It’s Okay to Be Still

Image Credit: Sasha Freemind

Be still.
Let the power of this moment put your list of tasks on hold.

Be still.
Give yourself permission to relax and allow your mind to breathe.

Be still.
Let your spirit be quiet and heal from the vexations of unrest.

Be still.

©Kym Gordon Moore

Today, give yourself a break if you can. As we sit here, staring at our screens, typing something we hope is meaningful and useful to share with others, we can overextend our intent and exhaust our capacity. Amid the great storms that rattle our sense of peace, I want you to take a little time right now, and give yourself permission to stop, breathe in deeply, exhale liberally, and just be still. Trust me, there is nothing wrong with that.

Whew, a Sigh of Relief!

Image Credit: Gerhard Lipold

What gives you a sense of calm and relaxation when things step into your day, interrupt your world, and shock your system? You wish there was a way to step into a quiet place where the space wraps you with comfort and peace, and you could quietly nap, ruminate, or sob if you want to.

But what gives you a sigh of relief once you step outside of the confines of hysteria, distractions, and delusion? Is it yoga, tai chi, a massage, reading a book, sipping on a cup of tea or a glass of wine, taking a warm bath, sitting quietly in nature, or on a mountaintop gazing at the hills and sky in the distance? Sometimes extreme things occurring in one’s environment will not result in the longing for such calm and relaxation. But is there a way to create such a space that would allow you to unwind for a few minutes?

I always had an affinity with a body of water, whether it was the ocean, a river, a lake, a pond, or a fountain. It has such a soothing and hypnotic quality when I listen to it and more importantly when I watch the water dance in its element, the feeling is intoxicating. While some people may not have the luxury of escaping to a quiet place for a much-needed retreat but yearn for a small escape, it is possible to create a nook, a niche, a small intimate place where you can take a respite, pray, or renew your spirit. To do this you can include in your space, whether on a designated table, in a corner, or in a closet, a natural collection of elements (a plant, stones, a candle, a spiritual amulet, or a small tabletop fountain) that can instill a sense of going on a quiet retreat, even if only for 10 or 15 minutes.

So today, if you need a quiet escape to withdraw, unwind, regroup, and renew, try to find a way to do it, even if you have to create it. I’m sure you’ll be glad that you did.

Oh, what a glorious day!

Image Credit: Anaya Katlego

After putting on a pot of coffee to percolate this morning, I walked to one of the windows facing the backyard and knelt down on the floor. This is my personal quiet time to pause before the hustle and bustle of the day begins. I breathe in slowly with my eyes closed. I am grateful for this time that I am free to just sit, and be.

When I open my eyes, I slowly scan the yard. Some of the trees have lost all of their leaves, and some of the oaks have yet to lose all of theirs even though the colors of autumn still remain in tack. Squirrels leap through the limbs of trees, and the early birds feast on freshly picked worms from the grass.

Although I slept well last night, I still feel exhausted. Perhaps it’s because I learned about several people who passed away in the last seven days. I’m still trying to digest all of this but I know that even though death is a part of life’s evolution, my heart still aches for all of us who suffer from the pains of grief, trying to take it one day at a time, one step at a time.

Yet at this moment, as I kneel here, watching the mallard ducks waddling out of the water headed towards my backyard, one of our Redtail hawks glides through the air like a kite on a breezy day, and the blue heron slowly and methodically strides along the water’s edge, trying to nab a fish. And, I think, life is still good, despite the disappointments. Suddenly, the coffee maker beeps, knocking me out of my temporary trance, and letting me know the coffee is ready.

But I don’t get up just yet. I am content with the peace that fills my gratitude meter in this present moment. Surprisingly, I no longer feel exhausted but energized. As I look up, the gray clouds are rolling away, revealing a marine blue sky and fluffy white clouds. That’s what hope looks like, and I like it like that. Even as my knees crack, I am still able to get up and praise my way through this new day.

Yes, I am hopeful. And while hope is not something we have, it is something we practice, every day! Have a FANtabulous day filled with gratitude and hope everyone!

Image Credit: Alice Pasqual

Prudence or Folly?

