Expansion Encounters - with Dusty
"Dreams come true in 2002!"

Thank you to all of you who continue to support Life Now and our ventures!

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If you prefer to read this online, you will find it as April, 2002

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Ecstasy
by Dusty

Spring is in the air
Winter is past
Providing delight

The earth is fertile
Producing new life
Providing renewal

Walks in sunshine
Absorbing the essence
Providing assurance

Shoots of green
Breaking through soil
Providing beauty.

Listening to the rain
Refreshing
Providing cleansing

Observing wildlife
Squirrels, rabbits and deer
Providing new life.

Spring is here
Enjoy it now
Providing ecstasy.

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Silence
by Dusty

Standing on a plateau, seeing many miles in all directions, I hear the ringing of silence in my ears. The ever so soft touch of a breeze whispers. I hear it. 'Listen!'"

I can observe. I can acknowledge the effects. I can find and appreciate God's goodness.

How can I break away from the confinements of obligations in my everyday world? Frequently, commitments tie me to activities or tease and cajole to keep me from enjoying nature's gift.

I begin by stepping out to my porch for a five-minute only get-away. I relax a bit by taking some deep breaths and enjoying our cat, who insists on lap sitting when I do take time.

I take another step by getting out to walk around our yard and around the house to observe the flowers and shrubbery. I can appreciate the magnificence of God's creation in the brilliance of color in the foliage, in the landscape of trees, in the small creatures, birds and squirrels that dart about.

The first color in spring is as a breath of fresh air as flowers begin to peek up and say hello. I enjoy greeting each new flower as it displays its array of beauty. Especially intriguing are those who sneak up around the edge of a stone. They offer a delightful surprise and are often loners. They offer expression, it seems, simply to bring the observer a touch of pleasure. We commune in gratitude for one another, for life.

Still another step, or a combination of steps, takes me around the block, observing the variety of trees and interesting contrasts of neighbors' yards. I offer gratitude for a maple tree as I walk by, for its strength, beauty and the shade it provides.

Summer is a delight. With everything lush and green, myriad flowers coming into full bloom, a deluge of birds everywhere, and sunlight dancing on the lake all give a refreshing reminder that there is always time available to enjoy every moment.

Another short outing takes me to an open area, where I can feel the breeze. A few quiet moments can offer myriad sensations, which often provide a joyful and peaceful lift.

As autumn approaches, I see squirrels beginning to rummage for nuts and seeds to fill their larders for the cold months ahead. They chatter with one another, play tag up, down and around the oak trees. The leaves begin to offer a palette of stunning copper and gold with still enough green mixed in to create an exquisite landscape.

Winter brings its own beauty. Taking a short walk as the sparkling flakes quietly drift around me on a brisk star-studded evening makes appreciation of the Universe awesome and breath-taking.

Through the silence, I listen.

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SHORT CUTS TO AWARENESS - Discovery

For this new year, we are including a series of personal reminders and suggestions for relaxation exercises and methods for uniting in communication with others.

Discovery is everywhere.

May these personal reminders give you the joy of discovery and enlightenment.

Each Short Cut best finds its enchantment if the exercises are performed in a quiet, relaxing space.

There are no "short cuts" if the path of awareness has not already been traveled. Each person's path is unique.

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Keep a special empowerment notebook.

Record special happenings. Log happenings that occurred especially because of your awareness.

PURPOSE: To observe good happenings each day.

HINT: Write them as they happen. They tend to be forgotten soon if not recorded.

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Have you observed a mischievous tree elf waving at you with a leaf when there is not a breeze stirring? Have you gotten a glimpse of the pixie playing hide and seek through the mossy undergrowth of the woods behind a Lady Slipper or Lily of the Valley? Have you laughed with the dancing faeries as they glisten across the lake when the sun touches their gossamer gowns?

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Here are a few sites I find very worthwhile. I will be including those of subscribers so, if you have a site and think I might not be aware of it, let me know!

Chastity Rose's Garden

Lisa's Portfolio

New Earth News

BlueStar Speaks

IS

hOMe Foundation

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Enjoy every moment to the fullest! - Dusty

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Working toward consideration and to better humanity, we want to encourage free enterprise, free speech. We are Life Now, a spiritual happening on and off the Internet.

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Questions or Comments?