Stillness - There is a multitude of gifts there

Stillness
1. motionless; stationary
2. undisturbed or tranquil; silent and calm
3. gentle or quiet; subdued

Many years ago my mother and I were on a quest to find the true peace that was within us.  We had embarked on a journey of mediation, yoga and other eastern philosophy to expand on our wellness experience and understanding.  We found ourselves in a place called Kripalu in Massachusetts.  This place was described as a beautiful place located in the Berkshire Mountains of Massachusetts.  We had heard so much about the great teachers there who could help us with our quest to become healthier and more connected with our source.  We were fascinated with the experience that was described as a fully quiet experience that would teach us the details around healthy living, centering our entire being through yoga, aryuvedic medicines and teachings, authors who were Gurus in there own right and those who followed ancient eastern wellness practices.  We drove up to the Center and found that the grounds and facility were perfectly suited for our weekend retreat and renewal experience.  What we weren't prepared for was the absolute seriousness and inward focus that was required of us and soon to take place during our stay.  We were greeted gently and escorted to a simple room that was our accommodations.  No television, no phones, no sounds in your sleeping and eating quarters.  We were not prepared!  The silence was defining to two New Yorkers who were accustomed to loud and obnoxious noise that was spit out daily and constantly when you live a New York life.  We were committed to the experience and found ourselves yielding a very personal cleansing that felt awkwardly and  inwardly mentally and physically intrusive.  The experience that we had there put us in a true state of catharsis.  We felt lighter,(mentally and physically), our minds were sharp and clear, the planet and all of its glory became alive.  There was no room for distractions.  I must say though, our initial reaction was puzzlement, disorientation.  It was so bizarre to enter a dining hall with many people who never uttered a word yet showed outward expressions of love and acceptance.  Sleeping at night was initially arduous at best.  No TV!  My God, how was I to go to sleep? After the first night and day of total inward reflection and mental healing (the racing mind with mindless, inconsequential events running through it was finally still!).  The words that best describes our overall experience was a feeling of PEACE and HEALING.  The peace and healing was an experience for our minds and bodies.  We left Kripalu so very different then when we had arrived.  The daily aggravations and troubles that would have plagued us when we arrived had no hold on any part of us as we left.  We left renewed and regenerated as they had promised.  We were geared up with new ways of feeding and nourishing our bodies, books and tapes to feed and nourish our minds-by the way I still remember those books and recipes today some 20 years later.  The most memorable author and book that impacted me most and still does is Thich Naht Hahn's books Touching Peace and The Art of Mindful Living.  The experience was so impactful that when we arrived in New York we felt a real agitation and disturbance to our souls.  Even the low level noises we experienced as glaringly loud and harmful to our inner peace.  In spite of our surroundings we felt prepared as we were armed  with tools that we learned at Kripalu-but somehow, over time I let those interferences get back into my spirit.



Today in 2011, I find myself searching again for that same peace.  I decided to sit still in a yoga position in a quiet place that would now be called my meditation and prayer space.  I placed a candle directly in front of me and attempted to be still.  I remembered a practice taught at Kripalu that was intended to bring you to your center-your peace, and if done correctly would heighten your awareness of the points in your life-manifested in your body and mind-that were in need of healing.  So there I was, staring at the flames concentrating on every part of my body.  Starting from the toes, the balls of my feet, both ankles, shins-every area on my legs, feeling them from the outside inward.  I allowed myself to acknowledge tension, hurt or pain if and where it existed.  If everything was well with that area I could move further up my body.  I couldn't help but stop in areas that felt pain.  They were so obviously not aligned with being well.  I couldn't get that ill feeling out of my mind so I focused on the light.  Looking at the light as a source of power to fuel my ability to seek Gods majestic healing powers.  I closed my eyes, opened them from time to time trying to maintain the power of the light while contemplating the area that was out of alignment.  It was difficult!  My concentration was broken because I couldn't get past the clear and decided area that was aching.  I knew there was sickness there.  My focus became more intent on seeking the sources strength from on high.  It was clear that I was taping into my inner strength -rejuvenating the places that seemed broken.  As I sat there with an intensity that surpassed my own understanding I wept because I could see clearly how disconnected I had become with the source in my own quiet space.  I couldn't help but think that I relied on church, an outside source, to bring me a personal word.  The word and power received there was communal, shared and belonged to the body of Christ.  I must also seek the very personal word and purpose for my own life- I had to seek him in my own stillness.  I must continue now to find the time, since I already have created the personal space to stop and offer myself and HIM the stillness.  In the stillness there is revelation, healing and peace.


