Seven reasons why introverts are drawn to writing

Writers often spend hours upon hours alone researching, reading, and creating drafts. Although it hasn’t been proven in any kind of scientific study, it could be argued that writers are generally introverts. They enjoy connecting with others through written words, which can be less draining and stressful than having a face-to-face interaction. As author John Green said, “Writing is something you do alone. It’s a profession for introverts who want to tell you a story but don’t want to make eye contact while doing it.”

Here are seven reasons why introverts are drawn to writing and make great writers:

1. Writing gives us time to reflect. Writing allows us to construct solid thoughts, rather than spewing out thoughts as fast as they fly through our mind. It’s a more organized method for relaying our ideas at a controlled pace, allowing us plenty of time to give meaning and context to what we’re saying. Mary Walton, creator of the blog Simple Grad, writes, “We’re all told to think before we speak, but not all of us follow those words of advice…the added bonus of writing is that it gives you a buffer of time to think, edit, rewrite and change what you were going to say.”

2. Writing our thoughts is less intimidating than speaking them. Introverts don’t like the spotlight. In fact, anything we can do to avoid it, we’ll do. When we write, we get our thoughts out without having to put ourselves physically out there. We can express ourselves freely, without being intimidated by a room full of eyes staring back at us.

3. We’re very aware of our surroundings. Introverts are generally great at reading people and have a keen awareness of our surroundings. We see the small details that others might miss, and we might pick up on the finer points of situations and conversations. When you’re writing, all you’ve got are your words, so you need to use them to fully convey the intricacies of what you’re saying.

4. We’re great listeners. Introverts tend to listen intently while someone is speaking, and we aren’t waiting to interrupt or throw our two cents in. “We introverts are the ideal listeners,” writer Carol Wise told me. “We’re content to sit back and listen.” As we listen, we gather tons of information that can provide us with a continual fountain of creativity.

5. Alone time is our favorite time. All an introvert wants is to be left alone (at least for a little while). We aren’t afraid of solitude. Because writing takes so much quiet reading, research, and actual writing, by its very nature, it requires you to be alone. Introverts thrive on running solo, so this makes writing a perfect pastime (or career) for us.

6. We can finally express all the ideas we have built up in our minds. Some people have no problem voicing their thoughts on everything to anyone who will lend an open ear. But, for introverts, getting our thoughts out isn’t always that easy. It can be a frightening thing for an introvert to engage in a conversation with someone they don’t know well, even if they have amazing things to say. “Because [introverts] are such keen observers, they’ve usually got lots of thoughts floating around in their heads, just waiting to get out there. Writing lets them do that,” writer Amber Coburn told me.

7. Writing is fun for us. Not everyone enjoys putting pen to paper—or fingers to keyboard—but for many introverts, writing is a fun way to release our creativity.

Not everyone is a great public speaker, or even comfortable having a face-to-face conversation. But introverts can use the traits of their nature to their advantage when they write. Writing makes it easy for introverts to be creative and participate in the conversation. So, if you enjoy your alone time, are an observant listener, and have something to say, writing might just be your calling.

http://introvertdear.com

INFJs are perfectionists, which often causes them to struggle with their own failures. When they make mistakes INFJs can be unbelievably hard on themselves. They will often punish themselves for a long time, feeling like they could have done better. This can cause the INFJ to feel bottled up, and have a hard time moving forward with projects. Sometimes they will refrain from trying anything new, simply because they are afraid that they will fail once again. This can be a struggle for INFJs, and is certainly something that they need to work on. It is important for them to be around people who help them to forgive themselves for their mistakes.

INFJs are usually excellent at communication, especially when they are doing this through writing rather than verbally. INFJs can often end up being the mediator between two people, since they are skilled at finding ways to bridge the gap of communication. They can often see where people are misunderstanding one another, and find out a simpler way to help them understand. INFJs are not always the most chatty people, but what they do communicate is very well thought out. They like to take a step back and process things sometimes, which can make their written communication much better than verbal. When they are given time to think things through, they will have plenty to say.

INFJs need plenty of alone time in order to recharge their batteries, and will often retreat into themselves for long periods of time. They have very rich inner worlds and they can often spend hours just pondering the thoughts inside their head space.

