Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Two Wonderful Experiences

I had two wonderful experiences yesterday.

After reading and writing in the internet cafe at Barnes and Noble, as I drove towards home, I received a phone call from a woman who picked up my music manuscript notebook and spiral which I had left.

I turned around and went back and retrieved it from the cashier, who commented twice on my spiral journal cover, that it was so beautiful.

Since it was an original design that I had sewn, I was delighted to receive her unsolicited and sincere recognition and appreciation.

And of course, it was wonderful to discover that it was not an employee of the store who called me, but simply an individual wonderful person who was able to offer comfort and compassion before I even missed my notebooks.

I love the spontaneous supportive acts of people.

It reminds me of who we all really are and how we all like to take care of each other.


© 2013 Kathryn Hardage

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Gratitude and Courage

As we finish up this calendar year and watch the news agendas, it is inspiring to hear from the people who keep sharing their inspiration.

It is good, because it motivates me to seek out my inspiration and to share it, too.

I am grateful for the politicians who are standing up to the fear-agendas.

I am grateful to the local artist coalitions who encourage us to buy from them.

I am encouraged by the food victories for local farms.

I am grateful for all the little and big movements that are making the issues stand out clearly.

We are all here to enjoy and express a good sense of life.

We are not in competition with anyone else.

One person’s inspiration does not stand in the way of another person’s.

When we all act more convincingly on behalf of our own inspiration, we will see the tide turn again in very significant ways.

A group mentality is only as strong as its leadership and we have seen many fail in the past.

The leadership of many idealistic individuals will prove itself to be the more powerful, because it includes everyone in its well-wishes.

We all respond to that.

Let the mislead wake up and take care of themselves in informed and conscious ways.

Let us all live and share our inspiration.


© 2013 Kathryn Hardage
www.InspiredPractices.com


Thursday, December 12, 2013

Living Tiny is Living Large

As I go through my house yet again, I continue downsizing.

What I have removed, I no longer need or want.

I am beginning to revel in less, much less.

Although I have not been able to condense my kitchen tools to one drawer, I am still happy with what I am discovering about less.

It is not a burden nor a deprivation.

It is freeing.

Very freeing.

As we give up our large space which housed several children, we no longer need to provide for all that activity.

Our own activity takes place in about 600 square feet.

So, now we are planning for other alternatives.

Living tiny is allowing us to travel.

Living tiny is allowing us to develop other businesses.

Living tiny is allowing us to make other connections with other people in other places.

Living tiny is living large.


© 2013 Kathryn Hardage

www.InspiredPractices.com

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Awareness and Power

As we go into the holidays, what is our Shared Vision?

Are we prepared for everyone to find happiness at the same scale?

Are we providing opportunities during the year so everyone can celebrate in abundance?

Celebrate in some ways?

Celebrate?

It is interesting to note that the awareness of the effects of low minimums are reaching farther and farther.

And that more of us are becoming aware of the issues of social justice.

Since the news tends to cover only large distracting and agitating issues, it is good that we, the people, are beginning to realize our commonalities and also our common powers.

We may be able to move more of us in the directions we wish for all of us to go now that we are becoming more aware.


© 2013 Kathryn Hardage

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

NAEYC

After attending the NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children) Convention last week, I feel greatly uplifted.

I had a booth to share my Songs, Chants, and Fingerplays.  (www.MusicandBooksforYoungChildren.com)

As I handed out my flyers, I explained that I emphasize a vocabulary of innocence and integrity.

It felt so good to be around thousands of people involved in uplifting society through educating young children.

When I handed our my flyers, I thanked every teacher for her work with young children.

There were a few men who are working in this field, too.

I thanked them for them involvement and presence in the classroom.

Each time, I got a smile back with a deep sense of love in the eyes of the teacher.

One teacher shared with me that every morning when she wakes up, she knows she has a purpose.

The vender hall had two thousand booths.

I had several conversations with other vendors.

The view that the world is changing and that we are able to help it in the direction of unselfish ideals and to instill values which will grow up through society to enrich and improve it, is prevalent.

We are all part of a great work.


© 2013 Kathryn Hardage

Monday, November 11, 2013

The Real Power


Right now, we are awash in the feeling that money is the strongest power.

Initiatives in both Maine and Washington were defeated by ad campaigns.

People at the grass roots level where community engagement happens, were able to do a wonderfully effective job in sharing and communicating actual knowledge about the issues.

Learning how to engage more and more of the community will create a foundation for working together in the direction that knowledgeable and aware people want to go.

This is the right direction to go and to continue going.

