"For me, every hour is grace.
And I feel gratitude in my heart each time I can meet someone and look at his or her smile."
- Elie Wiesel

How often do we take being alive for granted, dismissing as ordinary, the amazing opportunities life presents us with. And, our ability to learn, to grow, to create and to connect with ourselves and others.

Sometimes it is helpful to take a moment and remember that life is teeming within us, and all around us.

Wishing you a day of enjoyable pursuits!

Fly on, Superhero.
Fly on.

Photo by Nick Fewings on Unsplash

Today inspiration through song...

"Here Comes the Sun" was written by George Harrison in 1969 while he was playing hooky from the business of being a Beatle. Composed at the house of his friend Eric Clapton, the song reflects George's feelings toward the arrival of spring and embodies the enlightening quality of following one's heart.

"Here Comes the Sun" was written at the time when Apple was getting like school, where we had to go and be businessmen: 'Sign this' and 'sign that.' Anyway, it seems as if winter in England goes on forever, by the time spring comes you really deserve it. So one day I decided I was going to sag off Apple and I went over to Eric Clapton's house. The relief of not having to go see all those dopey accountants was wonderful, and I walked around the garden with one of Eric's acoustic guitars and wrote "Here Comes the Sun". - George Harrison

Here Comes The Sun, is a gentle and eloquent reminder that no matter how dark things may be, illumination is in the process of arising.

Wishing you a day of spontaneous warmth and clarity!

Fly on, Superhero.
Fly on!

Today is about listening...

“When you talk, you are only repeating what you already know.
But if you listen, you may learn something new.”
- Dalai Lama

“Deep listening is the kind of listening that can help relieve the suffering of another person.
You can call it compassionate listening.
You listen with only one purpose: to help him or her to empty his heart.”
- Thich Nhat Hanh

We all hear. Hearing is passive, our ears perceive sound and hearing simply happens. Listening is something we choose to do which requires presence, openness and acceptance.

Listening is caring. It is being willing to allow others to be who they are, say what they think, and feel what they feel without the immediate need to convert them to our point of view.

Listening is an art. Until we master it, most of us will listen with an intent to reply, rather than an intent to understand. We will spend our listening time thinking of things to say, rather than focusing on the content of what is actually being said. And, who is saying it.

Listening is being vulnerable. It is approaching conversations with an open heart and an open mind, curious to discover what the situation holds for everyone.

Wishing you a day of dazzling sights and sounds!

Fly on, Superhero.
Fly on!


Photo by Mimi Thian on Unsplash

Today a short poem about love...

Love is People
by Fred Rogers

Love is people
Love is people needing people
Love is people caring for people
That is love

Love's a litte child sharing with another
Love's a brave man daring to liberate his brother

Love is people
Love is people needing people
Love is people caring for people
That is love

And though some have costly treasure
It never seems to measure
Up to people needing people
Caring for people
For that's love
Love is people
People love

Superhero Fred Rogers was an American television personality, musician, puppeteer, writer, producer, and minister. He was a responsible and caring pioneer in the field of children's television.

From 1968 to 2001, Fred Rogers hosted a television series he created for preschool children. "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood," provided a safe supportive environment where complex issues could be openly discussed. A place where children felt heard.

Wishing you a lovely day filled with caring people!

Fly on, Superhero.
Fly on!

Today is about simple pleasures ...

"Simplicity is the essence of happiness"
- Cedric Bledsoe

Happiness found in simple pleasures should be savored. The refreshing quality of a cool drink on a hot day, or the surrender into ease in a warm bath are opportunities to embrace and enjoy life. And, to sink completely into experiencing it.

These moments of delight are beneficial in restoring a us to a state of calm peacefulness. Tuning into simple pleasures disrupts habitual thought patterns, bringing us out of our heads and into our bodies. Silencing our chattering minds, while allowing our bodies to experience ease.

Simple pleasures abound. When we slow down, we discover that the world around us is teeming with new sites, sounds, scents, tastes and tactile experiences. It can be stimulating to see which we are drawn to, and indulge ourselves for a moment, or more.

