Like the Seasons I Embrace Change! Part 1

To look back at my last entry and see the photos of the summer landscape, after coming in from a cool, snowy, early winter evening is quite a jolt! Where has the time gone? How can the landscape change so dramatically in just a few short months? How can it be that just five weeks ago we were enjoying vibrant fall colours, and now face a more subtle landscape, beginning to cloak itself in the white of winter? Yesterday my husband was walking in the bush, and among the grey and yellow stubble of the dead grasses saw a pure white rabbit running by. Take shelter carefully young bunny! You  have donned your winter coat ahead of the season. Perhaps in the next few days the season will catch up with you! 

Recently I sought help with a plan for lifestyle changes which I have known I needed to make for a long time. When the plan was presented to me and I was asked if it was doable, I wholeheartedly agreed with a large smile on my face. Within myself I said "You've got to be kidding!" I could not imagine myself carrying through with this for more than half a day and the first phase of the regime spanned one month! Nonetheless I figured I would find a way to begin it, and then gracefully opt out, saving face. After all, when it came to self care over the years, I was a master at putting other's needs ahead of my own, and making that the reason for neglecting myself and my health.

So I began the "plan", and quickly found many reasons to stop it! As I did so I entertained myself with belittling comments about my lack of self-discipline, then moved on to strong feelings of resistance, and then settled into a diatribe about the failure I have been in ALL areas of my life! Then a funny thing ~ well, actually two funny things ~ occurred! First of all as hard as I tried, I could not come up with only a list of failures! As I thought of the mistakes I have made in life, I also recalled some things I have done well, some people who have thanked me for making a difference, and some things I have absolutely LOVED doing, regardless of the results. As I began to think in this direction, I recalled some of the wise words of my dear friend Denyse, about thoughts being thoughts, and that I can choose the role of observer whenever I want to, to challenge self-defeating thoughts, and choose instead to reach for the thoughts which bring me some relief/encouragement/self-empowerment. I suppose that in recalling areas of my life where I did well, instead of continuing "negative inventories", I was doing just that. 

The second thing which happened (this evening) was my observation of the deck at the back of the house,  where a thin layer of snow was accumulating ~ the first snow of the season. (I guess that rabbit will have his camouflage after all!)  I realized that I had been hoping and hoping the snow would stay away awhile longer (in this northern part of the province no less!). Seeing the snow in front of my patio door, I realized just how funny was my line of thinking. I could no more hold off the snow than I could control the flow of the seasons or anything else for that matter!! The rhythm of the seasons, as the rhythms of my life, follow a cycle, a pattern. I may think (ignorance is bliss!) I can slow things down or speed them up, or eliminate steps on my path, but who am I trying to kid? Mother Earth demonstrates time and time again the patterns of nature are our patterns too. So who am I to dig in my heels and resist change, when change IS upon me? Now is the time to go with the flow! 

I believe I had some thought of this last week when I wrote the following poem, which I will use to complete this entry: 

God gives goodness, goals and learning
All which is accessible from inside
With proper attention to my Higher Self
In Peace and fulfillment do I reside.

The circle speaks of wholeness, completeness
All included with talents to bring
Endless motion yet at the same time stillness
Peace radiating from deep within.

There are many many opportunities
Like waves lapping upon the shore
Always ready to be entered into
To open yet another door.

Which will I accept and run with?
Which will I lovingly absorb?
Suppose I choose to live life to the fullest
Will I reap just rewards?

Better to accept the challenge
Of meeting my thoughts which crowd me at the door 
Best to view the broader picture
To realize the meaning of "more".

Optimal to live knowing all projections
Directions completely influence that
The vision presenting itself to be trusted
Huge source of power calls us back.

Creations occurs on many levels
This continual process we know
The reminder tho' is often needed
To participate fully in the flow.


May you, too, enjoy the fruits of embracing change!
Blessings on your path. 

Pathway to the Heart Within

As I continue with my transition from my job in a healthcare setting to being on my own, I am aware that there is an ongoing need for a fresh perspective. Who am I now that I do not occupy a position and identify with a career role? What will be the driving force or motivation, in the use of my time? Am I to consider myself an entrepreneur, and if so, what services or products will I promote? How will I determine what is authentically mine to offer the world?

