LAWS OF THE UNIVERSE - Recap

My hope is that my faithful followers have in some small way benefited from this peek into the 12 laws of the universe.  I myself am diligently working to include them into the forefront of my thinking.  A simple example was yesterday's optometrist appointment.  I woke up not wanting to go, so instead of allowing my brain to agitate my thinking like a washing machine agitates clothes, I repeated inside my head, "This appointment will be a good experience."  I'm determined to choose positive thoughts when facing medical appointments.  I'm happy to say that my eyes aced the tests, and Freddie the Freckle on the backside of my eye has not changed for the worse in the past year.  I took a book along to read while waiting in the reception area, had perky chats with the girls working there and proved to myself that I can spare myself a lot of self-imposed anxiety. 

In a nutshell, this is how we can put balance and harmony into our lives by understanding the universal laws of the universe....

• Consider how our actions affect others and the world around us.
• Cultivate positive thoughts and emotions to attract positive experiences.
• Identify areas where we might be creating limitations in our life.
• Focus on our desires and visualize achieving them, rather than dwelling on what we lack.
• Pay attention to our intuitions and take action when we feel moved to do so.
• Take responsibility for our actions and be aware of the potential impact of our choices.
• Be generous, be kind and be grateful.  We will then attract similar experiences.
• Avoid complaining.
• Be patient and persistent during challenging times, knowing that they will pass.
• Be assertive and nurturing.  Mainly, be good to yourself.

Think of them as arrows in your quiver.....additional mental and emotional strength to face the known and the unknown.  Both Horace and Lord Byron are associated with the introduction of the term, carpe diem (seize the day).   Carpe means to pluck, so it actually means to pluck the day.  ThoughtCo. states:  "Think of the day as a ripened fruit.  The ripened fruit is waiting to be picked.  You have to pluck the fruit at the right time and make the most of it.  If you delay, the fruit will go stale.  But if you pluck it at the right time, the rewards are innumerable."  

YOLO:  You only live once.

LAWS OF THE UNIVERSE - Law of Gender

The Law of Gender

 All things have both masculine and feminine aspects.

The law of gender proposes that everything in the universe, including ourselves, have within us both masculine and feminine energies.  It's not about biological gender identity, but rather about the two fundamental energies that create and sustain all things  These energies, like yin and yang, are complementary and necessary for balance and growth.

Okay, so what is masculine energy?  In essence, it's a powerful force that, when balanced and expressed appropriately, contributes to a sense of purpose, strength, guidance and protection, both within oneself and in the world. 

What is feminine energy?  It's an invisible force associated with nurturing and emotional expression.  It's about faith, compassion, imagination and inspiration.    

The universe operates through the interplay of these two energies.  True balance is achieved when both masculine and feminine energy are acknowledged and integrated.  This balance is critical for personal growth and overall well-being.

The law of gender is reflected in our natural world, where the male and female contribute different, but essential, elements for creation.  The yin (feminine)and yang (masculine)in Taoism demonstrates the complementary nature of these two energies.

So how do we apply this law to ourselves?  We can start by identifying our dominant energy.  After we do that, we work to develop the opposing energy. This may require  stepping outside our comfort zone and working toward embracing new perspectives.

How do we unlock our masculine energy?

• Identify what truly matters to you and set goals that align with your values.
• Practice making decisions, even when faced with uncertainty.
• Focus on self-confidence and positive self-regard.  
• Make known your needs and boundaries.
• Develop emotional control.  Learn to regulate your emotional responses and express them appropriately.
• Seek adventure and build resilience.

How do we unlock our feminine energy?

•  Prioritize rest and relaxation.  Feminine energy thrives on a balanced state of being.
• Treat yourself with kindness and understanding.  Embrace your imperfections and practice self-love.
• Designate a space in your home that feels safe, nurturing and inspiring.
• Make time for hobbies and activities that bring you joy and help you feel good.
• Engage in some kind of physical activity to release tension.
• Do something as simple as appreciating your surroundings.  
• Spend time in Nature.  Nature is a powerful source of feminine energy.  Spending time outdoors, observing natural beauty and connecting with the cycles of nature can be deeply grounding and healing. 
• Don't be afraid to be vulnerable and open with others.  Vulnerability can create deeper connections.
• Learn to say no to things that don't serve you and protect your energy balance.  Setting boundaries is critical for protecting and maintaining well-being.
• Allow yourself to be spontaneous and silly.  Lightheartedness is the joy of feminine energy.

Today's society is highly charged with the business of gender identification and gender equality.  This is not about that.   This is about the masculine and feminine qualities that all of us have.  We all have the potential to express both feminine and masculine energy, because both can be found within us regardless of our birth sex.   If we feel the need to present a consistent identity in society, we tend to repress or hold back these qualities, over-identifying the masculine or feminine role expected of us.  By doing this, we lose valuable dimensions of our character.

Applying this universal law to Nature,  think of the feminine energy as the seed and the masculine energy as the pollen.  Nature requires both masculine and feminine energies in equal amounts to thrive.  Our world requires us to pull from both energies in any given situation.  Our goal should be to achieve balance between the two in our lives, remembering that feminine energy nurtures and masculine energy drives. 

If you are feminine energy-dominant, you are the person other people will go to in order to get an honest opinion.  You are known for your integrity, and you will advocate for the under-dog.  Your power is in connection and creativity.  This may, however, get you stuck caring for everyone else while neglecting your own needs, or you may get weighed down by your anxieties.

If you are masculine energy-dominant, you are the person other people will go to when they need someone to step up and take control.  Others may comment that you are faster, stronger and better at most things than others.  However, you may also struggle with micromanaging the lives of others, you don't take criticism well, and may battle with burnout.

Bottom line:  In order to function at our very best, as individuals and as a society, this law encourages us to utilize both our feminine and our masculine energies, because that is when we are our most powerful. 

