Tag Archive for: Inspiration

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Fanciful Fusion of Fun and Fragrance

February unfolds as a fascinating mosaic of frosty fun and forward-thinking flair—a month that effortlessly blends the magic of winter with the promise of imminent renewal. With its mix of festive fervor, reflective moments, and a sprinkle of seasonal charm, February invites us to celebrate life in both its jubilant bursts and its quieter, introspective moments of repose.

A Month of Magic and Emergence

As the shortest month on the calendar, February may seem fleeting, but it packs an impressive punch of personality and poetic promise. The crisp, fragrant air carries a unique perfume—a blend of winter’s lingering chill and nature’s subtle prelude to spring. February offers a dual experience: a time to embrace both lively celebrations and the soft whisper of change.

Historical and Cultural Perspectives

February has long held a place in history as a month of both festivity and introspection. Ancient festivals and traditions celebrated this time of year as a period of purification and preparation, setting the stage for the eventual blossoming of spring. Today, these historical threads interweave with modern customs. The month is not only about love and romance but also about cherishing friendships and family bonds.

As you enjoy a frosty day or a festive gathering, consider how the traditions of yesteryear have influenced today’s celebrations, infusing each moment with a sense of purpose and connection.

Flavors, Festivals, and Fragrances

Beyond its historical significance, February is a sensory delight. Culinary enthusiasts revel in seasonal treats that are as flavorful as they are fun. Imagine enjoying a feast of comforting, aromatic dishes that perfectly mirror the month’s chilly charm—a veritable festival for your taste buds! Whether it is sipping on a fragrant spiced tea or savoring a hearty stew, each bite and every sip makes for a multisensory experience.

For Your Consideration:

Embracing the Chill and the Change

The gentle frost that decorates the landscapes of February is more than just a seasonal occurrence—it is a metaphor for life’s transient beauty. The chill in the air encourages us to draw closer to warmth, whether through the company of loved ones or the solace of personal reflection. In these cool moments, we find a powerful reminder that every ending, every freezing moment, is merely a prelude to transformation. The promise of spring lies just beyond the horizon, waiting to unfurl in a burst of colorful creativity and natural rebirth.

Reflection and Renewal

February’s dual nature—as both a time of celebration and contemplation—offers a unique opportunity for personal growth. The month gently nudges us to balance our inner lives with the external joys of the season. It invites us to pause, reflect, and prepare for the future with a spirit that is both free and focused. Whether you are reconnecting with old passions or discovering new interests, February serves as a fertile ground for introspection and renewal.

February is more than a mere marker on the calendar; it is a vibrant, multifaceted experience that celebrates life in all its forms. With its blend of festive energy, historical depth, and sensory delights, the month challenges us to find beauty in every moment—be it frosty or fragrant, fast-paced or reflective. As you navigate this marvelous month, let its fun and fanciful spirit inspire you to live with creative joy, embrace new beginnings, and cherish the subtle magic that lies within every fleeting moment.

Some recommendations:

  • Festive Celebrations: Embrace the lingering spirit of February by engaging in events into March that celebrate love, friendship, and creativity. Each festivity, from intimate dinners to grand parties, is an opportunity to revel in a blend of fun and finesse.
  • Fragrant Moments: Take time to notice the subtle, refreshing scents that characterize this time of year. Whether it is the crisp smell of freshly fallen snow or the hint of early spring hidden beneath winter’s surface, these fragrances are nature’s own celebration.
  • Forward-Thinking Flair: Let February inspire you to dream and plan. The month’s reflective quiet is a perfect backdrop for setting goals, embarking on new projects, or simply enjoying moments of mindful introspection.

Okay, your turn:

What would tickle your fancy this time of year? How about trying something new, or some things you’ve already done, but this time combining them into something new? I invite you to share your observations, feelings, and experiences by leaving a Reply in the Comments section, below. Soul-to-soul!

© 2025 Lori A. Noonan. All Rights Reserved.

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New Year’s Resolutions: Yay or Nay?

As we move from December into January and a new calendar year, the world collectively seemingly buzzes with the chatter of resolutions. Some vow to exercise more, others promise to save money, and a bold few aim to climb metaphorical or literal mountains. Yet, alongside this wave of ambition, an equally familiar critique emerges: “Why bother? Resolutions never stick.”

It is true. Many resolutions do not survive past February. The gym-goers vanish, the budgeting apps are abandoned, and the excitement fades. But does that mean New Year’s resolutions are inherently flawed? I would argue no. Resolutions, even when imperfectly executed, hold a certain kind of magic — a spirit of hope and renewal that we should not dismiss too quickly.

