Let It Snow!

Where I live (Madison, WI), we've just smashed an all-time seasonal snow record. It was 72 inches, it's hovering right around 8o now, and we're expecting another 5-10 inches this week-end. Crazy! But somehow, I still love it. I wrote a little piece on it, published in my local paper, and I'll link it HERE

I've never really seen quite so much snow, but it offers a magical aspect to the winter. If you've never heard the story of the first man to start photographing snowflakes, I'd encourage you to read about him.

His name was Wilson Bentley. There is a beautiful children's book about him, by Jacqueline Briggs Martin, which won the Caledecott Award in 1999. Even the cover is gorgeous!





Looking at snowflakes under a microscope, Bentley was stunned at their unique beauty. He wanted to photograph them, but no one could teach him how. His family thought he was crazy to want to try, but he persevered, and at the time of his death was considered the world's expert on snowflakes.

Another important reminder that following our instincts and interests often can blaze trails and offer us lives that fulfill us and help others. Who knows? If not for Wilson Bentley, the 2006 Christmas card season may not have been graced with those snowflake stamps. When we put energy into following our dreams, there are often long-term effects, events that help and inspire people far beyond the point of contact.

If you are lucky enough to have snow to enjoy this season, I hope you are. And perhaps explore a bit of the beauty and grace of the simple snowflake. You might be amazed!

Lighthouses

The only way to discover the limits of the possible is to go beyond them into the impossible.


I've always loved the image and thought of a lighthouse, especially on a "dark & stormy night." Lighthouses speak to us of hope, of guidance, of somehow showing us the path to safe harbors, when we are in the midst of fear and confusion.




Light, darkness, water, storms -- elemental symbols for chaos and peace, both materially and spiritually. Lighthouses attract us physically and metaphysically. Built where sand meets water meets sky, they are simple, symmetrical structures that embody peace and safe-haven.

And of course, they light the way.



Since the time of ancient Alexandria (300 BC?),

lighthouses have served as real and imagined beacons. Even today, that most famous lighthouse of all is the symbol of modern cities and companies.

Tourists flock to visit lighthouses around the world and their images grace stained glass, greeting cards and posters everywhere. Hearts and spirits are drawn to them.

Today, open your heart to the image of a lighthouse, your very own. Close your eyes and imagine what your lighthouse would look like if you could design and decorate one for yourself. Would it be traditional? Elegant? Whimsical?

My friend saw one in a meditation that sat on puffy clouds, encased in pastel ribbons and flowers like a Maypole...

Imagine yourself sailing on a bright blue ocean, the wind catching your sails. See the details -- the colors on the boat, the weather, the water. How does it feel, the wind on your face? Cool and moist? Hot and dry? Let your trip on the water glide on its own and see where you end up. Somewhere during your journey, you pass a lighthouse. What do you see? Is it your very own, the one you came up with before? Or is it darker, lighter, heavier, smaller?


Ask yourself what messages might be waiting wherever your journey leads.

Then, ask yourself what people in your life you would consider personal lighthouses, individuals who have shed some light on your path. These may be leaders, friends, parents, teachers. Whoever comes to mind should offer some gift to you, some moment to dwell on that touched you in some way at the time.

Bless yourself with the memory of light that has come into your life, and send some gentle thanks into the universe.

namaste,

bobbi

Spiritual Life Rafts

Some of you know that at the end of last year I had the wonderful opportunity to edit a book. My friend Judy's beautiful gift of love has recently come out. It is being sold through the charity that published it, but I wanted to share the gorgeous cover. If you have any desire to read it -- and I highly recommend it, especially if you or someone you know has recently experienced traumatic loss -- you can order it off of her website, spiritualliferafts.com. After losing her own son, slowly and painfully, Judy looked to other women from different spiritual paths who had endured tragedy to seek wisdom from their healing process. I can't tell you how much all of these stories touched me, and how clearly I was reminded with each one to count my blessings and not take anything for granted. In many ways, Judy epitomizes Amazing Grace for me -- taking difficult circumstances and turning them into a gift to the world.

Find some time today (or in the near future) and send a little prayer of thanks into the universe for all the incredible things you have in your life, and remember to include the most important: love, family, health.... Aren't these often the ones we forget?

Gratitude is the touchstone of grace.

namaste,

bobbi