Forces that Shape

Hello, darling dears. I had the most wonderful experience a few weeks ago of falling in love, yet again. I was talking to my husband (who is my greatest love:) about people (and critters) you just happen to meet and immediately feel some kind of connection—strong and unexplainable. We’ve all experienced it and don’t really know why as we’re drawn heart-to-heart like magnets. My husband gave it a word— “imprinting.” Now, at first his choice gave me pause, I worked at a wildlife center for years and imprinting was something to avoid at all cost, otherwise you might have a 500# pound bear thinking you’re his mama! But upon closer inspection of the word, my husband may be onto something:

To impress or stamp upon, to come to recognize in another habitual trust

Hmmm, um, yah, could meet the definition. My newest love is the dear, sweet girlfriend of my nephew (another one I’ve imprinted on). Somehow I know, whatever may come, this girl is a keeper for me. I also owe her tremendous gratitude  because in analyzing the precious ones whom have imprinted upon me, they all share something in common—Grit (with a capitol G).

I realized too, those spiritual ancestors that I have imprinted upon: Martin Luther King, Jr (happy MLK day, ya’ll), Joan of Arc*, Rumi, Jesus, Hafiz, Malala Yousafzai, Thich Nhat Hanh, Nadia Murad, Sister Chan Khong, ...the list goes on and on and on....they also have Grit with a capitol G. Perhaps Grit is a telling North Star?

So what are the forces within a person that intermingle and shape who we become? Have you ever considered that whenever you are with someone—a dearly beloved imprinted one, or the bagger at the grocery store—those 90 seconds you spend together are your opportunity to make connection—to be a bright light on the path of life, to reach out and let them know they are a treasure. When a person is met who impresses in another deep trust—that is a tremendous gift, perhaps the greatest gift one can give.

Who are the ones who open your heart? Be with them, love them deeply and reflect back their qualities of open hearted presence. Awww, it’s time for this Sappy McSappy Pants to go fall in love again, and again, and again....


* Karla’s full length ebook novel: Child of God: The Humble Beginnings of Joan of Arc

Higher Power Year 2020

I spend time these days with wonderful tender hearts recovering from addiction—so much beauty, and awakening beginning to be realized. I think often of the great desire within the human being for connection to a deeper purpose and meaning in life and this search, that can take us seemingly off track for a time. This is a poem, written new year’s eve 2020, with much gratitude for a year of blessings and wisdom in the Recovery community, thank you:

Higher Power

December 31, 2019

You have taught me,

that my addiction is Spirit, 

not some old bearded guy in the clouds

but the bodily experience of

flow,

space, 

freedom.

Sunshine, clouds building to storm,

smell of rain and meadow flowers,

lightning impact of the perfect string of words,

singing Christmas hymns at a holy roller church,

surrounded by congregation’s candlelight flames,

ten mallets striking the sacred drum,

lying beneath the stars at 3:00am,

a genuine open-hearted smile,

the graced notes of a violin.

It’s something that embodies, comes and goes but never leaves,

do you know what I mean?