It Is You ... #writebravely #WriteTribeProBlogger #FridayReflections

Today's prompt at   #WriteTribeProBlogger and #FridayReflections  is Put your iPod on shuffle/turn on the radio to your fav station. Write a post using the song as your prompt

So here is my song- It Is You I Have Loved from Shrek and it is one of my favourite songs.

Over the years I have believed that somewhere there exists a soulmate for everyone. What I mean by a soulmate is that being with whom we connect at a soul level. Sometimes this soulmate comes to Earth with us as a romantic partner, a parent, a sibling, a cousin, a friend, a child, a grandchild, a teacher.

But today I'll talk about that romantic soulmate that I believe is there for all of us. Sometimes however, our romantic soulmate does not come with us to Earth as perhaps in this life we are meant to go it alone or has departed as their time on Earth was over or someone we haven't met as yet. But I believe that no matter what - whether that soul is on Earth or not, we subconsciously connect with them at an energetic level.

This song always reminds me of that. Sometimes when I feel alone, I think about that soul that I connect with who exists somewhere in this Universe. And I realise that we are therefore never alone.

When you meet someone from your soul tribe, you feel you already know them. 

~ Billy Fingers (from the book The Aferlife of Billy Fingers)

I know how sad you are about my death but we will meet again

~ Billy Fingers (from the book The Aferlife of Billy Fingers)

Pick a song you like that sparks something in you and share in the comments. Tell us about your thoughts on soulmates too.




May you all find that special soulmate that makes your heart sing with joy.

Warm Regards

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Zooming Into The Soul #SOCS #FridayReflections

Update - my post was chosen as the featured post. Thank you Write Tribe

I intended to write on random acts of kindness but my stream of consciousness is taking me into quite a different direction.

The year was 1997.  Elaine was late for her training course. Her colleague Gary held the lift open for her while reminding her to hurry. Elaine rushed in noticing a stranger standing at the back of the lift. She gave him a fleeting glance but something about him felt familiar. She turned away from him and frowned not understanding why she felt that way and because that feeling made her uncomfortable.

Riley watched the flustered Elaine. There was something refreshing about the way she rushed in with not a care in the world of what she looked like, a big smile and a breathless sorry escaping her lips. He couldn't take his eyes off her.

Elaine and Gary got on the bus together not noticing that Riley was on the bus too. Riley got the last seat opposite Elaine. As she looked around, her eyes suddenly met Riley's. For a moment or two their eyes locked and a faint smile crossed their lips. Elaine turned to look out of the window but the pull to watch Riley was too strong. Their eyes met and locked again.  Riley felt a stirring in his soul, as if he had seen those dark eyes before and looking at her made him happy. Riley's brown eyes mesmerised Elaine. Naturally shy, looking into the eyes of a stranger was completely out of character for her yet she could not tear her eyes away from his.

Elaine was surprised to see Riley at the course. Over the next few days, their friendship grew. There was an ease and comfort between them and being in each other's company made them feel blissful. But social norms prevented friendship from turning into a relationship and neither ever crossed that line. Perhaps in another time and place things may have been different.

But who can break the bonds that are made by souls. And who knows how, where, when and why a soul connects with you at a level that is beyond human comprehension.

Elaine and Riley continue to remain friends though their interaction these days is few and far between. But I have no doubts at all that when their journeys on Earth are over, they will connect again on the other side and recall that moment when they both were zooming into each other's souls.

image from http://www.cartoonswallpapers.net/snoopy/

Written for:
#FridayReflections - 2 people seeing each other and making eye contact for the first time.
#SoCS - Stream of consciousness - just writing no editing - word containing "zoo"

Linking to:
#IMustConfess
#MondayMusings
#MicroblogMondays



Warm Regards


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Silent Conversations - #MondayMusings #WordyWednesday

It was the end of day and darkness spread over parts of the Earth. Sita lay down on the floor of the ashram and closed her eyes.

In the palace at Ayodhya Ram retired for the night on a mat on the floor, relaxing peacefully after a hard day's work. This was the time he loved the most - his time with Sita. The time when he and Sita had "silent" conversations.  Ram fell into a deep sleep with a smile on his face.

The forest was silent. The moon and the owl watched as Lord Vishnu (Ram) waited for Devi Lakshmi (Sita). This was the meeting of souls. She ran into his open arms savouring His sweetness while Universes reverberated to the sound of sweet music.

Their souls danced to the sounds of the cosmos, entwining and separating in rhythmic and symmetrical patterns in colours so vibrant that are unknown to humankind. Together they chorused through universes, creating and destroying, enlightening and comforting beings of all kinds, all of their creation. God and Goddess working and playing, loving and laughing.

But as daybreak was imminent, it was time to return to their earthly incarnations.

