Issue 8
In this issue:
1) December 15 Message by Sibyl McLendon
2)The Lovers by Eagle Dancing
3)Aromathereapy by Kim Newman
4)Tiger Eye by Sibyl McLendon
5)Aromatherapy~Naurally Active Skincare by Kim Newman
6)What You Say Is What You Get~The Power Of Affirmations by Marty Dow
7) The Power Of Music by Sibyl McLendon
8) From Pain To Promise by Dean F. Mapa
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December 15 Message
By Sibyl McLendon
Well, the Holidays are almost upon us! I suspect that the majority of
people out there are feeling stressed, hurried and slightly frantic. I
think that it is a real shame that such a wonderful holiday has become
such a source of negativity and strain! Don't get me wrong; I am not
being critical of you. The last 3 Christmases were pure hell for me! I
spent each one in the dark pit of depression wondering why nothing ever
seemed to work out the way I expected it to. Three years ago, everyone in
the house had a nasty case of the flu. Two years ago, my youngest son had
just gotten into a drug rehab center after spending six months in jail.
Last Christmas, my Grandson's Mom pulled the rug out from underneath me by
not allowing him to spend the night on Christmas eve, like he had done
every year since he was born. She decided to spring this on me on
Christmas Eve day, by the way. And now, it is 10 short days until
Christmas, and my youngest son is back on drugs, and we have had to put
him out of the house! But this year, my Christmas is going to be great!
Why? That's easy. Because I have learned the hard way that holidays,
like every other day of the year, are exactly what you decide they are
going to be. I leaned that what sent me into that downward spiral the
last three years was my expectations. I had put all my hopes into things
that I had no control over. Then when things blew up in my face, I was
left feeling that everything was ruined and unsalvageable. I should have
known better; I certainly have learned that I cannot control other people.
Their actions, reactions and decisions are their own. Lord knows, if I
could control other people, things would be very different! Not
necessarily better, mind you, just different.
So, this year I have changed the way I am thinking. I am only working
with what I can control. I have re-learned the lesson of the power of
positive thinking, and that my life is exactly what I decide it is going
to be. So, I decided that I was going to have a wonderful Christmas this
year! If I get to see my Grandson, it will be wonderful. If I don't, I
will pack up his presents and send them to him. If my son decides to do
the right thing, it will be a real blessing. But, he is an adult and must
make his own path. I just don't want to spend another bad day, worrying
about others and lamenting my losses. So, I'm not going to!
I very sincerely hope that your holidays are wonderful, the best ever!
Just remember, they will be what you decide they will be. Expectations
are a huge pitfall when they are dependant on other people's behaviors to
succeed.
We have finally got our aromatherapy articles started! Took me long
enough, but I finally found just the right person for the job. Be sure to
check out the article about making natural cosmetics at home! Kim Newman,
the author, would really like it if you would e-mail her with your
comments and suggestions! We will not have an article on eating disorders
in this issue only, look for it in the January 1 issue. I have also
started a new feature: The Power Of Music. See you in 2001!
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The Lovers VI 
by Eagle Dancing
The Lovers Card shows a man and a woman at what could be interpreted as
the Garden of Eden. There is an apple tree behind the woman with a Snake
in it, symbolic of the Bible story. Behind the man is a fig tree. There
is an Angel above them with arms spread, symbolic of Cupid.
Meaning: As suggested this card stands for love, spiritual and physical.
The old idea of a soul mate is present here. You may feel as if you have
known each other in past lives and be able to read each other's mind. It
can also suggest taking risks in a relationship along racial, religious,
and spiritual areas.
Reversed: This suggests adultery, unfaithfulness, and dishonesty.
Jealousy could be a serious problem and a wedge between two people even
when there is no truth to the matter. These feelings are likely to lead
to a relationship or affair outside the partnership. Sex, or a lack of it
may be used as a way to control a relationship.
