Compassion – Page 2 – Join me on a blessed and heartfelt journey of discovery!

A Hero Among Us and The Cheerleader

July 2, 2020
by admin

When first meeting Ken Ostini, his six foot plus stature is rather imposing, but his friendly, warm manner and easy banter quickly expose his love for Lompoc as well as his long history in our community. My interactions with Ken initially looked to be short lived. He became the CEO of the Lompoc Valley Chamber of Commerce as my time on the board came to an end, hardly allowing us to learn each other’s name. Fortunately for me, a short time later, our paths crossed again and again on a regular basis as I was able to work with him for several years on different activities within our valley.

Reflections and Lessons

When the Earth Held Her Breath

June 24, 2020June 24, 2020
by admin

The landscape for most people has changed, at least a bit if not dramatically, with the advent of the pandemic. With shelter at home decrees or just plain wanting to stay safe, what was perceived as a ‘normal’ daily routine quickly became a thing of the past. For me there was a period of time that it felt like the Earth was holding her breath as we figured out how to navigate living in a world with the threat of a deadly foe that was unseen and virtually undetectable.

Heroes Among Us

A Hero Among Us-De’Vika

April 10, 2020April 9, 2020
by admin

“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’ To this day, especially in times of ‘disaster,’ I remember my mother’s words and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers—so many caring people in this world.” ~Mr. Fred Rogers~

Never have these words been more true for me than today. I have found comfort in seeing all the individuals in our community that have come forward during our current challenges to help, reminding me of the strength, compassion and kindness that is abundant in our little valley. One of the individuals that can be seen helping is De’Vika Stalling as she leads at the Lompoc Boys and Girls Clubhouse which is now serving as a food distribution center for the SB County Food Bank. Timing is every thing they say, and in this case it is very true. Earlier this year, I reached out to De’Vika, thanking her for being one of my heroes and learning more about her inspiring story which she graciously shared with me. And now I wish to share it with you. Here is the story of one of the many helpers in our community.

Read more “A Hero Among Us-De’Vika” →

Mindfulness

Today, This Moment

March 25, 2020March 24, 2020
by admin

In the madness around us, the uncertainty and the fear, there is still beauty to behold. I found one of those moments yesterday as we drove to pick up our CSA box from a local farm. Having not been out of the house for a couple days other to than to walk my dog or visit with neighbors while social distancing, this felt like a grand adventure. The world did still exist despite the dire news from the differing media sources we listen to for a few minutes each day. And there, as we turned the corner were the flowers.

Rows and rows of gorgeous stock, enjoying light rain interspersed with sunshine from the sky, greeted us. My dear sweet husband, knowing how I would delight in seeing them, had invited me along for the ride. Such a simple gesture and a simple joy, but so powerful in the moment.

Even in times of challenge there is beauty and joy, kindness and compassion. Sometimes we find them in the most unexpected places and times or from the smallest of gestures. This doesn’t diminish their impact or importance, but rather emphasizes how much they are around if we notice. With this lesson I am trying to stop more and pay attention, not hurry through life. To enjoy the small and seemingly inconsequential things as well as the big important things, because it is today, this moment, that matters.

Wishing you dear friend moments of beauty, joy, kindness and compassion during these uncertain times. Stay safe, stay healthy on your heartfelt journey. ~♥~

Flower field with rows of white stock under cloudy skies with blue sky in the distance

Mindfulness

Should & Entitlement

March 12, 2020April 10, 2020
by admin

It’s funny how we recognize something in another that we don’t see in ourselves. I had heard often that others are a mirror to us if we care to look and pay attention but I am not sure I ever truly understood or believed this theory. I have found that when I am sitting in judgement of another that is usually a signal that I have healing to address but for other emotions or thoughts which I don’t identify as a ‘judgement’ I hadn’t felt this mirror business held true. Until I listened to a podcast by Kara Lowentheil about entitlement.

Read more “Should & Entitlement” →

Reflections and Lessons

A High School Hangover

February 6, 2020February 4, 2020
by admin

I had the chance encounter with someone that I had associated with in high school a few years back. We had not been close but had many mutual friends during our teenage years and our paths had crossed on a regular basis with friendly interaction the norm. Many years had passed before our paths crossed again at a public function. I acknowledged her with a smile and greeting, however, she acted as if we had never met and remained very distant. I thought this strange and took on the burden of her reaction thinking I must have done or said something that warranted the treatment. Believing this was a one time encounter I didn’t pursue the issue and didn’t even give it much thought for quite some time. Then, several months later, she joined the adult dance class I was in. Again, week after week, she treated me not only as a stranger but as if I didn’t exist. Wow, I must have really done something, I chastised myself, ceasing my friendly overtures and mentally shrugging because you can’t fix something if you don’t know what the problem is. Read more “A High School Hangover” →

Mindfulness

It’s the Small Things

January 30, 2020January 29, 2020
by admin

Daily walks with my dog in our neighborhood have become my morning ritual. The differing paths we take covering 1.5-2 miles each day are an opportunity to enjoy the brisk temperatures in the colder months and the warmth of the sun other times of the year. I have found so much to be thankful for on these treks not the least of which is my dear walking companion. There is also the birdsong, the caress of the breeze (or the forceful shove of the wind) and other walkers that we have come to know over the years. Initially our encounters were brief, a good morning or hello but as time went on we now spend a few minutes catching up with each others lives. Such simple pleasures but probably one of my most joyous times of the day. Read more “It’s the Small Things” →

Reflections and Lessons

You Make a Difference

January 15, 2020January 14, 2020
by admin

‘You make a difference.’ The words were spoken with gratitude and conviction, catching me off guard but they echoed through my mind for days. What a sweet acknowledgment from someone about how something I had done had impacted her life in a positive way. Someone I didn’t know. Someone I hadn’t met before. The action she was commenting on was not a grand gesture but just something I do in the normal course of my work. A practice others have felt unnecessary and challenged me about but I have continued due to my beliefs. And yes, while I believed this action would ultimately help someone, this was the first time I had proof positive that it had accomplished the intended outcome.

Read more “You Make a Difference” →

Mindfulness

Should is a Creepy Little Word

November 13, 2019November 13, 2019
by admin

It is a six letter word, made up of two vowels and four consonants. At first appearance this word is rather unassuming. It doesn’t cause any strong response, either positive or negative, it just is. However, for me, this word has had a very troubling habit of creeping into my vocabulary on a far too regular basis without me even being aware of it.

Wellness

The Line in the Sand

November 6, 2019November 5, 2019
by admin

Physical boundaries are easy to understand as many times we see them with some visual demarcation. Some of these are meant to be crossed like state lines or may be crossed if requirements have been met as when traveling to another country or being invited into someone’s house. There are many other boundaries, however, most of these unseen, that are not meant to be crossed but respected. Respected by ourselves as well as others. It is these ‘invisible’ boundaries that I have had struggles with through the years, being able to ascertain other people’s boundaries readily but blind to establishing and maintaining mine. Read more “The Line in the Sand” →

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