Family
IT APPEARS THAT WE ARE SURROUNDED AT ALL TIMES, knowingly or unknowingly, by subtle influences which are brought to bear upon our lives by whispering voices from the present or the past, which seek to counsel and direct our path for good or ill, though we must choose which we will listen to and act upon.
In creating this image, I had no idea what it might be about. Spirits often appear and play upon the page. They flowed out under my hand and clustered around the main character’s head and clothing, as if this were their habitual dwelling place in ‘spirit world’. And so I named it ‘Family’ – a family of beings lodged within the consciousness and sphere of influence of this particular individual.
Minette Quick
Reverie
THIS ARMCHAIR SITS BESIDE MY BEDROOM WINDOW and the faces of many strange characters indeed present themselves upon the back of this chair as I wake up to the dim light of dawn. I can never resist their powerful silhouettes, suggested by the piles of blankets and shawls left at random over it at night. So I hasten to record them swiftly – then later return to play with them and see what else might subsequently appear!
Although the face of the woman who appeared in the half-light one morning didn’t look like me, it amused me to dress her as I might have done some years ago, and so I included one or two personal belongings, and some of the kindly beings that I like to feel are around me in my Irish country home! I named it ‘Reverie’
Minette Quick
Together In A Moment
TOGETHER IN A MOMENT OF TIME – We may not know who or what unseen presences are about us at any particular moment, but they are there, and we may sense them – joyfully flowing into this very moment, into the present, watching, waiting, offering portents of future possibilities and friendly influences for us to follow up if we so choose!
Embrace the moment for it is all here to cheer and guide our way along the winding paths we have entered upon to keep life’s story alive…
Who knows who or what we will meet around the next corner, but let us rejoice in the present moment and live it to the full.
Minette Quick
Heart To Heart
HEART TO HEART AT TWILIGHT – We all know the magical hour of half-light, at dusk and dawn, which offers space within which to renew our energy as we withdraw into that hidden inner world which supports our daily life.
We are free to commune with it in whatever form assists us best to transition from the busy world of dreams, whether by day or night – into a deeper under-standing of who we really are on the eternal plane.
Perhaps we travel by train or bus and can sink into a half-state of relaxation and musings, or even switch off from work driving home to the sound of music. Just note the very different sense of being at these pivotal moments of half-light and an increased awareness of your true self without strain.
Minette Quick
O Beauteous One!
O BEAUTEOUS ONE! The Swan is a universal symbol of exquisite beauty, with unruffled power and majesty, having matured finally into adulthood through that awkward stage immortalised in the classic tale of the ‘ugly duckling.’ Hatching out without the care of its parents, it suffers continual rejection, yet grows in grace until it finally emerges into its pure white plumage – a source of wonder as it takes its place upon the stage of life.
I only recently came across a reference to the Goddess Brigid being traditionally symbolised by the Swan. She of great power and beauty, standing for justice and purity, swift to protect and stand for those who deserve recognition as equally entitled to the fruits of the earth and their labours however humble.
Minette Quick
Watching & Waiting
WATCHING & WAITING – Much of the time, we are all watching and waiting to see how things will turn out on a dozen different fronts of varying importance to ourselves and to others.
But are we happy where we are, and with what we are already doing, or are we waiting for the moment to seize that ever elusive dream that has been in the background for as long as we can remember?
How can we start to change our lives and begin to emerge in our true colours as we develop special interests, or even discover hidden talents we never dreamed of having?
Take note of what revives you when you are tired? Watch out for small cues to new directions you might go. What occupations really give you energy and make life feel worthwhile. Don’t wait any longer to incorporate them into your daily life. Then take it from there!
Minette Quick
Ancient Mysteries
ANCIENT MYSTERIES SURROUND US!
Creeping through the cracks and creaking floorboards of old buildings and existing records, we may sense them – memories of times long gone which somehow still we float amongst in spirit, though we now live in undreamt of luxury compared with those tough times. But there is more within those ancient mysteries, which draw us in inexorably to seek them out.
