Hello Again dear friends,
It feels so good to see words flow freely before me. It's been a while since my last post, I hope you've been enjoying the little things in life. I titled this post "Know Thyself" because it seems as though life continues to bring my awareness back to this not so simple notion. Just the other morning while I was enjoying a delicious breakfast I skimmed over my marked podcasts I thought randomly, trying to decide what I'd like to digest that morning. Looking back now, Maybe not so randomly I picked a book review podcast on the biography titled The Adventures of Henry Thoreau. In a nutshell, I learned that before Thoreau was a poet, naturalists, philospher, abolitionist, historian, surveyor, or leading transcendentalist, he failed to "know himself." This podcast was one of many northern stars so to speak that I've been given lately. Another surfaced within the book From the Ground Up. In this book you read how Jeanne Nolan returned home to Illinois distraught as a single mother only to find and establish herself through organic gardening. Reflecting back on the events taken place within my personal life most recently and all these exterior guiding lights I've been reminded that we are all continuously and beautifully reaquainting ourselves with ourself. I believe just when you think you've figured yourself out, you discover uncharted territory. Consequently, do we ever truly "know thyself." Much like nature around us, we're evolving daily. Possibly we do not know our entire self at any given point, but does that mean we stop trying to discover every nook and cranny of our true nature? Absolutely not! The adventure of life is to grow. Be organic in who you are and what you eat. Know love and give love. Be excited to realize that you don't yourself fully and live each second of every day being happy and ready to explore what you reveal to yourself and what life reveals to you.
Much Love,
BW
Tuesday, April 1, 2014
Thursday, February 13, 2014
To be Resigned or Agitated?
Greetings friends,
I hope dearly everyone finds themselves to be well, especially those of you who have had to deal with such cold and wet weather this winter. I believe most people understand what I mean when I say, that type of weather cultivates the unpleasantness within each of us. Therefore, I hope you've been able to conquor the weather with a warm heart, happiness and peace.
With Valentines Day tomorrow and all those flowers, hearts, wine, maybe even resentment for some, looming around, how could I not write about love? Before you roll your eyes, hear me out. I'm not going to be another person or article that tells you how you should or shouldn't spend this holiday with your beloved. Rather, let me encourage you to love yourself! "Those who live passionately teach us how to love. Those who love passionately teach us how to live" -Sarah Ban Breathnach. This quote reads simple enough but the meaning packs a strong punch in my opinion. In order for holiday's to exist one of two things must occur. Either a monumental event or some individual decides to deem this day as more worthy than any other day of the year and therefore everyone (or a significant amount) will recognize this day for ever. Prior to this however, there must be people. As people and as individual persons, we must first decide before we can love another, how we can love ourself. Personally, I believe that loving ourself starts at the pivotal fork in the road where we decide to either be resigned or agitated. What does this even mean you may ask? Think about it, if you're resigned towards something you've accepted whatever it may be for what it is because you feel it's beyond your control to change it. Simply put, there's no fight left in the dog. How could you love yourself, better yet, how could anyone else love you if you're not willing to fight for your own happiness? Not that agitation is more attractive on a person then resignation, but of the two, if you're agitated towards something it generally shows as excitment or nervousness. Emotion! You're restless yet curious. You have passion. You deserve to discover the meaning of life. The meaning of your life. Our time here on Earth is not by accident, we have a purpose and we are all divine beings deserving of love. Be brave, be bold, and love yourself first so that others may love you in return.
I hope dearly everyone finds themselves to be well, especially those of you who have had to deal with such cold and wet weather this winter. I believe most people understand what I mean when I say, that type of weather cultivates the unpleasantness within each of us. Therefore, I hope you've been able to conquor the weather with a warm heart, happiness and peace.