Once again I had found the serenity, the tranquility, and the calm that brings about peace of mind, patience, composure, understanding and compassion.  All together there is Love there.  Love for others, the world and self love.  I am grateful for the stillness.


Have you created your place where stillness bears fruits?  Create that place and go there.  Allow yourself to go through the thoughts, feelings and physical manifestations of hurt.  Bring a single candle light to the space and focus on your body and the God that is in you.  He will guide you through the works that you must endeavor to heal and renew you.  You are healed on every level.  Keep focusing inward in the stillness and you will find your healing, peace and love all there.


Light Tomorrow with Today!
Love Gee

2. Motivation to Action...An Action Plan.

mo·ti·vate:

1: to give (someone) a reason for doing something,  2: to be a reason for (something)

ac·tion:

1: something that a person or group does,  2: things done to achieve a particular purpose

After hearing a New Years sermon by the anointed Bishop Dale C. Bronner entitled, "No More Excuses!" I became re-energized to address the important things that I had started and didn't finish.  Sooo many of my gifts, ideas, and visions unrealized- just shelved. No More Excuses is right!  And with this New Year I feel refreshed and inspired to get busy working on practicing what I preach.

Recently, I was reminiscing over old photos and came across reminders of a few really great business ideas that I started and never saw through fruition.  They were really good ideas and were outward expressions of the creative gift entrusted in my care.  Some of the gifts are familial.  Many of my friends and family members know that my grandmother Elizabeth (aka Grammy) was a master seamstress.  She was extremely skilled and accomplished and self-taught. Our basement was her workroom and studio.  Many beautiful gowns, draperies, suits, dresses, and blouses made their way out of that studio.  It was hard not to be affected by her genius and abilities.  I was greatly impacted by the many beautiful garments and the ease by which she manipulated, cut, molded and stitched her fabrics.  I would sit and watch her for hours after school.  She would time and time again allow me to learn, step by step, the special nuances that must be adhered to in order to create perfection.  I unfortunately was not keen on using all of her steps. For no other reason than my simple, clear and unadulterated laziness.  I was too lazy to take the time to do what was necessary.  I wanted the quick way. I would learn later that there is no quick way to doing things right.

Armed and suited up with my grandmothers talents I decided to embark on a career in fashion.  My first enterprise was at around the age of 12.  I wanted to make money.  I saw that my grandmother had hoards of people coming to the basement to pay her and pay her well to make clothes for them.  "I could do that too", I thought.   Around the corner from our house was a new store that featured accessories for the home.  They had beautiful lamps, drapes, floral arrangement and pillows.  Light bulb moment!  Pillows!  I would go to the store owner and show them that I could sell them beautiful pillows that they couldn't get anywhere else.  I went to my grandmother and told her about my idea.  She was always willing to help, but in reality was well aware that it was going to be an uphill battle to defeat my laziness. But in true grandmother form she agreed and would fight many a battle with me to want to do it the quick way.  She helped me unselfishly giving of her time and finance for my fabric and notion purchases.  During the search for all of the right elements necessary towards greatness in business I found a pattern and fabrics that met my fancy.  I made the most awesome pillows!  They were made of lush velveteen in dark rich colors.  I had two designs.  A small bolster with a tiny ruffle around the ends and the other was round with a very unique pinched pleat design in its inner circumference.  I went to the store owner with my proudest treasures.  I was a pillow designer.  You couldn't tell me otherwise.  As fate would have it the store owner loved the pillows and ordered a dozen more to be delivered in 2 weeks.  I was elated!  I went back home to tell my mother and grandmother the good news.  They were both excited but very quick to snap into business mode.  They began rattling of dates and times that we could shop for fabric. They were not up for any slacking off of my school work, so time had to be allocated for study and homework.  My mother made it perfectly clear that this was my project and not my grandmothers, and the instructions went on and on.  I wasn't ready!  I was overwhelmed and not prepared for the actions that had to take place to run this very small operation.  I caved in the next two days.  Again, in true grandmother fashion, she bailed me out.  She finished the 12 pillows.  She did share the money with me but was not willing to bail me out for another set of pillows.  Needless to say the pillow operation was a bust.

