Our Journey to Balance

Rhetoric and Reality … Time, The Illusion and The Wave of Change …

Though I often use sarcasm to approach what seems ludicrous and to make sense of the ridiculous, I am fully aware of our world’s current climate and the urgency of the situation. When I decided I establish this Facebook account, I made a promise as to how it would be framed and presented. Rather than it being something akin to a global classroom passing along notes to each other, I hoped for something mo

re … a round table of sorts where knowledgeable individuals could come together in the interest of expanding the dialogue and furthering our collective understanding.

A lot of noise continues to flood our ears regarding the state of the United States and its relationship with the world.

I am offering this essay in an effort to separate rhetoric from reality, because in my opinion, Foreign Policy continues to be two ‘dirty words’ and in many ways, a taboo subject that many candidates, stemming back to the Carter Administration would rather see swept under the proverbial rug.

Notwithstanding, let us take a look at the state of United States and its relationship with the world over the past four (4) years.

Here are facts ….. Adapted and Verified Through Various Sources ….

Despite his stated support for a two-state solution, Obama has opposed Palestine’s UN bid for statehood, and has declared that, if the issue is brought to the UN Security Council, the United States will veto it. When Palestine was given membership in UNESCO, the United States canceled UNESCO funding. Similarly, though Obama makes public statements deriding the continued advance of Israeli settlements in Palestinian territory, the US vetoed a UN resolution (sponsored by 130 nations, including all other members of the Security Council) opposing the settlements.

The Obama administration dropped its attempts to persuade Israel to halt construction of settlements in Palestinian territory and allowed the moratorium on construction to expire, a serious problem not just morally but diplomatically, as Palestinian authorities have refused to engage in direct talks as long as Israel was building on lands seized from Palestine in 1967.

Under the Obama administration, use of unmanned drones in military raids has severely increased—of the 309 known strikes, all but 52 took place after Obama took office. The exact number of people killed is not known (publicly at least), but the Bureau of Investigative Journalism places estimates between 2,373 and 2,997; at least 391 and possibly as many as 780 were civilians, including 175 children. These figures are based largely on media reports; in most cases, the actual identities of the victims are unknown, and as such there is the real possibility that a large number of “alleged militants” are actually civilians. The bulk of drone attacks have been in Pakistan, but the U.S. has also used the weapons in Afghanistan, Iraq, Pakistan, Libya, and Somalia. A State Department legal adviser said it was “the considered view of this administration” that American drone attacks abroad constitute “self-defense”.

In September, Muslim cleric Anwar al-Awlaki, an American citizen, was killed in a targeted assassination on Barack Obama’s explicit orders due to alleged al-Qaeda ties. Obama’s Justice Department argued in court, after Awlaki was placed on the list but long before he was killed, that the President has the authority to order the assassination of American citizens deemed a threat without a trial or even charges, and that this authority is not subject to judicial review.

After the scheduled military pullout from Iraq at the end of the year, the State Department will continue to employ 5,000 private security contractors in the country, including the controversial company DynCorp.

During the “limited humanitarian intervention” in Libya, the U.S. dropped dozens of bombs on the nation, even after the rebels succeeded in taking the capital. American-backed anti-Gaddafi forces have been implicated in numerous human rights abuses, including indiscriminate arrests of sub-Saharan African nationals, torture and sexual assault of detainees, and a mass execution of Gadaffi loyalists at a hotel in Sirte; there are reports that black Libyans are being lynched by rebel forces. The National Transitional Council’s interim leader announced a desire to return to traditional law and repeal the nation’s divorce laws.

Obama has resumed the war in Somalia. In addition to the aforementioned drone strikes, the U.S. is giving millions of dollars to Somali troops described by reporters as “ineffective”. The U.S. is also giving support to Ugandan, Kenyan, and Ethiopian military troops to fight in Somalia.

In 2009, the United States used a cluster bomb against an alleged al-Qaeda training camp; the attack is estimated to have killed 41 civilians. The United States is one of few industrialized nations not to have signed the Convention on Cluster Munitions. The Obama administration has continued Bush’s refusal to sign the Mine Ban Treaty.

