“In the end, only three things matter: how much you loved, how gently you lived, and how gracefully you let go of things not meant for you.” The Buddha, Spiritual teacher and founder of Buddhism

I hope that those of you who celebrated Thanksgiving did so with love, joy, and gratitude. So many blessings to acknowledge and embrace. I’m curious what stood out for you? What was the most surprising or amazing revelation that happened? I woke up with Tina Turner’s song playing in my head, “What’s Love Got to Do With It?” Perhaps it’s the time of life but for me I realized in a deeper way how love is at the center of everything – beyond romantic love. It’s been a time for re-prioritizing what’s important to me. I cherish and value my family, friendships and relationships more.

Many years ago while meditating I heard, “Love is the greatest transformer of all!” And in that knowing I’ve come to feel it in deeper and more meaningful ways. This was the first time in three years that we’ve celebrated Thanksgiving together. Each of us has changed. Life circumstances changed for some in significant ways. We offered prayers of gratitude for our gathering and meal. We included blessings and prayers for those who couldn’t be with us. We laughed and enjoyed a wonderful meal with each other.

I realized, once again, that we all are a part of the whole. Our essence is LOVE regardless of our beliefs and differences. Sharing this meal that was created with love we touched and appreciated each other. Differences were forgotten. Gratitude and joy were felt and shared. As we sat with one another I felt past grievances, differences, and disagreements leave. They no longer served me. I wasn’t even aware that I was still holding them.

I felt our souls connect for a moment in celebration and as I felt our sameness, LOVE, I let go of what wasn’t mine anymore. American singer-songwriter and pianist, Tori Amos, has said, “Love is deep, love is wide. It’s the only thing that reaches a soul.” Truly, LOVE is the greatest transformer of all! Have you ever felt love so deeply that your soul smiles and sometimes weeps in remembrance? I encourage you to be open to the possibility of this feeling during your quiet moments or when you are with loved ones. You can say, “I’m open and willing to receive love and feel it in my soul.”

 

The ancient Chinese philosopher, Lao Tzu, has said, “Love is of all passions the strongest, for it attacks simultaneously the head, the heart, and the senses.” Imagine being open and willing to receive love; allowing yourself to feel it; and for some of you associate it with a favorite fragrance, touch, sound, taste, or vision. Head, heart, and senses engaged fully to remember and be the LOVE that you are! Imagine your journey is one of remembering this. How will you express LOVE in your daily life? How will LOVE transform your life? How will you allow yourself to give and receive more love? How will you BE LOVE?

Wouldn’t the world be a better place if LOVE is the lens we use to make our choices? I hope your post-Thanksgiving weekend has been peaceful and look forward to hearing from you! I’m sending you lots of love!

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.