Soul Remembering – original poem

SOUL REMEMBERING

This journey of remembering my soul is a meandering path.

Along the way are strewn memories that have been hidden from myself.

Clues are peaking from behind laughter and tears pointing to bumps, bruises, and elations.

In my sporadic attempts to reach into my core essence

I begin to hear the whispers of my true purpose.

That dream I dream is a siren’s call.

That goal I’ve set is urging me to know myself.

The keys to my very existence sit before me in the echo of my childhood thoughts.

This is not a longing for what could be.

It is an awakening inside of me of what already is.

How have I come this far without fathoming my truth?

Today I will let my soul speak through images and intuitions.

I will be guided into my truth by my heart leading my head for but a time.

I shall recognize myself in the creation of my hands.

I shall touch my soul for this brief time, exposing it gently to the world.

Embracing the hidden friend that is forever here.

This time I will remember.

And for a brief moment, I may recognize myself as whole.

~ Barbara Bernard Miller

Spring in Cincinnati

The weather is finally starting to feel like Spring might possibly, maybe, hopefully be springing. To celebrate I thought I’d share some spring color from my hometown of Cincinnati, Ohio. May your spring be just as bright and beautiful! Be blessed!!

Public Library of Cincinnati

 

Cincinnati Zoo

Krohn Conservatory

P&G Gardens

And just so I don’t forget some other fun colors – here’s one more:

Cincinnati Reds

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There is no good ending …

I have been glued to the TV today, in spite of my half desire to look away. The standstill in Boston is playing out, blow by blow as if a movie is unfolding before us.

And my heart is heavy as there is no good ending. To capture this man alive is the greatest desire, for the government and the people of America. It would give us a chance to understand this senseless violence that has descended upon Boston. But that best scenario still does not erase the violence. It still will not return loved ones to families, and limbs to victims. And yet, the likelihood of this ending seems remote. I fear, what won’t we know, what will this trigger if this young man is gunned down where he stands, or worse yet, blows himself and other innocents along with him?

All I can do is pray – and I do so ever so fervently. Join me and be blessed!

Conquer with Love – original poem

CONQUER WITH LOVE

When evil seers a hole into the fabric of our lives,

It does not account for the power of light and love

To enter through that ragged wound.

What hate cuts and scratches to destroy,

Kindness and generosity stitches back a stronger whole.

There is no place that darkness can hide

For it is your light that can illuminate all.

Fear would cause us to shrink back and not live as we design,

But strength of connection creates bravery to step out.

Let us not fight with anger but rather conquer with love.

We are in control – not of what happens to us

But of who we reach out to for help and for comfort.

We can overcome the hatred in this world

If we but make a greater counter play of love.

Hate not, but forgive.

Shrink not, but join.

Revenge not, but console.

Let us seek to heal the defeated before they turn cold and bitter.

Let us defeat the hatred that seeks to create more haters.

Let us be love, do love, speak love and seek love.

~ Barbara Bernard Miller

No More Hurting People … PEACE

With love and in memory of Martin Richard and the other victims.

Today, like everyone else who has watched the videos and read the accounts of what happened in Boston, I am feeling so many things. First, I’m grateful that my friend Marie who was running the marathon is safe and on her way back home. Second, my heart is wrenched thinking of the pain the families of the dead are feeling, and the agony the injured are enduring. And then there’s what I feel for the soul of the person(s) who did this.

I wonder what black evil touched their lives and taught them to hate. What cloud of hatred is lingering over their lives to such a degree that they sought to hurt, maim, and destroy the lives of strangers. I cannot fathom the blackness that surrounds their hearts and heads.

So I will do what I know – I will focus on the love that came from those who ran to help those who were injured. There is never enough praise for the heroes who go where most of us would flee. I appreciate the love that strangers have offered to each other – be it a restaurant owner and their staff who provided free wifi, food and a safe place to wait for friends and family. Or generous residents who opened their doors so runners and their groups could find a safe place to sleep when they couldn’t get to their hotels. And I am praying in gratefulness to the man who carried a man who lost both legs. I will pray for those who feel pain, fear, and for those involved.

