April 2009 Archives

For more information about me and my work, please visit www.NanOBrien.com.

As the warmth of the sun has finally thawed the thick ice of Lake Champlain, so, too, do we now feel the beginning of our personal loosening from winter's grasp, becoming restless; yearning for the open air and sunshine of Spring. It is at this time of year that our spirits become as vibrant and alive as the flowers that raise up in a chorus of color, creating a beautiful symphony of family, friendship, and fellowship.

We seek balance in our lives, intently trying over and over again when we fall short of walking the delicate line of giving and receiving; nurturing others, while nurturing ourselves. We seek beauty, eager to experience the connectivity with the sights and smells of Spring: Freshly mown grass, trees in full bloom, a gentle wind over the lake. We seek solitude beneath the sun, whether in quiet repose, or in the pages of a good book. We enjoy the innocence of a child's understanding and respect the dignity found in the wisdom of our elders. We reflect, we re-evaluate, we listen more carefully to others and to ourselves, all in an effort to discern those things in our life that we need to keep - and those that we need to release.

For those of us who are in pain or conflict, we turn our attention to the necessary steps to move our lives forward. For those of us who are not, we embrace with gratitude that which we hold in our hand. We garner strength and courage from the brilliance of the world around us. We give thanks for the blessings of our families; we say prayers for those who have sacrificed their lives on our behalf.

Though not always an easy task, it is nonetheless a rejuvenating time of spiritual cleansing. It is a time for connecting with that place deep within that is urging us to overcome those walls that have hindered us in the past and to journey toward a healthier way of living from here forward.

So as you stand at the precipice of Spring, remember to not only see, but look at your life; not only hear, but listen to your inner spirit; not only breathe, but take in the splendor of the world around you; and always, always, seek the grace found in nature that surely displays the magnificence of God's presence in our lives.

On Share The Spirit! - I interview guests on spiritual topics such as the role of integrative medicine in healing; coping with the loss of loved ones; the new attitude toward spirituality in the media; as well as hearing fascinating stories of individual's personal spiritual journeys. Check back every Wednesday for new postings of interviews and/or footage of my national tour.

In the fourth episode of "Share The Spirit With Nan O'Brien," I welcome Jeannie Lynch and Heather Paine as guests. Jeannie Lynch, a Branch Manager of Key Bank, and Heather Paine, owner of a candle and art store, have both experienced the devastating loss of a loved one. Their courageous stories of finding spiritual growth and strength as a result of personal tragedy are as inspirational as they are uplifting.

She currently devotes much of her time to suicide awareness and suicide prevention programs in addition to helping individuals deal with questions and issues unique to suicide deaths, with the goal of finding some sense of peace during the confusion and aftermath of a suicide. Today, more than therapy for her grief, Heather's candlemaking is a business dedicated to helping others.

On Share The Spirit! - I interview guests on spiritual topics such as the role of integrative medicine in healing; coping with the loss of loved ones; the new attitude toward spirituality in the media; as well as hearing fascinating stories of individual's personal spiritual journeys. Check back every Wednesday for new postings of interviews and/or footage of my national tour.