On this blessed Saturday afternoon, I recently got off the phone with my favorite two hours of the week! It’s a divinity and life coaching session with one of the greatest coaches in the nation. My coach has worked alongside Oprah Winfrey, an Executive Director to a best-selling international spiritual author, a top being friends with Miguel Ruiz, writer of the Four Agreements and the list goes on.

This entity has attracted and been surrounded by the best of talent and wisdom in the world. My coach is a Chaplain to Hospice when called, married to his beloved wife also a hospice nurse and the list goes on in terms of name dropping and the service work he accomplishes and encourages me to continually step into.  The most important part of my time spent with the coaching experience and great friendship during every weekend’s boost of perspective is understanding the spiritual aspects of life and the service work that is needed in the world while on this earthly God given journey.

The meat of the conversation in understanding is what I learn about myself and who I am showing up as in this world flaws and all. The love vs fear-based conversations we have regarding the theater of my life adventures and circumstances is stellar. Each time I hang up the virtual call I find myself in awe of once again gleaning new fresh perspectives on BE-ing.

I think it important to give voice to the special guidance being received as I am tapped up and hooked into an amazing resource, line of powerful wisdom, and a network that is far beyond the brilliance that I now dare to hope to be.

Today’s topic was on SELF LOVE. I know! We hear about this topic all the time. Blah. Yet, there is a reason it’s a big buzz topic. Every major spiritual master in the world has come forth with this commandment in living, beginning with Jesus’s Sermon on the Mount and beyond throughout some zillion other notable names who graced this globe with their loving deeds. Below are only a few!

• “Do to others as you would have them do to you.” - Luke 6:31, Jesus
  
  
• "You, yourself, as much as anybody in the entire Universe, deserve your love and affection." - Buddha 624BC - 543BC
  
  
• "Real love is not an escape from loneliness, real love is an overflowing aloneness. One is so happy in being alone that one would like to share." Osho – Hindu
  
  
• “True prayer is not asking God for love; it is learning to love, and to include all mankind in one affection. Prayer is the utilization of the love wherewith He loves us.” – Mary Baker Eddy, Christian Science
   
  
  
• "Seeing yourself with the eyes of love makes it natural to see the Divine Spirit in everyone you meet." Deepak Chopra 1946
  
  
• "Our first and last love is self love." - Christian Nestell Bovee1820 – 1904
  
  
• “If you judge yourself, you have no time to love yourself.” – Mother Theresa
  
  
• “To love oneself is the beginning of a life-long romance” – Oscar Wilde
  
  
• “If you aren’t good at loving yourself, you will have a difficult time loving anyone, since you’ll resent the time and energy you give another person that you aren’t even giving to yourself.” -– Barbara De Angelis
  
  
• "Love yourself first and everything else falls into line. You really have to love yourself to get anything done in this world." - Lucille Ball1911 – 1989
  
  
• "Give yourself the love you seek, and the universe will send people who match it." - Abraham Hicks

• "If ever you lose love don't go out looking for it. Reach inside you and recreate what you think you lost. You are love. You can't lose you." -Oprah Winfrey
  
  
• "You are loved more than you will ever know by someone who died to know you." - Romans 5:8
• "What would Love do now?" - Neale Donald Walsch

Alright, so there is a nice little roster of SELF LOVE influencers.  Now the question begged to be asked is, what is self-love?

1. Is self love selfish?
2. Is it Egoic?
3. Or is self-love etched within us to align into so that it can become free flowing unto humanity in terms of blessing others?

The later is my belief!

The core of my belief and insights reveal that self-love is a daily path and direction putting Godliness first. Diving in and cherishing the gift of our own God given life and its majesty. Loving ourselves because we are a child of God first! Embracing ourselves like we would a child in our errors, sins, and imperfections. Moving forward with self-compassion, empathy, and love toward self to walk firmly rooted in a path of divinity.

This path of self-love is rooted in our service work for as we love ourselves we then can fully love and serve others in a powerful way. The impact we can have on our selves through self-love and more importantly the impact we can have on others by BE-ing loving Godly qualities on the insides is what heals the world. Once again it comes down to the spiritual division inside of us that breeds the fear of being loved or loving in general. Developing our strong spiritual muscle through daily practice and staying on the path of divinity is how we enrich not only ourselves but find ourselves in love with another.

