Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Open Letter to Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.

In honor of today marking the first eleven years of travel through life with the companionship of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., I am sharing this letter that was penned four days ago and read during my acceptance of induction into the Hall of Fame of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. - Kappa Iota Zeta Chapter.  Happy Zeta-versary Six S.O.L.E. Survivors of Psi (CAU, Spring 2002)!

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Last night (and all throughout my slumber), I heard rather clearly the request to write Zeta a letter from The Cocoon today – and read it at Hall of Fame tonight; so, what follows here is part one of my obedience. Love willing, part two will be obliged at Hall of Fame tonight.

Dearest Zeta —

Great Hall of Fame morning! As I sit at my desk to honor your request for a letter, my self-reflection won't allow me to let another moment pass without simply saying THANK YOU! Singer / Songwriter Natalie Stewart declares in her song "Need You" the following:

Even when I need you
Even if you cannot come when I call you
It simply means that I can handle it without you
But I know when next I see you
It'll be just when I need you

Zeta, this is the story of our life together. At Clark Atlanta University, in the fall of 2001, I FELT like I needed you; so, I called YOU, but to my initial disappointment and dismay, you didn't come. With a fervent heart, I prayed for you daily. If only I had known then what I know now, I would have grasped the concept that you DIDN'T come, because you COULDN'T come, because I really DIDN'T NEED you. My revelatory sign SHOULD have been the fact that I called YOU! Little did I know that a few more months down the road, I WOULD see you (in the spring of 2002), and that would be JUST when I needed you. How do I know? Because this time, YOU called me! And as your hymn dictates, when YOU call, I'll answer — not the other way around.

I didn't see it then, but YOU called ME just as I was entering my decade of wilderness experiences, EXACTLY when you knew that I would need you. Not only did you call me, but you met me there, at my wilderness threshold, with a healing and nurturing throng of very FINE women (each at their respective points of growth) who too know you well enough to recognize your voice. You saw where my footsteps were traveling, deciphered the necessity of your presence, and YOU called ME with my oldest sister Candice by your side. Along the way, you called me to stand with you as you called my sister Natalie and my mama too. Even when I thought I had lost my way, you kept me occupied in positivity (and did your business ever keep my occupied) and you continued to shine your light upon my path. Thank you for calling me and helping me trust that you will continue to be there just when I need you.

Nearly 11 years later, as I greet you in this morning's rain, on the other side of my wilderness, I'm grateful to still hear your voice. So Zeta, I honor your call; and, I honor the challenge before me to take my new place among the Elders (in life, in labor, in leisure, ...in YOU). If rain aids in the growth of new life, then I welcome it as majestic confirmation that the destiny of THIS transitional day IS blessed. Zeta, let us TOGETHER recognize that (just as the entities around us that we call nature) the skies are granting us permission to keep growing and be elevated by extending ourselves in loving service to all, whether our presence is recognized or not. WE have life-giving and life-sustaining energy, and this morning's rain reminds us that moment by moment, drop by drop, we are jolted by liveliness into a renewed, precious, and fragile state that is strengthened by our collective existence. I just give thanks that of all of the masses and thirsty places among us, the heavens saw fit to love on US and let the rain meet US where WE are.

Today, with my listening ears (those seen and unseen), I've heard your latest call; and, here I stand (Courageously Authentic, by Choice) willing to answer it and receive tonight's induction with humility. I delight in giving thanks for YOU and for this moment. Fore THIS ... IS ... B.i.G.! I love you now, and I welcome our new experiences on the THIS side of wilderness!

Sincerely,

–me!

From My Cocoon, 03/23/13, 1:20:11 PM




Sunday, February 3, 2013

December 24, 2012

Today's Truth and Beauty: Metamorphosis awaits; embrace the cocoon. En♥, -me!



Some of us desire growth, change, and transfiguration of our physical lives and spiritual selves but are unwilling to step into the envelope of alteration. Metamorphosis is unattainable without passage through the cocoon. In this capsule of change, our attentions are directed within, where we come to understand that we are fully equipped with the resources to awaken to the fresh breath of a transformed life and perspective. The truth and beauty is in recognizing that life consistently affords us with metamorphic opportunities, but we must first be willing to undergo the cocoon experience.

