Monday, April 15, 2013

On the Move

[excerpt from a journal entry 4/11/13]


Moving.

 From the moment we enter this life, one of the sure signs we are alive is that we are moving. We are breathing, and that's movement. We cry, and that's movement. We suckle at our mother's bosom to receive nourishment, and that's movement. In short, movement indicates life. Movement is a form of self-expression in some fashion.

 According to , the definition of "move" is as follows:
Merriam-Webster

MOVE
* verb: Go in a specified direction or manner; change position
* noun: A change of place or position
synonyms: stir, shift, movement, notion, step, action

  Movement is a sign of life. It's also the means by which we progress. If we are progressing, that implies movement - forward, in a good (even right) direction. If we aren't progressing, we remain stagnant. In stagnation, we cannot move forward. Stagnation is different than stillness. Stillness is where we take time to pause; to reflect, pray, evaluate and plan, then action. So, stillness helps propel us toward action,. After we have figured out what to do, we take steps toward making that "plan" happen.

 As author, William Gibson once said: "We see in order to move; we move in order to see."

 Typically, when I talk about movement, I am thinking of dance/choreography/dance therapy. Movement is not only about dance, per se. It's about our body language. personal progression, our intentions and how we go about manifesting those intentions. Movement is the intricate way in which we interact with others, even our Higher Power; the natural energy that attracts us to others (or, in other words, the ebbs and flows of our relationships). It's our personal power and energy in relationship to nature. (After all, everything has an energy source because matter cannot be destroyed. Therefore energy vibrations - even from emotions - are given/received from all that's within and around us.)   

  Movement is consciousness. Thoughts are fluid, therefore they move. They have rhythm and energy. Movement is growth. As humans, we are constantly evolving into (hopefully) a better version of ourselves, and this is best achieved through conscious thought and effort.

 In the words of author, Aldous Huxley: "Conscious is only possible through movement. Change is only possible through movement."

 This reminds me of something a very dear friend shared a few years ago. To paraphrase: sometimes we stay in the same situation even if it's not the best for us because it's familiar, and it's scary to go outside of our comfort zone.

 That said, the word "being" - as a noun and verb - implies movement. If we not growing as beings, we cease to move forward. As "glorified motion sensors", we must move (progress/change/evolve) so as to live. Even in stillness, when we "reboot", we are never motion-less.

 Author Haruki Murakami sums it up best: "I move, therefore I am"

 So, perhaps it isn't such a bad "thing" that I am moving to Pennsylvania in 18 days.

 Maybe when I get there, I'll become passionate and actively involved with movement again (as in "dance").

Thursday, April 11, 2013

In My Mind's Eye


[excerpt from a journal entry dated 4/5/13]

   If I could feel calm and serene, with the idyllic juices flowing, I would start listing all that I want to fearlessly try when arriving in Pennsylvania.

   I hope the air is crisp and delicious as it was when in Upstate New York last November. I hope there is a crowd of green trees and singing birds and dancing waters nearby, too, like when in Upstate. I hope there's enough quiet to capture inspiration and artistic energy, and enough good, kind people to laugh with, serve, and learn from... I hope there is an abundance of sheer loveliness, and that miracles await. I hope there is sunshine there that will rise within my soul, music to produce images of movements to create, and wings to draw me both closer to God and to my dear friends whom I love, and to other [more] loves.... And I hope for peace, balance, harmony, love and joy that's both lasting and palpable in every sense.

  I like to visualize myself in a dance studio actively again, and being as dedicated to my health as I was when dancing regularly. I like to visualize conversing with and "hanging out" with inspiring, intelligent people
enjoying art, philosophy, psychology, food, spirituality and silliness. I like to visualize jogging serenely and effortlessly with Jacob [my doggie], and doing yoga. I like to picture taking a drive through historical sites, with the windows rolled down, and taking incredible photographs. I like to visualize writing in my journal, unabashedly - writing anything anything from spiritual epiphanies, to choreography notes to create dances, random lovelies and musings, to food reviews and art critiques. I like to picture a couple of my very dearest friends coming to visit me in Pennsylvania, where I would treat them individually to everything good and delightful PA has to offer.... I like to visualize life in Pennsylvania to be a daily spring-ness/summer-ness; to feel as though I'm dancing, painting, laughing, loving, and living in perpetual awe and glee.

 Truthfully, this is how I rather look at this move. I no longer want to even think about the logistics of finances, and endless "to do" lists (other than the fun and "dream" to-do's), or "what ifs" that are vague and heavy and dark.

 When I first moved to Utah, I was wide-eyed, easy-going and didn't worry about how it would all pan out; I knew that I had at least one good friend and it felt right, so I "just did it". When I arrived that summer, I was silly and spontaneous, outgoing and adventuresome. Naturally, "real life" set in and I have - years later - learned much (ideally). Regardless, there should be some free spirited-ness lenses to which I can apply while looking at this new "big move".

  If I could dance into that cheerful, pleasant sphere now, I would.

Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Taking a Break from Moving Worries

[excerpt from a journal entry dated 4/2/13]


  This morning, I woke up calm. Thankfully. (At least significantly calmer than when I went to bed last night).

  Suddenly, the memory of a painting entitled "He Anointed the Eyes of the Blind Man" has come to mind. I received a 5X7 print of this painting as an Easter gift six years ago from my then visiting teacher. On the back of the print she wrote:
"I know we are so much better than we think we are, and the Lord is just waiting to show us who we are..."

