Inspired Practices

  • In my community, everyone has room for expression.

    Spiritual Treasure Note Series 5.40 

    In my community, everyone has room for expression.

    ——————

    In my community, we encourage expression.

    There is room for outrageous ideas for upliftment.

    We all build on each other’s ideas.

    There is coordination and cooperation in our expression.

    We are excited to play with imagination and innovation.

    We have a wonderful feeling of contentment and satisfaction.

    © 2024 Kathryn Hardage

    http://www.shareinspirationandpeace.com

  • Acknowledge

     Meditation Drawing 4.1 Acknowledge

    I acknowledge the presence of the infinite Divine in my  life.

    Through inner listening I have been given the tools and techniques to overcome decades of anxiety and depression.

    It is truly a gift.

    From my very first Meditation Drawings, I was able to focus on a very small space as I drew repetitious lines and figures around a central word.

    This broke the feeling of panic as my breath slowed down and became more deep and regular.

    Later, I wrote a meditation to go with the word.

    As I continue immersing myself in this process, I rarely have panic attacks, and if I do, I can address the situation right away.

    My inner listening has led me to take steps along my life-path in surprising and unexpected ways.

    I have learned to acknowledge my Divine connection and then to listen for Guided action.

    I am led to books, workshops, and conversations with interesting people.

    I have created a body of work and am led to share it.

    I acknowledge the deep enrichment of my life through art expression along with writing.

    I acknowledge the excellent training I have had in demanding fields and its contribution to my standards of excellence.

    I acknowledge my access to color after being released from a life filtered through the color of despair.

    I acknowledge my freedom to express myself in many different satisfying and joyful ways.

    I acknowledge the necessity of continuing my practice of consistent inner listening.

    I acknowledge the beautiful presence of supportive friends.

    I acknowledge my ability to pause and rest.

    I acknowledge the gift of all the discomfort and frustrations which led me to search for and find a better way.

    I acknowledge Divine timing.

    I am grateful for all the steps which have led to my contentment and new happiness.

    © 2024 Kathryn Hardage 

    http://www.shareinspirationandpeace.com

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  • Comfort of maintaining one’s boundaries

    Comfort #39 Comfort of maintaining one’s boundaries

    Even though we may not have had the option of maintaining our boundaries as children, we can grow into this power as adults.

    I often felt hemmed in by group activities long before I discovered my empathic tendencies.

    I did know I could walk away and remove myself from activities that were not part of my high standards, even in high school.

    During the course of a fun get-together, I have learned to tell my adult friends that I have  enjoyed the conversation, but that I need to get to a quieter place.

    This is completely accepted.

    I have learned to ask for help when I need it, even though it is hard for me to do.

    I know that the work I do is needed, and I make sure that I am doing it.

    I resist the distractions which can so easily present themselves.

    During my professional life as a symphony musician, I had a persistent stalker who was also a symphony member.

    I felt intimidated when he would try to put his arm around me during rehearsal breaks.

    I could tell he was saying derogatory things about me in a different language as they joked and laughed.

    I even turned down jobs when I needed the money if I knew he was going to be there.

    Finally, I decided that I had had enough.

    During the next concert at intermission, as I passed the other musician on the backstage stairs, he backed off.

    He saw something in my eyes as I determined not to be victimized any more.

    Later, I opened a conversation with him about coming to the US and I found out that he had come here with his wife.

    I met her after a concert and the whole situation changed.

    I changed my circumstances when I realized I could stand up to maintain my boundaries.

    I have been able to draw on this power in other situations when necessary.

    I am comforted by the fact that I was able to learn this skill when I did.

    I no longer attract bullies.

    This was a problem since I was a little girl, but no more.

    © 2024 Kathryn Hardage

    http://www.shareinspirationandpeace.com

  • Dramatic Changes

    Pebbles of Peace Pathways 2.50

    Dramatic Changes

    I feel more peace over the dramatic life changes that are happening now than I have ever felt about any change.

    Perhaps it is because I have learned that I have the right to a peaceful life and that I am in control of that process.

    Before, I used to be subject to whatever wind was blowing strongest, and even though I had a strong character and practiced it, there were strong negative winds.

    I kept recovering, until one day I questioned that practice as a life-style.

    I began to look for more stable practices and to question why I was always having to regain my balance.

    I discovered there was a serious flaw in my foundation.

    I had not chosen my life practice or career.

    I was merely making do, blooming where I was planted, being a conscientious and obedient servant.

    But what did I want to serve?

    After many workshops and dozens of books, I decided that I wanted to serve my higher purpose.

    Then I had to find out what that was.

    Now that I have found it and acquired the skills to practice it, my life has taken on an entirely new course.

    The winds that blow ease me forward firmly and persistently.

    I am attuned to them and find that it is so much easier to move in the direction of my desires instead of someone else’s.

    So, even though the changes are dramatic in terms of their size, I am moving peacefully.

    © 2024 Kathryn Hardage

    http://www.shareinspirationandpeace.com

  • Openness

    Artist Trading Card Series – Word #39 – Openness
    and Mini-Meditation

    It is safe for me to be open.

    I can be visible now.

    I guard my own barriers.

    I maintain my large perimeters.

    © 2024 Kathryn Hardage

    http://www.shareinspirationandpeace.com

  • My life is uplifted as my day is uplifted.

    Life-Path Story Mazes – #37 My life is uplifted as my day is uplifted.

    I breathe in inspiration for my day.

    I listen for the uplifting ideas which make my day better.

    I am willing to receive them through my connection with the Infinite Universe.

    As I listen quietly and deeply, I feel the peace.

    I sense the presence of good ideas.