Ram's eyes slowly opened and a smile curved upon his lips. "Why did they all think that by sending Sita into exile, he had severed all ties with her. Without Lakshmi (Sita) creation ceases to exist for there is no life without Her.  She is the breath of my cosmos, the essence of all creation, my strength, my joy, my love. She is my salvation as creation believes that I am theirs. And without Her, Ram has no existence", he thought to himself.

Sita opened her eyes and sat up. As reality dawned on her she wondered, as she did each morning, if she had been in a dream.  Why did she feel Ram all around her even though he was far from her at the palace. Why did she feel a love so powerful that it was as if she had spent each moment with him. She closed her eyes as if to capture that moment before the chores of the ashram took over and her mind drowned every thought of him.

Ram stood up and faced the direction of the ashram. He folded his hands in honour of the Goddess (Sita) who gives life to all. "My Sita", he whispered with love and in joy. "No force in the entire cosmos among our infinite creations can ever separate us".

Sita heard the birds singing, the gentle wind through the trees, the sounds of horses and cattle, the laughter of children. She felt the warmth of the sun, of the once Sun Prince now the King of Ayodhya, her Ram. She turned to the direction of the palace and folded her hands in honour of the Lord of all Universes. "I hear you my beloved", she whispered into the air. "For you exist in all things, in the Earth and the sky and in all creatures great and small".

The children rushed towards Sita waiting to hear her stories. She told them about Gods and Godesses, of the Earth and the sky, of Universes, of the Great Kings of the world and of the adventures of Ram, the greatest of them all.

"How, how", they asked.

And Sita sweetly replied, "Lord Ram is an enigma, an extraordinary being, an energy so powerful, so benevolent, so vast that to try and explain or elaborate is impossible".

~x~

Perhaps these poems will give you an insight on my thoughts of the love Ram and Sita shared for each other:
Ram's view of Sita
Sita's view of Ram

Written for:
#Monday Musings at Everyday Gyaan
#WordyWednesday at Blog-A-Rhythm - for the words enigma, extra, energy, elaborate.

The story was inspired by the picture on the word prompt at Blog-A-Rhythm, from questions I've asked about Sita's exile and of  dreams I've had the last few nights.

Be Blessed, Stay Blessed.

Warm Regards


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Grief and Enchanted moments

Grief and Enchanted moments?  Has Suzy lost the plot completely? Please bear with me as I tell you my story.

Recently I've been trying my hand at watercolour painting. In fact I just started painting last weekend. On Monday evening I was reviewing the hundreds of tutorials when I came across a painting that I absolutely loved and marked it as one I would paint in the next few days.

Yesterday morning I opened up my email and got the tragic news of the sudden passing of my school classmate on Sunday 29th November. Such a shock to all of us. I took out my paints and I knew I had to paint that picture though I had no idea why.  I just had to paint Mt Fuji and the cherry blossoms.

my painting

And soon after I painted, these words of a song came to mind:

Chotto matte kudasai (please wait a moment)

Please excuse me while I cry

Seems sayonara means goodbye

But no one ever told me why

Sakura (cherry blossoms) was in the Spring

When our hearts found songs to sing

But Sakura has gone away

And so has our friend so they say

Chotto matte kudasai 

Please excuse me while I cry

Seems sayonara means goodbye

But no one ever told me why

I kept wondering why of the hundreds of tutorials I picked this one and why I was so certain I had to paint this. So later in the day I looked up the significance of Mt Fuji and Cherry Blossoms and this is what I found:

• Mt Fuji - is considered a holy mountain in Japan. A text of the 10th century, Tale of the Bamboo Cutter, says that the name came from "immortal" 

• Cherry Blossoms - In Japan, cherry blossoms symbolize clouds due to their nature of blooming en masse, besides being an enduring metaphor for the ephemeral nature of life

Information source: Wikipedia

The Universe continues to enchant me. I am certain it prompted me to paint this picture that depicts the immortality of the soul and the transient nature of life. A gentle reminder that though all things must pass, we never truly die for death is merely the moment we return to our true home and immortal nature.

This painting brought me joy and it pacified my saddened heart. I felt as if through it I somehow touched the other side and reached out to my friend. I have dedicated my painting to him. He was much loved by us all and will be greatly missed.

Jaksa's blossoms faded away on Earth, but perhaps in the land of peace and love, the cherry blossoms are blooming again and will continue to bloom.

Be at peace my friend. xoxo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SjJzjC73BKA&index=109&list=WL

Written for:
Wordy Wednesday at Blog-A-Rhythm prompt Enchanted (provided by me)
#MondayMusings at the Write Tribe
#GivingTuesday at the Write Tribe - this Tuesday I gave a heartfelt tribute and a part of my soul to a friend who left us for his heavenly home.

