Love is Good - Pass it On!

Universal Love Aspiration
Through the working of Great Compassion in their hearts,
May all beings have happiness and the causes of happiness,
May all be free from sorrow and the causes of sorrow;
May all never be separated from the sacred happiness, which is sorrowless;
And may all live in equanimity, Without too much attachment and too much aversion; and live believing in the equality of all that lives.
~Namo Amida Buddha

There are days when I get cut off in traffic or someone says something careless to me that upsets me - or whatever - and I can get fixated on that feeling.  I'd rather just love and let love and treat all as I would my brother or sister.  That point of view that we're all family seriously helps me forgive and move on.

We all have to share this planet.  I don't have to like you all of the time, and you don't have to like me all of the time.  AND it sure helps me enjoy the day if I have compassion for mistakes or human-ness - mixed in with MY human-ness.

Copyright 2010 Heather Corwin

Imaginairy Friend

Are there times when you feel like you're not alone?  When you were a kid, did you have an imaginary friend or spirit or something that you knew was there, but you didn't have words for it?  Do you feel like you have entities around you every now and then?  If you do, you're not alone - (forgive the double meaning) many people have this sensation.

Some people feel like a loved one who is no longer in our physical world shows up every now and then.  Some people feel like God or Jesus walk with them.  Some people feel like ancestors visit with them.  And some people are simply creeped out that they feel like someone's there but not in a physical form.

I can only tell you that when I was in college my grandmother passed away.  She lived one block from me my whole life when I was growing up, so she was always around.  She wore a charm bracelet that made a tinckling sound that I loved!  She also wore a perfume that was totally her.  One day walking back to my soroity in college, I heard that bracelet and smelled her perfume.  It filled me with joy and I talked to her.  I couldn't hear anything she said (if she spoke), but I could most certainly feel her presence.

That is not the singular experience I've had along those lines, but it is one of the strongest I recall.  I don't know what I believe about after-life or heaven or hell or angels or whatnot, but I can tell you that when my loved ones visit, they seem happy and their visit thrills me.

Copyright 2010 Heather Corwin

Spritiual Practice... Really?

Easter is Sunday and I am reminded of the millions of people who are commonly known as "C & E-ers."  These are the people who go to church on Christmas and Easter.  Right now, I am one of them.  Please note, I'm not about to make you feel guilty for ANYTHING - that's not how I roll.  The point here is that most psychologists agree that a spiritual practice, regardless of the belief system, is good to maintain happiness.

So what would this mean to you?  Every person needs to be included in a community.  This is how we are wired to live and succeed.  Ideally, our spiritual community will offer guidance, support, and encouragement during rough times and during exciting times.  Some people find this type of support in casts of shows, at work, or in other types of groups, but church (of any kind) can offer a specific nurturing of the soul that is not common to these other relationships.

Currently, I am on a quest to find a spiritual community.  I have had many struggles with organized religion, I grew up Evangelical, and have been a Buddhist for many years.  I believe in God and the many forms and views of this holy entity, not a belief common in the Christian community.  I think faith should inspire, forgive, offer hope, and encourage a person to strive to be better.  Until I find a spiritual community that offers this, I will keep looking.

If you have found your own spiritual practice and community, celebrate them!  You are among souls who will help you along your path.  If you are still searching or practicing mindfulness or something else instead of religion or faith, kudos.  There are so many ways to practice spirituality, embrace YOUR way and commit to it.

The wonder of life is all around us.  Currently, that is my church.  Happy Easter!

Copyright 2010 Heather Corwin

Where's Your Happy Place?

As I get older, I surround myself with things that inspire me. That takes effort, believe me. These elements include people, books, things, plants, -- whatever makes my heart sing. So I started to think about a common thread through these inspirations.

I have a little place inside me that vibrates - sometimes even quivers - when something makes me happy. That happy place is my guide inside my life. If I'm not sure about something, I check in with my happy place.

Ironically, as my husband will attest, there are times when the ferocity of my happy place makes my shy away from the very thing that I'm sure would make me happy. After all, that could mean I would be unhappy after having known such glee, right? Please. There's so much fear stopping us from being happy it's ridiculous! (I'm pointing a finger at myself right now.)

My suggestion? If you don't already know your happy place intimately, spend some time reflecting on the times in your life when you almost came out of your skin because something GREAT happened to you. Then think about the elements that event has for you. If you can pick your top five and commonalities, you're going to find out things about yourself that might surprise you. Happy hunting!

Copyright 2010 Heather Corwin