And I bring it home – I will hug those who I love more tightly. I will tell those I care for that they are precious to me a bit more overtly.

Yes, the stories that are coming out of Boston are painting the picture that I already know. Americans are generous, brave, trusting, and strong in the face of adversity. It is the backbone of why we are a great nation.

As I re-read this post I know that I don’t have poignant words that will change the pain that is caused. But in expressing them I know I am adding one more drop of positive love into the universe. It is all I have.

Join me in sharing more positive words. Let us change the world with our focus on what is good and all that is love. Be blessed!

One Down a Day

I’ve been thinking for a while about ways I can de-clutter, simplify, or just plain uncomplicate my life. I wrote a poem in a previous post called Simplicity. That was my real moment of inspiration and I have made some progress having had several donation days since then.

But simplifying isn’t something that happens overnight. Life is still busy, kids are still at home, antiques and beautiful items still call to me. So what’s the next step for me? I think I’ve found it and I’m calling it “One Down a Day”. The concept is simple and intuitive – each day I will go through my home – closets or collectibles, and reduce by one item. I might donate it, consign it, or just simply throw it away. I won’t stop with my periodic donation clean outs – those are important to make big progress. But I figure with one less “thing-a-ma-jiggy” in my house each day, I know a year from now when I look around I will feel life is truly simpler. Oh, and there’s one rule – for anything new that comes in (except for gifts that will leave), I have to make room for it by getting rid of something else. This way I keep up the progress and avoid the creep that happens when shopping.

What do you think? Are you looking for more simplicity in your life? Tell me how you are tackling your un-complication and be blessed!!

On the Brink of Change – original poem

ON THE BRINK OF CHANGE

Standing here, on the brink of change I dangle my toes over.

Spurred by the sticky sensation of old habits dripping down my back

The lure of a better way, a better day tickles my hesitant feet.

I glance back at the days of the past unsatisfied by what was.

That is enough.

That is what finally tempts me to take the first step.

And change begins just like that.

Not with a big bang, but with a single step.

I am in the midst.

I move forward aware of the long path ahead.

With each step, I notice “what was” is throwing stones to get attention.

The comfort zone of discontentment cannot lure me back.

It is becoming a diminishing speck.

I grasp the hand of new habits, new thoughts, and new action.

Change has become my new friend welcoming me into new sensations and realizations.

This is my creation, full of the sparkle of mystery and opportunity.

I am new knowing it doesn’t have to be the way it was,

Now that I’ve left the brink of change.

~ Barbara Bernard Miller

Comments for a Cause – Guide Dogs of America!

March was a good month and I am making my donation to the Cancer Family Care organization for my Comments for a Cause. Cincinnati’s Cancer Family Care has done so much for individuals and their families who are living with and dealing with the ravages of this disease. I received many messages telling me of the blessings that this organization has been for people. It’s my pleasure to bring a bit of awareness to this great organization. Please check out their website and join me in supporting this great cause.

April Comments for a Cause charity – GUIDE DOGS OF AMERICA.
I’ve been collecting suggestions and looking forward to doing something related to animals this month. I’ve always loved animals and have had guinea pigs, fish, birds, and dogs in my family. My favorites have always been dogs, which is why I have 2 fur babies in my home now. They love without hesitation and bring joy just in their presence. They also provide support and assistance when trained appropriately. So, in honor of my little Gracie and Bella, I’m choosing an animal charity this month. I believe in helping Guide Dogs of America, I am also helping the people they serve.  Here’s their link for you to check it out!

Don’t forget to leave a comment and share this blog and encourage your family and friends to leave a comment. It’s free for you and fulfilling for me – for every comment anywhere on my blog posts in April, I’ll be making a donation to Guide Dogs of America.

Pass it on and be blessed!!!