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We are Being Guided
by Heather Succio
Listen. Take a deep breath, rest your bodyƒand listen. We are being guided by Source
every minute of every day. What would happen if we connected, once and for always,
with the part of us that knows how magnificent life could truly be if we really,
really listened for that guidance?
During my 33rd summer, I ran away. I painted, walked and prayed for three months
straight. I wasnÍt sure what I wanted out of life. I wasnÍt sure whether I would
stay in my marriage, whether I could keep in contact with my family, whether I truly
wanted to stay here on Earth at all. At the time, I just wanted to run away from
everyone and everything that felt sickeningly familiar. As I look back, what I needed,
and what I received, was enough distance from my daily routines and distractions
to really be able to hear that still, small voice that has guided me since.
A couple of months into my summer, I found myself at a retreat center. In the midst
of another day of crying and keening and begging God for help, I sunk to my knees
and prayed in the retreat center chapel. I heard a very strong and sure female voice
say, ñDo not worry. I will put out petals for you to follow.î I donÍt quite remember
my reaction to that reassurance from above, however, I clearly remember the events
that unfolded during the next few weeks.
Shortly after returning from the chapel, I passed by a music class. I heard the teacher
exclaim, ñYou know that painting of Van GoghÍs sunflowers? That kind of beauty moves
people!î I paused. I sighed. The thought occurred to me, even then, that the words
might be meant for my ears. Well ¿ that strong, sure voice said she would put out
petals for me to follow! I wasnÍt entirely convinced, but I remained open enough
to the possibility that I was being sent some sign. Little did I know in the coming
weeks I would be sent messages so clear and so obvious that I could not deny they
were, indeed, meant for me.
The day after hearing the music teacher speak, I received a flower delivery from
a dear friend. With it was a very lovely message written inside a card; on the cover
of the card was a copy of the Van Gogh sunflowers. A week afterward, I left the retreat
center for a work meeting and stayed at a colleagueÍs house. I was a bit nervous
about asking her to provide a bed for me for the night, but was reassured when she
directed me to the one with that same Van Gogh painting hanging over the bed. Sunflowers
followed me around for weeks. Sunflower cards continued to arrive in the mail. Storefront
displays were filled with those glorious yellow blooms. Framed pictures of the Van
Gogh flowers seemed to greet me around every corner.
It seems so trivial a thing, to describe pictures of flowers as an inspirational
guide, but often Spirit works in the simplest of ways. Those flowers led me, gradually,
to an understanding of the power and peace I had within me. I knew, simply knew,
I was being protected, guided and loved every minute of every day. I had slowed down
enough to listen. I was prepared to return to my marriage, my family, my lifeƒall
those things I had so desperately run away from months before.
My husband and I met for a coffee date toward the end of the summer. We sat outside
the coffee shop, long after the sun had set on an August evening. We both commented
about a woman strolling four young children into the nearby grocery store at so late
an hour. I recounted the sunflower story to my husband, the same story I am telling
here ¿ the music teacher, the card and flowers, the painting over the bed, the flowers
around every corner. As I neared the last word, the woman passed in front of us,
and my husband calmly said, ñThe woman, the one with the young children. Look in
her cart.î The back storage bin of her stroller was overflowing with sunflowers.
She must have bought out the store.
We are protected. We are guided. We are loved. Sometimes it is only in the moments
of true desperation that we are willing to let down our defenses and our skepticism
and truly be willing to connect with a Power greater then ourselves. Every conversation,
every encounter, every road, every experience has a purpose. Pay attention to what
is around you. Pay attention to the little things. Be willing to ask for help. Be
vulnerable enough to listen outside yourself, but know that true answers and guidance
lie within us always. Sometimes we just need help with the words. Our souls know
exactly where to go, as they are guided by a power that does not make mistakes, does
not give up, and does not turn away.
Listen. Take a deep breath, rest your body, and listen. Spirit is speaking to you
now, in this very minute, in every minute. All you need to do is listen.
Heather Succio is a teacher, artist and intuitive reader. For more information
about intuitive development classes or to schedule a reading, call (952) 484-2947,
or e-mail heathersuccio@yahoo.com. Classes are held at Pathway Books and Gifts in
Richfield (612) 861-2130. Visit www.pathway-books.com or Four Laughing Ladies in
Savage (952) 890-8995.
Copyright © 2004 Heather Succio |
| May 2005 |
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