Sweet Surprise

Introductions

Monday afternoon I got a surprise voicemail. My Nephew, Madibá, was in town for a couple of hours. Did I want to stop over and see him?

Javi and I quickly bundled up and walked directly to my Father-In-Law’s.

The love and delight on Great Grandpa Dick’s face as he held Madi for the first time? Unspeakable joy. ♥️

Madiba’s suspicion and side eye thrown Javi’s way? Warranted! 😅 Javi was both confused by, and obsessed with, this other little bundle being cooed and cuddled! 😉🥰

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“In the depths of winter,
I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer.”
~ Albert Camus

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Internal Curiosity
Soft Gaze

Hello friends!

I have to tell you. I’m not sure I’ve evolved to the place Albert Camus mentions up above. 🤔

On Sunday, while walking Javi for the fourth time, I suddenly had a spring in my step. The SUN was actually visible, and there was a color known as “blue” in the sky.  

As we were strolling, I noticed a neighbor of mine was also out. With the enthusiasm of a child set free in a candy store, I called out: “Look , , ,  it’s the sun!!”

In truth? The color and the light lasted about 5 - 10 minutes. That burst sure did give me a lift.

For those of you here with me in West Michigan . . . you know the grey, fog, and rain of which I speak. It can seem bleak.

I appreciate the concept of cultivating an “invincible summer within.” After all, my highest best self, my heart center, is always right here. There are so many tools we have in our kit to help lift energy and elevate mood. So, it is with a soft gaze that I look upon my own energy, my own thought patterns, during  this season of hibernation.

Let me reiterate. I am a huge proponent of internal curiosity. But, so often our internal gaze is harsh, and full of judgment and repudiation. This winter, no matter where we reside, and what weather we are experiencing, let’s soften that gaze.

Let’s offer ourselves the loving kindness we bestow upon those we hold most dear. As much loving kindness as a Great Grandfather extends to his baby boy when they meet for the first time.

How much more transformation is possible when we offer ourselves this grace? This gift of a soft gaze and loving kindness?

And remember:

“There is always light,
if only we are brave enough to see it--
if only we are brave enough to be it.”
~ Amanda Gorman

Here’s to finding our own invincible summer within and being a source of light.

♥️,
~ m