Warm Regards


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Love is in the Air - Kingship

Day 11 A to Z Challenge 2015 - Kingship 

Dashrath watched his beloved Son

Grow into a fine young man

Hearts of all the young prince had won

It was time his reign began

A proclamation was soon made

Rama to be crowned the king

But Manthara the cunning maid

Poisoned Kaikeyi's mind to sting

A couple of years went by and Rama and Sita grew closer together, basking in each other's love. King Dashrath was ready to hand over the reigns of Ayodhya to his most beloved son Rama.  Slowly Dashrath had groomed him to be the next king, teaching him all the facets of kingship.  Kaushalya on the other hand, taught Sita the fine art of being the queen and lovingly prepared her that Rama's personal life would take a back seat once he sat on the throne.

The people of Ayodhya loved their young prince and looked forward to the day when Rama would lead them as their king. King Dashrath in consensus with his ministers, members of his court and kings from other lands, proclaimed that Rama's coronation would take place the next morning.

Joy filled the hearts of all.

But destiny was to play another game in the form of Manthara who was Queen Kaikeyi's handmaid. Annoyed with the attention that Rama received over her beloved Bharat (Kaikeyi's son and Rama's younger half brother), she instigated Kaikeyi to sabotage the coronation and make demands on King Dashrath. Manthara and Kaikeyi have become two of the most hated characters in the Ramayana.

But Manthara was a simpleton who lived an insecure, materialistic life. And fickle minded Kaikeyi was easily swayed. Kaikeyi and Manthara display the characteristics that cause disharmony in relationships - focussing on the destructive self important I.

When our actions benefit others, we bring joy to others and to ourselves. When our actions are made with selfish motives of pleasing the "I" we create tension among our relationships. When we start to compare our lot in life with others we create an unhealthy restlessness within ourselves. The grass may seems greener on the other side. Inevitably it is not. Because we each walk our own path. Because each journey is individual and aligned to our soul. We are here for soul growth not to compete.

Kaikeyi and Manthara's actions were for self gratification. On the other hand Rama always brought joy to others. He learned that from his mother Kaushalya, the primary queen of King Dashrath. Though she was neglected by him in favour of the young queen, Kaushalya treated Kaikeyi with affection, acting in the interests of all to bring harmony among relationships. And when Dashrath needed wise council, it was Kaushalya he turned to and she was there for him, dependable, forgiving and sensible. Lord Vishnu chose wisely when He chose Kaushalya as His earthly mother.

What is Kaikeyi planning and how does it shape the course of events?  In my verses tomorrow.

Love is in the air. May we find contentment in the life we are fated to live for our lives are divinely and lovingly ordained by the Great Spirit. May we choose wisely so our actions benefit many.


If you do leave a comment, please leave a link to your blog so I can drop by and say hello. Thanks.

Check my previous posts in this series

Written for:  AtoZ Challenge 2015
Linking to: Write Tribe ProBlogger Challenge

Check out some other Bloggers participating in the challenge: AtoZ List 2015
And the Blog-A-Rhythm AtoZ posts featuring many bloggers

The Ramayana is a historical chronicle of events during the life of Lord Rama in an ancient time in a land called Bharatvarsh a part of which is now modern day India. 

This year's theme was given to me through meditation. But more than just a theme I was also asked to write this from the perspective of Divine love and not just a recounting of the events as they took place. Hence the essence of my posts is "Love is in the air".

The individual theme and tone of my verses are also given to me. And I try to convey what Spirit wants to say through my poetry and prose. In essence, I only transcribe what is given to me, the author of these posts is my soul, the Universe, God and Goddess.


Warm Regards


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Love is in the Air - Germination

Day 7 A to Z Challenge 2015 - Germination

Don't ask me why Germination - it's the word that kept running through my head so had to go with it. 

Rama looked up and caught his breath

Sita's eyes beheld her Lord

Vishnu Lakshmi's beating hearts

Drowned every other thought

Somewhere deep within their souls

A recognition dawned

Though human minds negate those realms

Yet love began to spawn

In a garden of flowers love germinated. The seed that had been planted somewhere in the Universe, the seed of love, suddenly sprouted. There was instant recognition between Rama and Sita, a connection of souls.

This was not physical love as we know it, this was a deep rooted spiritual, transcendental love. This was a coming together of two souls incarnating on Earth for a common purpose. This was love in the highest degree.

The moment of their meeting was pre set and pre agreed. Every aspect of it had been rehearsed before their descent to Earth. Their demeanour, the look in their eyes, the setting in the garden, each nuance etched in their memories that triggered a recollection.

And the moment their eyes beheld each other, their souls opened up and connected and joy chorused through. They knew that the moment of their joining had arrived.

Until now the loving relationships they had individually shared had been with parents, siblings, teachers, citizens, friends. members of their courts.  They had mastered these relationships - obedient and respectful children, caring siblings, respectful students, loyal friends, kind and compassionate to all citizens. Love in different forms.

