Tag: Transcendent Love

Touchstones of Transcendental Love

touchstone

I wrote a piece on “Moments” as a blog – please review it here. I decided to do a new piece, and I am calling it – “Touchstones” – with looking at the following definition:

A touchstone can be any object that represents a special person or significant memory to us.

As a metaphor, a touchstone is any physical or intellectual measure by which the validity or merit of a concept can be tested.

The term ‘touchstone’ is used for any past knowledge or experience that has a strong influence on a person.

Touchstone memories. These are past examples of our resilience during an unexpected event. We can look back on them as evidence of our capability to face new challenges and move through them.

Taking those definitions – I am looking at Touchstones as:

Nature walks – where I have experienced a sense of completeness, motivation, and determination to move on.

Every day now in the mountains I am in nature and seasons. I realize cold seasons are not for everyone, but winter requires my reflection and resilience. I have been in magnificent settings throughout my life, from oceans, to deserts, to tropical and mountain tops.

They all have soul messages if we tap in to listen. Walks by the sea, going out at midnight in the desert and gently hugging sahuaros, hearing the sea within them. Sahuaros store water for the hot desert summers. Breathtaking sunrises upon the beaches and mountain sunrises and sunsets. 360 degrees view on mountain tops, and hugging mountain trees – feeling their endurance and strength. Touchstones.

Events

My ordination, and my first Big Sky Retreat 1976 in the Grand Tetons. A sacred soul moment by a waterfall on an island on Jackson Lake with my HIV Group – Together to Grow – that made it to the then Grand Teton Retreat and a journey through Yellowstone together. My Doctorate Ceremony and my 80th birthday receiving notes of how I had touched people’s lives through my time with the Big Sky Retreat. The last Big Sky Retreat – 2024, overwhelming sadness in letting go and profound JOY in 48 years of service and LOVE.

Places that signify my soul’s journey.

Mountains, oceans, deserts and where I will have my ashes scattered – at Ousel Falls around Big Sky, MT – treasured memories of magnificent friends and peers shared there. Touchstones

Family, peers, friends, and pets that left indelible heart-prints of LOVE.

Precious moments in helping to raise my four nieces with my mom and sister in my 20’s and their families throughout my life. My work with HIV/AIDS in the 80’s and 90’s transformed how I saw myself and life. Having a precious dog – Gus – that  I have joint custody of , a horse, Winnie, I help take care of and realizing how all my pets were messengers of unconditional love and forgiveness.

Honoring my life and that through all the Touchstones reflected above, I have risen to be the soul I am in this hour. I value those memories and that I have deeper forgiveness for myself for the judgments I have made against myself and greater love for all in my life – without exception!

Take time to consider your “Touchstones.”

Monthly Theme and Weekly Speakers.

Every month, we take the Key Principles of MYOB and put them into practice in our lives. Looking at the deeper call before us — What are we each to “Be” to bring about societal change through our soul evolution in ways that establish justice, love, and care for all – without exception. Please join us weekly on Thursdays at 7 p.m. EDT for our virtual program.

We are the Wave

wave breaking on beach photo

Transcendental Love is the potency within our souls that carries us through and its purpose – that we realize our might – our inner fire – our capacity to transcend adversity and rise! I believe we are all here to ignite the Artist within us through celebrating our uniqueness and developing our authenticity to touch one another.

I’m sharing quotes from Harry Belafonte – and referencing to his beautiful song “We are the wave” in this blog.

“Art in its highest form is art that serves and instructs society and human development.” “If I’ve impacted on one heart, one mind, one soul, and brought to that individual a greater truth than that individual came into a relationship with me having, then I would say that I have been successful.” 

The above quote brings to my mind and heart what my 4th Year Ministerial Teacher – Dr. Earl Barnum told me before I assumed my first church – back in September of 1971. In late Spring I flew (my first plane flight) to Tucson, AZ, thinking it was just an opportunity to speak. However, that first Sunday the board asked if I would be their minister, and they were willing to wait until I was complete with my studies. Amazingly they flew me back and I spent two weeks in the summer there and prepared to arrive in the fall. This move meant letting go of my only significant other relationship I lived with and all the family I would be leaving in California – (which they in time followed me to Tucson.)

