Between heaven and earth

Winter bravery

Carola — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 19:21:22 +0000

Winter has arrived ! Some friends just told me about how their friends in the very north of Sweden had had a huge party in a tent at -40 c this weekend and yes, I must admit I was impressed even though I’m not sure I would have stayed very long myself. As I’m writing this Frozen planet is on TV – the amazing series with David Attenborough and it once again brings home to me how well we humans adapt to our circumstances, how we always seem to find a way to survive, to grow and to evolve and…like my fellow crazy swedes in the north just have proved, to have fun. If it’s dark and cold 5 months of the year you’d better find something to do that will cheer you up otherwise you would be stuck inside with a bottle of vitamin D and a electric blanket ! So, in a crazed moment of bravery I went against my inner sun lover today and went for a 40 minute walk with my husband at -20 c and I don’t know if my viking blood is starting to kick in but it was actually quite nice !

As you might gather, winter has never been my favourite time of year but I do appreciate it’s beauty and some days it really is magical. Anyone who has ever stepped into a white landscape where big snowflakes are slowly dancing through the sky with the sun just setting behind the mountains, knows what I mean; the world gets transformed and everything becomes peaceful and silent.

A peaceful mind

Carola — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 13:14:31 +0000

Certain things catch your eye, but pursue only those that capture your heart!

This autumn and winter has offered some really beautiful and misty days. My heart always takes a little leap of joy whenever I decide to sit down by the edge of the water. Peace enters my mind when I’m inviting and allowing the stillness and power of nature to embrace me.

The tao of Mr Rollington

Carola — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 14:45:48 +0000

Sitting quietly, doing nothing, spring comes and the grass grows by itself. ( The way of Zen ).

I think that some of the greatest teachers I’ve had in this life have been cats. These wonderful gracious creatures have really taught me how to be in the now and how to enjoy life. They’ve taught me how to be still and showed me that life unfolds itself without me having to do something every minute of the day. They’ve taught me how to not take myself too seriously all the time, and that it’s ok to roll around on the floor chasing string once in a while ! They’ve also showed me that when you eat you should concentrate on eating and nothing else, food requires focused attention..*smile*..

And when you sleep…ahhh…then you sleep! A good sleep is worth a thousand times more than a restless nap…and as little Mr Rollington ( picture above) keeps reminding me - try to enjoy your rest and cuddle time whenever you can.

So a big thank you to all the furry four legged Zen masters in my life- you rule !

Thankful

Carola — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 18:29:13 +0000

Today I’m giving thanks for unknown blessings already on their way.

The equinox of inner balance

Carola — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 06:18:38 +0000

A magical evening down by the water at our house.

Autumn is here and todays equinox marks the end of the light summer days and the start of a new cycle of rest and recuperation. Even though most of us are probably more busy than ever after the summer holidays, our energy levels might drop this time of year. Allowing ourselves to slow down and maybe take some quiet time of reflection will help us a lot in recharging our batteries and finding our inner balance again.

Every equinox I like to do a little ceremony out in the woods. It’s a beautiful time to give thanks for all that has been given to us and with an open heart embrace the new that is coming into our lives. It’s also a powerful time to bring balance into your life and into our world.

Be the change you want to see in the world !

In joy / Carola

Gratitude

Carola — Sun, 04 Sep 2011 10:18:10 +0000

My visit to Sedona this spring was one of the best trips I’ve ever made. The landscape is so different from the vegetation in Sweden and I was amazed to see how many plants that still managed to survive in this very dry climate. One morning it had actually rained and as I entered my favourite hiking trail the whole landscape was transformed. Everything was so alive and vibrating with life. Plants were soaking up every drop of water and the beauty and intelligence of the earth was so perfect. It really made me realise how much I have to be grateful for and how precious life truly is.

Colours of joy

Carola — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 17:09:48 +0000

Shine brightly and live your dreams- the rest is just beginning !

The joy and playfulness of this boquet of tulips always makes me smile.

The secret life of a waterdrop

Carola — Sun, 21 Aug 2011 16:38:22 +0000

After a day of heavy rain I put on my rubber boots and went to explore my garden with new eyes. Everything was so alive ! Everything felt so vibrant and pure and I felt like I was stepping into a new world of wonderful aromas, shapes and colours. The water drops on my rose ( peace) invited me to come really close and play with the beautiful patterns it created.

After spending hours in my magical and forever changing garden I went in and started reading one of my favourite books- Messages from Water by Masuro Emoto. If you haven’t read his books you are in for a treat. Mr Emoto is a internationally renowned Japanese researcher who has managed to capture the structure of water at the moment of freezing. Through high speed photography he has managed to show how for example thoughts of love and appreciation form beautiful water crystals whilst destructive thoughts make the water go all blurry and dark. He has through his work managed to prove what many of us already know- that our thoughts have a profound implication for our health as well as for the well being of our planet. I could go on and on about his amazing work…but I really do recommend all of you to check it out…his books are filled with pictures of these amazing water crystals and it really makes you stop and think- what am I giving out to the world today and what am I giving myself today. Love to you all !

Smile

Carola — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 16:06:17 +0000

Wear a smile and have friends; wear a scowl and have wrinkles. George Elliot

We met this man as we were doing a tour around Bali quite a few years ago. I smile every time I see this picture because after I asked him if I could take his picture he asked me for a dollar ! I quite happily gave it to him as I loved his smile and friendly face…It’s a beautiful country with a lot of poverty and still it’s filled with so many peaceful and beautiful people. I wonder if I would be just as happy after working a looong day out on the fields !

The art of giving and receiving

Carola — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 16:30:22 +0000

I’ve been thinking a lot about the art of giving and receiving lately. I’ve noticed that so many people (myself included) find it so much easier to give rather than receive. Why is that ? In the past I’ve found myself declining help just because that’s what I’ve always done. …The standard phrase being- Oh don’t worry, I’ll manage, or…No thanks I’m fine, you don’t have to help me, I’ll do it myself…I’ll cope, etc. Quite recently I realised that I’ve been going about this in completely the wrong way and that my pride was actually getting in the way of the help and good deeds that were coming my way. Now I realise that there must must be a balance between the giving and receiving, much like our breathing actually, where both inhaling and exhaling are equally important and life affirming.

I think that if we only give, but never allow ourselves to receive we will probably end up feeling very drained and maybe even resentful, feeling that the world is unfair and a constant struggle. On the other hand if you end up being only on the receiving end you might not enjoy what you have, constantly wanting more, or maybe ending up feeling worthless and in debt to people.

They say that a good man (or woman ) should be able fend for themselves and I agree, it is a great quality to be able to take care of yourself, but sometimes it’s just as great to accept help. Accepting help when you are in need is not a sign of weakness but actually a sign of strength and great growth. Allowing others to feel the same joy that we feel when helping a friend or neighbour in need is truly a beautiful thing.

With that said- today I gratefully accepted when my friend offered to drive me to the bus with all my bags ( normally I walk) just as I felt equally happy about giving her a massage for her bad back the other day. It truly is an abundant universe when we open up to what life has to offer.