New Beginnings for 2025
At this time, many of us are considering our personal living more than our national or global lives. But no matter our perceived direction, being optimistic in thought, word, and action fortifies every aspect of our life’s journey.
Opportunities in New Beginnings 2022 Jeanne Burrows-Johnson
Do you have defined goals? Are there questions for which you seek answers? Turning to our inner core brings us a sense of peace, renewal, and focus for accomplishing our right desires. Positive meditative thoughts can be affirming for ourselves and our loved ones, our community, and our world. With our minds and hearts open to inspiration, we can move forward with fresh perception.
There are many views on how to spend times of quiet reflection. Regardless of our beliefs for dedicated contemplation, a tranquil space, calm breathing, and silence or peaceful music, can bring us to a serene perspective for examining our lives. Whether formal or casual in style, vivid images and words for verbal or unspoken affirmations can be especially effective in focusing our intention.
HEALTH: I view myself at an ideal point in a my life’s journey. With a sense of renewed vitality, I feel my body, mind, and spirit moving forward to achieve my current and potential goals. Rejoicing in the growing bounty of my living, I affirm that each of my healthcare providers, family members, and friends is guided in their helping me maximize the positive experiences of my life.
ACTIVITY: Seeking awareness of the interconnection of the many aspects of my life, I reach out with joy and positive expectation to every person and opportunity for growth as they are revealed in each unfolding day.
RELATIONSHIPS: I affirm my generosity of spirit, remembering that each person thinks, speaks, and acts according to their inner light and level of conscious understanding. I perceive all people being radiant with fulfillment in their lives. For those with whom I may have further interaction, I move forward with positive expectation...for even casual contacts can provide opportunities for fruitful relationships that are beneficial to all concerned.
Following our meditative moments, we may find our sensory experiences are deepened. Our surroundings may be more vivid; the aromas of a garden sweeter; the touch of a pet’s fur more luxuriant; the harmonies of music and birdsong more intricate; and the flavors of favorite foods more intense. Listening within our minds and hearts, and girded with peace and joy, we can move positively along our unique sojourn through Life knowing we find direction to right ideas, people and actions.
Whatever the circumstances of ourselves and those surrounding us, lightening the burdens of those within our local and global communities can fulfill the highest good for all concerned. We sometimes do this in unplanned ways—from sharing encouraging smiles with those we pass, to donating clothing, educational materials, and food or even blood, to local or distant communities that may be in need. These simple acts of kindness are forms of “paying it forward,” as we may become the recipients of others’ thoughtfulness in our own times of need.
Through my days and nights, I breathe in the strengthening harmony of the infinite Universe...
And So It Is!
Affirmations
Contemplation and Affirmation...
For a few moments each day, I step away from the momentum of my activity and turn within to seek unity with the Infinite Harmony that directs all of Life. With each tranquil breath, I inhale joy and peace and exhale negativity and uncertainty. Affirming my openness to guidance from within and without, I see the pathway of my unique expression of Life expand to shine clearly before me. As I return to the activity of my day, I shall employ positive thoughts, words, and actions to enhance the Life Experiences of myself and my global neighbors for the greater liberty, peace, and justice of all!
Opportunities in New Beginnings 2022 Jeanne Burrows-Johnson
As we move forward in 2022, most of us are considering our standing at home and in the world... Despite the seemingly unending challenges of the last couple of years, this time offers many opportunities for ascertaining personal and professional paths that can yield a flourishing of our life experiences. No matter our direction, being optimistic in thought, word, and action fortifies each phase of our expanding lives.
Do you have defined goals? Are there questions for which you seek answers? Turning to our inner core, we can find a sense of renewal and focus for accomplishing our right desires. Our meditative thoughts can be life affirming for ourselves, our loved ones, community, and world. With our minds and hearts open to inspiration, we are prepared to move forward positively with new ventures in our ongoing journey.
When we return from our times of quiet reflection, we may find our sensory experiences deepened. Sight of our surroundings may more vivid. The aroma of a garden may be sweeter, the touch of a pet’s fur more luxuriant, music and birdsong more intricate, and the flavors of our favorite dessert intensified.
