Darlene Benton

A Thanksgiving Poem

        Creative Spirit blesses that                   
            Which life renews each day.               
        Thanks it gives to rhythmic force                   
            That goes its separate ways.               

        The Will of Life blesses those                    
            Who triumph through despair.               
        Thanks it gives to those who love                   
            And strength to those who dare.               

        The Love of God blesses those                   
            Exploring life's commands.               
        Thanks it gives the few who reach                   
            Beyond what's close at hand.               

        I choose to bless the earth and sky                   
            That hold the Spirit firm.               
        I thank the vast experience                   
            It gives me in return.               

        I choose to bless the mind that forms                   
            The Will from which I flow.               
        I thank the memories of Life                   
            And share the truth they show.               

        I choose to bless the Love of God                   
            Revealed through all I am.               
        I thank the purpose deep within                   
            That helps me understand.               

        I pray for thanks to give to those                   
            With less than what we share.               
        I bless the life that gives us times                   
            Like these; and friends who care.               

Making Choices Column week of 11/24

Knowing Our

Mission

                        Making Choices Column 12 September 2005

            By Darlene Benton

Having a mission in our lives allows us to make specific choices and manifest dreams. The last definition of eight in one of my dictionaries defines mission as “An impelling task or duty; avocation.”

At a recent wellness weekend in the mountains, as the keynote, I asked as part of my presentation to over one hundred women, how many had a written mission statement. Although most acknowledged having practiced writing and following missions for organizations, only three hands were raised.

It was only last year I wrote my own mission statement with supporting objectives. Yet I too had been intimately involved in creating modes of operation, under mission statements for educational, business and health care organizations.

            To be true to ourselves, which is truly best for everyone, we would choose to live a life of purpose. But if we never create time to sit and plan with our own hearts and spirits, how will we know what to do with our lives?

Even though making money is a major focus of family and educational guidance; having a mission is the foundation for any abundance and joy. Monetary wealth can be fleeting, but knowing what impels us is furthering forever, even in the midst of tragedy.

I was very moved when I experienced the women at the gathering writing thoughtfully for over five minutes as they explored their mission. I was grateful I had been asked to be there.

My mission is to be a spirit of light for those I connect with through my writing, bodywork and speaking engagements. In all my experiences with my fellow human beings, I choose to encourage the care and mindful development of mind, body, spirit and Mother Earth.

Our mission can change and most certainly changes as we grow and experience life. What might make our world a place with more awareness is one where everyone is mindful of their own mission and takes an interest in others on the planet. A mission seems a path that might help us all right now during these most trying times.

Copyright 2005, Darlene Benton

For comments write: Making Choices, PO Box 28, Albion, NY 14411 or e-mail www.darlenebenton.com

Making Choices Column

Magical Messages      Making Choices Column         21 February 2005

            By Darlene Benton

            Most times throughout my life I’ve considered magic to be something outside myself. Lately, around every corner, in every book and in the company of soulful friends my previous mindset has been redirected.

            According to Don Miguel Ruiz in his book, The Voice of Knowledge, we have the ability to instantly change our own lives by simply weaving every word as magical light versus dark magic. We can experience being a magician by speaking to ourselves and others with only love as our intent.

            I have repeatedly read, believed and practiced this way of living, but have been unable to make it a part of my every moment of existence. Why not the sages ask? Jesus, Buddha and hundreds of contemporary authors and gurus like Ruiz keep telling us the same mode of living will set us free.

            After finishing The Four Agreements for the second time, also by Ruiz, I think my attention was finally captive. On a semi retreat-like week working where sun and sand abounded, I decided to really commit to this way of thinking, every possible moment.

            The process went like this. Every time any thought of any kind came to mind about myself, anyone else or any activity that was anything but loving, I replaced it with one that was. For example, “I’m never going to get this column done this week with all the travel and interruptions.” Gone. Instead, “I’m always creative in arranging my schedule, home or away, so I have successfully completed my column every week for the past 8 years.

            That’s just one thought of the thousands of monkeys in my mind every day. Usually I only toss out most of them but I made a pact with myself to throw all thoughts that were not positive and furthering out into space.

Ruiz says, “Be Impeccable with your word, Don’t take anything personally, Don’t make assumptions and Always do your best.” The premise of all sages is that each of us can be a Divine being like they are, just think, act and breathe every breath with love and miracles happen.

I’m not scared, guilty or frustrated in this crazy world as long as I believe I can create joy with my every thought, word and deed. Magical, but true, everything else is just a lie about who we are and why we are here.

Copyright 2005, Darlene Benton

For comments write: Making Choices, PO Box 28, Albion, NY 14411 or e-mail www.darlenebenton.com

Thought of the Week of Mindfulness

Let us always assume we are at the beginning.

Creative I Ching Thought of the Week of "Nature" 11/13/08

Learning is the process of moving from confusion to simplicity.

John's Poetry Corner

The Gates of Eden

 

The key to Life is choice.

    Results experiential.

The lock the fear and sympathy

    Resisting Life's potential

 

Insert the key and turn.

    Release your intuitions.

Free the Dragon's fiercest flames

    And pierce your inhibitions.

 

Take a breath, then move.

    Choose another vision

That Spirit carries on its wings

    To shatter indecision.

 

Beware the coming day

    That shines the light of freedom

Upon the Souls betrayed by prayers that

    Hid the Gates of Eden.

Creative I Ching Thought of the Week

You may be where you're supposed to be.

You may not be where you're supposed to be,

But you may be where you have to be

To get to where you're supposed to be.