Inspired by Spirit: Forgive Me Forgive Me Not...

Inspired by Spirit: Forgive Me Forgive Me Not...: I have forgiven myself  for not dreaming fully, for letting fear decide, for not believing in me, for diminishing my faith in what is possib...

Inspired by Spirit: One Voice... Remembering our Heros

Inspired by Spirit: One Voice... Remembering our Heros: For those who fought for us, who died for us, and for those who bravely carry on. One Small Voice for Many You did not even k...

The Wonder of You... A tribute to children with Cancer

 

This August I am riding in the Sick Kid's Hospital Great Cycle Challenge to fight kids' cancer, and I must say it has become a source of inspiration and hope for me. As a part of the fundraising efforts I have had the privilege of reading the stories of many of the children we are riding for. Going through cancer as a adult is difficult, but to face that challenge as a child is way beyond anything someone young should have to experience, and yet, their stories reflect amazing courage, resilience and strength that far exceeds their years. 

I am humbled to be able to ride in support of these children and inspired by the grace, dignity and strength they demonstrate. It is my hope that some day we will not need to ride any more, but in the meantime, I pray that every child will be well again, and that the light they shine so beautifully in spite of their challenges gives the rest of us a reason to to be inspired, stronger, kinder and more loving.

Many, many thanks to those of you who have sponsored the challenge, you are an essential part of keeping those little lights shining. If you have not already donated and would like to please use the link at the bottom of the page. 

The Wonder of You

Like a delicate flower

blown about in the wind

you are stronger,

far more resilient,

and much more beautiful

than you realize,

but we,

we who have watched you grow,

we who love you... we know,

and every day, we give thanks,

and are inspired

by the sheer wonder of you!

light and love,

penny bowman

 https://greatcyclechallenge.ca/Riders/PennyBowman

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,

A light so warm and compelling,

Urges me not to stray

 

Be more than that,

Be Sunshine,

She whispers in my ear,

Be the love within you,

Its bigger than the fear,

 

For that is who you are,

The peace, the joy, the grace,

That is who you are,

No matter what takes place

 

Believe my dear, believe

You are more than the moment you’re in,

You are love she softly whispers,

You are 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