A dear friend of mine is grappling with similar questions, as she strives to offer her services in such a way as to meet changing needs (those of herself and others). One thing we discussed was the guidance offered by the heart, and the importance of tuning into this intelligence.  After we discussed this I wrote the following:

Pathway to the Heart Within

There are many more ways of living our lives

Than those to which we are accustomed

One involves a connection to the heart

In a manner fraught with wisdom.

This journey inside is an unusual one

For it requires a letting go

A stepping off a mind controlled path

To embrace another way of being in the know.

It is as if deep within us

There is a secret chamber

Which hold the keys to deepest mysteries

Allowing us to stop living as Earth's stranger.

How is it possible to connect to this reservoir

Drinking deeply from refreshing waters

In such as way that we experience renewal

And a connection to our fore fathers.

Two ingredients of this "recipe"

Readily come to mind

The first is loving acceptance of oneself

Respect of the greatest kind!

The second aspect is a powerful one too

For it involves creative endeavours

Giving expression to what truly makes you, You

Instead of Helen's or Don's or Heather's!

Loving yourself and giving free reign

To yourself to be who you are

Connects you with joy and inspiration

The Life Force in the reservoir!

This connection uniquely your own

Is available to one and all

Once it is made it can open the gates

The horse is out of the stall!

How then does this possibly change

The way we relate to the world?

The way we understand ourselves and others

And circumstances into which we are hurled?

There is a distinct letting go

As we embrace our inner power

A leaving aside of conventional norms

So all aspects of ourselves can flower.

There is a release of typical expectations

Of the way things ought to be

In favour of following a deeper rhythm

Which may at times seem surreal.

This can result if a sense of flow

Unlike any we may ever have known

Relating to the rest of the world

From the comfort of you "home".

Feeling then that you have a place

One which is valid indeed

Originating from your heart's loving intelligence

To connect with, trust, and find real.

Nature's Reflections

All around me the opportunity
for reflection abounds
The lake waters reflecting the rich landscape
I delight in making the rounds!

Rains have contributed to lush green growth
Earthy smells emanate from the forest
Does this mirror change within me
Which is right around the corner?

Plunging into the cool waters

At the beach on any given day

I experience relief and renewal
Summer warmth, I want you to stay!

For here I am presented with so many surprises

Twelve loons greeted me the other day
Mother duck and her ducklings

Make their home in the bay.

Nature's cornucopia

Pours forth rich garden crops

To remind us we are on planet earth

Mosquitoes never stop!

So what do these life giving scenes reflect

Of the person I am right now?

Is this awareness

Something I will allow?

With a grateful heart for this Paradise

I cannot help but see

That the exquisite beauty in Mother Earth

Is a reflection of the infinite beauty in everyone

Endless creativity in you and me!

Kakabeka Falls and A Leap of Faith!

During the past week I was inundated with worry about the future and more specifically about how I was going to work and earn a living, since leaving my job. I queried my decision to take the summer months off to get in touch with myself, in preparation for the next chapter. I questioned my impressions. Pessimism and self-judgement crowded out any sense of compassion toward myself, and the recognition that I am still undergoing a period of transition. The more I criticised myself the worse I felt, and vice versa. Conflict took centre stage. While briefly in Thunder Bay I found myself calling out to the angels for help. By that night, which was characterized by restless sleep, I found myself writing in my journal that I must take time to understand myself, who I am, and what I have come here to do. It is important for me to ask to be shown this, and to see what I can do with the awareness. I realized that there is bound to be a sense of discomfort as I wade into uncharted waters!

On the way home my travelling companion and I stopped at Kakabeka Falls. Known as Niagara of the North, Kakabeka Falls plunges 40 metres over sheer cliffs and some of the oldest fossils in the world. As a result of my experience there, and the few days prior, I wrote the following:

In no way was I prepared for the sight I beheld

Even though I had been there years before
In the heat of the day I moved quickly along the path

Drawn by the water's continuous roar!

The mighty falls carved their deliberate way

Thundering down the gorge

Froth and foam merrily erupted

As into the canyon the water poured.

I took delight in this powerful scene

Of huge momentum created by cascading water

I could have stood all day and watched

Even though it became hotter and hotter!

For the sight and sound of this powerful movement

Seemed to trigger a shift in me

From all that I was ready to release from my being

To live more authentically.

Fear, hesitation, stubbornness, self-diminishment

All released in the mist

Carried away by the water's surge

I was powerless to resist!

A jump of excitement was felt within

Was this my just reward?

Or merely a signpost of passing a bend

Now ready to bounce out the door.