Now it was time for a more intimate relationship, a culmination of all forms of love into one. This was a simulation of love that the Divine has for all of us, the romance of souls.

The meeting of Rama and Sita is one of my favourite parts of the Ramayana. This is the moment of bliss and if we can truly imagine that moment when their eyes beheld each other and joy burst forth within them, we can also feel that bliss and joy.

Sometime ago I wrote two poems on the moments when Rama beheld Sita and Sita beheld Rama. These poems depict that moment of joy and bliss.

Rama beheld Sita  -  She looked most beautiful
Sita beheld Rama  -  In a time gone by

Is love meant to be tested or does love come easy? Come back tomorrow to find out.

Love is in the air - May the seeds of Divine love be lovingly cultivated within us.


If you do leave a comment, please leave a link to your G post so I can drop by and say hello. Thanks.

Check my previous posts in this series

Written for:  AtoZ Challenge 2015
Linking to: Write Tribe ProBlogger Challenge

Check out some other Bloggers participating in the challenge: AtoZ List 2015
And the Blog-A-Rhythm AtoZ posts featuring many bloggers

The Ramayana is a historical chronicle of events during the life of Lord Rama in an ancient time in a land called Bharatvarsh a part of which is now modern day India. 

This year's theme was given to me through meditation. But more than just a theme I was also asked to write this from the perspective of Divine love and not just a recounting of the events as they took place. Hence the essence of my posts is "Love is in the air".

The individual theme and tone of my verses are also given to me. And I try to convey what Spirit wants to say through my poetry and prose. In essence, I only transcribe what is given to me, the author of these posts is my soul, the Universe, God and Goddess.


Warm Regards


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Love is in the Air - Delight

Day 4 A to Z Challenge 2015 - Delight

Young Rama he stole the hearts of all

So proud his mother Kaushalya

Sweet Sita prayed the Lord to grace her hall

She was the golden girl of Mithila

Divinity delighted every heart

Citizens of heaven included

Sita Rama though far apart

Eternally connected

Rama and Sita in their respective homelands of Ayodhya and Mithila were the delight of all the people. Both had endearing personalities. 

Though Kaushalya was proud of her son, she was never arrogant. She was a devoted mother as she was a neglected wife. King Dasharath though a dynamic,shrewd and kind king, showered his devotion on his younger and favourite queen Kaikeyi. 

Why you may ask do I write about Kaushalya and not Dashrath?  I believe that it was Kaushalya's influence that shaped the character of Rama. Kaushalya showered her love on Rama and was a devoted mother. Her love and devotion to her son made him a loving, secure and confident person.

The vision of Lord Vishnu that Kaushalya experienced before Lord Rama was born, is a clear indication that she would be a great influence in his life and shape his character. Being the eldest son, he would be moulded to be the future king - powerful, dynamic, courageous, discerning. But Kaushalya shaped the wise, gentle, respectful, loving and gracious side of Rama.

In Mithila, young Sita, turned her devotion to Lord Vishnu. Perhaps somewhere in the depths of her soul, she felt a stirring, a knowing. Devotion to Him gave her the greatest joy. King Janak played a big part in shaping her character. He was a brave, wise and learned king, well loved and respected by his people. Sita grew up to be not only loving, compassionate and kind but also with great wisdom and tenacity two key characteristics she needed in her adulthood.

Rama and Sita, growing up to be perfectly aligned to each other, complementary and balanced. The convergence of their paths in the future required them to be both individually whole and perfectly complete when merged like two interlocking pieces of a jigsaw puzzle.Though far apart on Earth, they were connected through time and space, eternal soul mates.

But what roles will they play on the Earth? That's coming up in future verses.

Love is in the air.  May we always find delight in the Divine.


Check my previous posts in this series

Written for:  AtoZ Challenge 2015
Linking to: Write Tribe ProBlogger Challenge

Check out some other Bloggers participating in the challenge: AtoZ List 2015
And the Blog-A-Rhythm AtoZ posts featuring many bloggers

The Ramayana is a historical chronicle of events during the life of Lord Rama in an ancient time in a land called Bharatvarsh a part of which is now modern day India. 

This year's theme was given to me through meditation. But more than just a theme I was also asked to write this from the perspective of Divine love and not just a recounting of the events as they took place. Hence the essence of my posts is "Love is in the air".

The individual theme and tone of my verses are also given to me. And I try to convey what Spirit wants to say through my poetry and prose. In essence, I only transcribe what is given to me, the author of these posts is my soul, the Universe, God and Goddess.


Warm Regards


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#1000 Speak - Compassion the Soul Connection

The Dictionary.com definition of Compassion is 

A feeling of deep sympathy and sorrow for someone struck by misfortune, 

accompanied by a desire to alleviate the suffering; mercy

But compassion for me is much more than that.