The Obama administration shipped arms to Saudi Arabia to quell a rebellion in North Yemen, while publicly claiming to be uninvolved. When larger masses of Yemenis began protesting the long-standing rule of President Ali Abdullah Saleh, the Obama administration supported Saleh; after it became clear that the movement against Saleh was too broad, the White House became involved in the negotiations to remove Saleh peacefully, all while continuing its drone war against alleged Yemeni terrorists. When Saleh finally stepped down, Obama praised the transfer of power as “a new beginning” , despite continued protests in the country against the immunity from prosecution Saleh received in the power transfer agreement.

The Obama administration revived a Rumsfeld plan to equip ICBMs with conventional warheads—a plan that even the Bush administration eventually scrapped because it was too dangerous.

In 2010, the State Department hired Xe services, better known as Blackwater, to provide security at new U.S. consulates in Afghanistan. Nearly simultaneously, Xe was given a contract to provide security at CIA bases in Afghanistan and other undisclosed countries.

The Department of Defense sold $60 billion worth of arms to Saudi Arabia in 2010, including 84 F-15s, 190 helicopters, and massive amounts of bombs and missiles.

The United States has expanded its clandestine presence in Middle East and nearby countries, friend and foe, such as Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Somalia. This new order makes it clear that such operations are intended to be long-term.

The Obama administration worked out an agreement with Afghanistan that would keep U.S. troops in the country until 2024.
……….

What we can Expect ……

Both candidates agree that military intervention in Iran should be the last option and both would like for a diplomatic course to be followed first. Where they differ in opinion, is in the amount of sanctions that should be implemented, and the timing of such sanctions.

President Obama has come under extensive scrutiny for placing too many conditions on the table when referring to the Israeli / Palestinian relationship.

What I would like to see is a balanced and fair approach … In other words, we must continue to put pressure on Palestine and deny them statehood so long as they continue to call for the demise of the Jewish state. Likewise, it is imperative that we reprimand Israel for its wanton disregard for the principles of international law as it continues its advancement into the West Bank.

We can expect neither candidate to push for negotiations at this time. Both recognize the current climate will not welcome peace talks. Stalling and more blame will be the likely tactic going forward.

If as a nation we are brave enough to apply pressure on all fronts, I am confident that we will reach real diplomatic solutions.

It is unfortunate for this region in turmoil, because I believe a push for dialogue would be a win-win approach considering the masses are now beginning to change mentally. An undercurrent of awakened consciousness lies just below the surface and as global citizens we should be willing to ride the wave.

Thank you for reading … See you at the polls … Peace & Blessings, Maritza

TO FIND BALANCE WE MUST RECONCILE WITH THE IMBALANCE OF LIFE: LESSONS IN LOSS: COMMENTARY ON THE EVENTS SURROUNDING 9/11/2012

As I am a storyteller at heart, please allow me to recount a story that hopefully will help to illustrate how in terms of faith, we must realize there is this grand design of which we are all part.

It starts with a ‘chance’ encounter. My boyfriend and I had just spent the morning at a local bakery. Some of the children had come up to us looking for

money but we had decided to feed them instead. A stranger noticed and approached us. We were in our early twenties and traveling. It quickly became obvious to the stranger that we weren’t the average tourists.

He asked what we were doing on ‘that side of town.’ At the time, I assumed he meant to ask, what we were doing away from the expected sights, the museums and pyramids.

I want to see Egypt, I retorted. I want to see what others fail to see. The stranger smiled. I smiled back. The connection was instant. I could feel a mutual understanding between us.

That is how I was introduced to one of the oldest and last remaining Coptic Christian churches in Egypt. While it must have been beautiful and majestic in its day, now the murals had faded and most of what was present were scaffolding, weathered seats, and the smell of incense.

I remember feeling blessed. I remember kneeling and giving thanks, unprompted, to the Blessed Mother. My boyfriend must have been walking about when the old man approached me. Egypt was predominantly Muslim now and the Coptic Christians had been reduced to a marginalized minority, no different from any other minority anywhere I suppose. I noticed a tattoo of a cross imprinted on the inside of his wrist. I let him speak, vent, rant. While he spoke, I remember contemplating, how much pain lies within these walls? How many tears, how much bloodshed have befallen these people throughout the years? I realize quickly that what this man wanted wasn’t advice. The old priest wanted a voice.