    These ideas are uplifting to me and to others.

    As I express a good idea and let it fill me up, it overflows.

    That is how others feel it.

    It is not something I talk about.

    It is a quiet, precious feeling within me.

    It becomes my being, the more I experience it.

    It takes me in the direction of harmony.

    It adds more beauty to my day.

    Even simple things acquire a glow about them.

    I have an uplfiting conversation with someone.

    We both contribute good ideas.

    I am a good listener as someone shares an idea with me.

    I move gently and slowly, consciously, without hurry or agitation.

    I know I am connected to whatever I need.

    I am reassured by this thought many times each day.

    As I take on my daily tasks, I do it with peace.

    I am able to accomplish what I need to without tension or worry.

    I know that the kindness I express and receive is part of the divine Universe.

    I know that the increased harmony at work is through my inner listening.

    I take this feeling everywhere I go.

    © 2024 Kathryn Hardage

    http://www.shareinspirationandpeace.com

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  • I am blessed to live in my community.

    Spiritual Treasure Note Series 5 – #39 

    I am blessed to live in my community.

    ——————

    It feels good to be a member of my community.

    My community is a good fit for me.

    My ideas are respected and appreciated.

    I am relaxed and secure in my community.

    We have wonderful, uplifting conversations.

    I am grateful to find my place.

    © 2024 Kathryn Hardage

    http://www.shareinspirationandpeace.com

  • Vibrant

    Meditation Drawing 3.52 Vibrant

    My vibrant life is characterized by passionate devotion.

    It is a wonderful moment to discover what I love to do.

    Giving myself permission to do it gives energy to my life.

    Each step builds my enthusiasm.

    I wake each morning with a feeling of purpose.

    I gather my ideas and materials and I begin my work in creative ecstasy.

    Gradually, the ideas come together to express beauty and harmony.

    They are uplifting to me and to others.

    I find I am on a completely new path of happiness.

    I love reaching into the newness of the Universe.

    The Universe loves sending me ideas to play with.

    We have an exciting partnership.

    Everything moves forward in good time.

    I am a witness to Its’ order.

    It is a beautiful and powerful dance.

    New moments unfold with each new step.

    Unexpected opportunities for expression continually appear.

    I am in awe.

    I am humbled by the gift to participate.

    As the ideas gain momentum, I am carried along.

    I am devoted to their care.

    I nurture them.

    I watch them mature.

    I see them launch into the world to do their uplifting work.

    It is a marvelous and momentous time to see well-being for all.

    © 2024 Kathryn Hardage 

    http://www.shareinspirationandpeace.com

  • Comfort of walking away

    Comfort #38 Comfort of walking away

    When my children were in high school, I told them if I fight breaks out on campus, that they are to walk away.

    Instead of rushing toward the fight and adding to the interest and agitation, they were to walk away from it.

    I was able to witness this in action one day when I was picking up a child from high school.

    She and her boyfriend skirted around the growing circle where a fight was taking place and got into the car as I drove them safely home.

    We can give ourselves the comfort of walking away from negative memories and disturbing pictures from the news.

    We own our own thoughts as we choose what to focus on.

    Getting caught up in agitating situations and circumstances is avoidable as we create a standard of calm for our life.

    We can always take a calming deep breath when we see something or hear something upsetting.

    Our deep breath slows us down into the present moment of calm as it permeates our body.

    This gets us ready for the next calming thought.

    We are able to think clearly as we calm ourselves.

    We can sense the right direction to go for safety if necessary.

    Even in milder situations, we can walk away from gossip.

    We have more useful work to do with our thoughts and actions.

    We can continue to listen within as we perform our daily tasks.

    We can listen for inspiration as we get calmer.

    We can take the tiny steps of action which add to the calm and productivity of our work and for our household.

    It is tempting to become part of an exciting and agitating situaqtion, but it is not the best direction for us.

    The best direction always comes from within.

    We are able to connect with the Universe Who Loves Us and move in the direction of Its’ calling and direction.

    This is possible even in the middle of a fight which is building.

    It is possible in a traffic jam.

    It is possible by turning away from disturbing news stories.

    We can draw on the ideas which place us where we belong.

    This will help calm the whole situation by not adding our interest and energy to it.

    © 2024 Kathryn Hardage 

    http://www.shareinspirationandpeace.com

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  • What will you do with your peace?

    Pebbles of Peace Pathways 3.49 What will you do with your peace?

    When you get peace, what will you do with your peace?

    Will you be kinder to people?

    Will you watch for ways to help people who need help?

    Will you contribute to inclusive, uplifting community action?

    Will you just be glad that at least people are calming down around you?

    Will you be glad that nothing is happening that is threatening your well-being?

    Will you separate yourself from those who are still dealing with their problems?

    What good will the peace do for you?

    What good will the peace do for your neighbors?

    Do you know your neighbors?

    Will you get to know them with the coming of peace?

    What will change for you?

    If peace is just more convenient for you, nothing will have changed for you.

    You will not be conscious of peace.

    You may notice the streets are quieter, but you will not be aware of any underlying meaning to the peace.

    If that is the case, you will not be one of the reasons for the peace.

    You must consciously participate in the bringing of peace.

    You must be consciously aware of maintaining your own inner peace in order for the peace to last, for it to have any meaning whatsoever.

    Otherwise, it is just a relief, and no personal growth or awareness has occurred.

    You must participate.

    You must wake up and be aware.

    You must keep and grow the peace if it is to remain.

    You must include every single person in your community in the peace.

    You must include every single person in all the communities in order to live in the peace.

    © 2024 Kathryn Hardage

    http://www.shareinspirationandpeace.com

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