"Experience the strength and new beginnings being revealed within you." –Nancy L. Butler-Ross and Michael Suib, Meditation Express

From My Cocoon, 12/23/12, 12:36:47 PM
Today’s Truth and BeautyTM

December 23, 2012

Today's Truth and Beauty: Strength is in composure. En♥, -me!



In the face of perturbation, resist the urge to come apart. The truth and beauty is in remembering that Love Synthesizes! As such, the source of our vigor and power is energized at the amalgamated core. Pull it together; Find the center; Be grounded; Balance.

From My Cocoon, 12/22/12, 11:05:12 AM
Today’s Truth and BeautyTM

December 22, 2012

Today's Truth and Beauty: Each moment requires a private party. En♥, -me!


Pity parties. Passion parties. Everywhere we turn, we can frequently find ourselves engaged in one of the two (or something that qualifies on the spectrum between), and primarily the honored guest is our past perceptions or our future foretellings. What about the present? Often times we spend too much energy planning and hosting parties for the past and future that we fail to realize our neglect to invite the now. And we wonder why we feel so imbalanced!? The truth and beauty comes in understanding that every moment, all we have is this moment; and, it should be eternally celebrated with a private, prominent party. No guest list is necessary because the only other two attempting to get in (past and future) should never be on it. We could increase our potential of being grounded, centered, and balanced if we spent our energy concerning ourselves with gathering socially in observance of every moment, just as it is. So, DJ, turn up the music! Now we've got something really worth celebrating!

From My Cocoon, 12/21/12, 10:29:30 AM 

Today’s Truth and BeautyTM


December 21, 2012

Today's Truth and Beauty: Love Synthesizes! En♥, -me!



My experience has been that when all else fails, love remains. Why? Love Synthesizes! There is a sometimes indescribable power that seems to harmonize and heal even the most fragmented pieces among us. That's love. Love brings us together in song and dance. Love brings us together for hugs and physical embraces. Love brings us together to complete projects as a team. Love brings us together to stand collectively for a cause. Love brings us together after disagreements. Love brings us home. Love brings us unto ourselves. Love brings us unto love. Even the universal symbol for love, the heart (♥), is drawn by the coupling of two halves. Love Synthesizes! The truth and beauty is in recognizing that we need not wait until we feel compartmentalized and broken to experience the everlasting unity and cohesion that love consistently provides.

From My Cocoon, 12/20/12, 10:45:14 AM
 

Today’s Truth and BeautyTM

December 20, 2012

Today's Truth and Beauty: Every hurricane has an eye. Get centered. En♥, -me!



Amid every whirlwind and turbulent encounter, there is a locus of sustenance. At this center is where we find the peace, balance, grounding, support, freedom, and bliss that we so often yearn for. The truth and beauty is in awakening to the various ways in which life frequently beckons us to the nucleus. There are subtle reminders everywhere we look, sometimes in the most unlikely places.

From My Cocoon, 12/19/12, 11:18:06 AM
Today’s Truth and BeautyTM

December 19, 2012

Today's Truth and Beauty: Part of my growth includes honoring where I've grown from. En♥, -me!



It is impossible to know and remember who we are without remembering where we came from. Whether we regard the physical space, community, and experiences of our beginnings as refreshing or tainted, there is no denying that we would not be who / where we are now if we had not passed that way. At the very least, going "home" is a gentle exercise in gratefulness and groundedness; and, it is vital to our growth. The truth and beauty is in understanding that if we fail to acknowledge our beginnings with humility, respect, and love, then (just as the rocking horse) we are in a perpetual state of movement, not progression.

"A forest that has sheltered you, you should not call a patch of scrub." – Oji Proverb

From My Cocoon, 12/18/12, 10:21:36 AM
Today’s Truth and BeautyTM

December 18, 2012

Today's Truth and Beauty: I can achieve balance by awakening to the fullness of the dark and the void of the light. En♥, -me!



