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This word keeps coming to mind. It’s an action to be taken, perhaps even a directive. It’s defined as “to oppose with equal weight or force.”

But in my book, it’s not about opposing. Or the kind of force we are witnessing. Or the kind of either/or where we have to choose. It’s about counterbalancing the state of affairs with the bright light weight of our heart’s wisdom.

It’s about marching right through the battlefield and stepping aside, listening instead to our most self-honoring beliefs and activities. It’s about offering up our love and compassion anyway.

I see friends doing this all over on their individual pathways: rescuing cats, actively spreading joy, writing novels, tending gardens, letting us in on their transformation, moving across the country, caring for the elderly, baking vegan goodies, sharing spiritual insights, being brave in the face of the unexpected. You know who you are.

Take a moment to assess the weight within. Are you counterbalancing today?

Considering all that is taking place upon the earth right now, it is reasonable to imagine taking off for heaven, although I am NOT recommending it. There is work to do right here, shifting with new and unfamiliar energies and holding on to our hats. What about the idea of bringing heaven to earth instead?

When I first started my fledgling small business for photography and various other services about 10 years ago, I decided to name it Blue Heaven. The name embraced all I felt about the big beautiful skies and wide open spaces of Montana. I also remembered the old standard My Blue Heaven from somewhere in my youth, a lovely little song. On my website page (currently under re-construction) I said:  Blue Heaven is a place in Montana and is also a place in my heart where we can meet, connect, create and live jubliantly in the spirit. And it is still true.

When I pictured these splendid wild yellow roses on Facebook a few weeks ago, I said the roses were reaching up to heaven. A friend commented that I was “bringing heaven to earth.” She being an artist herself, I was very touched. I also realized that this has been my goal for many years. And how much more appropriate in the midst of all that we see playing out on the stage of life in these troubling times?

I feel it is my duty, and perhaps yours, to help bring more of heaven onto the earth. There are so many ways, be it photography, writing, compassionate care for children and the elderly, painting, meditation, coaching, gardening, yoga, prayer – the list is long. If we go about our callings with divine co-creation in mind, we can provide a counter balance to all that we are seeing on the endless newsreel, and lighten the lives of those we contact.

I thank my friend for reminding me of this valuable lesson and am happy to pass it on.

I know I post about bunnies a lot. They’ve become a symbol for my creativity and a friendly reminder from the universe. My blog is titled Winks and Wisdom, but sometimes I think I should change it to Bunny Tales.

Today’s little guy decided to play the “I am invisible” game. Although he clearly saw me out of the corner of his eye, he didn’t move a muscle or even blink. Comfortable in the grass, he waited while photos were taken and I moved on. Thank you, Mr. Rabbit!

Creativity is taking on new dimensions in light of everything playing out on the stage of our country, as well as in our collective hearts. I am having to instill more discipline into my life in order that I can see and hear the messages I am meant to hear.  I am learning to set more specific goals with the understanding that they may change in the process. I am having to trust that there are things I know, things I think I know and things that are not yet meant to be known. I am having to remember to walk through the appearance of chaos with fearlessness and joy.

I would love to hear what you are discovering during these green, green days of June.

 

I woke up this morning dreaming of a beach scene kind of like this. I’ve borrowed this photo from a dear friend who lives in Hawaii. In the dream, I was riding on a bus to destination unknown. At a given moment, the bus stopped and parked on a grassy plateau. I turned around in my back-of-the-bus seat and saw a wide expanse through the window. My eyes were resting on that serene and cloudless scene when I awoke.

It seems more difficult to determine what is real and what is not these days. A few days ago, I took a neighborhood walk on a sunny and fluffy-cloud kind of day. People were working in their yards, kids were riding their bicycles, trees were leafing out and blooming and dogs were sleeping on front porches. I decided to claim that reality right then and there. Then listening to the news tends to get me rather confused.

I’ve been planting a few more flowers in my outside pots. Pansies and marigolds are waving. Chard and oregano are sprouting up. My geraniums travel inside and out depending on the wind and the weather. Caring for these happy plants is another reality claimed, balanced by prayers that encircle the planet for all those who need them.

The dream seems to have come to remind me that there are other realms where we also dwell, other universes both within and without. It’s not an either or situation, but we do have the freedom to choose our realities.

This is yesterday’s walk when it was sunny, breezy and warm. Last night was cold, windy, wet and gray. The ups and downs of our current collective situation were reflected quite markedly in the weather here in Montana. As a visual storyteller, I am determined to keep myself on the side of the fence which is joyfully blooming. I am discovering new ways of creating portraits of the future, understanding that the future can begin at any moment now.

Yesterday I created another one of my Vision Pages. I take an 8 1/2 x 11 piece of card stock and attach both pictures and lists of specific items I want to accomplish. Sometimes the lists are simple and other times, very detailed. The advantage of these pages is mobility. You can prop it up on your desk, put it in a notebook, tack it up anywhere or carry it around with you. It’s a written order for you and your higher self to collaborate on, rather than just a wish list.

Here’s the page I made. It’s just two photos, one inspirational quote and my list of specifics on the left. I’m keeping the details of my commitment alchemical for now, but you get the idea. Another version is to put your card stock page of images and key words into a plastic sleeve and insert your detailed list into the back of the sleeve. The list can not only include specifics but brainstormed ideas, suggestions to the universe, etc. and let the angels go to work. Either way, lists can be adjusted and updated along with the shifting priorities of our lives and times.

Knowing most of you as I do, I am sure you are doing your best to remain on the blooming and sunny side of the fence. I don’t mean to diminish the overwhelming and difficult elements of our current situations. As creators, however, we have a responsibility to go forward shining our lights in whatever ways we can.

PS Apologies if this vision page photo is not as clear as I would like it to be. After three tries, I’ve decided to just send the message out!