simplicity – Butterfly Spirit!

The Joy of Quotes:

In the fall of September 2000, I was entering the new chapter of my life and starting University. I remember having mixed emotions about the next phase. I was no longer in my comfort zone of familiarity with friends, teachers and routine. The high school years had come to an end and I wasn’t in my safe haven anymore. However, I was beginning University and this was going to transform my life in profound ways.

It was on one particular afternoon I stumbled into the University gift-store and discovered a journal. It had the sun on the front and the moon on the back cover. I reveled at the the divine elements of nature, the yin and yang. The journal was empty but contained quotes written inside. I was intrigued by the journal and from that moment forward I decided to call it my “Book of Quotes”. I was nineteen at that time and started to collect quotes on life, faith, love, motivation, prayer and various other topics. I’m presently thirty-one and refer to my book of quotes on a daily basis.

Quotes have helped me during the most challenging times in my life from dealing with guidance, reflection, and inner peace. Quotes touch my heart and soul as they offer inspiration whenever I’m having a weak moment. I often send daily quotes to friends and family as a way of spreading joy and motivation. I believe that little acts of kindness can go a far way. The message I want to convey to everyone is that life is a process; we are all on our individual journey to find our place.

Having quotes has been a reminder to treasure the simplicity of each day. Quotes contain messages that light our inner spirit. I’m extremely grateful to share wise words from various enlightened beings. I believe we all are here on earth to serve a divine purpose and I truly feel by spreading the joy of quotes I’m helping others in need.

Here are a few of my favourite quotes:

As your faith is strengthened you will find that there is no longer the need to have a sense of control, that things will flow as they will, and that you will flow with them, to your great delight and benefit.
—Emmanuel Teney

Count your blessings. Once you realize how valuable you are and how much you have going for you, the smiles will return, the sun will break out, the music will play, and you will finally be able to move forward the life that God intended for you with grace, strength, courage, and confidence. – Unknown

“Listen to your heart. It knows all things, because it came from the Soul of the World and it will one day return there.” ― Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist

The piece above is the first article I drafted at the age of 31. Presently, I am in my early 40’s and connecting the dots as I go backwards. Writing nourishes my heart and allows guidance from spirit to emerge. I am certain many other writers feel the same way. I have taken much time as of late to go inwards, which I believe many sensitive souls require to recharge. Solitude is when the journey begins, and the dance of effortless transformation unfolds like a rose, one petal at a time. Writing is my way of being service to humanity. It brings joy to my spirit, to uplift others with the written word. I hope there is something in your life that causes your soul to feel alive, to soar and bring healing light upon others. May you continue to share your gifts!

Tao Te Ching – Lao Tzu

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If you want to become whole,

first let yourself become broken.

If you want to become straight,

first let yourself become twisted.

If you want to become full,

first let yourself become empty,

If you want to become new,

first let yourself become old.

Those whose desires are few get them,

those whose desires are great go astray.

–Quote taken from the Tao Te Ching, by Lao Tzu. I had the privileged of reading a condensed version of this text over the summer. It was full of wisdom, knowledge, and revelation. I highly recommend this read!

Signs & the Butterfly Effect

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I am a believer of butterfly effect. A small positive vibration can change the entire cosmos.
–Amit Ray

The French call it Déjà vu – a sensation of familiarity, an experience that has already been known or perceived. I do believe that this happenstance occurs for many of us, via dreams or even with practicing meditation. Throughout the day, when I am in search of a sign or a nudge from the universe, an unexpected sign occurs. A butterfly or blue jay appears, quite commonly something with a hue of blue. It can be in a picture, artwork or a marvel from nature. It brings such comfort and peace knowing that this is truly a miracle being shown.

Do you believe in signs? I trust there has to be a grander meaning to why things materialize in our daily lives. For example, a few weeks ago I had particular challenging morning. I missed my alarm and woke up later then anticipated. There was traffic on the drive to the office, all in which made the work day start later then anticipated. It literally felt like the day was spiraling. I walked into the lunchroom and was just about to make a cup of tea and saw a ladybug! Right away, I knew it was a sign from the universe. I was reminded of the beauty and grace of this little bug. It brought infinite joy and abundance to my day. A ladybug is symbolic for it is an embodiment of luck, good fortune and prosperity. This little insect influences your life in a positive way as unexpected happiness is unfolding for you.