Ready to embrace and engage with the newness

As if leaping into the gorge!

Equipped with the willingness to express myself

Opening many new doors.

As if to concur the falls thundered unceasingly

Indicating there was no need to hold back

Instead the sheer excitement, the unparalleled thrill

Of diving in with the wind at my back!

Mother Mary and Miriam

Huge rains poured down all day long

Clouds rolled by unceasingly

Thunder and lightning filled the sky

As we took refuge inside increasingly.

The heavy air cleared as emotion washed through

Each one took their place

Clutter was released from corners hidden

A joyous visit occurred for Heather Pace!

Something was moving much deeper though

Way beneath the surface

Miriam picked up on energies present

Which have a very profound purpose.

The current was absorbed as she walked outside

Barefoot in the rain

More significantly though as she listened to the voice

Which was attributed to someone of fame.

For a teacher on the 'net indicated that she

Channelled Mother Mary

Miriam decided to listen to this

Even tho' feeling wary!

Questions arose as "Mary" spoke

Could this really be her?

Immediately the mind searched to make comparisons

So contact with this entity could occur.

Instead some confusion presented itself

Was Mary really coming closer

What was she like - she sounded a little stern

Was it possible to get to know her?

Breathe. . . she was saying on the the tape

Allow yourself to go deeper

Open yourself to the resounding truth

You are truly meant to meet her!

She realized this was too much to absorb

So allowed other concerns to divert her

It was only later when reading the material

That she knew in her heart there was a merger!

A partnership for which Miriam had prepared

Many, many lifetimes

Now would be known deep in her soul

No more waiting on the sidelines!

As if to affirm she saw the colour blue

A large flash on the wall

Realizing a confirmation had occurred

She felt in awe, and small.

Ready, though, was she to proceed

The connection with Mary she would entertain

When with a deep sigh she opened her eyes

Awakening from her dream in the rain.

A Completely New Beginning!

June 30, 2010

For the first time in my adult life I am free of all work commitments including formal employment, teaching, and speaking engagements, and anything related. Nor are there any plans for these in the near future! I feel liberated and excited, almost with a sense of disbelief! As well, for the first time in 38 years I am off for the summer! That may imply I have a plan in mind for the fall months, but I do not!

Awhile ago I became aware that it was important for me to take time to reflect deeply on my life, my purpose, and potentially come up with new direction now that I have departed from my formal career. It was pointed out to me that my writing is an effective tool for self-reflection and personal inspiration. On that basis I would do well to go aside and devote time to this inner exploration. I heartily agreed that this was worthy of my time and attention. Within my heart I welcomed the insights that would emerge, and potentially the transformation which would take place.

That was two months ago! Instead what has happened is something entirely different. I have contemplated writing, readied myself for it, written about taking the time to do it, but have not quite followed through. My dear friend Denyse recently reminded me that the summer goes by quickly! Along with this I began to notice additional places by the water, where one could easily relax, and write.

So as the month of June was about to become history, I decided to take the time for myself to write! As one who benefits from the presence of structure, although enjoying a sense of freedom, I decided to spend three hours a day writing, for the next 30 days. This, at the very least, is my focus for the month of July! When the calendar page turns to August, I will be able to look back and see how I have done!

Cheers everyone! Wish me well!

Deep Within I Dive

Rain pours down unceasingly
The earth welcomes each new drop
Crow plucks worms from the soggy turf
I'm comfortable in my loft!

Could it be that this steady shower
Which began early on in the night
Is meant to deeply nourish the earth
And keep me from needless flight?

I chuckle as I think so
Because like the birds of prey
I haven't been able to sit still
Or to relax for much of the day!

More so like a hummingbird
Darting here and there
Finding this and that to focus upon
Will I continue this way all year?

Meanwhile there is a deck chair
Actually, two or three
Strategically placed at the water's edge
Where I unleash my creativity!















The chair represents a summons
To enjoy natural solitude
Relief from any encumbrance
A welcome interlude!

The possibility to go deeper
As with nature's energies I connect
The opportunity to engage again
With aspects of Self I want to resurrect

As if to confirm my thinking
The loon calls hauntingly from the bay
Encouraging me to pay attention
Not another moment to delay!

For there is so much to discover
More than meets the eye
The life force energy powerfully felt
When deep within I dive!