With Valentines Day tomorrow and all those flowers, hearts, wine, maybe even resentment for some, looming around, how could I not write about love? Before you roll your eyes, hear me out. I'm not going to be another person or article that tells you how you should or shouldn't spend this holiday with your beloved. Rather, let me encourage you to love yourself! "Those who live passionately teach us how to love. Those who love passionately teach us how to live" -Sarah Ban Breathnach. This quote reads simple enough but the meaning packs a strong punch in my opinion. In order for holiday's to exist one of two things must occur. Either a monumental event or some individual decides to deem this day as more worthy than any other day of the year and therefore everyone (or a significant amount) will recognize this day for ever. Prior to this however, there must be people. As people and as individual persons, we must first decide before we can love another, how we can love ourself. Personally, I believe that loving ourself starts at the pivotal fork in the road where we decide to either be resigned or agitated. What does this even mean you may ask? Think about it, if you're resigned towards something you've accepted whatever it may be for what it is because you feel it's beyond your control to change it. Simply put, there's no fight left in the dog. How could you love yourself, better yet, how could anyone else love you if you're not willing to fight for your own happiness? Not that agitation is more attractive on a person then resignation, but of the two, if you're agitated towards something it generally shows as excitment or nervousness. Emotion! You're restless yet curious. You have passion. You deserve to discover the meaning of life. The meaning of your life. Our time here on Earth is not by accident, we have a purpose and we are all divine beings deserving of love. Be brave, be bold, and love yourself first so that others may love you in return.
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
Nurture yourself with nature
Hello Dear Souls,
I hope your new year has started off peacefully full of wonderful hopes, dreams, and an abundance of love. If 2014 started off a bit bumpy not to fret there is still plenty of time for it to turn right side up! Personally, my year began just as it should. Simply put, I entrust that God had planned this year for me long ago and that it's unfolding precisely to His accordance.
My thoughts for this post orginated on the beautiful island of O'ahu over mine and my husbands Christmas holiday. Like most needed vacations my soul was both refined and refreshed. Daily my thoughts passed much like little fluffy cumulus clouds on a summers day; graceful without much effort. Somewhere between hiking Diamond Head, paddleboarding in the Kaneohe bay, and kayaking out to Mokulua islands something became crystal clear to me. I was being purified by nature. All of my impurities, pains, and negativity were being absorbed by the supreme flawlessness of the islands beauty. From the tallest mountain point down to the tinest flora, it was all working together to nurture my mind, body, & soul. I say all of this to give credit to the organic balancing power that is all around us. The energy that dances above every breeze and rides on the wings of every bird. The purging power that runs down every mountain stream to collect in that perfectly hidden swimming hole. The comfort that lingers from the sun's kiss on our bare skin. The apparatus of life that is continuously flowing in and through every living, growing, organism on this planet. I believe that nature has both the power and desire to help and heal us if we would only allow it. All too quickly we turn to medicinal modalities because of their "immediate" relief, but should we? What about simply opening the window to enjoy some fresh air? Strolling aimlessly down a wooded path? Literally stopping to smell the roses? Listening to what the rivers, streams, and oceans have to say to you? Believe me, it's out there! All you have to do is nurture yourself with nature.
With Joy, BW
I hope your new year has started off peacefully full of wonderful hopes, dreams, and an abundance of love. If 2014 started off a bit bumpy not to fret there is still plenty of time for it to turn right side up! Personally, my year began just as it should. Simply put, I entrust that God had planned this year for me long ago and that it's unfolding precisely to His accordance.
My thoughts for this post orginated on the beautiful island of O'ahu over mine and my husbands Christmas holiday. Like most needed vacations my soul was both refined and refreshed. Daily my thoughts passed much like little fluffy cumulus clouds on a summers day; graceful without much effort. Somewhere between hiking Diamond Head, paddleboarding in the Kaneohe bay, and kayaking out to Mokulua islands something became crystal clear to me. I was being purified by nature. All of my impurities, pains, and negativity were being absorbed by the supreme flawlessness of the islands beauty. From the tallest mountain point down to the tinest flora, it was all working together to nurture my mind, body, & soul. I say all of this to give credit to the organic balancing power that is all around us. The energy that dances above every breeze and rides on the wings of every bird. The purging power that runs down every mountain stream to collect in that perfectly hidden swimming hole. The comfort that lingers from the sun's kiss on our bare skin. The apparatus of life that is continuously flowing in and through every living, growing, organism on this planet. I believe that nature has both the power and desire to help and heal us if we would only allow it. All too quickly we turn to medicinal modalities because of their "immediate" relief, but should we? What about simply opening the window to enjoy some fresh air? Strolling aimlessly down a wooded path? Literally stopping to smell the roses? Listening to what the rivers, streams, and oceans have to say to you? Believe me, it's out there! All you have to do is nurture yourself with nature.