In politics as in life, we simply cannot withstand major crisis, catastrophic events, and the uncertainty of change by ourselves. At its core, the message of faith is freedom, tolerance and acceptance. It is in this recognition of another’s point of view, that we solve life’s greatest mystery, because the purpose of life is not our individual success, our economic imprint, or even social status.

Our purpose should be to operate from a place of awareness, to grow our connection with a Higher Source, and see how this freedom manifests itself in our daily lives.

WORKING THROUGH THE HAZE OF RECENT EVENTS

Over the course of the last week, we have been forced to cope with and accept great loss. After all the anger, tears and even death, many of us have been left feeling disappointed. Our faith, security, and well-being have been tested yet again as we struggle to find meaning behind all the suffering. However, there are lessons in senselessness.

We have learned that while change involves risk, said risk must be backed by conviction, integrity and an adherence to a Divine Plan. Caused by years of repression and oppression, and fueled by anger, resentment and fear, we saw a film maker and Coptic Christian use our nation’s First Amendment right to free speech as a platform to spill enough hatred and venom that would consequently unleash a sequence of catastrophic events.

His message was one of freedom. What he failed to understand is that freedom requires courage backed by a humble heart. The Bible talks about “a great peace that surpasses all understanding.” If we are to become a great nation of progressive peoples, our wisdom should reside in compassion and understanding, in the ability to foster relationships, and bridge the gap between the oppressor and the oppressed. We gain this wisdom and collective maturity by learning to see another’s point of view.

We accomplish this goal by first learning to get out of our own way. We must stop trying to control the events of our life, the lives of other people, or even how they choose to respond to us. We must learn how to be offended. The more we connect to a Higher Source, the more we develop a connection to all that is divine, solemn, and pure.

Archaic, separatist, and superstitious beliefs on all fronts must be abandoned in favor of a trust in the process; in the natural order of events. What has happened should not be misconstrued as rotten luck, or God’s punishment. We must resist the urge to fall into the rhetoric of fear and policy simply because it is familiar. There is much change in the horizon. Though it is frightening, we must realize that with tumultuous upheaval comes a promise for renewed progress, and further awareness that we collectively, are fulfilling a Divine Plan. Peace & Blessings, Journey to Balance

The Absurd Logic of Fear …Why we must be the catalyst for change

Remember when we knew who the enemy was? During World War II Americans easily identified them as the Nazis, and the Fascists. The Cold War ushered in a new enemy and we called him the Communist. Society inherited the label during the decade of the 1960’s. Then with the 1970’s, we were catapulted into a new era.

At this time, the United States turned her attention abroad and witnessed, for example, some of the policies Egyptian President Anwar Sadat instituted which helped to bring forth global change. Russia played an instrumental role in the 1990’s when the term democracy had suddenly come into favor in the lips of Eastern Europe.

It wasn’t long after that when our enemy became more elusive, more intangible; cloaked in the shadow of ambiguity; he became more deadly and more sinister.

We call him Terrorism and we watch in horror as this new foe expands into a worldwide phenomenon. We as individuals are stressed and suspicious. We overreact. We put up walls.

Technology fuels this fear. Instant information is both a blessing and a curse. Violence, death, and horrible atrocities come to our phones, our tablets, stream through our radio waves, flood our desktops and television sets so fast as so overwhelmingly negative that we’re become anesthetized.

In fact, the wreckage left behind by graphic descriptions of our inhumanity has brought about great stress and extreme tension while apathy continues to exert a high toll on all of us. We have become more judgmental, condescending, more condemning and certainly more prejudiced.

We have all been affected and there’s no denying this. We have been left feeling powerless. We are angry and we are most definitely scared, guilty and even ashamed.

This fear is now woven into the fabric of our lives and all of our relationships are being affected as we name-call and finger-point.

Friends, I am here to tell you that you can reclaim you power and I am going to show you how, but first, follow me through a sequence of questions.

No. 1

Suppose two or three black families have moved into your neighborhood. What is your first thought?

No. 2

Now imagine yourself looking for an item at the supermarket. You are a bit confused because now you must contend with an international foods section, a kosher isle, and a vegetarian isle. Are you frustrated? Why?

