Continuity

        "Circles are an accepted part of life. You even say you're going in circles at times of stress. There is the moon and the sun which appear to be circles. A circle is a contained space and that which is within is contained within a barrier, a boundary.

        We talk about our circle of friends, the family circle, the circle of love, but what is that really expressing? Close knit communication, close knit caring, but within boundaries.

        To break out of a circle means reaching out, stretching beyond, leaving space, an openness, a door within and without.

        Too often we continue the circle of life within such a smaller circle that we do not give ourselves a chance to understand the extent that we can reach as a spirit and with the mind.

        Often the circles are intentionally small, we have the circle of one, the individual who draws within one's self, who walks and talks with a circle continuously drawn around. That is indeed a small circle. Although metaphysically, there is a universe (or several) within each individual, the extension of the soul on the earth plane is limited.

        We enclose others with a circular hug and we draw them close. We share their energy, their love, their individual essence. How then, do you reach to others and extend that same sharing of essence to a larger circle? First with the mind, and then with the heart. The mind sets the intent. The heart provides the direction.

        This sharing can be done in many different ways for we are made up of so many aspects, so many differences, that we cannot say that one method of expression is for all. We know the outward loving open individual and the quiet, somewhat reclusive soul who approaches others in a different way. There is no 'right' way, no one way, no textbook procedure to follow. Note that the heart gives the direction.

        The mind is so often like a gate. The heart is willing to reach, to express, but the mind sees the negative, sees the possibility of failure, sees the fear of rejection. And, like a gate, it closes and the heart expresses itself within a small circle or not at all.

        Opening circles can be difficult. Habits are hard to break. Yet a little intent, a step forward, a change of expression can lead to a continuity of expression that sometimes lasts and lasts. Who is to say and who is to know the influence one has on another? Not often do we see the fruit of the seed that has been planted.

        Continue to circle yourself when it is prudent to do so. Begin to open your circle, making sure that the gate of the mind has not permanently closed. Open the gate and step outside your circle."