Evolving Dreams

Evolving Dreams

Last evening I spoke with someone very dear to me and it occurred to me during the course of the conversation that the life of a gypsy would be perfect for me. To be able to just wander from place to place; not locking myself into any real hard and fast material commitment; putting down roots for just as long as I choose. That sounds like heaven to me.

The prospect of going places that I never thought I would have the opportunity to see within my beautiful homeland appeals greatly to me. I know that there are thousands of places that I have never heard of which would strike a chord within my soul. Some of these may be populated while others may simply be beautiful places in the bush somewhere far away off the beaten track.

I dream of finding these wonderful places and spending time acquainting myself with them, forming a connection to the spirit of the land. To be able to do this and to write of my experiences would set my soul alive. I am sure that armed with my trusty laptop and my camera I could be content for the rest of my born days.

My massage table would also be close by my side. I enjoy my healing work which I have not been actively involved in for some time now. I think it is time to raise the covers and start to share again. How many times have I been told “You cannot save everyone on the planet” or similar? The thing is that I know that I can make a difference. It may be for just one person for just that short time but each and every time I do this it will be another step towards harmony for both the recipient and me.
How wonderful would it be to be able to offer a weary fellow traveller a nice relaxing massage or reiki/energy/intuitive healing when they are cramped and uncomfortable from sitting in their vehicles for extended periods?

They tell me that these days self-publishing is the way to make it happen for a writer. I wonder how many would actually read my work? All I can do is give it a go and leave the rest to the Universe. If it is meant to happen it will, with some effort on my part. To share my writing and be able to take others on a journey through the country side would be a dream come true.

The beauty of the skills that I have acquired throughout my life is that I can use them anywhere. I do not have to be stuck in one place to utilise them for my own benefit and the benefit of others. How simple life would be. Driving into a tiny outback town and putting out a sign offering massage/spiritual guidance or maybe even a personalised poem!

The more I think about it, the more it seems real and possible to me. This is the purpose of having dreams, this is why we day dream. We dream it until we remove all the obstacles and then it becomes our reality.

It would be wonderful to have someone to share this pilgrimage with. I wonder just how good my powers of manifestation are…..

My Perception of Happiness

My Perception of Happiness

I share with you my views on happiness as I perceive it.

The awareness has come to me that happiness in its truest form is so much more than an emotion. It is much more than a fleeting smile or a deep belly laugh. Happiness is a seed within our souls which when fed and nurtured flourishes and spreads throughout our physical being then overflowing and radiating into our auras.

It is not something we can manufacture with material possessions, which is a different level of happiness altogether, a far more superficial level. For some this is of great importance for it allows them to surround themselves with instruments which maintain their inner façade of happiness. Some require no more than this façade to live their lives in comfort. That is their choice and they have every right to do so. This level of comfort is usually the result of much hard work and sacrifice which gives them the final outcome – their own version of happiness.

Some may find contentment in a career which is perfect for them. I question whether this choice will always be so perfect. As they grow and evolve it is possible that they will need a different path to fulfil them.

Some pin their happiness on a particular geographical location and yes, some environments suit some more so than others. I do not believe that the soul reason for happiness can be attributed to the environment.

Yet others believe that their happiness depends upon other people. Others being children, parents, or extended family and friends or even the ‘perfect’ partner. While I do understand that having others in our lives does indeed add more dimensions and levels I still do not believe that another person can give you happiness. They may in their own ways, children as loving, reliant fruit of our loins; parents as the ever present influence or partners who bring passion, love and lust; all contribute to one’s happiness but are they absolutely necessary for one to be happy?

I know that I would be ecstatic for that one man, that passionate, intelligent, amazing lover and lifelong partner to share my life. Does this mean that until he chooses to do so I am unable to be happy? I choose not to accept that as my reality. I choose to be happy now, even though on a different level he would add so much to my life. I know that I have the love of my children and my friends and family; they however have their own lives to lead. I cannot be reliant on them to fill the empty voids in my life. The only person who can actually do this is me!

For me, true happiness comes from within. It is a letting go of preconceived ideas of what is right and wrong for me. It is allowing me to be the person that I Am. It is being able to walk my own path without fear of retribution from others. It is about freedom of the heart and allowing the spirit to soar. It is being able to love myself first and foremost and allowing that love to flow on to others. Happiness is a state of being.

This is my perception of happiness… after all there is no happiness without love.