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Aromatherapy
by Kim Newman
Aromatherapy is a modern name for the ancient knowledge of healing and
improving health using fragrant, natural ingredients. These ingredients,
called essential oils, are found in herbs, plants, flowers, fruits and the
bark, roots or resins of some trees.
Essential oils give the aroma to the plant, but they also contain dozens
of complex chemicals that seem to do everything from beautifying skin to
numbing a headache or speeding healing.
Even if you think that you have never come across the oils before, all of
us are affected by them each day. Every time that you peel an orange the
essential oil squirts out of the tiny pockets in the skin, and because it
is so volatile it evaporates into the air. Releasing it's bitter sweet,
tangy, citrus smell. Whether you notice or not, the orange has a
refreshing but relaxing effect.
When you take flowers to someone who is ill, you are using aromatherapy to
help them feel better. The essential oils of Rose, Jasmine, Geranium, and
Lavender which might be contained within a spray of flowers are all
relaxing oils that settle the nervous system and instantly improve the
spirit.
When you use pure essential oils though, the beneficial properties are
concentrated, and have an even greater effect on body and mind rather than
you just get from sniffing a spray of flowers.
Essential oils are so complex and magical that no-one really knows what
they are. Enthusiasts and romantics say that they are the life force of a
plant, similar to the human spirit. Researchers say that they are a
mixture of organic compounds, such as ketones, terpenes, esters, alcohols,
aldehydes, and thousands of other molecules, many too complex or small to
classify under a microscope.
What they do rather than what they are, is much easier to understand. The
molecules of oils are so minute that they can penetrate human skin and
enter the bloodstream and organs, before eventually being excreted.
Scientists have found that the same oils gather in the same parts of the
body time after time, within a few hours of being massaged into the skin.
This is what makes them unique and very therapeutic. Very few things can
penetrate human skin. The fact that essential oils have healing properties
is beyond doubt. Botanicals are found more and more in everyday life.
Aspirin comes from the Willow tree, the Australian tea-tree contains a
germ killer a dozen times more effective than carbolic, and carrots
contain beta-carotene, now known to be an important weapon in the fight
against Cancer. The more that scientists study plants and their
properties, the more benefits they discover from every organic compound in
nature. Everything is there for a reason, it seems. The most interesting
discovery of all though is that the latest research confirms the herbal
traditions healers have practiced for centuries.
There are many ways of using the oils. One method is particularly
appropriate for this time of year, Inhaling, it can be beneficial to all
of us.
When you smell an oil it affects you in many ways. Firstly, the aroma
itself immediately registers in the limbic area of the brain where we also
store memories and emotions. A whiff of antiseptic can make you think of
hospital and possibly afraid, if that is what your memory of antiseptics
is. The smell of lavender can make you think of your Grandmother and
having a cuddle, if she used it as a perfume, as well as safe and happy.
That is why you love or hate a smell and why we are all different in our
interpretations of aromas. The miniscule chemical elements that make up
each molecule of an oil are absorbed through the nasal membrane and can
for instance relax the nervous system, make you feel more alert or change
your mood. Inhaling a relaxing smell can lower the blood pressure and slow
the heartbeat. Inhaling oils is a quick and easy way of enjoying their
therapeutic properties. You can improve your sense of well-being and
anyone who enters your home will benefit too !!
Inhalation.
Inhaling the oils with warm steam in a small space means that you get
maximum benefits in minimum time. It is ideal for treating coughs and
colds, or for treating your skin to a steam facial. The best method is to
place 1 litre of boiling water in a heat retaining bowl, add five drops of
essential oil to the surface of the water. Bend forwards over the bowl and
drape a large towel over your head to trap the evaporating oils and steam.
Inhale the vapours for a few minutes, then add a little more boiling water
to evaporate off any remaining essential oil. You may also inhale
undiluted oils from a tissue or handkerchief, but only in moderation. Two
drops of oil tipped directly onto the fabric is enough to last for several
hours. Place it on your pillow at night or in your breast pocket or bra
during the day.
