Choosing Miracles

The Christmas season is upon on us once more, and although it may look different depending on your beliefs, faith, and traditions, it does offer us all a similar opportunity. Since it is a season when we are reminded of miracles, Christmas is a perfect time to reflect on miracles and see how we can bring more of them into our lives.

Like most people, I used to think that miracles were rare and way beyond our ability to manifest. However, after experiencing some rather miraculous healing, I opened up my heart and mind to see miracles in a different light. Now when I go about my day, I see everyday miracles I used to overlook and take for granted. Miracles like frost covered trees sparkling in the sun, hummingbirds hovering beside the bird feeder, and spectacular sunbursts at sunset. Indeed, how can I not believe in miracles when so often just driving down the highway in Northern Ontario I feel as if I have been transported into a giant art gallery, wherein the sky is an evolving canvas, and the clouds delicate brush strokes inspired by the wind.

Not only do I believe miracles surround us every day, I also believe we have the power to bring more of them into our lives. We may not be able to paint the sky, or sculpt a windswept pine, but there are decisions we can make every day that can bring about a different kind of miracle. Because we are all imperfect, we often experience fearful thoughts, anger, resentment, and regret. Ironically, these feelings create a unique opportunity for a miracle to unfold because they offer us a powerful choice. No matter what happens to us, or within us, we can always choose what we will do about it. When faced with negative emotions we can decide if we want to remain in negative, self destructive energy, or learn to take a big step back, let it go, and wait for the magic.. Releasing darkness allows room for light to enter, and therein lies the miracle... for we get to experience the freedom, peace, joy, and love that brings.

 By choosing to walk away from our destructive thought patterns, and emotional baggage, part of the miracle is that we begin to heal and make a deeper connection with our own spirit. Making miracle minded shift takes some dedication, especially at first, but I found it was much easier when I incorporated a mantra. Deepak Chopra, a respected, well known spiritual leader, offers the perfect mantra, "Every decision I make is a choice between a grievance and a miracle, I relinquish all regrets, grievance and resentments, and I choose the miracle." Repeating that mantra has helped me to pause when I am caught up in negative thoughts and emotions, to connect with spirit, and to decide what I really want, which of course, is always the miracle!

So this Christmas, a time when we are reminded of miracles, and when we have a new year approaching that we can sculpt in any way we want, what will you decide? Will you choose to appreciate the everyday miracles all around you? Will you begin to create your own miracles by letting go of old grudges, fears, and resentments? Will you say goodbye to regrets, will you finally forgive yourself? Will you choose the miracle?

 Warmest wishes for a magical Christmas my friends, I hope this coming year is a truly miraculous one for you!

love and light,
 Penny

Miracles

when we pause

to breathe in miracles,

to be in the light,

we become one

with the great Spirit,

our hearts awakened

our souls ignited

by love

pbowman

The Heart of Christmas

The Heart of Christmas

Everything about Christmas,

worship,

the trees,

gift giving,

the decorations,

family and friends gathering, 

are all just beautiful reflections

of what Christmas is truly about,

for Christmas

is love,

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!

Penny Bowman

Opening Up to

Sometimes in life we surprise ourselves. Too often though, our rigid thinking keeps us stuck in familiar patterns that prevent us from exploring new frontiers. Fortunately, once we step out of our comfort zone and embrace new ideas, we create novel opportunities to grow, pursue our passions, and really enjoy our lives.

I learned the value and joy of going beyond my limiting thinking in part while I was on my healing journey. During that time, I remember feeling that in some mysterious way I was being led to the experiences that I needed to heal, that was, until I was approached by the social worker at the Cancer Center to join a six week meditation class. Although I saw myself as being very open minded, the thought of meditation made me uneasy. I had many misconceptions about the practice and my own ability to do whatever it was that could keep people quiet and still for so long, it just didn't seem natural... I clearly didn't have a clue about the nature of meditation and it's benefits, or more importantly, the human spirit. However, trusting my social worker, I joined the class, and as fate would have it, by the end of the six weeks, I felt very much at home with meditation, and it has became a very important part of my self care, healing, and personal growth.

I am not writing this to preach to you about the benefits of meditation, how it helps you to be more mindful and present in your life, or how it gives you the tools to access the wisdom, peace and healing light that is within each of us, ( oops, apologies, that does seem a little preachy...) I am writing this in the hopes that it will help you to see that letting go of rigid patterns and thoughts can lead us to amazing opportunities for growth and healing. So often it is the very things that we resist that we need the most.

