The Stranger's Smile....

I've been wanting to pen this wonderful experience for so long, as it's a regular occurrence, which melts my heart each time....

I live in a small country town, where the nearest service township is 40 kilometres away. This is where I purchase my weekly food shop and take care of errands. A while back, I was also employed in this town and drove back and forth on a daily basis.

A few years ago, one particular day, I was driving to work at around 7.30am.

I would always take the same route each morning, which involved travelling down a long, straight stretch of bitumen with beautiful farmland on either side. Mind you, I never really noticed the picturesque scenery, as I was always on tender hooks, thinking about my work commitments. My employment position proved to be very stress provoking, due to the concept being completely against my grain on many levels, hence I found it extremely challenging. I wish I had have listened to my gut feeling upon accepting the position, however it was a good learning lesson!

I would have work on my mind constantly, much to my husband's disgust. I was always one step ahead of myself, instead of being present in the now and finally (after much ego hesitation), I resigned after my husband disclosed he was beginning to 'not like me very much'!

So this one particular sunny, chilly morning, I was, as usual, highly strung and driving on auto-pilot, while organising my working day in my mind, totally oblivious to the stunning, surrounding physical world. I was feeling disheartened and scattered and not in a good place emotionally at all, but one I had sadly become accustomed to over the previous few months.

Suddenly, in the near distance, I saw a person standing by the roadside wearing dark clothes and holding a medium-sized, black dog by the collar. As I approached closer I could see this person was a tall, ruffled, elderly man, with a slender physique, shoulder length, thinning, grey hair and wearing a grey beard. Thick black-rimmed glasses were crookedly balancing on his nose and he held a stick in one hand, which didn't seem to be aiding his walk. He was wearing a pair of old jeans and a waterproof coat, which I assumed had seen many winters. His furry companion seemed well behaved and protectively loved by the old man, waiting patiently for me to safely pass them by.

I, of course, slowed right down, not wanting to scare this beautiful dog or his owner, and as I drove by, the man, who was in a bent position, crouching and hanging on to his precious pet, waved his stick in the air to greet me. He was wearing the most beautiful, approachable, toothless smile and his eyes were sparkling 'hello'. He seemed so care-free and happy, and unconditionally offered me the warmest 'Good morning'. It was as though he had known me all my life and I felt so appreciated by this stranger!

The impact this experience gave me was lasting. This simple act of kindness brought me back to earth and enabled me to once again realise what's important in life. Living isn't about feeling stressed all the time and causing sickness in the process, especially worrying about uncontrollable situations. Life is about being kind and letting someone know they matter, and not worrying over the small, unimportant stuff. It's about accepting YOU the way you are and letting YOU shine – just as this man role modelled.

I still see this gentleman and his dog regularly on the same stretch of road, in fact I look forward to spotting them and warmly returning his familiar greeting. He's become a significant part of my life now and always a great reminder of what's real; more importantly, to 'keep it simple'.

I have often thought to stop to let this lovely man know the impact his kindness has made on a complete stranger, but I enjoy the anonymity of the whole experience and don't wish to change the energy of this special occurrence. However, one fine day I surely will, before this gracious soul disappears from my life….

Animal Intuition...

Do You feel your beloved pet animals understand you? Do they ever suddenly sit up startled and stare into thin air? Are they able to sense when a spirit visits? I believe they can…..

We have two precious feline fluff balls in our family, among other pet animals that live outside on our farm. I guess, as having children of our own proved to be impossible, these beautiful creatures take their place, and although this may sound completely absurd to parents across the world, I couldn't imagine loving my children any more than I do my four legged kids.

Ginge is our seventeen month old (obviously) ginger, male cat, who has grown into a huge teddy-bear-like, happy, gentle giant with a beautiful laid back nature. He thrives on affection and has a healthy appetite – often! He is also our number one pest control officer, quick to catch mice when in the mood.

Bluebell is a petite, beautiful, flecky grey and white, female cat, nearly ten months old. Sometimes depending on how she moves, it almost looks like she has the shape of a grey heart imprinted on her torso. After a dramatic start in life of being dumped at four weeks old and my husband discovering her with her tiny, bloody face, she seems to have forgotten her awful past. She is thriving, completely cheeky, mischievous and playful – much to Ginge's disgust, who just wants to be left alone. Bell is infatuated with Ginge's long, thick, tail and pounces on it at any given opportunity. That worries me for when snake season commences in a few months…

Both often continue to act out their disagreeing moments and it's been a long, on-going challenge to bring them together toward amicability. We didn't plan to adopt more than one cat, however when Bell came into our lives needing love and care, there was no question that we would help her. We love them both to bits.

I seem to have a unique communication line with both Ginge and Bluebell. I am able to read their facial expressions and body language, as I'm sure they can read mine. Both respond to my voice and seem to be able to look straight through me. Telepathically, there is also a connection, which I've witnessed often.

