Silence is golden but my eyes still see.

 The idea that there is silence at the center of each person, an untrammelled space where the inner voice grows free to speak, is a powerful reminder of the creative potential that lies within us all. The notion that this space expands in solitude is a testament to the importance of quiet contemplation and introspection in the creative process.

For writers, poets, and artists who are struggling with creative blockages, this concept can be a powerful tool for unlocking their inner voice and finding inspiration. Here are a few ways that this idea can be applied:

When we're feeling stuck or uninspired, it's easy to get caught up in the noise and distractions of the world around us. But to tap into our inner voice, we need to create space for silence. This means taking time to quiet our minds, turn off our phones, and simply be present with ourselves.

Once we've created space for silence, we need to listen to what's being said. This means paying attention to our thoughts, emotions, and intuitions, and allowing ourselves to be guided by our inner wisdom. It's a process of tuning in to our own inner frequency, and allowing ourselves to be inspired by the silence.

As we listen to the silence, we begin to expand it. This means allowing ourselves to be open to new ideas, perspectives, and experiences. It means being willing to take risks, try new things, and explore new territories. And it means being patient and persistent, even when the creative process feels slow or difficult.

When we're in the silence, we begin to hear our own inner voice. This is the voice that has something to say to the world, and it's the voice that can guide us in our creative endeavors. It's the voice that can help us find our unique perspective, our unique style, and our unique message.

Finally, when we've found our inner voice, we need to share it with the world. This means taking our creative work and sharing it with others, whether it's through writing, art, music, or some other form of expression. It means being willing to be vulnerable, to take risks, and to put ourselves out there.

By applying these principles, writers, poets, and artists can tap into their inner voice and find inspiration in the silence. They can create work that is authentic, meaningful, and impactful, and they can share their unique perspective with the world.

Speak to the highest within

Whenever conferring with another either face to face or across the miles—whether a human being, departed spirit, or sentient tree, always speak to the highest within them. It makes such a difference.

Speaking to the highest within another being can have a deep impact on the interaction, regardless of whether it's a human being, a departed spirit, or even a sentient tree. Here's why:

When we speak to the highest within another, we're acknowledging and respecting their inherent goodness, wisdom, and potential. We're recognizing that every being has a spark of divinity within them, and that spark is worthy of our respect and attention.

By speaking to the highest within another, we:

Elevate the conversation: When we speak to the highest within another, we're not just communicating on a surface level. We're tapping into their deepest wisdom, values, and aspirations. This elevates the conversation and allows for a deeper connection.

Show respect and compassion: Speaking to the highest within another shows that we respect and care about their well-being. We're acknowledging that they're more than just their physical body or current circumstances.

Encourage growth and evolution: When we speak to the highest within another, we're encouraging them to grow and evolve. We're inspiring them to tap into their inner wisdom and potential, which can lead to personal growth and transformation.

Create a sense of unity: Speaking to the highest within another creates a sense of unity and connection. We're recognizing that we're all part of a larger whole, and that we're all connected through our shared humanity and divinity.

Attract positive energy: When we speak to the highest within another, we're attracting positive energy and vibrations. This can create a ripple effect, attracting more positivity and good vibes into our lives and the lives of those around us.

So, how can we apply this concept in our daily lives? Here are a few tips:

Speak with kindness and compassion: When communicating with others, speak with kindness, empathy, and compassion. Avoid criticism, judgment, or negativity, which can bring us down and create conflict.

Focus on the positive: When interacting with others, focus on the positive aspects of their being. Acknowledge their strengths, accomplishments, and good qualities.

Use affirmations: Use affirmations to speak to the highest within others. For example, you could say, "You are capable and strong," or "You are worthy of love and respect."

Practice mindfulness: Practice mindfulness and presence when interacting with others. This allows us to connect with them on a deeper level and speak to the highest within them.

Treat all beings with respect: Treat all beings, including animals, plants, and even the natural world, with respect and kindness. Recognize that every being has a spark of divinity within them, and speak to that spark.

By speaking to the highest within others, we can create a more harmonious, compassionate, and loving world. It's a powerful way to connect with others and elevate our own consciousness, and it's an idea that can bring us closer to our true nature and the divine.