The best oils for inhalation are:
chamomile for sleeplessness
eucalyptus for chest/nasal congestion
frankincense for depression and anxiety
myrrh for sore throats and coughs
peppermint for energy and concentration, nausea too.
Room Vaporizers.
You can buy essential oil burners which have a candle holder under a
saucer like structure. Fill the saucer with hot water and add up to 8
drops of essential oil and light the candle to keep the water hot enough
to make the oil evaporate. They scent the room quickly and only need to be
placed on a steady, safe surface out of the reach of children or pets. Top
up with water and oil every three to four hours. You can make your own
version by standing a saucer of hot water on top of a central heating
radiator, although this does not evaporate the oils as quickly as a
candle, it has more direct heat.
You can also buy a ring made of metal, porcelain or compressed card which
will sit on a light bulb and gently heat the 4 or 5 drops of oil placed on
them. They scent a room quickly and almost as effectively as the burners.
Electric diffusers (known as nebulizers) are useful as oils can be
diffused without heating and thus altered. It is better to use only a
single oil to scent a room, as the combination of more than one in this
instant don't keep their individual aroma's very well.
The best oils for vaporizing are:
bergamot; uplifting, refreshing and deodorizing.
eucalyptus; chest/nasal congestion, mental alertness.
geranium; energizing yet relaxing.
jasmine; euphoria,confidence,dinner parties.
lavender; tension,nerves,tiredness.
mandarin; sleeplessness,soothing,calming.
neroli; calming,soothing,sensual.
peppermint; energy, alertness.
sandalwood; relaxing,mellowing,romantic.
ylang-ylang; hypnotic,sensual,uplifting.
rose; balancing, uplifting.
Not only can you make your house smell fresh, but you can also purify the
air by adding essential oils to the dustbag of your vacuum cleaner. Place
five drops of oil on a cotton wool ball inside the cleaner, against the
exit filter where the air blows out of the machine. To replace or refresh
the fragrance, just replace it with a new cotton wool ball as often as you
wish. The best oils to use in this manner are:
bergamot, citronella, lavender, lemon, peppermint, pine, rosemary,
tea-tree.
Just as we all develop favourite foods, we also have favourite smells.
These stay with us wherever we go, evoking memories both good and bad. I
wonder how many of you have memories from your childhood which can be
triggered by an aroma? Aromas have been known to stir the most beautiful
poems and stories within the minds of us mere mortals !!
Kim Newman Nature's
Skincare snowpaw@graffiti.net
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Tiger Eye
by Sibyl McLendon
Before I get in to the specific qualities of Tiger Eye, I want to
interject something about stone energies in general. I have been working
with stones and crystals for about 17 years now, and the main thing I have
learned about the energies and properties of stones is that no one, not
even me, has a pipeline to the Creator! Everything that is written about
stones and their properties is just one person's opinion. If you put
'stone energies' into a search engine (and I have), you will get hundreds
of pages listing thousands of sites, and every one of them says something
different. My interpretation of the energies of stones is based on
observation, personal experience and studying the chemical make-up of the
stones. Others say that their information is 'channeled'. Lots of sites
and books never tell you where their information comes from. What I am
getting at is this: never take anyone's word as absolute. Use your own
feelings and intuitions about what a stone will do for you. What I write
here is meant as a general guide only!
So, on to Tiger Eye. This is a very popular stone. It is used in jewelry
a lot, and most people are familiar with it. The iridescent bands are
beautiful, and it can be quite fascinating to look into. It is actually
molecularly the same as quartz, what gives it its bands is that natural
asbestos and iron oxide has gotten into the quartz while it was forming.
Ancient people were in awe of tiger eye. They felt that it could be used
to 'see' into a person's heart, or to observe things happening far away.
It was used by magicians and sorcerers, and people actually feared its
power.