Before I left, I had a sacred conversation with Dr. Barnum expressing my concern and overwhelming fear. He said quite simply: “Charles, if you only impact one life for the better and richer – you have succeeded, and if that life is your own – all the more so!”

I have carried that within my soul through all my ministry and in recent years my personal life has been more profound and richer than ever. Harry Belafonte impacted millions. I know I have touched more than one heart – living from the pure intention of seeking to be authentically Charles. I can say with deepest clarity – the life I have touched most profoundly has been my own.

Through all the highs and lows – the words to this song proclaim – I am the wave on the journey of life and it carries me through all the storms to that higher view where I realize the might and power that we are all One in this wave – together – “We are the force, We are the fire, We are the move, Moving higher and higher!”  Living from the premise – of touching one life for the richer – and above all our own – is the key whereby were all shall rise!

Song by Harry Belafonte – We are the Wave.

The sea will wash against the rock
The rock stands strong; the rock is strong
The sea will wash against the rock
But before too long the rock is gone.

The wind will blow against the stone
The stone stands strong; the stone is strong
The wind will blow against the stone
But before too long the stone is gone.

Patience gentlemen, we move closer every day
Patience gentlemen, the stone will soon give way.

We are the wave
We are the flow
We are the wind
And soon the rock must go
We are the wave
We are the flow
We are the wind
And soon the rock must go.

You cannot hold back the tide
The tide must rise the tide must rise
Its the law of earth and skies
The tide will rise, the tide will rise
Its as natural as day to night
As day to night, day to night
As natural as black and white
Black and white, black and white

Patience gentlemen, the flower can grow up through the stone
Patience gentlemen, it’s a truth that we have always known.

We are the wave,
We are the flow
We are the wind
And soon the rock must go
We are the force
We are the fire
We are the move
Moving higher and higher
We are the force
We are the fire
We are the move
Moving higher and higher

We are the wave
We are the flow
We are the wind
And soon the rock must go
We are the wave
We are the flow
We are the wind
We are the flow
We are the wave
We are the flow
We are the wind
And soon the rock must go
We are the wave
We are the flow

Monthly Theme and Weekly Speakers.

Every month, we take the Key Principles of MYOB and put them into practice in our lives. Looking at the deeper call before us — What are we each to “Be” to bring about societal change through our soul evolution in ways that establish justice, love, and care for all – without exception. Please join us weekly on Thursdays at 7 p.m. EDT for our virtual program.

Photo by Kammeran Gonzalez-Keola

Remember Home

Cozy Fireplace Photo

As all the Holidays and Sacred Celebration unfold – Remember Home

My reflection on Home

Not everyone has fond memories of early Home and may not have known Home at all. However – here is what I have come to know about the word Home. For me – it’s a journey my soul takes to establish Peace – which is about Transcendental Love.

Home is a feeling in my heart in which I am at Peace.

Home brings memories of laughter, of shining moments that illuminate the memories I hold dear.

Home brings about the vision of times with family, friends, peers, and great love.

There are so many memories now and I realize the blessings in my life.

Home is a place I call sanctuary. I return to it at day’s end for rest and renewal.

And yet, more than ever, I know that I take home with me wherever I go.

When I am at home within myself, others feel safe and loved.

When there is abiding inner Peace. I am at home everywhere.

And this I pray above all that I give to others a sense of home, of being safe, and valued.

Home is not about a destination.

It’s that we inspire one another through how we live.

I realize my soul is my eternal home.

To all that have enriched my soul and have given me such sacred memories,

May this reflection find you “at home.”

Love,

Charles

Monthly Theme and Weekly Speakers.

