Greetings!
Today is the first day of November and I can't believe how quickly October flew by! Time seems somewhat accelerated these days as we approach the end of 2012. Hurricane Sandy just passed through the East Coast and I was spared all damage and inconvenience, and for that I'm truly grateful. The coastline of my state, Rhode Island, was not, and many people have lost so many things dear to them. I ask my Angels everyday to be with them and assist in their troubles.
This month I'm going to do something different because I was not drawn to do a traditional Oracle Card Reading as I have in the past. Today I'm going to share with you some thoughts from a TV show with Iyanla Van Zant - quotes from her that have really made an impact on me as I find myself reading them over and over (something I don't usually do). Iyanla Van Zant is a spiritual teacher and frequently appears on the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN). She has her own show that I'm not too fond of, as it's very confrontational, and sometimes her methods seem too harsh for me. I enjoy when she just speaks about her own experiences and the lessons she's learned the hard way.
I offer these direct quotes from a show aired on September 9th of this year where she and Oprah just sat and talked about so many things. I'd like you to read them and re-read them a few times during the month and see how they resonate with you - if you agree with them, if you don't, if they are the words that speak to your soul and motivate you to open your heart more to your fellow humans, or if they help you to better understand and appreciate yourself. Please drop me a line if you'd like to share any thoughts, as I'd love to hear from you. Here we go!
"The soul is the fingerprint of God that becomes the physical body - it's unique to everybody - unique in its own development and expression, but filled with the divinity that is the essence of all that is." Iyanla clarified "all that is" as meaning everything on the planet. I think this is a beautiful and logical way to explain how and why we humans are all so different, yet all alike. It reminds us that we are spiritual beings living a physical existence on Earth - the opposite of what most people would believe. It's important to remember we are all small chunks of God, or the creative Source of the Universe (if God is not your accepted word).
"When looking at darkness (at evil), it's the manifestation of the need for God." This was her explanation of why bad things may happen in the world. She reminded us that bad things happen to good people all the time, and naturally people ask "Why?"
"The sheep know the voice of the Shepard." I love this one! No one can tell you what you feel in your soul is wrong. We all know right and wrong instinctively, and when you act on a true feeling that takes you to a higher path, don't let anyone talk you out of it. Your inner voice is the truth - it's God's voice - trust and believe it.
"Religion is the rules, regulations, ceremonies and rituals developed by man to create conformity and uniformity in the approach to god. Spirituality is the call of God in your soul." This is an excellent explanation of the difference between Religion and Spirituality. I have believed this about Religion since I was in my teens. I knew then that God was in everyone and that you didn't have to be sitting in a Church to converse with Him. I would constantly question my Catholic faith and was at a loss to understand the how and why of what they preached and practiced. I always saw it as a way to control the masses and still do to this day. However, some people find comfort in the rituals and the clergy and I'm happy for them. Whatever works for you is OK with me.
Well, there you have it. These quotes have made an impression on me and now that I've shared them, I feel good! Please enjoy this month, which is all about being thankful for what you have and what you can share with your fellow humans. Your children, family, friends and co-workers will see you as a good role model, be drawn to your "inner light", examine their own behavior and hopefully pay it forward.
November 11th is Veterans Day and since I grew up in the military, I'd like to thank all those who serve and have served my country. My Father was a 30 year Air Force Veteran who's amazing life allowed me to live abroad and travel for many years. He always took the opportunity of living in a foreign country to educate me on how lucky I was to have the life I did, and for that I'm thankful. I would also like to thank those who teach and taught in military schools as their influences helped make our school days seem like "home" even when we were thousands of miles away from it.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Linda