You are not alone

A friend I know is grieving, here is part of what he and I talked about the other day. 

 I know that grief can be a heavy burden to carry. Losing a loved one is never easy, and it's okay to feel overwhelmed by the emotions that come with it. I want you to know that you're not alone in this journey, and there are others here to support you every step of the way.

I know that it's hard to believe right now, but you will get through this. Grief is a natural part of life, and it's a process that we all go through at some point or another. It's okay to feel sad, angry, or confused - those emotions are a normal response to loss. But I want to encourage you to keep moving forward, even when it feels like the smallest step.

You might be feeling stuck right now, but I want you to know that you're not stuck forever. You will get to a place of peace and acceptance, and it's a beautiful thing. It's like a weight has been lifted off your shoulders, and you can finally start to heal.

I know it's hard to see right now, but you are strong and capable. You've made it through tough times before, and you can do it again. Don't give up, even when it feels like the darkest moment. Keep pushing forward, and know that better days are ahead.

Remember, grief is a journey, not a destination. It's okay to take your time, and it's okay to feel your emotions. But don't let grief define you. You are more than your grief, and you are capable of so much more.

Find someone to listen, to support you, and to help you through this tough time. You're not alone, and you never will be.

The Stress of Death: A Guide to Coping with the Uninvited Guest

Death. The ultimate buzzkill. It's like, one minute you're sipping margaritas with your BFF, and the next, you're sobbing uncontrollably because they're no longer with you. Yeah, it's a real party pooper.

Death is a natural part of life, and it's not going anywhere anytime soon. So, instead of trying to avoid it or pretend it's not happening, let's talk about how to deal with the stress that comes with losing someone we love.

The Five Stages of Grief (AKA the Emotional Rollercoaster)

You know the drill: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. Yeah, it's a wild ride, but trust me, it's a necessary one. Here's a breakdown of each stage and how to cope:

Denial: "This can't be happening! You're just joking, right?" Yeah, it's okay to feel like you're in a bad dream. Just remember, denial is a normal response to trauma. Take a deep breath and try to process the reality of the situation.

Anger: "Why did this have to happen? It's so unfair!" You're right, it's unfair. But let's be real, life's not always fair. Take your anger out on a pillow, a punching bag, or a nice, sturdy tree. Just don't take it out on innocent bystanders.

Bargaining: "Please, just give me one more day with them. I'll do anything!" Yeah, we've all been there. It's like, we're trying to make a deal with the universe to get our loved one back. Newsflash: it's not going to happen. But, hey, it's a nice thought, right?

Depression: "I'll never be happy again. Life is pointless." Okay, okay, we get it. You're sad. You're allowed to be sad. Just don't stay there forever. Take small steps towards healing and remember that it's okay to not be okay.

Acceptance: "I'll never forget them, but I'll learn to live with the loss." This is the hardest stage, but it's also the most liberating. You're acknowledging that your loved one is gone, and you're choosing to move forward. It's like, you're saying, "I'll always love you, but I'll also love myself enough to keep living."

Coping Mechanisms: Because You're Not Alone

·    Talk to someone: Whether it's a friend, family member, or therapist, talking to someone about your feelings can be incredibly cathartic. Just remember, you're not alone in this.

·    Write it out: Journaling can be a great way to process your emotions and gain perspective. Just don't worry too much about grammar or spelling – it's all about the feelings.

·    Do something positive: Plant a tree, donate or volunteer your time. Doing something positive can help you feel more connected to your loved one and give you a sense of purpose.

·    Take care of yourself: Eat well, exercise, and get enough sleep. You're not going to heal if you're running on fumes.

·    Seek professional help: If you're feeling overwhelmed or struggling to cope, don't be afraid to seek help from a professional. They can offer you guidance, support, and coping strategies.

In conclusion, death is a part of life, and it's not going anywhere anytime soon. But, with the right coping mechanisms and a willingness to face your emotions, you can learn to live with the loss and find happiness again. So, take a deep breath, put on your big-girl/boy pants, and remember that you're not alone.