Every month, we take the Key Principles of MYOB and put them into practice in our lives. Looking at the deeper call before us — What are we each to “Be” to bring about societal change through our soul evolution in ways that establish justice, love, and care for all – without exception. Please join us weekly on Thursdays at 7 p.m. EDT for our virtual program.

Friendships

hands making heart shapes

On Friendships

I am placing this under the category of “Transcendental Love” because that is what enduring heart-felt friendships bring.

This summer I had the JOY of my beloved friends John Harold Moore and Revs Ali & Michael Benjamin visiting me at my abode. It rejuvenated me to be more cognizant of the depth of friendships I have in my life – and across the land.

I was thrilled to share what I have come to call – Graceland at Clancy with these dear friends and have them receive the heart-print and paw print of Gus (the dog I have joint custody of and the horse I have part-time care of called Winnie). Gus was the official host and was amazing. See my blogs under:  The Animal Kingdom – And Their Message To Us.

Though I was experiencing the sadness of this being the last Big Sky Retreat after 48 years – I saw it as a Celebration event – which it most certainly became! We achieved a record for the oldest metaphysical spiritual retreat in consecutive years.

The timing of John, Ali and Michael’s visit was Divinely timed.

I also had the blessing just before the retreat of my soul sister Dawn, and my adopted soul niece, Darnell, visiting me 2 days before the Big Sky Retreat which had been an annual event the past 3 years before we headed up to Big Sky. It was a Joy to just surrender to the peace upon this land and the blessing of their love. This is a family that adopted me over 50 years ago – and we have shared laughter, tears, grief, and wonder-filled times that only deepened through the years.

When we have endings – it’s time for going deeper for new beginnings. I have never considered myself retired – rather refired, reinspired, redefined, renewed as there’s more to come to nurture my soul and make heart-prints upon others – if I allow the Spirit, angels, and signs to guide me. My enduring friendships also enrich my soul in times of immense change and grief.

This summer on one of my morning walks with Gus – I saw a yellow butterfly come in front of me and soar forward – here are a few insights on the yellow butterfly symbolism from my online inquiry:

“Yellow butterflies symbolize positivity, hope, and transformation. Seeing one might mean good news or big, positive changes are coming your way. Spiritually, a yellow butterfly may symbolize that you’re near a spiritual awakening. It might also be a sign that your loved ones who have transitioned are thinking of you.

Yellow butterflies also represent change for the better. and that you are on a new path.

While change isn’t always easy, the butterfly’s joyful yellow wings are a reminder that you are growing into a better person … it’s a sign that your life is about to shift in the direction you’re supposed to be going in.”

I am profoundly grateful for my friendships – and how they can carry us through and lift us up. To all of you out there that have impacted my life – I am still here with enthusiasm, purpose, and new horizons before me.

I might define friendships that endure through the years as those yellow butterflies – encouraging you to rise – and honor the blessings of the distance you have travelled – the lives that have touched you and the lives you have touched. It’s wonder-full.

To all my heart-prints friends near and far – here and in other realms – I shall continue to soar because of you!

Look at Kahlil Gibran’s Prose on Friendship – in this beautiful reading by Simerjeet Singh:

Monthly Theme and Weekly Speakers.

Every month, we take the Key Principles of MYOB and put them into practice in our lives. Looking at the deeper call before us — What are we each to “Be” to bring about societal change through our soul evolution in ways that establish justice, love, and care for all – without exception. Please join us weekly on Thursdays at 7 p.m. EDT for our virtual program.

Joy – Accepting the Light and Dark Creates the Authentic You!

Man walking into light tunnel

“Wholeness is not achieved by cutting off a portion of one’s being, but by integration of the contraries.” ― Carl Gustav Jung

Perfection exists – it is our origin. Transcendence and healing, however, only come through the vulnerability to integrate the experiences of this earth journey – the darkness, grief, joy, and triumph. It’s the inner work we do that evolves our soul and benefits all to the reality of Love and Wholeness.

I have recently come to realize the intense shame, guilt, and depth of the feelings of unforgiveness of myself I have held onto.