The Gift of Reflection

One of the most valuable aspects of making resolutions is the contemplation it demands. How often do we truly stop and take stock of our lives? The end of the year offers a natural checkpoint, inviting us to reflect on where we are and where we would like to go. Even if the goals themselves do not materialize, the act of reflection can be a gift in and of itself. It is an opportunity to reassess our priorities, celebrate our progress, and dream about what is next.

A Spark for Momentum

Resolutions create a spark. In those first weeks of January, the energy is palpable. People are trying new things, from meal prepping to morning yoga. This energy can be contagious, inspiring not just individual change but community shifts. Sure, not every spark leads to a fire, but does that make the spark meaningless? Even a brief burst of enthusiasm can remind us of what is possible when we try.

Progress, Not Perfection

Here is the thing: Resolutions do not have to be perfect to be worthwhile. So, what if you only stick to your new habit for a month or a single moon cycle? That is several weeks of change you would not have had otherwise. Maybe the resolution was not realistic, or perhaps life threw curve balls your way. But any progress, however small, counts. Growth is rarely linear, and resolutions can be a part of that messy, beautiful process.

A Collective Reset

There is something powerful about the collective nature of New Year’s resolutions. Around the globe, people simultaneously commit to becoming better versions of themselves. It is a reminder that we are all striving, growing, and evolving in our own unique ways. This shared sense of purpose can foster connection and compassion, even if our paths diverge.

For your consideration:

Reframing Resolutions

Perhaps the problem is not the resolutions themselves but the way we approach them. Instead of setting rigid, all-or-nothing goals, what if we reframed them as intentions or themes for the year? “Be more present,” “Prioritize health,” or “Explore creativity” are flexible yet meaningful aspirations that allow for ebb and flow. This approach invites growth without the pressure of perfection.

Embracing the Imperfection

In a world that often glorifies cynicism, it is easy to scoff at New Year’s resolutions. But perhaps their imperfection is part of their charm. They remind us that change is possible, even if it is hard. They invite us to dream, reflect, and try, knowing full well that we might stumble along the way. And isn’t that the essence of being human?

So, this New Year, whether you are resolving to complete a triathlon, learn another language, or simply drink more water, embrace the effort. Resolutions may not be perfect, but they are not all bad. They are a testament to our enduring hope, our willingness to try, and our capacity for change. And that, I think, is worth celebrating.

Okay, your turn:

What is your approach to the new year? Do you embrace the possibilities? Do you simply turn the page on the calendar and barely notice anything is different? Would you like to make positive changes?

I invite you to share your observations, feelings, and experiences by leaving a Reply in the Comments section, below. Soul-to-soul!

© 2024 Lori A. Noonan. All Rights Reserved.

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From Light to Darkness: Embracing the Longer Shadows and the Thinning Veils of Autumn

As October fades into November, there is a noticeable shift in the world around us. The days shorten and the nights stretch longer, casting a twilight hue over our daily routines. Shadows lengthen, and the sun’s journey across the sky seems fleeting. For many, this seasonal change is more than just a visual phenomenon—it is a time of transition that carries with it layers of symbolism, mystery, and a touch of the mystical.

The Long Shadows of Autumn

October is a month of vibrant colors and golden light, but it is also the beginning of a journey toward darkness. As the Earth tilts, the sun’s path across the sky lowers, casting longer shadows and giving everything a softer, almost ethereal glow. It is a time to slow down and take notice of the details that might go unseen in the full glare of summer sunlight.

There is a certain magic in those long shadows. They have a way of stretching out the day, as if trying to hold on to the light just a little bit longer. Inevitably, we edge closer to the darker, colder months, and this transition feels like the world is preparing to rest, to conserve its energy and hibernate.

The Thinning of the Veils

This moment between October and November has long been associated with the “thinning of the veils”—a poetic way of describing the idea that the boundary between the physical world and the spiritual realm becomes less distinct. Cultures around the world have their own ways of acknowledging this thinning. From Halloween and Samhain to Día de los Muertos, there is a shared sense that this is a time when the unseen lures closer, and the world is a little more open to mystery.

It is no coincidence that these traditions focus on honoring the dead and self-reflection on the past. As the natural world prepares for dormancy, we are also prompted to look inward. The longer nights encourage us to slow down, to be still, and to listen to things that might otherwise go unnoticed. It is a time to reconnect—with ourselves, with others, and perhaps with something greater than what we can see and touch.

