Melissa's Musings

Life is mysterious. It never gives you complete satisfaction. It lives with you or without you. Even in the darkest times there is life, it goes on. If there is any doubt listen to the wind. Find the light at the end of the tunnel by looking up, then looking down, then listening soundly. Feel the vibrations of life and live them. Sing. Dance. Grow. Take the time to be patient with others. Feel their passion. Tiptoe through the tulips.

Grace falls like raindrops on the grass, lifting the petals of the flowers after a drought has withered them. Give up. Give in. Take over. Sleep. Pray.

It’s up to you. Be the one, the only one. Offer praise. Time marches on but stands still. Grant three wishes. Be taller than you are. Bring flowers. Savor moments, linger over dessert.

Grieve.

Remember the things that lift you, depart from the past but honor it. Simple steps to be awake. Time. Life. Magazines?

How you get exactly what you need when you need it? It may not be what you think you want, but if you pay attention you’ll recognize the gift anyway…

Today was a long day. I was up at 5 and headed out the door before 7 to open the church for meditation. It seemed right to make space for any who wanted to be present to join in the energies of 11-11-11 and it was especially important because the day of meditation set the tone and the energy in our chapel for this evening’s ordination of 4 new ministers. As the time for ordination approached I found myself torn between the preparations in the social hall and remaining in the chapel for meditation. My heart cried out “I want to stay here with you” and I wondered why everyone didn’t want to be in that space while my mind and history demanded I support those making preparations downstairs. Spirit’s reply was “hush child, be still.” I guess in a way I was making preparations too, just not physical ones. One thing I know for sure was that after 8 hours of meditation I was quite receptive to all of the energies around me, including the ones that were none of my business and my spiritual high and extreme contentment were turning into an emotional rollercoaster. As our group gathered for prayer in the office just before the service began the harpist in our beautiful light filled chapel started to play my favorite hymn and everything came back into focus. Thank you spirit for the gift….and thank you to the harpist for listening…

 Be Thou My Vision

I’ve added two more pictures to gallery 7, the chakra work.

Over the last few months I’ve noticed that the small voice within has been increasingly audible after a season of quiet. It’s guidance doesn’t always make sense to me at first but in the end its logic is clear. Very recently this voice led me down a path that had a heap of drama in the middle of it. I was surprised that even in the midst of the drama while being shouted at and crying intermittently I could still feel an amazing glow of clarity surrounding me. The only way I can describe the feeling is that it’s the way the air around you feels after someone has rung a huge church bell or played a large gong only a few feet away from you. A little while later, while meditating (and trying to understand what it was that I had contributed to this drama) that same voice repeated over and over “trust, trust…” In the end I discovered the little drama had several layers that went way beyond pushing me outside my comfort zone and contrary to my belief it was not all about me. (Imagine that!) Continue reading →

It’s said that a good pipe band will sound like one pipe regardless of the number in the band. I can’t really attest to that, I think all pipe bands sound great! Last week I had the opportunity to hear the New York Metro Pipe Band play at the Celtic Classic in Bethlehem PA. What I felt was much more exciting than what I heard. The band marched from the final tuning area to the line. The pipe major shook the judges hand and in that instant the band became one. I felt an amazing heart opening followed by what I can only describe as joy, as one of the largest bands to perform at Celtic Classic became one entity with a single focus. They hadn’t played a note yet and I was pulled in by the energy. This energetic and emotional high lasted through their entire performance and the crowd responded. I haven’t felt that kind of unity during any performance since the massed bands played Amazing Grace on the parade grounds after 9/11/01. Then the entire field vibrated.

Anyway…no wonder they took first place, when all unite as one how can one fail?

See the YouTube video

Yesterday I had a delightful experience with what can only be called synchronized breathing. I spent the day at our employee health fair providing information about reiki and meditation. Both lead to balance and balanced people support a balanced society. I figure the more people I can introduce to both the better.

Throughout the day I offered free reiki sessions. One young man told me he’d heard of reiki but hadn’t experienced it. He sat on my chair and I put my hands on him. The energy flowed gently and evenly. I felt so very peaceful. As I stood behind him with my hands on his shoulders I noticed his breath was quiet, his back expanded fully and released effortlessly. I realized that our breath was  synchronized. As he exhaled I inhaled; as I exhaled, he inhaled. A very peaceful circle resulted. I could have stayed in that space all afternoon and not noticed the passage of time.

After a few minutes I ended the session. The man animatedly expressed his surprised. He felt energized. I asked him if he practiced meditation because few people breathe that way without intention. He affirmed that he practiced yoga and meditation. I guess that explains it all!

Last Sunday it was my turn to speak in church. After the service a member of the congregation told me she saw an alien standing to my left. When I came home I had a very strong urge to draw. This is the face that came out of my pencil. I wonder if this is who she saw? Continue reading →