I have also been able to realize the intense anger within me by reacting to a key word “disappointment.”  I had no idea the deeper pain it revealed. What I took in was that I had disappointed them – and that had nothing to do with what they meant. I recognized in that moment; it was time to do deeper soul and healing work on myself. I have been in the study and practice of – what I now choose to call sacred life force within us all.

“You will never do anything in this world without courage. It is the greatest quality of the mind next to honor.”              
– Aristotle

“An unexamined life is not worth living.”
– Socrates

“Our greatest ability is not in ever failing, but in rising every time you fall.”
– Confucius

From the scam I experienced a year ago and losing a significant amount of money, the impact of the shame, guilt, and feeling I had that I had done something horribly wrong and how stupid I felt has remained. And then the triggers in the past two months of that key word and how I heard it – not what was meant. Being disappointed by someone in something I did throwing me back to “shame on you” and childhood memories of living with a sense of shame for existing as I came into adulthood.

The anger and rage I felt was my own self-loathing – still buried and unresolved.

The revelations through these past 3 years in Montana have been profound:

  1. For the first time in my life, I have not felt driven – regarding taking care of family, friends, church, and others.
  2. With the long winters in MT – there’s nowhere to go but inside – homewise and within oneself.
  3. My remembering – I have come here to do the deeper work on Charles.

I am grateful I have my writing blogs through Mind Your Own Becoming website.

It is a time to put myself first to honor the healing I am here for.

I am here to open to unconditional love for myself and the forgiveness work required for that. I remind all the Joy that emerges when you choose to go deeper and the revelations that occur when you honor – you matter and always have.

Monthly Theme and Weekly Speakers.

Every month, we take the Key Principles of MYOB and put them into practice in our lives. Looking at the deeper call before us — What are we each to “Be” to bring about societal change through our soul evolution in ways that establish justice, love, and care for all – without exception. Please join us weekly on Thursdays at 7 p.m. EDT for our virtual program.

Non-Duality – The Path to JOY

Non-Duality - The Path to Joy

Our Mind Your Own Becoming theme for August is: “Rekindling Joy.”

I offer my thoughts from my soul journey with JOY in this hour of my life.

Keep it Simple: It’s Remembrance – “Going back to the realization, however, we define Creation – everything that has come into being is through that One Source. I call it Originating Cause. Thomas Troward, the great metaphysician coming into the 20th Century, defined the essence of that Originating Cause as: Life, Love, Light, Power, Peace, Beauty, and Joy.

What keeps us bound to the illusion and ultimate delusion of duality is the belief in “others,” and that I am a separate entity from everyone and everything else. When I return to the Source all — it’s only One!

This life journey certainly contains the experience of the opposites to those 7 elements. However, the root of all our Being is the quest to remember – we are here for ultimate JOY – not despair. I share the stirring words of Kahlil Gibran on his prose of Joy and Sorrow – from The Prophet.

I am saying farewell to the Big Sky Retreat that has been an integral part of my life and my spiritual soul anchor for 48 years. There is deep grief in releasing the love, laughter, tears, and remembrance of countless “Transcendent Moments” – see my blogs on Transcendental Love.

The reality of what I carry forward is Love and JOY, I share this segment on Peace by Ernest Holmes, founder of Religious Science and prolific author. Breathe it in. Yes – as humankind we live in a world of duality and multi-beliefs that keep us apart. Yet – when I step back – breathe in – and “Be Still” I create the space for remembrance of Oneness, and I am at Peace. May we all practice Oneness – and find our inner Peace that is the doorway to JOY?

PEACE

At the center of my being is Peace –
the Peace that is felt in the coolness of early evening after all have turned from their labor
and the first star shines in the soft light of the sky.

There is a freshness, a vitality, a power underlying this, Peace.
It broods over the earth quietly, tenderly, as a mother
watches over her sleeping child.