Wishing you a day of day of willowy pleasures!

Fly on, Superhero.
Fly on!


Photo by Kira auf der Heide on Unsplash

Our state of mind has an immediate and direct effect on our experience of the present moment. When we come to a situation with a positive and grateful mindset, we will see opportunities rather than obstacles.

Our feelings inform our view of the world. Whether we choose to see a glass of water as half-full or half-empty is completely up to us. We can approach each day with a smile and fresh new eyes or with frown and a hardened stare.

Starting the day by saying a prayer, repeating a personal mantra or setting an intention is an excellent practice to develop. What you choose to affirm is completely up to you. However, it will be more beneficial if it is uplifting and appreciative in tone.

A simple statement repeated a few times before you rise from bed can set the tone for your day. For example... "I enter into this day which has never been before with enthusiasm, joy, curiosity, love and appreciation."

Wishing you a day full of great delights!

Fly on, Superhero.
Fly on!


Photo by SweetFrau.
https://www.sweetfrau.online/

Today its about origins...

“The creation of a thousand forests is in one acorn”
― Ralph Waldo Emerson

“From small things, mama, big things one day come ”
― Bruce Springsteen

Everything begins somewhere. Usually, with something small. Beliefs are like seeds in this regard.

A thought planted in the fertile soil of the mind can propagate quickly when it carries an emotional charge. Ideas which arise from fear are especially prodigious and spread fast. So much so, that we often do not take the time to question their validity. We react rather than respond.

Our outlook on life is a composite of the beliefs that we hold in our hearts, which, inform our behavior. Our thoughts actions effect our families, friends, neighbors, everyone we come into contact with and everyone they come into contact with. Our beliefs spread out into the world this way, very much like a virus.

While there is no harm in holding any particular belief, it can be harmful not to realize the underlying thoughts which created it. Especially, if a belief is rooted in fear, anger or self righteousness.

It is helpful to take a few minutes every night to reflect upon the day, and see what what bubbles up in your mind. If it is something that makes you uncomfortable, ask yourself what beliefs about myself or my world view is this threatening? Are these beliefs even true? The answers may be surprising.

Wishing you a day on magnificent sunshine!

Fly on, Superhero
Fly on.

Photo by Caleb Lucas on Unsplash

Today is about progress.

Honest differences are often a sign of progress.
– Mahatma Ghandi

Differences abound. No two people have ever truly experienced the same thing. We were born into different bodies, in different places, at different times, under different conditions.

During the course of our lives, we adopt different beliefs which support our current level of consciousness, and bolster the identity we wish to embody. As we evolve, we discard beliefs which no longer serve us, embracing new ideas and adopting new identities. We change. We grow. And, so does everyone else.

When we are willing to listen to different points of view, and earnestly seek to understand an other's position, we create an opportunity for change and growth. And perhaps, progress for everyone.

Wishing you a day of growing wonder.

Fly on, Superhero.
Fly on!

Photo by Chris Lawton on Unsplash

Today is about speaking up...

I think superheroes today are like whistle blowers.
- Robert Englund

Speaking up is an empowering act which can change the course of history. Giving a voice to the truth is powerful. When done with sincere, and inclusive, intentions and motivations, it can affect positive change for all.It takes an enormous amount of courage to speak up. As children, many of us were taught to be silent about the things which offended our souls. We were told to look the other way or to mind our own business. That the events which were unfolding before our eyes had nothing to do with us. Or, we didn't understand the way "things" were.

As adults, we live in a society which encourages conformity and commoditizes human beings. People with alternative views are often silenced through intimidation or professionally discredited, publicly shamed and financially ruined. In expounding the truth, dissidents often risk their lives and livelihoods, and those of their friends and families.

And yet, they choose to speak out.

To expose the truth for the benefit of others, at the risk of personal harm and loss, is an act of heroism. To respond to violent unintelligent acts with compassionate intelligence and patience is the most challenging situation a superhero will ever face.

But, don't worry my dear. You were born for these times.

Wishing you a heartfelt day of overflowing joy.

Fly on, Superhero.
Fly on!

Photo by israel palacio on Unsplash