While we move through our daily activities, let us do so with a generosity of spirit, remembering that each of us thinks, speaks, and acts according to our own inner light and level of conscious understanding. We can walk peacefully and happily along our paths of Life, listening within our minds and hearts for clear and immediate direction to right ideas, people, and actions that will help fulfill our potential to the highest good for all concerned.
Much has been written about the need for humankind to help one another. Beyond extending positive thoughts, there may be concrete things we can do for others. This may range from sharing encouraging smiles with those we pass, to delivering a neighbor’s mail, and doing shopping and other errands for those in need.
Whatever the circumstances of ourselves and those surrounding us, we can lighten the burdens of those within our local and global communities. Donating to blood banks, clothing to shelters, and garden produce to the food bank are but a few of the tangible things we can do to better our world. These simple acts of kindness are forms of “paying it forward,” as we may become the recipients of others’ thoughtfulness in our own times of need.
In your meditative moments, smile and inhale the revitalizing breath of Life. Picture yourself floating in a warm rippling pool listening to the Harmonies of the Universe while giving thanks that you are moving forward with poise on your unique sojourn through life.
And So It Is!
An Affirmation for Peace
Peace is liberty in tranquility.
Marcus Tullius Cicero [106 BCE – 43 BCE]
The United States has just celebrated the 245th Anniversary of its founding at a time when liberty and peace are being confronted by many challenges at home and abroad. Facing devastating climate, health, violence, political, and economic trials, we enter each day with questions about what we should do personally and professionally.
Much has been written about the need for humankind to support one another. But unless one is a billionaire, it often seems there is little we can do as individuals to enhance the daily life of others, let alone to help achieve greater peace in our troubled world. One thing we may not be considering is that positive meditative thoughts, as well as actions, can be life affirming and enhancing to ourselves, our loved ones, our community, and world.
I sometimes think of a nun I met by chance as a teenager. Despite her usually cloistered life, she occasionally attended events at the college adjacent to her convent and had visiting hours once per week. Although we only met a few times, I was touched by the joyful attitude and peace-filled countenance she shared with everyone and everything. In the many genres of literature I read, I’ve encountered stories of such women and men down through the centuries and have found one recurring question: How do such persons tangibly contribute to lives and events beyond the walls of their monastic communities? Fictional character or historical figure, the narratives of their communities often tell of the sharing of farm produce, vinting wine, baking bread, and tatting lace, as well as caring for orphaned children. Also, some of their religious and philosophical leaders have served as advisors to kings and other potentates. But is the extent of what such people contribute to our world?
While it is true that each of us walks to the beat of different drummer, I believe our individual pathways can merge when our hearts and spirits broadcast harmonizing messages to all of Creation. For regardless of whether a person practices a tradition of prayer and meditation, I believe that any form of affirmative thought and even simple acts of human kindness can positively impact our world and universe...
My Expanding Sojourn 2021 Jeanne Burrows-Johnson
Regardless of the circumstances of my wakening, I greet each day with radiance in my heart and a smile on my face. From the rising to the setting of the sun, I watch the Pathway of Life shine before me with enthusiasm.
Turning to the center of my being, I align myself with the Rhythms of the Universe. I quiet my mind, relax my body, and focus on my respiration. With each breath I take, I draw in the harmonizing strength of the Life that resounds across all of Creation. With each exhalation, I expel negative thoughts that would interfere with my experience of the Fullness of Life.
I bask in the Music of the Spheres, considering the many rooms of the Universe. Opening myself to the eternal Flow of Inspiration, I affirm that the Universal laws of Order and Harmony are maintained in each aspect of my life. Receptive to right ideas, people, and actions, I remember that each person acts according to their inner light and level of conscious understanding. Letting go of unneeded material and mental items that have accumulated along my earthly journey, I find the guidance I seek to pursue new opportunities that are unfolding in my life.
Morning or evening, I walk through my physical or virtual garden with appreciation for the sights, sounds, and fragrance that accompany me. In nature, I delight in viewing the glorious colors that surround me. I breathe in the scent of the sweet day lilies, roses, and other flowers I am pleased to share with the world. I celebrate the birdsong that adds joyous notes to my experience of Life. I am truly grateful to be able to add to the Splendor of Creation, knowing that the growth of the tender seeds I plant in my garden...and my life...help Mother Earth to bloom exuberantly.