In this Peace that holds me so gently I feel strength and protection from fear and anxiety. It is the Peace of God, and within it I feel the Love of a Holy Presence.

As I become more conscious of this Love, all fear slips away as mist fades in the morning sunshine. I am one with deep abiding Peace.

I know that all is well.
I permit this Peace to flow through my entire being,
through my mind and heart until every problem is released.
The way is made clear before me.
It is filled with joy and harmony.

I AM Life
I AM Love,
I AM Light,
I AM Power,
I AM Peace,
I AM Beauty,
I AM Joy*
I AM vitality and strength and all good. 

 Written by Dr. Ernest Holmes in 1950

*Note added all 7 elements of Spirit from Thomas Troward’s
“The Creative Process in The Individual”

Monthly Theme and Weekly Speakers.

Every month, we take the Key Principles of MYOB and put them into practice in our lives. Looking at the deeper call before us — What are we each to “Be” to bring about societal change through our soul evolution in ways that establish justice, love, and care for all – without exception. Please join us weekly on Thursdays at 7 p.m. EDT for our virtual program.

Tucsonia – A Royal Soul

Akita Image by maxxxiss from Pixabay

The next two dogs in my life I had to release to new homes because of events and circumstances. I still feel the incredible sadness in my heart for doing that.

Tucsonia came into my life just before I left California to begin my ministry. She was an Akita. “The Akita is a muscular, double-coated dog of ancient Japanese lineage famous for their dignity, courage, and loyalty. In their native land, they’re venerated as family protectors and symbols of good health, happiness, and long life.”

A beloved friend, Evelyn, knew of our collie, Light, disappearing before I was to leave for Tucson and my serving my first church as Minister. She called me to say that there were soon to be new Akita puppies being born and she wanted to gift me one. This was mid-summer, and I was due to leave in the fall for Tucson. After the initial pre-care required, I came to pick up my new companion. Akitas are highly intelligent and are extraordinarily playful. When Tucsonia would stand on her hind legs she looked like a bear cub.

Tucsonia – On Guard!

Tucsonia was sensitive to noise and would bark as a warning immediately at any sound that disturbed her. Early on in my move to Tucson, my mom, Esther, came to live with me. I had gone out one night and when I returned home, I heard Tucsonia barking. I went into the house and Tucsonia was at my mom’s bedroom door, barking and not moving from the door.

My mom had dropped something and that frightened Tucsonia and she would not let her out of the bedroom. It was frightening for my mom, but for Tucsonia she was on guard.

All my family in California moved to Tucson to be with me. My nieces got married there and soon there were great nieces and nephews in the picture.

My eldest niece had a St. Bernard named Sebastian. Tucsonia and Sebastian became best friends. We shared the same home space for a period. There were a couple of times the dogs got out of the yard, and it was a loving soul who found Tucsonia and called us and let us know, but dear Sebastian wound up in the pound and we had to go pick him up from there.

Tucsonia loved to get down on her front paws, rear and tail in the air, and that was her cue – let’s play. When my niece went out to empty trash, Tucsonia would often hide in the bushes and when she would jump out at her and chase her, and this was most assuredly a statement of “Let’s Play.”

Tucsonia always slept beside me and had her own mattress. This was a deep connection.

One thing that was extremely hard on both dogs – the extreme heat in the summertime and the ticks that would appear. Both dogs suffered in those months – even as much as we kept them indoors.

Letting Go

My niece, her husband, and two children decided to go to Colorado. We had to vacate the house we had. Moving to Colorado would offer a new life for them and the climate would be healthier for our dogs, Tucsonia and Sebastian.

My niece’s marriage was failing, and immense responsibilities were on her shoulders. In Colorado she had to find new homes for both Tucsonia and Sebastian. She did meet the new owner of Tucsonia and felt great that he lived in the mountains and took Tucsonia on walks. She did not meet Sebastian’s new owner.

The grief of releasing Tucsonia and Sebastian remains with both my niece and me. Tucsonia’s gift was the depth of her awareness and love and feeling at night, lying beside her, that she had understood me and had come to me from the angels after my dog Light decided to stay in California. See Blog on Light.