And when the fear arises that we are not aligned in love and rather sin, we love ourselves anyways. Love is God. Love is the balm to the spirit wound. Love is Life. Self-love is the energy that guides us on our path to heaven experienced in ourselves and with each other. Love thy self. All the rest will follow suit. Faith and trust.

​"Fear is the strongest emotion next to love." As humans, we vacillate between the two, this is partially the human condition. 

As I finish my morning daily devotions on gratitude, love/fear, I'm reminded that in each moment I can begin again by choosing Love even when I fall back into fear. #spiritual #practice #love #grateful To be gentle, patient, and kind unto ourselves as we practice our way out of fear based thought forms is the very act of Love itself. It's diving into the matters of the heart. Aligning ourselves to ourselves with God is an act of respect for that which we have been created. 

"For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee." - Proverbs 23:7

"Every human thought, word, or deed is based on fear or love. Fear is the energy which contracts, closes down, draws in, hides, hoards, harms. Love is the energy which expands, opens up, sends out, reveals, shares, heals. You have free choice about which of these to select." -NDW 

This is what Jesus and every other great Saints or spiritual masters exampled to the world. They mastered the human condition by choosing the laws of Love = God. Consciously denouncing fear. "Satan get thee hence."

"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." -2 Timothy 1:7

"Stand porter at the door of thought. Admitting only such conclusions as you wish realized, you will control yourself harmoniously.” - Mary Baker Eddy

Choose wisely as you can see to and re-see to! 

There are so many things that bring me deep inspiration. Among this, are other artists, all artists. Ones that bring to Earth's table the flavors of extraordinary uniqueness. Everything from beloved music, to paintings, to dance, to writings, to acting, to cuisine, to design, and the list goes on.

Artistic expression similar and yet wildly different in creation gets me, respectfully off. To live authentically is a courageous act via the life stage we exist in.

​My poem to the artist.
 
Share Me
I get to feel you and you me, through mine and your artistry.

The cues and hues of every shade, stay, express.

True to all that we can be because here and now is all we got.

Don't forget what IS, it's your spot.

In days that come, rest yourself, own your plot, and make known all within.

Beating heart that needs to bleed the red and blue of your own palpable creed.

Thank you dear one for valuing your own. Don't ever reject your quest of gift shown.

Refuse to be your own demise, decide to fly and give. I want yours and you want mine.

​Share the gift. Share me.

Based out of the United States, I am following the Houston, Texas hurricane news. With very close family friends involved in this event it is a challenge to stay centered in not letting my imagination get the best of me in terms of fear vs loved based thinking as they undergo such a natural disaster.

Riding in the wave of everyday personal thought emotions + feelings seems quite different than physically and mentally riding in the actual waves of life threatening hurricane dilemmas or devastating natural disasters in which humans can find themselves at the mercy of while simultaneously working at navigating to save lives in the midst of the mental fears that permiate the entire city.

Ever more important to hold fast in mind and heart to claiming the protection and overall wellness for disasters that seem out of one's control. I am of the belief that no loving thought or higher raised consciousness intent made is less effective even in times of natural disasters. There can be no harm in contributing prayer and intention for love and good despite the conditions. Staying stead fast to Truth is ever more crucial in challenging and devastating times. Especially in grave or uncertain times is it greatly powerful for the collective whole. After all, hope is everything. Prayer on high for Houston today and on going as they make their way through the waves of Hurricane Harvey and the grand state of Texas. All my love and light from up of above in Minnesota.

For many years, I'd look out on the world's landscape of the global life stage in play. Having been dropped into the deserts of the Middle East, Europe, Asia, and now home, the Americas, I have witnessed life, life styles, and comparative world realities. Some which seem quite apparently down right unfair. Everything from the Hollywood hills of California to muddy villages of China and into the oil riches plus lacks of Saudi Arabia.
 
I observed humans in poverty stricken countries that evidently carried a richness and wary depth in their eyes with a happiness in their smile that couldn't possible touch a word in terms of having to articulate that they "loved life" and yet you could tell they were on to a different scope in living. There was a love and gratitude for life that could only be felt, a great quality and realness. Intuitively I knew they had tapped into their resource of choice and the unknown by internally seeing life through a loving lens despite the boar and muddy streets of the small third world country village they resided in. A shift in focus, not in what was lacking but likely a concentration on what they had for good. 

