Unbreakable... The Spirit of Ukraine

 

Unbreakable

 

Our hearts break

as we witness the unthinkable, 

haunted by the eyes of

innocent children,

 mothers and fathers,

 soldiers and citizens,

 eyes that cannot mask

the burden they bear,

eyes reflecting such deep sorrow,

eyes not certain of tomorrow

only the horrors of today,

mournful reflections

of lives lost, and torn apart

by a greedy lust for power

 while the world watches in horror

too afraid to challenge madness...

history repeating itself,

what have we learned...

our weary hearts confused, and overwhelmed

 slowly grow numb,

but a nation's spirit

 does not concede,

instead it lights up the world

with it's courage and love,

and empowers itself

to stand bravely alone

redefining the meaning of courage

and reminding the world

that no matter how dark the days become,

not even a mad man has the power

 to break a nations spirit...

 

My thoughts and prayers go out to the people of Ukraine, and to the collective hearts that suffer alongside them. I know people around the world are united in prayer for their well being and the peace and freedom they deserve. May this light and love we share bring some small comfort.

respectfully, with love and light,

Penny Bowman

The Gift of Self Compassion

                                                                                  

During our lives most of us will experience the pain of losing, or being hurt by people we love, and quite often, we will react by shutting down in a rather misguided attempt to protect our hearts. Unfortunately, this does not help,  for it holds us back from the very things that can heal us, compassion, and love... Contrary to our instincts, we need to keep our hearts open, for it is only with open hearts that we can receive the healing and wisdom required to move on and learn from the experience. For many of us, this takes time, and that's ok. Although the journey is unique for each of us, we all benefit when we remain receptive to the love and support around us, and have faith that things will eventually get better.

  Like an open window, an open heart allows us to experience life with a fresh perspective so we can gain new insights. Surprisingly, one of my greatest insights was to understand that not all hearts are the same, they don't all hold a similar amount of compassion and love. With this realization, I stopped expecting other people to respond as I might, and I learned to appreciate my own capacity for compassion. Even more importantly, I realized that I needed to extend that compassion to myself. Like so many of you, I can be my own biggest critic, and not as gentle with myself as I am with others. Most people, (ourselves included,) are doing the best they can, given what they know.

For those of you who can relate to this, and are mending a broken heart, or struggling emotionally, I extend my love, and wish you a journey filled with beautiful insights, healing, and the compassion of those around you. Even more importantly, I wish you all one of the greatest gifts and acts of love we can give ourselves... the art of self compassion and love. 

love and light my friends,

Penny

Open Hearts and Windows

 I will not close my heart,

 I will keep it open

  like a window that invites 

     in the breeze,

      so that love's healing touch

        might wash over me 

         and guide me back

           to who I am,

             and the gifts

               of compassion

                  that await...

        

                    penny bowman

  

Lightkeepers

 

A few years ago I wrote a blog celebrating the uplifting emotions we associate with Christmas and I realize now how short sighted I was. The past few Christmas's most of us have been on an emotional roller coaster ride, doing our best to take things in stride. Those of us that can be with our family are counting our blessings, very aware many others will not have that opportunity. The pandemic has not only taken far too many lives, but has systematically altered the way we live them, including how we celebrate Christmas. Understandably, it has had a huge impact on our emotional wellbeing, as well as the way we look at life. It has definitely helped me gain a broader, more compassionate perspective of the "feelings" of Christmas. 

In perfect world, Christmas should be an uplifting, joyful time for everyone, but unfortunately it is not. For many people it is a time that magnifies emotions, especially those those struggling with depression, health issues, loss, or stress. The season, best known for bringing peace and joy can also be a trigger for depression, loneliness, and anxiety, and we need to acknowledge and have compassion for the duality. That contrast of emotions became apparent to me the other day when I was dropping off gifts to dear friends of mine. I felt the joy that comes from sharing, tinged with the sadness of being limited to a quick visit at the door. Safe to say, Christmas has always stirred up a mixed bag of emotions, it just seems more painfully apparent to many of us now.