Our society thrives on duality discussion and the juxtaposition of what are commonly perceived as opposites: good and bad, right and wrong, right and left, up and down, rich and poor, black and white, heterosexual and homosexual, day and night, light and dark, etc. We promote the idea that if half of the whole is affiliated with a positivity, then the other half must be negative. While one can certainly find some element of truth in this philosophy, how much more holistic stability could we achieve by focusing our attention on union instead of division, synthesis instead of compartmentalization? The truth and beauty is in altering perspective to understand opposites as relational, not resistance. Opposites are a complementary / corresponding pair that are separated by an intervening space. There is clarity in the view from the gap; it reveals appreciation for that which both parts have to offer. Upon re-examination, we can see that though we commonly neglect the darkness because we rely so heavily on the light to supply needs and validate our path, there are in fact a plethora of rich resources and lessons that are only accessible in the darkness. A delicate balance of pieces is pivotal to peace.

From My Cocoon, 02/02/13, 2:43:57 PM
Today’s Truth and BeautyTM

December 17, 2012

Today's Truth and Beauty: Love on yourself like you are the only one living in your skin. En♥, -me!



Why? Because you are! While loving on yourself helps you know yourself, it is also an action that first requires you learning yourself. Basking in solitude is a great way to initiate the learning process. How can we love on ourselves if we don't know ourselves well enough to know how we desire love? Furthermore, how do we dare communicate our desires to others? When we lay to rest at night, it matters not who wraps up in our sheets with us; we are the only ones who wrap up in our skin. The truth and beauty is in comprehending that communing with ourselves is a prerequisite to loving on ourselves as only we are capable. Communing with ourselves is loving on ourselves!

From My Cocoon, 02/02/13, 2:00:14 PM
Today’s Truth and BeautyTM

December 16, 2012

Today's Truth and Beauty: Thoughts materialize. En♥, -me!



It is a timeless truism that that which we think comes into existence. The truth and beauty is in actually discerning this truth; we have an unremitting ability to shape and reshape our realities by simply being more aware of our cogitation. If we are unsettled by circumstances, we should scrutinize our thoughts. We can do something to ignite loving change; and the first thing we can do is utilize our mind's eye to see (i.e., intention) the change. Only then will it be actualized. So don't hesitate to ask yourself, "What are you thinking about?"

From The Passenger's Side, 12/16/12, 12:12:17 PM
Today’s Truth and BeautyTM

December 15, 2012

Today's Truth and Beauty: Taste the sweet nectar of life uncommon. En♥, -me!


"Lend your voices only to sounds of freedom.
No longer lend your strength to that which you wish to be free from.
Fill your lives with love and bravery,
And you shall lead a life uncommon."

– Jewel, Life Uncommon


The truth and beauty is in comprehending that it can be just that simple! Many of us expend our energy and strength on things that entangle and enslave our own selves. Unfortunately, it's the common thing to do. But what if we...just...let...go? The uncommon life is lived in courage, the courage to be enveloped in love and boldly free ourselves from those things we no longer wish to be bound to or by. Daring to live a life uncommon is filled with an abundance of nourishing sweetness that eases and satisfies. Let's stick our tongues out and taste it now.

From My Cocoon, 12/14/12, 10:00:19 AM 

Today’s Truth and BeautyTM


December 14, 2012

Today's Truth and Beauty: Be willing to change perspective and witness the love that is all around. En♥, -me!



Our mental view sets the scene for what we see and experience now. Some people like to affirm that, "Perception is Reality." The truth and beauty is in knowing that the luxury of affirming love is all around us; all we need do is open our mind's eye to behold its abundance. We can choose to look at the world as hard, guilty, horrible, negative, lacking, etc.; or, we can choose to change our lenses, look again, and observe every goodness that is offered, especially the ones we may have previously taken for granted or not even noticed at all.

