Champions

Today I want to explore a question that I have. What is a champion? The question came up watching the Wimbledon tennis championship finals. I realized that champions come in all shapes and forms. Carlos Alcarez won the men's tournament and is a champion.

But then I watched the elegance and grace of Princess Kate as she made only her second public appearance since she began treatment for cancer. It was clear she was stunningly present and conscious as she talked to the ball girls and ball boys.

I then thonk of some of the people I share the dialysis clinic each day. There is a lady who appears Hispanic. She wears colorful native outfits and arrives with a smile on her face. Another champion doing life as it is presented to her.

So I have this strange belief that you are a champion. You have chosen to be here at this moment in time. even though looking at world events leaves confusion you are still here. You continue to show up.

I applaud all of you that are such stromg role models. I applaud my dear friend whose wife is slipping away to another world while her body remains here. He has vowed to give her the best life possible. A champion indeed!

Earlier in the week I wrote of blooming where you are planted and indeed my friend you have done that. We get caught up setting such high standards for ourselves. We sre willing to give leeay to others but our journey must be done right and making a mistake is not an option. Chill a bit! Imagine your little five-year old. Give him or her support because he needs it from you.

One of the things I learned spiritually (thanks to John Bradshaw!) is at the very moment that I am filled with anxiety and self-doubt, it is time. It is time to close my eyes and say silently "Little one, I can feel your fear and anxiety. I want you to know at this very moment I support you! Imagine my arms around you! Know you are safe and I will protect you!"

At that moment my anxiety lessens. I become calmer. However I have reconnected with my little one so he feels safe. Feeling safe is one of the balancing and grounding ways to calm. So your body is ready to let go and calm.

In fact the truth is that your little one is a champion! This is the part of you that survived the process of becoming an adult and still your little one is present.

So honor your little one and safety will grow. The growth of safety will bring balance. The growth of balance will fill your life with with spirit.

A minister classmate texted me a photo last Thursday. It is a picture of a pencil. The pencil was etched "New Seminar" which is the school I went to for the ministry. Her message said "This came across my desk today.....So long, long ago - so innocent. So sweet."

Recognize how precious you little one is. There is an innocence that is still present. Don't leave your little one alone. Spending time together is spending yime with a champion.......