An Unexpected Meeting

Three days in a row he was there when I arrived

Seemingly with something to say to me

Yet I wasn't sure if I should approach too quickly

Would that cause him to abruptly leave?

The silence was broken soon enough

As he chattered with intensity

He looked this way and that while the winds blew around us

What was he really saying to me?

I admired his attire of blue and black

Dark colours shone in the sunlight

Why had I never seen him there before

Morning, afternoon or night?

I visit this boat launch every day

With a keen awareness of my surroundings

So realized now this visitor was a new one

Why we met three days in a row was confounding!

With some research at home I was to discover

The meaning of the Grackle

As I grasped the significance of the message

My laugh became a cackle!

For the message of this fine bird

Has to do with perspective

Inviting me when embroiled in emotions

To become much more reflective!

Finding ways to relieve "congestion"

So that things could more appropriately flow

Feeling, releasing, opening, expressing

Until the dam of emotion lets go!

Surely this could not be my issue
Would I let things build and erupt unnecessarily?
Grackle seemed to think this was the case
And in the coming days I would more than see!

~ Elaine Pace

Encounters with the Eagles

I stood looking East at the water’s edge
Observing white capped waves in the breeze
When down from his perch in the forest behind me
Swooped an Eagle flying away from the trees.

Surprised was I though I had seen him before
A few weeks ago doing the very same thing
Why wouldn’t I look up and spy him first?
What joy and delight that would bring!

Perhaps he would permit me a photo or two
As he sat stately atop a tree
While contemplating his flight to the nearby island
Accomplished with simple grace and ease.

Just as I decided to be more prepared
When I stand in this place again
A second eagle flew down from his perch nearby

Prepared with a message to send.

A few weeks ago when I stood in this spot
Comfortably at the water’s edge
I held in my hand a carefully written letter
Which I read aloud, atop the floating dock’s ledge.

The letter to my aged mother was recited in this secluded spot
But complete privacy was not mine
For I had a silent witness who did not move
As I uttered words inspired by the Divine.

That day, too, the eagle was there
He had swooped down majestically from the tree
But after circling over the water in the quiet bay
He perched atop a spruce tree regarding me!

As I read out loud my words to my Mother
He steadily looked down at me
Neither moving nor whistling nor changing his focus
He listened until my utterance was complete.

I felt his presence, his powerful energy
I could almost feel him breathe!
As I connected too with the energy of my Mother
While the water lapped gently underneath.

Transported was I, to another realm
Maybe experienced before one’s birth
But on this special day, this unique occasion
I knew I was one with Mother Earth.

For I was saying “Farewell” to my beloved Mother
Living out her last days far away
Knowing she could not have conscious awareness
However her spirit would receive what I had to say.

Now here again I was visited by the Eagle
In this case actually two
Were they here to remind me of my connection with my Mother
Perhaps bringing her response through?

Though they did not linger I knew what I saw
The message meant for me
They soared to the heights as they glided toward Heaven
Saying to be the best I can be.

Invite illumination, release outdated ways
Fly toward the Light
While knowing when to dive beneath the deep dark waters
To feed upon what is just right.

Be guided by instinct, the rhythm of the seasons
Other’s crops I must not sow
For my place is between the sky and the water
Mother Earth provides my home!

With thanks to the Eagle and gratitude to the Creator
I reflected on the message I have known
As part of the earth and able to soar above it
I am in touch with Source of All, the Love of Home.

New Beginnings with a new Camera!

While recently sharing some ideas with a retreat group, we discussed the importance of "being in the now". I commented that if your present reality is not the "now" you want for yourself, there is always the potential for change. How many decisions in life brought us to where we are now? It takes only one decision to change direction and create a new reality. What if that reality brings us closer to authentic self-expression? Or fulfillment of our life purpose?

My life altering change was to leave my position of 12 years as a mental health and addictions counsellor, in a hospital, and to begin to chart unknown waters! Leaving my position and leaving the structure of an organization - after working in organizations for over 30 years - caused me to take a deep breath, and wonder what would occur next! As I did so, I felt a great sense of freedom and exhilaration! I concluded that if I wanted to see what results I could produce "on my own steam", it was now or never!

As I began the transition into the world of self-direction, and self-employment, I made room for new perspectives, including new ways of viewing myself in the world. Parallel to this was the need for a new camera, to capture my surroundings more clearly. Perfect timing indeed! This "Free Spirit" was about to explore a new path ahead, and wanted to see everything along the way!