Trish Johnston 24th April 2014 ©

Tropical Cyclone Ita

1-2014-04-12 11.56.56

Far North Queensland can but wait
for your much heralded arrival
as they go about preparations
essential to their survival

We are told of your power
of the fury with which you travel
we hope and we pray
you’ll not leave our lives unravelled

You bring with you such forces
that are difficult to endure
destructive winds and rainfall
as some have never seen before

Some locals are complacent
they’ve been here more than once or twice
while the sensible respect you
and take on board all the advice

Emergency Services working overtime
to ensure that we are safe
how do we express our gratitude
for work done for our sakes

Communities holding strong
is what we are all about
we will stand up tall together
through both cyclones and drought

You will not defeat us, Ita
though much havoc you may wreak
for we have within us
that Queensland Spirit of which they speak

Trish Johnston 12th April 2014 ©

Life is a Celebration

Life is a Celebration

The Willy Wag tail that spends much of his time on the front fence is almost defiant in his strut along the wire. Even in the rain he flitters back and forth. It is an interesting time here in Cairns, Far North Queensland as we await the arrival of Tropical Cyclone Ita. It is difficult to explain the calm that has settled over me. It is a feeling of total peace combined with an awe and acceptance of the power of Nature. A connection with my surroundings as we wait the eternal wait to see what, if any destruction we will be subjected to.

It is a time of contemplation for me, as I sit and just Be. I have often wondered over the past weeks why I came to Cairns, what drew me here when my life was established in South Australia. I know now the reason for my being here at this particular time. To experience the absolute futility of worry is a part of it. What good does worry do when faced with the tremendous unknown forces? It will not change the power nor the result. The only purpose it serves is to make one miserable while anticipating outcomes which may never happen.

I have always considered that my greatest achievements in life have been the birth of my two beautiful children and watching them grow and develop into amazing young adults of who I am very proud. While this is indeed still on one level my greatest achievement I now see so much else in my life to be proud of. Everything we do in life is a cause for celebration; every day lived; every moment experienced; every lesson learned; every tear shed whether through joy or sorrow. Life is a celebration.

My passion is to write, I am fortunate that I have been given the ability to do so whether through poetry or other forms. It is part of my journey to do so and until I honour it properly the life that I am celebrating will be found wanting. Thank you, Tropical Cyclone Ita. Thank you, Cairns, while I do not see myself here for the long haul I am grateful for the awareness and perception you have bestowed on me.

Now, like that Willy Wag Tail, I too can strut my stuff!

Sacrificial Love

Sacrificial Love

Some feel they must make sacrifices
to allow love into their lives
to give up part of themselves
their dreams and their desires

To some it is a challenge
to open up their hearts
and let another in
to walk beside them on their path

They fear that in surrendering
to the emotions which they feel
they must give more of themselves
than they care to reveal

They fear they will be stifled
a loss of freedom long held dear
instead of being open to sharing
the joy, desire, pain and tears

Love is not a sacrifice
for it enriches beyond measure
when we give our heart
and share all of life’s pleasures

Trish Johnston 6th April 2014

My Purpose

My Purpose

Night settles all around me
I sit and let it in
darkness soft like velvet
seeping deep within

A feeling of contentment
washes over me
as I become One with Nature
as I am meant to be

Sometimes I forget this
when my mind is full of worry
when it spins out of control
in a constant exhausting hurry

When the ego takes control
and sends me on a mad chase
looking everywhere for peace
except the right place

As I sit here in the darkness
my path glowing crystal clear
I am thankful for my Angels
for I know that they are near

I’ve a gift that they’ve given me
which is not mine to keep
words to comfort others
when their climb gets steep

Now I know my purpose
the reason I am here
to share my simple verses
for everyone to hear.

Trish Johnston 5th April 2014 ©

Perfect Fairytale…

Perfect Fairytale…

If my life were a fairy tale
I wonder who I would be
Which fictitious heroine
Would best portray me

Would it be Snow White
With her seven little dwarfs
The Crone, the Magic Mirror
and the handsome Prince of course

Would it be Sleeping Beauty
Working at her spindle
Asleep then for 100 years
Until life her Prince rekindles

Would it be Rapunzel
With such long golden hair
Locked up in her tower
‘Til her Prince frees her from there

Or maybe Cinderella
With the blue birds and the coach
The delicate glass slipper
Prince Charming loves her most

I’ve no wish to be a Princess
Nor have a Prince, a party or gala
Me, I’ll take Simba, the Lion King
And I will be his Nala!

Trish Johnston 22nd February 2012 ©

Concrete Jungle

Concrete Jungle

Busy rushing people
Like ants upon a track
Focused destinations
No time to look back

Concrete jungle all around
Tar and pavers on the street
Rarely an opportunity
To feel earth under ones feet

Contrived controlled environment
Dictated by rules
Some no more than robots
Bureaucracy their tools

Reflection in the glass
Looking back with empty eyes
The city hustles by
Alone her spirit dies

Trish Johnston 2nd March 2012