It is reaching out to another from that divine place in your heart that drives you to alleviate the suffering with kindness, understanding, caring and love.

 Its essence lies in the soul and it is from the soul that you connect with another asking nothing in return. True compassion goes beyond empathy and sympathy, it is not just heart centric but soul centric.

So how do you show compassion? 

I don't think there is any clear answer to that for each circumstance will be different. Sometimes it may be a kind word, or just a smile, or a little help, or a hug, or perhaps even fighting for some rights. Sometimes it might just be a universal reaching out and caring.  But at all times it comes from one's heart and makes a selfless soul connection.

If your compassion does not include yourself, it is incomplete ~ Gautama Buddha

The above quote is often interpreted as compassion for oneself. I read it quite differently. Showing compassion that is not heart and soul centric (does not include yourself), is incomplete.

There is so much violence in the world today it seems the human race has become indifferent to the sufferings of others. But perhaps it is not too late to teach our children the meaning of compassion so that future generations may find that place within to reach out to another with love and kindness.

So how do we teach our children compassion?  That comes when we ourselves show it to them and others near and far.

Compassion is not an action it is soul centred emotion that leads to a heartfelt action. Sometimes that action could be just a sincere silent prayer.

Wishing you a day filled with kindness and love.

Reach out to someone today and make a soul connection.

Written for 1000 Voices Speak for Compassion, where bloggers all over the world are spreading the unanimous feeling of compassion. Link up at IndianAmericanMom

Taken from my post of Jan 14 2014

Linking to: Write Tribe Pro Blogger Challenge

Warm Regards


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Your Soul Inspires

Write from the soul, not from some notion about what you think the marketplace wants. The market is fickle; the soul is eternal’. 

~ Jeffrey Carver

Write from your soul so you write from your true authentic self. And being authentic is believable.

Write from your soul so when the human mind wavers, it will remain steadfast, constant and in alignment with your life purpose.

Write from your soul and worry not if it pleases others or not for you can't please all. And those who resonate with your words are aligned with your path.

Write from your soul for it is a source of infinite higher wisdom that guides you to be your best.

Write from your soul for when you do, you inspire others.


Written for: The Write Tribe


Inspire someone today with a soul guided write.

Warm Regards


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Life's Journey - (e)Xpectations

Life is like a jigsaw puzzle. Each little piece is an aspect of our journey through it. And when at last we find that last piece and fit it into place, we eventually see the meaning of this life.

UBC Day 28
The X Piece - eXpectations

Taking a few liberties with the letter X .. sound rather than the start of the word.

There are many ways to make Peace from War. One of the major contributors of "war" is eXpectations of others and one of the ways to make peace is to have none.

When we have expectations of other people and when they don't live up to that expectation then dissatisfaction sets in. Expecting things from others inevitably leads to discontent. So set expectations for yourself not for others.  But set realistic expectations and know your limits as setting outlandish expectations that simply cannot be achieved can also lead to frustration.

There are of course boundaries that we do set for ourselves and having those expectations is not only okay it is necessary. For example, foul language and smoking are not permitted in my house. I expect the kids to place their plates in the kitchen after they finish, put their clothes in the laundry basket, help me bring in the groceries, have a high level of personal hygiene, be honest, have integrity, treat people well and behave well, take responsibility for their actions etc. Remembering of course that children learn best by example!

The kind of expectations I am referring to is where we expect someone to do something for us because we think they should or we believe it is our right to expect that, or be the person we want them to be or set such high expectations that they are simply not achievable by that person.

I have heard a number of times from various people "I can't change but I expect you too". Life does not work like that. All change comes from within. If you aren't prepared to change, did you really think that I would? I have watched so many people frustrated and destroyed because their expectations of others was simply not met. Frustration and destruction has a domino effect, it starts to destroy all in its path.

And yet when you do receive, remember to receive it as a gift, honour it and be thankful. The act of honouring and thankfulness itself can be a gift returned.

When we expect something from someone or expect them to do something, we are actually expecting them to live our own life. That simply isn't going to happen. Over the last 6 years I have learned that we each come with our own destiny, our own agenda for soul learning and growth and we each have to learn it in our own way and in our own time.

Relationships are one of our greatest teachers and expectations are one of our greatest destroyers.

My happiness grows in direct proportion to my acceptance, 

and in inverse proportion to my expectations. 

~ Michael J. Fox

May your happiness grow and praying that when your time comes to make that great leap of soul learning, that it comes to you in the nicest possible way. Blessings.


The Jigsaw Pieces of my journey so far

Check out some blogs participating in the AtoZ Challenge


Written for: A to Z Challenge and The Ultimate Blogging Challenge


Drop by my facebook page Suzy's Ilation and if any of your posts needs some tlc, leave a link there and I'll drop by and give it some love.

