achievements.

Witnessing these moments of connection were the most beautiful gifts of 2011.  What were yours?

I’d like to close with a blessing from John O’Donohue’s book Beauty: The Invisible Embrace.


A Beauty Blessing

As stillness in stone to silence is wed
May your heart be somewhere a God might dwell.

As a river flows in ideal sequence
May your soul discover time is presence.

As the moon absolves the dark of distance
May thought-light console your mind with brightness.

As the breath of light awakens colour
May the dawn anoint your eyes with wonder.

As spring rain softens the earth with surprise
May your winter places be kissed by light.

As the ocean dreams to the joy of dance
May the grace of change bring you elegance.

As clay anchors a tree in light and wind
May your outer life grow from peace within.

As twilight fills night with bright horizons
May Beauty await you at home beyond.

Big hugs,
Robin

Sunday, 9 October 2011

Life Changing Books



Topic #264:
What 5 books have influenced you the most?

This is a really tough question!  I’ve been a bookworm since I was 8 years old; narrowing a list down to five top books seems near impossible.  On any given day the list might change.  Today it would be:

  1. The Giving Tree- I still own my childhood copy of this treasured book, and it crosses the sea with me every time I move house.  My eyes water as I read it to my children, as has always been the case.  This simple story of unconditional love holds timeless meaning, contrasted to many of the silly books published for children today.  Giving, loving, and letting go when the time comes are some of life’s greatest lessons.  Shel Silverstein’s simplicity is brilliant. 
  2. To Kill A Mockingbird- I’ve read this book more times than any other.  Each time I notice something new.   Being biracial has heightened my awareness of what it means to be different.  I grew up in a city where I was always aware of racial tension, and inequality wasn’t a new theme for me when I first read this book in 7th grade.  The story inspired me though; it gave me a sense that truth and justice are worth fighting for, and courage needs to be cultivated no matter what age you are.     
  3. Women Who Run With the Wolves- I’ve mentioned this book before and it is my favourite in recent years.  Reclaiming the Wild Feminine, honouring creativity and myth, and celebrating the unique experience of being a woman are fantastic achievements we can all share.  Dr Estes is a compassionate guide whose wisdom is far reaching.  This book is a gift that should be passed down to every daughter, just as my mom gave it to me. 
  4. Eat Pray Love- I read this while I was trying to make up my mind whether or not to stay in my unhappy marriage.  A close friend gave the book to me for my birthday, and it spoke to my soul.  I underlined so many passages; the book is ruined for any eyes other than mine!  Though my chance to travel to India for a yoga retreat has yet to come, the desire is still there.  My existential crisis evolved somewhat differently than Elizabeth Gilbert’s.  I found myself envying her and the luxury of crying on the bathroom floor uninterrupted for hours.  Not even a complete meltdown would deter my kids from asking for juice, snacks, or Goddess forbid… a wipe. 
  5. The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success- I first read this book when I was 20 years old, shortly after it was published.  Long before The Secret became popular, Deepak Chopra wrote about manifesting desires.  His clear, concise way of expressing Eastern principles resonated with me.  I’d consider this book a classic to be revisited again and again.  A sequel for parents was published later, which I’d also recommend.


Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...