With Joy, BW
Wednesday, December 25, 2013
The "new" New Years Resolution
Hello beautiful people,
As this year gradually finishes unfolding my mind has been highly reflective on this year, & contemplative for the adventures that are without a doubt quickly approaching. Typically speaking, in past years I haven't been one for New Years resolutions however, this year I think I'll start. I've put some delicate thinking into what exactly I'd like to be resolute about in the year 2014. Upon settling on my aspiration I also discovered the things I dare not carry with me into the next year. First, I refuse to take petty stressors with me. For each of us those variables may be different but they are all equally unhealthy for both our minds and body. Do yourself a favor and ditch those. Secondly, negativity. Whether it's permeating from a toxic relationship of sorts or manifests within your thoughts, you don't need that clouding your life perspective next year. Wash your hands of any negativity that you currently deal with. And the last thing I absolutely do not want to hitch hike with me into the new year is regret. Personally, I feel being regretful for any reason is just as painful as if someone was squeezing your heart ever so slowly until every ounce of life was drained from it. Similar to the idea of death, being regretful robs you of joyful memories, time, and peace of mind. Be bold and promise yourself that you will be regret free in 2014.
So what then is my First New Years Resolution? In 2014 I will continue to turn inward. Becoming more aware of who I am, my purpose here on this Earth, & how my gifts can be used for the glory of God and the good of others. Peeling back the layers of who I am, discovering myself in ways never before known. Awakening my spirit so that I may in return be a more mindfully stable woman who is so sure of who she is that she no longer frets about personal wants/desires and instead can harvest every ounce of my being and energy into others. Yes, that is my New Years Resolution. What do you desire to be resolute about in this coming year?
With Joy,
BW
Friday, December 13, 2013
Let it flow freely...
At times in life all we can do is cry... & that is perfectly acceptable. In fact it's perfectly normal & I highly recommend it.
With Joy,
BW
Friday, December 6, 2013
We have a right to silence, peace, & calmness
Hello Friends,
I hope this post finds you happy, healthy, & thankful. I've been debating on what my big second post would be about, and today while I was meditating it came to me. I want to write about how each person has the right to silence, peace, & calmness. I'm not talking about external silence, world peace, or emotional calmness, as lovely as those may be, I am referencing mental silence, mental peace, & mental calmness.
In order to obtain this level of mental aptitude we must first adjust our perspective of who-controls-who. We control our minds, they do not control us. Our minds are hyperactive monkeys that are continuously bouncing, jumping, & tugging at us for attention. If you've ever attempted to meditate or sit in complete silence you know what happens when you try to sit that little monkey in the corner, it simply becomes louder & even more obnoxious! Unfortunately, the more active your brain, the more challenging it's going to be to silence it. Remember, patience is a virtue, be kind to yourself. With persistence you can and will achieve mental silence, peace, & calmness. Why would one want this you ask? Why would one not? The euphoria of such a feat is similar to the release one feels after an intense orgasm. Imagine... mintues ticking away, floating unnoticed by your consciousness as you sit in mental silence. Absolutely no thoughts, good or bad, mundane or extraordinary...nothing on the horizon but pure organic mental tranquility. Talk about refreshing. Being in this state of existence for as little as ten minutes of your day is like allowing your soul to have a deep exhalation, where all of your tension & worry melt away. Treat yourself, rearrange your morning, lunch break, afternoon, or evening & begin taming that monkey. Meditate & pray.