No. 3

You’ve gotten hurt and are in need of emergency assistance. At the hospital, your male nurse is wearing a turban. Are you suddenly uncomfortable? Why?

My point is simple. Though it is true that hatred, discrimination, and prejudice are evident on a global scale, these feelings begin with all of us and therefore should end with us. Our neighborhoods, communities, and families are but a microcosm of the greater whole.

We are not responsible for the actions of the billions of souls now inhabiting this Earth. Our responsibility is solely to our self and soul development.

If we are to evolve into a consciously aware species, we must take a hard look at how we perceive race, religion, culture and gender.

Let us remember how unjust we were to Vietnamese Americans after the Vietnam War. Or perhaps, let us look to how we treated Japanese Americans after World War II.

The cycle of inhumanity does and will continue until we understand and accept the following:

The Soul Knows No Religion

Religion Does Not Equal Faith

Geography Does Not Generate Position

Dogma Cannot Assure Salvation

Money Cannot Ensure Happiness

Race Cannot Predict Selection

Power Will Never Deliver Control

The Solution …

Our only hope for survival rests in the fostering of relationships. Be kind to your neighbor. Practice tolerance and compassion. Release guilt and suspicion.

Relationships conquer cruelty, build character, eliminate suspicion, foster trust, safeguard one’s dignity, expand joy and spreads hope in a way that is far reaching; exponential.

God Bless us everyone. May we all continue to grow and learn with grace and dignity for we are all a work in progress. Reflections, Journey to Balance

THIS IS OUR TIME

In December 1948, a radio station in Washington D.C. requested Christmas wishes from various ambassadors stationed in the nation’s capital, which were to be recorded for a broadcast the following week. The French ambassador requested, “peace for all people around the world”, while the Russian ambassador demanded, “freedom for all people enslaved by imperialism.” Then, over the phone, came the voice of British ambassador, Sir. Oliver Franks, “well it’s very kind of you to ask”, he said. “I’d quite like a box of crystallized fruit.” This ‘joke’ may have seemed minuscule in the grander scheme of things. In fact, on the airways, it was treated as a joke.

Let us ponder something for the moment. What would happen if Sir Oliver or others like him, would have done something like that today? No doubt, we could all read about it online, or watch it on YouTube. We could Tweet our thoughts about it, maybe even share it on Facebook.

Today though, for both diplomats and informed citizens, it is more important than ever before, to seek to understand rather than to be understood. This may seem somewhat counter intuitive, both for those whose profession requires advocacy of your nation’s position, and for a society which tells us from an ever early age, how important it is to share and make known, our thoughts, our feelings, about everything and in every possible media. However, it is more important than ever as the United States negotiates one of the most important bilateral relationships as in the case of the Peoples Republic of China, for instance.

More important than ever, as the international community seeks to understand the global ramifications of the Arab Spring. More important than ever, as the European Union continues to struggle through economic recovery and political cohesion.

This is a time when understanding and reconciling different viewpoints will be vastly more important than figuring out how to be clever enough to push forth your point of view in 140 characters or less.

Lucky for you, that you are living in just the right time, to first, live up to your God given potential and second, manifest that potential for the greater good.

International and political prosody today, are in dire need, of greater understanding and openness. We need more viewpoints, not fewer. We need leaders and diplomats who can process and navigate those viewpoints in all their complexity, rather than to turn them into bumper stickers or social media strategies.

We need to collectively understand the problems facing the world, in order to spring forth action. Again, I know this sounds counter intuitive, because we are always told and encouraged to “make our voices heard,” and to “speak up for what we believe in,” but the most effective individual, diplomat or politician, is not necessarily the one who speaks the most, nor are they the best at arguing for others to believe them and their position. Instead, they are the individuals who seek to understand, rather than to be understood; those who would like to see cohesive resolutions that fully represent the whole; those who can sift through clauses, sponsors, or signatories.

These individuals are citizens, who are open and willing to listen to debate, not to raise their position but to listen in order to understand where his brother, sister, colleague is coming from, and how that relates to the broader task at hand.

These individuals take time to pause and to reflect, before interjecting with their point of view.

This is what I and many others would like to see more of; in our leaders, in Congress, in social networks across the board, etc.

