“I’ll Take ‘Sappy’. . .”

Three Sappy People (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

What’s wrong with “sappy?”

Random House defines “sappy” as “sentimental.” What’s wrong with that?

Why is it that when something romantic appears on TV, or something sentimental occurs, that we become so cynical and call it “sappy” and “unrealistic.”

Picture it . . . a scene where a man and a woman, or a man and a man, or a woman and a woman, let down their defenses and admit that they were wrong, and give credit to what the other person has done to bless their life. That’s “sappy?” Well, I’ll take that over cynicism any day of the week.

Emotions, love, acceptance, forgiveness, a big hug between two people that erases the foolishness of a dispute – yeah, I’ll take that.

There is a crowd that would say, “That’s not reality at all, that’s BS.” So, maybe it isn’t THEIR reality, because they have chosen to avoid that beautiful ideal. “Sappy,” to me, is an expression of our highest potential – to love with abandon, to forgive, to admit our weakness in the face of the strength of another.

Cynicism is a disease that sucks the life out of a soul. If there is anything that I would admit to DETESTING, it is the attitude of a cynic. I don’t need that, and I don’t want it around me.

Am I guilty of being a cynic at times . . . absolutely . . . but I recognize it, and make every effort to change that attitude.

There is nothing “sappy” about love; shower it on everyone with reckless abandon. “Sappy,” honest, loving, is our highest ideal. It is the Holy Grail for which to strive. Don’t be afraid to love, to give credit, and to give thanks. Don’t be afraid to make an emotional and impassioned speech. Don’t be afraid to cry when your heart leads you there.

I’ll take “sappy” any day. You can keep the cynicism.

Many Blessings To All…

Rising Hawk

 

“Something Is Rotten In Denmark…”

Understand The Chaos (Photo credit: yelowcap)

Have you ever heard that phrase?

I’m not certain of its origin, and haven’t taken the time to research it. But I know that it is now a cliché that means, essentially, that something that appears, superficially, to be wonderful, is really a facade that is masking a rotten core. I’m pretty sure that the people of Denmark probably don’t appreciate the usage, as they are no doubt a long way removed from the root of the phrase.

In any event, I am seeing it happen, from a distance, within a circle of people who I thought were close-knit. “Spiritual” people, no less, who outwardly proclaim the highest acceptance and all-encompassing love.

My intuition is strong, and I can read the signs like following a track through the woods. In this particular circle, there is a dark wind blowing, and the vessels are scattering; the unity of purpose that once was the cornerstone is dissolving. When this happens, it is usually the result of an ego position – a clash of personalities.

It doesn’t matter where this circle of people are, or what they represent, (or represented). The ONLY thing that matters is UNDERSTANDING.

People are different, and people change. But one thing that doesn’t change is the fact that people FEEL. And what they feel is very important. It doesn’t matter in the slightest if their feeling is “for” or “against” you – it is THEIR feeling, and very valid in their life and worldview. As a result of this, some may feel the sting of being “ostracized.” To this I say, “don’t bother.”

People’s feelings are their own, and have nothing to do with you – it is THEIR feelings. Why trouble yourself and spend time feeling bad about something that isn’t even yours? This sort of thing happens all of the time. It is a great opportunity for you if you feel that you are on the receiving end of such a thing. You can use it to advance spiritually by leaps and bounds by doing two simple things:

1. RESPECT the feelings of those that you feel are pushing you aside. Their feelings are real, and they are entitled to feel them, no matter what you may think of them.

2. Keep walking, with a smile. Your life is bigger than the machinations of other people’s egos and opinions. Keep walking, with love in your heart – no judgment. You remain in the position of power by doing so. As a dear friend of mine, (you know who you are, Rick), recently wrote, “Don’t push the river.” You don’t have to understand everything, just FLOW. If someone’s behavior is “rotten,” how is that your business? The universe will deal with that, in EXACTLY the way that is most appropriate. Walk away. There is no requirement for you to wallow with pigs just because you happen to be passing by. Keep moving . . . stay above it.

Many Blessings To All…

Rising Hawk

“A Never-Ending Romance…”

Have you ever watched a fictional movie or read a novel that excited you – one that caused you to wish that your life was like what you watched or read? If you are old enough to read this then, chances are, you have. Serving as the root of what caused you to enjoy that little tickle on the inside – that “rush,” is romance.

Romance is powerful, and it encompasses much more than the simple boy-meets-girl scenarios within which it is usually presented. Romantic imagery depicts ideals that we have come to think of as representative of our idea of a “perfect” life. Whether the depiction is of heroic or marvelous deeds and exploits, fanciful stories and daydreams, or the perfect mate, romance looks at life through the proverbial “rose-colored glasses.” But it’s not the way things really are … or is it?

Oliver Wendell Holmes hit the nail on the head when he wrote:

“Life is a romantic business, but you have to make the romance.” Such an astute observation.

There is mystery, excitement, and unlimited possibilities waiting and available to you at every moment; but life will not just dump it in your lap. You have to “court” life much the same way that you court those relationships that you desire…”You have to make the romance.” In its simplest form, romance, (like everything else), is about perception.

If you see yourself as a heroic figure, (and you are), and life as a grand adventure unveiled for you to pursue your highest purpose, (and it is), then you’ll be making romance everywhere you go. Your life will be buzzing with the excitement of Creation – sparks flying, wheels turning, and miraculous wonders appearing around every bend in the road.

With this perception you’ll be courting life’s favor, and it will yield its precious fruit for you to savor. You can choose to live a romantic ideal, and in so doing you will make that ideal real. No longer will it be a fanciful vision – it will be your reality.

Trust me when I tell you that it is a lot of fun. And the only person who can prevent you from having a romantic experience of life is YOU. So go ahead, put on the rose-colored glasses and smile!

Many Blessings To All…

LOTD

 

 

“‘Success’ Is A Relationship…”

This isn’t really a spiritual message.

I suppose that it could be looked at that way; the underlying principles are certainly spiritual. But it is meant to be about material success – “making it.”

Most people, at least those who have enough courage to be honest with who they are, want something – some sort of success; even those that seek “enlightenment,” (however they may envision that state). Whatever it is, there is one constant that will help speed you to your goal: relationships.

I’m not speaking of “networking;” screw networking. Networking is a sham – a process where people try to amass as many influential names in their Rolodex as possible, hoping to get something from them somewhere down the road…maybe they will remember you and do you a favor. That is business manipulation, not a relationship.

When I speak of relationships, I am really speaking of love and compassion. The premise is simple; you make it your priority, because you truly want another to succeed, to come to know them, and give to them, without any expectation of some returned favor, all the encouragement and love and inspiration that you have within you.

People aren’t stupid – they know the difference between when someone truly cares about them, and when someone is playing an angle for a future “consideration.”

Make all the friends that you can; never miss a chance to establish a relationship with another human, and do it in the hope and the intent to be an asset to their life…because of your GENUINE love for their path.

If you spend your life in this way, seeking out and establishing these opportunities to help others – REAL relationships, expecting nothing, you will be astounded at the powerful people who will “show up,” unasked and unsolicited, with help to “put you over” on your own endeavors.

There are selfish people in this world – that is true; but as the Infinite is my witness, you will soon learn that people don’t forget when someone gives to them, with a smile, and with love and compassion in their heart. They WILL NOT forget.

When you lift up others, motivated by nothing other than Divine love, they will “show up.” You won’t have to ask and, in fact, you will be powerless to stop it.

Many Blessings To All…

Gawain of the Coire