A Leaf in the Wind

I was visiting the charming town of Hendersonville, North Carolina, it was early fall and the leaves had just started to drop from the trees that lined the sidewalks. I paused for a moment to decide which storefront to stop in. As I did so, the wind picked up and a single leaf caught my eye as it was lifted off the sidewalk. It was one of those surreal moments when everything around you is silenced and you are alone with your thoughts and Spirit. I watched as the wind gently tossed the leaf through the air, moving from one side of the road to the other, looking for its destination to set it back down.

As this unfolded, I began to think of all the shops that lined this street and all the people in them. I contemplated how a decision to stop in one shop over another could be the factor in a chance encounter with a person and conversation who could literally change your life. I thought about how our intentions and actions shaped our reality as we moved through life. And I thought about the endless possibilities for conversations and meetings with people, in just this strip of shops alone. Yet for any of them to unfold, I needed to make the choice as to where to turn.

Your reality and your next moments are never fixed, they are not absolute. Your reality is alive and being created moment by moment, by each thought, feeling or action you make. You choose what to observe and where to place your focus. You choose how you will interact with the people, places and situations you encounter. And then by the intention you carry, you create your reality. Your intention be it conscious or unconscious, creates waves of energy which allows for infinite possibilities and for potential to unfold.

As the wind died down the leaf fell silently to the ground, finding its resting place, the sounds of cars and music on the street gently nudged me back to awareness again. Looking around me, the people in the street seemed unaware of the magic which had just occurred.

Taking a few steps forward Spirit whispered in my ear “The question is, are you creating consciously or unconsciously? Are you being carried by the winds of life, or are you choosing your path?” I smiled as I took my next step, turning into a shop of my choice, eagerly waiting for my adventure to unfold.

I wanted to share one such encounter I had while being open to Spirit's guiding. When I was walking along going shop to shop, I stopped and talked to a woman who had just opened a new business. I was drawn to just stop and visit with her and be in no particular hurry. We talked for over an hour sharing stories, thoughts and encouragement. When I got home and reflected on our conversation I realized she had shared many gems with me, so I wrote them down. I’d like to share them with you now…