A world with faster communication does not necessitate one with cheapened discourse and we shouldn’t let it!

Make your friends feel more understood. Make your leaders more accountable. Make your family feel more supported.

It was Winston Churchill who once said: “It takes courage to get up and speak. It also takes courage to sit down and listen.”

This is our time. Go forth! God Bless! Maritza , Journey to Balance

I like this photo; like the snake who sheds its skin; ever renewed :)

What exactly is the Universal Law of Creation?

If we consider a basic mathematical probability of life on Earth; If we consider causation and emergence, we find that the Atom intently manifests and maps the landscape of human knowledge. For not only does the atom comprise life on Earth, it carries with it encoded knowing about the human body and all elements linked at its core.

So, the next time you feel defeated, isolated, and unworthy, I want you to look up at the night sky. Consider the atom and its role in creating every star, every planet, every solar system.

Consider the greatness and vastness of the Universe. Then, consider that you are indeed part of it. Finally, in your moment of grief, shift your mindset for a moment and consider that if the atom is part of you and part of the Universe then perhaps this Universe lives in YOU!

This is precisely what The Universal Law of Creation tells us. We are big because the Universe is big. That is fundamentally what we want, isn’t it?

We want to feel connected. We want to feel relevant. We want to feel as though we are participants of the goings on and events around us.

Well guess what? THAT IS PRECISELY WHAT WE ARE AND WHAT WE ARE DOING JUST BY BEING ALIVE. THERE IS POWER IN THAT. THERE IS FREEDOM IN THAT.

Peace & Blessings, Maritza

It’s about Time …

for the new

to move forward

but I am still me

socializing, working with community

It’s about the lessons; about group consciousness

It’s about the future; our hopes

It’s about our dreams; a vision

It’s about the fire in our hearts; enough to ignite a future

It’s about this experience; for all to feel the light

It’s about being everybody and everybody within us

It’s about being … self sufficient

It’s not about escapism … rather unity consciousness

It’s about our need for solutions that will lift the whole

It’s about liberating … not isolating

It’s about looking beneath the surface

It’s about igniting huge emotion

It’s about our capacity to love

It’s about dealing with this heavyness …dealing with this intensity

It’s about getting progressively stronger

It’s about breaking the illusion; the falseness

It’s about tapping our resourcess

It’s about time

Good Morning all …. Blessings, Journey to Balance

Capitalizing on Your Gifts: Recognizing Your Achilles’ Heel: For a Life in Balance

As individuals, we are constantly changing, evolving, and growing as we interact with our family, our friends, our colleagues, our neighbors and the world at large. In order for this process to unfold in a more or less smooth manner, the way we express ourselves and our personality also needs to adapt so we can deal with such changes in a productive way.

One of the aspects of our personality that continually needs re-assessment is our innate gifts. By developing and fine-tuning our gifts, we expand our awareness and add breadth and depth to our lives. Similarly, recognizing our faults is also important. By addressing our fears, perceptions, as well as those things which make us uncomfortable, we may be able to take action against our own sense of real or self-imposed powerlessness.

Let us begin by addressing a few thoughts and behaviors that may inadvertently be closing down doors; acting as your own Achilles’ Heel. Then, upon acknowledging these thoughts and behaviors, and by introducing a conscious awareness of such, let us then transform these into seven powerful gifts which carry within them the ability to transcend the limits of our potential in order to benefit the whole.

Let us Begin with … Leadership

We first start with the premise that you are an individual possessing of innate leadership qualities. You are assertive and courageous in how you express yourself to the world. These abilities by themselves are great virtues. However, be mindful of finding yourself in a place of judgment, whereby assuming those who do not approach life in the same way are either compromising or indecisive or both.

In other words, be careful of falling into the trap of assuming that those who aren’t the type to take the initiative don’t do so because they are weak or needy. This may lead you to feel angry and not be willing to reach out and help. You would then be going against your own ‘gift’.

You are a warrior- you are courageous, independent and self-reliant. You are a master at taking the initiative. Use this positive and authentic gift to propel others to engage more, to become more straightforward, and to fight for what they believe in.