Avowing gratitude for blessings already received, I see all of my needs and right desires manifested beyond the images of my conscious vision. As I free myself of judgement about elements that seem to have cluttered my daily living, I am able to let go of my concerns about projects needing resolution. Contemplating the ongoing affairs of my family and other loved ones, I know I am led to right thoughts, words, and actions for attaining the Highest Good for All Concerned.
I leave this time of inner reflection with peace and confidence. Walking forward into my daily activities, I am able to smoothly conclude activities that have served their purpose, so that I can release the past and move joyfully in new directions. And, at the conclusion of each day, I enter dream-filled rest, envisioning myself floating in a rippling pool of warm water, listening to the Harmonies of the Universe.
I give thanks that the harmony of this moment carries me forth to greater prosperity physically, mentally, and spiritually!
ORDER AND ACCOMPLISHMENT
In this time of continuing turbulence, we all need mechanisms for maintaining harmony in our personal and professional lives. May these affirming words help you find a renewed sense of peace and clarified direction in your life’s sojourn...
Through the peaks and valleys of my journey on this plane, I affirm that I have walked beside Life’s Harmonizing Stream, even when I have not realized it. With radiance in my heart and a smile on my face, I watch the pathway of my life shine brightly.
In today’s time of quiet reflection, I picture myself riding a beam of Universal Light, as I seek uplifting thoughts, words, and actions for the benefit of myself and all who pass my way. Inhaling the revitalizing breath of Eternal Life, I feel positive energy infuse my body, mind, and spirit. Secure in outstretched arms of pure love that help to balance each aspect of my existence, I consider the choices before me.
The many Rooms of the Universe offer boundless opportunities for me to achieve fulfillment. I enter each door presented to me and openly consider the possible directions for application of my talents. Regardless of the outcome, I see each experience as a means for expanding my knowledge and abilities to think, speak, and act rightly.
I am grateful for the gifts of love and talent that are constantly being shared with me by family, friends, colleagues, and others of whom I may not be aware. Consciously, I affirm peace and joy within the core of these individuals, who bring their minds, hearts, and hands to myriad tasks that help to synchronize the Flow of Life surging through and around me.
Knowing that I am now receiving the sustenance and direction I need, I go forth into my day with a renewed sense of peace and joy.
FREEDOM...FROM PAIN
On July 4th, most U. S. citizens celebrate the concept, if not the actuality, of freedom. Today, many non-whites, non-citizens, and those who may be ill or are recovering from illness, are experiencing mixed emotions about the word Freedom.
For me, this is a day to celebrate freedom from pain. Throughout my adult life I suffered from endometriosis. Eventually the condition led to an eight-day stay in Tripler Army Medical Center in Honolulu for an emergency hysterectomy that lasted over seven hours. On a bright Island summer Sunday morning on the Fourth of July, I walked out onto the back lānai for a breath of fresh air and view of the city prior to being released. I may have been moving slowly, but I will never forget being escorted by my husband John from our car to the wonderful bed, bath, and food of our windward town home!
While most of my writing is fiction [the award-winning Natalie Seachrist Hawaiian Mysteries] or historical non-fiction [articles and the planned publication of Conversations with Auntie Carol: Seven Oral History Interviews with Caroline Kuliaikanu`ukapu Wilcox DeLima Farias], I sometimes write short affirmative pieces for individuals facing personal or professional challenges. Perhaps the following piece will bring you a measure of peace in the life challenges you are facing...
PATHWAY OF LIFE
From the rising to the setting of the sun, I observe the order and rhythm of life. Choosing to align myself with this rhythm, I find that I live more harmoniously with the people and events unfolding in my journey upon this plane. As the Pathway of Life shines before me, I absorb its light and positive energy in my body, mind, and spirit. While there will be circumstances that I do not understand and people with whom I disagree, I know that each person acts according to their inner light and level of conscious understanding. I choose to move within this day in order and harmony in both my private activity, as well as my interactions within my local and global community. I give thanks that the harmony of this moment carries me forth to greater prosperity across my living.