Storm Wisdom Blog
We Are Storytellers!
“Storytellers broaden our minds: engage, provoke, inspire, and ultimately connect us.” Robert Redford, American actor and filmmaker
Do you think of yourself as a storyteller? Isn’t communicating a form of storytelling? Don’t we communicate to engage, provoke, inspire and connect as Robert Redford suggests? Hmmm. Think about it. We tell stories verbally, through our music, books, theater, art; in our homes, gardens, values, how we dress, our profession, and so much more. For many cultures oral tradition was how history and information was shared. Some of our stories are clear and others are more subtle. And yet within each one of us there are still stories to be shared, aren’t there?
Why write about storytelling now? I feel that now, more than ever, is a perfect time to look at the stories we tell ourselves and others. It’s time to review, evaluate and see if they still apply to who we are and who we are becoming more of. How much does feeling safe with what we know and are comfortable with keep us from exploring new possibilities? How long has it been since creativity and imagination have been used? When was the last time that feeling hopeful prevailed over feeling discouraged or helpless? Walt Disney in “Saving Mr. Banks” has said, “That’s what storytellers do. We restore order with imagination. We instill hope again and again.” Isn’t it time to create a new story with imagination?
Take a few moments and close your eyes. Take a few deep breaths. Feel the warmth in your chest. Feel love. Imagine humanity. Imagine the similarities and differences of human beings. Now focus on what we have in common regardless of our physical, religious, educational, professional, and economic differences. Most people want to love and be loved, feel safe, respected, be happy and healthy, have their children and families flourish and so much more. How much of the story includes other human beings? Perhaps it’s time to consider a change. American poet and civil rights activist, Maya Angelou, has said, “When the storyteller tells the truth, she reminds us that human beings are more alike than unalike . . . A story is what it’s like to be a human being – to be knocked down and to miraculously arise. Each one of us has arisen, awakened. We do rise.” Most people have experienced what it feels like to be knocked down and most have arisen. We are human beings – another similarity!
Upon reflection will your story remain the same or change? Will it include love, hope, inspiration, possibilities, connection, provocation, and/or inclusion? Will abundance, beauty, acceptance, forgiveness, and compassion play a role? Will you let your imagination engage and soar as you create a new story? If your current story still fits, great! You are the storyteller after all!
I’m sending lots of love to each one of you this week and would love to hear how you’re doing.
I’m available for private coaching and channeled information sessions at Storm Wisdom on Tuesdays from 1p – 6p by appointment. Please call Storm Wisdom, (602)334-1204 to schedule. I’m also available by phone or Zoom. To schedule please go to victoriabarna.com.
Helping Others!
“Our prime purpose in this life is to help others. And if you can’t help them, at least don’t hurt them.” HRH the Dalai Lama
Why do we choose to help someone? The answers probably vary depending on who you ask. When choosing to reach out and help do you expect something in return? The answer to this question will also vary depending on who you ask. Recently I was with someone who was going to help another and he said, “I’m grateful I can do this!” Clearly no expected return. How about you? What motivates you to help others? There really isn’t a right or wrong answer. HRH the Dalai Lama’s answer led me to reflect more on this question and what our purpose in life is. I find I’m frequently asked these questions by clients. When asked I often respond, “Our purpose is to experience a full range of emotions like fear, sorrow, sadness, love, compassion, kindness, joy, and happiness. To help others. To realize that our divine nature and human nature are not separate. We are both. This is a part of the spiritual awakening process.”
Today, I realize that answers can vary when someone asks, “Why am I here?” Unlike those who believe that we’re here to help others, some people believe that we’re here to develop wisdom, achieve enlightenment, to know God, to evolve, or to create karma – to suffer for the past so in the next lifetime things will be better! Still others believe that there is no purpose – we’re here to only experience life. And then there are still others who believe we are here to survive! Some people, when asked, say, “There is no answer!” The answers vary and are personal. Regardless of your personal response I feel that HRH the Dalai Lama offers beautiful wisdom. If you can’t help someone, at least don’t hurt them.