There are legends and teachings in every tradition which contain kernels and keys to understanding, to be unravelled and discovered for our time. Perhaps we may be recurring visitors upon this plane, picking up the threads of learning that we gained in ancient times, intent upon weaving more into that glorious tapestry to lighten others’ paths to truth.
Minette Quick
A Meeting Of Minds
A MEETING OF MINDS – Difference is an inevitable feature of an exciting exploration of the many possibilities available within a vast drama, played over millions of years! This is so, even within a dream creation which is based upon an inner Oneness of Being, to which at the end of each long saga, everyone goes home and rejoices, before jumping in again and embracing a new part!
As the cynics say, ‘Get used to it!’ Looking down at difference as the ‘coin of true worth’ just doesn’t work. Countless families of beings teem throughout this mighty universe of ours, each with their own traditions and values. But the real game – beneath mere machinations of the mind – is to go beyond to reach a genuine meeting of minds and shared aims, which benefit and link us to the hidden truths behind it all!
Minette Quick
Across The Divide
ACROSS THE DIVIDE – We all live in our own worlds in truth, for even within our own circles we associate with different people in different ways. If we are fortunate we may feel loved by our family and friends. Yet there always seem to be inevitable divides in life, even between those who outwardly appear to have very much the same aims and aspire to the same standards. Nevertheless, troubles may arise from time to time which place constraints upon the loving trust we may once have felt able to rely on with certain individuals or groups, which divide us from each other, and cause us to act with caution.
It is good, therefore, to pause occasionally and step back into a place where inwardly we accept differences of opinion, and yet wish everyone well, in hope that ultimately we may be able to live in peace, free from conflict.
Minette Quick
Pure Inspiration
PURE INSPIRATION – Inspiration comes in so many ways, and maybe found wherever we chance to be, borne upon the lightest of winds or brought home to us by desperate needs which come to our attention. And, depending upon our nature and preferred ways of working, they may be acted on in whatever form presents itself to us as practical and appropriate.
Pure inspiration is often found through the innate wisdom of the natural world around us. It usually meets a need beyond the purely personal, though it may provide astonishingly simple solutions to problems we may have battled with for years! Often such solutions have applications far beyond our personal needs should we care to offer them to others in a spirit of friendly cooperation, to improve the circumstances they find themselves in.
Minette Quick
Oblivious
OBLIVIOUS – How wonderful it would be if we could see the assistance available to us at every moment of our lives! If we but raised our sorrowing eyes from the bleak horizon of what we take to be our life, to look more closely at what in truth surrounds us.
Who knows what we might discover daily, if we were to count the many blessings in our lives, and recall without sorrow how we felt in the presence of those whom we loved and held dear, and give thanks to them and their spirit throughout our lives!
Many people treat us with kindness and courtesy as we go about our business. Exchange a friendly smile to brighten up their day and feel the difference it makes to you as well. For you are not alone in this wide world!
And there are wonders to be found in unexpected places once you start to notice them. Take an appreciative look at the simplest utensil – and the magnificence of nature’s miraculous design awaits your loving gaze to cheer you on your way!
Minette Quick
Assimilation
ASSIMILATION – Sometimes it takes a while to adjust in a positive and beneficial way to events. New situations, changed relationships, enforced learning curves occur throughout life – and these we need to cope with as best we may, with a gentle awareness and care for our inner state which may feel vulnerable, shaky and uncertain.
Be kind to yourself, allow yourself to rest and assimilate your new position without inner criticism. And should you feel under attack from any quarter, do not take it to heart. Gradually you will find your feet and although some old activities, habits and patterns may have to change, new ones will click into place and provide a new template for a peaceful life. Accept the kindness of others.
Minette Quick
Memories
MEMORIES – Our memories are an integral part of who we believe ourselves to be. They cover the vast range of experience we have had since childhood and come into play as we respond to the life we find ourselves in.
Like a giant jigsaw-puzzle of many pieces, our memories come together to create the interlocking elements from which we gradually create our own unique story, full of personal symbols and tokens of meaning. And to them we add the talents and leanings that we brought with us from beyond the veil between worlds.