 

LAWS OF THE UNIVERSE - Law of Rhythm

The Law of Rhythm

All energy vibrates at a certain speed and rhythm. 

Ocean tides, the earth and the moon, the sunrise and sunset are all in their own rhythm.    Our bodies, our moods and systems are all on a cycle and are in rhythm. 

There's something known as circadian rhythm (internal clock), which is a 24-hour cycle that regulates the body's normal physical processes and functions and behavioral processes.  Example:  Jet lag interrupts the circadian rhythm, leading to symptoms like fatigue and sleep disturbances.  When we travel at a fast speed across time zones, our internal clock doesn't adjust right away to the new time zone's light and dark cycle.  This misalignment between our internal clock and the external environment is the main reason we get jet lag.  

The law of rhythm emphasizes that everything is moving in a continuous flow of change.  The law of rhythm can be best explained with the swing of a pendulum.  Every action has an equal and opposite reaction.  What flows to the right, will flow to the left.  This law allows us to anticipate and adapt to the ebb and flow of life's experiences. 

In essence, the law of rhythm teaches us that life's journey is not a constant state of being, but a dynamic process of ebb and flow.  If we understand and align with these rhythms, we can live more effectively.  Remembering, like the pendulum and the seasons, things go but always come back.  

How do we know if our circadian rhythm, or body clock, is out of alignment?  We will experience difficulty falling asleep, trouble staying awake or waking up too early.  We may experience daytime sleepiness and difficulty concentrating.  Our moods might change, where we become cranky, tired or depressed.  We may experience physical changes like headaches, stomach woes and general aches and pains.

Have you ever wondered why you naturally wake up at a certain time, without setting the alarm clock?  This is your internal clock, or circadian rhythm, at work.  So, how do we acknowledge and respect this built-in cycle within us?

• Recognize that life has times of highs and lows.  
• Don't resist the difficult times.  Accept them as temporary and part of the natural flow.
• Understand that even in challenging times, energy is still shifting and things are moving toward a resolution.
• Incorporate breaks into your daily routine.  This can be simply stepping away from your work for a few minutes, taking a short power nap or practicing relaxation exercises like taking deep and slow breaths.
• Trust that everything will unfold in Divine timing.  
• Let go of the need for constant control and outcomes.  Instead focus on the present moment and make the most of it.  
• Find a balance between activity and rest, work and play and the highs and lows of life.  Avoid getting stuck in the quicksand of extremes.  If we can find a middle ground, life will be easier for us.

One can find mountains of helpful advice pertaining to these universal laws.  One thing to remember is that by repeating the mantra, "this won't last forever," the thought itself will lift the vibration scale.  It's equally important for us to know that the good times aren't permanent either.  Knowing this, we can be thankful.....gratitude is one of the easiest high-frequency emotions that we can tap into at any moment.  When things are fine and dandy, appreciate them while they last.  When things are messy and painful, take comfort in knowing that better days will come.  Notice the ebb and the flow of life, practice patience and have faith that there is a time for everything.  (Ecclesiastes 3:1)

Just as the hands of a clock will inevitably return to their starting point, so, too, do patterns and cycles repeat throughout the universe.

LAWS OF THE UNIVERSE - Law of Polarity

Law of Polarity

~Everything has an opposite~

The law of polarity highlights how opposing forces actually represent different degrees of the same fundamental reality.  Take the coin.  Every coin, whether it's a quarter, nickel, dime or penny, all have two sides....heads or tails.  They may seem like opposing forces, but they simply represent the duality of the same fundamental reality....the coin.

Light and darkness:  Darkness is defined by the lack of light, which means that the presence of light dictates where darkness exists.  

Hot and Cold:  Different degrees of temperature.

Love and Hate:  Variations, and intensity, of emotional expression.

Loud and Quiet:  Different levels of sound.  

Good and Evil:  Perceived moral judgments of human behavior.

Success and Failure:  Different outcomes of actions.  

Life and Death:  Different phases of existence.

Things that appear to be opposites, or contradict each other, are simply two extremes of the same thing. 

In life, the only thing we have control over is our thinking.  We may not have the power to change what life flings our way, but we can change how we view, and respond to, any situation. 

So, how can we begin using this law of polarity?  Professionals teach us to focus on our desires.  Instead of thinking of the limitations, we should think about growth.  How can we expand our minds and rise higher than the situation.  Instead of dwelling on the lack of something, we should focus on the abundance in our life.

The human body is an energy system, like a battery or magnet.  It has positive and negative charges and currents of energy that flow through them.  Our human polarity is the way electrical conduction flows through the cells of our physical bodies.  Think of two poles spaced apart from one another.  Life takes place in-between, and flows between, the two poles.  We can use our thinking to create balance and harmony between them. 

When we are faced with a challenge or gut-wrenching situation, the best thing we can do for ourselves is look for the lesson.  Where is the silver lining?  The opportunity to grow emotionally or spiritually?  A change in perspective can help us move from a negative cycle to a more positive one.  This is easy to say, but terribly difficult to actually put into action.  Maybe what we can do is seek some kind of a balance. 

Probably our best lesson from this universal law is for us to accept our current situation for what it is, even if it's not what we want right now.  If we can find ways to deal with hot and cold, up and down, left and right, we can try our best to accept both the positive and the negative.

 One thing we have to remember is that everyone is living their own journey, learning their own life lessons.  More than likely we are totally unaware of the challenges that are churning in the lives of others.  But, we can be sure that no one gets through this life experience without knowing the pain of physical and/or mental suffering. 

Sidebar:  In my life, probably my saving grace, through all the tragedies of my heart, has been keeping a journal.  I called it "puking on the page."  A simple 50-cent spiral notebook and a pen is so much less expensive than a therapist.  Getting rid of our feelings, putting them away in a notebook, was 100% therapeutic for me.  I can only share that and hope that someone out there will benefit from the idea.  Not everyone likes to write like I do, naturally, but that doesn't mean it's not possible to try.

