Momma Bones

I have the privilege of working with many amazing people every day.  I work with dedicated teachers, lively students, hard working support staff and a fabulous boss.  I feel blessed to work where I do. But today I had a unique opportunity to see two of my favorites within one afternoon; the ladies with the "momma bones."  I was so overcome with respect and awe, I actually choked up a bit on the walk back to my office.

 In order to put this in perspective, I should probably define "momma bones".  
Momma Bones: a characteristic of a woman who is a mother to her core, who cares for those around her with dedication and honesty, whose capacity for love extends well beyond her own brood.

D and M are two foster mothers who take at-risk kids into their homes and love them and help them heal from old hurts.  They have the momma bones and I love them for it.

When I first saw them, they seemed to be ordinary women; friendly, polite, put together.  But now, when I see them, all I see is their momma bones shining through.  They look radiant to me.  I feel an overwhelming need to thank them for being who they are and for what they do each day.  I know they must think I am goofy.  They are doing what they feel they must for those that need it. " Why all the fuss?" their eyes say.   But I know that their kindness is unique in many kids' worlds and I love them for it.

Momma bones~another miracle, another reason to have a grateful heart.

Soaking up the Energy

  I love the practice of Reiki.  Reiki recognizes and celebrates the energy that flows through everything.  I have always felt that energy but never really thought about it until I started to learn about Reiki.  Since I have brought my attention to it, I am noticing energy everywhere.  I saw a video on Positively Positive once about a study that was done on the bacteria in yogurt.  In the study, the yogurt's energy was effected by the mood of the person sitting next to it.  I think that that is wonderful and gives credo to the power of energy on those around you (even yogurt!)  Here is the link if you want to watch:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1zD4mXnaVKc

  I have been meeting periodically with an amazing group of women over the course of the last year and have come to really look forward to our meetings for many reasons, not the least of which is their positive energy.  As I sit through our discussions and sharings, I am simultaneously humbled, calmed, refreshed, and excited.  It is a pretty cool experience.  I can feel the energy in the room as if it were static electricity.  Hugs are given, thoughts shared, friendships grow, and their energy lingers long after everyone goes home.  It is a blessing to soak it all up and just bask in the lively vibes. 

Being around people with positive energy makes me happy.

I was just thinking this morning that maybe I have more in common with yogurt than I thought.  Sweet.

Spirit Junkie

I am reading a new book called Spirit Junkie.  It is written by a young woman who has found her way and wants to share.  I can relate, okay, not on the young part, but on the other parts.


She shares her story of working through a program called "A Course in Miracles."  This course has been historically somewhat controversial, but I think I like it anyway.  One quote the author of Spirit Junkie, shares from "A Course in Miracles" is the following:
"No one is sent by accident to anyone."

I cannot articulate the pure comfort and joy this sentence brings to me.  It is an instant salve to any worries that try to park themselves in my mind.

I think of all of the amazing people in my life and smile.  It makes me happy that whoever is sending  these people to populate my life is not sending them by accident. Here is my thank you note to The Sender of all the good people.


My Dearest Sender,
  Thanks for thinking of me, loving me, and sending me all the incredible people in my life.

  You completely rock.

Sincerely,
Michelle

Riding down hill

Yesterday I had the distinct pleasure of riding my bike with a group of friends on a particularly hilly course.  The uphills were killer, but the downhills were so much fun!

There is nothing like that feeling of riding downhill fast, twisting and turning, with the wind making your eyelashes flutter, and your sweat evaporate.  It is the feeling of play.  It is the feeling of freedom.  I caught myself LOLing every time we went down a big hill! I couldn't help it.

I woke up this morning feeling very blessed and thankful that I get to write my blog about the silly things in life that make me happy.  The inconsequential little things that make up a happy life is exactly what my blog is intended to document.  I may not recognize it publicly often, but I am fully and often times painfully aware, of the price others have paid so that I can live and document my happy life.  I know that "freedom isn't free."  Freedom is something to be recognized, treasured, and celebrated.

Today we all remember the tragedy and the ensuing price many have paid before, during, and since that cataclysmic event.  I know that I cannot do much to change world events, prevent wars, or stop tragedies. Those are big things.  But I know I can do much to change my world and how the people around me feel.  I can be happy and thankful everyday.  It is the highest honor I can pay to those who have given so much so that we can have the privilege of living a good life.

A good night's sleep

I love my bed, my covers, my pillow, and my bed partner.  I love the feeling of falling asleep all snuggled in and drifting off into the dark.  I love rolling over and touching his arm and feeling his breath as he snoozes.  I love waking in the morning and remembering my dreams.

I have always taken a good night's sleep for granted until recently when it was an elusive prize.

But now, now it is back.

Oh sleep, my dear dear friend, you make me smile.  Thanks for coming back to me! (My family and friends who have been living with me while you have been away also thank you!)

Peace to all and sweet dreams to you!

Flow

I have been thinking a lot about flow lately.

Flow in work has been defined as that place in a task where it is neither too easy nor too hard and you lose time in the satisfaction of doing the task. Flow in life I believe is putting good out and getting good back (usually ten fold!)  There is the flow of energy in our bodies and in our world; the flow of voices in good communication. (There is also that really awesome flow of flutters in an extended kiss- la la.)


I love to live in the flow of my life at home, at work, or just when I am out for a run.  Flow makes me happy.  Go with the flow my friends. Go with the flow.

Walking in the Woods

 There are few things in life that make me happier than walking on a trail in the woods. I can be by myself or with others. It can be raining, snowing, cloudy, beautiful, or anywhere in between and it still brings me great joy and peace.

There is a trail that is a favorite of mine and in the summer fields of ferns and pines flank it on either side.  The first time I saw it I couldn't really believe it existed and that I could walk it whenever I wanted. (luckie me!)

A walker on this trail gets treated to the delightful smells of pine, fresh air, and mossy goodness.  A walker on this trail can pick wild blueberries or see where the bears lie to sleep.  A walker on this trail can forget the worries of the world and just be thankful and humble to see such a rich, green, swatch of something special.

 I have many friends who also find their solace and quiet joys deep in the woods. What is it that draws us there?   I think it is that quiet moment when we reconnect and remember the beauty of being a small part of something so incredible.