Daily we dream our lives into existence and decide its nature and the directions we will follow.
Minette Quick
Sisters Are A Blessing!
SISTERS ARE A BLESSING! – Those who come together in spirit to support and enjoy each other’s company, regardless of whether they come from the same family or have been fortunate to find each other through shared pursuits in life.
Many of us have been blessed with happy family life with loving parents and brothers and sisters in a home where we were nurtured. But if we suffered trauma and violence, or even simply lack of love when those who brought us up had somehow lost their way, it may take time to find a way to freedom from fear and low self-esteem.
How precious, therefore, are those whom we meet who are gentle and kind, and help us to recognise the truth within that we can be whole and loveable, and begin to enjoy life!
Minette Quick
Friendship
FRIENDSHIP – Friendship comes in many contexts and always brings genuine pleasure and enjoyment – or it simply isn’t worthy of the name! And of course there are always those to whom you are well disposed and share a friendly word with often. This is the meat and drink of peaceful membership of a local community, business or social venture.
But those to whom your heart responds, whose company is a delight, with whom you are not obliged to listen to malicious gossip, or forced to take part in events which you do not wish to attend, these may be counted as true friends. Tolerance may be necessary with many of your acquaintance, and perhaps some others feel they need to limit the time that they spend with you…. Never mind, a true friend is a total joy!
Minette Quick
Communion
COMMUNION – To commune is to consciously align yourself to those around you in a simple gesture of kindness. In truth we all long for genuine closeness of spirit and lavish it upon our pets, often loving them unconditionally even under difficult conditions. And they respond and love us back.
Would that it were always that easy with everyone we care for. Often we wish that they were more aware of others’ feelings and less involved in difficulties of their own… But that is the way of the world, and we can but relate as best we may and offer our blessings on their best efforts by responding with love.
And yet, when we remember their presence, beyond the veil, the spirits press close to lovingly align themselves to us in sweet communion too.
Minette Quick
Appraisal
APPRAISAL- is usually a process of taking stock of those we meet, and creating an instant impression or view of them, in light of what we think we see.
Two people’s account of the same occasion may thus present quite different pictures of the underlying atmosphere and genuine intentions of those primarily involved.
This aspect of our daily experience alone provides endless opportunity for social comment, intense debate and sadly much misperception of a hurtful kind.
How blest are we, that those who view us from Spirit, can see with wise and understanding eyes, beyond the drama much beloved of humankind, and foster still the truth with which we all arrived.
Minette Quick
Aspiration
ASPIRATION – Whether we believe in many lives or just the one – we all show signs of aspiration from the very start, bringing, as we definitely do, our individual personality and interests, which may concur or vary wildly from those of other members of our family. That’s the whole delight of human life!
You never know what hidden talents lie beneath the surface of those unexplained and yet persistent traits of personality in childhood. However awkward they may have made us feel at times in early life, they may turn out to have been essential in developing the perfect balance of strength, skill and sensitivity to create a life of genuine value of which we can be proud.
And the key to the nature of this special task is just how good it genuinely makes us feel.
Minette Quick
All Is Not As It Seems
ALL IS NOT AS IT SEEMS, IT SEEMS….. We all tend to have things on our mind as we go about our daily lives. And behind the scenes we have our private worries and difficulties.
Sometimes these are troubles which we can openly share with others, and sometimes we know that it would affect them in adverse ways were we to give voice to them. So we reserve them to discuss with trusted friends.
At times we may be able to sense how people are doing by their expression, or the way they move and hold themselves, but we read others minds at our peril, for we cannot be sure that we are reading them correctly. Appearances can undoubtedly deceive, but gentle consideration and appreciation can make all the difference, as we know when we are the ones on the receiving end.
Minette Quick
Blest
BLEST – We are blest in many ways throughout our lives, and under circumstances that we never could contrive! Many loving, watchful eyes attend upon us in our need from childhood, though rarely do we sense their presence or guess that they are there at all. And yet they hover round and even summon human help at times.
