Let God

 

Quietly communing with God, when we are searching for guidance, is a way of temporarily turning off our ego-mind. Instead of our ego-self thinking, "I can fix this," we are willing to immerse our perceived problem into our higher self.  Thus-"let go, and let God" is a great mantra, often hard for at times our faith is shaky. We question and loose our footing when things get slippery and we often grab at anything—except God. Suddenly we feel separated.

Most of us grew up believing life is a "do-it-yourself" project, it can be hard to admit that we need help just to survive. Like a drop of water separated from its source the little mind is unable to create and sustain life. When the drop of water rejoins the ocean it has all the powers of its source. The drop of water separate from its source symbolizes our ego-self when we are separated from our source of omnipotent power.With our divine connection we are always in touch with the solutions we are seeking. Problems persist when we fail to recognize, realize and finally, quietly commune with our own source, power, spirit, - God.

I am at a serious crossroad in my life at this point- serious choices have to be made; I am fighting real hard battle with myself - I feel I have nowhere to go- so the words of someone I admire greatly came to my mind this morning:

"I surrender to my source and turn this huge problem over to that same power that moves the stars."  I  see that I too can do the same thing in these times of strife, so I "let go and let God" 

When one practices communing quietly with spirit, one will sense the presence of a sacred partner. Thus I have  turned over my  problems over to this "senior" partner and move to a place of peace. Perhaps it is  possible to reach a place where one will rarely revert to the belief that one faces insurmountable problems with no way out. Eventually, I  will learn that all those so-called "problems" are dissolvable by saturating them with the higher energy of spirit.

Realization

Bottom of Form

We are such flawed creatures hardly knowing anything about our real selves. At times it takes one event to make us turn inwards and self reflect and have a sudden glimpse of whom we really are. Such moments are rather rare indeed. In my case it was three consequential events in consequence. This all happened to me last night; fate often has strange calling cards. A photograph of someone that just turned up for no reason; an image of a black panther in fractal form as well-( btw; - a black panther named Xerxes is my animal totem) ;  and a clock whose battery was totally dead for weeks suddenly started ticking on top of my two- hundred year old black organ. I have to confess that I have been having strange lucid dreams lately- which are rather new to me, as I seldom remember, but when I do they are just fragments of what seems to be nonsense. This one was woven into a lengthy, meaningful story just a day before.

So,  I thought about it for a while, trying to connect the dots, if  perhaps that at all was possible to unravel its mystery and meaning. Not really the dream, but the other three events. I presume the dream was simply a prologue a “sort of a wake up call” to make me a bit more aware of what was to come or how to interpret the message-for if we look deep enough, long enough and close enough there are messages all the time around us.

The photograph had a special importance- all in life is an illusion, and we cannot cling to anyone or anything- for then we become prisoners ourselves. The key is learning to let go physically. Not forgetting, but allowing it to have wings of its own and let it fly, not tethering anyone or anything to ourselves in the name of love. Love is freedom, love is compassion, love is joy, love is understanding and above all love is giving of oneself without conditions and without hesitance.

Xerxes` message is that no matter what –or where we are, we are forever parts of each other; fractals- for once there is union  there is no dis-union. Creation is a continual flow of  divine energy connecting  every single atom, molecule and particle of light to each other- as they function as a whole unit. There is no separation at all-neither is there death; for that is just a brief transformation and on it goes without interruption. For that is the mission of all of creation.

The clock tells me that-there is no time as we know it, whether it is ticking or not for it is none-existent-; for within creation nothing is linear but multidimensional, whether it is going or is at a standstill all is in continual expansion-and nothing ever ends.Time is born of the human mind, as it tries  to make sense and explain existence in the human sense. However one has to step into the arena of the mystical to have a small glimpse of the mystery of creation, of life and the unfathomable majesty of God.