… Strength

Perhaps you carry within an innate strength and stability. In fact, success comes easily to you. In addition, you’ve become accustomed to receiving validation from others. This has the potential of becoming very dangerous, because you may begin to obsess over other’s view and opinion of you. You may come to rely on it and use it as a measuring stick for your own self-esteem, self-confidence and even self-worth. Furthermore, once you encounter a point of view that is contrary to your own values, you may begin to question your own identity. You might fall into the trap of constantly questioning your own values and ideas. You might begin to feel as though you are ‘not good enough.’ Once this happens, you are denying and even suppressing your ‘gift.’

Consider that you are strong and dependable. Your inner confidence has always allowed you to make rational and sensible decisions. You are effective and practical. Focus on this and you will begin to appreciate your own needs as well as others’ without having to resort to speculation.

… Enthusiasm

You are certainly enthusiastic. You are very social and love to interact and share with others. You appreciate intelligence and find intellectual interaction exciting and very appealing because you can identify with others at this level. What happens when not every conversation is as appealing? Will you become self-righteous and moralistic? Will you simply shut down because others ‘can’t measure up?’ At this point, you would most certainly be going against your ‘gift.’

You are naturally witty and intelligent; a born teacher and storyteller. You have certainly mastered the gift of communication and know innately that the best way to establish rapport and appeal to another’s sensibilities is to listen actively to the other person. Through innocent curiosity you will not only keep the conversation going, but will instinctively create an active exchange of ideas thus opening a window to the world from a positive and nurturing perspective.

… Sensitivity

You are certainly the sensitive type. You feel your way through life and situations instead of rationalizing your way through them. Connecting with others at an emotional level comes through at great ease for you. However, interacting with individuals who approach life from a logical mind perspective becomes more of a challenge. At some point, you may even decide that such folks are insensitive, and cold. You might also assume such folks are even somewhat controlling. You become disapproving of these individuals. You even shut down because you fear that your sensitivity might be misunderstood as weakness. You may fear rejection and thus fall into a self-imposed isolation of sorts which is a certain tell-tale sign that you are repressing your natural ‘gift.’

Naturally, you are nurturing and carry within emotional sensitivity. You are sympathetic, and supportive. You are caring and easily find ways to empathize with others. Once you accept this about yourself and learn to approach others with this certain honesty, you will inadvertently teach others to become comfortable with their own feelings. You will encourage others to take heed and not feel that their own survival is in any way threatened if they themselves show ‘their sensitive side.’

… Compassion

You are engaging and compassionate. Uniquely talented, you instinctively know how to be of service to other individuals. You are analytical, always looking for ways to contribute your gifts. Then it happens! You come across others that don’t exactly reach out in the way that they could, or more importantly, in the way that you think they should. So you begin to question your own motives. Am I too dreamy? Am I perhaps too idealistic? Will others take advantage of my good nature? At this juncture, you become so preoccupied by the thought of being victimized by others that you suppress your ‘gift.’

Attuned to the distress of others, you are a natural healer. You carry in your soul an honest and forthright desire to help. Unassuming and reserved, your desire is to find ways to solve a problem; to take a person from point A to point B in their evolutionary process. Do not let abrasive or inconsiderate people trump your natural ability for self-expression. Your natural ability to look at situations objectively makes you an expert at bringing about the balance of conflicting energies – you are what’s needed to facilitate a happy outcome for all those involved.

… Optimism

You believe in the promise of tomorrow. Within you is a deep and abiding faith in all that is as a positive outcome. You have a demonstrative demeanor and you trust that life will bring you inspiration and adventure at every turn. However, you are well aware that others do not share your sense of natural optimism. You wonder if their hearts are filled with good intentions. Perhaps other individuals, if compared to you, are surely negative and a bit superficial. Or maybe, compared to you, those around you lack perspective or even philosophical insight. You retreat, stubborn and self-righteous; you begin to repel others away. What’s more, your fear of being perceived as gullible brings about self-imposed restraint. You begin to implode. Your ‘gift’ lays dormant.

Don’t you know you have the power to inspire freedom? Have you any doubt that your thoughts may translate into action for others? Your optimism, refined and perfected, can inspire others to regain faith in themselves. Your gift then becomes actualized and multiplied.

