Let Your Hair Down in 2011

"Heaven is right where you are standing, and that is the place to train."
Morihei Ueshiba, The Art of Peace

Over the Holiday, my youngest son and his adorable girl friend came to stay with us.  They're hoping to leave their Seattle home and come to the Bay Area to live, so this was a reconnaissance trip for them. 
I, of course, love this idea, but instead of thinking about all the ways I would enjoy having them close, I thought about how difficult the transition might be.  I woke up in the middle of the night worried that they wouldn't find work here, or a place to stay, and on and on.  First thing in the morning, I sat my boy down to talk to him about his moving strategy.  I outlined what I would do and watched his face get grim. 
"Mom", he said, as patiently as he could, "We've already thought about all of that.  It's in our hands.  You don't need to worry about any of it."
"I know", I said, "But everything in my life seems to be falling apart.  I just wanted a little certainty.  It's hard for me to trust my choices, since, right now, I'm not where I want to be and my choices put me here.  I want to make sure you're making the right choices for you."
"There is no certainty about that, "He responded, "but one thing I am sure of;  if you don't accept in your own mind where you are, and if you continue to judge what you've done and who you are, you're not going get where you want to be.  You'll stay stuck in regret.  You have to change what's in your head in order to change your life." 
Smart boy.  Heaven IS right where I am right now.  I just have to let go of my judgements and realize it. 
Confirmation came of this realization on my walk that day. I found my first message of the universe for 2011.  It's this little yellow butterfly.  The butterfly is the symbol of change, joy, love and  metamorphosis and yellow is the color of wisdom, joy, and happiness.  That it's a hair ornament for a child is symbolic too.  Hair is the symbol of spiritual power, and children remind us of the wisdom inherent in trust and innocence, and the joy inherent in taking a fresh look at life.

Transformation and happiness are in store for all of us this new year, but only if we can accept what is and flow towards what will be.  Taking a page from the wisdom of my darling son, let's not look back.  The past holds nothing for us, especially our recent past with all the stress of economic and environmental turmoil.  Let us accept what is, determine what we want, and move towards our goals with confidence, remembering that all change is good - even if it may not seem so at the time. Change is essential if we wish to grow.
Here's wishing you all a happier 2011.  Make it so! The power is in our hands.
Love, Kristine