What is Right in Front Of You

My morning begins with waking up and going downstairs, getting the hot water for the coffee going, and then feeding the manimals (which is my made up word for the collective of 3 animals that we share our lives and home with). Once the coffee is ready, (which is always Café du Monde coffee with chicory with half and half), I had back up the stairs to the studio. I sit at my writing desk (which used to be my great grandmother's desk), light a candle and begin writing in my journal. Almost every morning I light some sage and pull a card after asking the following question...

What message/information do I need to receive and hold in my consciousness today in order to place my feet on the path of my purpose?

After I have pulled a card, I spend a few moments writing on its meaning and reflecting and its relevance in my life. After this morning ritual, I usually feel ready to sit down at my computer and begin writing the entry for the daily blog. However, it did not work like this today.

When I made the decision and commitment to practice sharing my writing on a daily basis I knew there would be days like this. Days when I get in front of myself and convince myself that I do not know what I want to say or how I want to say it. I was sitting here staring at what was right in front of me. Then I started to really look at what was right in front of me. I would like to share it with you.

There is a slip from a fortune cookie which reads, "You will soon have the opportunity to improve your finances." I have kept this tiny piece of paper for over six years. I opened this fortune the last time that I ever ate with my father at a restaurant. Some part of me understood that this would be my last visit with my father . What I did not know at that time was that his death, and my mother's five months later would be one of the most challenging periods of my life and would also shift my financial situation in a way that had not yet been possible in my life. I still get choked up when I look at that tiny slip of paper, I actually am right now as I am writing this. It is so much more than a tiny slip of paper or a fortune cookie, it is a piece of a larger story.

Next there is another tiny slip of paper from a teabag which reads, "Life is best lived by focusing on your goals and dancing through all other distractions." In my world, this is not a slip of paper but rather a message of great wisdom which was gifted to me by the Great Tea Oracle at a particular moment in time. 

Teabag oracle is followed by a nametag that was made for me when I was the Managing Director of an arts organization and it reads; Heather Geoffrey, Goddess of all She Surveys. It is a reminder of a special moment in time and well, hell yes!

There is a beautiful paper quilled card of a Dragon given to me by one of my dearest and longest friend. This would make it enough for it to land in this board, however it is the last handwritten line on the inside that makes my heart sing and at times has helped me remember the beauty of deep friendships and the importance of connection. "Keep shining brighter and know that you are loved beyond measure."

There is a photo of one of the beings that I have loved most in my life. His name was Eros and I would say that once upon a time he was my dog, but that is not quite accurate or true. Instead I like to think that for a period of time we were fortunate enough to belong to each other. He moved on sixteen years ago and I still dream about him. He taught me much about wildness, beauty, dignity and how there are always parts that should not and cannot be tamed. I know we will meet again.

The words Legend and Genius, well, we all have our aspirations. Insert smiley face here.

Below these words is a card from another friend (who was once the coworker who made the nametag) with an Oscar Wilde quote that I love. "The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention." This is something that I strive to remember and live by every day.

To the right of all of this is a tapestry that I purchased while I was in Peru. As with most weavings, this is a much larger and longer story. (Aren't they all?) But for now and for the purposes of this post, I see and think of my mother and her story, of where and how it is connected to my story, of my cousin and her story and a journey we made together to honor my mother, and stories about mothers, daughters and sisters that long to be told. 

To the left of all of this are the following post it notes with reminders that I like to look up, see.

"When health is absent, wisdom cannot reveal itself, art cannot manifest, strength cannot fight, wealth becomes useless and intelligence cannot be applied." - Herophillus

That's my little way of reminding myself to take care of myself and that my health and well being have importance and value.

The artist both creates and is created by the artistic process.

Truth. Enough said.

Pray
Meditate
Embody
​Pause

My daily reminders for living.

I make a commitment to experience the freedom of forgiveness when I notice that I am holding people, conditions and circumstances hostage in my mind. I am willing to change my thoughts in that moment, and release myself and all others to the benefit of a greater good.

Yup. That is also a daily practice  and requires the development of a muscle.

So...below all of this is a microphone. I am someone who constantly is interpreting and reading signs; divining what is around me in order to create meaning and ensure that I am open to receiving the message that the universe is passing along. So what does all of this tell me...

Keep looking and seeing where the stories are connected. The little details matter. Everything you need is right there in front of you. You are never alone and you cannot do this alone - we need each other and connection. When you see and make the connections it is important to use your voice and share them.

Today is day 88 of the 365 Project.

I hope when you look at what is right in front of you it carries the messages and meaning that you need today.

Heather