Month: April 2024

Healing, consoling, love creates light beneath her feet. She clarifies, she simplifies. – Charles Wagner

I spent the evening with a group of friends. We chatted and laughed and even teared up a bit. These are true friends – the kind who will be there when you need them. If you’ve read my recent posts, you know that I’m digging into the things that brought about an internal shift in me towards a simpler life. Certainly one of these is a deeper connection with others.

This group of ladies epitomizes connection. We are able to drop any pretense and be real with each other. It’s a rare bond, but I don’t think it has to be that rare. It just requires a willingness to be open and vulnerable. A big ask, but the payoff has been worth it for me as our bond of trust, support, and love has grown over the years.

The art of living is to know how to give one’s life. – Charles Wagner

How does friendship lead to simplicity? Regular interaction with these women reminds me of what is important in life. Their generosity compels me to want to give of myself more. I don’t really want to spend time with them shopping. I’d rather sit with them, look into their eyes, and hear their stories.

I find that nothing connects me to my purpose more than truly holding space for another human being to be exactly who they are. My sincere desire is to be a person free from judgment with open arms and an open heart. I fail often, but the more I engage with others, the closer I get to the person I want to be. And – as a friend of mine reminds me – the more I give, the more I receive. And that is simply beautiful.

It needs but a glimmer of common sense to perceive that man is not made to pass his life in a self-centered trance.  – Charles Wagner

In my previous post, I outlined a path to simplicity that relies on an inner shift towards purpose rather than on externally-imposed changes. The pull towards connecting to a personal mission has brought about that internal change in me, and it began with spiritual connection.

Before I was able to experience this connection, I had to address what was blocking it. For years, my MO was to try and control my surroundings, future outcomes, and even others. This drive to manage everything blocked me from the very peace I sought. When I recognized I’m actually powerless and surrendered to what is instead of what I thought I wanted, I began to feel moments of serenity.

I imagine a crystal stream, fish swimming, water flowing over rocks, and I’m hanging on for dear life to a tree root on the banks. I’m deluded into believing that as long as I hang on, I’m in control, and all is well. What I don’t see is that if I simply let go and yield to the current, I’ll be carried into an experience more beautiful and fulfilling than I can imagine. My stubbornness is the very thing holding me back.

I have learned to surrender.

When I concede that I’m not in control, I can connect with the one who is – my Higher Power, or God to me. Some days that link is made when I meditate, pray, and ask for guidance. Other times it comes from my willingness to admit mistakes and repair relationships with others. I find that an unexpected benefit comes from acknowledging my mistakes – I’m not as hard on myself. Something of a paradox: when I humbly do what I can to right my wrongs, my flaws seem less important. I’m making progress.

Your religion is good if it is vital, if it nourishes in you confidence, hope, love; if it renders forgiveness more easy. But does it serve to make you think yourself better than others, quibble over texts, domineer over others’ consciences, or do good in the hope of escaping future punishment? Then whether you proclaim yourself the follower of Buddha, Moses, Muhammad, or Christ, your religion is worthless – it separates you from God and man. – Charles Wagner

This quote from Charles Wagner is a good reminder for me. The way I treat others, my true motives, and even how I see myself are manifestations of what’s going on in my heart. Is my spiritual connection strong, or have I taken back the reins of my life? My approach is gentle. When I’m aware of the drifting, I simply stop for a moment and ask to be brought back to center. And I’ve found – little by little, day by day – this way of life works.