Butterfly-Transformation

The Ebb and Flow of Our Lives Through the Eyes of Metaphors
There are times in our life, when metaphors help us to make sense of how we are being guided by spirit to be the best we can be. In the month of April, I will be exploring the metaphors of my life and hopefully, you will find connections to your own life or to your own spiritual path. Or you will share with us the metaphors that guide your spirit, your muse, your way of being and way of knowing in this life we all share, on this earth we all call mother, on this journey we are all privy to.

Past-Present-Future (c)

Butterfly-Transformation
"If nothing ever changed, there'd be no butterflies.  ~Author Unknown"

Butterflies offer the ultimate metaphor because they undergo a true transformation. Starting off as a caterpillar and transforming into a beautiful butterfly is one of the few transformations in nature that we are privy to see and experience on a regular basis. The life cycle of a caterpillar/butterfly is a thing of beauty of behold and majestic in its own right. The transformation is complete, beautiful and a miracle to behold and allows us to experience, first hand, what it takes to transform our own lives.

In reality, when you are ready to undergo a change in your life, your transformation is much like the transformation of a butterfly. You have to have some down time, like being in a cocoon, and then there is the pain of rebirth or coming alive again as a whole new you. We see it when individuals undergo cancer treatments and survive. It is a painful, heart wrenching experience, but one that many people say transforms their life for the better. They are in appreciation, they live in gratitude for one more day and they stop taking life for granted.

The Women Inside

"There is nothing in a caterpillar that tells you it's going to be a butterfly."  ~Richard Buckminster Fuller

The same is true of those who have survived a divorce. The experience is heartfelt and difficult and requires a lot of courage to get up and face the day, everyday, but in the end, most people say that they are stronger for the experience. They are not the same person, they have had to survive a transformation and it is very difficult.

Death and the grieving process is one of transformation as well. It can be the death of a child, a parent, a beloved pet, a long term spouse, or a newlywed spouse, and the transformation is the same. These are events that mark our lives forever. As before my mom passed away...Before I become a motherless daughter...Before I had to learn how to be a matriarch in the family.
All of these transformations leave us marred and scarred for life, but in a good way. We are never the same again, but then we would not want to trade in our caterpillar feet for our butterfly wings. These transformations truly do allow us to fly and soar and be closer to our mission and purpose in life.

What transformations have you undergone?
What types of transitions have you thrived from?

Con un pan y cafecito,
Seguimos adelante,
Zulmara Maria

Más vale tarde que nuncaBetter late than never
(c) Artowrk for this blog was graciously provided by Ana Julia Darias Fishman an artist on Art by Latina Artists.

Bubbles--Having Fun

The Ebb and Flow of Our Lives Through the Eyes of Metaphors
There are times in our life, when metaphors help us to make sense of how we are being guided by spirit to be the best we can be. In the month of April, I will be exploring the metaphors of my life and hopefully, you will find connections to your own life or to your own spiritual path. Or you will share with us the metaphors that guide your spirit, your muse, your way of being and way of knowing in this life we all share, on this earth we all call mother, on this journey we are all privy to.

Surrender, AJF (c)

Bubbles--Having Fun

"We must always remember to have fun, we need to dance, play, sing, and be merry for the spirit and the soul to unite."

Having fun, living life to the fullest, being in a state of bliss are the goals of the soul and the spirit. We are not here to suffer, grieve, or feel depressed, we are here to experience the joy of love, laughter, and living. Yes, at times, we do have different experiences to allow us to see the contrast, but if you are finding your life joyless and dark, then take some time to sing, to laugh, to dance, to play, for these are the nutrients for the soul.

The Dress (c)

"The Human Spirit was intended to have fun."

Experiencing euphoria is related to the excitement, even ecstasy of leaving a legacy by implanting yourself in the "fabric" of others, by living the life of your dreams, by being available to all that life has to offer. It is important to add those things to your life that will allow your spirit to soar and your soul to roar. When was the last time you blew bubbles with little ones, felt the sand between your toes, walked on grass barefoot, or laughed with wild abandon at nothing in particular? Life is meant for living and experiencing so go ahead and get some bubbles and blow until you can’t blow anymore. Dance like no one is watching and sing at the top of your lungs...and just let it out and let it go and ENJOY what the soul and the spirit have to offer when they are united as one.