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Life's Jigsaw - Soul

Life is like a jigsaw puzzle. Each little piece is an aspect of our journey through it. And when at last we find that last piece and fit it into place, we eventually see the meaning of this life.

UBC Day 22
The S Piece - Soul

Note that all thoughts in this post are merely my thoughts and beliefs.

Our ultimate relationship is with the Divine. So how do we start that relationship?  I believe we do that through our soul.

Over the years the words, know yourself, love yourself, go within to find yourself, forgive yourself, be your true self, be your authentic self etc,  came at me through many discourses and blogs. I simply could not understand these concepts. How does one love oneself or know oneself or forgive oneself, be authentic, be real, go within. Go within?  - where, how?

Then the theories that we are really our souls, that the physical body is just that a body. That the soul controls all. The idea that we are not us (the physical self) but we are our soul somehow didn't feel quite right. If we are indeed only our souls then why are we always in disharmony with life, after all the soul is all knowing and all loving and peaceful. And how do we explain heinous acts that occur? That could not be an all loving, peaceful and caring entity.

I do believe that the soul is immortal and a spiritual entity that has probably lived many lives via many bodies and that it is ever loving, ever knowing entity. But the ideas that the physical self and the spiritual self are merged entities or that my physical self is only defined by my soul, I constantly questioned.

And so I concluded (for myself only) that the physical self and the spiritual self (or soul) are indeed two separate entities. For the soul to grow and experience life on earth it requires a body and for a body to be a living conscious entity it requires a soul. The relationship between the two is coexistent.

Now the idea of going within, of loving ourselves, of forgiving ourselves, of being our authentic self starts to make sense because our physical self can seek its soul and emulate it.

The physical self is controlled by our minds, circumstances and the choices we make.The soul is our life guide, our compass, our source of wisdom beyond the physical world, our source of Divine love. And when the physical self is in harmony with our soul, when it can tap into its love and wisdom and when it is prepared to be guided by it, then life is in harmony and the soul takes us towards that Divine source. Because meeting that Divine source is our soul's ultimate purpose.

These 2 poems that I wrote on my poetry blog Reflections Of My Soul depict my thoughts regarding the relationship between our physical self and our soul:

The Mirror Of My Soul

The mirror of my soul my moments reflect

Not just of this life but of sojourns in time

Somehow I know but ever warily suspect

But like a nurturing mother she repeats the mime

If only I look and heed her care

For she is the essence of His love

And yet I rebel and ignore and dare

And close my eyes to her and above

Gently she coaxes and shows me the way

Patience epitomised love never wavering

Until at last in my life breaks that day

When I finally understand my soul's labouring

The mirror of my soul my moments reflect

Not just of this life but of sojourns in time

My soul I am blessed, for you I have met

Now the journey with you in this life is sublime

Running With Me

I can't get away from myself by moving from one place to another

My load I carry everywhere, that much I know

No matter where I run it's never going to be further

For with me I travel wherever I go

I don't know what you look like or from whence you came

But without you I would be lost, that much I know

What would my life be if your guidance you refrain

My life would be more ebb and less of the flow

Wherever I travel, I blend in with the landscape

For earth is my present home, that much I know

My travels with you, my soul, my life does reshape

And through my adventures you learn and you grow

I wish I knew the reason for this life's quest

But you know all lifetimes, that much I know

And each step that I take is a cause and effect

And of journeys you planned a long time ago.

May your journey with your soul in this life be sublime.


The Jigsaw Pieces of my journey so far

Check out some blogs participating in the AtoZ Challenge


Written for: A to Z Challenge and The Ultimate Blogging Challenge


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Warm Regards

Life's Jigsaw - Karma

Life is like a jigsaw puzzle. Each little piece is an aspect of our journey through it. And when at last we find that last piece and fit it into place, we eventually see the meaning of this life.

UBC Day 12
The K Piece - Karma

When we live in a state of joy, we bring about good karma for how can joy create anything else? But what is karma?

Karma has been defined in many ways:

cause and effect
payment of debts (debits)
receipt of debts owed (credits)
what goes around comes around
you reap what you sow

Karma is definitely all of those things. But these are all things we think of in our human, earthly tangible way. Somehow I can't help thinking there is something more.

I've pondered on this for years. And here is my additional twist to karma (my thoughts only) ...

Perhaps it is also the life we've agreed to live:

no debits, no credits - just an agreement to live this life, to experience happiness and joy, grief and sadness, success and failure. sometimes even fame and fortune
to learn and to teach

 All of course for the betterment of all life, for soul growth.

This is the only way things make sense to me particularly when we see little children / babies go through difficult times like grave illnesses. Or when good people go through traumatic events or unimaginable grief. How can our generic definition of karma make sense?

Perhaps these are effects of previous lives, but perhaps it isn't that and they come to learn perhaps more to teach, to perhaps even change the course of history, or to bring about a social change, or to shake the roots of civilisation, to begin something new for mankind.