From My Cocoon, 12/13/12, 9:56:46 AM
Today’s Truth and BeautyTM

December 13, 2012

Today's Truth and Beauty: I can experience my own healing by peeling back the layers and loving the hurt away. En♥, -me!



If we can worry ourselves sick, we can believe ourselves well; the mind can be medicinal! Every single pain that we experience, physical or metaphysical, is capable of healing. The truth and beauty is in receiving the lesson that the pain has come to teach us, by exploring its organic source. This inward journey requires an enormous amount of blatant honestly with ourselves. Underneath the multiple layers of our own fantasies that paint us as victims of hurt is the authentic truth that actually paints us as the victimizer. We can heal ourselves! Our courageous willingness to love against all odds is is the treatment.

NOTE: A helpful resource for peeling back the layers may be Sakichi Toyoda's "Five Whys" Technique.

NOTE: A helpful resource for loving the hurt away may be Love is Letting Go of Fear by Gerald G. Jampolsky, M.D.

From My Cocoon, 12/12/12, 10:40:40 AM
Today’s Truth and BeautyTM

December 12, 2012

Today's Truth and Beauty: May your life amplify the music of your heartstrings. En♥, -me!


Music is a universal language. It can heal, unify, restore, entertain, and educate. Look around; listen around. We are all musicians in the mystical symphony of life. Our bodies even have their own rhythm sections, and the breath of life is sustained because the heart undulates with the cadence. The truth and beauty is in perceiving the importance of our contribution to the music. There is a song pulling on our heartstrings. The balance of the aesthetic whole hinges on our individual commitment to amplify our sound, when necessary. Decide today to consciously share in the music. The band needs you, and so do you!

From My Cocoon, 12/11/12, 10:06:49 AM
Today’s Truth and BeautyTM

December 11, 2012

Today's Truth and Beauty: All can illuminate brighter by fearlessly sharing the inextinguishable light. En♥, -me!



There is a candle of inconsumable flame. Its light permeates the soul and serves as a beacon of truth for our journey. And we all have it. The truth and beauty comes in believing that we are all the source of this limitless light; we are all one with this limitless light; and by choosing to unify our limitless light, we can all be more luminous. Contrary to popular belief, we need not fear the darkness as a result of sharing our light. The abundance of light is inexhaustible.

"If this little light of mine combined with yours today, how many watts could we illuminate? How many villages could save?" – Jason Mraz, The Sunshine Song

From My Cocoon, 12/10/12, 9:41:49 AM
Today’s Truth and BeautyTM


December 10, 2012

Today's Truth and Beauty: Stay here. Be baptized in the present. En♥, -me!



Whether through aspersion, affusion, immersion, or submersion, the Christian tradition recognizes baptism as a sacred experience of initiation. In a ceremonious manner, water is applied to the physical body (in part or whole) and an individual is considered washed, renewed, welcomed, and sometimes given a new name. What if we looked at life as a continual state of new moments and consciously decided to be metaphysically cleansed in each one? What if we truly recognized that each moment affords us a new opportunity to rid ourselves of past hallucinations and future delusions and just stay in the here and now? The truth and beauty is in knowing that when we choose to focus on nothing but the peace of the present, we are perpetually engaged in a ritual of purgation.

"Each moment...is a new place you've never been." – Unknown

From My Cocoon, 12/09/12, 7:05:35 PM
Today’s Truth and BeautyTM

December 9, 2012

Today's Truth and Beauty: Intuition is impervious to the impulsive illusions of instinct. En♥, -me!



Instinct, Intuition. I would venture to say that many of us don't recognize them as two distinct things because we use their names interchangeably. So, just what is the difference? Simply put, instinct is fear / ego, and intuition is love / true self. You know that immediate, animated response to things that is often close-minded, defensive, and more than likely selfish at its core? Instinct. And you know that insightful "gut feeling" that ALWAYS tells the truth, even if we choose not to listen or feel hesitant because we don't quite see the definitive means to the end yet? Intuition. The truth and beauty comes in questioning which one we have being led by and understanding the necessity of allowing intuition to be our guide. No matter how hard the fantasies of instinct pursue, intuition is unwavering and will always be there with a "NO TRESPASSING" sign out front.