Light Into Darkness: Embracing the Transition

The transition from October into November is a passage from light into darkness. While this might sound ominous, there’s beauty in it. Darkness has its own kind of clarity; it helps us focus, be more mindful, and appreciate the warmth and light when it does appear. This shift is a gentle reminder to conserve energy and reduce undue labor, not just for nature but for us, too.

Practical Tips for Embracing the Thinning of the Veils

  1. Create a reflection Ritual: Take some time each evening to reflect on the day. Light a candle, write in a journal, or simply sit quietly and observe the shift from light to darkness.
  2. Connect with the Natural World: Go for a walk during sunset and notice the changing light, the lengthening shadows, and the chill in the air. Allow yourself to feel a part of this larger transition.
  3. Celebrate the Darkness: Embrace the longer nights by creating cozy, warm spaces. Light a fire, wrap up in a blanket, and enjoy a hot drink. This is a time to rest and restore.
  4. Honor Your Ancestors: Consider adopting a small ritual to remember those who have passed. It could be as simple as lighting a candle in their memory or sharing stories about them with loved ones.

For Your Consideration:

The period from October into November is not only about losing light; it is about finding beauty in the dark. The thinning veils remind us that there is more to life than what is visible, and the lengthening shadows teach us to appreciate the subtle, silent moments. So, as we move deeper into autumn, let us allow ourselves to slow down, to see what the shadows reveal, and to find comfort in this gentle, quiet space between the worlds.

Okay, your turn:

What does this time as October slides into November mean to you? Do you observe any particular traditions? If so, which ones?

I invite you to share your observations, feelings, and experiences by leaving a Reply in the Comments section, below. Soul-to-soul!

© 2024 Lori A. Noonan. All Rights Reserved..

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New beginnings

New beginnings

A whisper in the wind

A blank page untouched by time

In the sliver of dawn

Where shadows fall back behind

The horizon line

Faith blooms anew

In the silent space

A promise of what may yet unfold

Among the secrets

Still untold

Like dewdrops on petals

In soft morning light

A dance of potential

With a wiggle of might

New beginnings

Like a canvas wide

Invite us to paint a journey

Much obliged

For in the beat

Between breaths and sighs

Is where the magic quietly resides

Okay, your turn:

New beginnings…love ‘em or dread ‘em? Does it depend? If so, in what ways?

I invite you to share your observations, feelings, and experiences by leaving a Reply in the Comments section, below. Soul-to-soul!

© 2024 Lori A. Noonan. All Rights Reserved.

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Wash away

Wash away

Wash away

With the tides

all that no longer holds us

in our victimhood

 

All that is too salty

too painful

in what was once upon a time

an open wound

 

No longer open

But now healed

and firmly held

in abundant love

and full forgiveness

 

No longer open for business

Closed for the winter

not to be reopened

not to be left gaping

or oozing

for attention

 

Smoothly soothed over

Encased in the promise

of an oh perhaps not always familiar 

sheath of protection

translucent and glorious

in the natural light.

For your consideration:

During these times of global as well as for many of us local, uncertainty — in both the physical and political realms — it begs the question for each of us to consider:

What does this mean for me emotionally and spiritually? Where in my own life have I been met with uncertainty and challenges that may trigger previous wounds?  Have those wounds been healed through my physical and spiritual growth?  Am I willing to accept that healing and embrace the current (and future, because there will always be more) uncertainties and challenges from a place of healing and not open wounds?  For me, the answer is yes.

Okay, your turn:

What does it mean to you to read words like these? What, if any, emotions arise for you?

I invite you to share your thoughts, feelings, and experiences by leaving a Reply in the Comments section, below. Soul-to-soul!

© 2021 Lori A. Noonan. All Rights Reserved.
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It is a matter of what matters

It is a matter of what matters

Isn’t it?

Don’t you think?

Actually,

don’t.

Don’t you,

think.

 

Don’t think

Instead, feel

into what

matters.

 

What matters to you, to your soul?

A few things that matter to me:

 

In addition to money as currency

(not to be confused with ‘currentness,’ which is something different, altogether)…

 

Love as currency

Caring as currency

Compassion

Respect

Understanding

Empathy

Oneness

Wholeness

 

The sustainability of each of us

And the planet

Depends on it

On us.

 

What matters to you?

Does it matter?

Yes.

It matters

No matter

what.