… Objectivism

You are the quintessential team player. There is no room in your life for bossy or egotistical people. You address every situation with knowledgeable detachment and always try to remain impartial. Suddenly your path crosses with one other who is an eccentric; perhaps a rugged individualist. Your mind wonders; perhaps you appear too aloof; disconnected and insensitive. You begin to fear being misunderstood and so you retreat. You fear that if you were to express aspects of your personality, you might be seen as imperfect and unable to remain above your environment. Your ‘gift’ is silenced.

The challenge then becomes; how do I put forth my own thoughts and ideas in a way that is not seen as threatening so as to not betray my higher goal and ideals of balance? Let’s face it, others will disapprove. The goal then becomes to regain your courage; express yourself freely and authentically by pointing out both the positive and negative aspects of a situation. Don’t be surprised if those around you welcome your ideas and become more receptive by even contributing their own point of view. This of course, brings forth new insight to a situation. The big picture becomes a more attainable concept in the mind’s eye.

Acceptance and Love … Without Judgment … Teach Us a Valuable Lesson on Oneness and Unconditional Love …

Rather than live in constant fear of other’s perceptions, let us actively fine-tune and perfect our God given gifts. It is how we understand the human condition. It is how we become receptive to unconditional love. More importantly, this is how YOU become a powerful force in your own life and a facilitator in the lives of others. By shifting perception, we shift consciousness and what was once misunderstood becomes possible.

Be Encouraged!

At times we suffer. No one person is immune. When we fall into a state of suffering many aspects of our daily lives are affected. We may struggle with our health, we may lose our sense of joy, see our prosperity as fleeting, compromise our stature, or even place our family, our friends, our career, and our reputation in jeopardy.

In the midst of our pain, we may also come to feel utterly alone. At such times, it is easy to become discouraged. In fact, discouragement can take on many forms. Our spirit can become exhausted, thus leaving our soul somewhat ‘drained’. We may come to feel as though we are drowning in a smothering well of darkness. Without hope we simply may want to give up. We will want to give in.

It is precisely during these times when seemingly insurmountable obstacles arise; when the challenges we face appear beyond our capability; that we most need to turn our lives over to the power of Self Love.

There is tremendous healing power in surrender. We alone carry a reserve of inner peace that can quiet the noise when life seems overwhelming.

This peace, this power, this hope, can be emboldened and renewed by our universal and everlasting capacity for love.

Isn’t it conceivable or even plausible that the best medicine for a discouraged spirit is a dose of love?

Isn’t it probable if not possible to become an open vessel through which the waters of our spirit can flow freely?

Can we let our love move through us and our into our world, touching everyone we come in contact with?

Can we not express our joy through the special talents our Creator has given us, that others may come to know their own strength?

Next time someone we love is trapped in a prison of defeat and discouragement, let us help by:

- supporting their deepest dreams …
- believing in their gifts and talents…
- loving and accepting them for who they are at this very moment…

Therefore, be encouraged! Let our discouraged spirit once again welcome joy once we realize that there is a deeper reality to our lives; a level of truth only the heart can understand.

Be encouraged! Know that there is a wonderful master plan at work in our lives.

Be encouraged! Know that our life has purpose and right now we may simply have lost our way.

Be encouraged! Know that our existence has meaning. Yet, right now our heart may not be able to discern what it is.

Be encouraged! Know that we are loved. Yet, right now our spirit may be too tired to acknowledge it.

Finally, be encouraged in order to seek direction; to find the path again; to gain discernment in order to understand our purpose; to fill a grateful heart so that we may see all the blessings that already exist in our lives.

Thank You. Maritza :)

What We All Want …

Some say this is the Age of Transformation; first because change is inevitable; second because whatever progress is therefore attainable ultimately becomes our choice. Let us endeavor to tip the scales of negativity into something positive. In other words, let us balance the dialogue; infuse all arguments whose premise is fear with that of change. Let us remember that for every small action multiplied by many,a great shift is created. Just think, if every one of us represents a drop in the ocean, if we just come together universally, we will create a tsunami of spiritually awakened beings; it’s time to take responsibility for our actions; not just because it is our civic duty but because mother Earth is crying out for our help. We can all do our share, thank you :)

Our Journey to Balance

Maritza Alvarez