There were many other ventures that started out with a bang and fizzled because I was unwilling to do something different to get different results.  There was the lingerie line.  I found another willing partner since my grandmother found me out.  A friend who had sewing talents too.  The designs were great but we had no idea about the business side of things and had not done the necessary background leg work and planning to learn from others.  Needless to say that went under very quickly too.  There were countless other fantastic, innovative, out the box ideas that fizzled simply because I was unwilling to take and be dedicated to take appropriate action.  My grandmother taught me that what you put in to things you get out.  Put in a quick unthoughtful, half prepared effort you get the same quality and results on the other end.  What do they say, garbage in garbage out.

All of this seeking and searching was not in vein though.  In all of these ventures I know that ultimately my works have been inching me towards discovering my true purpose.  My God purpose.  The reason that I am here.  These attempts to find new skills and talent in me is in and of itself, Action!  Each time I challenge myself to embark on new and unchartered discoveries I learn a little more about what it is that I am cut out to do and what I am not cut out to do.  I am getting closer and ultimately tweaking and fine tuning my gifts.  I am motivated to get it right. This motivation leads me to pray every morning for everyone, including you and me, to find our purpose.  Prayer works!  I commit to take action and to getting up early to pray and thank God for all that he has done and for all that he has already divinely planned to do!  I will actively use and challenge the gifts and abilities that are uniquely mine.  I will also affirm in others the talents, skills and abilities that are uniquely theirs. 


I am motivated to deliver and exam my thoughts as he so divinely offers them to me.  I will write down and share with others those thoughts for the restoration and renewal of the power that is within us all.


What are you motivated to do?  What actions are you committed to so that all of your gifts and the gifts of others can be manifested fully?  Write your divine action plan down and move on it.  He desires you to take your rightful place.


Choose two words or phrases that are strong on your heart.  One is your long term God-given Action Plan and the other is your short term God-given Action Plan.  Write them down and place them inside of a triangle that symbolizes-God (The Holy Trinity).  Work and watch God move as you move!


Light Tomorrow With Today! Love Gee

Miracles!

MIR-A-CLE

1: an extraordinary event manifesting divine intervention in human affairs

2: an extremely outstanding or unusual event, thing, or accomplishment

I recently thought about what makes for a miracle.  Is it an extraordinary event in the physical world that surpasses all known human or natural powers and is ascribed to supernatural causes?  I found an old diary dated May 3, 1997.  In it, I wrote of the power of putting your thoughts on paper.  It brought me back to a person who remains strong on my spirit named Aida Robinson.  Aida believed in the power of visualization.  She once told me that if you want something that is connected to your divine purpose - to write it down, look at it and keep it in close sight.  Right at the time she shared her belief in focus, works (putting action to those things) and visualization, I had just confirmed my own personal belief in God and was actively seeking his word for my own understanding.  I wrote down my word and taped it onto my work phone.  I encased the word inside a triangle and looked at it daily.  Over time, the word came to life. The visualization of that word became reality.

The diary, after finding it, confirmed for me that words and vision, coupled with action make for progress, happiness and fulfillment.  In that journal I began my entries with the quote, "Light tomorrow with today!" by Elizabeth Barrett Browning.  Elizabeth Barrett Browning's words were like a sign that what I focus on and illuminate today has supernatural powers for the future.  And so, I offer each of us eternal light that should spark and illuminate our God purpose into your tomorrows by ending all of my blog posts with that quote.