Lessons

1.      Be less impulsive-very easy to jump into something, much harder to get out

2.      Be more patient with self and others-Rome was not built in a day

3.      Practice balance in everything-there is harmony in the universe

4.      Think it over before pressing “send”- one cannot recover or delete a sent e-mail

5.      Everything needs time-even God needed 6 days

6.      Be more moderate in all things-extremes in anything is never a good thing

7.      Persistence has huge rewards-but only if one finishes the actions

8.      Loudness does not mean rightness- it just aggravates the situation

9.      Positive intention is great-but needs to be followed by action

10. Read all very carefully before posting a blog- for mistakes in grammar makes one look ridiculous/a really bad idea to read it days later and then correct it

Madame Butterfly

This week there was a meeting between the Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau, the President of Mexico Enrique Peña Nieto and the President of the United States Barack Obama-much was spent in political diatribe, however, I found it very interesting that the Mexican president mentioned the migration of the Monarch Butterflies, those incredible little creatures came up as a rather important topic as connection of the three nations -almost as a metaphor ; and as how important their conservation means to the planet-however when I heard this or a mention or  see an image of any butterfly, I see one story in my mind- and a most beautiful story in my life gets resurrected.

 Ever since I can remember I have always loved opera and ballet. When I was about 4 years old-which was rather unusual to do at that age, but my parents took me a number of times to the theater, maybe that is where I got inoculated; I still adore all opera and ballet. 

Then when I got older, I read up all the stories of many of the operas - and at about age 12 I started listening to them on records- I didn`t see any live as there was no opera in South Africa-so simply the music had to do. But I was in love with every one of them, each note-which many of my friends found very strange, but it did, still does something to my soul. I also read up much about the composers and their lives.

When I graduated from high school, before entering university-I saved some money and took a trip all by myself at age 17 to Europe; Switzerland, Italy, France -my final destination was Hungary, from where I am from, but before getting to Budapest I had to full fill my dream, which was to go to Austria and to the Vienna Opera; I spent 10 wonderful days there. Europe was safe, no fear of anything or anyone then for a 17 old and I had the most beautiful time- and I was all alone. I did not have much money, but had enough to got to the opera and see three amazing performances; Madame Butterfly, Tosca and The Fledermaus -but my only  real dream was to see Puccini`s Madame Butterfly all my life to hear the "Humming Chorus"-it was pure magic. I also wanted to see Carmen- but ran out of money -but I did see it in Hungary at the Budapest State Opera and a few others.-so one could call me an "opera freak".


So all butterflies hold a special place in my heart when I see one, hear of one it brings back such sweet memories and the beautiful times I spent in Vienna- not just seeing Madame Butterfly- but visiting all the awesome, most extraordinary palaces, museums, galleries, parks, royal cemeteries, churches, cathedrals, cafes and the magical Vienna Woods- making a lifetime of memories which I still carry in my heart; without opera one `s soul cannot unfold in my mind-it is food for the spirit and heart .

Carp article

ARTICLE FROM CARP......few years ago

Emerging Artist… at 87

I thought I would share this one article  from the many on her as this tells most of her life history.

Forever…. by Katalin Rohn

An Ageless Artist’s story.
Katalin Rohn was born in Budapest, Hungary 29^th of June/1925 first child of a loving couple Erno a lawyer and Sarolta a school teacher. Four years later came sister, Olga. They were not rich but loved and taught their two daughters the appreciation of art and nature. They had a lovely childhood.
Then came the war. In 1944 Katalin married a mechanical engineer in the middle of “bombing hell”. They got separated , she was 18 and she spent the rest of the war alone running from bomb shelter to bomb shelter, alone and starving. Somehow through the grace of God she was spared. She was reunited with our father eventually.

I was born after the war and life went on. Then came communism and the Hungarian revolution of 1956–they escaped and settled in Johannesburg, South Africa. Life wasn’t easy, she was home raising a family–my sister was born in 1961 and them my brother in 1970. In South Africa she appreciated the beauty of the land, wildlife and nature. She was always artistic she did a lot of needlework and embroidery, but never any other art. She loved her children and home which she decorated most beautifully on a shoestring budget. All their friends were amazed how she did it. Then in 1972 we left South Africa–I was already married and the whole family came to Canada, including my step-grandmother that we loved dearly after my grandfather had died.

Solitude, by Katlin Rohn

We arrived in Montreal–and it was very difficult. So through a dear new friend she was introduced to the world of antiques. She always loved it as a child was surrounded by them–so this chance of a lifetime came to open a little antique shop and also to fill her own house with things she always loved, especially art.

