News from the Unscripted Self

We first make our habits, and then our habits make us – John Dryden

(English Poet 1631-1700)

standing tall

Independence Day

A large portion of my subscribers to the USS and Soundings come from the United States, so I do appreciate you guys.

Now, Independence Day and all that got me thinking. I think the thing we value most (perhaps just under our personal safety) is our independence. This is true for nations, but even more so for individuals.

But what really is independence?

Now to the average person this might seem a silly question.

The freedom to ‘do my own thing’ (I detest that slang term!) would be the quick retort.

However, as an awake soul I know you think deeper than that.

Yes, of course independence does mean being able to go about your day unimpeded, to pursue the work you love, live the life you love, preferably with the person you love.

But true independence, as with true freedom, is more than that.

(Sidebar: I know because of disability some people can’t enjoy full physical independence, however that doesn’t make them any less free in mind and spirit).

You see, some people allow others – be it their peers, society, the media, church or whatever – to think for them. When we give away our minds we truly relinquish our independence.

Distant Healing

Berkeley:

In Berkeley, California only two weeks ago six students (five Irish and one American) lost their lives when a balcony collapsed plunging them 40 feet to their death, consequently uniting the two countries in grief. It impacted me on a personal basis because five those who died lived beside me, literally in a circle around where I live, so it really struck home. I went to two of the funerals and I have to say they were among the saddest occasions I ever witnessed.

The six who died were Eimear Walsh, Niccolai Schuster, Olivia Burke, Eoghan Culligan, Ashley Donohoe and Lorcan Miller. Please keep their families, who are really distraught, in your prayers.

Also there are five other students who were injured (some seriously) in the fall and who are still in hospital in Berkely. These are Aoife Beary, Hannah Waters, Clodagh Cogley, Jack Halpin and Niall Murray.

Please, please send them love, healing and prayers.

I emphasise this because it was a tragedy that touched me.

Tunisia:

This horrific event shocked the world last weekend. Many lost their lives, including 30 British people and three Irish. Their families are absolutely devastated and many are now living in fear. Please remember them all.

Charleston:

It keeps coming! Around the same time as the Berkley tragedy nine beautiful people were gunned down in Charleston while worshipping God, words just fail me. Hold their families in love.

That’s a lot, and I know it’s heavy. But I know you are good people and will pray for them or send healing in whatever way resonates with you.

And if, and I stress if, you can find it in your heart to send healing to those who carried out the last two atrocities then do. They are in a very, very dark place. However, this is always optional.

I love you all and I thank you most sincerely.

when we have deep roots we can soar to the heavens

AND REMEMBER . . .

There is something within you that is birthless and deathless and that has no form. It has no beginning and it has no end, Dr. Wayne W. Dyer.

True Freedom

According to my friend Mike Dooley (creator of Notes from the Universe and a wonderful human being) these are the top 10 ways people give away their power:

1. Asking others what they should do.

2. Thinking God decides who gets what.

3. Worrying about how their dream will come true.

4. Thinking they have dues to pay.

5. Attaching to unimportant details and outcomes.

6. Believing in soul mates.

7. Thinking karma or spiritual contracts are absolute.

8. Fear of anything, especially falling in love.

9. Waiting for their ducks to line up before acting.

10. Choosing to be unhappy.

Giving away your power is huge in the world today. Be aware if you’re doing it. Remember, awareness is the way to keep our power.




Let’s end, suitably on this day, with a nice quote from one of the greatest American (and universal) thinkers, Emerson:

What lies behind us and what lies before us are but tiny matters compared to what lies within us - Ralph Waldo Emerson.

hope you liked my little feature on trees this month

I love trees

That's all folks

Take care,