Instead of viewing the triumph of money and media as a setback, I am looking at it differently.

It looks to me as though the world is just getting a taste of its real power.

Money will never be able to take away the truth behind the issues, even though it can hide it for a while.

As we gain a more consistent preference for the truth and want it to be the influence in our lives, communities will be less and less susceptible to ad campaigns.

The truth just feels different.


© 2013 Kathryn Hardage
www.InspiredPractices.com

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

How We All See Each Other


When what we want to experience for ourselves is what we want for each other, we will  have started building a lasting society and civilization.

Because there are many ways to accomplish this, we will see a lot of cultural creativity.

And this has started all over the world through millions of organizations and grass-roots efforts.

In fact, that is what is changing the face of our governments right now.

The conviction that “we are all created equal” is a very powerful statement.

It has been taught now, through the Declaration of Independence and The Constitution of the United States, for almost 250 years.  

That is a lot of time for a lot of people to practice and to think about these concepts.
(See “Democracy”, at www.MusicandBooksforChildren.com.) 

However, since we are not only not doing it perfectly, but in some cases we appear to be moving in the opposite direction, this is a particularly challenging time.

But it is also a time of greater awareness and consciousness.

We have a different philosophy of life from the times of kings and hierarchies.

As a result, our nation, for many years, has enjoyed a status of freedom and prosperity unequaled in past times.

With everyone able to pursue a good education and to run businesses and to work for so many small business owners, carry out scientific research at universities and to value experiences in Nature, we have practiced great intellectual and personal freedom.

The attempt to return to outgrown notions of hierarchies and special privileges through the power of money will ultimately fail.

We will see how it works its way through the legislative and judicial bodies of the U.S. government as more and more citizens take part.

Ultimately, because the notions and practice of freedom have been experienced by so many, this will succeed.

It will succeed because we have all seen the power of outrage against special privileges.

Only in what takes care of us all, in the ways that best uplift society, will we see satisfaction in the way our governments are run.


© 2013 Kathryn Hardage
www.InspiredPractices.com

Thursday, October 17, 2013

Choosing a View


It is inaccurate and unfair to give anyone or anything else the power over you or your situation.

This includes your personal situations, your work, your relationships, even your government.

It you look to someone else or circumstances as a cause, you lose the opportunity for self-development and personal growth.

Furthermore, you give up control when you blame something or someone else.

As I began to gain control over my attitude about myself during a long period of severe trial, I was amazed to discover that I got most of my own goals accomplished plus a bonus.

I was really able to discover that by loving myself all the time, and I had to develop the capacity for this, I grew so far beyond my present circumstances that not only was I affected, but so was my husband.

I learned what I desired to learn from a knowledge standpoint, and I became able to realize that negative motives could never undermine my feelings about who I am.

This was so important to me, because I always felt I was battling an impossible situation in life due to early childhood trauma.

By overcoming what looked and felt like aggressive tendencies from outside, and concentrating on what I was living with inside, I was able to completely transform my living and working situation.

And my husband was affected positively also.

If I and other individuals can do this for ourselves, it seems to me that our collective development of this practice will transform our community and government situations, as well.


© 2013 Kathryn Hardage

What We Believe About Ourselves


As a nation, we are being told many lies about ourselves by very persuasive media methods and economic controls.

But, also as a nation, we know better.

We were all raised on the Declaration of Independence and The Constitution of the United States.

The men who wrote these documents were very courageous in stating the principles of freedom.

These principles still stand.

We must engage ourselves in their practice more consciously and fervently and elect representatives who are also committed to these principles.  That is what the Oath of Office affirms.

We expect to practice Liberty, Equality and Fraternity among ourselves as a citizenry and also among all other nations.

Are our policy-makers enacting actions which produce these in our relationships with other countries?

We only need to protect ourselves from the evils that we do.

Then we will spread respect and trust.

Constantly being told that we are in danger only means that our policy-makers are willing to create danger for other countries.

I believe in the principles that founded our country and allowed it to prosper while they were being practiced.

The fact that so many are not prospering is easily seen in the ridiculous favoritism that our lawmakers have succumbed to.

Wake up and remember who you are!  Wake up to love of country and to the rights of all people in the United States. 

Stand for this and become more than you are in this moment.

© 2013 Kathryn Hardage

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

The Peace in Everyone's Heart


I am relaxed about today’s events because I am always in touch with the Infinite.

God’s good works for all are already on the table.

Solutions are already available and being implemented.

The tide is already turning for good and taking all of us with it.

------------

My day is suffused with harmony and purity.

My Higher Power is providing good for all of us everywhere today.

