Shades of Grey

The rain has been pouring down for days. I look up at the skylight, a square grey and white image – part of a tree peeks into the view through the window, blowing gracefully in the wind.

The raindrops are deliciously clear, clean, refreshing, rejuvenating – large drops falling on the window pane in circles that ripple out into expanding rings. Mesmerizing. If I blur my eyes, I can see God.

As the rings of water overlap, the patterns on the glass glitter subtly, and the images of the trees dance in the background. Back and forth, back and forth, waving in the wind. The sky is the lightest shade of grey, and vague outlines of wispy clouds drift by.

Simple awareness, the pleasures of the senses – free and abundant to all beings equally. These are the true joys of life. These are the true treasures, and yet they are hidden from us so much of the time. We hide them from ourselves, as we go through life in a state of distraction. They are so simple that we often do not notice these sublime gifts from God.

Right now I feel immense gratitude for these simple blessings. I stare out the window at the rain like I’ve never seen rain before. Such a wild and wonderful divine creation, nourishing the Earth with its wetness. Drops of water hang from every branch, and every red berry. Nature’s beauty is unfathomable. It’s ubiquitous, and yet so commonly overlooked as we rush from place to place, from activity to activity.

Here, in the stillness, there is profound peace, profound settledness, and appreciation for the incredible gift of life that I am continually inhaling and exhaling.

And here now, I am fully alive. Here, now, I am reveling in the gratitude that I feel to be in this body and on this Earth.

I am not always so grateful, but right now I feel humbled by God’s generous goodness and graciousness, allowing me to live one more day.

The sun peeks out from the clouds, illuminating them, a soft silver. And as I feel the hint of warmth from the window across the room, my heart leaps with the innocent joy of a child.

The raindrops keep falling – somewhere, there must be a rainbow. I sit on the floor, my legs enjoying a stretch with my heart open wide, reaching for the sky, warmed by the sun. I feel some hardness around my heart, and I yearn for the day when it will crack open and melt, but for now I just feel it in its fullness.

I am so lucky to be here as an artist. Noticing every subtle nuance, every detail, every drop of this divine creation, I share it with others, and it ripples out into infinity.

Sweet honey chia seed smoothie with cinnamon delights my tongue – my taste buds are invigorated, dancing.

The clouds have covered the sun again, thick and grey. And the wind howls, sneaking in through a crack around the window, breezing across my face – fresh and cool, awakening me.

In each moment, I am a little more aware, as my consciousness continually expands, and my appreciation grows deeper and deeper for the goodness of it all.

The birds are chirping, singing about the early arrival of Springtime, and funny memories of Spain tickle my mind.

I relax into a deep state of well-being. And laughter erupts from my lips.

All Glory to You

Dreamy sweet songs, divine grace flowing through. Celebrations of love and the river sings, too. Silly & laughable, playful rejoicing. Synchronistic satires and sunny beach mornings. Sunrise & sunset, and the moments between. Surrender & solitude, oh the ocean, serene. Silvery dove wings that soar up above. Selectively chasing the feelings of love. Embracing the breeze, my arms fully extended. Allowing the breath to be felt in my cells. Vibrantly colorful, blood pulsing & flowing. Alive, I'm alive, and conscious to tell about it! Silky smooth ripples of air brush my skin. Alive, I'm alive, and excited and grateful! Soothing, comforting sand in my toes. My feet feel the warmth, I'm amazed by the goodness. I stand on my mother - she's always beneath me. Her loving support never can or will leave me. Oh glorious morning, arms outstretched to the sun. Salty air smells so invigorating, lively. Rejoice & give thanks. All the glory to You. I humbly bow low to God above, within. All glory to You. All glory to You.

Prayer

Today I finished reading "The Gift of Change" by Marianne Williamson, and I am grateful to her for reminding me of the importance of asking for divine guidance and grace. This is different than what I have been practicing for the past few years, which has been more of an intention-setting practice. And this practice has been far from regular. A list of new moon intentions here and there, but nothing consistent. And we all know that consistency is the key.

I have had a sneaking suspicion for quite some time that it was not quite so simple as to think that I could just list what I want on a piece of paper, and expect to receive it. Even if this list was accompanied by visualizations and strong emotions. Because how could I expect (with my limited view, as opposed to the omniscience of God) to know what was best for me? Who am I to think I know what I need? Is it really in my by best interest to "manifest" one million dollars by the end of the month? Or would it just spoil me and keep me from doing some higher work that I have been born here on Earth to do?

I don't know. Or purport to know. However, God does. And so it seems like it might be more beneficial to ask God to give me the courage, strength, clarity, and wisdom that I need to navigate through life in the best way possible, for the Highest Good of all.

I intend from this day forward that I am in constant communication with God. No more calling on the Divine only in challenging times, when I am desperate need of help. From now on, I keep my mind on God as much as I possibly can. I remember that I am God's child and nothing that I do can change that.

I take responsibility for my mistakes, I ask for forgiveness, and I receive it. When I find myself in a state of judgment, I ask God to help me forgive myself, and anyone else who I am judging.

I bring the Love of God everywhere I go, and in doing so, I bless all things.

I kneel and kiss the ground daily.

I give thanks for my unending list of blessings. I pay more attention to the things that I have previously taken for granted, and I feel profound gratitude for it all.

I pray to be a flowing channel of God's grace, constantly remembering that the glory is God's.

May I be used in service to the Highest Good, to God's divine plan. May I surrender to this higher purpose, and be guided to the work that I am here to do.

I am open, I am ready. God, please show me the way.