The Lines Are Down — Use Caution

Greetings All ~

We are needing soft voices and good humor—neutrality and love. We are needing to acknowledge that the current condition of the lines of communication are overloaded, fragile and worn bare.

I recently had a conversation with someone very dear to me that surprisingly went rapidly south. I was completely taken aback. Not only by this person's reaction, but also by the depth and breadth of it. IT. WAS. BIG. I managed to ride it out and get to a more peaceful talking place and end the call on cooler, loving terms. But it took all I had. I had been attacked and shouted down by someone who I know loves me and who I love just as much. I was not only confused by how they were speaking but also worried by what they were saying. And I was hurt, and pissed. Oy!

Several others I know have told me about similar incidents of unexpected, if not undesirable, interactions. I see it happening nationally and globally as well. And no matter which side folks are landing on, each is as angry and suspicious as the other. It's as if the nervous system of the human race is exposed—like a bare wire.

It's based in fear, I know. And I am trying not to let others' reactive, fear-based behavior make me fearful. (The Lines Are Down—Use Caution!) Many of us grew up tip-toeing and walking on eggshells. We should be experts, right? But the fact is, it is exhausting in its unpredictability. It's hell on the old self-esteem, and generally, has a no-win outcome.

It took me a bit of time to recover. I used the tools of breath, gratitude and music. I spoke to neutral, understanding friends and family. I said a prayer for them, me and the world. It was a chance to practice undivided compassion, or at least try. These methods are healing. They bolster my courage. They provide a pause in a neutral space to be kinder and more intelligent rather than circling the wagons of reaction.

I'm pretty sure this will occur again (I may even be the one on the other side). I don't want to be frightened or angry with people. I want to love them, anyway. And, I want to be who I am without penalty by cultivating and exploring a softer version of me.

I offer the mantra below. It is soothing and said to clear negative thoughts.
Link to "Hare Re Gura Re" on my album Universe Unmanifest

All Good Things,
Vicky Rose

Eyes Wide With Love

Greetings All ~

Let's start with a little drill or exercise or whatever you wanna call it. 
Make a list of the things you love the most. You can write it down or do it mentally.
I'll wait...

Here's mine:

• My sons

• Family

• The Universe

• Music

• Good Food

• My home

• Friends

• The movies

• Yoga

• Travel

• Collaboration

• Nature

• Life in general

Did you include yourself? I didn't. So where was I? I could fool myself and say that I am, of course, included in each of those things. But the fact is, when it came down to it, I, myself, did not make the list. This is tricky for me. I've never bought into the whole "You're perfect just the way you are" thing. That negates my concept of karma. "God doesn't makes mistakes" is simply not something I believe. And finally, I don't have the clock on "divine timing." Who really does? But actually, I'm not on the list because my Self is not seeing Me.

Much of the time we believe what others tell us we are. We see ourselves through the "truth" of someone else's perception. And it can be true. It can also be the cause of confusion, self-doubt, fear of failure, hubris or delusion, simply because it's not true—it's not You. If there is too much faith put into the view someone else has of us, we may not be honoring all that we are or all that we're becoming. Our desire to be helpful or accommodating may have us unknowingly taking on the ideas others have of us. Often, these are the ways they'd like themselves to be seen. 

And to turn it around, don't assume your perception of another is true. I remember saying to a dancer friend of mine that I wished I had a body like hers. She said, "No you don't. I'm in constant pain and my body feels like it's 70." She had done all that work for years. It had started with a child's innocent joy, turned to passion which was perverted by the demands of the professional dance world. Yet to me and many others, she looked attractive and oh, so perfect.

Cultivating the ability to recognize yourself—from what is felt, experienced and observed from within—is an art, and it is a courage. Practicing that direct perception demands compassion and kindness, not to mention accepting and loving your own shadows and imperfections. The mirror we hold up to ourselves might be foggy or cracked. It could seem as warped as one at a carnival funhouse. Take a look at yourself naked, right out of the shower. Don't suck the gut in, don't turn for the better angle, don't squint. But take a good look through eyes wide with love. Try to accept and admire and, if necessary, forgive. 

Start by putting yourself first on your list of things you love!

Here's a little tune of affirmation to help you along...

All Good Things,
Vicky Rose