There is no personal disrupting influence that can spread itself all over.

A sense of divine peace is infusing the heart of everyone and placing them where they need to be today.

They are provided with everything they need, including a peaceful place to live.

The peace that is in everyone’s heart is providing peaceful negotiations for everyone in any conflict.

The peace that is in everyone’s heart is taking care of the needy.

The peace that is in everyone’s heart is settling once and for all that we are all equal and are recognized and provided for under the Law of Equality.

The peace that is in everyone’s heart is discerning the best solutions and implementing them.

The peace that is in everyone’s heart is agreeing on every detail.

There is a swift and harmonious solution in every case.

We are all so pleased and happy and satisfied.


©  2013 Kathryn Hardage
www.InspiredPractices.com

Monday, September 23, 2013

A Planetary Change


As a planet, we are living through a long period of abuse.  

Of course, there are many fine and wonderful and beautiful things happening here as well.  

Through the teachings of many inspired writers and leaders, we are starting to learn that there is another way for all of us to live.  

This parallels the experiences of a large number of us individually.  

As this experience gains collective force, it will surely change our planetary direction even as it has changed the direction for so many of our individual lives.

Let’s continue to share the ideas which unite us and allow all of us to express our individual talents through social justice and protecting the environment.

There is room for healing in so many areas.

Let us use the tools at hand to rectify and forgive the excesses of selfishness and self-centeredness and greed and allow the generosity of the human spirit to uplift and bless all of us.


© 2013 Kathryn Hardage
www.InspiredPractices.com

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

The Truth


The truth never disappears despite what we are being told.

The truth is still there.

It is up to each person to listen for the truth for him/herself.

Corporations which are funding campaigns to obscure the truth are persuasive for many people who depend on the media.

But we all have a feeling for what the truth is.

There is a truth of who we are.

We have many stories about our lives.

True stories.

But the truth lies even deeper than our memories and experiences.

The truth I am speaking about is a guide and a presence within.

Whenever you want to know the truth about something, that is where you go.

Whenever you want to hear opinions, go to the media.


© 2013 Kathryn Hardage
www.InspiredPractices.com

Thursday, September 5, 2013

Preparing for the Best


What if there was all this good going on and because we are so preoccupied with the news distractions, we couldn’t see it and prepare for it?

I realize the news also provides distractions from a lot of other really important stuff such as our rights being continually eroded.

But what I am dealing with here, is the opportunity to keep doing good things, to keep yourself engaged in work that is important to your own heart and soul and practical welfare.

What if we missed getting prepared to do this work by being distracted?

I recently had a distraction, and when I realized my new inspiration, I put the distraction away and got to work.

I got to work so fast and so powerfully, that I can only imagine what the long-term effects of being distracted would have cost me.

You know, I really don’t care about dire predictions, and crisis.

I care about staying on my course.

I can’t keep jumping at the newest revelations of corruption.

But what I can do, is keep pouring out materials which inspire people to engage their hearts and be authentic and keep working for all those little things that continually and persistently uplift society.

I can keep preparing for the best.

They say, you get what you prepare for.

I can do that.


© 2013 Kathryn Hardage
www.InspiredPractices.com

Saturday, August 24, 2013

A Tradition of Appreciation


Our culture is very harsh and only rewards certain criteria.

Also, those kinds of rewards come from the outside.

When I have the opportunity to share my appreciation of someone else, it gives both of us a lift.

I especially like to let parents of my students know that they are doing a good job raising their kids because they are.

People recognize what is good and wonderful about themselves.

We all need to hear those things.

The traditional things that we have been harassed into believing are good, turn out not to be.

The really old traditional things like family and honesty and fulfilling work do turn out to be true.

I am glad I can give weight and time to expressing appreciation for the things that are real and good.

Even though it is in the face of finely tuned expensive advertising, sincerity does have a different feel to it.

People, being real, respond differently to honest communication, rather than constant sales pitches.

Giving authentic appreciation helps people tune into who they really are.

Its like a deep breath of fresh air.

Nothing is required of them except being themselves, their true selves.


© 2013 Kathryn Hardage
www.InspiredPractices.com

Tuesday, August 6, 2013

What Is Our New Shared Vision?


Are we still going to accept the shared vision that got us to this point?

Or are we going to actively design the vision we want to see?

Our old shared vision had competition over finite resources.

Can we create new ways of using and recycling what’s left in a way that is compassionate and takes care of everyone?

Our old vision had better living conditions for people based on their ability to control tax dollars.

Can we create laws that are favorable to everyone?

Our old vision had better educational resources based on neighborhood tax dollars, as well.

