As the snow continues to fall and white blankets the land around my home, my heart rejoices! Yep, my prayers have been answered! It has been many years since we have had a really good snow fall in central Indiana and this Hoosier welcomes the sight. Gratefully, the Indiana Department of Public Transportation is top notch and well managed so that roads will be passable and safe for those that have to travel.
    From the massive amount of closings, it is apparent the welfare of our residents is paramount over profits and productions. I mention this because it feels important to shed light on the goodness of people . . . and there are so many good ones! With so much focus on the darkness this past year, how about we consider this snow as a white blanket of purity here to replenish the Earth with abundant hope, kindness, and truthfulness. They say whatever you are looking for, you will find. I’m looking for decency, integrity and honesty to be the focus of our world. How about you? Where’s your focus? What are you looking for?
     The Clan Mother for this month, Wisdom Keeper, offers this description, “Snowflakes are the messengers that carry each person’s dreams and feelings back to Earth.”  Just as there are no two snowflakes alike, so each of us carry our own unique dreams and feelings. Those qualities we wish to see more of in the world.
    How about we hold onto those words and consider what 2021 will offer once warmth thaws the Earth and allows those dreams to burst forth with spring.
What dreams and feelings of yours are carried within the snowflakes that blanket your yard? What do you hope to see spring forth when warmth returns to Earth?
     In the meantime, really look at the beauty and sparkle of the snow that blankets the Earth and remember the infamous words of Jimmy Hendrix,  “When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace!

   The statement above is the fifth habit in Stephen Covey’s book, “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People.” I read this book back in the 80’s and the wisdom of those words became forever embedded into my heart. These powerful seven words, if implemented into your life can change the course of events in the lives around you as well as yours.
   I am convinced if we listen more and talk less we will become more effective in every area of our life. Today everyone has an opinion and few actually listen. They may be silent while you speak, however, chances are what they are doing is creating their response to what you are saying.  Actually listening indicates you are truly “seeking to understand.”
   I heard a young man speak yesterday about how the widening gap between cultures could be greatly narrowed if we simply took the time to “know the history of a different culture than our own.” What a profound idea!
    Consider both of these statements. Whether the differences pertain to gender, ethnicity, socio-economic levels, age, education, spiritual beliefs, or a host of other differences, these two simple yet powerful statements could open the door to understanding and healing.
    It all begins within! How much do you know about your family history? And, how far back can you trace your lineage? When was the last time you spoke to your parents or grandparents about what life was like for them when they grew up?
    There are tons of wonderfully powerful and informative books on every topic imaginable, perhaps a book has been “calling to you” that could shed light on your family lineage, another culture’s history, or some topics you would like to know more about. Maybe there’s a novel you picked up because you liked the title and it’s still sitting on your shelf, patiently waiting. My shelf currently has several such books!
    With that in mind, the idea was birthed to create a book discussion group to satisfy two needs: First, have a reason to pull one of the books off my shelf, and secondly, to connect with other people with similar passions for learning, understanding and/or simply being entertained. We are offering a monthly Book Review via Zoom the second Tuesday of each month. Our first session is Tuesday, February 9 from 6:30-7:30p.m. If you would like to participate, email me: vkwspirit@gmail.com by Monday, February 8. A zoom meeting will be scheduled and the link will be sent to whoever shows an interest.
   Since this is short notice, if you are unable to attend this month, be assured you are welcome to other monthly Book Reviews. Those dates are listed on the Events link on our website: www.headtothearttalks.com  Let’s get reading! 

​          As we begin the Spectacular month of September now would be a grand time to re-evaluate our work. Of course, that can mean the place we report to every day that we gratefully receive a paycheck in exchange for our efforts, or it may mean looking at our lives to see what’s working and what might need a bit of attention.
            With Labor Day just around the corner, now would be a good time to consider what we appreciate about our place of employment. In light of the new “work from home” norm, the physical place we used to go to each day might look a bit more appealing. Home is wonderful; however, spending two to three times more there than normal can become so predictable the excitement of going home is non-existent. The usual Labor Day, end of summer cookout might also seem less exciting, since for many it has become a daily event.  Truth be told, one might welcome putting away the cooking tongs, chef’s hat, charcoal or propane tank this year.
            Perhaps the time spent at home with everyone present has shed some light on the relationship you have with those with whom you spend even more time with now than usual. Good, bad, or ugly, it’s a beautiful opportunity to set aside time to really look at the part you play in your family and at your place of employment. Now might be a perfect time to look in the mirror and ask, “What do I add to the relationships around me? What areas of change would be helpful to support harmony in those relationships? Precisely what am I adding to the peacefulness around me? And finally, what specific changes are ready to be made in my life?
            All of these questions offer us the opportunity to help our selves; our family, community and country find a collaborative and cooperative way to move through these difficult, yet much needed changes. Now is the time to fall in love with every aspect of your work and life, and then share a “peace” of that with those around you . . . even if it’s a stranger in a mask at the store. Just smile and look into their eyes and you'll see they appreciate the smile in your eyes. 

The heat of summer intensifies this month which offers families the opportunity to pack the days with playful backyard activities, fire up the grill and enjoy the last few weeks of longer days. Backyard gardeners are busy trying to keep a step ahead of the quickly growing weeds while harvesting the bounty from their early spring plantings. It is a time to fit in the small trips that were planned over the winter, or, in light of the pandemic, create an inventive stay-cation event. And, of course, there’s cleaning out the garage to house our cars for the winter, which probably means organizing a garage sale.

This year school is also taking on a completely new look. For many families it’s still up in the air, take classes online, homeschool or venture into the school buildings? Communities are also considering extending the start of school to ensure children and faculty will be safe . . . yet another turn of events that has disrupted our “normal” routine. Regardless how this new school year looks, school supplies will still need to be purchased, as will new shoes and clothing. It’s a “rite of passage” that happens every year.

August brings a new chapter in the cycle of life as we prepare for the Fall Equinox that will herald in the harvest of Autumn. As we move into August now is a perfect time to consider the richness of summer activities and what they offered each of us, our families/friends. Take a few moments and reflect on the ways you and your family/friends adapted to the current situation. What was done differently and how were the activities modified? In this final month of summer, is there something you can still participate in that would add another memory to this most unusual year? And if a traditional event was unable to be offered, how did you and your family manage that? 

August may be the perfect time to talk to your friends and family about how the summer of 2020 will be remembered. Make certain to consider both aspects, both the downside and the upside. Life is always about balance; how have you and your family/friends managed this most “interesting” summer? 

Post in the comments below what creative ideas served as substitutes. It just might be something that spurs another person/family into trying the same type (or their own version) of your adventure. Remember, we’re all in this together!