March 26, 2011

There is surely a piece of divinity in us, something that was born before the elements and owes no homage to the sun.

Sir Thomas Browne

A piece of divinity in each of us…  That feels like a profound statement to me.  Today as I sit at my desk and feel the warmth of the sun on my back, I am reminded that a piece of the Divine is in me and it gives me a sense of purpose and belonging. Spring has sprung in the Pacific Northwest. Birds are singing, the sun is shining (some of the time) the trees are in bloom and all is well.  There is something special about living in a part of the country where there are true seasons.  As soon as spring hits, weather its sunny or not, people are more alive, friendlier.  All of the plant stands are full and people are roaming around with a smile on their face.  In Bellingham you know its spring because the musicians have hit the streets and the Farmers Market opens.  I am reminded how little financial wealth really matters.  It’s really about how much joy do you have in your life and joy, in its many forms, is free.  So take a minute to think about what brings you joy, where is your peace and then you will find the piece of divinity that is in all of us.

March 3, 2011

And when your children’s children think themselves alone in the silence of the pathless wood, they will not be alone.  At night when the streets of your cities and villages are silent, and you think them deserted, they will throng with the returning hosts that once filled them and still love this beautiful land.  You will never be alone. Chief Seattle

I have always liked this quote.  It illustrates beautifully a sense of history and makes me think that we are all connected and there is something greater than ourselves working in the universe.

Last night, this quote had a new meaning for me.  My daughter is amazing.  She is funny, sweet, loving she is also a tad needy.  After being home for a few days with Chicken Pox she had a hard time adjusting to her sleep schedule again.  1:00 am I feel a small hand reach out and touch me.  Mama, I miss you, (when your children’s children think themselves alone in the silence of the pathless wood, they will not be alone) I want to sleep with you.  This always causes a conflict for me.  On one hand my sweet little girl needs her mama on the hand my devoted spouse needs her sleep and for some reason, can’t do that with a forty pound pole digging into her back.  I say that because my daughter refuses to sleep in the same direction as the rest of the people in the bed.  She also digs her feet into you and slaps you in the face with her tiny flailing hands.  So, I get up and put her back in her bed, 15 minutes later, I hear I really need you, can I please, please, please sleep with you (You will never be alone)? So, I pick her up and lay her next to me on the opposite side of my partner.  Just as I start to drift off, smack a direct hit to the nose! OK, let’s try this again.  It’s now 2:00 am and we all have to wake up in a few hours.  I carry her to her bed, secure her stuffed animals to her side and cover her up with the appropriate bedding (flannel sheets, soft fuzzy blanket grandma made, princess comforter and fleece blanket) for a house where the heat is set at 60.  That’s another story for another day. Mama, says a small sweet voice, can you sleep with me in my bed for awhile?  For goodness sake, shoot me now!  Its 2:30 am I am wide awake and I need to get up and go to work in 3 hours.  Sure honey.  I move the animals, get under the blankets and try to be still and send sleep vibes her way.  3:00 am, success!  She is asleep.  I tip toe into my room trying not to wake my other bed buddy, and lay there awake for another 30 minutes.  It amazes me what you can think about in the wee hours of the morning.  All of that being said, I am so thankful I am her Mama!