I have spent time with war veterans from various countries and varying degrees of trauma. Those who have been innocence civilians caught in the cross fire of war ridden countries via both male and female. Layered in these comparing life stories some with the greatest traumas held the riches depth, love, and a light that you could've ever experienced via a human and some with such bitterness it ached to be near them. 

In the lifetime of my travels and flights. I've sat next to a popular female Washington Post reporter, star athlete, stripper from Las Vegas, business men, mother's with crying babies, people traveling with support dogs, those leaving their passport countries and entire families to foreign countries to make a better future, the elderly, a widow accompanying her deceased husband below board back to the Americas in which they were from, wild teenagers privileged enough to travel, honeymooners, adventures, a man down on his luck, soldiers, pilot, flight attendant, those headed to destinations to party hard, a National Geographic photographer, a mother who had just said goodbye to her beloved son being shipped off for war, embassy officials, mile high club lovers (they DO exist), UN representatives, priest, and the list goes on. 

In these experiences I've had the privilege of many sharing with me stories of their love, fears, sorrows, aspirations, hopes, and dreams. Strangers on the road of life that became a soul friend in the speed of light transit. It's interesting how a few hours in an air bus with plenty of time, no where to go other than super going somewhere that many have been highly open with me. 

Perhaps it's because the minute we de board, we'll never see that person again? On high counseling session that have been infused with the sharing of religions, philosophies, uncharted ideas, and human possibilities. Perfect flight of anonymity!

Each one have left an impression, a footprint on my heart for better understanding the humanity in which we live. A most common humanity riddled with the same challenge for our capacity to love and our ability to be sucked deeply back into our fears. For each of us regardless of our history or circumstance lies the capacity to choose which lens we BE operating from, love vs fear based perspectives in terms of how we choose to fly. This is a universal epidemic to our quality in living and as humanity be working this out, it's a change for good. 

I'm more and more being rooted in unconditional love and perhaps that is why many lovely souls out there shared their stories with me over the years. A safe spot to connect as one with authenticity and purity of soul. A choice for good will and loving inter-connected-ness right in the air time of this trip we call Life and it's polarity of seeming darkness. These are the lights in living that illuminate the path to peace in our world. One Loving encounter at a time, radiating out regardless of which place we aboard in Humanity. 

Snarky. Snip it word and today I had to figure out what it really means. I hear it everywhere. Somehow it seems to be a spinoff of cynical and super attitudes. Who knows but after looking up the definition it is not the coolest modern word after all. 

snarky
ˈsnärkē/
adjective
NORTH AMERICANinformal
1.     (of a person, words, or a mood) sharply critical; cutting; snide.
"the kid who makes snarky remarks in class"
o    cranky; irritable.
"Bobby's always a bit snarky before his nap
o     

​I love etymology and learning about words. I love word smith-ing. I love writing and really anything that must BE regarding formulating the insides out via language and words. A most beautiful avenue of translation since language is so limited. Maybe that is why I love it. Perhaps its the challenge of taking human intangibles and attempting to make them relatable somehow where it can be truly felt despite the barriers. Either way, words are powerful. So much so that I intend to use them increasingly carefully so as to be more mindful in how they are effecting another. I fail at this all the time but the more I am aware of my influence the power of words have unto others the more I am aware of what they 'actually' mean. 

“Words can inspire. And words can destroy. Choose yours well.” – Robin Sharma

When something transformative happens in a life it can be like hard magic that may ooze forth, finally. The hard part is the cracking open and then out the magic comes, eventually. I’m unsure why I needed a metaphorical hammer to unleash my purpose for being in this world but alas the answers are arriving. This is what many of us have known as breaking open to the complexities of being through the oddities of life experienced. Although, several years ago this shift started occuring in my own life, it likely is one of the most normal experiences unto a large majority of us that are open to evolving into the best of human beings that we came here to BE. Silver lining!

Often it can feel that in the midst of our labels, titles, focused pursuits, accomplishments, and stories, we forget the simplicity of simply being. I noticed in the United States and in many western countries that there are two cultural questions that are almost always asked upon meeting someone new. “What is your name?” and “What do you DO?” 

