Emergent Living, the mindful way.

Hello Readers
I am looking out of my office window, having a small interlude in my day of working as a therapist in the leafy suburb of Grey Lynn, Auckland, New Zealand.
(New Zealand is that tiny set of islands at the bottom of the globe!)

Life is busily going on around me with a TV crew filming an interview in the barn at the back of the house, children walking home from school, "For Sale" signs going up next door and the distant hum of cars going about their business.

A lot is happening and I have found an oasis of calm, that "still place" from which to view the world. This "still place" is not a geographical location but a spacious observation platform within me. It is the place from which I view the world and even myself, with compassionate kindness. From here I can observe Emergent Life, as it happens, without fear. I practise letting go of the usual defenses that keep me locked into old patterns.

Join me here. There is freedom here.

It feels Divine.

Mindful Musings

What a journey.  I have been on it for 59 and a half years.  The journey is called life.  You would never believe the treasures I have collected along the way.  The suitcase is a little battered (i.e. me!!) but still totally functional.

You may have noticed that there has been a 2 year gap in my blog writing.  2 amazing years and many wonderful adventures.

During this time I have discovered that being present to each emergent moment, rich with potential and wonderful surprises, makes every day precious and abundantly interesting and exciting.  This is mindful living.  I have been learning to give quality of presence to my clients, my friends and my family and to the beautiful earth on which I dwell.  What a difference this makes.

I have been continuing to paint on and off.  Here is a photo of a tui painting.  New Zealand native bird, peeping from the bush.

 Peace and love.

Sandy

www.insight-international.org

Look who I found!

This little fellow was waiting at the local junk shop for me.
he is 60 years old and can no longer drum.  I think he is precious.  he is sitting on my desk, reminding me that wear and tear can make us beautiful.  Love and peace. Sandy

Creative retreat: "A memorable journey"

I have just returned from a wonderful time on Waiheke Island. We laughed, we cried, we created and we shared a deep and wonderful two days together. The food cooked by Marianne was magnificent!! Hope you can join us next time. Peace Sandy

healing conversations

I have had some really wonderful moments of contact with people over the last week that have felt healing. Some of them have been intense requests for change in me, some have been encouragement and advice, some have been voices from my past who are wanting to re-connect. Whether my friends were angry, excited, happy, sad was not the healing componant. The healing was that they considered me worth having these conversations with. Worth encountering. The content wasn't so much the issue. It has been the quality of the conversations and the honest encounter of authentic selves who have been willing to risk that honesty. They have trusted me with their thoughts, their longings and their advice. On this life journey that I am on, I don't want 'yes' people around me...I would far rather have an honest friend than a fake persona that I cannot connect with. Today I intend to be real. I encourage you to try it. Intimacy is impossible without it. Love and peace. Sandy

Creative retreat

Another group of women are heading over to Waiheke Island again at the end of this month for a wonderful time of fun, exploration and creative expression. What a great way to spend a weekend. I wish you could come with us. If you live outside of New Zealand you may wish to do the program long-distance. Please contact me on: sandyf@insightcounselling.co.nz for more information. I accept this unfolding moment with kindness and gratitude. Blessings. Sandy

treasure is everywhere

Hello Readers Recently some friends of mine were ripping up the old floor boards from their boat. They merrily set about putting the old boards into the trash. I studied the boards and found that where the glue had been spread to stick the boards onto the floor of the boat some amazing graphic designs had emerged. The photo you can see is the edge of one of those boards on the gravel driveway. The textures and patterns are quite exquisite! Needless to say, I managed to rescue some pieces and christmas presents are being created out of rubbish!! People are often discarded by society in a similar way. We need to take time to really appreciate the beauty of old age, of difference, of the worn and torn, being open to the fact that treasure is right in front of us. Blessings to you and yours in this holiday season. may the hope of the bright morning star shine brightly in your hearts. Sandy