Have you ever had one of those moments, when you are consumed with a particular task and a stranger comes along and delivers a significant message meant for you? This seems to occur on a frequent basis these days. A few weeks ago I was sitting in a coffee store and reading a book called Destiny of Souls by Michael Newton. (A novel about the “soul” that has impacted my life in many ways – I highly recommend this read). An older man approached me and asked if “I liked the book and that it was translated into Egyptian”. He was actually a Fine Arts teacher and an artist. He encouraged me to write more and consider being an author. It was as if he was picking up on my vibration. Lately, I have neglected my personal writing and felt the pull to get back onto this path.

What is the Butterfly Effect?

This subject matter I have wanted to write about for awhile. It is now the right time to approach this topic of interest. The Butterfly Effect evolved from the Chaos Theory. This was discovered by meteorologist Edward Lorenz. The Chaos Theory suggested that a minor change in the environment can influence and alter the weather. It was believed that once a butterfly flaps or moves its wings, it creates an effect somewhere else in the world. Is it possible if a butterfly flutters in South Africa the action is felt in another part of the world? I am not sure but find this theory fascinating.

What does this mean Spiritually?

That for every decision we make there are multiple ways in which our story unravels. To every action there is a unique response. Your choices can shape or determine our destiny. We can not see everything in the physical world however things are constantly moving, shifting and evolving. We have free will to how we live and make decisions However, there are alternative paths in which life can unfold. Every living being impacts one another just as the artist did for me that that. By encountering the artist at the cafe, it gave me that push to write my heart out.

The goal of life is to make your heartbeat match the beat of the universe, to match your nature with Nature. –Joseph Campbell

What do Butterflies Symbolize:

Butterflies represent grace, freedom and expression. They are a reminder of internal metamorphosis, renewal, and many traditions equate the butterfly as the psyche or soul. Every time I see a butterfly it is a reminder to embody lightness and allow life to unravel. Is there something you always see or are drawn too? It may have a significant meaning.

Signs can arrive from unexpected instances and are orchestrated on your behalf. EVERY sign has significance from seeing 11:11 an angelic number pattern, hearing a song or a conversation with a stranger. Reflect on The Butterfly Effect, can you see synchronicity in your present life? Be thankful of all the blessings being presented to you. I often recite this to students in yoga class “stay open and connected, what is it that you need to hear”? Remain grounded, aware and allow yourself to see the vastness of the universe throughout your day. You are grand, and have a mission to fulfill. The next time you see a shooting star, remember to make a wish – a sign is being revealed to you!

Beyond the edge of the world there’s a space where emptiness and substance neatly overlap, where past and future form a continuous, endless loop. And, hovering about, there are signs no one has ever read, chords no one has ever heard. –Haruki Murakami

Humble And Kind – Tim McGraw

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You know there’s a light that glows by the front door
Don’t forget the key’s under the mat
When childhood stars shine
Always stay humble and kind

Go to church ’cause your mamma says to
Visit grandpa every chance that you can
It won’t be wasted time
Always stay humble and kind

Hold the door, say “please”, say “thank you”
Don’t steal, don’t cheat, and don’t lie
I know you got mountains to climb
But always stay humble and kind
When the dreams you’re dreamin’ come to you
When the work you put in is realized
Let yourself feel the pride
But always stay humble and kind

Don’t expect a free ride from no one
Don’t hold a grudge or a chip and here’s why
Bitterness keeps you from flyin’
Always stay humble and kind

Know the difference between sleeping with someone
And sleeping with someone you love
“I love you” ain’t no pick-up line
So always stay humble and kind

Hold the door, say “please”, say “thank you”
Don’t steal, don’t cheat, and don’t lie
I know you got mountains to climb
But always stay humble and kind
When those dreams you’re dreamin’ come to you
When the work you put in is realized
Let yourself feel the pride
But always stay humble and kind

When it’s hot, eat a root beer popsicle
Shut off the AC and roll the windows down
Let that summer sun shine
Always stay humble and kind

Don’t take for granted the love this life gives you
When you get where you’re going don’t forget turn back around
And help the next one in line
Always stay humble and kind

This song is truly a reminder of the simple truths to life – being humble and kind. I felt so propelled to share it with others. First of all, are you being kind to yourself? Take this time to let go of the energy of winter, shed your old skin as spring is upon the horizon. Being kind towards others helps left one’s heart and soul. A simple smile, compliment or encouragement can truly make one’s day. Stay inspired xo