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Tracy Mansolillo's avatar

Beautifully written, Paulette. While returning to love can seem cliche, it is the essence of all of us and the light that guides us. During this most divise time it has been difficult to approach all with love but I am thankful for this reminder tonight. I enjoyed the story of Shiva and Shakti- thank you for sharing it.

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Paulette Bodeman's avatar

Thank you for reading and for your comments, Tracy. I return to the Tantric stories and myths to remind me of what is foundational and essential for all of us, especially now. The more we gather and shine the light of love during this dark time, the stronger our light and we get.

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Tanya Lewis's avatar

This is so empowering, Paulette! I love the conversation between Shiva and Shakti. Thank you for the beautiful reminder of the transformative power of love and that it begins with each one of us. One action I'm taking is to say aloud to myself "I choose love" each time I engage a critical thought or bump into some other form of pain. 🩷

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Paulette Bodeman's avatar

Oh, I'm so happy that this essay and the conversation feel empowering, Tanya. Thank you for reading and commenting. I appreciate you and your mantra, "I choose love!" It's what we will remember when we do bump up against ourselves and those who simply want to hear themselves bluster.

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Kert Lenseigne 🌱's avatar

SUCH a beautiful writer; such beautiful writing!

Love IS the most powerful vibrational energy—it IS the energy of creation. “We return to love.” I have to remember this when the dark gets darker. I have to remember this as the only way to emerge. Not through retribution; not through hatred; not through vengeance; not through transactional relationships—only through love will we emerge.

I REALLY need to remember this! And I’m glad you are here to do the reminding.

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Paulette Bodeman's avatar

Thank you, Kert! I appreciate you reading and commenting. Sometimes, a piece comes together in that intangible way, and the words flow because it's what I need to remember as well. I'm hoping (there's that word again) readers need it, too. My heart is happy that it was received well.

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Heather Briann's avatar

You know I LOVE that you began this article with the RADIANCE SUTRAS. Yes yes yes! I stand with you and this community as an ambassador of LOVE Paulette. My current inspiration for my morning practice is to embody the frequency of love. To stay until I notice that shift into the frequency from which all arose from = which is the frequency of love.

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Paulette Bodeman's avatar

I'm so happy you love this piece! Thank you for introducing this rendition and the Radiance Sutras. They're exquisite.

It was great connecting yesterday; I appreciate our ongoing conversation. Yes yes, the more we can intentionally practice embodying love, the more I believe love will guide us.

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Heather Briann's avatar

💕

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Paulette Bodeman's avatar

Thank you for reading and for commenting, Sue. I appreciate you.

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Sue Ferrera's avatar

This is such a beautiful and soothing post, thank you so much!

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Sandra Pawula's avatar

Paulette, This is such a beautiful piece. I enjoyed learning the story of Shiva and Shakti and how power is nothing without love. As you point out, it can sound cliché to suggest that we return to love, but love is the essence of all spiritual traditions. This is the path through this dark night of the soul if we are willing to answer the question you pose and act in greater and greater love.

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Paulette Bodeman's avatar

Thank you for reading and for your thoughtful comments, Sandra. With so much misinformation and noise coming at us, I know it's difficult to remain grounded in love. Yet, as you do, I genuinely believe it's the only way to navigate this chaos.

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Cathy Joseph's avatar

I so enjoyed reading this, Paulette! The interaction between Shiva and Shakti and their message of love was beautiful - as was your callout for all of us to seek refuge in our hearts and become "ambassadors of love." In the middle of a dark night, it is so hard to remember that fear is not our only response. I believe that fear and love both create - but with far different outcomes. It's important to choose wisely. Thank you for this whisper of love this morning!

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Paulette Bodeman's avatar

Thanks for reading and for your valuable insight, Cathy. My personality has historically tended toward fear, as most of us do. I think that's our ancestral reaction to threat. And you're right; during these challenging times, it's our collective call to remember love.

And I, too, appreciate the stories of Shiva and Shakti. They're inspiring and great reminders that we will survive and thrive through love.

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Cathy Joseph's avatar

Thrive - yes!! 💕

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Dan Ehrenkrantz's avatar

Beautiful!

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Paulette Bodeman's avatar

Thanks for reading, Dan.

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Dunia Gabrael's avatar

I loved all of this ! Thank you !

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Paulette Bodeman's avatar

I'm so happy you did!

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Ilona Goanos's avatar

Love is always the answer, even now. A question to consider: how can I be a force of love during this divisive time? We should ponder this because it will bring us forward.

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Paulette Bodeman's avatar

Yes, Ilona! It's an important question to ask ourselves continually. Otherwise I can fall prey to negativity and hopelessness.

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Susan Harley's avatar

Ambassadors for love, thanks Paulette, that is our mission and role now. An inspiring read and reminder of what is important when times are tough , to shine brighter and love more 💗

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Paulette Bodeman's avatar

Thank you, Susan. It seems simple and naive in some ways, yet it's our most significant task. I'm grateful for the good company.

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