For your consideration:

Set a countdown clock on your phone or computer, for a quick 11 seconds.  Without thinking, blurt out (and write down on a piece of paper), the first three things that matter to you. They can be lofty or grounded, simple or complex.  No editing allowed. No filtering. No worrying about what others’ opinions may be. This exercise is for your eyes and heart only.

Repeat this process as many times as your heart desires.  By the end of the day, take the entire list or sets of lists (remember, no editing), and put the paper under your pillow and sleep on it. Dream on it.

The next morning (again without thinking, without editing), jot down anything that arose for you since the previous day.  Anything new that you discovered really matters to you?  Anything that really doesn’t matter to you, after all?

On each new moon, if you so desire, revisit your list and see what still matters.

Okay, your turn:

Have you really felt into what matters to you?  If not, why not?  If so, what has been revealed?  Anything surprising? Anything unusual? Anything you’d like to reprioritize?

I invite you to share your thoughts, feelings, and experiences by leaving a Reply in the Comments section, below. Soul-to-soul!

© 2020 Lori A. Noonan. All Rights Reserved.

 

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The new normal and the value of patience

The new normal and the value of patience

 

The new normal

The old normal

What is normal, anyway?

 

Different styles

A unifying approach

To the pandemic guideline

To wear a face covering

When out in public

For essential life preserving tasks

Such as grocery shopping

 

On the sidewalk

Along the length of the parking lot

We stand dutifully

Six feet apart from one another

Prompted by orange plastic traffic cones

Marking our spots

As the sparsely populated parking lot

Is unusually quiet

And shopping carts are handed off from one person to another without

Touching each other

The shopping cart exchange looks like

A passing of a baton in a 400 relay race that we

Won’t be seeing in the 2020 Olympics

Until 2021

 

I watch this going on

As I step forward when prompted by the attentive

And helpful grocery store clerk who keeps order

Along the line of shoppers

Waiting their turn

 

Oddly scenes juxtapose for me

As they appear in my awareness

 

For example, as I step together, pause

Step together, pause

I remember the times entering a church

In a wedding procession

Or the times I waited my turn

In a congregant line to receive communion

 

I feel a deep sense of poignancy

And notice an even deeper sense

Of patience

Which is not normally a strongsuit

 

Normally…

Huh

 

What is normal

What is new about this new normal

I have time to consider this

As I stand in line

For my turn

To enter the grocery store

 

Mask on face

Heart on sleeve

 

Quiet

Reverent

 

In no rush

to enter

the store

 

And yet

happy

to

receive.

Okay, your turn:

What does the new normal mean to you?   What are you noticing?

I invite you to share your thoughts, feelings, and experiences by leaving a Reply in the Comments section, below. Soul-to-soul!

© 2020 Lori A. Noonan. All Rights Reserved.

 

 

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Forced oneness

Forced Oneness

COVID-19 doesn’t care where you’re from

It doesn’t check for your passport

Or your citizenship

Or your next of kin

 

It doesn’t ask whether you have the new state-issued “Real ID”

With the special star symbol on it

 

COVID-19 doesn’t care how great you were

Or claim to be

Or whether you will be great again

 

From everything we know so far

It doesn’t attack plants

Or rocks

Or dogs

Or cats

 

It doesn’t go after

The winged ones

Or the finned ones

Or the creepy crawlers

 

COVID-19 attacks us as a species

It seeps into us as a human

It takes over our respiration

(Maybe it’s time for a re-SPIR-ration).

 

It forces each of us to come to terms with the fact

that

we are truly all in this one together.

 

So, to whom do you turn as your trusted news source?

Yourself

Your mind

Your discernment

Your wise judgment

Your body

Your heart

Your spirit

Your inner knowing

 

If it sounds like a duck

Walks like a duck

It is well, you know,

A duck

 

And so it is.

We’re all in this together.

Don’t lose heart

Or common sense

Which seemingly is not so common

Right now

After all

 

For your consideration:

Despite the challenges, and even because of them, this pandemic provides an opportunity for each of us to take a humility break.  Let us be sensitive to what unites us rather than divides us. It’s what first responders do. Take heed. Let’s all be first responders. As humans. Let’s reSPIRate.

During this time of the stay-at-home directive in California, I’ve found myself giving the flowers and plants in my garden a little extra attention and tender loving care. And, the rainbow this morning appearing as a semicircle of rays of light above the roofline during the early mist reminds me that not all things beyond our control are unwelcomed.  Even in the most trying of situations, there can be much beauty to behold.

Okay, your turn:

What does the phrase “forced oneness” mean to you? Is it an opportunity, or a curse?  Or, is it something else altogether?