Here's my own quote on life:

Life is like a game of cards. You play the hand you're dealt the best you can. 

That hand of course could be the one we've pre agreed to play.

When the purpose of this life of mine is complete and I return to my home in the sky, I hope that I will have learned and experienced all that my soul set out to learn and experience. That I would have taught all that I hoped to teach. That all that I did was with kindness, in the betterment of the human race and with due consideration to Mother Nature. That I played the hand I was dealt the best I could.

Enjoy life. Learn and teach.  Help someone make a better life for themselves. Collect good karma.


Written for: A to Z Challenge and The Ultimate Blogging Challenge


Drop by my facebook page Suzy's Ilation and if any of your posts needs some tlc, leave a link there and I'll drop by and give it some love.

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Warm Regards

UBC Day 25 - Best Compliment

Day 25 - Ultimate Blogging Challenge.

Written For:
Write Tribe National Compliment's Day - Best Compliment  and
The Letter B at ABC Wednesday 


January 24 was National Compliment's Day and I didn't know that until Kajal (Rainbow Hues) posted on her blog and paid me a truly lovely compliment.

But it really does not matter what day it is, it's always nice to give and receive a compliment.

When you give a compliment sincerely it gives the giver great joy. That it gives the receiver joy is a given.

Receive and acknowledge a compliment gracefully and gladly because in not doing that you rob the giver of the joy of giving. Not only that, I am a firm believer in the law of attraction and when you decline a compliment, you send a message to the Universe that you are either not worthy of a compliment or that you don't want to receive any. And the Universe always obliges! (Something to ponder over).

And of course when the opportunity arises to sincerely return the compliment then do that too (for it is in giving that we receive).

So what are the best compliments I have received ....

Kajal's would have to be one of the most beautiful compliments I have ever received.

Thank you Kajal. You made my day.

Some years ago while we were visiting San Francisco, my kids bought me this little zipper thingy that says #1 Mom. It is one of the most priceless gifts I have ever got. Whenever my jacket is zipped up, the little zipper thingy stays close to my heart! Thank you my children. You are my strength and joy.

When my son was 3 years old, he asked me how old I was. So I asked him to guess. He looked at me for a few minutes and then very seriously he said "you are forty thousand years old". At that moment my eyes widened, my jaw dropped and the unspoken words that formed in my mind were "you cheeky brat".

But the look was so innocent so loving and serious and as he was only 3, forty thousand was a real big number that I'm sure he wouldn't have known and that was puzzling. So over the years I thought about that off and on and as my spiritual journey progressed the meaning of forty thousand took shape.

I am sure my little 3 year old was looking at me through the eyes of his soul and connecting with my soul. . And when we look at it from a soul perspective then that is truly an amazing compliment. How much more beautiful than that can you get.  Thank you my son for being the beautiful soul you are.

image source: google images

So what's the best compliment you've got?  Write your post and then link up at The Write Tribe and if you can weave a B into it, link it up at ABC Wednesday too.

Have a beautiful day and enjoy your weekend.


Check out these awesome bloggers who are also taking part in the UBC challenge:
  Shilpa  Kajal  Richa  Jairam  Sheethal  Kathy  Swati  Michelle  Nabanita

My previous UBC Jan 2014 posts here


Like my facebook page Suzy's Ilation and if any of your posts needs some tlc, add it to the goodwill thread there and I'll drop by and give it some love.

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Warm Regards

  

UBC Day 20 - Compassion

Day 20 Ultimate Blogging Challenge

Written for the Thursday Writer's Post prompt  Compassion  hosted by Darla

Oxford definition of Compassion

sympathetic pity and concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of others:

Dictionary.com definition of Compassion

a feeling of deep sympathy and sorrow for someone struck by misfortune, accompanied by a desire to alleviate the suffering; mercy

But compassion for me is much more than that.

It is reaching out to another from that divine place in your heart that drives you to alleviate the suffering with kindness, understanding, caring and love.

 It's essence lies in the soul and it is from the soul that you connect with another asking nothing in return.

True compassion goes beyond empathy and sympathy, it is not just heart centric but soul centric.

So how do you show compassion? I don't think there is any clear answer to that for each circumstance will be different. Sometimes it may be a kind word, or just a smile, or a little help, or a hug, or perhaps even fighting for some rights.  Sometimes it might just be a universal reaching out and caring.  But at all times it comes from one's heart and makes a selfless soul connection.

If your compassion does not include yourself, it is incomplete ~ Gautama Buddha

The above quote is often interpreted as compassion for oneself. I read it quite differently. Showing compassion that is not heart and soul centric (does not include yourself), is incomplete.

So how do we teach our children compassion?  That comes when we ourselves show it to them and others near and far.