Releasing pets when circumstances seem overwhelming is extremely painful. There is one more incredible dog being that came into my life in Tucson – a Terrier/Poodle named Panda. That story to follow.

The journey of self-forgiveness for the life circumstances that I felt required letting go of beloved pets remains. My healing remembrance – I know I have their forgiveness.

Monthly Theme and Weekly Speakers.

Every month, we take the Key Principles of MYOB and put them into practice in our lives. Looking at the deeper call before us — What are we each to “Be” to bring about societal change through our soul evolution in ways that establish justice, love, and care for all – without exception. Please join us weekly on Thursdays at 7 p.m. EDT for our virtual program.

Image by maxxxiss from Pixabay

A Story of “Baby Thing”

starling

From Ernest Holmes – Science of Mind Text – “… there is that Eternal Voice forever whispering within our ear, that thing which causes the eternal quest, that thing which forever sings and sings.”

A couple of facts about starlings: “Starlings are known for their beautiful iridescent feathers, which can appear black, purple, green, or blue, depending on the angle of light.

Starlings are extremely vocal birds, and they have a wide variety of calls and songs. They are also able to mimic the sounds of other birds and even non-bird sounds, such as alarm clocks or car engines!”

That voice within Baby Thing touched my heart forever – reminding me we are all here to triumph and to sing our song that lifts the heart of all – without exception.

A Rescue

In my late twenties, my partner, David, and I rescued a starling that had fallen out of a tree. We nursed this precious being … that I named “Baby Thing” back to health and Baby Thing lived in our home. Baby Thing learned to speak and would often be saying words, not always discernable, but very engaging. Baby Thing loved Mario Lanza singing songs of Caruso, and when I would play Mario, he would sing his heart out and hit the high notes. It was Baby Thing’s way of making a JOYFUL noise unto the Lord.

Check Mario out with this YouTube audio – “Without A Song.”

I would share in the JOY of Baby Thing flying out of his cage and onto my shoulder when I came home. What an immense sense of LOVE that was.

On warm days, we often kept Baby Thing on a porch, with the cage closed. One day we came home to discover a cat had knocked over the cage and attacked Baby Thing. Baby Thing was still alive, and we immediately went to work with prayer and the most tender care. And yes … Baby Thing lived through that horror … never looking quite the same … yet still hitting those high notes with Mario Lanza.

The miracle of Baby Thing was the JOY he felt singing his song and expressing love, no matter what he had experienced.

Baby Thing reminds me that we all are to find our Voice and Song. That song is meant to be healing and honoring for all for the right to be. In this world now where we have the opportunity of such enlightenment, we are still in centuries old warring, hatreds, and the denial of freedom for all without exception to realize their inner song as Baby Thing so magnificently expressed. May we be in prayer for our planet to awaken to what we are here for – the quest that our songs of authenticity and love can be known for all. Thank you, Baby Thing, for your forever heart-print upon my soul.

A starling carried a universal message for all humanity – Let nothing prevent you from singing your song, from claiming what is yours to BE. Have the courage to rise from adversity and as your earth journey is complete, you will soar into Eternity.

Monthly Theme and Weekly Speakers.

Every month, we take the Key Principles of MYOB and put them into practice in our lives. Looking at the deeper call before us — What are we each to “Be” to bring about societal change through our soul evolution in ways that establish justice, love, and care for all – without exception. Please join us weekly on Thursdays at 7 p.m. EDT for our virtual program.

Two Mallard Ducks and a Story of Camelot

Mallard Ducks

In my years living with David, he knew how attracted I was to the duck kingdom. We got 2 magnificent mallard ducks, and I named them Lancelot and Guinevere.

We had a side yard and we created what we called their “Camelot.” We had a bathtub for their swimming and water and a slide that led up to the tub. They could waddle up the slide and jump in and they could just jump out of the tub or slide back down.

