July 7th " This was more than a kind act, this was love. "

I remember as a child my dear Grandmother washing my hands in the bathroom sink. It wasn't like the fiberglass sinks of our day with fancy designs melted into it all square with a wood cabinet to hold it.

It was a huge cast iron sink- white, the pipes ran down the length of the wall to be seen as was the drain and it had spigots, two of them. Cold water from the right, hot left and water flowed from these spigots with smooth power. The drain was the size of a half dollar.

Grandmothers hands had seen their years, wrinkled, age spots and twisted some with arthritis but she never lost her touch.

She dipped her hands into the water shaking off the excess and then she applied soap rubbing her hands together over and under. Then I would dip my hands in the great pool of water that was the sink, warm soothing water.

Then gently would her hands and fingers intertwine with mine. I would look up at her face as the rubbing ritual of washing took place and she would smile, usually no words were said. She would reach for a towel and lightly rub my hands and fingers careful to get dry in between the fingers. She folded the towel in her special way and I, yes I would pull the stopper from the sink, "off you go" she'd say as the last gurgle made it's way up the sink drain.

This was more than a kind act, this was love.

Done lovingly.  Always lovingly.

July 6th " it's just a phase you're going through "

Going through a divorce? Fighting a speeding ticket? Custody battle? Getting fired from your job?

All we might be able to do is what? Fight? Lie? Cheat?

Perhaps the best thing we can do is admit defeat when we're truly defeated. Accept things as they are in Truth!  

The only thing required to move on from this point is to change our attitude and accept this PHASE and say to yourself;  " this phase of my life will soon be over." It's a phase you're going through.

Then we'll start a new phase in our lives.

phase  (fz)

n.

1. A distinct stage of development.

2. A temporary manner, attitude, or pattern of behavior: just a passing phase.

3. An aspect; a part: every phase of the operation.

July 5th meditation " Remember this, a smile is just a memory away."

I said to my teacher, " I feel so good, I don't ever want to lose this feeling." My teacher replied. " you don't have to! "

Yesterday while walking around the wooded lake I saw a bald Eagle perched high in a pine tree. I remember how I felt, how seeing the Eagle made me feel. I'll never forget that feeling and you know what- I don't have to.

Remember this, a smile is just a memory away.

July 4th " Directing and producing thoughts which are good and healthy lead to sequels! "

We can't endure for long, emotionally that is, ignoring a pressing issue.

What to do then? Meet the challenge.

We defeat ourselves when we KEEP thinking about how the problem reared itself and unfolded and how that upset us in the first place! We focus on the people, places and things enveloped with the current dilemma and we get emotional over that.

Instead, we could be looking at it positively and envisioning ourselves solving it.

Stop replaying the negative in your mind.

In our thoughts we may produce and direct a positive outcome in place of the negative " matinee " that keeps replaying and which we become addicted to attend each showing! This is a time when its o.k. to be the director and producer - of thoughts which are good and healthy that is.

Directing and producing thoughts which are good and healthy lead to sequels!

July 3rd daily meditation " fleeing the scene is not an option. "

I can't predict how my day will unfold. I can predict the day about as much as I can predict which foot takes the first step each morning, left or right?

It doesn't matter what the day holds for us, we can embrace it, fear it or prepare for it.

When I prepare for the day I allow myself to feel I have the tools to meet any challenge that comes down the pike, a Higher Power, prayer, mediation but especially my friends.

I'm not going to run away any more, I can take much needed vacations, take a time out and relax or slow down but fleeing the scene isn't an option.

Help is a prayer or a phone call away!

July 1st meditation for the day " today I am free "

July 1st meditation

-today we have another chance to continue yesterday's commitment. When I see how much more I did compared to other days I am empowered and encouraged to continue the march. I am grateful especially for my friends who love me when I feel unlovable and who encourage me when I feel desperate. Today I am free.

July 2nd meditation for the day " be thankful for the light "

July 2nd meditation

-when we opened our eyes this morning we saw light. This is THE invitation for us to join the rest of the world. Sing, dance, tell a story and give hugs. Whatever you do today remember to be thankful for the light.