During the initially months, when Ginge and Bell were constantly trying to eat each other (yes, Bell too, even though she was less than a quarter of Ginge's size), I would silently talk to them individually and attempt to explain the situation. Ginge would look up attentively, sit quietly with his ears pointed my way. When I finished by asking him to please be patient, as Bell is only a playful juvenile, he would walk off, away from her, in a disgruntled fashion. However, when I telepathically spoke to Bell, she seemed completely oblivious to anything I said and would suddenly jump up and run away, playing with an imaginary, flying obstacle within her reach.

These days, now that Bell is a little older, she seems to hear me. For a while she would sleep next to my waist on top of our doona each night. I loved having her beside me (although it was a little uncomfortable) and would stroke her gently until both of us drifted off to sleep. However, from one day to the next, she decided to sleep in her own little bed, that I had initially purchased many months ago, on the bedroom floor.

After a week or so, I telepathically pleaded with her to return to our bed as I missed her terribly. That night she was back, much to my delight, and has continued to sleep with us ever since. Ginge rests at our feet and never needs any prompting to do so. I've suggested to my husband we may need to buy a larger bed!

Often, Bluebell will suddenly stop in her tracks and sit very quietly on edge, staring across the room with huge, marble-like eyes. I will look to see what has caught her undivided attention, however there is never anything out of the norm to be seen. No matter what I say or do, I cannot distract or coax her to unfix her gaze. Sometimes her stare will follow an invisible force across the room, while her body language sways between angst and curiosity. This continues on for a few minutes, and then as if nothing happened, she's back to her usual self!

I believe Bell is observing a spirit, who has popped in, such as our beautiful, previous cat, whom we needed to have euthanased just over two years ago. I have no doubt Oscar is still around, amused by the fiery relationship between these two egos, and feeling grateful he was an 'only child'. This occurrence no longer seems to happen with Ginge. Possibly, being now older, he's used to the spirit traffic and it has ceased to affect him the way it does Bell.

Who knows what's really going on, however one thing I am certain of and that is animals are completely intuitive and we can learn so much from them if we take the time to stop and read the play. I couldn't imagine my life without my precious furry children, big, small and in between….Many have passed over into the spirit world over the years, however I'm sure I still feel them often and I'm so grateful I do. I pray that this never changes :)

A Reminder From Spirit With Love...

Following on from last week's blog, I continue to feel unsettled and on edge. The familiar, ferocious wind we are experiencing isn't helping, as it always manages to throw my balance. The sadness I still feel for my loved ones, presently bravely ploughing through rough waters, wears me down, and I'm feeling scattered, trying to stretch myself in too many directions.

It's time to lighten up! Time to shove the heaviness off my shoulders and to stand up straight and tall to move forward fearlessly, leaving all that doesn't serve me behind. Furthermore to this, I was given a wonderful, significant reminder from Spirit this week. Let me explain….

A few weeks ago, my brother and I attended a school reunion in Melbourne. It was the very first reunion I had been to in thirty-two years and I was so excited. In fact, once we reached the venue, I had slipped completely into my element. I felt entirely content within myself, embracing my personal power. I was centred, leaving no room for fear or self judgement or any form of negativity. With great anticipation, I was happily awaiting to re-connect with childhood friends. I actually couldn't wipe the smile off my face, and I felt so much love for the whole 'reunion concept', waiting to thoroughly enjoy linking up with familiar souls, who had played a huge part within my prominent, learning teenage years.

As the evening progressed, I could genuinely feel the difference in myself. I knew I was emanating that which I was feeling. My energy/aura was up beat and approachable, hence why I was able to enjoy such meaningful

re-connections, although only fleetingly, as there were so many people to speak with and so little time.

I felt 'alive', 'in the moment' and completely in my heart centre. That's the only way I can describe it. It felt amazing and I made a mental note suggesting this is how I could always be feeling, and that it's entirely up to me!

However, after that wonderful event, I returned to the norm of life, still for a few days embraced by the happy, lingering memories, which slowly, but surely dissipated storing themselves in my personal history. I guess I sank back into my familiar, see-sawing inner world by my own doing...

Two weeks later I was casually scrolling through Face Book one evening before retiring to bed, and noticed one of the past students from the reunion had sent me a friend request. I didn't remember this man from school on the night, as he was a few years above me, however I did meet him at the celebration and we shared some brief, but fascinating conversations throughout the evening. He was interesting to speak with and played a part in the reunion experience being so enjoyable.

So I happily accepted Michael's friend request. Five minutes later a notification arrived informing me of a message he had placed on my time line. I intriguingly brought up my Face Book page to check it out.

Well, what a beautiful surprise! Such lovely, heartfelt, honest words. You could have knocked me over with a feather…...and it was for the world to see, which, I must admit, embarrassed me a little just quietly, thanks to my whispering, undeserving voice that rears its ugly head every now and again!