In a way, my blog is a sort of journal of personal experience and my life-long struggle to learn all I can about our world.  This is how I see it:  when we are born, we are given a basket.  We all get the same size and the baskets look identical.  We are sent on our way to see how many life blessings we can find.  When our time is up, if our basket is overflowing, we are branded for eternity with a thumbs up 👍.  If our basket is empty, we are eternally branded with a 👎. 

I rest my case. 

LAWS OF THE UNIVERSE - Law of Relativity

Law of Relativity

Everything is relative to something else. 

This law tells us that nothing in our world is naturally good or bad, big or small, easy or difficult, until it is compared with something else.  Things are neither bad nor good.  It's how we label things based on our learned behaviors.  Rather, things are neutral, and it's how we give them meaning.  That's what explains each of our individual points of view.

Example:  If we are sitting in a room.  You may say that the room is large.  I may say the room is small.  Both of us are comparing the size of the room to another room we've seen before.  In reality, the room just is.  Both of us give the room meaning, according to our perspective.

When two people disagree about something, it is this law of relativity that helps us better understand why there's a difference in the way they think.  Each one has a different understanding of the subject of disagreement.  Each one views it from where they're coming from.  How the subject affects them.  

This universal law can be helpful, especially now when there is such a great division among us.  Let's think about two people, one lives on the east side of the building and the other on the west side of the same building.  One person sees the sun rise.  The other sees the sun set.  The one living on the east side complains about the bright sun shining in through their windows in the morning.  The west person can't understand why the east person is so upset.  The moral of the story is that we view the world from our personal vantage point.  We can complain and condemn and criticize all we want, but we must keep in mind that everything in our world is relative to how it affects us personally.  We ourselves give things their meaning as it pertains to us.  

Another example:  Four people go for a ride.  One couple sits in the front seats, the other couple in the back seat.  The couple sitting in the front are cold and want the heater on.  The couple sitting in the back are hot and want the air conditioner on.  It doesn't matter what the temperature is set on,  one of the couples will be miserable.  It doesn't mean that the car is to blame.

It helps to think about our own beliefs, values, interests and passions.  One person is drawn to art, the other to sports.  One wants to go to a gallery, the other wants to go to the gym.  The art enthusiast cannot understand why anyone would want to spend the afternoon working out in a gym.  The sports enthusiast can't fathom spending the afternoon in an art gallery looking at stuff on the wall that doesn't make sense.  

Understanding and appreciating the differences among us is paramount to a less violent society.  It makes no sense to be openly hostile toward those who don't see the world from your vantage point.  Each one of us places differing levels of importance on different issues in life.  The events that happen in one person's life can shape the way that person responds to life. 

What may be a W to one person may be an M to the other.  It's all relative. 

LAWS OF THE UNIVERSE - Law of Perpetual Transmutation of Energy

Law of Perpetual Transmutation of Energy

~Ever-changing Flow of Energy~

This law states that energy (whether it be physical, mental or emotional) is always in motion, always changing, always evolving.  

Let's use water as an example of this universal law.  Water can change into a sheet of ice, an ice cube, steam, clouds, snow, rain, hail, snowflakes.  Water doesn't go away from the earth, but it changes from state to state, evolves, moves, transforms.

According to this universal law, we can choose how to perceive our world.  We can choose the confirmation bias we subscribe to--positive or negative.  That's where people interpret, seek out and remember information that supports their viewpoint.  An example of confirmation bias might be an expert witness who testifies at trial in a way that supports his/her client's argument. 

Here's an interesting fact.....if we suppress emotions, keep them inside of us, those emotions will be stored as trauma (negative energy).  This negative energy can manifest into disease, pain, anxiety or other bodily imbalance.  Guess I never thought about that.  But, it makes perfect sense.  I know I'm still holding onto negative happenings in my past, and every time I think about 'em, I feel a tension inside me.  Now, I understand why that is and what I myself have to do to lock away the unwelcome past.  This will require a stern mental discipline on my part.  My thoughts and my actions have the power to transform and transmute the energy within me.

Renowned psychiatrist and Holocaust survivor, Viktor Frankl, addressed this concept when he said:

Between stimulus and response,

there is a space.

In that space,

there is our power to choose our response.

In our response

lies our growth and our freedom. 

That's a profound insight.  We can utilize that space to decide how to respond in a way that best serves us.  Our response should shield ourselves from further negative impact.  

Sidebar:  I want my readers to know that the study of these universal laws is mostly a personal endeavor to foster positive thinking in my own life.  When I talk about mind discipline, I'm using a leather whip to strip out anything that has a negative influence on me.  None of us knows how many years (or days or hours) we have left before our expiration date.  Why on earth wouldn't we do everything possible to be the best we can be right now.  This takes repetitive efforts to block disturbing thoughts and replace them with kinder ones.  This law assures us that anything we do over and over again, does eventually transform into habit....positive or negative.  

We decide for ourselves how to perceive the world as we stop by for a short visit.  How will we react when it's our time to wave good-bye to the world?  Will we be smiling or frowning?  laughing or crying?  singing or swearing?  I know what my answer is.  I want to be giggling and throwing kisses.

LAWS OF THE UNIVERSE - Law of Attraction

 We've learned about the business of vibration frequency.  The Law of Attraction tells us that high vibrations act like a magnet, attracting other high vibrations.  By focusing on positive thoughts and feelings, we can attract positive outcomes.  By focusing on negative thoughts, we can attract negative outcomes.  Think of our thoughts as magnets, drawing corresponding circumstances into our reality.