Can we create a new vision that includes equality, liberty and fraternity for everyone and values our young people as the most important investment a country can make?

Ca we create an economic system based on cooperatives where people have a say in their employment and its policies?

Can we create an practice which values each person’s individuality and helps promote it?

If we can imagine it and write about it and converse about it, we can redesign it.

Let’s get to it.


© 2013 Kathryn Hardage
www.InspiredPractices.com

If you would like a downloadable version of this meditation, please go to:
http://www.inspiredpractices.com/SV/Shared_Vision/Shared_Vision/Entries/2013/8/6_What_Is_Our_New_Shared_Vision.html

Sunday, July 28, 2013

No Withholding

Written on July 23, 2013


When we share, we receive more.

We give of our overflow.

Giving starts the cycle, by making room to receive.

In small ways, we hold doors open, we let someone in our lane of traffic.

That creates a small wave of consideration and appreciation.

Then we discover more ways to give.

The flow increases.

It changes us from isolation and withholding our talents and gifts to connecting us in ways that let us give of our increase and overflow.


© 2013 Kathryn Hardage

Comfortable Design

Written on July 20, 2013


I am so grateful for comfortable design.

People are paying attention to what works best.

As we progress in furniture designs to designing our conversations to really supporting one another, we are making our life designs more comfortable.

A comforting solution to a problem eases the rest of the day.

When we design our day, we can make it as comfortable as possible so we can be the most productive.

What works for each individual will vary according to their experience and comfort levels.

I am learning to take the time to make myself more comfortable.

I am also becoming more aware of other people’s needs and styles for their comforts.


© 2013 Kathryn Hardage


When We Share Our Gifts

Written on July 19, 2013


Because they have come to us individually, no one’s gift is like any other’s.

Rather than conflicting or duplicating, each of our gifts fits together with all of the other millions and billions of gifts in a unique way.

You see, w all complement and support one another with our gifts.

That is what we are here for.

Instead of the view that we are all using up limited natural resources and cannot be supported for much longer, we are actually translating our gifts from Infinity into practical purpose.

Our love, compassion, generosity and kindness lead us to do our work in the ways that must bless, inspire, uplift, protect, and cherish us all, everyone.


© 2013 Kathryn Hardage

Monday, July 1, 2013

Sharing Your Vision


When you breathe in and reach your deep peace, you are establishing for all time your connection to your peace.

When you go about your day, making sure to refresh your deep sense of peace until it overflows, your are creating an atmosphere around you that others can feel.

In this atmosphere of deep peace, which you are sharing and which others can feel, you are able to receive and share productive ideas.

Taking these ideas and the peaceful atmosphere in which they were conceived, you can further receive many ways to implement them.

Listening for the best ideas for each situation, you can proceed in a peaceful manner which attracts support.

Those who will benefit from the ideas feel the deep peace in which they were conceived and implemented.

They are attracted to them because they, too, desire to be in the atmosphere of overflowing peace.


© 2013 Kathryn Hardage
www.InspiredPractices.com

Monday, June 24, 2013

Protests and Inspiration


I am looking at all the protests in terms of the effects of awakening to our unlimited divine power and unlimited abundance.

It seems to me that the world is tired.

Tired of wars and economic greed and disparity.

Desirous of “liberty and justice for all”.

It is significant that the country where those words were written is involved in the most egregious corruption of them.

But the awakening to the fact that all people want to raise their families in peace and harmony is powerful.

This is what allows us to have good relationships with people of other countries.

This is what says that we are in a new place globally.

We are governing ourselves by our viewpoint on this.

It will be interesting to see how the steps that are being taken give us the wonderful result that all are cared for all over the world.


© 2013 Kathryn Hardage
www.InspiredPractices.com

Sunday, June 23, 2013

Our New Job


Each tiny leaf has its own job to do.

It is making oxygen and growing, too.

Each of us breathes in 

And out.

Inspired by each tiny leaf.


We are all here together with our own inspiration.

We breathe in and listen.  

We breath out with inspiration.


When we stand and feel the sun, it is shining right on us.

And its shining on the person standing close and standing far.

We share the sun’s rays from our different points on earth.


From our imagination, we build up our fantasies.

And then they go to work, and they become theories.

And when they are so good, we just cannot turn away

And we build them in our minds, and then we build them in our lives.


And that is how an inspiration comes to take shape.

Lifting up and doing good, recharging each one’s life.

This is the way we live, finding something wonderful

To do to give a new way of life that’s good for everyone.


© 2013 Kathryn Hardage
www.InspiredPractices.com