The Moon, The Stars & A Sea of White Flowers

Isn't this a beautiful picture? Ok, I'll admit it, I'm a google images fan. And just as on life's sometimes meandering path, often the google adventure offers you the greatest joy in things you weren't even looking for. I was searching for an image of a moon and stars. This is one of my own sacred symbols, something I draw on scraps of paper at random moments when I'm looking for my own inspiration. Moons and stars speak to me of mystic possibilities, of the infinite potential that exists in the heavens when we allow ourselves to stop, and breathe, and ask our highest selves for access to our own deep, divine, celestial wisdom.

So I went to the uber-source of cyber possibilities -- the great and wondrous google -- and found this lovely, inspired picture. And guess what? It's not even a painting. It's something called a floorcloth. Yep, apparently, you're supposed to walk on it...Isn't that delightful? It's like stepping into your own indigo sea of divine intuition.

Better still, the flowers are narcissus, named for the doomed Greek youth who fell in love with his own reflection. And yet, in our modern world, how often is simple self-curiosity or satisfaction interpreted as vanity or conceit. It's such a fine line for us, especially we women -- trying to maintain our sense of self and worth, when so often we are told to be gracious, kind, or selfless, often at our own expense.

So I invite you to walk into the picture above, perhaps in meditation, and ask yourself what great self-truths you might learn from it. Do you need more access to the mystic wisdom of the moon and stars? Or perhaps it's the narcissus that draws you, offering secrets for deeper self-love? Whatever path this picture leads you to, follow it. Ask yourself the questions, and then open your heart. The answers are within you, in that still, quiet place.

And if you want more information on floorcloths, I offer you this, from floorcloths.com:

If you have never heard of nor know about floorcloths, you will be delightfully surprised to discover what an elegant and practical solution they provide for your home. Floorcloths have been around for a long time. They date back to Europe and early America, and were originally designed by Quakers to be alternative, affordable floor coverings. Today, floorcloths are re-emerging as a creative combination between art and craft. They offer practical, carefree use as a rug while being a beautiful and decorative work of art. In essence, floorcloths are fine art canvas rugs.


The name of the company that creates them? Bliss Studios. Perfect! : ) (www.floorcloths.com)

Be inspired...

bobbi

Amazing Grace

Yes, like a phoenix rising from the ashes, the starcards are being sent out into the universe in different forms. I am hopeful that some more of them will find their way back to me and I will post them as they come, but for now, a few of my own thoughts as to inspiration and creativity.

Another movie for you about creating miracles -- have you seen Amazing Grace? It's a Hollywood rendition of the true story of William Wilberforce, the man credited with changing the hearts and minds of Britain, culminating in ending the slave trade.

Never forget that one person truly can change the world.

This is an entertaining, inspiring movie starring a powerhouse cast of talent, including Ioan Gruffudd (as Wilberforce), Albert Finney, Michael Gambon, Rufus Sewell, and Ciaran Hinds. The movie came out in 2007, just in time for the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the slave trade across the British Empire. I highly recommend it.

For more information on the movie and the man, you may be interested in the following:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Wilberforce

http://www.wilberforcecentral.org/wfc/index.htm

http://www.amazinggracemovie.com/index.php


As for the mighty phoenix...

A symbol of hope, transformation, rebirth, reinvigoration, the phoenix has always been a central symbol in our family. There have been times in our life together when we felt it truly reflected our experiences. And a few years ago, our nearly 13-year-old son, who loves all things fantasy and whose favorite color has been yellow since he could grasp objects at 2 months, took on the mythical animal as his favorite (though it's neck & neck these days with dragons).

I believe we are all capable of great things, and that no matter what mistakes, what bad choices or strange circumstances we have been confronted with in our own lives, we have the capacity to rise from our own ashes and soar to mighty heights. Often, we shackle ourselves with negative thoughts or self-criticism, crippling or sabotaging our own efforts to move forward.

So today, as I decide to continue my own journey with my beloved starcards, I offer you an image of the phoenix, the inspiring legendary firebird that reinvents itself to live a new life:



I salute your journey, I honor your dreams, I bless you on your path... May you find the courage, the hope and the joy you need to change your world, in whatever way you choose.

It's within you. Be inspired. Allow yourself to shine!