A few years passed my father died and we decided–to move to Toronto. My sister  was 17, my brother 7, my daughter  4, grandmother 84 and myself– She was at this time 53, never married again. I worked, she ran the house like clockwork, doing everything for the family. She also took three lessons in “stain glass” making, after which she produced the most exquisite stain glass lamps, for us–never for sale! Plus lots of embroidery, crocheting, knitting, sewing, needlepoint and the like–never resting always busy, as well as  collecting things from wherever she found them–Yes, garage sales , bazaars and auctions.

Sunburnt Africa, by Katalin Rohn

The family grew up–children finished university–my sister became a massage therapist, my brother a dentist and I am in the healing field. All the grandchildren are grown–even a great grandchild, one  is now in university.

So, Katalin “one dark and stormy night” following an internal voice that told her to pick up a paintbrush and paint. So she did and started to paint. She painted and painted and painted in oil on canvas all the thoughts and memories that she carried within her heart throughout her life. The beauty that she wanted to express to the world from the world of spirit. She was now a mere child of 84 years–starting up as a budding, young artist. Her idea was not to sell her art, but simply to express her passion and for the world to see, but above all to leave a legacy for her children grand-children and grand grand-children.

On a beautiful Saturday morning in August 2010 I was going to my office, so she decided to came along with me to pick up some art supplies–the store was next to my office on Queen St E. Fate intervened–we had a freak accident in the parking lot of my building–we hit a brick wall full force head on. We thought we would die–we didn`t. We were both seriously injured, her more so than I.
She was taken to the hospital–2 fractured vertebra. There was a waiting period before they knew whether she would be paralyzed or not at age 85–thank God she wasn’t. They told us she would have to be in a Jewett body brace for at least 4 months and an Aspen collar even longer. She was rehab for 6 weeks–and physiotherapy for months. Going through a lot of rehab, pain and PTSD–and tremendous psychological problems. Depression, fear, anxiety, headaches, sleeping problems and pain. When she finally got home she was unable to do anything–she needed constant care and help. Eventually the brace came off and finally after almost 9 month the collar. Slowly she started to recuperate after many more months.

Then she picked up her brush once more–and started painting again, late spring this year–slowly at first with great difficulty, and now with more ease. She still has much pain and cannot sleep–she still lives alone with her two fur kids, Cici and Fonzie, and she paints and paints and paints, especially during the night when she can’t sleep – makes her forget her pain and the love for her art is making her feel better and  she is still improving daily. She now has at least 200 pieces of art work and she is thrilled that she is working on her legacy for her “brood”.

A couple of months ago we set up a website for her art–everyone is amazed who sees it and is incredulous at her talent. There was an open competition for artists at Patrick International Fine Art Gallery here in Yorkville–she was one of the winners . She is now exhibiting with some well known artist for the whole month of December at the gallery. She is also listed as a featured artist on “Artist`s Toronto” web site. The feedback is tremendously positive. The comments and joy that she brings to people, the happiness she brings out is enough to warm the heart. All are grateful to hear her inspirational story of hope. There is far too much dark news out there the world needs a bit of sunshine and light.

The CBC did a news interview with her at the gallery and at her studio in early December, 2012. The reporter was astounded and so very happy to do the interview–she said she shall never forget this story ever. There were also a requests from the Hungarian Canadian TV to do an interview and from a number of other outlets.

The moral of the story is–one is never too old nor too sick if there is joy in the heart. We all have the reason , but needs heart to bring it out.  Every age has its beauty, experiences and value–thus one should explore spirit and see what the mission is for being on this earth, it is really irrespective of age. A life lived with gratitude, filled with happiness and joy is ageless. Some live a whole lifetime wasting every moment, gaining nothing– while others live a whole lifetime in a moment gaining all. It is the way we live life that counts, memories, feelings and love.  We take nothing else with us–and it is never too late to start living. Never too late to start something that one loves, that gives hope that brings joy to self, but above all others.