Image Credit: Zhumabaevna

He who walks with wise men will be wise,
But the companion of fools will be destroyed.
-Proverbs 13:10

            This morning I made a big mistake that I haven’t made in a long time. After putting on my morning pot of coffee to brew and then plugging in my phone to charge before I began my morning prayer and meditation, I briefly looked at the news headlines that popped up on my phone and began to scroll. To say the least, after scrolling the first headline, then scrolling down to the next, and then scrolling some more, I became flabbergasted and felt a bit anxious, then I got a grip on myself and stopped.

            The following scripture stood out for me after my headlines distraction as I settled down and meditated: “Every prudent man acts with knowledge, But a fool lays open his folly.” -Proverbs 13:16.

            The moral of my story for this morning is, don’t allow something to strip, take and break your inner peace as you begin with the gift of a brand new day. Smile 😊 and make this day a FANtabulous one! 🌞

Image Credit: KELLEPICS

Be Still

Image Credit: Pexels

He sits quietly, sad yet frustrated
feeling a little inadequate
not understanding why things aren’t falling into place
as he thought they would have by now

with prayers recited, eyes swollen with tears
wondering why those essential things he prayed for
eluded his grasp
vaporizing in thin air like a magic trick

his patience, being tested
while all around, everyone else seems to progress
he felt stalemated, waiting and hoping
he thinks about what he has done
what he should have done
and what he didn’t do

contemplating unanswered questions
in the midst of spiritual warfare
swirling around him and preying
like a ravenous beast in the wild

Yet, in his stillness, he hears a voice
this voice whispers purpose, hope, and life
that voice of peace, emotions trembling in his heart
is wisdom speaking of peace and joy

this voice continues to gently advise
of receiving gifts from what he asks
of valuable finds from what he seeks
of once closed doors opening where he knocked
and new doors that were never closed of opportunity

the voice speaks of his divine appointed time
closer than he thinks
stay alert, remain focused, don’t give up
be encouraged with open arms
receiving a sweet and Amazing gift of Grace
it wasn’t easy, but oh, what a worthy journey to take
and quietly, he sits still.

© Kym Gordon Moore

The Leeches of Wrath: Spiritual Bloodsuckers

Image Credit: Stones

We’ve heard the term leech used in many different ways. Typically we envision those slimy, wormy looking predators whose sucker pierces into the skin of their unsuspecting victims and begin to literally suck the lifeblood out of them. Another description we have heard about leeches are individuals who exploit, extort or sponge off of others for their personal gain.

When one’s heart meditates on quieting the distractions of a particular challenge they may be facing, their peace seems to be interrupted at the most inopportune time creating an intense amount of anxiousness that leaves them fearful and feeling exhausted. It seems like every ounce of energy is siphoned from their body, as worry begins to take over and exploit their spiritual peace. I know, because more often than I care to admit, at times I found myself in the same predicament.

Although we try to do the very best we can with what we have, once you know you’ve done all you could do, and you’ve given your very best, what more can you do? You beat yourself up over a myriad of scenarios that play out in your mind about this and that, and still, you find no relief or peace, at least not immediately. But fear, anxiousness, and worriation are nothing more than spiritual leeches. They suck your peace, joy, and energy as if you were sucking a drink through a straw.

Spiritual leeches have a remarkable ability to corrupt and drain your inner peace in no time at all. For me, my reliance is on my faith in God as I journey through the dark valleys of uncertainty. At times I have put much emphasis on depending entirely on myself and my overwhelm sends me into a tailspin to some low places. I feel inadequate and defeated. I search for immediate answers and solutions to my dilemmas, and as much as I feel I am worthy of a quick response from God, it doesn’t come until I surrender to the humility and quietude in my spirit, by allowing my faith to be strengthened.

In my state of weakness, confusion, and disappointments I find myself in situations that feel unfair and brutal. In my valley experiences, I learned to surrender to the lessons God is teaching me with patience, trust, and faith. I have learned that in my journey through the shadows of some very dark places, albeit difficult, this is where I grow, become stronger and puncture the life out of the dangerous suckers in those spiritual leeches (even those within my closest circles).

Ultimately, victory is mine! Once you’ve done the best you can with what you have, and you have given the best you’ve got, all you can do is rise and stand, or sometimes sit quietly for the peace and answers you seek. What’s for you is for you and what’s for me is for me. We may not get all that we think we deserve, but I truly believe God will give you what you need.