When was the last time you had a good laugh?
When was the last time you sang loud and out of tune?
When was the last time you blew bubbles?

Con un pan y cafecito,
Seguimos adelante,
Zulmara Maria

No sólo de pan vive el hombreA man does not live by bread alone
(c) Artowrk for this blog was graciously provided by Ana Julia Darias Fishman an artist on Art by Latina Artists.

The Torch--Igniting Hope

The Ebb and Flow of Our Lives Through the Eyes of Metaphors
There are times in our life, when metaphors help us to make sense of how we are being guided by spirit to be the best we can be. In the month of April, I will be exploring the metaphors of my life and hopefully, you will find connections to your own life or to your own spiritual path. Or you will share with us the metaphors that guide your spirit, your muse, your way of being and way of knowing in this life we all share, on this earth we all call mother, on this journey we are all privy to.



Havana

Havana (c)

The Torch--Igniting Hope

"For those who have lost all hope,
uniting the soul with the spirit will ignite the flames of hope again."

The torch has long been a symbol of hope, de esperanza, that there is a better tomorrow, that things will improve, that life will be in harmony once again. There are times in our lives when the unity between soul and spirit is severed and we have a feeling of hopelessness. It is usually a dark time, marked by lack of energy, interest in our surroundings, and at times depression. We have trouble getting motivated, understanding what is the point or why we are here. It is during these dark times, that we need to ignite hope, much as the Olympic Torch ignites hope in the athletes and countries that are participating.

When we are in the dark, our soul and spirit are in disunity and need a catalyst to unite once again, and that torch, with its glowing embers, warmth, and radiant light can provide that hope, that unity that we are needing. If we are recovering from grief, it may be a slow ember that glows warmly giving us comfort. If we are healing, it may be a spark that is needed to jar us out of a stupor.

"Civilization is not a spontaneous generation with any race or nation known to history, but the torch to be handed down from race to race from age to age."
Kelly Millar

Six Degrees of Separation (c)

When being guided by spirit, it is important to heed the cry of the soul and give it time to heal, time to grieve, time to reflect. Only then can the soul and the spirit once again unite in hope and purpose. Only then can we be one with our vision, our purpose, our need. Providing hope when there is no hope, providing a space for healing and grieving, providing an environment of nurturing is the spark of a torch, the glowing ember we need to move forward.

Do you provide hope for the hopeless?
How do you unite soul and spirit?

Con un pan y cafecito,
Seguimos adelante,
Zulmara Maria

El piso de uno es el techo de otroOne man’s gravy is another man’s poison


(c) Artowrk for this blog was graciously provided by Ana Julia Darias Fishman an artist on Art by Latina Artists.

Adelante Mujer Latina

Adelante Mujer Latina

On Saturday, April 20 I had the pleasure of presenting at the Adelante Mujer Latina Conference at Pasadena City College. I have been involved with Adelante Mujer when I was in San Diego, but this is the first time I had the pleasure of presenting at the conference in Los Angeles. There were 1500 to 1800 Latina girls in attendance who were inspired, motivated, and encouraged by other Latina women to find their purpose and pursue their dreams. I was truly honored to be a part of this very special group of women.

I presented Buscando tu voz en dos culturas/Finding Your Voice in Two Cultures to a group of young women and their moms. The presentation went well and the girls were very interested in my story of getting to college and completing my doctorate. I stressed the importance of finding your voice in both cultures and embracing both of the cultures you represent and not rejecting one for the other. The girls were attentive and asked questions about requirements and how to ensure that you are going to be successful in college.

I stressed the importance of writing and having the academic skills to be successful to make it through to the university. As an administrator for the California State University System, I know that many Latinos make it to the CSU, but very few of them graduate. I am committed to help Latinos stay motivated and inspired as they pursue their education.  It is so important for our country and our economy that Latinos get educated and participate in the economic recovery.