It is over ten years since I began the practice of meditation and as it turns out, I was meant to share what I had learned with others. Because I believe in it so much, I was inspired to step out of my comfort zone once again, this time, to offer meditation classes to my community. At first I felt a little insecure about my abilities, but I trusted the inner voice that urged me on, and with the help of a wonderful health promoter, the classes got organized and were a tremendous success. I say that with humility, for the success was largely due to the courage, dedication, and open mindedness of the participants. They were brave enough to try something new and stay with it even though it was uncomfortable at first. Of course they were not the only ones who benefited from the classes, I did as well. Sharing something you are passionate about is very rewarding, and I not only made some new friends, but I had the privilege of watching the participants open up, embrace something new, and become comfortable with a practice that will serve them the rest of their lives. What started as a six week experiment is still going, and growing, one year later!

It has become evident to me over the years, that when we go beyond our fear based thinking and listen to our inner voices, we open ourselves up to some of the most amazing experiences of our lives. When I look back, I see that the things I was most afraid of  brought me the greatest joys and rewards. Going away to university, moving hundreds of km from my family to start a teaching career, having children, sharing my writing, and mentoring cancer patients were all scary propositions, and it turns out, were all beautiful life experiences that richly enhanced my personal growth, health, and happiness. Fearful thoughts are just that, thoughts, the only power they have is that which we give them. On the other side of fear is a whole lot of love.

So my friends, give power to that which empowers... put your faith in the voice that would urge you to move forward into the unknown. Follow your passion and intuition, and know you are far more capable than you realize. Step out of your comfort zone, stay open, and allow yourself to fly... you just might have the time of your life!!




With gratitude to Erin Brown, who was not only a great meditation teacher and mentor, but someone who continues to be a source of inspiration as a kind, mindful, sensitive, beautiful, fearless, evolving soul. My appreciation for the training wings..

Breathe deeply

into the calm,
into the infinite light

that dwells within...

for that 

is your beacon,

 your inspiration,

 your peace,

 and your wisdom,
that, dear ones,
 is the beautiful essence

that will give you wings to fly
far, far, beyond
what you might have imagined
had you stayed,
safely tucked inside that box..

pbowman

A New Year... Beyond Fear

I love the beginning of a new year. Like spring, (minus the twenty below weather) it inspires a fresh outlook, an opportunity to set new goals and look forward to new adventures. For me that means spending some time focusing inward to connect with the wisdom, guidance, and beautiful energy of my soul. Cold winter days offer great opportunities to curl up and read an inspirational book, meditate or journal. I usually try to incorporate what I have learned into a daily routine or practice. It is not always easy or smooth sailing, but it is always rewarding.

  Ironically, part of moving forward sometimes means we must look back. We must revisit the places where fears originated, decisions were made, and beliefs created. Having done this recently, I was reminded that many of the best things in my life came about when I did not let fear stop me. So many of the things I was afraid of, leaving home for university, tackling some of my co-op work placements, moving eight hours away from my family, becoming a teacher, and sharing my writing, not only greatly enriched my life, but formed the framework for it. Moving beyond our fears can be very difficult, a little like repeatedly walking through doorways when we are not sure of where they will lead us... it does takes courage, but so often, it is the only way we will accomplish our goals and dreams.

  Part of gaining control over our fears, and walking through those doors, involves recognizing them for what they are...just thoughts, thoughts that can hold us hostage, or thoughts we can overcome and move beyond. I remember when I went through my cancer journey, I was very quickly assaulted with fearful thoughts. Reading about melanoma and it's treatment triggered a lot of fear. I made a decision very early on to focus my thoughts on healing and not the disease. I only read inspiring stories of healing, hope and success. I replaced any fear based thoughts with positive mantras and before long, they were what was popping into my mind. At the time I didn't fully understand that I had made one of the most important decisions of my life, I decided to choose love over fear. Once I did, I was able to find an inner strength, and a beautiful sanctuary that promoted positive thoughts, healing, peace, and miracles. I finally began to fully understand what people meant when they said, we are love!

So the next time you notice fear based thinking, be mindful, take a breath, and resist the urge to give it any power. Know that with some effort you can master your thoughts. Know that there is an inner power just waiting for you to tap into. Choose to walk through fears dark embrace into the light, choose love! If you want some help and inspiration try reading one of Gabrielle Bernstein's books, this blog was inspired by her writing. Happy new year, love and light, my friends.

A new year,

a new day,

a new moment,

our life begins again,and again,

 and again,

 with one mindful breath
we can choose to go
beyond fear and darkness
and discover
  the healing peaceful light
that is our truth....
because
 LOVE
 is who we really are!



With gratitude for the part of me that gently holds my hand, and time and time and time again,
leads me to the light...