From My Cocoon, 12/08/12, 9:54:19 AM
Today’s Truth and BeautyTM

December 8, 2012

Today's Truth and Beauty: There's no room for baggage on the soul train. En♥, -me!



Throughout the years, there have been many musical references to trains as a symbolic expression of mass movement and rapid transition to a new state of awareness. The gospel traditions of the deep south spiritual, "The Gospel Train," welcomed everyone to "Get on board little children. There's room for many-a-more." In 1965, Curtis Mayfield wrote "People Get Ready" and sang of social awareness with the Impressions, "People get ready. There's a train a comin'. You don't need no baggage. You just get on board." Atlanta supergroup, Dungeon Family, released a 2001 hit of self-confidence and conviction,"Trans DF Express," that urges others to "Grab your ticket. Come get wit it." That train we keep hearing so much about is a metaphorical express transport of souls. It's a vehicle that all are welcomed to hitch a ride on and move to a new, elevated, loving and peaceful station of consciousness. The truth and beauty is in honoring the sanctity of the transit and recognizing that in order to maximize compartmental space and maintain that room for many-a-more, it is imperative that we all let go and drop our bags before boarding. Besides, we won't want any weight once experiencing the freedom of where this train is going any way. The ancestors have already assured us that "This train is bound for glory."

"...and as always in parting, we wish you love, peace, and soul!" – Donald "Don" Cornelius, Soul Train Creator and Host

From My Cocoon, 12/07/12, 1:01:20 PM
Today’s Truth and BeautyTM

December 7, 2012

Today's Truth and Beauty: Crying is letting go of tears. En♥, -me!


Many of us encounter a mind manufactured "YIELD", "STOP", "DETOUR", or even "DEAD END" sign immediately after we pass the "CAUTION: CRYING AHEAD" sign along life's highways and by-ways. It is so customary to even go so far as to whisper and plead internally, while the tear ducts are filling to maximum capacity, "Don't cry. please don't cry." Whether the tears are classified as happy or sad, we often times greet them with hesitancy and aversion. It could be self-consciousness over vulnerability. It could be embarrassment. It could be undesired perception of weakness. It could be fatigue. It could be stubbornness. It could be intimidation. It could be just be a timing. Ultimately, it's fear. The truth and beauty comes in recognizing and releasing the self-imposed tension of fear and...just...crying. Crying is therapeutic. If for nothing else, consider that the body is a self-sustaining organism. Crying is an integral process that is directly connected to the body's drainage system. Tears are a saline lubricant necessary to facilitating the fluidity and seamless motion of your body parts. Crying is healing. No matter who, what, where, when, why, or how, when the tears come, go on; cry. Follow the sign that says, "Keep Going This Way."

"Crying doesn't indicate that you are weak. Since birth, it has always been a sign that you are alive." – Unknown

From My Cocoon, 12/06/12, 11:12:29 AM
Today’s Truth and BeautyTM

December 6, 2012

Today's Truth and Beauty: It's never too late to contemplate who / what we want to be when we grow up. En♥, -me!



It seems as though "What do you want to be when you grow up?" is a probing (and often intimidating) question exclusively reserved for those within a certain age and height requirement. The truth and beauty comes in freely accepting that growth is a continual cycle, and it is highly probable that the journey towards fulfilling purpose includes more than one destination. The societal pressures of attempting to have that elusive "it" figured out by a certain time in our lives has a reputation of stress, emptiness, anguish, and unhappiness. Release the tension. Life is not linear, so stop toeing the line. It's never too late to charter a new course. If the soul still resides in the physical body as we know it, then there is still growth inside. We may learn that our flower is just budding. So, be your age nine months, nine years, nineteen years, ninety years, ninety-nine years, or any other, take some time to ask yourself, "Who / What do I want to be when I grow up?"

From My Cocoon, 12/05/12, 11:30:18 AM
Today’s Truth and BeautyTM

December 5, 2012

Today's Truth and Beauty: Some are invited, but all are welcomed. En♥, -me!



