Balancing Harmony and Discord
As we journey through our life, we often find ourselves seeking harmony and balance. In doing so, we often strive to remove all the conflict, and tension from our life. But perhaps conflict, and tension are not entirely a “bad thing” which needs to be eliminated for us to be happy. They can be tools which cause us to reflect on our journey, and what is important to us. Is not the key to finding balance, the ability to find peace amidst the turmoil, to be able to center yourself despite the storms?
This week, I was dealing with a situation in which I felt the need to eliminate all the disharmony around it. I noticed that this desire seemed to create a lot of stress and tension within me, the opposite of what I was trying to achieve.
While taking a walk and reflecting on these challenges, I came across this remarkable cluster of plants along the fence line. The beautiful orange flower, as it gently hung from its delicate stem, reflected harmony and balance, and the fragile aspect of these concepts. In contrast, the lichen grew in haphazard directions seemly without reason, representing the unpredictable aspects of life itself. Yet once framed within the parameters of the fence board, they exist side-by-side, creating beauty, harmony, and balance.
I leave you with this quote to reflect on:
“In this way, we are challenged every day to say yes to the movements of life, seeing them through, without pause, staying in relationship to the music of life and each other,
adjusting as we go, not knowing what will happen next.”
- Mark Nepo, Drinking from the Rivers of Life
Expressing your Authentic Self
Amidst the shades of green and the golden rays of sunlight, I came across a bush alive with fiery orange color. The beautiful wild azalea stood boldly in the forest. She reflected the power and beauty which is revealed when one chooses to express one’s creativity to its fullest. When we authentically express ourselves outwardly to the world, we choose to stand in our own power. We no longer play a particular role to keep from “rocking the boat.” We no longer ‘hide behind a mask” to keep from being seen. Instead, we make a conscious decision to allow all our creative energy to come forth, to take form and be released. When you do so, you empower yourself. You will find that this brings you joy because you are no longer suppressing who you are. You are allowing yourself to live to your fullest, to be who you came here to be.
To find and connect with your true authentic self, you must quiet your mind and move into your heart. Listen for the whispers of your soul, for the words “follow me.” Watch with anticipation for the colors and magic to unfold, calling you to remember who you are. And once recognized, choose to let go of your fears which have held you back, and choose instead to follow the inner calling of your heart. That you might shine your light and express your inner being to the world.
Blessings, Valerie
Copyright Restoring Light 2021, all rights reserved
Photo by Valerie Greguire, all rights reserved