They whisper words of warning and wise counsel, if we would only listen to the messages and warnings which we hear inside, and not dismiss the answers that they helpfully provide to many of those questions which are on our minds.
For they can see round corners that are blocked from sight, and save us from ourselves and doing things that we’ll regret, and wish that we had never done, by night.
Minette Quick
Healing Touch
HEALING TOUCH – The key to healing lies within the secret unity of all that lives within our universe – provided by it with the energy within our planet’s many changing moods and wondrous multi-faceted and diverse forms.
We move within this unity from birth, and yet each form appears to be quite separate, joined only by virtue of our common need for space and sustenance, provided freely for us, so we’re told, ‘before a fall from grace.’
How lovely then to seek the sweet release of healing hands and hearts which seek to touch upon the wholeness in our lives by various means. In gratitude we bow our heads and learn to sense once more connection to our Source. Remembering we are part of it, and glad to be renewed with energy and life!
Minette Quick
Passing Pageants
PASSING PAGEANTS – At times we all appear to live in a busy world of unrelated and jumbled up events, amidst a rush of others all going in different directions with different aims. Within our private spheres we may appear to be at loggerheads with the many calls on our time and energy, and fall asleep at night into a world of dreams only to wake too soon to more of the same.
Only when we slow down and even step back a pace may we begin to view life as a many-coloured passing pageant, providing many a lively scene to enjoy as living theatre, at our own pace, without being drawn into things with which we truly do not resonate.
Minette Quick
Under Observation
UNDER OBSERVATION we may only see that which our senses have been primed to see, and miss the tiny insect which the sharp-eyed robin pounces on with glee upon the ground about our feet.
But as we grow and learn to develop interests in the world about us, our powers of observation will expand. Until a point is reached where given space and freedom from disruption, untold wonders may reveal their hidden properties, providing keys to nature’s treasures yet to be discovered and enjoyed, that otherwise might pass us by.
Stand beside an acknowledged master of any calling and rich worlds of fascinating detail will soon open to you that you never dreamt that you might see!
Minette Quick
Gateway
GATEWAY TO THE NEW AEON – As we move through the early years of the 21st Century with so many people suffering intense conditions of fear and poverty brought on by conflict and greed around the world, millions of the more fortunate now aspire to a new way of living, in tune with the earth, and intelligently spotlighting injustice and unprincipled exploitation of the earth’s resources.
We all have a part to play in the creation of ‘The New Aeon,’ a time of peace, harmony and justice for all. To accomplish this great aim, higher energies are pouring in to feed us with deeper understanding and more compassionate hearts as we grow in awareness that we are all children of this same infinitely beautiful, forgiving planet which we share.
Minette Quick
Star Gate
STAR GATE – The challenge of the ‘Star Gate’ is a question:
Are we ready to unlock the limits we have placed upon our separate lives – to search for unity of heart and mind and hearken to the wisdom that we recognise?
If we could slip between dimensions, tasting of their riches far beyond the confines of the mind – might we open to the many worlds around us, learning skills of very different kinds?
Nature reaches forth her wonders – hidden keys to kinship with all life. Ask the gardener of devotion to the pristine beauty of each plant they care for, and the peace they find. Tantalising scents and visions hover, bright as wings of insects on the edge of time!
Minette Quick
A Word To The Wise
A WORD TO THE WISE – Which of the many voices which surround us will we turn to for reliable advice – those within us, those who know us, those supporting us as friends?
Where are the signs we can rely on that decisions we may take are fair and just unto ourselves, but make amends where needed, free from judgement from within?
There’s something taintless in the kindly voice of ‘inner guidance,’ quietly dispassionate yet understanding of the ways of men. Offering the path of wisdom – in the middle of confusion – it confirms us in our inner sense of what is best. Then it leads us safely through our fears and foibles to a better way of dealing with our problems. And what is more it brings us back to rest.