When my brother was born when she was 46, and she cried saying she wouldn’t even see him graduate from primary school–and look at her now. She has seen him graduate from university and have a family of his own. She has seen her grandchildren graduate and have families, and now even her great grandchildren. I am sure, if God in His mercy allows her the blessing of more years, she will see even see her great granddaughters graduate . She has lived to enjoy our family that is ever expanding- that now numbers 15 in number. Katalin will be celebrating her 88 birthday in June, 2013 and we hope many more for she is truly forever young ageless and timeless! A shining spirit and light to all that know her.

There is a Greek proverb by Democritus:  Happiness resides not in possession and not in gold, the feeling of happiness dwells in the soul. –and to that I add: for the soul is ageless.
Please visit her website :
 rohninspiration.weebly.com

To see more of her work please visit
Rohn Inspiration on Face Book

Our Mother

Mom, aka Anyaj was 91 years young today-if only I will be half as much of a person as she is. She dosn`t look a day over 75, beautiful, elegant, sophisticated, beautiful figure, positive outlook on life  with a razor sharp mind and intelligence and insight from politics to the latest fashions - and is active as a 50 year old physically.  She is most kind and compassionate and helpful whomever needs something- she was always like that. She lived alone in a big house till she was 90, now we live together. She gardens, runs the house and when she is not busy painting she is on her i-pad. She is forever  young at heart-age is not measured by years but by attitude and interaction with the world, and moving along with the times.

She has always been very artistic, -has made some beautiful stain glass lampshades,  stunning needlepoint, ceramics and pottery-as well as other numerous artistic ventures. Has always loved antiques and has great natural talent in finding the diamonds amongst the coal-She has picked up through the years  many a treasure at flea markets and estate sales, as her eye never misses anything of value and beauty.

One winter evening - out of the blue she decided to pick up a brush and stared oil painting- she was a mere  84  years young. Since then- she paints at least 6 hours in her beautiful studio daily- her art is her life. She has had numerous exhibitions, articles written about her and even appearing on a couple of TV shows- and is now an accomplished artist with over 300 pieces of work to her name......and she is greatly loved, treasured and adored by her children, grand children and great grand children- she is one in a billion  -truly a shining soul in the world!We are so very blessed and grateful that she is our mother.

LIfe 101

 

 

Suzie`s life 101...to myself;


As we grow up things change. We learn that even the one person that wasn`t supposed to ever let us down, will. We have our  hearts broken, we`ll break an other`s. We`ll  fight with  family. We`ll  cry because time is flying by. 

So take many pictures.  Laugh  much. Forgive freely.  Always love like you`ve never been hurt.  Love like you`ve never loved before.  Life comes with no guarantees, no time outs, and absolutely  no second chances.....so squander it not.

Live life to the fullest.  Tell someone what they mean to you.  Tell someone you care.  Tell someone you understand.  Speak your truth.  Be accepting and open to ideas.  Be ever grateful.  Appreciate creation.

Dance in the pouring rain.  Hold someone`s hand.  Comfort a friend.  Fall asleep watching the sun come up.  Stay up late.  Dream sweet dreams.  Be a daring.  Be ever bold.  Never stop smiling.  Never stop crying at sad movies.  Never stop writing what is in your heart.

Walk in he fresh fallen snow.  Listen to the music of the wind.  Listen to Leonard Cohen. Quote John O`Donohue. Listen to the magical sound of rain. Wonder at the moon.  Be amazed by the stars. Be awed by nature. Be aware of each magic moment. Be ever  present. Be kind to all life. Harm nothing. Be gentle to the needy. Forgive gracefully.

 Don`t be afraid to take chances.  Fall in love....again and again!  Well this is debatable-  but do it if it feels good.... Never forget love. Think of me when you see penguins. 

But most of all,  live in the moment because every second you spend angry or upset is a second of happiness you can never get back .  Never have any regrets about the past.  All has a reason , we shall find out after all....and that You are truly appreciated......and remember;

 

  Tom T Hall.....

I love little baby ducks old pickup trucks slow moving trains and rain
I love little country streams sleep without dreams Sunday school in May and hay
And I love you too

I love leaves in the wind pictures of my friends birds of the world and squirrels
I love coffee in a cup little fuzzy pupps wine in a glass and grass
And I love you too

I love honest open smiles kisses from a child tomatos on the vine and onions
I love winners when they cry losers when they try music when it's good and life
                                And I love you too,- especially  You, my other-self!