A Mother's Light

It has been another difficult year for everyone, and along with front line workers, I think it has been exceptionally stressful for mothers. As well as the daily stresses brought on by the pandemic, many mother's have had to juggle working at home while supervising their children's online learning, or have gone out to work worrying about what they might bring home, and scrambling to find someone to take care of their children. Still other mothers have had to become caregivers for their parents in addition to taking care of their own family. Expectant/new moms have had to go through a very special time in their lives without the full support of family and friends. Senior moms have been affected too, enduring long periods of isolation and loneliness when they have not been able to see their children. 

Undoubtedly, the role of mother was stretched to the limit this year, and mother's around the world stepped up and responded with admirable strength, courage, creativity, resilience, and love. It has been an inspiration for me to see mothers, young and old, do what moms do... carry on as best they can, with a smile on their face, a heavy burden in their hearts, and a fierce determination to be there for their families. 

It is my sincere hope that next year, Mother's Day will be a day we can get together safely, savoring how special it is to be with one another again, while celebrating the extraordinary beauty, wisdom, and strength that lies within a mother's heart. In the meantime, moms, be kind to yourself, and know you are appreciated and loved far beyond words, for it is your beautiful light, like stars in the night sky, that guide us through these dark times. 

A Mother's Light

Keep shining your light,

have faith you'll find a way

through any darkness

and be inspired by love's embrace, 

have faith, that within, 

strength and wisdom run deep,

be the pillar when you can,

and go easy on yourself

when you cannot,

know that your best

is far better than you think,

and feel proud,

know that you are the reason 

your children feel safe and loved,

their shelter in a storm,

and the bright star 

that guides them through the difficult times...

With admiration and gratitude, for all those who "mother"

penny bowman

 

Spring into Hope

  

Hopeful Hearts 

It's a cool, rainy day, a full year into the pandemic, and like most people, I am frustrated and trying hard to stay hopeful in the midst of such overwhelming circumstances. I am thankful for the onset of spring, for even in a pandemic, or perhaps because of it, spring fosters a sense of hopefulness and the anticipation of better things to come. With longer, warmer days, and fresh buds that promise beautiful blossoms, she brings a smile to my heart and a host of reasons to feel grateful. 

 This year, spring has reminded me that hope is an essential part of our mental health, for it carries us away from our stressful thinking towards more positive, comforting thoughts. Some people see hope as a way of avoiding reality, or being a dreamer, but I see it as the opposite, to me, hope is a way of responding, a choice we can make about how we want to feel. We can complain about what is and build a momentum of negative energy, or we can develop a habit of focusing on what we do want and feel better in the process. Hope is like a bridge that can take us from the dark places in our minds towards happier perspectives, helping us not only combat despair, but build positive momentum and optimism.

 When we cultivate hope, it can become a way of thinking, a habit that both uplifts and empowers us. Hope happens when we allow ourselves to dream. It connects us with our desires, but even more importantly, it makes us feel good immediately. Try it for a moment, close your eyes and let yourself hope for something... visualize it happening, then take a few deep breaths and allow yourself to savor the feeling it brings. I'll bet it made you smile, perhaps even sigh... Hope is like a faithful friend who is always there, ready to comfort and uplift. The only catch is, you need to reach out.

So my friends, if you want to feel better in any moment try practicing hope... hope for better days when we'll be able to get together and embrace the people we love, hope for a miraculous end to the pandemic, hope for our nurses and doctors and front line workers to stay healthy and strong, hope for people to recover, hope for silver linings, hope for the strength and grace getting through this. Hope for whatever makes you smile and gives your heart a lift. The best part is, when you do practice hope, you can be a source of hope to others, a little beacon of light that brings someone a smile, some momentary comfort, or renewed faith. Hope is a beautiful act of self love as well as an inspiring gift for the people we share it with. Wishing you all the blessings a hopeful heart brings.

love and light,

Penny

Hope,

our soul's gentle nudge

to keep dreaming,

a twinkle of light,

that uplifts our heart,

and brings a warm smile

and soft sigh,

Hope

lies within,

a gentle reminder

of who we are,

our beacon in the darkness

carrying us towards

 a better tomorrow...