The packet for my presentation, which provides prompts for getting started writing on a regular basis, can be downloaded at: Buscando tu voz en dos culturas. If you are interested in more information, please look up the group at: Adelante Mujer Latina.

Con un pan y cafecito,
Seguimos adelante,
Zulmara Maria



Vale más una imagen que mil palabras

A picture is worth a thousand words

The Dreamcatcher--Purpose

The Ebb and Flow of Our Lives Through the Eyes of Metaphors
There are times in our life, when metaphors help us to make sense of how we are being guided by spirit to be the best we can be. In the month of April, I will be exploring the metaphors of my life and hopefully, you will find connections to your own life or to your own spiritual path. Or you will share with us the metaphors that guide your spirit, your muse, your way of being and way of knowing in this life we all share, on this earth we all call mother, on this journey we are all privy to.

Mujeres Piscadoras

The Dreamcatcher--Purpose

"Everything is created twice, once as a dream and next as reality"

A dreamcatcher is symbolic of the dreams we are catching. Looking like a spider web, it is an intricate symbol of love, joy, purpose, and focus. A dreamcatcher can help remind us of our purpose, of our reason for being here, for our desire to leave a legacy. The dreamcatcher is a symbol that in order to live, we have to reach for the stars, we have to climb the mountains of success, however we define that, we have to be one with our spirit.

El Serape

"A soul without a dream, is like a person without a spirit."

The spirit gives voice to the dreams of the soul. When you walking one with spirit, you are giving your dreams a voice, you are allowing your dreams to shine through, you are letting your spirit soar, you are living as one with your purpose and your whole life feels aligned. When you are in this state, life is humming along and you are living your life to its fullest. You are where you should be and doing what you need to be doing, you are being guided by spirit. Just let go and let God, you are malleable in his hands and achieving what you set out to achieve. You are whole, you are one, you are living your dreams. your prayers have been heard, your answers are on the way.

How do you know when you are being guided by spirit?
How do you know when your dreams are coming alive?

No dejes para mañana lo que puedas hacer hoy
Don’t put off for tomorrow what you can do today

Con un pan y cafecito,
Seguimos adelante,
Zulmara Maria

(c) Art for this blog was graciously provided by Mary Delira an artist on Art by Latina Artists.

The Kaleidoscope-Everchanging

The Ebb and Flow of Our Lives Through the Eyes of Metaphors
There are times in our life, when metaphors help us to make sense of how we are being guided by spirit to be the best we can be. In the month of April, I will be exploring the metaphors of my life and hopefully, you will find connections to your own life or to your own spiritual path. Or you will share with us the metaphors that guide your spirit, your muse, your way of being and way of knowing in this life we all share, on this earth we all call mother, on this journey we are all privy to.

Piscadores de Rancho Cucamonga (c)

The Kaleidoscope-Everchanging
"You can never step into the same river twice." (Pocahontas)

Life is an ever-changing evolution of colors, sounds, smells, feelings, and tastes. Our senses are constantly being assuaged or assaulted by the new and inviting or the new and un-alluring. We are living with constant change and a sense of “you can never go back, you have to embrace the new.” Sometimes the soul resists, sometimes the spirit pushes us forward. Sometimes we settle into a way of being and knowing, sometimes, we are catapulted into the constant evolving waves of change.

Birds of the World (c)

“The soul never asks for that which it is not willing to do.”

It is important when being guided by spirit, to realize that it in the constant evolving waters that we find healthy systems, not in the murky, stagnant ponds. However, sometimes, we have to let ourselves simmer and settle, before taking on a new challenge, sometimes we have to withdraw into ourselves for healing, before the next challenge is met. It is ok to be one with spirit and let the ebb and flow of life fill us with joy and anticipation. It is ok know that we can bask in the past as we appreciate the new joys the future will bring.

When do you find you need to bask in the past?
When do you know you are ready to embrace a new future?

Con un pan y cafecito,
Seguimos adelante,
Zulmara Maria

No todo lo que brilla es oroAll that glitters is not gold

(c) Art for this blog was graciously provided by Mary Delira an artist on Art by Latina Artists.