Tiger eye can promote clarity, and is a good stone to wear when you need
to do some clear thinking. The asbestos can help keep the more fiery
aspects of your personality in control. It is also a good protection
stone. Use tiger eye to help you accomplish your higher goals. When the
predominate color is red, it is known as hawk's eye. Same basic uses, but
with a lot of energy to help you get going. Red is always a personal
energy color, because red in stones usually comes from iron.
My personal favorite is tiger iron. This stone is regular tiger eye, but
with bands of shiny black hematite mixed in. This will do all that tiger
eye will do, but in a safe, grounded way.
Tiger eye is the stone for Aires (March 21-April 20) and corresponds to the 9th year of marriage.
Photo of tigers eye photo of tiger iron I am NOT recommending a commercial site!
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AROMATHERAPY: NATURALLY ACTIVE SKINCARE
By Kim Newman
During the last thirty years there have been many technological advances
in skincare and today's beauty products are sophisticated formulas
containing a combination of synthetically derived ingredients and natural
extracts. We live in hope of a cream or potion that can truly smooth our
wrinkles, reduce skin damage and protect our skin against sun, pollution
and environmental factors. It is all too easy to be taken in by claims the
Companies make relating to the effects of their products.
Despite the scientific advances in skincare, the emphasis on natural
beauty has never been stronger. The majority of natural ingredients have
been tried and tested for centuries and their antiseptic,
anti-inflammatory, wound healing, skin protecting and moisturizing
properties have been well documented. In contrast, we know very little
about the new breed of skincare ingredients and their long term effects.
Many skincare ingredients perform very specific tasks. There are binders
to maintain the products consistency, colours to dye it, emulsifiers to
hold liquids together, fragrances and fixatives to prevent the odour
vaporizing. Other ingredients act as humectants to keep the product
moist. Preservatives prevent it from spoiling, whilst thickeners add body
to the products. The chemistry of modern skincare products may be
baffling, but, many of these special ingredients have their origins in
nature.
Alpha-Hydroxy Acids (AHA's)
These are natural acids found in fruit, vegetables and protein sources
such as milk. They quicken the bodies ability to renew skin cells faster
than it would naturally if not using AHA's. Particularly effective on oily
skin as they dissolve the flow of the skins natural flow of sebum. AHA's
can also loosen dead skin cells lessening the frequency to exfoliate.
Allantoin
Derived from animal or plant sources, comfrey root and wheatgerm. Used in
skin soothing products because of it's ability to relieve inflammation and
stimulate the growth of healthy skin. Allantoin also has moisturising
properties.
Amino Acids.
These are the building blocks of protein and are widely used in
moisturizers to help water penetrate the skin.
Antioxidants.
These are vitamins C,E and beta-carotene.
They work on the skin's surface by neutralizing harmful free radicals
created by sunlight, pollution and cigarette smoke !!! Free radicals can
cause severe damage by attacking the molecular structure of cells. They
have been linked to the ageing process itself.
Collagen.
This gives the skin it's structure and breaks down as we age. That is why
the skin on our faces looks 'saggy' as we age !! Especially as women
approach the menopause. By adding this to skincare it is said that we can
replenish the dwindling supply. This is not suitable for use by
vegetarians as it is derived from Cow Hide.
D-Panthenol.
Otherwise known as pro-vitamin B5. You might have seen this in the
ingredients of well known shampoos. It is essential for the normal
functions of the skin and it has a moistening effect. Also helps to
promote cellular renewal and new tissue growth.
Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA).
This is the basic component of all living matter and controls cell
mechanisms. It acts as an effective moisturizer. Not suitable for
vegetarians as it is sometimes derived from cow and sheep cells.
Essential Fatty Acids.
Gamma-linolenic and linolenic acids are vital components of all cell
membranes they play a vital role in keeping the skin healthy. They help to
stem water loss when applied to the skin. Can be taken internally in the
form of Evening Primrose oil and Borage oil supplements.