--

  [a few hours later]

When driving to work this morning, I was thinking about the aforementioned painting and applying it to this moving-to-Pennsylvania situation. The following words floating through my mind repeatedly:

Lord, open my eyes and show me the way because I can't see how this is supposed to work.

On the way to work, the song by Simon and Garfunkel came on the radio; "When you're weary [...] I'll dry your tears [...] like a bridge over troubled water."

Thought, I had to turn it down to answer a phone call and pick up my medicine at the drive through window,  I heard just enough of the song so as to smile. And, in that, I decided to take a break from worrying excessively about the moving logistics and focus on the positives of Pennsylvania, in general. 

 That said, here are some fun, fascinating facts about Pennsylvania:

- Drake Well Museum in Titusville, PA is located on the very site were Edwin L. Drake drilled the world's first oil well in 1859, thus launching the modern petroleum industry. (Just had to enter a Drake reference)

- In Hazelton, PA there's a law prohibiting an instructor from sipping a carbonated drink while lectruing.

- Betsy Ross sewed the first American flag in Philadelphia.

- The first car service station was built in Pittsburgh in 1913.

- The first baseball stadium was built in Pittsburgh in 1909.

- The "Crossing of the Delaware" is reenacted every Christmas Day.

- The first public zoo was established in Philadelphia by Benjamin Franklin in 1776.

- Philadelphia was once the U.S. Capitol.

- The first Little League World Series was held in Williamsport, PA in 1949.

- Pennsylvania was the named after its founder, William Penn.

- The largest number of Welch's Grapes produced is along "Grape Coast" Pennsylvania.

- In 1778, a 700 wagon caravan took Liberty Bell to Philadelphia.

- Fairmount Park in Philadelphia is the largest city part - 8,000 acres.

- The first daily newspaper was published in Philadelphia on 9/21/1784.

- Philadelphia is the site where the first Presidential home was built.

- Dr. George Holtzapple created the first oxygen tank in Loganville, PA in 1885.

- Johann Behrent of Philadelphia built the first piano forte in 1775.

- Pennsylvania's motto is "Virtue. Liberty. Independence."

- The highest point of PA is Mt. Davis in Somerset Country where Flight 93 crashed on 9/11/01.

- The Christmas tree capital of the world is Indiana County, PA.

--

So, essentially, one of the ways I find that painting depicting the Savior healing a blind man applicable to "the move", is that sometimes I need Him to help me see things in a different way - or with new eyes, per se. Sometimes I am akin to that blind man in painting; unable to see clearly, the face of God. And I need to humble myself; to fall to my knees pleading - knowing that He can and will heal me - for His help. Then, graciously thank Him for His mercy; thank Him for opening my eyes so as to see clearly both His hand in my life in which direction He would have me go...

("I'll go where you want me to go, dear Lord"... Gotta love it when lines from hymns come to mind suddenly)

Monday, April 8, 2013

Closing My Eyes to See

[excerpt from a journal entry dated 3/28/13]

   One gorgeous Spring day calls for another.

I love Spring! I live for the beautiful, sunny, warm (with a light breeze), blue skies. I love waking up to the birds chirping gleefully and melodically. I love seeing the brightness of vibrant and varied colors seen through the trees, flowers, grass, and - everything that Spring brings. Honestly, it appears that the mountains reach higher towards the heavens as do the trees, and all living creatures are happier on lovely sunny, sweet days like this...

Now, if only moving preparations weren't robbing me of my sanity, and my ability to think clearly. It's as if I'm running in a wind tunnel. I am expending a considerable amount of energy but not really getting anywhere, all the while my hair and clothes are disheveled and I can hardly catch my breath. Everyone around me must think I've lost my mind. Who knows, perhaps I have...

Interestingly, everything about "the move" is a Catch 22, as it were... which is mildly comical. It's still the right decision, I believe. It's just not "straight shot", or "smooth sailing", rather, however, most scenarios in life aren't one slick, seamless process. And, as the scriptures and prophets say - there's opposition in all things. Oh! Suddenly, I am reminded of something Jeffrey R. Holland once said; if you have prayed about it, and received confirmation - keep the course. (This is, of course, paraphrased).

If only these "Catch 22s" didn't perplex me in such a way that I doubt myself.

I need to mediate.

Where's my Tranquility CD or my Reiki CD?

Seriously, who did I lend those to...?

I need to find a lovely, quiet, soothing spot, play one of those CDs, and sit in the warm sun, with my eyes closed - and really endeavor to listen to specific instructions Heavenly Father has for me in this situation.

It's interesting that I feel the need to close my eyes to have my eyes opened, and thus be able to see every aspect of "the move" (and what exactly to do) more clearly. 

Sunday, April 7, 2013

Pennings on Pennsylvania

Dear Friends,

As most of you know, I will be moving Back East from the Great Beehive State - very soon.

So, it's the perfect time to resurrect my sorely neglected (and nearly forgotten) personal blog. I hope it will serve as both a chronicling of my traveling adventures, and a way to keep in touch with friends both near and far.

That said, please feel free to leave comments with your advice, tips, quips, and any other witty words. I would love to "hear" from you!

And "thank you" for a wonderful 15 years in the 801 area code. I'll be sure to visit.

All the best,
Danielle