There is so much to be reactive to in our lives.  “If it’s not one thing, it’s two,” right?  Lots of little things going awry, and sometimes a slightly bigger thing.  The world seems to spin faster and faster and our lives likewise.  More important than ever then to stop and be aware of the one or two (or more) things that are going well.  The little miracles and small acts of magic that make up our lives.  Amidst the chaos of human existence there is an order of goodness and natural rhythm that never fails us.  I wish there was a good news channel.  I get there by not turning on my television or radio, and tuning into my mind + heart.  By petting my cats and listening to them softly purr.  By practicing self-care and learning to judge less and accept more.

Here is a Thanksgiving gift for you.  A video entitled, “The Optimist’s Code” and produced by Rhonda Byrne of The Secret.  Enjoy the wisdom it imparts and download the print to remind you every day is for thanks giving.

http://www.thesecret.tv/optimists-creed/

While Independence Day (July 4th) has its own historical significance, I offer that this may be the time in human history to shift and to celebrate interdependence.  Interdependence is the wise understanding that indeed we are all truly one, all truly connected, human & non-human, earth & sky.

Indigenous cultures know and honor this wisdom.  ”Humankind has not woven the web of life.  We are but one thread within it.  Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves.  All things are bound together.  All things connect.” (Chief Seattle)

We watch the news of global changes, cultural and climactic, and we see opposite perspectives being argued in political camps. Rather than jumping into the fracas, I offer this invitation.  Consider embracing the deepest, oldest wisdom of our planet and its original peoples.  Consider saying less and feeling more.  Stay in your center and mind your mellow.  Take time to deeply appreciate your loving life and your sacred place in all that is.

It is interdependence that truly makes freedom ring.  Happy Interdependence Day to us all.

What do our two recent Enlightened Life Lovers blog posts have in common (Cat in a Small Box & “I Was Born This Way”)?  A great metaphor, that’s what!  Who among us actually “fits” in any box?  Do you have as much trouble checking the demo boxes as I do?  People weren’t made with cookie cutters (well, I guess we would technically have to ask the Creator about this).  You will find that you will lose parts of you the minute you try to fit into any box in life.  So I wouldn’t recommend it.

What’s the alternative?  I’ll tell you, but it’s not for the weak of heart.  The answer is “authenticity.”  It’s about showing up and stepping out as the snowflake you really truly are!  (They’re all different, remember?)  No one else can offer this big beautiful world your gifts and talents, your perspective and wisdom.  So I guess you’re going to have to do it, right?  You have dances and songs and poems and brilliance in you.  Don’t be stingy and don’t be scared — share with us!

I’ll admit, this kitten makes trying to fit in a box the cutest exercise I’ve every seen!  (And as we all know, the yogic prowess of felines is legend!)  However, I wouldn’t advise that we try this — it never looks (or feels) quite so cute!

So, go be your Self!  Put on your dancing shoes, grab that hula hoop, don that psychedelic t-shirt, and be your Amazing Beautiful Self baby!  (Now thems some abs!)