Author: Kimberly Kingsley

This past weekend was filled with the inspiration of a man named Michael Franti. Michael is a Reggae/hip hop musician and activist for peace and ONE LOVE. Friday night I saw him in concert and Sunday night I went to a screening of a movie he just released called, “I know I’m Not Alone.”

Dismayed by the superficiality of the media, Michael took his guitar and a few friends to Iraq, and then to Israel and Palestine, to talk to the people and soldiers about their experiences. What struck me about the film is that no matter who Michael was talking to (really listening to…) he heard the same message: “We want peace”.

The beauty for me was that the humanity of every side was honored. He managed to drop below the level of issues to the level of feelings and in doing so, opened the hearts and minds of many who were previously “stuck” in a position.

This is spirituality in action. Pro communication, pro love, pro peace, pro unity. I feel grateful to have learned so much about the world and people in it over the past three days. If any of you are interested in viewing the film, you can visit www.iknowimnotalone.com.

Some of you know that when it comes to music I’m still sixteen… Last summer my entire family spent a week on the beach. I happened to be listening to Fifty Cent on my portable CD player (my brother-in-law has since given me an iPod). The family was teasing me about the nasty lyrics – particularly the song, “Just a lil bit” – My dad wanted to hear what all the fuss was about so he had a listen. He’s a hip sort of guy and found himself getting his groove on.

The other night we were at dinner and someone said something about eating a little bit and my dad turned to me and said, “Just a lil bit has a whole new meaning doesn’t it…?”

I haven’t stopped laughing since.

This morning as I look out my window there is a humming bird sitting on a tiny branch of a huge pine tree. Humming birds always remind me of Angels and family members on the other side of the veil. It’s also bringing to mind a poem I once wrote:

If I were a bird…

If I were a bird I would sit perched
at the top of the highest tree,
singing the praises of Life itself
for all of my friends to see.

Sometimes I would fly to the window
of one of my favorite souls,
I would say, “Please don’t forget me”
I would say, “We don’t ever get old.”

I would fly so high that I reached the sky
forgetting to ever come down,
and when I remembered, I’d soar to the ground
reminding the world of heaven.

If I were a bird, I would chirp, chirp, chirp
and know that I’m never too loud
I would sit perched at the top of a tree
being me, ever so proud.

Each of us has specific risks we need to take to grow. Often I find these risks to be emotional in nature. Just expressing yourself – your true feelings, thoughts and desires can be terrifying. Emotions carry energy however, and left unexpressed the energy turns against us causing what a friend of mine calls a “slow and tragic death.”

There is no way around taking these risks. The level of fear you feel corresponds to the amount of healing and growth you will experience as a result of moving through it. There is nothing to lose, except fear, and everything to gain – your life, passion and essence.

Be brave my sweet!

Two days ago I completed my manuscript and mailed it to an agent in California. I’ve been aimlessly wandering every since. You would think that I’d be relieved, instead I’m experience what feels like empty nest syndrome.

Our creations are our babies. Every morning I would wake up and passionately put my thoughts, and the thoughts of the universe, on paper. While doing so I was nourished and energized.

As I let go of my manuscript, there is a void inside. I intend to settle into the void rather than, say, start another book…

I came across a black and white picture of a woman snowskiing in the 60’s.

Below is this quote: “When you die God and the angels will hold you accountable for all the pleasures you were allowed in life that you denied yourself.”

Last night I went to a yoga class taught by a man named Bear – He’s from Alaska…

A series of synchronistic events lead me to his class – a class different from the type of yoga I’ve been doing for nearly a decade.

Bear is an archetypal yogi – his life is his practice. During class he says things like, “It takes discipline to be a free spirit.”

At the end of class he was talking about life and value. In essence saying that life is life, the form changes but the value remains the same. I felt a surge of emotion move through my body. The truth does that.

It was so nourishing to hear and feel spiritual truth as I strengthened my body. If you’re into yoga or have ever wanted to try it, you may want to check out this class – www.bearyoga.com.

Namaste

2005 was the year that I became clear on the importance of self-expression. Expressing yourself is associated with the energy center around your throat. Being in touch with who you are and what you love is only the beginning.

Once we know ourselves, it is time to take the risk of expressing this inner knowledge to the world. I believe that as each of us opens up, we become like portals, pouring light and pure spiritual energy into the world, healing it and ourselves simultaneously.

Another twist to self-expression is that it is tied to self-discipline. If healing the world isn’t incentive enough, know that the more you put yourself out there, so to speak, the less cravings you will have for excessive eating, drinking, and shopping.

Over consumption is a symptom of starvation – cravings for pure life energy that can only be absorbed by the body when it is expressed from your core, through your entire being and out into the world.

There you go! No need for dieting to be one of your New Year’s resolutions, simply express yourself.

Happy New Year,
Kimberly

As I just said in a note to my best friends, “May you be present enough to enjoy your presents.” Have an inspired holiday.

Merry Christmas!
Kimberly

This time of year our hearts are more open than ever – I’ve even noticed people being ultra polite at packed malls!

Sunday morning my daughter lovingly sacraficed watching Arthur and allowed me to watch my favorite Unity of Phoenix church service. Reverened Rogers was talking about unconditional love and acceptance of others – even difficult people.

The last couple years I have given this topic a lot of thought. I do think it is possible to love unconditionally when we do the same for ourselves. Enter boundaries. It is only possible to completely accept others when we honor ourselves 100%.

This may mean not spending time with a loved one who drinks him or herself under the table at every gathering, or quiting a job where you feel harrassed by a boss. What if we only hold on to emotional judgement of others when we don’t take care of ourselves?

The word unconditional implies that we deal with everything gracefully. Perhaps, if we dealt with less, we could love more.