Essential Oils.
Fragrant, volatile oils derived from plants, their roots, leaves, flowers
and bark of trees. Each one has moisturizing properties. They assist in
the up keep of connective tissues. They can be used to promote the
production of collagen and elastin.
Liposomes.
These allow active ingredients to penetrate deeper in to the dermis of the
skin. They are tiny bubbles made up of lipid (fatty) layers and a water
layer, then filled with an active ingredient such as vitamin E.
Retinol.
This is a derivative of Vitamin A. Included in anti-ageing products under
the pretext of helping to repair damaged skin. Thought to work by
repairing damaged collagen.
Superphycodismatuse (SPD).
Obtained from seaweed or algae found 20 metres under the sea. Thought to
act dramatically against free radicals thus protecting the skin cells
which eventually form collagen and elastin against free radical damage.
Seaweed has a similar mineral content to the sea itself which is almost
identical to the water encased in each of our cell walls. Algae extracts
are thought to have a purifying effect on skin cells and are included in
many anti-cellulite creams and body 'mud' wraps in Health Spa's.
Echinacea.
This remarkable herb is famous for it's ability to boost the immune
system. It has beneficial effects on the skin too. First used by the North
American Indians to treat a vast range of ailments from burns, wounds and
snake bites. Also 'flu and other viruses. By the 1930's it was a powerful
and popular herbal medicine. It can be taken internally in tincture form
which is more concentrated. Applied in skin products to the body, it
strengthens cell membranes against invasion by microorganisms. Stimulates
cell growth and tissue recovery thus excellent at wound healing. It has an
anti-inflammatory property, which helps in cases of acute skin problems
ie: eczema and psoriasis It is probably the most important of all skin
saving herbs.
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HOMEMADE SKINCARE!!!
The starting point for a clear, glowing skin is an effective cleanser. One
of the earliest recorded skin cleansers is Cold Cream. It was invented by
the Greek physician Galen, his recipe was based on Beeswax, Olive Oil and
Rosewater. Cold Cream gets it's name as it is cooling on the skin and
works as a cleanser when the oil and wax melt onto the face to loosen
dirt, make-up and sebum. These can then be removed quickly with a hot damp
face cloth or piece of Muslin cloth. The 'recipe' below is excellent for
all skin types especially during the winter months. It is very effective
on sensitive skins that react to other skin care products.
COLD CREAM CLEANSER.
2.5mls (1/2tspn) lecithin granules or 3 capsules.
40mls (8tspns) Rosewater.
20grms (3/4oz) Beeswax.
40mls (8tspn) Olive Oil.
80mls (3 fl ozs) Almond Oil.
4 drops of Rose Essential Oil. (Rosewood or Rose Geranium oils are less
expensive and can be used as an alternative.)
This thick rich cream has the scent of honey and roses. Can also be used
as a barrier cream for a baby's bottom !!
1. Dissolve the lecithin granules, or the contents of the capsules, in the
rosewater. This may take several hours and could be left overnight.
2. Put the beeswax in a heatproof bowl with the Olive and Almond Oils.
Place in a saucepan half filled with water. Bring the water to the boil, 
stirring the wax mixture continuously.
3. When the wax mixture has melted stir in the lecithin and rosewater
solutions. Remove from the heat and stir well until the mixture cools.
4. Beat to a smooth paste and add the drops of essential oil and mix again.
5. While the mixture is still soft, use a knife or spatula to transfer the
cream into small airtight jars. Scrape the sides of the bowl to remove all
traces of the cream before it solidifies.
This is an excellent cold cream cleanser, highly recommended !!
Honey Purifier.
2tspns Honey (5mls).
250mls Hot Water (8fl oz).
This helps to keep the skin clear. Honey is a natural antiseptic and very
moisturizing.
1. Start by rubbing the honey into your face using small circular
movements (runny honey is of course the easiest to use !!)