​Funny thing is, neither are truly that relevant to what it is we are actually BEing on the insides in the midst of thee doing and contributing. Our consciousness is our contribution to humanity. It would be interesting to surprise people by asking a different first question or three, such as, “What is it that you truly care about?” maybe “What is it that you love?” or "How are your thoughts treating you?" Taboo or not, it certainly would begin to create more authentic conversations and platforms of higher connecting. Love is our ignite in this world. Soul is our fire in being alive. The decision is ours in how beautifully bright we choose to burn showering our light unto eachother. It is via this loving standpoint of being that we exstinguish collective darkness, suffering. 

​The art of being is a long loss concept in the modern age world. So far, the road less traveled. I only recently have stumbled across it through my own pain points in living. More often than not one will rise up, dust themselves off, and then miss the opportunity in what you can learn via the challenges of life. The uncertainties in life have given me the opportunity to catch the glimpses of new ideas regarding the art of being and trusting in the creative power that reigns within us.

My mother once said to me, “Don’t buck this world baby, surrender to the beauty in it.  No fighting. Focus on the beauty not the opposite. Your higher focus will bring you a better experience regardless of the perceived uncertainties in it. Continue to be authentic. Your spirit is good, you’re gracefully brilliant. Go live it without caution but refuse to fight in it.” Crucial choice.

I blog these words because I believe it for every individual no matter their plight in this life that this is true for all of us. I’ve arrived, arrived to an idea, the idea of the Art of Being. It is not what we are titled as that matters or what we do, what we are doing or not. The most important thing is learning how to BE above all that. The rest follows suit.

​Listening to our breath, feeling our souls, fully listening to another in their expressing, a gentle hug, a loud voice, a gentle voice, a cry in the dark and the echo that it presents. Basically, being present and starting from that point regardless of the surrounding energy. Be the best in qualities that we can possibly be while experiencing the mysteries in living. Learning that each moment is the most important above all else and surrendering to this experience. Past is past. Future is future.

The present is life and the only real thing that exists. Being is an art to be learned above and beyond anything else. A crucial practice in choice. The depth in the purpose of living is nothing short of an art to actualize in order to actually live most alive. Loving and good qualities BE first, consistently. Good life experiences second will follow. I’m NOW sure of it.

THE VIRTUOUS WOMAN
Proverbs 31:10-31 Kathleen Clementson’s Version
Dedicated to Joan Angelique, R.I.P. 
 
Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies or diamonds or gold or fifty billion barrels of oil.  

The heart of her family trusts in her; there is never lack of love or caring.  She serves generously and honorably all the days of her life. She comforts the needy soul.

She seeks after inspiration and creates the gardens of her heart.  She works willingly with her hands. Her smile blesses all in the light of it.  

​She brings food in abundance. She rises also while it is yet night, and provides care for her household.  She considers what is worthy and embraces it: with her own hands she grows a paradise free flowing in splendor.

She girds herself with strength, and empowers others with her bravery. In humility, she perceives that what she has to give is good: her candle does not go out in darkness.  She sets her mind on the work at hand. Her brilliance is unlimited. She considers what is good for the whole. No one is left out.

She stretches out her hand to the poor; yes, she reaches forth her hands to the needy. She is not afraid of the storms or of being depleted. She continues to give of her household. She embodies loveliness and beauty; her surroundings are unique and colorful.  

Strength and honor are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in all time to come.  She opens her mouth with wisdom; and in her speech is the law of compassion.  She looks well to the ideas of Truth and Love. She expresses divine Intelligence and is grateful.

Her children, friends and family rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.  
She has done virtuously, and excels in her love for God. She is a woman to be praised.  Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.
 
IN JOANIE’S LIGHT SHALL WE SEE LIGHT
 
Spiritual vision can give us freedom from darkness, disturbance and discomfort.
Everyone, everywhere, who has ever felt divine Love is never deprived of Light. Sometimes we are persuaded to think that darkness, disturbance and pain are even more real than wholeness, peace and comfort, but even a flash of light can cause darkness to lose its appearance. What do we choose to see? What will predominate in our thinking? What is the song our Joanie would sing?

“LET THERE BE LIGHT”