Minette Quick
Divided Focus
DIVIDED FOCUS – Only brings on panic and confusion – born of desperation at our inner struggles with the mixed emotions that we feel when up against intense demands upon our time and our attention.
No wonder that we reel in horror at the news upon our screens, showing scenes of unimaginable terror visited upon so many helpless people at the hands of cruel men. Doing what we can, we wonder, can we live in peace and freedom and ignore their need for more than virtual friends?
Rejoicing in the multitude of genuinely useful pleasures of the Internet, let us not forget we are its master not a slave to its demands.
The power that we need to live a healthy and a happy life does not depend upon the time we spend within its clutches, answering its every call.
Ours is the choice which way to turn. Right outside the sun is shining on the branches of the trees. Keep in touch with Nature’s balance, far more vital in the end.
Minette Quick
Messengers
MESSENGERS – Are always there amongst us, waiting to fulfil their task. Whether we have sought assistance or might just wonder out aloud, perchance. They are there and longing to assist us. Oh, if we would only ask!
Those with eyes and ears may see them, feel their kindly presence and respond – seek their guidance and defence quite often, learn to tune in to events.
But in doubt we may o’er-rule them, brushing soft and whispered words aside. ‘That could never be the answer’ says the voice which has no answer, yet still decides so often – just decides!
Sometimes just a little later we may learn to our surprise that they really knew the answer better than that interloper known as pride.
Minette Quick
Crowded Perspective
CROWDED PERSPECTIVE – Every vantage point upon the planet provides a unique position from which to view and enjoy the glories of land, sea or air.
Add to that the joys of movement, interaction and adventure; what a passing pageant greets us anywhere we choose to go. From crowded streets at home or in foreign lands, to the deep solitude of a remote forest or mountain region, we are still surrounded by a rich life of our fellow beings, together with an abundance of wild creatures and plant life.
And the way in which we relate to what we see is entirely up to our individual perspective on life. Within that we may sense wonder or danger, see friend or stranger, connect or pass on by.
Locked in streams of fleeting fancies, jumbled thoughts upon an inner stage, we decide the colours that we paint them, bright and cheerful, dark or grim.
Minette Quick
Advisers
ADVISERS – Wisdom’s workers offer counsel all the time, in many ways. It may simply float in on an instant, on a passing breeze it seems, bringing gentle thoughts and humor – timely whispers – or totally surprise us, acting swiftly on the instant to avert disaster, and waking us from dreams.
When we recognise our fears and need for real help, they’ll guide us to a deeper truth than we have ever dared believe. Love, pure Love is what we’re made of. Wisdom lies within to free us, not to bring us to our knees.
As we finally surrender just this chapter of the worldly drama, and the part within it that we’ve played through life, all that we have learnt within it travels with us on our journey and remains to guide us should we choose to come again.
Minette Quick
Surrounded & Protected
SURROUNDED & PROTECTED – However adventurous we may be by nature, everyone aspires to have a home to which we can return, where we can be ourselves and flourish amongst family and friends. And we are all deserving of a home to rest and relax in, warm and safe from harm, where we in turn can cherish those we love, welcome company and be known as the good people that we truly are.
Anything less is surely not the will of Heaven! All has been provided freely to sustain us. Nature requires only the selection of suitable growing conditions for her plants, fruits and trees to thrive under good husbandry – but where does that all end and exploitational claims begin, where business in her valuable treasures are concerned, driving others from their homes in total poverty?
Minette Quick
Great White Mountains
FROM THE GREAT WHITE MOUNTAINS COME HER GUARDIANS – Seeking every listener who would save our living planet, in her urgent time of need. Now we are not helpless! Now we can!
Let us swiftly act together, voicing powerful protests to predations on her creatures and her lands. We can swell the wave of warning voices growing day by day. Oppose the dangers posed by those who do not see or understand the vital riches which are lost if they destroy the place on which they stand.
Thousands of us, millions now, have access. From across the globe, we can demand. Make our politicians listen, pay attention, halt the grants of ‘power to plunder’ precious places we should cherish and protect for future generations’ children and ourselves.