• Our thoughts are powerful and have the ability to manifest into physical reality.  Our dominant thoughts and feelings can either do us good, or can be harmful to us.
• If we focus on feeling healthy and vibrant, we may be more likely to make healthy choices.
• If we focus on attracting positive relationships, we may be more likely to attract supportive and loving people into our life.
• This law of attraction is often criticized for being over simplistic and doesn't correspond with the real-world challenges.  Some argue that it can be harmful to suggest that we are solely responsible for negative experiences we encounter.
• 
  Regardless, the lesson for me is to not dwell on the things I don't have, and not raise a fuss if things don't go the way I think they should.
• Simply stated, when we're feeling excited, enthusiastic, passionate, happy and appreciative, that's when we're sending out positive energy to the universe.
• If we are feeling stressed out, angry or resentful, we are sending out negative energy.  That negative energy will fight off positive energy.  

The Universe doesn't care what kind of energetic vibration we send out from ourselves.  It simply responds in kind to what we offer.

LAWS OF THE UNIVERSE - Law of Compensation

The Law of Compensation

Effort and Reward

The blessings you earn today are the compensation for what you have done in the past.  We can ask ourselves.....what can I give to others today?  We're not talking money here, but random acts of kindness, helping someone, paying someone a compliment.  This helps us be the best version of ourselves.

These blessings (compensation) may not come to us right away, and our patience and perseverance are still necessary.  The law of compensation encourages us to foster positive habits, give of ourselves and also open ourselves up for receiving the abundance. 

We need to pay attention to the negative things we say or do.  As we make an effort to change the negative into the positive, the world around us will transform to the positive.  These universal laws teach us that our thoughts, negative and positive, affect those around us all of the time.  We are vibrating beings.  We should be mindful of what we are putting out into the world. 

As we're learning about these universal laws, we should be getting the message that there is a Divine system in place, where goodness is rewarded.  

LAWS OF THE UNIVERSE - Law of Cause and Effect

Law of Cause and Effect

Example:  It is raining.  The ground is wet. 

rain (cause) wet ground (effect) 

The Law of Cause and Effect as it relates to the mind explains how we create our reality through our thoughts, our feelings and our actions.  Everything we create in life we create within us.  If I'm overweight, I can't expect to be healthy if the reason is the result of my constantly thinking about food, deciding to eat unhealthy foods, and not controlling the amount of food I eat.  The universe doesn't work that way. 

 

So how do we put this universal law to our advantage?  WE CAN...

• aim our thoughts toward abundance rather than lack.  The thoughts we generate repeatedly are the primary causes creating the effects in our life. 
• break the cycle of unhealthy thought patterns and behaviors.  We have it within our power to master our reality.  Example:  If I'm overweight and unhappy, why don't I change my eating habits and achieve the weight that I'm comfortable with.  
• think for ourselves.  I personally refuse to be part of the mass mentality.  Every day we face a tsunami of nauseating sensationalism.  It's intended to provoke anger and violence, and we witness the effect it has on our society and the way it behaves.  If My Creator gave me a brain, more than likely He intended that I use MY brain and not SOMEONE ELSE's brain.  If I can't think for myself, that makes me weak and a follower, with no control over what happens to me.  Only my brain can bring me happiness.  My neighbor's brain cannot bring me happiness.  If we don't use our brains, then we are not being true to Our Creator nor to ourselves.  
• pay close attention to our daily choices and actions.  Again, if I'm eating potato chips, is that going to make me lose weight?  If I eat the chips, then I choose to stay overweight.  If I don't eat the chips, I choose to be at a healthy weight.  Choices matter. 

As I study and learn about the Laws of the Universe,  I can't help but wonder why these aren't taught to us when we're in our teenage years.  To those of us who are mathematically challenged, these laws would have helped me a whole lot more than that school year spent learning about elementary algebra.

We are never too old to learn, to change and to better understand this life that we were born into.  This is exactly what is known as the wisdom that comes with age.  For as long as my mind remains healthy, I promise to keep myself aligned to my North Star...the place where my brain knows and feels the comfort of Truth and boundless Love.

     

 

THE LAWS OF THE UNIVERSE - Law of Correspondence

 Another pretty day in my world.....let's trolley onward to the next Law of the Universe.....

The Law of Correspondence

~Where our attention goes, energy flows~

This law explains how our internal environment reflects our external environment.  In other words, our external lives are a reflection of what's going on inside us.  

We are in control of our lives, to a point, and the law of action allows us to make changes.  Every action we take is reflected in the outer world and in our inner world.  For example, if your mind is totally consumed by how unhappy you are, then you'll continue to have negative energy.  This, in turn, will make you remain unhappy.  

Applying the Law of Correspondence can be very helpful.  It emphasizes how important it is to be consciously aware of what you're allowing around you, because this impacts what shows up within you.  We have to pay attention to the things we allow in and around us, and decide what fits with our genuine self.  Example:  If the evening rendition of fake news is upsetting, then don't watch the evening news.  I write this as an example, because I realize that's what I do to keep my mind at peace.   Why keep walking barefoot on shards of glass?  This is where we reach into our tool box and re-align our actions to respect and better our well-being.  We absolutely do have the ability to counteract negativity with something positive that will bring us back into alignment.

 We're living in a highly charged society that's riddled with a high concentration of negative and problematic elements.  It's up to oneself to notice what drains us and what inspires us.  In essence, the law of correspondence means that we are what we give our attention to.  The main thing to remember, is that what energizes one, may drain the other.  

How do we make use of the Law of Correspondence?  WE CAN.....

• pay attention to the thoughts that continuously rattle on inside our heads and our body's response to them, especially the negative ones.
• examine our life experiences for patterns.  If we keep on facing similar challenges or attract certain types of people, this may be a reflection of our inner state.  It could be a reflection of things we do.
• remember that we tell the Universe how to communicate with us.  If  we are angry, the Universe will respond with anger.  If we are happy, the Universe will respond with happiness.  
• remember that anxiety is fear of the future, and depression is fear from the past.  Why are we anxious about what is to come?  Why do we keep putting ourselves through the pain of the past?  The past is gone, and the future isn't here.  What is here is THE NOW.  We have to think hard about this when we're trying to re-align our well-being. 