Look to the Sky

When I find myself feeling down and in despair, I either step outside or look out of my window, then allow my eyes to pan upward and breathe. There is something mysteriously wonderful, resonant and placid about looking up towards the sky and realizing that even if everything around me is in disarray, for this moment, I am okay.

I opened the blinds to my bay-window a couple of days ago and from each angle of the window, the sky looked different. The right end window showed nothing but stormy dark gray clouds. As I walked to the center window I saw gray clouds mixed with white clouds against a Carolina blue sky. My curiosity led me to walk over to the last window and there was a wisp of gray clouds floating among fluffy white clouds, against a beautiful blue backdrop.

As I steady my gaze and think about it, I ask if the sky truly changes or is it a resolute universal canvas? I wonder if the lens of our perspective is zeroing in on transitions like the earth’s rotation, seasonal changes, the sun and moon’s movement, and the clouds drifting between the sky and us, atmospherically teaching us new lessons? The variations of clouds I saw from my window were circumstances, remnants moving away as a rainstorm just past through. Behold, the sun began peaking through in all of its brilliance.

All I know is the sky is a portrait that is ever-evolving within my emotionally charged spirit. No special effects needed. That is the type of peace that surpasses my understanding. Some things are seen and felt, and cannot offer an explanation. Sometimes the feeling becomes the explanation.

*Photos courtesy of and found in public domain.

PRAY

I had another blog post originally scheduled for today, but due to the tragic events that occurred in our country and around the world just this past month alone, I ask that you stand in solidarity with me for a moment of silence, to pray for the victims and their families. When I thought about writing a post reflecting one major occurrence, something else quickly popped up. Sometimes I simply can’t wrap my mind around or process many of the tragic events that occur, let alone keep up with them.

From the hurricanes, earthquakes, terrorist attacks in England, homicides, suicides, church shootings and most recently the mass shooting that occurred at a concert over the weekend in Las Vegas, Nevada, you can easily feel dismayed, overwhelmed and depressed.

But for this moment, regardless of your denomination, race, gender, economic status, nationality or political affiliation let us unite as a people and pause to pray. Don’t resort to praying only when something drastic happens, but meditate daily. We must be the intercessors because our world is in a crisis and is certainly quite different from what we used to call normal.

Where am I?

Do you have those fabulous days when you feel on top of the world and everything is going your way? Then do you frown on other days when it feels like the world pushed you off the planet, leaving you bewildered, weak, abandoned, lost and defeated? At some point in everyone’s life, we may try our very best to do the right thing, but sometimes it feels like things just aren’t jelling as you planned or would like for them to. The thing to avoid is giving up, even when you may feel like you don’t have the strength or one ounce of fight left inside to do anything worthwhile.

Keeping the faith and hope is hard, but it is very possible, especially in the midst of some ferocious storms (and I don’t mean weather related either). In such moments, I have to pause, and just be still, to meditate and reflect. I know I need to make certain decisions, but if I try to be the “Fixer” when I am stepping out of order, and not listening to Divine guidance, then I could be headed over a cliff with failed brakes and no parachute.

Where am I? Sometimes I know, and at other times it seems like a great big blur. We have every right to have those downer days, when we feel off balance and can’t seem to get a grip on things. We can go there, but we can’t stay there, or it is quite possible we will never survive.

As we look out into the dense fog that mars clarity of vision and awareness, then we should close our eyes, take a deep breath and exhale slowly, deliberately and peacefully. It is then that we can possibly lower the temperature on our internal pressure cooker and some things just may eventually straighten themselves out.

Staying Healthy: Mind, Body and Spirit

Can you believe we are three-quarters of the way through January? While so many people made New Year’s resolutions that have probably become extinct at this point, if their direction towards their goals were strategic focusing on personal, divine development, then those resolutions can be a done deal before it is done.

Since this is National Staying Healthy Month, we tend to focus on increasing fitness, eating better and losing weight. Yet, if our mind isn’t trained on these things, then we certainly can’t expect the body to follow suit. So before we say goodbye to the first month of a brand new year, let’s stop, reflect and meditate on whether or not our goals align with our mind, body, and spirit!

Have an AWE-INSPIRING day! Happy #NationalStayingHealthyMonth!