Penny Bowman

 

Sprinkle some Love

                                                

This pandemic has drastically changed all of our lives. The changes may be similar, but their impact is unique to each person. We are living in various waves of well being that fluctuate with the level of fear, isolation, and grief we are experiencing on any given day. We are all doing our best to cope and adapt to an unpredictable, unnatural situation that none of us were prepared for. Now more than ever, it is a time for us to extend kindness to ourselves and others. It is a time to draw on our inner strength, compassion, and faith. It is also a time to be easy on ourselves, and acknowledge with pride, the amazing courage, strength, resilience, perseverance and faith we have already summoned this past year. 

 Over the course of this pandemic I have been very fortunate to have been uplifted through the kindness and love of family, friends, and neighbors. Having that support has helped me realize how vital it is for us to be there for one another. We have all struggled at times, and we have all been there to help someone who is struggling. Every time we have reached out to talk to someone, listen to them, cheer them up, run an errand, or keep them company, is a time we have given someone a little boost, a little sprinkle of love... A sprinkle may seem like a minor thing, but each act of kindness helps someone feel less lonely, more hopeful, and brings a smile to their heart. Most likely, it has lifted our spirits too, for when we help others, we also get a boost.

So my friends, on this valentine's day, be good to yourself and instead of worrying about gifts, why not reach out and sprinkle a little love on your family, friends, and neighbors, whether its with a smile, an email, a phone call, or a little treat, it really doesn't matter, because the gift of love regardless of its shape, will always be the sweetest gift you can give...💖

with a sprinkle of love and light,

warmest regards,

Penny

 

 

How to Survive, Maybe even Thrive (highly doubtful) With Just Your Own Company

 

                                    Tips to Survive Your Own Company (Part One)

       

            Are you living alone during this pandemic and feeling the stress of only having yourself to talk to, look at, blame, ask for help, or complain to? Take heart, these tips may or may not help.

     

1.  Agree with everything you say, whether it's crazy or not, there will be lots of occasions after this when you will be challenged by others....enjoy the ego boost while you can get it!
2. Sing as often as you can, even if you're off key and don't know the words, it will prepare/ toughen you up for future karaoke nights.
3. After you shower in the morning play Pharrell William's song, Happy, and dance like no one is watching...but first be sure to avoid any mirrors that could discourage you from continuing.
4. If you are tired of eating alone, invite an imaginary friend, and bonus...ask them to cook!
5. If you have lots of questions and are worried because people say it's ok to talk to yourself as long as you don't answer yourself...again, don't worry, I checked a couple of times, and apparently I think it's fine.
6. If you are tired of seeing the same face all the time, change it up ladies, let that facial hair grow, mustaches, beards... the guys do it, remember movember? You could be a trend setter!!
7. If you can, find someone in your neighborhood you can go for walks with, but make sure you wear your mask, that mustache is probably coming along, you do not want to scare them off.
8. If you are still really tired of talking to yourself, even though you now know it's ok to answer, watch a T.V. talk show, like Marilyn Denis, write down all the questions she asks a guest, then play it back, and here is the tricky part, be the host, ask the question before Marilyn does, and bingo! You now have a celebrity/expert answering your questions... and, you are ready to host your own show!
9. If you are letting the housework slip, and having a hard time getting motivated, get this,... fire yourself! No one likes to be fired ( look at Trump and how hard he tried to stay on...) It could motivate you, or piss you off, either way, you have passed some time...
10. If you are trying hard to stay optimistic, imagine all the things you are going to do when this is over, visualize sipping wine with others, cocktail parties, champagne breakfasts, etc., and if visualizing doesn't make you feel better, actually drink the wine, and the cocktails, and the champagne!

Full Disclosure:

I actually do a few of the tips above and they seem to be helping, ok, I do most of them, alright, I do all but one...the point is, I hope in some small way this helps those of you who live alone or those of you who are so tired of the person you are living with you are pretending that you live alone. Either way, sending you smiles and warm fuzzies.