Sidebar:  I worry too much about the future of growing old and the zillion possibilities.  There's a lot for us to worry about, like our physical decline, loss of independence and the fear of the expiration date itself.  The more I learn from these Laws of the Universe, the more I'm realizing just how much worrying about the unknown can screw me up.  

How many of our fears and beliefs are based on cultural stereotypes or prejudices? The Western world doesn't put the elderly on the pedestal they deserve.  There isn't a day that the media doesn't bellow (I say beller) something about the loss of brain cells and diminishing mental capacity of the aged.  The news is always spewing out warning signs of Alzheimer's and Dementia.  Why do they care about that when they don't care about us as a whole?  It's imperative that we put on our suits of wisdom and lift our thinking to higher ground.  No news dweeb is gonna overpower me.  Ever.

Sure, late life presents us with the challenges of pain and loss.  BUT, haven't we been experiencing pain and loss all of our lives?  I sure have.  If we baby boomers can't handle pain and loss, who out there can?  I'm learning that I've got to shift the focus of my brain from fearing my elder years to realizing that I've got the tools in my tool box to take on whatever late life gives me.   Bad things, and thinking about them, will never go away, but we don't have to provide them with a luxury suite inside our brains.

Bottom line:  Our late years will correspond to our inner strength and resilience.  That's the Universal Law of Correspondence.

LAWS OF THE UNIVERSE - Law of Action

Next in line in our parade of Universal Laws is.......

The Law of Action

Thoughts = Actions = Results

The Law of Action requires that we do something to attain/obtain the things we want.  We have to let go of the way things are.  We have to reset our expectations.  We cannot demand an immediate outcome by snapping our fingers.  Achieving a goal doesn't happen overnight.  That's why there's the saying, "Rome wasn't built in a day."  The law of action requires that we continue moving forward with our efforts for however long it takes.  This, in turn, teaches us the profound powers of patience and perseverance.

Example:  Losing weight is the goal.  What does one have to do, and what changes does one have to make to daily life, in order to decrease one's body weight?  Actions required:  preparing and consuming alternative foods in smaller amounts, getting more exercise, and keep doing this for as long as it takes.  These efforts require tremendous patience and perseverance, but, according to the universal law of action, they will eventually pay off.

Action doesn't only mean physical movement.  It can mean changing one's mental, emotional or spiritual mindset.  Sometimes we have invisible 'goals for the mind' where we may want to expand our thinking.  It's possible to sit quietly in a chair and put our mind into action, trying to figure out ways of seeing things from another person's vantage point.  

Sidebar:  My generation's definition of action screams of having to be productive all the time.  We were raised to always be doing something, going someplace, working, never sitting down.  If we took a rest, we would earn the lazy label.  This introduced us early on to gnawing guilt.  Even today, it's not unusual to hear our compadres talk on and on and on about their busy schedules, to the point where they itemize hour by hour what they've gotten done in a day.  This is gnawing guilt.  They have an intense need to prove their worth by explaining what they have been doing.  Thankfully, this girl is cut from a different fabric.  Probably I'd best fit in the philosophically active category, and I suspect there's ample space for me to play around in that category.  I've been known to say that if my body got half the exercise that my brain gets, my nickname would be Twiggy.

A prime example of the Law of Action is the desire to run a marathon.  I can't fathom the physical and mental work necessary to build the body's strength and endurance to run 26 miles.  But, if their desire is overpowering, people do endure the rigorous physical and mental training it takes to put their foot across the line and wear the finish line tape.  They may actually collapse afterward, but they've done what they set out to do.  This is the Law of Action in a nutshell.

LAWS OF THE UNIVERSE - Law of Energy or Vibration

Onward we go to learn about another law of the universe.

Law of Energy or Vibration

Everything in our Universe vibrates.

Everything is constantly moving in a circular way, vibrating.  The vibrations are all different.  This applies to not only the physical world, but our thoughts, as well.  Each of our thoughts and feelings has its own vibration pattern, and that pattern will merge with those that have identical vibration patterns.  

Our thoughts are connected to the rest of the universe.  Good feelings (love and positive attitude) vibrate at a high frequency.   Negative feelings (hate and anger) vibrate at a low frequency.  Vibrations are attuned to other similar vibrations.  The law of vibration makes the law of attraction possible.

We can each raise our vibration frequency.  The more time we spend in a high vibration state, the better we will feel.  The ways to elevate one's frequency are simple.....

• going for a walk in nature, connecting with the beauty of Nature, walking a dog
• walking barefoot in the grass or sand, touching bare feet to the earth
• listening to soul-soothing music
• doing things you love 
• simplifying daily life, decluttering can promote a sense of well-being and positive energy
• consuming nourishing, whole foods from nature that provide the body with energy so it can function and raise your overall vibration frequency
• being kind and expressing appreciation will attract more positive experiences
• spending time with individuals who recognize and appreciate the blessings in their lives
• breaking negative cycles is absolutely necessary.

By understanding the law of vibration, it is possible for us to influence our reality by choosing positive thoughts.  Knowing this puts the flashlight directly on this business of good vibes and bad vibes.  

Bottom line:  everything can be taken from a person......the last of the human freedoms is the choice of one's attitude in any situation.

   

LAWS OF THE UNIVERSE - Law of Divine Oneness

My posts in the next few days will be about the Laws of the Universe.  Applying these laws to one's life will have powerful and positive effects.  The concept of universal laws governing our existence predates modern science.  They can be traced back to ancient philosophies and spiritual traditions.

 Law of Divine Oneness

Everyone and everything is connected.

