How do we move forward in the face of overwhelming odds? Looking at these waves, I remember summers growing up on Lake Michigan. We loved to play in the hugh waves but often times they became too much for us and we were pulled under. Tossed and turned upside down and ending up with a lot of water in our noses. Sometimes lately this is how I am feeling and I don't think I am alone. There are so many challenges facing us and it can be difficult to believe that we will ever get to calm water again. The key for me has always been to look beyond the hugh waves and see the golden light on the horizon. I know that whatever is happening on the outside, deep inside I am being guided and cared for by the calm presence of the light. An inner peace floods me whenever I let go of being overwhelmed by the waves. I have learned to trust this feeling and allow it to become stronger then the fear. I stop, take some deep breaths and know that my strength comes from within. Thank God I don't have to count on myself to solve my problems, I have an inner guide. I know I will be tossed and turned by the waves again, but the light will always break through. "In rivers, the water that you touch is the last of what has passed and the first of that which comes; so with present time."
Leonardo Da Vinci

Written by Marilyn Joy
Define Yourself Coaching Guest Blogger

I loved the photo of the spiral steps in Rome. It made me wonder if sometimes when I feel I am spiraling down out of control, I am actually working my way into the center. With so many changes happening to all of us, it is hard to feel like we are on solid ground. Conditions shift under our feet, events happen so quickly we have no chance to process how we feel. I don't really know if we are programed to operate at such a fast pace. I have seen this in my profession as a video editor. When working on a documentary, I am often given the instruction to make the program very fast paced, lots of fast cuts and effects. We have no attention span. I have found that many of the days that are so difficult and unsure are actually my days of big spiritual steps. I try to remember not to judge by appearances. I have found that the best remedy for that spiraling down feeling is to become still. Many times I try so hard to "do something" that I accomplish nothing. When I become still and breath I calm down and my brain becomes clear. Focusing on the breath allows all other thought to fall away and the universe to show the way. And at that point I realize that I am working my way deeper into the center.

"When you practice mindful breathing, you become truly present. If you are here life is here also." Thich Nhat Hanh

Written by Marilyn Joy
Define Yourself Guest Blogger

Photo by[bcnbits]