I invite you to share your thoughts, feelings, and experiences by leaving a Reply in the Comments section, below. Soul-to-soul!

© 2020 Lori A. Noonan. All Rights Reserved.

 

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Home and a sense of place

What it means to be home

“Home is where the heart is.”

“Everywhere you go, there you are.”

Now, before you start thinking I’m about to list out several more adages you may likely find embroidered on a pillow, let me say that these two sayings often resonate because they’re true.

The past few months I’ve been traveling out of state and noticing how much I love to travel to other places, and yet how much I also cherish returning home. The common denominator of course is me. My spirit, my body, my heart. This is the same for all of us, right?

As I have visited with friends at their homes, I have felt deeply nourished not only by our human connection, but also by the beauty of receiving a deeper glimpse into who they are by and through what they bring to their environs.  There’s a deep sense of place, and of making it your own.

Celtic history abounds with lyrical devotion to the concept of place. This heritage reveals itself in modern day, too. When I traveled by bicycle for several weeks throughout County Cork (where the Noonans are from) awhile back, I was struck by how truly welcoming the Irish were to me and to all of us traveling through their towns.  Several Irish locals told me that they love helping Irish Americans find out more about their ancestry. Many took out time in earnest to help me learn that the Noonans come from the nearby town of Fermoy. Their desire to help me find my roots was loving and strong.

When we were there, each of the townships was vying for the coveted “Tidy Town Award.” We smiled big smiles whenever we’d see a local shop owner delicately sprucing up a flower box, or hand polishing a brass railing, or sweeping up with pride the sidewalk in front of their shop.

When traveling a lot on business years ago, I used to always travel with a particular candle in a small travel container. I liked the idea of making an unfamiliar place feel and be more familiar. I found the warm glow and the inviting scent wafting throughout the space to be calming and grounding. Now that I am traveling again, perhaps I will bring something new with me this next time.

For me, it’s returning to a view of sunsets along the Pacific ocean that tells me I’m home.  Although, it’s not as if I have ever truly left. Home is where my heart is. And it’s all okay. Very much okay.

For your consideration:

Meditate on the word “home.”

Make “home” your mantra for this moon cycle.

Allow all the possibilities, all the meanings, to come to the surface. Allow yourself to be surprised!

Jot down the words, the phrases, the messages. Draw or paint the incoming images.

Notice what’s around you when you open your eyes.

Be inspired and take action on what is revealed.

Okay, your turn:

What part of home do you take with you everywhere you go? What’s your favorite part about coming back home? What makes it so?

I invite you to share your thoughts, feelings, and experiences by leaving a Reply in the Comments section, below. Soul-to-soul!

© 2020 Lori A. Noonan. All Rights Reserved.
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Wholly holy night and day, into the light

All that is holy

With this season of holy nights and holy lights illuminating the darkness and lighting our path, we await each new dawn. We emerge into the day’s light, having risen from our moments of respite and retreat.  I write this symbolically and yet from the physical realm, too.  The deeper the well, the deeper the water; the deeper the reach down fully into the source.

At this, the final new moon of 2019 and among the few remaining nights and days of the 2010s, we are each about to step across a threshold from one decade into the next.  It’s a time of high energy and high holiness.

All are sacred

All are holy

Are we wholly holy?

Yes

Does our wholly holiness show up wholly?

Not always

 

We focus on the season

We can focus on a lifetime

Well spent

Well enjoyed

Well served

Well shared

Deep from within

our own well

 

Our whole selves…

 

Sacred

Sacral

Sacrificial

Sacrum

Consecrated

Chamber

Heart

Night

Day

and

Light

again

For your consideration:

As we leave behind 2019 and cross into 2020, I wonder this: What’s on the horizon?

What is it that you hold most high? Most holy? Will you express it? Wholly?

I invite you to set a timer for 11 minutes, take three long deep breaths, close your eyes and allow an image, a word, a phrase, a feeling of what the next decade will represent for you and how you will move through this new decade as we approach that door, our front foot resting serenely and confidently upon the threshold.

Okay, your turn:

When you hear, read, or contemplate the word “holy,” what comes up for you? Is it tied to a particular holy-day, or a certain season?  It is something to which you aspire? Do you bring it into your interactions at work or other communities, with your family, with your friends?

I invite you to share your thoughts, feelings, and experiences by leaving a Reply in the Comments section, below. Soul-to-soul!

© 2019 Lori A. Noonan. All Rights Reserved.
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