Being fully alive – Awakening the Soul

I am the Vine — “I am the vine, you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5 NIV)

As I was walking, I paused and remained still and looked in awe at this tree. It is majestic and made me think about this verse (John 15:5). The tree is strong, grounded, and feeds and nourishes the branches. This is so symbolic during this unprecedented time in our history. COVID-19 has taken the world by storm, and has spread at a rate that we have never seen. In these times, so much is beyond our control. The grounding comes from the Spiritual Guide in this amazing universe. Good will shine through, and we will be nourished.

At this time we must not lean on our own understanding and give into fear, we must rest our minds and live in the present moment. Ask yourself what you can see, smell, touch, hear – this may help to ground you in the present moment. Lets slow down our thoughts, and ground ourselves to “what is” not “what if”.

You may be asking yourself how do I do this with what is happening? I want to stay informed how do I achieve balance?

Balance can be achieved by focusing on what you can control vs what you cannot control.

Do your part
Protect yourself by taking appropriate measures as suggested by the media
Limit how much you engage in media posts on COVID-19 (this can be overwhelming if it becomes the majority of your day)
Develop a schedule for your day to day so you can focus on what you can control
Make sure you include mental, physical, and spiritual wellness this may look different for each person
- Examples include yoga, meditation, online cooking classes, team work using MSTEAMS, walks outside where you can engage appropriate social distancing
Ask yourself each day what brought you joy out of the day (even if it is one small example)
Start a gratitude journal at the beginning and end of the day (this will help to set your mind for the day and then close the day off with positivity)
Remember habits take time so reinforce the small steps

In this time while it may seem bleak as we witness the spread, I choose to focus on what I can control and these are the things I know:

I am loved and strong.
I am safe, fortunate and grounded in the now
This event is bringing us all together in the world
Love for one another is radiating stronger during this time
I can still give to others from a distance and help those in need
I can pray and send good energy to those that are struggling and be emotional support where I can.
I have moments of joy every day, they are right in front of me – family/friends/love

Sending good vibes and energy to all those who have read this today. How do you stay grounded in these times? Remember by sharing it may help others.

In Canada, we celebrate Thanksgiving on October 12^th. Every year as I approach this wonderful fall weekend, I look back on the moments and am full of gratitude. We all have been through precious moments that have taken our breath away or experienced bliss or joy.

In all of the moments lately, I have been hearing God say, just BE.

Be willing to follow wherever I lead.

I am unsure of what the next step is, and being a planner like me, it is tough to give up control. He wants me to give up control, and reassures me that some of the most wondrous blessings are around the bend and have yet to come.

Just BE my child, walk by faith not by sight. Trust in ME.

This is a simple ask, and at times in my life has been hard to listen. What I have discovered, when I try to control an outcome, and choose not to trust, uneasiness sets in all around.

It wasn’t long ago, that He asked me to walk by faith. I remember it was just like yesterday, I was sitting in my front room, and my two beautiful gifts were sleeping. Earlier that day I found out that after being in a halo for 80 days to stabilize my spine, my C1 fracture (hangman’s fracture) did not fuse together. Worry and anxiousness set in, and I sat in disbelief and stared at my bible. The voice of fear crept in. Not knowing what the future held for me, tears fell down my face. What kind of mother would I be? What if I couldn’t participate in every day life the way I did before? Why did I make such a stupid decision that would change my life for ever? I hurt the people I loved, and this all was my payment.

The thoughts were of fiction, a story I was creating in my head. God wanted to restore me, refine me and bring forward the truth. I turned the page and John 10:10 was revealed. My thoughts were being stolen, and I did not trust the truth. God saved me for a reason. In that moment, I felt like I was being asked, “Do you Trust me? Do you trust that my acts are beyond all comprehension? Do you trust that I love you?”

Tears continued to flow, and I realized in that very moment – I was not stepping out in faith. I was given a second chance for a reason. I chose in that moment to trust completely and let go of the fear.

Four years later, I feel like I still have some work to do. There are moments where I get lost, and I still let my mind wonder into the “what if” scenarios. But He has reassured me, that He is miraculous and Promises me he is in control, and I am His miracle. I need to walk by faith and not sight when I feel anxious, or unsure.

Thank-you Father on this Thanksgiving for second chances, thank-you for allowing me to be here and present with the ones I love. I am thankful for the gifts you have given me in so many ways. On this Thanksgiving, I am so very grateful for my babies, their father and the love of family and friends. I am His miracle, in flesh, my fracture has never fused, but my life is better than it was before.

Dear Lord God, thank-you for loving me the way you do. Help me to walk by faith and not sight. When life gets messy, be the navigator; reassure me, and fill my mind with your voice. I know you are here with me always, and Trust you have my best interests at heart. I pray for this in Jesus Name Amen.

Be blessed, Ness

To learn more about my C1 fracture experience go to my personal blog on Being Fully Alive