Vulnerable Unthought Known
March 11th, 2013
What I have realized is that vulnerability, however scary, is less terrifying than invisibility.
(Photo by Mary Anne Flanagan)
Expressing Awe and Devotion
March 6th, 2013
When do you bow your head and when do you raise your head as reverence?
I have followed many spiritual paths. They have all led me to the same place – my heart.
I have thought about all the times I look up, look down, or look straight ahead. Amazingly, I have discovered that each of my paths has me looking in a direction, yet all the directions show me the light within.
When I come to Buddha, I place my hands on my heart, look straight ahead, and smile.
When I come to Christ, I genuflect, make the sign of the cross, and raise my head and am often filled with tears of gratitude.
When I come to Mother Earth, I spread my arms, invoke my prayers, and bow my head as a sign of reciprocity.
I honor all these paths as One. Opening, raising, and bowing to the Light in me: the Buddha, the Christ, and the Sacred Earth that lives in me as me.
OM. Shanti. Amen. Aho.
Breathing into the Unknown
March 5th, 2013
You are here. Not knowing, never knew. Never needed to and never will. If your thoughts float to the past, you can bring them back with love. If your thoughts wander too far into the future, you can bring them back with love. When we choose to live in this moment, we choose a direct path to our heart and the divine. Being present to this moment right now means being home. Welcome home. (Photo by Mary Anne Flanagan)
Willing to Be Vulnerable
March 4th, 2013
You are not alone. I am not alone. I may need reminding of this. We are in this together. That’s how we journey – hand in hand.
Last week I posted a blog about my recent health struggles and how I relied on so many people for support, comfort, and connection. After the post, I experienced a lot of vulnerability – that felt both a relief and also very scary. For me, vulnerability is about being seen, being whole, and being real with complete acceptance. I was willing to weigh the risk of sharing a private matter because I knew how much it has influenced my life and business. I knew by opening up about a deeper part of my life, I was giving permission for other people to do the same. I decided that exposing my heart was more important than what others might think about me.
What I had not expected after publishing the post was the outpouring of love and support from friends and complete strangers who not only thanked me for sharing about my personal experiences, but took time to send me their vulnerable stories as well. People from various countries revealed their personal struggles going on in their life. This connection gave me the opportunity to have a real dialog about what scares us, frees us, and what gives us hope. Even the word “struggle” began to turn into something a bit more kinder and gentler.
As I continue to embrace uncertainty (with open arms), I have learned that many of my friends and readers of my blog are embracing uncertainty as well. I have discovered that many folks are dealing with their own personal journeys and have been inspired to reach out and ask for help.
As we reach out, we invite others to do the same. When we extend a hand, we show that support is always available.
I invite anyone who is holding in a difficult issue to reach out. Ask. Receive. Allow yourself to be embraced by unconditional support and love. I know how difficult vulnerability is. What I have realized is that vulnerability, however scary, is less terrifying than invisibility.
Thank you to all who have extended their hand to me. I continue to be touched by all the tremendous generosity of support and kindness.
We really are on this road together – hand in hand.
Be With What Is
March 2nd, 2013
What do your eyes see right in front of you?
What does your heart feel in this moment?
What joyful thoughts are you listening to?
What is your body sensing?
What is your breath exhaling?
Where is your mind?
Be with what is in front of you – Be with what is.
(Photo by Mary Anne Flanagan)
Small Moments of Great Joy
February 28th, 2013
As I sat on my bus ride home, I noticed how the daylight had expanded. I was listening to some chanting music and I turned my head to see a big glow of light – the sun bursting through the frame of the bridge I was crossing. I took a quick photo with my phone and smiled as metal beams began to brighten with the light. Simple. Beautiful. Perfect. Small moments that bring great joy.
Notice the small moments that bring you great joy. Share them.
What small moments bring you great joy? Post them here.
Let’s celebrate the small moments. Let’s celebrate joy!
Hand in Hand We Go
February 27th, 2013
In a letter to my wife while on a retreat, I wrote, “Hand in hand we go.” This expression came because I had been diagnosed with Mild Multiple Sclerosis. I was overcome with grief and overwhelmed with many medical tests. After more than five months of doctor appointments, blood-work, tests, and MRI’s, I was relieved to find out that I do not have Multiple Sclerosis. Although I do not have a clear diagnosis yet, I have learned that more medical follow-up is required. My next step is to see a doctor that will review possible autoimmune coagulopathy (blood clots). The whole process has been exhausting, and at times, very frustrating. I have had the full support of my wife every step of the way.
I am not sharing about my health condition because I want advice or pity. I am sharing because there are many people who live with illnesses in their own life and/or in their families and it helps to know we are not alone. I also wanted to share my experiences of vulnerability and how it has provided me with a deeper spiritual connection. My health struggles have only strengthened my spiritual work, both personally and professionally. When I write meditations, inspiring thoughts, and positive stories they are for my own well-being as well as to be of service to others. My writing and practices come from direct experiences and I am still on a journey of learning and listening.
You are not alone. I am not alone. I may need reminding of this. We are in this together. That’s how we journey – hand in hand.
Hand in hand we go.
This is dedicated to my wife whose love and support has made my life much more peaceful. I love you.
How Do You Respond to Uncertainty?
February 26th, 2013
Sitting in uncertainty
No longer rushing to certainty
Allowing myself to be in the discomfort
Learning from the unknown
Awakening to the gifts of the new questions rising
Releasing old roles and responsibilities
What do you do when you experience uncertainty?
What Is Mindfulness?
February 25th, 2013
Mindfulness = Remembering
Remembering your presence in the present.
Remembering your goodness
Remembering your peacefulness
Remembering your compassion
Remembering your loving-kindness
Remembering your joyful heart
Remembering your light
{Photo by Mary Anne Flanagan}
The Power of Vulnerability
February 24th, 2013
Brené Brown has taught me a lot about vulnerability – my ability to show up and know I am good enough just the way I am. Through her book, Daring Greatly, I have come to undertand vulnerability on a whole new level. I have come to accept that vulnerability and uncertainty are pathways to possibilities. And for that I am grateful.
If you haven’t yet seen or heard of Brené Brown, do yourself a favor and watch her TED Talk on Vulnerability.