This law lays the foundation for all other laws.  Our every thought, word or action will take effect on others.  Try this:  erase all the titles you wear, like brother, sister, mother, dad, grampa, gramma, racial standing, social standing, academic degrees earned....everything.  Take all of the descriptions and titles away, and what is left is what makes you the real you. This is energy vibrating at a frequency.  Love is one of the highest emotional frequencies.  If you feel love, then you vibrate higher.  When you practice love, kindness and compassion for yourself (self-love), you are functioning at a high vibration.  Loving yourself helps you to be kinder to others, which makes you feel better.

When you encounter negative people or situations, train yourself to NOT take their negativity into your own life and your own thoughts.  Taking on their negative energy will affect your own energy.  It's critical that you focus your attention away from them and place it somewhere more positive.

We are absolutely able to better the collective one-consciousness of this world.  We can be kinder, more compassionate to others, realizing that each one of us is part of the whole.

There have been uncountable times in my life where I've felt like I lived on another planet.....my thinking was so different.....and, now I realize this is because we function on different vibration levels.  Our thoughts, emotions and behaviors are the result of us functioning on different vibration levels.

Positive emotions:  High vibration is associated with joy, love, gratitude and peace. Feeling energized and enthusiastic.

Negative emotions:  Low vibration is linked to fear, anger, sadness and resentment.    Feeling tired and sluggish.

Notice how your energy levels fluctuate throughout the day and what activities your thoughts might be contributing to these changes.  Pay attention to the nature of your internal dialogue, your thoughts, to see whether they support your well-being. 

Knowing this helps explain to me why I've felt like a Martian rather than an Earthling.  It's because I work so incredibly hard to manifest optimism, to see imaginary rainbows in the sky and keep my thinking out of the quicksand.  

THERE IS NO LIFE WITHOUT WATER

Looking down at a flowing trout stream

It's ironic that both of us feel grounded when we're by the water.  Doesn't matter if it's this flowing trout stream, a quiet lake, a river or an ocean....."let the rhythm of the water set your soul free." 

Water-Starwort (type of Bittercresss)

Trout streams are known for the clear water that's fed by natural springs.  One can imagine how the trout must savor the stillness beneath this lush cover of plant life.  Our recent amble along this stream, beneath the overhanging trees, underlined the fact that this ecosystem is thriving.  

When we open our eyes to the intricate web of life that exists in the natural world, we can feel the interconnectedness, the way Our Creator weaves the details of our lives into a tapestry.  Sad and bad things happen to us, but those things are part of the tapestry of existence.  The prettiest tapestries are woven of both dark threads and light threads. If we don't think of life in this positive way, then life can feel like a needless one-way trip to nowhere.

One thing for sure, we all need one another, and we all need to play nice with each other in the sandbox.  We all have days when we'd like to be a fish and hide beneath the aquatic plant life.  Actually, I don't think we can make it through our short time on earth without days of complexity, confusion and chaos.  My secret at these intervals, as I've written before, is to shift gears and go into turtle mode.  Yup, I crawl inside my shell and stay there.  Psychologists refer to this technique as "stop, tuck and think."

BLESSINGS HERE IN AMERICA

Today I recognize the everyday blessings I have here in America........

    I CAN.....

• ...read, write and listen to whatever I choose.
• ...support whomever I want.
• ...belong to whatever religion I feel best suits me.
• ...work at a job and earn money.
• ...retire from a job and enjoy whatever late-life years are gifted.
• ...continue to learn and expand my knowledge in fields that pique my curiosity.
• ...be creative through whatever artistic medium I desire.
• ...eat whatever foods I like and can afford.  
• ...own property, own my own home, move to a place where I feel safe.
• ...own personal possessions that I need and want.
• ...own a pet(s).
• ...spend time, or not spend time, with friends and relatives.
• ...go on vacations, choose the destinations, mode of travel.
• ...plant a garden, have all the flowers I want, plant trees.
• ...spend time in Nature....at a lake, in a woods, in a park, go fishing, go on a picnic in a public park or a secluded niche in a quiet place.
• ...go to my doctor, have faith in him, and have the referral process in place when my medical needs require going to a bigger medical facility.
• ...own a car, obtain a legal license to drive, and drive from the east to the west, from the north to the south, and all places in between.
• ...choose insurance plans for health, home and vehicle.
• ...go to whatever grocery store I prefer, buy the groceries I want and can afford, prepare the food as I choose.
• ...enjoy the internet, shop online, have orders delivered to my door, have online banking available.
• ...go our for dinner, decide for myself which restaurant best fits my wallet, go out with friends.
• ...sit outside and watch the world go by, watch the clouds float above me, listen to the thunder on a rainy day, or take a nap when I'm weary.
• ...have surgeries that provide me with brand new joints, relieving aggravating pain.
• ...stay in touch with others via email, snail mail, telephone, or any other techy device available.
• ...choose the clothes I wear, shop at a swanky shop or a thrift store, or a yard sale.
• ...do my own laundry in the washer and dryer that sits in the laundry room.
• ...take a shower, choose my hair style, have available all the necessary lotions and soaps and other hygienic needs.
• ...wear glasses when my eyesight starts to change, have cataracts removed when age dictates that need.
• ...travel anywhere in the world, except countries where we are not allowed.
• ...start my own business, earn extra money.
• ...choose to watch t.v......choose what to watch......OR, choose not to watch t.v.
• ...be alerted to bad weather heading our way through the local alert system on my iPhone.
• ...write a daily global blog.
• ...choose to go to a concert, a seminar, a festival, a celebration, a fair, a play, a movie, run in a race, a marathon.  
• ...get married, stay single, have kids, not have kids.
• ...earn all the academic degrees I can afford.
• ...hire a lawyer to represent me, prepare documentation.
• ...use public restrooms.  Lots of places are pay-to-pee.
• ...have access to prescribed medicines and can choose the pharmacy.
• ...enjoy air-conditioning on these hot days and warmth in winter.
• ...call a cab if I'm not able to drive.
• ...take advantage of convenience stores close to where I live.
• ...manage my own calendar, plan my days, say YES, say NO.