On a more serious note, I really do hope you are finding things that bring some joy and a smile to your lips...my ulterior motive in all this. Take good care, wear that mask, and trim that mustache! 

love and light,

Penny Bowman

The Spirit of Christmas

This year we will be celebrating Christmas very differently than we have in the past, but that doesn't mean it's essence has to be diminished, for even though we cannot be with all the people we love, or carry out all of our treasured traditions, the spirit of Christmas is ageless and enduring. And if there was ever a time we needed to be uplifted by her spirit, it is now.

Christmas has always been a time when we believe in miracles, and revel in the magic it unfolds. It is a time we feel like kids again, as we envelop ourselves in an atmosphere of lightheartedness and excited anticipation. I think the real magic of Christmas is that it wakes up our spirits and the beautiful light of hope, joy, and love that resides within all of us.

Although we may not be able to celebrate Christmas in the way we so desperately desire, we can do our best to stay positive, have faith, and find new ways to give and connect. It has been a stressful year, particularly for front line workers and families who have been directly affected by the virus, so more than ever, we need to be supportive, compassionate and hopeful.

In a year when everyone has sacrificed so much, a perfect gift this Christmas might be to let people know how much we value and appreciate them, especially our health care and front line workers. Imagine how uplifting it might be for them to receive a "thank you" Christmas card expressing how much we appreciate all they have done, all they have sacrificed, and all they continue to do. We could send cards to our health care providers and staff at local hospitals, pharmacies, clinics, and nursing homes. We could also thank our friends and families for their ongoing efforts and sacrifices to keep us all safe.

Celebrating Christmas may take more effort and creativity this year, and we may have to shift our expectations, but the simple truth is, we make Christmas what it is! We make it merry by aligning with the joy and hope and love that is always within us, there in every dream we dream, every kindness we extend, and every joy we create. Who knows, by truly appreciating each other, valuing the opportunities we do have to be together, and fostering hope for healthier, happier times to come, we may make this Christmas the most meaningful one yet.

May you stay well this season, and may you find many ways to be joyful and share that joy with others. 

With Appreciation at Christmas

Thankyou 

for all the sacrifices you make

that seem to go unnoticed 

even though they weigh

on your heart every day,

thank you for being courageous,

and resilient, and strong,

thank you

for caring

even though it appears

that no one cares in return,

but the thing is, we do...

So, from our hearts to yours, thankyou,

may you feel our love 

wrap you in peace,

keep you well,

and inspire moments of joy,

and may you feel the warmth

of our gratitude,

too big for words,

yet, not enough

for all you have done...

Merry Christmas, on behalf of all the tremendously grateful hearts who do think of you every day.

with love,

Penny Bowman

Together we are Awakened, Together we must Act

"Some" of the Parts

For some, the enemy remains invisible,

they do not see the sick and suffering,

know death's name,

or feel the unspeakable grief of families

who cannot seek solace in one another's arms,

For some, the enemy has many faces,

they wake up each day with heavy hearts,

stretch a mask over yesterday's scars

and somehow summon courage and strength

to walk through the fear into the fire...

For all,

life is inconvenient, and challenging,

a strange test of our resilience and humanity,

a nightmare lived each day

in which the voice of reason is muffled
the call to unite not fully unanswered,
a call that would reminds us

stay the course, 

stay strong,
pull together,

for each part of the whole is better

when we act as one...



