How to Find Our Authentic Self

Posted on October 26, 2010 by Lydia | Leave a comment

Lately, I have been talking about finding my authentic voice in the writing context, but it occurs to me that it also applies as I journey inward to discover my true self. It is said that Michelangelo was asked how he created his beautiful statutes and he replied, “Every block of stone has a statue inside it and it is the task of the sculptor to discover it.” I find his response beautiful on its own merit and informative for those of us on our own inner quest.

Just as Michelangelo discovered David as he chipped away ‘what was not David,’ so must we “spiritual sculptors” chip away all that inner detritus that is not us, to discover our true authentic selves. Such a task is onerous and time-consuming, and

“It is one of life’s great paradoxes that the things we don’t want to look at in ourselves are the very things we need to look at in order to know ourselves better and to become more fully who we are. The feelings that make us want to run away are buried treasure full of energy and inspiration if we are willing to look. These feelings come in many forms, from strange images or snippets of information to recurring dreams and feelings that rise up seemingly without a reason. Whatever shape they come in, and no matter how scary they seem, these messengers bring the information we need in order to grow.” http://www.dailyom.com/articles/2010/25741.html

We ignore them to our peril. Yet, we need not make this journey alone. The Daily Om article provides information on how you might undertake this process and who may be of help on your journey. If you are reading this post, you have already begun your journey to uncover your true self.

Blessings, Peace & Joy, lydia marie

I Will Be

Posted on October 22, 2010 by Lydia | Leave a comment

I initially heard Wynona (Judd) sing this beautiful, inspiring and uplifting song on an episode of “Army Wives.” Although the episode and the song were intended to address issues of domestic abuse in the military and in general, it is obvious to me that the song and its message have universal appeal. Life is difficult, for some, more often than not. This song serves as a reminder that nothing and no one can harm your true self. In spite of every difficulty, you will be–stronger, wiser and far better for standing up to and facing those challenges.

I Will Be, by Wynona

Been caught in a downpour of a rain of stones

Felt like an exile in the world I had known

So I sought the shelter of my own soul

And stayed inside

I found no comfort in placing blame

I saw the hope that lay just beyond the pain

The past is a prison and I won’t wear those chains

And I won’t hide, oh no

I will be here

I will be strong

I’ll face my fears

When the night is long

And still go on

I will be brave

I will be bold

Follow my faith

To a higher road

And I’m not there yet

But I will be

I could choose to keep my feet upon the beaten path

Never cross the open field for the one snake in the grass

But I’d rather risk my heart then never get the chance

To find my way, to find my way

I will be here

I will be strong

I’ll face my fears

When the night is long

And still go on

I will be brave

I will be bold

Follow my faith

To a higher road

And I’m not there yet

But I will be

Warmest Blessings, lydia

I claim no owner or authorship over the above lyrics or song. To my knowledge, they are the property of Ms. Wynona Judd.

Happy Sunday

Posted on October 17, 2010 by Lydia | Leave a comment

I took this photo on a Sunday afternoon that was as beautiful as today. I hope that you are having a restful and peaceful day.

Blessings to you.

P.S. Geaux Saints!!

Introducing. . .

Posted on October 11, 2010 by Lydia | Leave a comment

I have a thing for creative people, be they interior designers, cooks, dancers, artists or whatever. If they are creative, and use those gifts, I applaud them for the courage to use their God-inspired talents. Far too often, we deny our true interests in favor of “real” jobs that don’t satisfy us creatively or express our passions. As I wrote in an earlier post, I am working on pursuing some of my own long delayed creative pursuits–one of them photography. I’ll never be a photographer like my son-in-law, but I can have fun expressing myself in a creative manner. I intend to post those that I really like on this blog–this is one of them.

The photograph is not the only thing that I wish to introduce to you. The wall hanging that I used in the photograph is titled “Faith” by the artist Kelly Rae Roberts. One day, I discovered her wall hangings at a shop in the town in which I reside. Although I purchased quite a few wall hangings that day, one in particular so reminded me of my daughters and I sent one to each of them. Since then, I’ve amassed a collection–for me at least.

Kelly is a world acclaimed artist and writer who uses mixed media to create inspiring wall hangings, jewelry and numerous other items. She has become one of my favorite purveyors of inspiration, creativity and reasonably priced art.

What better way to describe her art than in Kelly’s own words:

“To me, art has been the unexpected & life-changing discovery of finding my passion. It was a dream I neglected until I was 30 years old, a whisper in my life yearning to be heard. When I finally began to put paint onto paper, my heart and life exploded with a joy I hadn’t known before. Now, many moons later, the whimsical and playful nature of my paintings still come from the inside like a quiet yet heartfelt truth. Much like my own spirit, my work expresses honesty and tenderness while remaining lighthearted and colorful. My hope is that my work invokes a sense of clarity and peace within you as you walk your own path in life, and that it inspires you discover your own limitlessness.” http://kellyraeroberts.com/about/

To see Kelly’s work, go to her website at www.kellyraeroberts.com or follow her goings on at her blog at http://www.kellyraeroberts.blogspot.com/. I hope that you enjoy her work as much as I do.

TAKE NOTE: Links to Amazon go to my affiliate account, which means I make a small commission if you purchase the book through that link.