I'm not sure that I would classify the events that were attached to the journal as a miracle.  But I know that I want to experience life as if miracles happen daily!  How can we allow miracles to be seen when we don't allow ourselves to find the quiet and joy in the simple joys and treasures in life?  Miracles are quite simply right in our faces.  We miss them because we allow distractions, the outside noise, problems and challenges of life to take over and as a result we loose sight of our miracles.  How do we find ultimate peace and not doubt Gods love in order to stay connected to the miracles?  Every morning I pray and meditate, to help me see what HE would have me to focus on so that I can experience my miracle.  Have you ever thought about the marvel and the miracle in us?  I recently experienced an exhibit here in Atlanta called, Bodies the Exhibition.  A fascinating experience of the wonder and sheer awesomeness that is the Body.  The body is Gods special, unique, purpose filled creation and expression of love that is you and me.  After seeing the exhibit I had a real God experience that was unlike no other.  The curators of Bodies provide us with a glimpse of the unspeakable phenomenal mystical creation of life!  If you get a chance and it comes to your town or if you are in Atlanta, please make it your business to experience Bodies, The Exhibition.  It will change your life and show you the miracle that is each one of us.

What are you willing to do so that you can experience your miracles?  It requires you to be mindful.  Mindful of the beauty and majesty found every day in simple things.  Slow down and enjoy each and every moment of life.  I went walking in the evening and smiled at the beauty found in the stars twinkling in the sky.  I found such happiness in the skyline, the people who passed by, the trees, my home, my family, my friends, the sounds of music and me.  Yes, Me!  I appreciate and love all that is me.  I am a unique and special gift and so are you!  Keep the focus on you at one special time in the day.  God revels in our appreciation and care of ourselves.  When we focus on ourselves we become connected to the miracle, the marvel and outstanding accomplishment that is each and every one of us.  Believe it!

Light Tomorrow With Today! Love Gee

Welcome and join me on an Etymological Journey of Words, Phrases and Personal Stories

I just want to introduce myself and invite you to join me.  My name is Gaetana, but most people call me Gee.  I am so very Happy to be alive!  I was born in Brooklyn, New York, by way of two wonderful parents from Albany, Georgia, who were raised simply but they were both exceptional and phenomenal as parents.  They were resilient, hard working and showed me tremendous love.  More importantly, along the way I learned that their love was the highest form and expression of God's love.  Their love was and is unconditional.  That love exposure drew me to learn more about God's love and to make my own connection with HIM.  That connection has me learning more about who I am, and to learn more about what he wants me here on this earth, at this time, to do and be.  What is my God purpose?  Better yet, what is our God Purpose?

I am searching and learning and discovering every day about the God Purpose in me.  They are the strengths that I witness and that others affirm and acknowledge daily.  I see and affirm God's' purpose in many of you, my friends and family.  Let's get better at bringing that God Purpose to our everyday life and experiences. 

We can do it through words.  Words have power.  Great Power!    I want to share a few of them with you that have been burning in my mind. Once we examine the words they must be followed up with targeted and clear action!  Let's experience together the growth experience that we can have through the study of words put to action through our own personal life stories.  Don't be scurred (smile)...I will start with my own stories and experiences and I invite you to join me by following along and sharing your connections (or disconnection) to the words that we will explore.  We will look at 2 words or phrases a month. I will start off by looking back on my past experiences with those words and how I live to be better at bringing to life my God purpose.

Read the introduction of myself on the left of this blog then become a follower with me on this word exploration.  Feel free to write down your experiences for our communal and collective growth!  Once you join you will get notices about our new bi-weekly word or phrase of reflection and renewal.  If you would like, please share this with others that you have a strong connection with that you feel are on the same path of self-exploration and growth.  There is no age limit to this journey- we can learn from each other young and older.  I am clear that this is not a journey I should take alone although I am willing to go it alone.  Many of the stories that I have to tell involve many of you.  We have lived and have had or still have very interesting, strange yet impactful experiences together.  and...Don't be surprised if a story or two of mine mentions you.  Why, it is through many of our life experiences together that we have found, acknowledged or may not realize as, our God Purpose.  Let's get to work!

I can't wait for the transformation that will happen in us.  His words and phrases are THE ultimate PARENT LANGUAGE. Hence the name of this blog, THEPARENTLANGUAGE.  Let's learn more and explore and be renewed together!  Our first word of discovery begins on February 1, 2011.

Love, Gee