Creator: ArtRachen01 

Volume 12, Issue 3 | March 2023

Hi!

Spring is about rebirth and new beginnings, which is precisely why it is my favorite season.

This month marks 33 years (what a great number!) that I walked into the rooms of a Twelve Step program, the most important day of my life (still). As I reflect back, I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised that it was during the month of the spring equinox that I was introduced to a new philosophy to live by and a path of transformation. Since I eventually “came to believe” through synchronicity, of course, this was not a coincidence!

And now here we are, in the month of the spring equinox of the year 2023, and I feel a stirring within me, a fanning of the inner spark, again reaching for something more, a lot more. Messages in recent days from daily readings of Michael Beckwith’s “40 Day Mind Fast Soul Feast,” Alan Cohen’s “A Daily Dose of Sanity: A Five-Minute Soul Recharge for Every Day of the Year,” and Michael Gott’s Daily Guide in this month’s “Science of Mind Magazine;” information and experiences shared at “The Happiness Adventure” March group meeting at Unity of Prescott; and, the recent talk given by Jon Haass at Centers for Spiritual Living—Prescott, along with other forces, have contributed to this I know.

It is about one year since I tip-toed back into Life after about two years of isolation due to the COVID pandemic. My world has slowly been coming back to life, a life in a new hometown, a life of striving to turn strangers into friends. It has also been a year of seeking local spiritual community and working towards physical renewal and wholeness.

The stirring of Nature beneath the surface at this time of year to bring new life out into the world is the same I feel within me, seeking to break out, to share with the world, to be of service. While Nature does it because it is pre-programmed, my mind and heart seem to need to figure it out, although of course I know Spirit is in the midst of it all.

“Life meaning is of the mind—it’s a philosophy, idea, or belief we ascribe to our lives. It’s subjective. It’s something you create. Meaning is subjective. It comes from the mind. It is dependent on your personal tastes, desires, goals, and dreams.

“Life purpose is innate—it’ “programmed” into everything at a core level. It’s objective. It’s something you fulfill. Purpose, on the other hand, is from Spirit. It is programmed into us. It is within our very cells. It is written into each and every person.”

—Handout from “The Happiness Adventure” March 2023 Unity of Prescott meeting

I struggle with both of the aforementioned concepts, what is the meaning of my life and what is the purpose of my life. I was glad to receive confirmation that there is a distinction between the two. Personally, the purpose of my life has always felt the more important of the two since it is from Spirit. Now I am more consciously and earnestly seeking guidance from Spirit to discover it and then live it. The time seems ripe now, perfect during this season of rebirth and transformation.

Life is always moving upwards, towards more. I just don’t always know the path, even the immediate objective, but I know all is for my upliftment—as is the case for everyone. I am feeling more of Life and am eager to see what is revealed and where my path goes during these upcoming months.

Happy spring!

_____________________________________

For a change, I offer a classical piece of music, and by my favorite Baroque composer, Antonio Vivaldi.

Watch, as well as listen, to "Vivaldi Four Seasons: Spring (La Primavera)" performed by Youssefian & Voices of Music on original instruments from the time of Vivaldi. As someone commented, "Breathtaking performance and audio quality. If you are only allowed to listen to one version of "Spring", this must be the one."

I trust you will enjoy it even if you're not usually an aficionado of classical music, for it is so filled with Life!

_____________________________________

Blessings to you and all beings,

Inspiration and Contemplation

Nature's Spring Message

Spirituality

Earth Teach Me

The Earth is always a good teacher—and especially in spring. Enjoy this prayer from the Native American tradition.

Earth teach me stillness

as the grasses are stilled with light.

Earth teach me suffering

as old stones suffer with memory.

Earth teach me humility

as blossoms are humble with beginning.

Earth teach me caring

as the mother who secures her young.

Earth teach me courage

as the tree which stands all alone.

Earth teach me limitation

as the ant which crawls on the ground.

Earth teach me freedom

as the eagle which soars in the sky.

Earth teach me resignation

as the leaves which die in the fall.

Earth teach me regeneration

as the seed which rises in the spring.

Earth teach me to forget myself

as melted snow forgets its life.

Earth teach me to remember kindness

as dry fields weep with rain.

— Ute prayer

People Making a Difference

Noah's Violin

I came upon this intriguing article back in September 2021 when all the world was deeply in the midst of the pandemic. I’m finally getting to share it—and the fascinating photos—thinking it most apropos in this newsletter issue since the music I chose this month was a piece by Antonio Vivaldi.

On Sep 18, 2021 a gigantic violin, carrying a string quartet playing Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons” floated down Venice’s Grand Canal. The group Consorzio Venezia Sviluppo (Venice Development Consortium) financed and built it with Livio De Marchi, a Venetian artist.

The violin was a sign of Venice restarting after the lockdown, supporting and giving visibility to artisans as the way to keep Venice a living city.

De Marchi named the work “Noah’s Violin,” because like the ark, it was meant to bring a message of hope after a storm, in this case a message that promoted “art, culture and music,” he said. Why a violin? De Marchi is a big fan of Vivaldi, who was a native of Venice and is venerated there.

Read the full article and view the photos by clicking here.

May the new season start off generating enthusiasm and joy in your heart!

Blessings,

Joyce S. Kaye, MSW

928.301.7292

joyce@thecomputerspirit.com

You, Me, and Spirit

I was a devout atheist until 33 years ago when I "came to believe" in a Power greater than myself. Thanks to hearing the novel idea (well, at least it was to me!) that one could choose their own concept of God—and name too (Spirit, The Great Mystery, All That Is, etc.)—and the workings of synchronicity, I embarked on a new way of thinking, a new way of living, a new way of being in the world and with others. It impacted all aspects of my life and relationships.

Since that time of commencing my conscious spiritual journey, I have endeavored to remember The Presence in all that is, all whom I meet, and all that I do—including working with clients in my own business, academia, and the corporate world. I strive to be of service and to nurture the human spirit in all environments.