You not only have the right to mental silence, peace, & calmness. You deserve it & your soul craves it!!
With Joy,
BW
I hope this post finds you happy, healthy, & thankful. I've been debating on what my big second post would be about, and today while I was meditating it came to me. I want to write about how each person has the right to silence, peace, & calmness. I'm not talking about external silence, world peace, or emotional calmness, as lovely as those may be, I am referencing mental silence, mental peace, & mental calmness.
In order to obtain this level of mental aptitude we must first adjust our perspective of who-controls-who. We control our minds, they do not control us. Our minds are hyperactive monkeys that are continuously bouncing, jumping, & tugging at us for attention. If you've ever attempted to meditate or sit in complete silence you know what happens when you try to sit that little monkey in the corner, it simply becomes louder & even more obnoxious! Unfortunately, the more active your brain, the more challenging it's going to be to silence it. Remember, patience is a virtue, be kind to yourself. With persistence you can and will achieve mental silence, peace, & calmness. Why would one want this you ask? Why would one not? The euphoria of such a feat is similar to the release one feels after an intense orgasm. Imagine... mintues ticking away, floating unnoticed by your consciousness as you sit in mental silence. Absolutely no thoughts, good or bad, mundane or extraordinary...nothing on the horizon but pure organic mental tranquility. Talk about refreshing. Being in this state of existence for as little as ten minutes of your day is like allowing your soul to have a deep exhalation, where all of your tension & worry melt away. Treat yourself, rearrange your morning, lunch break, afternoon, or evening & begin taming that monkey. Meditate & pray.
You not only have the right to mental silence, peace, & calmness. You deserve it & your soul craves it!!
With Joy,
BW
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
Sophrosyne (n.) "a healthy state of mind, characterized by self control, moderation & a deep awareness of one's true self, resulting in true happiness."
Allow me to enlighten you on the history of who Sophrosyne was and thus how I came to title my blog after her. In Greek mythology, Sophrosyne is believed to be one of the good spirits that escaped Pandora's box and fled to Olympus. Sophrosyne is the goddess of moderation, temporance, self-control, restraint, and discretion. The complex meaning of Sophrosyne translated in English is thought to be most accurately described by the two sayings of the Oracle of Delphi: "Nothing in excess" and "Know thyself."
It is said that Socrates believed that the journey of self-knowledge should be honored more than the attainment of wealth and the most valuable possessions a person could have are their virtues. The term Sophrosyne insinuates that organic life long happiness is reached when our mental needs are satisfied, resembling the idea of enlightenment through harmonious living, a principle deeply rooted in yoga.
After much thought and dancing around the idea of becoming a "blogger" I discovered what was behind that driving force to share my personal thoughts and life experiences with others. We are all human beings. That was it. That's why I want to write. To be human, man or woman, it isn't easy. However, looking inward, living simplistically and always seeking God can make being human a little less daunting. I want to write about my inward journey and help others with their journey too! That's why I'm making myself vulnerable and sharing my words. And that's the story of how The Seed of Sophrosyne came to be. :)
It is said that Socrates believed that the journey of self-knowledge should be honored more than the attainment of wealth and the most valuable possessions a person could have are their virtues. The term Sophrosyne insinuates that organic life long happiness is reached when our mental needs are satisfied, resembling the idea of enlightenment through harmonious living, a principle deeply rooted in yoga.
After much thought and dancing around the idea of becoming a "blogger" I discovered what was behind that driving force to share my personal thoughts and life experiences with others. We are all human beings. That was it. That's why I want to write. To be human, man or woman, it isn't easy. However, looking inward, living simplistically and always seeking God can make being human a little less daunting. I want to write about my inward journey and help others with their journey too! That's why I'm making myself vulnerable and sharing my words. And that's the story of how The Seed of Sophrosyne came to be. :)
With Joy,
Brittany
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