Acknowledging the good 

you already have in your life

 is the foundation 

for all abundance. 

 ~Eckhart Tolle

PLEA DEAL

I've pondered whether or not to post my opinion about the plea deal in Idaho.  

There is nothing on this earth I can do to express my compassion.  The one thing I can do is honor those who had their lives so brutally taken away that night.  Let us genuflect before the memory of......... 

Madison Mogen,

 Kaylee Goncalves, 

Ethan Chaplin

 Xana Kernodle.  

The news media is saying that the court made a plea deal with the devil.  Who can argue that?  

According to CNN, there is no stipulation in K's plea agreement to prevent him from doing interviews with the media or writing a book.  We hear about the Son of Sam laws, but we must remember that the specifics of these laws and their presence in every state vary significantly.  These laws, designed to prevent criminals from profiting from their crimes, mainly through the sale of books, have been challenged in court and often modified.  There isn't one single, identical Son of Sam law in every state.  Each state has its own legislation, and some have no such law at all.  

It would have been helpful for the judge to insist on K giving all the facts of the four slaughters and the location of the knife he used to kill these four beautiful kids.  And, what was his motive?  The one piece of fairness in the deal is the clause in the plea deal that K cannot ever appeal.  The appeal process could go on for years, and this way the deal is sealed.  And, bottom line, there's also no absolute guarantee that a guilty verdict would be reached or that a jury would have come back with a death verdict.  The way my brain can accept these judicial outcomes is to hope his new life in prison will be filled with the same brutal and cruel treatment he used to slaughter these four beautiful kids.  The court has made a deal with the devil, so let's hope K lives with the devil's family in Hell.

Trivia:  The name Hell has its origins in Germanic and Scandinavian mythology.  In Norse mythology, Hel was the goddess of the underworld, and her realm was also called Hel, a place where those who died of sickness or old age went.  As people converted to Christianity, the term Hell was adopted to describe the Christian concept of a place of eternal punishment for those who did not repent.

Lord of All, we lift up the souls of Madison, Kaylee, Ethan and Xana, asking for them to be at peace in your loving arms.  We pray for their families, that they find strength and comfort in your love and the support of their communities.  Help them navigate this difficult time and guide them toward healing.  May the memories of Madison, Kaylee, Ethan and Xana be a blessing, and may their lives inspire us to seek justice and create a safer world.  Amen.  

STEPPING STONES

We celebrated the 1st day of July with Mother Nature.  I took a few photographs, mainly so I could share them in my daily posts.  Blog topics can be a challenge, so will ration one photo at a time.

~Stepping Stones~

Life has taught me the secret to finding the little things that our natural world is made up of.  The secret is quite simple.  In order to find these little treasures, we have to look around us.  This photo is a perfect example of me doing that.  

These stepping stones weren't in front of me, but rather down from and beside a bridge crossing a trout stream, and I needed to look around a fence and a gate to find 'em.  The second I saw the stepping stones, I knew it was a meaningful sight.  But, I had to look to find them, they didn't just present themselves in front of me.

The longer we live, the more we learn how to wisely navigate our world......I'm not talking about circumventing the globe or visiting one hemisphere and then the next.  I'm talking about noticing, appreciating and honoring the little things that are right next to us.  Maybe I will write about this, because I worry that the interest and focus is on techy gadgets more so than on Nature.

It's inexpensive therapy to take the time to look at a leaf, moss growing on a log, the roots of a tree, an ant hill built in the crack of a sidewalk, a bird's nest.....every part of Nature can have a positive impact on us.  The number of natural wonders around us is uncountable and beyond our understanding.  Where we live, a trolley will take us past fields and timbers, expanses of greenery.  The color green comes to us in many many shades, yet they all blend together so as to call it all green.  It's challenging to notice the different shades of green in nature. 

I write about the good parts of being seasoned, living longer.  Probably the most phenomenal blessing in my life is my reverence for Nature.  To me, the whole world is a cathedral....a place to pray, ponder, appreciate, hunt, find and open the heart to the healing powers of the Universe.  In my cathedral, there is no repetitive liturgy, no  pre-packaged sermon, but there is a communion between me and the Almighty Maker of it All.  Money and Power have no pew in my cathedral.  It's a Sanctuary for my Soul, regardless of what all else goes on in our fabricated world.  

The photograph of the stepping stones is a metaphor for my journey to where my heart and soul are today.  My childhood was a classroom where Nature was a required subject.  The values placed on creatures, great and small, were a part of my early years.  Without that early day-to-day education, maybe I wouldn't be able to cherish the ever-changing wonders around me.

DOG DAYS OF SUMMER

The phrase dog days of summer refers to the hottest and most humid part of the summer, usually lasting from July 3rd to August 11th.  This time of summer is linked to the star Sirius that appears near the sun during this time.  The star Sirius is known as the Dog Star because it is  the brightest star in the constellation Canis Major (greater dog), which is one of two dog constellations (the other being Canis Minor).  

Big Dipper

Trust me, my knowledge of our solar system and constellations equals the size of planet Earth.....a speck in the Universe.  However, the Big Dipper is special to me.  Seeing it in the night sky grounds my existence on this massive, yet teeny-weeny, rock that's floating in outer space.  A person has to stop and think about this.  We refer to 'outer space' as somewhere out there, yet planet earth is located within it.  We forget that we are constantly moving through this outer space, around the Sun. 

Sometimes we humans get wrapped up in this business of personal knowledge, which some use to create a hierarchy among us.  Absolutely, yes, each one of us has a personal amount of information, but it is deeply rooted and influenced by our personal experiences, perspectives and interpretations, backgrounds and beliefs.  Knowledge comes to us through our engagement with the world besides through formal education and that which comes as second-hand information.  Knowledge also requires practice, for instance the ability to play a musical instrument.  Observation can also be a learning tool.  