The Persian poet, Islamic scholar and Sufi mystic, Rumi, has a beautiful way of expressing his point of view. He has said, “Your acts of kindness are iridescent wings of divine love, which linger and continue to uplift others long after you’re sharing.” In other words, after you share with someone leave them feeling better. No harm done. Helping others is an expression of who we truly are – divine love. Are your iridescent wings shining brightly in your daily life? What role does being kind play in your life? Is it one of the reasons that gets you up in the morning? Is it one of your daily goals? Will your interactions with people leave them feeling good? Perhaps in your quiet time or meditative time you can reflect on these questions.
I know how busy life can be with a career and especially with a young family. Yet in the midst of chaos calm can be found when you sit quietly and reconnect with your divine nature – love. American actor and filmmaker, Denzel Washington, has said “At the end, it’s not about what you have or even what you’ve accomplished. It’s about who you’ve lifted up, who you’ve made better. It’s about what you’ve given back.” I invite you to remember the times you’ve helped someone to feel better. Remember how you felt. Recall that feeling as you reflect on helping others this week. Giving back to others means to give from your heart without expecting anything in return. In fact, you can be very creative in the way you help someone. What will make it easy, effortless, and make you happy so that you don’t feel obligated? Think about it!
I’m looking forward to hearing about your experiences, your ‘ah ha’ moments, and how helping others supports your life purpose! I’m sending lots of love to each one of you and hope your week is filled with magic and miracles!
I’m available for private coaching and channeled information sessions at Storm Wisdom on Tuesdays from 1p – 6p by appointment. Please call Storm Wisdom, (602)334-1204 to schedule. I’m also available by phone or Zoom. To schedule please go to victoriabarna.com.
Time
“Life isn’t a matter of milestones, but of moments.” Rose Kennedy, American philanthropist
Have you ever heard ‘Time is on my side’ or ‘Time is only an illusion – a construct created by human beings so that we can make sense of things’? I began thinking about time since Sunday March 12th is when many parts of the country will be turning their clocks ahead one hour! It’s nice that we, in Arizona, don’t have to adjust our clocks at all. It makes it easier while here and sometimes challenging if communicating with others in different parts of the country. We have family members on both coasts in the U.S. and I’m always thinking about the time difference when trying to connect with them. How about you?
I’ve also begun to think about life cycles and realize that it is the moments within the cycle or journey that are the most important. For example, we’ve just experienced March’s full moon also known as the Lenten or Worm moon. This full moon represents a transition from winter to spring. During this transitional time it’s perfect to reflect on the ‘moments’ that have made an impact on your life during this cycle. One of the things I’ve been grateful for is my walks where I truly acknowledge the blessings in my life. It’s a meditative and healing time. I hear the symphony of nature, smell the richness of the desert, see the natural beauty of the landscape, and I can feel the whispers of the breeze gently touching my skin. I feel so blessed for my strength, flexibility, and mobility while walking. How lucky am I?
The English writer, J.R.R. Tolkien has said “All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.” Why not decide to feel grateful? I know that some of you may feel like there isn’t enough time to do it. Isn’t the challenge really deciding what you will prioritize and value with the time you have? The energy right now is inviting you to bring more balance into your life while nourishing both body and spirit. You may find yourself feeling more sensitive and for many of you there may be opportunities to change direction and take a big leap of faith as you look to move forward with excitement! Once again, an opportunity to decide what to do with the time you are given.
If you feel overwhelmed this month and as the Spring Equinox nears please take a few deep breaths and bring your awareness into your heart space. Rest. Pause. Settle. Feel your core essence which is Love. Focus on the moment for that’s what is real! Remember the feeling of calm and love. The Roman emperor and Stoic philosopher, Marcus Aurelius has said “Time is sort of a river of passing events, and strong is the current; no sooner is a thing brought to sight then it is swept by and another takes its place, and this too will be swept away.” Remember that you live a life that is dynamic and ever changing. Live your life to its fullest and enjoy each moment. Although time may be an illusion in the broadest sense it is more real in the moment through your experiences which may be swept away in the river of passing events. Please take the opportunity to remember the special moments of your life and cherish them.