2. Dip your fingertips into the hot water and repeat the movement as with
the honey. The heat from the water will soften the skin and help to shift
dirt and embedded debris.
3. After a few minutes of massage, rinse the face in clean tepid water and
pat dry.
I would advise you to do this twice a week to maintain a clear skin. The
honey will help to keep the skin soft and guards against bacteria.
FLORAL SKIN FRESHENER.
10mls (2tspns) Dried Chamomile flowers or 1 tea bag.
120mls (4fl ozs) Rosewater.
50mls (2fl ozs) Aloe Vera Juice.
2 Drops of Sandalwood Essential Oil.
1. Make the Chamomile tea or infuse the flowers in very hot water. Allow
to cool and then strain the solution.
2. Pour 120mls (4fl ozs) of the tea into a screw top bottle or jar and
add the rosewater, aloe vera juice and sandalwood essential oil. Shake
well to mix.
3. Keep tightly sealed in a cool place, preferably in the fridge, and use
within one week.
This should be used twice a day after cleansing. It can be used throughout
the day as an extremely effective freshener. It will calm the skin and
help to heal any blemishes. It is excellent for sensitive skin types.
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I hope that you have enjoyed reading this article as much as I have
enjoyed writing it for you! In the next newsletter I will give more
'recipes' for skincare products that you can make at home. I would like to
hear how you find these home-made skincare products and if you have
enjoyed making them. Why not make some for friends as gifts and decorate
the jar lids with ribbon, or use acrylic paints to decorate the jars !!
Hand made gifts are always appreciated as the recipient knows that you
have taken time over their gift and not merely walked into a shop to
purchase it !!
You can contact me at: snowpaw@graffiti.net
Nature's Skincare
May I take this opportunity to wish all of you a Very Merry Christmas.
Health and happiness in 2001. Have a lovely Festive Season.
Kim Newman.
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What You Say Is What You Get
The Power of Affirmations
by Marty Dow
Affirmations are statements of what you want in your life.
Affirmations reflect the spiritual law of perfection everywhere now. They
are based on Spiritual Truth not your current experience of life.
Some people have trouble with affirmations because they feel they are
not speaking the truth when they use an affirmation. For instance, if you
are sick and you say, “I am whole, healthy, and energized,” it might feel
like a lie; however, affirmations are not the facts of your current
situation. They represent the experiences you want to have in your life.
Affirmations are not a method of communication; they are a tool of
creation. If you want to tell your neighbor about the facts in your life,
do not use an affirmation. But, if you want to create a new reality, use
affirmations.
Remember, even your idle words have power. Telling your neighbor the
facts of your current problem adds energy to those problems. If your
neighbor cannot help you, use the power of your words to create what you
want and not what you do not want.
I once heard a story about a farmer who dreamed of having a large
herd of cattle. He only had enough money to purchase one cow. This man
knew the power of words; so, he named his one cow Herd. The neighbors
thought he was crazy to be talking about his herd when they could see only
one cow in the field; nevertheless, this farmer talked about his herd
every chance he got. As the story goes, his words soon returned to him
fulfilled, and he obtained a large herd of cattle.
Your words have more power in your life than the opinions of your
neighbors. Use your words wisely. Develop affirmations that represent the
life you would like to live. Use those affirmations on a consistent basis.
Watch your life transform to reflect the power of your words.
An affirmation is a positive statement expressed in the present
tense. It should not contain references to what you do not want only what
you do want. For instance, suppose you have cancer and want to be well.
Your affirmation might be, “ I am healthy and energetic. All of my cells
are healthy and functioning perfectly.”
Notice the statement is in the present tense. It does not say I will
be healthy. It says I am healthy. Also notice the statement does not
mention cancer. It only refers to the positive condition you are trying to
create.
Learn to use the power of affirmations and your life will reflect the new
image your words express.
Marty Varnadoe Dow, LCSW
Excerpted from How To Soar Above the Crisis: a complete system for using
crisis as a catalyst for spiritual transformation.
