In the past, I have had words find me — in a serendipitous manner with a lace of intuition. This year was no exception as my favorite poet and artist, Morgan Harper Nichols, created an Instagram Reel of suggested words for the year. A screenshot determined my word this year, but I am certain it was meant for me (even if it were a millisecond between my word and another.)
I was clouded with so many fearful thoughts of the future, the what-ifs and I can’ts and worry-mixed-with-doubt. It was hard to gain clarity and even find out the truth in God’s sight: what is the best decision and next-right-thing? If only I could see through the fear, I pondered; what would that feel like? A sigh of relief, a breath of fresh air, and peace? Likely all of the above.
Discernment is a tool in our spiritual arsenal – one of the Holy Spirit gifts to us. It guides us to the will of God, which is to say the best possible outcome for us.
This year I choose blossom as my Word because it represents my intention to grow from the roots I planted as a new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5) and build back what was broken through the vehicle of relationship.
It was the morning of the most important interview of my career; with emotions running haywire and hormones adding a dizzying effect, I decided that I just couldn't go to my interview that afternoon. The fear shouted so loudly that I couldn't hear the voice of wisdom that knew to show up despite the very big feelings. This was my dream job, after all!
We often go through life on autopilot without ever questioning our motivations. The beauty of life is we have the ability to shift gears into manual mode. Manual mode is tough; the road is paved with unknown twists and turns and even bridges are missing that must be built.
Some people never turn on this mode because it is very tough to maneuver. With the option of auto, who would want to learn manual?
Sometimes the Universe makes it evidently clear where you need to be; in my personal experience, I am always led to the ends of the earth that will bring me closer to my true self (even if those places are a short flight away). There is a little-known town outside of Los Angeles called Ojai. The existence of this spiritual retreat remained unbeknownst to me until my lovely Airbnb host in Hawaii brought it to my awareness. As we discussed her past life career as a screenwriter, she mentioned a retreat where Hollywood writers would go to clear their mind and reconnect to their spiritual self (thereby giving their writing a major boost of creativity).
As a writer and spiritual seeker, my interest was more than piqued. I know better than to ignore the nudge of the Universe, and after a quick bout of research, I booked a ticket to this quiet town. The Topatopa Mountains, Kuyam treatments of the Chumash Native American Indian tribe, energy vortexes, home of the late Krishnamurti—I soon saw why my soul is called to the spiritual valley.
My sweet boy, Nova, has always been drawn to the sun; he has an uncanny ability to seek out light wherever it may be. His pastime of sunbathing reminds me of the lesson I have been working to master as of late: be the light. Yesterday at CorePower, Aubrey set our intention of "be the light," which I excitedly affirmed for my own practice. Not only do I strive to seek out the light in dark, troubling times, but I now choose to be a light unto those who cannot see it themselves.
What is the point of cultivating light and love in our lives if we do not share it with others?
I recently listened to a webinar with Neale Donald Walsch which clarified the very spiritual lesson I have decided to own as my calling: shine light into the darkest of places for those who need it most. I am blessed to be able to discern the positive nature of any situation (although this was not always a practice of mine).
I had the absolute blessing of visiting Denver over the weekend, a city that is quickly capturing my heart (along with a certain Denverite).
We visited Core Power Yoga for a session that my body seemed to not be having; the Denver elevation made for little sleep the night before and we had a busy day of sightseeing by way of bicycle. Nonetheless, I went in with an open heart and a determined mind. An hour of child's pose is better than no yoga at all.
I am once again convinced of the necessity to get on my mat, no matter how tired my body may be. The grounding and heartwarming strength delivered to my soul transcends any shortcomings of my physical body.