Minette Quick
A Whirling Orb!
A WHIRLING ORB! – If you haven’t come across the relatively recent phenomenon of an ‘Orb’ appearing occasionally in one or more of your digital photographs, particularly of close family and friends, perhaps during an event on Angels, stepping outside on a moonlit night, or walking in Nature by day, then you are in for a treat!
Look for any small translucent white dot, somewhere in the background of a shot you haven’t looked at closely before! Quite bubble-like in appearance, they won’t show their astonishing detail or glowing colours unless you blow them up as large as you can. And we are told by those who are familiar with them, that they are often conveying heavenly beings and their passengers about their business, even bringing a recently deceased relative to enjoy a gathering of their loved ones.
Minette Quick
And Who Might You Be?
AND WHO MIGHT YOU BE? – In dreams we encounter beings of all kinds, and experience a curious mingling of events which often make little or no sense on waking. Yet whilst immersed in them they hang together like a patchwork quilt, and may bear vague resemblances to situations and people who may or may not play a part in our waking life.
Together they appear to present an extra-ordinarily detailed overview, showing all aspects at once of situations which we might be dealing with in so called ‘real life’. These can well offer clues to habitual ways of going about things, which often repeat and repeat in a totally unproductive way – until I for one wake up quite puzzled and none the wiser, until later when I notice how true it is, that we get what we focus clearly on in life, and get stuck on what we don’t!
Minette Quick
The Pillar Of Fire
‘THE PILLAR OF FIRE’ – At the source of our being lies a spark of fire which fans into a flame at birth, rising higher and higher as we grow through childhood, hopefully full of life and fun, as our long-term aims begin to reveal themselves through the things we love to learn about and do, and those we don’t!
Soon our family and friends begin to recognise some of the qualities that we undoubtedly brought with us, and as our circumstances allow, we hone them and find the power of them within ourselves more and more, even if we take a divergent route for a time before finally devoting ourselves to what makes our personal ‘pillar of fire’ burn brightest, even for just a portion of our time – enough to ‘fire us up’ as we say. Life becomes fulfilling. We find our niche, begin to take our legitimate place in it and grow in confidence and grace.
Minette Quick
I Wonder….?
‘I WONDER….?’ We say to ourselves, when something unusual or unexpected occurs to us. It might be a particular phrase in something we are reading, a shape or a particular colour combination in something we are looking at! It jumps out at us and holds us for an instant as a flash of inspiration strikes us in relation to something we already have in mind.
It may be blindingly clear what we are to do after just a moment’s consideration, or it may take days, months or years to come to fruition – or it may just be brushed aside merely as a passing fancy, or just a pipe dream, only to be picked up around the world by a number of other people who relate to it within their own areas of interest and run with it. We all know the phrase ‘an idea whose time has come’ – if we wish, we can add our own unique expressions to benefit our fellow travellers who share our interests.
Minette Quick
Energy Flows
ENERGY FLOWS WHERE ATTENTION GOES!
From when we are little, so much of our attention is sucked into the world of imagination which the mind creates for us, based on what we’ve made of life from our earliest years. This may be full of worrying beliefs about ourselves and about what others think of us. The truth is we can easily lose confidence in ourselves and the values we really want to believe in, which do not demand constantly finding ourselves or others wanting in some way.
Walking outside one cold sunny day, I was woken from total immersion in thought by the words “Come out!” Suddenly the spell was broken, and I was aware of all about me, and the great space outside that cloudy phantom world within my head. Remember to “Come out!” from time to time, to refresh your being and renew your connection with the real world!
Minette Quick
The Sacred Bough
THE SACRED BOUGH – Robed in jewelled colours, yet still hidden from our eyes, it stands! Silvered bark, tender bud and flower in season, cannot but hint at its full glory, ‘til our hearts can understand.
Oh that we could, all together, in one spell-bound instant gifted by immortal hands, glimpse just once this branch’s many-splendoured presence – in a world not made by man.