Just as "the doors of the church are always open" but a personal invitation may be extended for some to join in the fellowship and unity of a religious experience, the same is true of life. Everyone that showed up to the gathering may not have been invited, but why can't their arrival be welcomed with all of the love, positivity, joy, and hopefulness that our hearts can stand? The truth and beauty comes in practicing the application of this principle to the vicissitudes of our daily lives. Perhaps you feel like you didn't specifically extend an open hand to that illness, that financial instability, that person who's very presence makes your blood pressure rise, that traffic violation, etc. The instinctive reaction may be stress and frustration, but there is more peace in choosing to extend an open heart to that uninvited guest. In turn, they / it may not linger as long as you expected; their / it's presence may cease to be a nuisance.

"Attitude makes all the difference." – Carol Henley, Fellow Summer 2003 ETSU Intern

From My Cocoon, 12/04/12, 10:17:13 AM
Today’s Truth and BeautyTM

December 4, 2012

Today's Truth and Beauty: Listen. The ancestors speak. En♥, -me!



The transition that takes place during the death of the physical body does not silence the voice of the soul. The truth and beauty comes in consciously choosing not to neglect the whispers of those who have preceded us in death. There is more beyond what we are presently exposed to; and, releasing the fears and taboo stigmas commonly associated with engaging in conversation with the ancestors could be the very action that bestows clarity. Do not ignore the voice of the body that was; listen and respect it's call.

From My Cocoon, 12/03/12, 12:15:56 PM
Today’s Truth and BeautyTM

December 3, 2012

Today's Truth & Beauty: rushing waters still En♥, -me!



Three words, no punctuation. The truth and beauty comes in acknowledging that whether, "Rushing waters still.", "Rushing, waters still.", "Rushing waters, still.", "Rushing, Waters, Still", or an altogether different interpretation, the saying is steadfast.

From My Cocoon, 12/02/12, 10:00:22 AM
Today’s Truth and BeautyTM

December 2, 2012

Today's Truth and Beauty: Don't forget to remember who you are. En♥, -me!



"Who are you?" "What are you?" The only one equipped to answer such questions for us is ourselves. Yet, it often takes the probing of another to usher us into a space of introverted reflection to seek the answers to such questions. Why is that? Beyond the convenient responses that define us by a profession, title, birthplace, and family name, there is a charge to understand conclusively the core of who and what we truly are. The truth and beauty comes in grasping the concept that we already know. It's simply up to us to open ourselves to allow ourselves to remind ourselves.

From My Cocoon, 12/01/12, 11:41:45 AM
Today’s Truth and BeautyTM

December 1, 2012

Today's Truth and Beauty: Be ever conscious of the heir of your spiritual wealth. En♥, -me!



Our daily walks are paving a way, establishing a legacy, building an inheritance. While most can effortlessly recognize the literal and material applications of this philosophy, the truth and beauty comes in understanding the spiritual implications here. Inasmuch as society encourages us to be consistently aware of the degree of wealth that our physical works are building, our greatest works are those which speak for us long before we arrive and long after we depart. On our daily walk, we must not forget the inevitable effects of our spirituality, our inward journey. Who is the heir of your spiritual wealth? Don't forget to remember them.

From My Cocoon, 11/30/12, 9:54:41 AM
Today’s Truth and BeautyTM

November 30, 2012

Today's Truth and Beauty: My oneness with the united self declares that I am me, you, us, them, this, and that. En♥, -me!



Hey, Three Dog Night! Is one really the loneliest number that you'll ever do? ;-) (Of course I'm not taking a stand against this great song, but the first line has always created an intellectual stir within). As it relates to the unity of diversity and the very infinite nature of our united selves, some might even propose that one is actually the most populated number that you'll ever do. Yet, it doesn't feel crowded. The truth and beauty comes in recognizing that in the grand perspective of the cosmos (from the smallest microscopic organism to the people that we adore, to the people that we just tolerate, to the inhabitants of the earth, sky, and sea, to the material trappings of your own bubble in society), we are all one. It's not so lonely here after all, is it?