There was an indoor duck house – painted pink and grey. I adored Lancelot and Guinevere, and we would have sacred times together. Our cottage home was a delight and there was a front porch. We had a front garden and you had to step down steps into the front yard from the street.

When I would come home from work, Lance and Gwen would come running from the side yard, quacking excitedly and wait for me to sit down on the front porch and they would slide in next to me for bonding time. How can one ever forget such love and devotion? I would pet them, and both would look up at me with love in their eyes – YES – for real. We would also have play time together around the bathtub pool and of course feeding time was pure joy.

Just knowing their soul bonding with me and our play and communion times was a gift of love beyond defining.

Our moments together gave me deep insight into the love they exuded and how profoundly they loved each other. The vision of my daily homecoming and greeting by Lancelot and Guinevere is always in my heart.

There was a morning, however, that David asked me not to go outside… A racoon had gotten into the yard and Lance and Gwen were no longer in this realm.

Whenever I am around ducks, I speak to them and let them know how profoundly I adore their kingdom. I love duck pictures and anyone who visits me will be keenly aware of that.

The gift of Lancelot and Guinevere –There was such JOY experiencing their love and they are part of my soul eternity.

Monthly Theme and Weekly Speakers.

Every month, we take the Key Principles of MYOB and put them into practice in our lives. Looking at the deeper call before us — What are we each to “Be” to bring about societal change through our soul evolution in ways that establish justice, love, and care for all – without exception. Please join us weekly on Thursdays at 7 p.m. EDT for our virtual program.

Photo by Heather Paul, Flickr

A Dog Named “Pepper” – My Youth Companion

My Pets and their soul-prints upon me.

Among my most treasured childhood memories was my first dog – a black cocker spaniel named “Pepper.” I had Pepper from the time I was about 7 years old until my early twenties. I remember the joy I had with Pepper in a small red wagon I had where we would ride together down a long hill sidewalk. My images of those rides are forever. My walks, playing ball, hugging, the knowing Pepper was a part of my youth was constant evidence of pure love around me.

Pepper endured momentous changes. We moved from a beautiful yard where she had a doghouse built to match our own and great freedom. When I was 16, we moved from Colorado to California and a whole new existence began for both of us.

Pepper adapted to every change and there were 7 moves in 6 years. My mother divorced my stepfather and soon after my sister and her four daughters moved to California after she divorced her husband. Pepper was my rock – my beloved friend.
She brought love to us all. My late teens and into my mid-twenties were about being there always for my mom, sister, and nieces. Pepper made her paw print upon us all. My nieces were very annoyed, however, whenever at the dinner table one of them would ask – “Pass the pepper” and I would get Pepper and carry her to the table.
I couldn’t get away with it often, but it was such fun.

What Matters – Our Love Is Forever

The deepest paw print from Pepper, no matter how immense the changes, what mattered – we were together. Pepper was a soul companion through my youth. Her aging began to bring her great pain and struggle. I came home from work one day and my sister and mother sat me down to let me know they had taken Pepper to the veterinarian to send her to her eternal home. They felt it would be too much for me. But I would have been grateful to be the one to hold her in that transition. There were times when I knew I could have been a better Master through all those changes, yet for Pepper, it was only that I was in the picture. I will forever remember our being together in that red wagon – joyfully going down that hill. My nieces also had a red wagon that they pulled Pepper in!

Please take a moment – place your hand on your heart – and honor the Transcendental Love your pets have brought you. It is forever. Change to unconditional love.

See this illuminating article on: Unconditional Love: Is devotion to pets a cultural universal?

Monthly Theme and Weekly Speakers.

Every month, we take the Key Principles of MYOB and put them into practice in our lives. Looking at the deeper call before us — What are we each to “Be” to bring about societal change through our soul evolution in ways that establish justice, love, and care for all – without exception. Please join us weekly on Thursdays at 7 p.m. EDT for our virtual program.

Image by Josef Pichler from Pixabay

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