Spirit Rising Ministries

Do you like to have a plan for everything? A Course in Miracles says, “A healed mind does not plan. It carries out the plans that it receives through listening to wisdom that it not its own.”

 I’m gradually getting better at going with the flow but, as I sat there in my friend’s house minding her children for three overnights last week, I found myself slightly annoyed. I had planned on bringing them with me Saturday morning while I did my own grocery shopping and then go home to check on my cat. Instead, the snow was falling steadily and the roads were too slippery to warrant any unnecessary travel. Although this was certainly not a major upset, it was not how I wanted/expected things to go. Instead of getting my errands done, I ended up sledding with my friend’s ten year old. The ground might have been frozen that day but my heart melted when she stopped playing long enough to say, “I’m having so much fun. Paula! I really think we are building a friendship that can never be broken!” Last time I checked, they weren’t selling anything like that at the grocery store.

 So, I guess I’ll keep surrendering to that higher wisdom and trust that, for whatever reason, I’m always exactly where I’m supposed to be.

 Let your spirit soar!
Paula

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Recently, two Comcast representatives came to my door offering to combine my business internet account with my personal one. My business account was listed as Spirit Rising. Because I happened to be dressed up with Native American earrings on and feathers in my hair that day, the two men jumped to the conclusion that Sprit Rising was my personal name. They were so intrigued by the name and my whole persona that it took some time to convince them otherwise. I was rather enjoying the attention thought because I had secretly chosen Spirit Rising as my Native American name long ago but I had never actually used it to identify myself.

 Anyways, this whole situation led us into a deeper discussion than one might normally expect from a sales call. They were so interesting to talk to that I was actually thankful that it was taking them so long to place a call through to their company. I relaxed and watched to see where our conversation would lead. The younger man was four years sober, out of jail, and slowly building a life for himself. The older man was clearly on a spiritual path. He radiated love, peace and joy. As we talked and the similarity of our interests became more evident, he decided to share something with me. I was pleasantly surprised when he handed me a printed version of a “Morning prayer” that he carries with him. I read it every day; not just because its message is so beautiful but because it reminds me that you just never know where your next dose of inspiration will come from.

 Let your spirit soar!
Paula

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I recently had the pleasure of spending two nights at Foxwoods Casino with my sweetheart. He had received a promotion which allowed us to attend their New Year’s Eve party and enjoy exquisite accommodations for free. We had a delightful time but what I want to talk about is the age old lesson, “to give is to receive” that was so clearly demonstrated to me (twice!) during our stay.

 The first time was when Johnny helped an elderly gentleman out of an awkward situation at the pool. He couldn’t get himself up out of his lounge chair, so Johnny went over to assist him. The next morning, to my amazement considering the thousands of people there and the number of restaurants available, we ended up seated right next to the man and his wife! He came over and thanked Johnny again for his help and, before they left, the waitress came over and told us that the man had already paid for our meal.

 After breakfast, Johnny paid $80 towards an extravagant item that I had really wanted to buy. I was grateful that he treated me but was feeling a little guilty about letting him. Afterwards, he told me that he still had a $2.50 voucher so, before we headed for home, he decided to bet it all in one shot on a 1 cent machine. He pushed the button and the machine lit up. He ended up winning $90!!!

 What struck me about these two events was that they were in sharp contrast with the rest of the weekend that we spent trying to “get” something. Sure, a small, undefined amount of money was surely won (and then lost) over the weekend but not in amounts we kept track of. But after Johnny helped that man, our $50 meal got paid for and right after he spent $80 on me, he won $90. The message was clear. Johnny was the “giver” in these two instances but he really helped remind me that all that I give is truly given to myself.

 Let your spirit soar!
Paula

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Twenty-twelve . . . . . the year the world ends . . . . . or, so they say.

 It could happen, but perhaps not in the disastrous way the doomsayers predict. Instead, I believe that the world as we know it can come to an end. Although there are some beautiful aspects to the world we live in, I think it’s safe to say that the majority of us can see enormous room for improvement. We witness poverty, abuse, war and the like everyday. These are the result of viewing and responding to the world through the lens of fear and judgment.

But there’s another way to be in this world. I’m beginning to understand the phrase, only love is real. I see that I’m always either giving love or acting out in a way that is calling for love and, the only thing that ever helps solve my problems is love. The world, as I know it, is starting to change. I see more and more books written about the transformative power of love; I hear of victims forgiving perpetrators of heinous crimes; I see people “paying it forward” and I even receive video clips of wild animals interacting with humans in uncharacteristically loving ways. I see these and countless other symbols of a shift toward love and peace everywhere. I find that the more I focus on love and forgiveness, the faster my struggles disappear. That’s why I am writing about December 21, 2012 now. I’m inviting you to spend this entire year focused on joy and love with me. If we do, maybe the world of pain and suffering will come to an end.

 I’m counting on it.

 Let your spirit soar!
Paula

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