Index: Feature Article: The Phoenix
*THOUGHTS FOR SPRING, THE STORY OF THE PHOENIX*
Dated 3/21/99
PHOENIX
I'm burning off the past
Until it's all gone
Rising up in true forgiveness
Of self and others
Reaching out of the darkness
And into the light
Destroyed and renewed
I lift up my wings
And fly freely to heaven
And the ashes will scatter
In the wind of their beating
By Wanda Hope Carter, ©1996
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When I wrote this it was about the same time of the year and I was as usual reflecting on the theme of renewal. It is connected with Spring and it's celebration is found in cultures and religions worldwide. Who could be against it... RENEWAL!!!!! YAY!!!!!
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What comes to your mind when you think of the word? To me it inspires hope ... for the future, for positive change, for forgiveness and the freedom it brings. I have faith in this point on the wheel of the wonderful cycle of life.
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I have always loved the ancient mythological story of the Phoenix and have learned so much from its deeper study. The beautiful bird, burning its nest and rising anew from the ashes time after time. To me, it is the story of how people who live through hardships survive and continue triumphantly.
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Everyone faces hardships. The challenge is to rise up in spite of them, bigger and more beautiful than ever. Renewal begins with destruction and we must completely destroy the old with all its negativity once and for all. Old thought patterns such as doubts, low self-esteem, grudges, jealousies, resentments & hate hold us to the past. Once negatives are destroyed, the next step of renewal is introspection and rejuvenation.
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Think of a seed lying covered under a dark blanket of earth seemingly dormant and resting but in reality discovering the shape of the new form it will take while feeding on the nutrients it needs. (In our case the nutrients are Positive Thoughts) Its transformation and then .... RENEWAL .... naturally and automatically occur. Growth can only come AFTER renewal.
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Using this analogy to think in terms of what is going on in my own life, I can see that I am definitely under the blanket of earth right now. At least I know what I have to do; feed myself some positive thoughts and become clear about what new form I want to take during my transformation. Then as is promised to us all, I will be renewed according to how well nourished I am and how clear I am about my destiny.
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When I wish you a Happy Spring .... I am wishing you a happy and positive renewal of your physical, mental and spiritual self!
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