In truth, we cannot really see what’s there, while cloaks of misperception veil our eyes which totally obscure our inner vision. Only in answer to our growing longing for release for all and freedom from this shackled world, shall we unite and taste at last of justice and the glory which the mystics speak of in all ages and so many tongues.
Minette Quick
Chance Meetings
CHANCE MEETINGS – Are there such things at all? At all events, they very often provide quite remarkably interesting interludes – brief opportunities to see things from another perspective. In terms of receiving specific information they sometimes amaze us with their synchronicity! In fact they often provide keys to issues we are coping with. For it seems at times, that everything we come across is either contriving to assist us in what we hope to achieve, or stop us in our tracks to avoid mistakes.
These days many thousands are attracted to a change of life-style for themselves and their families. It can be a wonderful decision to choose country over city life if they can make it work for them. Others prefer the excitement of creating their own businesses and world travel. Whatever our choice, it’s a great life, until the bottom falls out of our world for some reason. Suddenly, in addition to practical and appropriate outer aid, if we remember to ask for inner assistance in our need, we will find both strength to stay calm and guidance to face the present, whatever it may bring, for all concerned.
Minette Quick
Driven Deep
DRIVEN DEEP – We live in a world of drama at all levels it seems. The human element of this is plain to be seen right across the media, and we don’t have to look far within our own lives to come across it either. For we are blown by both outer and inner worlds, indeed driven by them into all too familiar positions from which we attempt to either retreat or ‘fight our corner’ often regretting it later. It is colorful and exciting at one level but also dark and all-consuming at another.
We love the hustle and bustle of busy life when we are in the midst of it, yet yearn at times for peace and tranquillity. It’s only natural. That’s what life is all about, or is it? It is for us to decide. We are free to do so, but do we feel free? The trouble with drama is that the plots are charted, down predictable and well-trodden paths, though the characters may be diverse and well played. And yet might we choose more peaceful, hidden ways to balance out our lives? Might we waken and remember who we actually are and gently release the stress of the multitude of outer roles with which we often struggle?
Minette Quick
Lone Wolf
For most of us sleep is unknown territory, for we simply do not know where a particular night’s adventure will take us, or whom we may meet within it. Many books have been written on the subject and a great many of us have undertaken dream work in various forms with varying results in terms of understanding.
Night after night we know that dreams will come – in great detail and profusion. Once more we will run the gamut of our hidden reactions to life’s turmoil, but rarely do we manage to bring to bear within them the common sense that daylight and experience bestows, though we try and try within the dream’s constraints and ever changing flow.
That is the function of the one within, who wakes us out of dream, by day or night, the moment that we really need to know “It’s just a dream,” “It isn’t so!”
Minette Quick
Streams Of Dreams
STREAMS OF DREAMS flow through our world by day and night, tugged as we are by stimuli of every kind, impelled by widely diverging trains of thought and spheres of interest. Ever responsive to the slightest nuance of hidden meaning, echoes from the past, or anxious concerns of how our plans might be received, life might well become no more than just a virtual roundabout, with no way of getting off its eternal ride – were it not for other-worldly eyes which view us from a far greater perspective than our own.
Amidst the endless stream they then insert some fascinating snippets of a different kind – information and advice to catch our momentary attention and arrest our onward flight, give pause for thought and gradually develop and refine in time.
For us they have laid down accepted norms that rule our days and regulate our needs for rest and sustenance, and so exert their influence to prise open our fierce grip upon our vehicles, our bodies, so exquisitely, mysteriously designed and capable of far, far more than we may ever know, finely tuned as they are to serve us all our days.
Minette Quick
Strange Yet Familiar
STRANGE YET FAMILIAR – Smiling faces greet us, yet unknown – as if to them we are familiar friends that they have always shown their love and gracious welcome on returning home! In our wildest dreams we never truly guessed our genuine relationship with all of them – or the warmth that we might feel on our return from strife and raw adventure, suffering pains perhaps they’ve never known. Is this really where we go when so-called death comes knocking?