From My Cocoon, 11/29/12, 10:43:07 AM
Today’s Truth and BeautyTM

November 29, 2012

Today's Truth and Beauty: All are equal. None are same. En♥, -me!



Just as one dollar, four quarters, ten dimes, twenty nickels, and one hundred pennies are equal in value but cannot be substituted for each other when undertaking certain tasks, so are the various beings of (and beyond) this whirling ball in space. The truth and beauty comes in recognizing that while the construct of our being may spew from the same infinite source of love, we are each set apart by our uniquely individual journeys, gifts, and enriching characteristics. None is more valuable than the other, but none can be substituted by the other. Your are a valuable resource that cannot be replaced. Know your truth. Stand in your truth. Speak your truth, in love. Honor every guise of truth.

"As different streams
Having their sources in different places
All mingle their water in the sea
So, O Lord, the different paths
Which people take
Through different tendencies
Various though they appear
Crooked or straight
All lead to Thee"

– Sanskrit Prayer

From My Cocoon, 11/28/12, 11:10:24 AM
Today’s Truth and BeautyTM

November 28, 2012

Today's Truth and Beauty: Happiness is contagious. Catch the wave, and hang ten. En♥, -me!


If we are going to transmit anything, let it be happiness. Thankfully, more and more of us are waking up to the notion of explicit and unabashed felicity; it's a movement that all are welcomed to join. It is something that has been sought after and studied throughout the ages; and, though it is undoubtedly an "inside job", the world is presently full of resources and documented testimony that could surely convince the non-believer that happiness is truly obtainable. The truth and beauty is in being wise enough to know that aside from material resources and beyond ourselves—because as my mother's wisdom has always advised me, "You've got to make your own happiness."—our greatest resource is each other. We are encouraged to identify joy in each other, brush shoulders and foster relationships with each other, engage in the collective activity, experience our own joy, and vow to eternally surround ourselves with people, places, and things that (in the very least) help to sustain our happiness. So, "If you're happy and you know it, clap your hands." ;-)

From My Cocoon, 01/30/13, 11:05:00 PM
Today’s Truth and BeautyTM

November 27, 2012

Today's Truth and Beauty: I am empowered to do more than I am doing with my power. En♥, -me!



How long must we sit by idly before we shoulder the unique authority with which we have been equipped? Life is beckoning us to the start line of our destiny with relentless urgency and vigor. The truth and beauty is in being bold enough to respond to the call, show up, and truthfully evaluate our performance.

From My Cocoon, 01/30/13, 10:16:25 PM
Today’s Truth and BeautyTM

November 26, 2012

Today's Truth and Beauty: Be. En♥, -me!


The truth and beauty is in perpetually internalizing our is-ness such that we externalize our is-ness.

"You just gotta ignite the light and let it shine
Just own the night like the 4th of July...
It's always been inside of you, you, you
And now it's time to let it through
'Cause baby you're a firework
Come on, show 'em what you're worth"

– Katy Perry, Firework

From My Cocoon, 01/30/13, 9:43:12 PM 

Today’s Truth and BeautyTM



November 25, 2012

Today's Truth and Beauty: Love on yourself; it's your birthright. Smile at yourself in the mirror today; you deserve to experience the results. En♥, -me!



Conceit is one thing, but self-love is a living affirmation that can only be shared in the private sanctuary of the singularly qualified, individual person. The truth and beauty is in commanding full ownership over that virtue and treating ourselves to the great adoration we deserve. Perhaps we buy ourselves flowers, delight in the positive reinforcement of personal mantras, cook ourselves our favorite meal, write ourselves a love letter in our journal, purchase a new article of clothing, or high-five ourselves when no one is looking. Whatever it may be, we ourselves should be the example of how we can be loved and how we can love. We can begin by simply greeting ourselves with a warm, embracing smile in the mirror each day.

