Liz Glover Wilson

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As I sit down to write this, I am basking in the feeling of love. Like a warm blanket wrapped around me on a chilly Spring morning. The birds sing, and the squirrels busy themselves with their morning routine; nature surrendered to the constant of change, evolution and cycle. We are not. We fight change like it is a big bad enemy. We kick and curse G_d for taking away our comforts, our routines and our materials items. When change comes, it is often our immediate goal to fight to get back to normal. We make ourselves believe that we are fighting forward, but when we 'awake' (spiritually), we may find that we are not making progress but instead actually retreating. Retreating back to old habits - comfort zones. Now I am not saying this is always horrible. In any battle, we sometimes have to retreat, regroup. But, that is only a temporary consideration, because the process (the battle) is to evolve, move forward, gain more enlightenment and, ultimately, achieve freedom of self. 

If change is the only constant, then I see love as the energy that drives us forward through the evolution of our lives. The love I seek is G_d love; a love that is not fear. A love that is open, curious and not conditional. A love that shines a light on our inner being; energizing our higher selves and bringing us equanimity. 

There is the teaching I remember as a child. It was the story of the great teacher, Jesus. He was on a boat with his disciples, and a huge storm came in. These seasoned fisherman were panicked, as all the signs pointed to a major catastrophe. As they focused on the threat of the storm, he slept. They woke him up. Incensed. How could he be sleeping? Everything was being threatened; the boat, their careers, their lives! Well rested, he looked at them calmly and told them to not be afraid. Full of love and compassion (and strengthened within by rest, wisdom and focus) - the story says he spoke to the storm and all became calm. 

Our instinct in any storm is to panic and rush into solution or, to deep depression. We toss and turn and lament. This age old story I learned in my childhood reminds me of the importance of quiet contemplation - even in the most turbulent storm. In fact, more important during the greatest swell. It reminds me to self care, rest and let go of fear. To draw inward love, peace and patience. 

In this we find the strength to calm the storm in our own perception and, in our sphere of influence; gaining opportunities to even speak to the storm in the lives of others and create calm.

I am reminded that the love of G_d, Universe and Peace that we have access to each moment of our lives is what can sustain us. I invite you to daily commit to seeking peace, getting joy, finding G_d's love and receiving grace my friend. 

Namaste.