Marty Dow
FREE Daily Positive Thought Service
http://free-positive-thought.com
martydow@ifcl.com
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The Power of Music: The Rose 
by Sibyl McLendon
I have a great belief in the power of music. It can touch us in a way
that is unique and healing. It evokes emotions and memories, taking us
back to crystal moments in our memory. How often has an old song come on
the radio that immediately transports us to a long-forgotten time in our
past? I have decided to include the lyrics of a song in each newsletter
that I have found to be particularly healing and/or inspiring. I welcome
your input! Just E-Mail me the lyrics of a song that is special to you
for some reason.
I am starting this out with a song that has a very special meaning to me.
Besides just being a beautiful poem, to me it is also a life lesson.
Personal pain is a part of life, it means that we are alive, and capable
of love. It is all part of the path and being able to feel the emotional
depths means that we are also capable of experiencing the great emotional
highs! I requested this song be sung at the graveside funeral service for
my Mother 6 years ago. It always reminds me that even if my soul is mired
in Winter's cold, Spring will come again.
Artist: Bette Midler
Words & Lyrics by: Amanda McBroom
Some say love, it is a river that drowns the tender reed.
Some say love, it is a razor that leaves your soul to bleed.
Some say love, it is a hunger, an endless aching need.
I say love, it is a flower, and You its only seed.
It's the heart, afraid of breaking, that never learns to dance.
It's the dream, afraid of waking, that never takes a chance.
It's the one who won't be taken, who cannot seem to give.
And the soul, afraid of dying, that never learns to live.
When the night has been too lonely, and the road has been too long,
And you think that love is only for the lucky and the strong,
Just remember in the winter far beneath the bitter snows,
Lies the seed, that with the sun's love, in the spring becomes
The Rose.
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From Pain to Promise
by Dean F. Mapa
Can life's pains be avoided? Or is that a rhetorical question, simply
because there is a silently resounding "No!"
No matter how much we have or lack, how much we've lived or haven't, how
many friends, families or foes -- pain comes; and quite often it comes
when we least expect it. No, I'm not talking about physical pain that
comes from scratches, slips and tumbles. But the pain that cuts deep to
the core of our being; the hurt that keeps us dazed all day; the throbbing
that moved the Psalmist to poignantly express, "My tears have been my
pillow all night long!"
Yes, inner pain is inevitable, but we need not succumb to it and be
overwhelmed by its debilitating effect on our souls. It can actually hold
promise for renewed hope. Give thought to the following:
~Pain is a vital sign that we are humans. We feel, therefore we are. To
deaden ourselves to inner pain is to desensitize us from the rest of
humanity. This is how Hitlers and Idi Amins are born. I'm glad I'm just
Dean, able to understand the human being across the room because she goes
through pain just like me.
~Pain makes our heart fertile for compassion or hard as a rock to
withstand intimacy. Your choice. We can be vulnerable yet real and
sincere, or aloof and unreachable. The world becomes a better place
because of the former, not the latter, believe it or not.
~Pain can be a bridge to the divine. It is a cause for self- reflection
and to seek the strength we never knew exists within us. It is a
motivation to seek a higher self, a more refined you, a dream you've put
off for so long, the list is long and limitless. Pain should not be a
reason to dive into the mud, but to reach for the stars!
When pained, by all means cry, bang the walls, pour your soul out. Feel
the pain and ride it out. Then hold it up for you to see. Let it be a
reflection of better things to come, not a shattered image of the past.
Then and only then will we realize that pain, just like a thorn on a
rose's stem, is merely a reminder of how beautiful life can really be.
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About the Author: Dean F. Mapa is a writer, motivational speaker and
success coach. He manages, among other sites, Raven's Rendezvous, a
meeting place for singles at beeznet.webjump.com
Subscribe to his free weekly inspirational e-zine by sending a blank
e-mail to subscribe@be-inspired.org
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