About Love

Some people think love is a feeling. Others believe it is an action. I have come to realise it is both, and so much more. Love, I believe, is the essence of who we all are. It is the indescribable energy within us that brings us both joy and peace. It is the hand of kindness, compassion, acceptance and tolerance. It is the source of our creativity, the light within us that is there wherever we go and whatever we do.

The first time I ever fully connected with this part of me, it began a transformation that continues today. I felt I was finally home, and this energy inside that loved unconditionally, helped me to learn to love myself that way. It ignited a strength that comes from knowing who you are is truly beautiful.

Now, don't get me wrong, I am not always able to be this love, I have my imperfections and struggles. But I also have the inspiration to be better, to love more, because I know it is who I am...who we all are. 

The cliche, life is a journey, is in fact, for me, an inspiration. My journey is to grow in love. To consciously connect with this part of me, to listen and ask questions of my heart, to honour it's wisdom, and allow it to flow through me via my creative expression, personal growth and connection with others. 

We all need to be loved, to feel we are seen and heard. I believe it starts with seeing ourselves, then we can begin to let who we are, the love within us, blossom.

One of the reasons I write is that it is one of the most powerful ways I connect with the love inside of myself. I have learned that listening to my heart, recognising what my passions are, and owning my unique talents, is one of the greatest gifts I can give myself.

So, on this day that people speak of love and express their love for one another, I urge you to love yourself! I urge you to take some time to visit your heart, tell it that you love it and you are listening. Then ask, how can I love myself today?What wisdom would you like to share.You may be surprised what you get...

 To my partner, friends and family who listen to me, and help me to feel seen and loved every day, I thank you for all your acts of  kindness and compassion, they are truly appreciated. Most importantly, to my own heart, thank you for the strength, comfort, joy, and the inspiration you bring every day, I love you and I am listening...

the beauty,
 strength, and wisdom
 of the heart

is never ending,

we can visit anytime

and be transformed...

pbowman

Fragility and Strength

Feathered Friends

It is nearing the end of a very long winter and as I watch the birds at the feeders outside our living room windows I feel inspired. They are such fragile, tiny creatures with such extraordinary strength. These amazing birds endure temperatures of forty below along with wind gusts that have toppled trees down like match sticks! I marvel how such tiny bodies can survive such harsh conditions and I wonder if it is more than instinct that keeps them alive.
 These fascinating little creatures bring a smile to my heart every time I watch them hurry and compete with one another to get the seeds that will somehow nourish them. Perhaps it is the long winter or the time spent alone, but I have come to see them as having human characteristics ( I am not naming them yet and inviting them in for dinner, so I think I am okay).
 Some of the birds, like the chickadees, seem happy and content all the time. When I go out and fill the feeders, even though I cannot see them, they let me know with their cheery greeting that they are pleased to see me (okay, pleased to see the food.). Some of my other feathered friends ( yes, I called them friends) like the blue jay, are not quite as cheery, and are often sporting a scowl. As a matter of fact, I swear they give me dirty looks when I stand between them and the feeder.
 Although the blue jays are some of the most beautiful birds, they tend to be bullies, chasing the smaller birds away, intimidating them with their larger size (and scowl I suppose). Thankfully, not all the birds are afraid of them. There is a beautiful downy woodpecker that feeds at the same spot who remains calm and stands his ground as the blue jay squawks his impatience. I have noticed that it is the bullies who fly away at the first glimpse of someone approaching, while the smaller birds have the courage to remain at the feeder, calmly munching on their snack. The finches and chickadees are always flitting from feeder to branch, the happy go lucky sort, while the woodpeckers seem very serious and focused on their task. (type A personalities...work work, work! )
 I love to take pictures of the birds and I often have a chuckle when I get a good look at their expressions     ( yes, they have expressions). Just the other day for example, I got a shot of a finch, which I swear, looked like it was depressed ( lack of sunlight perhaps) seriously, it's eyes looked so sad I was ready to refer him to a good "psycho" therapist I know...The blue jays are particularly expressive, unfortunately, most of the time they seem very angry....not sure if they don't like getting their picture taken or they don't like the hand that feeds them! Either way, it seems a bit rude...  The finches and chickadees on the other hand, appear happy to let me take pictures, and sometimes, ( no, I am not crazy) they seem to be posing... Well, it has been a long winter!!
Whatever their temperament or motives, I am truly grateful to have the opportunity to watch these delightful creatures who exhibit such fragility and strength. I suppose if they can thrive in spite of the harsh winter, I should be thankful for the inspiration and smiles they bring, quit complaining about the winter, and count my blessings!

Feathered Friends

I marvel at 

such beauty and grace

as you pause, 

 delicately balanced,

on your slender throne,

And I wonder...

if you knew

 just how miraculous you are,

how much we admire

 your fragility and strength,

if you knew

the comfort and simple joy

you bring,

would you be less timid,

  would pride puff your feathers out

 just a little more

my feathered friends?

God bless

PBowman