But where are those we do not wish to see? Are they hiding in this throng somewhere, just waiting ‘til we come along? But here are many friendly creatures also. Birds fly in to join the welcome, perching unafraid beside us, singing their familiar songs! Now a voice is answering our questions. Saying this is where we truly came from, though we scarcely can believe it! It speaks kindly, gently, helping us release all former conflict. Extreme masks of states of being, hatred, sorrow, needed only when partaking in earth’s drama for a season, fall now from us once we move to take our leave. Holding only briefly to distorted being, we’ve returned once more to our true home.
Minette Quick
Action, Reaction
ACTION, REACTION – Like a wave it surges, back and forth across a sea of outrage. Fevered repercussions, fueled by hatred – raw emotion, fixed perspectives – these dictate the sorry outcome of determining and acting out our passions, sweeping all before us, lost to reason.
Watching from the side-lines of these battles, wearily we wonder whether we can ever cease to undermine our world. Hamlet’s question still remains – ‘Whether ‘tis nobler in the mind to suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, or by taking arms against it end them?’ Our ‘being’ surely cannot be in question, can it? Even though engaged in furious assault we doubt it, though perhaps ensnared in cruel addiction’s death-like grip.
In the midst of every scene of terror stand a few with open eyes. Watching everyone within it, faithful friends and loving guides, bending to the ears of those they care for, words of comfort they provide. Counselling means of restitution, restoring life again.
Minette Quick
Times Past & Yet To Be
TIMES PAST & YET TO BE – Gathering on family occasions, we might well wonder what our ancestors would make of us, their children’s children, and what we have achieved! Are there traces of their influence upon us, long marked out in endless variegation? Do we still look something like them? ‘Here a nose, and there a certain look,’ all re-framed within our bodies, intermingled deep within our genes?
And there are layers beneath the conscious mind that may surprise us, hinting at far deeper memories of places we have never been – or so we think! Atmospheres so brilliantly evoked on screens across the globe lay bare an innate recognition of a multitude of scenes, steeped in ancient attitudes and cultural injustices, with which we struggle still. Perhaps particular interests and talents of our own have long been fostered and developed over generations. Now it is our privilege to reconsider what we’ve done so far, and how we wish to shape the future. Who knows what might come forth from all we’ve dared to do and be within our greater family!
Minette Quick
Seen & Unseen
SEEN & UNSEEN – We often talk of keeping someone ‘in the loop’ – to be kept up to date on progress in some situation which we care about. And yet we never can be totally aware of every aspect of anything in truth. The window that we view things from can be at best a vantage point with limitations, no matter how carefully we may consider all the evidence.
Somehow we need to over-ride that inner imperative to deal in terms of absolutes and brush aside how others view what we believe that we have seen for certain. The business of a court of law depends upon it. For in every situation there are always unconsidered aspects, mitigating factors – sometimes bringing quite a different complexion to events. We jump to ‘obvious conclusions’ at our peril! Check your facts from time to time on something that you thought was said.
What if you should then discover an inadvertent tendency in mind to change the simplest sentence, when listening or taking notes? It would surely baffle you how anyone could lay the law down for another and be sure of justice being done…
Minette Quick
Preoccupied
PREOCCUPIED – Locked within current concerns we go about our business day by day. Hurrying in endless rush and isolation, we press against the allocation of our time, for we must work, whether we negotiate a crowded urban scene or live within a country space where nature leans towards us, longing to entice us from our dreams.
For each of us there is a choice that may have been forgotten. Do we truly wish to spend our time in all-consuming detailed focus on the mind and its creations – never consciously withdrawing from its spell? Perhaps we never realised how beneficial it can be to stop sometimes – allow our jangled nerves to bathe in utter peace a little while.
We might spend a few enriching moments daily, watching others while we’re waiting for a train; or open up to nature’s patient endless offer to recharge us, as we link ourselves to her and all her wonders in the changing pageant of the seasons as they turn.Our business will of course get done far better from a fresh and lively state of mind, awake to those about us and their needs as well as ours, and which our work may well supply.