The difficult times we are living through, as all difficult times, tests our strength, resilience and character. This pandemic has given birth to some of our darkest moments, exposing that which needs to change, and at times, the rather ugly side of humanity.... the greed, self serving practices, hypocrisy, injustices and systemic racism. It has also shone a light on the brighter side of human nature, our kindness, self sacrifice, courage, resilience, creativity, and our willingness to support one another and unite. 
In the midst of this crisis we have all been called to take a good look in the mirror and see ourselves, to examine our humanity, the principles and practices that define us, and most importantly, the way we take care of one another... It is my deepest hope, that we will see this pandemic as an awakening, a call to action,  a time for us to think of the greater good and realize that when each part of the whole is strong and healthy, we are all better for it...
I encourage us all to take a good look at the role we have played in  this pandemic, and examine how we can do better moving forward. Let's put forth our greatest effort to make sure we honor the lives lost. Let's do our part by implementing and supporting changes we now know are crucial, and by moving forward with love and compassion. Our power lies in our unity, together we are awakened, together we must act!


In honour of those we have lost, those we have forgotten, and those who serve every day and who's cries we have not heeded...


Penny Bowman

Every Day

Every Day

There are so many things about this pandemic that are disturbing to me, but what I find most upsetting, and what breaks my heart is that all the people who have died and are ill seem to have been reduced to a daily statistic. The number of people who have fallen, and the circumstances under which they have passed are difficult for most of us to comprehend. I think about them every day, and the families who were not able to be at their side, or join together after their death to grieve their loss. I hope that somehow they can feel the collective sorrow, empathy, and love of the millions of people like myself around the world who care deeply. This poem is a small tribute to their lives, and hopefully a source of comfort to their families knowing that they are held in great love.



Every day I pray
the unimaginable will end,
and those who have lost this battle
will not be forgotten,
that their lives will be more
than just a number
recited daily on the news,
the grim reminder
of our new reality...

I pray the fallen
will always be remembered,
that our collective sorrow,
silent tears
and unspoken condolences
are somehow felt,
that in some way
our broken hearts
pay homage
to lives taken
and the tremendous loss ...

I pray there will be a time
when hearts can mend,
when families
can come together
to mourn their loss,
to grieve the unimaginable,
to share their love,
and find peace and comfort
once again,
in warm embrace...

with love and light,

Penny Bowman

Faith’s Whisper

Faith often begins as a whisper,

The quiet voice inside our head

That brings us comfort,

Tells us to hold on,

To believe…

And as we listen

It becomes stronger,

Nurturing courage and hope,

A knowing that

 All will be well,

We are not alone

If we stay open...

Faith,

Its own miracle,

A precious gift

Waiting inside

Each one of us…

Penny Bowman

Winter's Soft Embrace

Winter's Soft Embrace

Winter lays still

like a soft white blanket 

gently laid

over barren branch

and frozen ground

quietly, magically, transforming

all she touches 

with gentle waves of  peace...

pennyb

The Feelings of Christmas

The Feelings of Christmas



Even though Christmas is celebrated in many different ways by a multitude of diverse cultures all around the world, it unites us in a powerful way we may not even realize. Christmas is a time when we embrace what love is all about, and are inspired to be kinder, more generous and compassionate. It's as if a universal magical spell is cast and we are all compelled to open up our hearts and enjoy the beautiful blessings that come when we share our light. Just like the Grinch, our hearts seem to expand, and we experience more feelings of joy, love, and peace, especially when we take the time to pause and be present in the moment.

Regardless of how or where we celebrate, these intangible blessings are the common thread that weave through every heart, and connect us in powerful ways. The feelings that come when we celebrate Christmas are universal and most likely the reason it is such a very special season. What other time are we blessed with such an abundance of good feelings, feelings of comfort, warmth, family connection, nostalgia, gratitude, hope, and faith; feelings that are in themselves, little gifts.

So this season I hope you pause and take some time to really notice how Christmas changes something inside of you, how the light it shines can bring you the greatest blessing of all, the transformative power of grace.




The Feelings of Christmas

What I treasure at Christmas
is not the gift
but the love it is given with,
not the carol,
but the peace it brings,
not the Christmas tree
but the joy of family gathered around,
for with time I have learned,
the real blessings of Christmas
are never found in things,
the true magic of Christmas
lies in the feelings it brings....

With gratitude for all the beautiful feelings inspired by the season, I wish you abundant joy, love, and peace this Christmas and all year through! Love and light, 

Penny Bowman

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

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...