Given our circumstances, it's important that we are kind and gentle with ourselves and one another, and allow whatever feelings surface to be expressed in a safe, non judgmental space. During these extraordinarily stressful times I also feel it is very important that we do our best to share our light with one another so we don't lose hope. A compassionate heart and little acts of kindness, like sharing Christmas baking, or calling someone, might be the spark of light that brightens someone's day and fuels their optimism. By reaching out we are saying, I hope you know I care, I hope you know you're not alone, I hope things get better soon, too... We are sharing hope. 

So, in the mix of all the emotions you'll feel this season, I wish you many joyful, uplifting ones. I also pray you find reasons to feel hope and optimism in the New Year, so you might become a "lightkeeper" and shine that bright beautiful light of yours into a world that desperately needs that right now.

The light of love

shines brightest

in the smallest of gifts,

a kind word,

a thoughtful deed,

a listening ear,

what greater gift 

than sparks of light and love

that might blossom into hope...

love and light,

Penny Bowman

More than a Number

 

 

More than a Number

From the beginning of this pandemic, it has always bothered me to see people's lives reduced to a number. I think if we had put faces and stories to the numbers, perhaps it would have really helped grieving families, given some respect and honor to those who have died, and possibly influenced people's behaviors. Perhaps putting a face to the numbers might have made it more real, and helped us to respond from a place of love, rather than fear...

I am so much more than a number,

yesterday I was a mother, father, husband, wife, partner,

daughter, son, sibling, friend,

why does that no longer matter..

and I am just a number in the end...

Yesterday I was a heart that loved, and was loved,

yesterday, I had a face and a story,

today I am just another casualty,

in a war I did not choose,

in a world caught up in numbers..

Would it be so hard to honor us,

to tell our stories, share our faces, record our names,

Would it make it too real, or just real enough

to stir hearts, to inspire some changes,

to transform darkness into light...

We are the same, you and I,

And we are so much more than just a number...

Penny Bowman

Love's Reflections

Lonely hearts

stay strong,

love is always present,

you, dear one,

are never alone...

for I have sent the stars

to bring light 

in the darkness,

the sun  

to add warmth

to your day,

and the moon

to remind you

phases come and go, 

Do not be disheartened

by cloudy skies

they come and go,

focus on that which fosters faith,

and brings a smile,

for the sun and the moon and the stars

are love's reflections,

and with you every day...

Penny Bowman

Dear Health Care Workers

 

                                                               Heartfelt Gratitude

With Our Heartfelt Gratitude

Thank you for everything you do,

things you think go unnoticed 

even though they weigh heavy

on your heart,

things you should be thanked for every day...

but too often you are not, 

 Thankyou

 for being courageous,

 resilient, and strong,

thank you for continuing on

long after you would have liked,

thank you for caring deeply...

On behalf of so many,

may you feel even a small portion

of the love and appreciation

we hold for you,

far too big for words,

yet not nearly enough...

may it give you peace,

and lighten your heart, even a little,

love and light,

Penny Bowman et al

Be the Light

 

Be the Light

 

When my mind would be discouraged

And thoughts transform to grey,

Her light is warm and compelling,

And I am drawn to stay,

 

Be more than that,

Be Sunshine,

She whispers in my ear,

Be the light within you,

Do not stray my dear,

 

For this is who you are,

This peace, this joy, this grace,

This is who you are,

No matter what you face,

 

For you are the mountain top,

The sun’s golden rays,

You’re the heart of compassion,

Forgiveness is your way,

 

Believe my dear, believe

You are more than the moment you’re in,

Be love she softly whispers,

Be the light that’s always within…

These are difficult times we are living in, and we are all being challenged to summon up the resilience, courage and faith it takes to carry on with hope. Time in meditation and nature helps me to connect with the beautiful voice within that helps me find my way through... I hope you are able to find ways to hear the gentle voice within you that brings  you peace and comfort. Much love and light,

Penny

 

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