Each of us adds something to the table.  That's a nice thought to keep active in life.  I personally have used my ears to learn about life.  At this stage of my life, I must say that it's easier for me to write and listen than it is to actually speak to others.  Talking on the telephone is simply not my thing.  One could say I'm weird that my fingers like to do the talking.  Give me a keyboard, and you can't shut me up.

Guess this all started with the dog days of summer.  It's the 1st of July, and in three days we celebrate America's freedoms.  There's only one thing I'll say about our freedom......it's that business of balance.  We cannot have personal freedom without contributing our share of personal responsibility.  In this life, one must give in order to get.  Actions, positive and negative, will generate similar responses.  Every kindness and every positive word contributes to the larger flow of positive energy.  Likewise, every cruel word and action contributes to the larger flow of negative energy.  

Another paramount phrase in life is this business of 'peace on earth.'  We've gotta remember that there is, and can be, peace on earth.....in tiny places.  If we are blessed to live in a home where we feel safe, secure and cared for....that's peace in a tiny place on earth.  I can't help but wonder how many tiny places around the globe at this second are experiencing this peace.  I'd guess there are a whole lot more than we may realize.  Cuz, the media certainly won't zoom in on peace.  Peace isn't possible anywhere unless everyone adds their fair share of kindness to the kettle.

Keep cool during the dog days! 

CAN YOU SEE ME?

This sweet photo came to me from my sis-in-law, Debbie.  

I have a sacred place in my heart for chipmunks.  To me, they are adorable little creatures.  Before we moved, our home had a back screened-in patio.  It was out there that we practically lived all summer and the fall until the snow fell.  A cement ledge was next to the screen and the chair I'd sit in.  A little chipmunk would come out and stand beside me, with the screen between us.  I named him Chippy and would talk to him every time he'd visit.  When we moved, it was hard for me to leave Chippy behind.

After some research, I find that chipmunks don't typically seek out social interaction, unless they feel safe.  Oh, dear, that adds more to the time spent with Chippy, 'cuz he, too, must've enjoyed my company.  I read that when a chipmunk visits us, we can interpret that to be a positive symbol of a playful spirit.  Awww, another layer of precious. 

"For small creatures such as we, 

the vastness is bearable 

only through love."  

~Carl Sagan  

ARE THERE BENEFITS TO AGING?

Here I sit in my retirement recliner, nearing my eighth decade of life.  A fleeting question hit my brain...........are there benefits of aging?  Oh, boy, that's a biggie, but I'm fairly certain others beside me are pondering that question.

I refuse to refer to us as older people, but choose to say we are well-seasoned individuals.  That implies we're like a flavorful dish.  Our life experiences have been the salt, pepper and spices.

1.  Well-seasoned people have a better understanding of relationships and have the acquired wisdom to figure out how to deal with them.
2. We tend to be more reliable and dependable.  Others can count on us to follow through and do what we say we will do.
3. We are no longer push-overs.  Nor should we be pot-stirrers.   There is immense wisdom in living one's own life and letting others live theirs.
4. We no longer have to go to work, set alarm clocks and put up with the politics of the workplace.  
5.  Our accomplishments afford us with contentment. 
6. CONTENTMENT is a powerful asset.  It brings us a sense of satisfaction and peace with one's life circumstances.  Studies show there's a correlation between high levels of contentment and reduced risk of depression and mental health issues.  Contentment helps us adapt to the challenges that come with living longer.
7. The more seasoned we are, the more we appreciate the moment.  Perhaps this is the only time of life where this is possible.  Our lifelong friendships become the gold nuggets in our pockets.  Nothing can compare to that business of being a friend and having a friend.  
8.  There's more time for us to practice gratitude.  Being grateful encourages us to accept what is, rather than what is not.   
9. The more seasoned we are, the more we appreciate what others do for us.
10. I'm finding that later-life is providing me with answers to questions that didn't have answers when I was younger.  There's a fulfillment that comes to us.  Maybe it's better said that I have a better understanding than I had when I was younger.  My intuition is at its sharpest now.  With that comes the ability to choose what enters my life and what does not.  Well-seasoned also reflects that business of being hurt many times in life.  We eventually come to where we say, nope, this ain't gonna be.  Maybe now I realize that my life is significant, and I must take care of myself, inside and out.  If that requires putting up walls, then that's what I shall do.  When a person senses that the gig is almost over, the mind overrules the heart.
11.  We well-seasoned ones worry less about what others think.  This increases self-acceptance and confidence.  Peer pressure is zero. 
12. At this stage, it's easier to focus on the positive memories and emotions.  That is what I do every day.  We can better manage our emotions.
13.  For myself, I cannot put a monetary amount on the sense of freedom that comes with this late stage.
14.  We seasoned souls can now see what we need and what we don't need.  We see how short life is, and we don't want to waste time with people and pursuits that aren't worth our while. 
15. One of my favorite things about this age is that I choose what I'm gonna do.  I've done my part to work for organizations, be told to report for duty at such and such a time, do an assigned task like scoop potatoes at a banquet.  This is so liberating for me.  I now choose what I'm gonna do with my time....no one else has that power over me anymore.  Better than that, I embrace not a scintilla of guilt.
16. My well-seasoned self carefully sifts out the negative aspects of life.  When the news comes on the TV, I pull an iron curtain over my brain.  It's beyond my understanding how people can be entertained by fake, biased news.  I boldly state the fact that I don't want to watch or read any media that's filled with hatred.
17. My well-seasoned self also values quiet time.  Time to be creative.  Time to respect the world as it is.
18.  We've been taught to view life as a continual decline.  Wouldn't it be smarter if we looked at life more as a staircase?  Life being an upward ascension of the human spirit, bringing wisdom and wholeness.  Only at the top are we able to reach our true authentic self.