SUZANNE MCDERMOTT
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To my fellow swimmers

11/29/2016

 
Picture
I love the water. 

Whether I am by the ocean, at a lake or near a pool, I will make every opportunity to swim along the shore, across the pond or lake, or do laps, back and forth, back and forth. I am part fish. 

This morning, a couple of hours into a day surrounded by dozens of leaf blowers and mulching machines, and god know what other noise makers, I fled my property to the local Y and pounded out lap after lap.

I wanted to stay at home and do the work that I’d planned but I had to let go of that idea. While swimming, I was reminded of the statement released by the Hopi Elders in 2001.

Now that I've found and re-read the statement, I am posting this again. Because… with my schedule thrown off, with the heinous, incessant noise (a huge trigger for me), after spending so much time trying to counteract the noise with earplugs, leaving the property, trying to settle elsewhere, I was a miserable human being. I was miserable to myself and to my fellow swimmers and locker roommates this morning. Well, not miserable exactly, but not very friendly. I was not feeling good about anything, the state of the world, anyone else, myself. Furthermore, I was turned around, confused, worried about falling behind.

But in these words, I’ve found solace, wisdom, comfort, course correction. The answers and instruction is all right here. The whole thing is relevant and helpful but, on a personal level, these two lines stand out for me today:

“At this time in history, we are to take nothing personally, least of all ourselves. 
For the moment that we do, our spiritual growth and journey come to a halt.”


Here it is in toto--

To My Fellow Swimmers 

You have been telling people that this is the Eleventh Hour. 
Now you must go back and tell the people that this is the Hour. 
And these are things to be considered…

Where are you living? 
What are you doing? 
What are your relationships? 
Are you in right relation? 
Where is your water? 
Know your garden.

It is time to speak your truth. 
Create your community. 
Be good to each other. 
And do not look outside yourself for your leader.

This could be a good time! 

There is a river flowing now very fast. 
It is so great and swift that there are those who will be afraid. 
They will try to hold on to the shore. 
They will feel they are being torn apart and will suffer greatly. 
Know the river has its destination.

The elders say we must let go of the shore, push off into the middle of the river, 
keep our eyes open, and our heads above the water.

See who is in there with you and celebrate. 

At this time in history, we are to take nothing personally, least of all ourselves. 
For the moment that we do, our spiritual growth and journey come to a halt.

The time of the lone wolf is over. 
Gather yourselves!

Banish the word ’struggle’ from your attitude and your vocabulary. 
All that we do now must be done in a sacred manner and in celebration. 

We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. 

—Statement of The Elders, Oraibi, Arizona Hopi Nation, 2001

The Gratitude Game

11/24/2016

 
Picture
Hatful of leaves from the sketchbook of Suzanne McDermott, 2013

"The essence of all beautiful art, all great art, is gratitude."
                                                                                                    —Friedrich Nietzsche


It's as easy as saying thank you.

I did one of those popular Facebook analyses a while ago and discovered that my most frequently used word on that platform is "thanks". I like that.
 How timely.

Whether you're feeling as though you don't have enough (of anything) or are freaked out by some personal or world situation, sit yourself down with a pen and paper and play the gratitude game.

Make a list of everything you have to be grateful for. Breakfast, potable hot and cold running water, a place to live, shoes, eyesight, hands, transportation, a friend, your animal companion, the ability to open your heart to another living creature, to give of yourself...
Start with the basics. You may be able to write for pages.

That's all.
 It's pretty simple. A good exercise to bring your attention right back to the present moment and the most important things.

You will, I promise, forget about what you think you lack and feel the fullness of life within your heart.

If you're in the U.S., Happy Thanksgiving.
Read Art Buchwald's Le Grande Thanksgiving.
 (My perennial favorite.)

​"Gratitude is the healthiest of all human emotions. The more you express gratitude for what you have, the more likely you will have even more to express gratitude for."                         —Zig Ziglar


Ylang Ylang & Geranium

"This morning, I anointed my heart with two of my favorite essential oils. First  Ylang Ylang, then Geranium. 

Ylang Ylang, the Oil of the Inner Child "is a powerful remedy for the heart", reminding us that "joy can be felt and experienced more fully by allowing the heart its full range of emotions".

Geranium is the Oil of Love & Trust, restoring our confidence in the innate goodness of others and in the world".

For guidance on the use of essential oils, get in touch.

How to comfort yourself in the darkest days

11/14/2016

 
Picture
King of Night / Suzanne McDermott / Watercolor / 8 x 8 in.
Even with today's super full moon, our clocks have fallen back and we have moved into darker days and nights and uncertainty. 

Here are tips to help you navigate these in between times:

  1. Rest. If you don't know what's happening, you may as well rest up and save your strength for when you do know what to do.
  2. Sleep.  One of the best ways to clear a muddled mind is to let it sleep and wash itself of worry and confusion.
  3. Follow this doggie's example.  Cuddle up and cover your head.
  4. Read an enlightening book.  Look for inspiration in the best places and from the best people you can find.
  5. Light a candle. Focus on one of the fundamental elements. A little flame is sure to light your way.
  6. Say a prayer of thanks (because you're safe and warm).  Prayer and gratitude help in ways that none of us can imagine.
  7. Dream.  Because you can.
  8. Listen to J.S. Bach's Goldberg Variations. Bach wrote them to help Count Kaiserling soothe his insomnia.
  9. Remember that darkness is temporary. Like everything else.
  10. Drink Ginger Tea. It's yummy.
  11. Grab your lavender essential oil. The "Swiss Army Knife" of essential oils, it's your go-to oil for calming and relaxation. Ask me to help you learn more or buy it here.
  12. Serenity blend essential oil is always at my bedside. I diffuse it, put drops on the soles of my feet, and inhale directly to help me soothe myself and relax in times of stress. Ask me to help you learn more or buy it here.

"It is better to light a candle than curse the darkness."
--Eleanor Roosevelt

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