From My Cocoon, 01/30/13, 8:16:11 PM
Today’s Truth and BeautyTM

November 24, 2012

Today's Truth and Beauty: To show love is to be love. Embody that which you already are. En♥, -me!


The truth and beauty is in incarnating our true star power.

We.
Are.
Love.
Amen.
So be it.
So.
Be it.
So, BE Love!

From My Cocoon, 01/30/13, 7:38:56 PM
Today’s Truth and BeautyTM

November 23, 2012

Today's Truth and Beauty: The greatest treasure of diversity comes in perceiving it through the lens of singularity. En♥, -me!


Sure, we all have distinctive qualities, physical characteristics, talents, life purposes, personality traits, etc.; all beings do. But that's just it: all beings do! For us to be so different, we sure do have a lot in common. From the billions of particles of cosmic dust that gracefully dance in constant, dynamic unison to form the masses we call bodies, to the inner longings for love, success, and sustenance, we are one. The truth and beauty is in truly comprehending that while we could stand around debating our differences, we are guaranteed to activate more prolificity by aligning in our distinguishability to build upon mutually beneficial relationships. It is our cohesion that makes us limitless.

"The whole is greater than the sum of its parts." –Aristotle

From My Cocoon, 01/30/13, 7:32:25 PM
Today’s Truth and BeautyTM

November 22, 2012

Today's Truth and Beauty: There is no substitute for the simple peace of living a light-hearted and carefree life. En♥, -me!



Some of us mistake being heavy for being grounded. There is something to be said about the profound difference between the two. Heaviness is characterized as having massive weight. It is oppressed by gravitational pull, linked to stress, and commonly impedes mobility. In contrast, grounded-ness is characterized as having holistic, compacted stability. It partners with gravity, is linked to calmness, and elevates while maintaining firm endurance. The truth and beauty is in our commitment to transition from a laborious posture to one of liberation. The process involves releasing the stronghold we often like to have over counter-productive thoughts, ideas, and activities. It means being able to differentiate between being concerned and consumed. It requires letting go of that which does not innately belong to us through the nature of our authentic existence. Only then can we begin to soar with the experience of tranquility through life's free flight.

From My Cocoon, 01/30/13, 6:55:58 PM
Today’s Truth and BeautyTM

November 21, 2012

Today's Truth and Beauty: "Give thanks" is a decree and a plea, an affirmation and an adjuration. En♥, -me!


Decree-an imperative directive (e.g., We must always offer grateful thanks.)
Plea-an earnest solicitation (e.g., Remember to express gratitude.)
Affirmation-a positively stated assertion (e.g., We are sincerely and continually gratified.)
Adjuration-a solemn prayer (e.g., Much gratification to you.)

The truth and beauty is reflected in the certifiable, courteous service of gratefulness, regardless of grammatical classification.

From My Cocoon, 01/23/13, 7:26:20 PM
Today’s Truth and BeautyTM

November 20, 2012

Today's Truth and Beauty: Coincidences happen on purpose. En♥, -me!



Understanding the relationship of cause and effect through the power of intention means recognizing that absolutely nothing happens by accident, even coincidences. By definition, coincidental events are the result of union in action, just unexpectedly. As such, even when things happen beyond the scope of our expectation, we must come to know that their presence is a result of an energetic invitation. Hence, the truth and beauty is in being able to see the connectional relationship of all occurrences.

From My Cocoon, 01/23/13, 6:42:36 PM
Today’s Truth and BeautyTM

November 19, 2012

Today's Truth and Beauty: I can move closer to joyfully living my purpose by continually aligning my choices with the awakening seedlings of my soul. En♥, -me!


The measure of our joy is directly related to waking up our dreams and fulfilling the truest desires of our souls. Our dreams spring forth from the organic expressions of who we are, and waking them up demands that we perpetually make decisions and surround ourselves with the people and resources that are in line with our advancement toward our goals. The truth and beauty is in internalizing that (as James Allen wrote in As a Man Thinketh) "Dreams are the seedlings of realities."

From My Cocoon, 01/23/13, 6:13:27 PM