I trust that this transitional time will be supportive of your personal growth and offer you more clarity as you reflect on what to do with the time you are given. I’m sending you lots of love and look forward to hearing from you!
I’m available for private coaching and channeled information sessions at Storm Wisdom on Tuesdays from 1p – 6p by appointment. Please call Storm Wisdom, (602)334-1204 to schedule. I’m also available by phone or Zoom. To schedule please go to victoriabarna.com.
A Gentle and Tender Heart!
Kindness is my only guiding star. In its light, I sail a straight route, I have my motto written on my sail: ‘To live in love.’” St. Therese of Lisieux, French Catholic Discalced Carmelite nun
How often do you think about being kinder, or more understanding and accepting of yourself and others? If you are sensitive to your environment and what’s going on in the world today you may feel more overwhelmed and wonder how to get through the day. You may also begin to be affected by the harsh words people say, inflexible beliefs and attitudes, sown seeds of dissatisfaction and division, as well as constant criticism and judgment of all that is different. Wow, how does one nurture and cherish a gentle and tender heart? Some might feel this is a weakness; however, I believe that being gentle with self and others is a strength. Think about it. What is a great way to combat everything that takes you away from living in inner peace, love and kindness?
The way to surround yourself with gentleness and tenderness is to first find your inner place of peace. Consciously make time each day to restore and recharge this feeling of peace that you can feel within yourself when your thoughts are more quiet. For some of you it might feel like entering the calm of the eye of the storm. For me it’s like going to my inner monastery where it’s calm and filled with love! I think of it like ‘going home’ – ‘going home to love’ the love which we are and is our divine nature. When I restore this feeling it’s easier ‘to live in love’ and be kinder and more compassionate with myself and others. It’s easier to be more accepting and less judgmental of myself and others as well. It’s easier to remember the truth of who I am, love incarnate!
The challenge for me has been figuring out what that means and how to express myself as love in daily living. I wondered “Do I have to be different? What in me needs to change? How will the change affect my family and other relationships?” American Trappist monk, theologian, mystic, and social activist Thomas Merton has said “Finally I am coming to the conclusion that my highest ambition is to be what I already am. That I will never fulfill my obligation to surpass myself unless I first accept myself, and if I accept myself fully in the right way, I will already have surpassed myself.” Like Thomas Merton I, too, realized that being what and who I am is exactly the goal. Accepting myself has been key. The changes I’ve chosen to make haven’t changed who I am at my core. Rather they have strengthened my relationships and understanding of who I am.
I find that I’ve become more patient, understanding, accepting, loving, and gentle with myself and others. Sure, I still have moments where old habits and behaviors show up but they happen less frequently and I recognize when it happens. When it does I can choose to change them or not. Living in love and accepting who I am is a daily choice and practice. Gaining strength through gentleness rather than force is another practice. Being gentle with self leaves no room for negative self talk or self-sabotage which can result in a type of paralysis or suppression of personal growth. You might also notice that your reaction to external influences will change. 13th-century Persian poet, Islamic scholar, and Sufi mystic Rumi has said “Our greatest strength lies in the gentleness and tenderness of our heart.”
Perhaps this week will present an opportunity to focus on the gentleness and tenderness that resides within your heart. Focus on who you are – love incarnate. Take a few moments to return to your inner place where you find peace. Allow yourself to feel the flow of unconditional love that is there! Imagine yourself feeling nurtured and cherished – loved beyond all measure! I hope that you will feel stronger and your gentle and tender heart will feel restored and recharged. I’m sending you lots of love and hope your week is amazing.
I’m available for private coaching and channeled information sessions at Storm Wisdom on Tuesdays from 1p – 6p by appointment. Please call Storm Wisdom, (602)334-1204 to schedule. I’m also available by phone or Zoom. To schedule please go to victoriabarna.com.