These were some of Michael's words:

'Just wanted to say what a pleasure it was meeting at the reunion. You smile with your eyes and have a vivacious attitude to life that is truly infectious. I wish you all the best'.

Honestly, I was completely overwhelmed that firstly, someone would put themselves out there like that to secondly, say such lovely comments about me. My shocked ego 'obviously' enjoyed the moment, however I instantly knew Michael was perceiving the 'Camilla', (whom he had never previously met), who was emanating from her heart centre. I guess you could say, 'the real Camilla'.

I could feel Michael was very intuitive and obviously confidently voices what he thinks, as opposed to most people, who have passing thoughts that subside as quickly as they arrive. I was very flattered and grateful for Michael's words. That was really sweet of him to post, however the reason for his positive perception of me that evening was because I had let go (or placed on the back-burner) my usual niggling issues of self doubt etc. and allowed my soul, my authentic self, to lead. I possibly found this easy, as I was removed from my usual environment, feeling carefree and excited, while stepping sideways from my life as I know it, similar to a little vacation – or so it seemed.

However, there shouldn't need to be 'a little vacation'! Why can't/don't I always live life from my heart centre? How easy living would be? How happy and content I would be? How well I would write!! Man, the advantages are endless...

When we are centred in our hearts, balanced and consciously allowing our authentic, beautiful selves to shine, we automatically feel at ease and fully accept and appreciate who we are, hence becoming more fearless, more caring, more joyous, more grateful and more giving people. From this stance, we then also continue to attract souls of the same substance, welcome opportunities and inspiring events into our lives, which we nurture, appreciate and celebrate. How enticing that sounds! Don't you agree?

So Spirit kindly reminded me how energetic I felt during the reunion while I was speaking my truth, by having Michael post a lovely message that would make me sit up and take notice. I say 'reminded' because I already knew how differently I portrayed myself to the world that night and how magical I felt.

The only way I can try and explain the feeling I experienced is how one feels when they're about to embark on a first, second, third date - full of enthusiasm, positive anticipation and motivation, placing one's best foot forward, all with love in one's heart. Now replace the word 'date', with 'you and your zest for life', and apply the adjectives..

So how do we achieve this? The following few suggestions have served me well:

Let go of the small stuff, as it's all small stuff (however I still often need to remind myself of this). 

 

Be mindful of every moment, yet expect greatness to unfold during your journey through your attraction.

Be content within yourself and let go of self judgement, as well as for others. 

Give unconditionally and you will unexpectedly be rewarded time and time again and usually when you most need it.

Don't be afraid to give compliments, whether you know the person or not (just as Michael did).

Each of us needs to individually figure out how to peel back the layers to expose and live from the heart. The challenge is to remain in this wonderful space and not be thrown off centre…….however, that's why we're here in the physical. 'They' say 'practice makes perfect!'. May you find the right path for you….. xo

Just Can't Get My Head Around It Presently....

It seems I'm off balance this week, leaning more toward my physicality in an attempt to make sense of what's been happening in and around my world. I'm really struggling with spiritual concepts, which is why I call myself the 'stumbling spiritualist'. I'm having a stumbling (or more like a falling over) phase presently, leaving me with a heavy heart.

Everywhere I turn, people are having to deal with so much trauma, grief and confusion. Some are having to fight their way through multiple tragic episodes at one time. How are they managing to stay afloat? Some remain in shock, struggling to digest what has occurred in a blink of an eye, and hoping there's not more of the same to come in the near future.

These people I refer to are my loved ones, and I am standing beside them feeling completely powerless. It's not a pleasant experience, in fact, it breaks my heart. These souls are beautiful, warm, compassionate and selfless and don't deserve any of the devastation they are experiencing.

Why do such good people have so much to bear? Why is it some peoples' journeys are filled with complication and trauma, again and again? Can't the load be shared? Can't they have a break to pick themselves up and shake themselves off before the next hurricane hits them?

Yes, apparently we plan our physical life before we slip into our chosen bodies (Often I wonder, ' What were we thinking?'!).

Yes, apparently we are not dished out more than what we can handle – ever (Really?!).

Yes, there's a reason/purpose for everything. Life is like a game of dominoes, all exactly fitting into place (Wish we were allowed in on the reason from our stance too. Would make life a whole lot easier!).

Yes, we need to let go of what we can't control, meaning I need to let go of my sadness, as they're not my challenges, so to speak (But if loved ones hurt, I hurt).

Yes, a bubble of white light, or the like, is good to place yourself in so your sensitivity is spared from emotions that aren't yours (That often doesn't work for me either, if I am close to the troubled person).

There are many more spiritual truths, that just aren't doing it for me at the moment. I just can't get my head around them! It's so difficult watching people in pain and not being able to assist them – except to be there for them. Yes I know, being there for them is a wonderful thing, however I wish I could share their load, or I wish events that have happened, didn't. I wish I could ease their pain, but no matter what I do or how much I try, I am unable…...and that makes me very sad….