Wishing you a day filled with kindness and love.

Check out these awesome bloggers who are also taking part in the UBC challenge:
  Shilpa  Kajal  Richa  Jairam  Sheethal  Kathy  Swati  Michelle  Nabanita

My previous UBC Jan 2014 posts here


Like my facebook page Suzy's Ilation and if any of your posts needs some tlc, add it to the goodwill thread there and I'll drop by and give it some love.

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Warm Regards

Thursday Thoughts - Emptying the cup

A university professor went to visit a famous Zen master in Kyoto, in search of knowledge. 
While the monk served tea, the professor commented exercises, analysed writing, interpreted stories and traditions, and deliberated on the ancient processes of meditation. 
He did everything to impress his host, in the hopes that he might be accepted as a disciple. 
As he spoke, the monk continued to fill his cup, until it overflowed and the tea began to flow across the whole table.  
The professor remarked - What are you doing? Can't you see the cup is full, and that nothing more will fit in it?
Your soul is like this cup - replied the master - How can I teach you the true art of Zen Buddhism, if it is already filled with theories?
                                                                      ~ from The Warrior of the Light Volume 3, Paulo Coelho 


Today I went for three interviews with recruitment agencies. And as I sat through each one, I reflected on all that I had learned, experienced and achieved.

One of the questions I got asked was ... if I rate you as 7/10 what would you do to get to 10/10? I gave him a pretty good answer but pondered on it almost all afternoon.

And then as today is a Thursday Thought day, I searched my "Warrior of the Light" book and came across the story above. Just what I needed. A confirmation of my answer to that recruitment agent.

At the end of every project I deliver or at the conclusion of each job I have to "empty my cup" and start again because each situation is different, each job / project presents different challenges and provides new knowledge. What works for one project may be the wrong way for another. Being prepared to re-learn, re-start, going back to zero, is how I move forward though on the surface it might look like "emptying the cup" moves you backwards. I'm not sure that the recruitment agent actually got that.

I have discovered that I have grown or discovered a new ability when I have been prepared to "empty my cup" - learn, change direction, re-start. This of course does not mean that I throw away all that I've learned it just means I am open to another way of looking at things or considering an alternative or relearning / enhancing a skill.

And it's quite refreshing to "empty the cup".

Enjoy your day.

Warm Regards

Question of the day - Why is there poverty and suffering in the world?

Thinking up a question of the day is pretty tough so why break your head when someone else has already done that on your behalf.

Found some neat questions at 20 Questions for every Spiritual Seeker and will try and answer some of them each week in my Question of the day series. 

Here are some definitions to set the scene to answer the question.

Poverty - defined as a state of being extremely poor

Poor - defined as lacking sufficient money to live at a standard considered comfortable in society

Suffering - defined as the state of undergoing pain, distress, or hardship

So.... 

Why is there poverty in the world? (my views)

Based on the above definition of poverty, it exists because materialism has taken over the human race. "Status" in today's world is judged by the amount of money you make, the things you acquire and the lifestyle that you live. Human nature to keep for oneself has created a gap between those that have and those that have not. The ability to buy what one wants at any price has created a chasm between those that can afford that and those that can't.

But in taking a spiritual view, perhaps it exists because for the soul to understand and delight in the state of being rich, there must be it's opposite of poor. Duality exists everywhere  light and darkness, day and night, north and south, ebb and flow, yin and yang, even in Spirit in the form of Gods and Goddesses. To understand one, the other must exist. 

And perhaps it is those that we call poor who are actually the rich. I believe that Earth is a school for soul growth and a difficult one. To arrive on earth in a state of poverty and endure its harshness requires a richness of spirit and a greatly evolved soul (my belief).

And why is there suffering? (my views)

Suffering I believe is a state of mind. One suffers when one deems that one is (as per the definition) in pain, distress or hardship. Therefore, all may suffer or all may be free from suffering. 

I think we individually determine if we suffer. Example, in comparison to some of the richest (as in wealth) people in the world I should be suffering, but in reality I may actually suffer less than them because I am content with my current state of being whereas they may not be with theirs even though they may be infinitely wealthier than me.

And perhaps pain, distress and hardship are the accelerated pathways to soul growth.

I would be interested to read your views.

I Love Quotes - Invictus

I am the master of my fate
I am the captain of my soul
~ William Ernest Henley, Invictus

This is one of my favourite quotes. I always call on this when I'm going through a tough time.

Last week was a tough week and I was tested on many fronts. This quote came to mind.

While I believe that fate or destiny is predetermined and therefore we cannot escape it, we can make choices on our way to that destiny.

Our attitude to a situation will determine how we tackle it.

Here is the whole poem - it also inspired Nelson Mandela to keep going while he was imprisoned.

Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever Gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds and shall find me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.

Invictus - may you all be undefeated, unconquerable