Sometimes it is Easier to Write it, Than it is to Say it

INFJs often have a beautiful symphony of words inside their mind. These words fall together and explain their thoughts in a perfect way, but it isn’t always easy to speak those things. They can struggle with finding ways to explain themselves to others verbally, but are often skilled at putting things into writing. Sometimes it is best for an INFJ to have the time and patience to sit down and write out what they are thinking, rather than being forced to speak out their thoughts and feelings.

INFJs can definitely be perfectionists, which often lends to their procrastination. Their need to make sure things are done to the highest standards will often cause them to be fearful of finishing a task. They will feel like their task is not complete, since it isn’t perfect yet. The INFJ will sometimes stress about getting something done, but will almost always complete the task at hand. They might leave it until the very last minute, but that sense of urgency is often a great inspiration for them. Without that sense of stress on a project, the INFJ may not find the need to get it done.

Thoughts on writing ~

In my mind, a story plays out like a beautiful movie, full of dramatic effects, the equivalent of CGI. It is a visualisation of a tale that my heart sings to. I live it, breathe it mentally, over and over. The film is a personal pleasure that I decided to share because I fell in love with the characters and concept, and hoped that others would too. Being new to writing, the difficulty was translating that exact imagery on paper as knew nothing of the craft. I divided the visual into parts, a book series because it was too epic to tell in one piece. When writing it almost feels like I'm directing scenes. The story is already planned out from beginning to end of all the series, of course, the plots twist and more layers are later added as certain characters/aspects grow. I love it when that happens. It just comes to life. The part I dread is structural editing. I often wonder if I'll destroy the feel by heavy editing. It's trial and error all the way. There are some parts I wish that I left in the first book, but will rectify in a later edition. For example ~ Bea's background of her mother, a small piece, but relevant, and the scene of memory concerning Brandon and the past. These little pieces were edited out so that word count could be lowered and because I didn't worried too much of info-dumping. Jonathan's lengthy conversation was deep in science, creation, and the cosmos, but was told that it would've been taken readers away from the main story. I guess this is where mastering 'the craft' comes into play by adding those elements/messages via clever interweaving between lighter areas, so not to bog down the immediate story.

As you know, I'm editing book two, and feel, for an unknown reason, that my flow is slow. Mainly, I guess, it's a mixture of juggling with everyday life with not being happy with the beginning chapter, which, I keep re-writing, and keep doing so until the time that it feels right.
I WILL (determined) complete by summer. 😉

Love and light,

Trace

xox

Pieces of me...

~ Introducing the INFJ World

Pinterest ~ Pieces of Me

A New Discovery ~ Interesting results that I received from online tests - INFJ

Jungian functional preference ordering:  INFJ

Dominant: Introverted Intuition

Auxiliary: Extraverted Feeling

Tertiary: Introverted Thinking

Inferior: Extraverted Sensing

Portrait of an INFJ - Introverted iNtuitive Feeling Judging

(Introverted Intuition with Extraverted Feeling)

The Protector

As an INFJ, your primary mode of living is focused internally, where you take things in primarily via intuition. Your secondary mode is external, where you deal with things according to how you feel about them, or how they fit with your personal value system.

INFJs are gentle, caring, complex and highly intuitive individuals. Artistic and creative, they live in a world of hidden meanings and possibilities. Only one percent of the population has an INFJ Personality Type, making it the most rare of all the types.

INFJs place great importance on havings things orderly and systematic in their outer world. They put a lot of energy into identifying the best system for getting things done, and constantly define and re-define the priorities in their lives. On the other hand, INFJs operate within themselves on an intuitive basis which is entirely spontaneous. They know things intuitively, without being able to pinpoint why, and without detailed knowledge of the subject at hand. They are usually right, and they usually know it. Consequently, INFJs put a tremendous amount of faith into their instincts and intuitions. This is something of a conflict between the inner and outer worlds, and may result in the INFJ not being as organized as other Judging types tend to be. Or we may see some signs of disarray in an otherwise orderly tendency, such as a consistently messy desk.

INFJs have uncanny insight into people and situations. They get "feelings" about things and intuitively understand them. As an extreme example, some INFJs report experiences of a psychic nature, such as getting strong feelings about there being a problem with a loved one, and discovering later that they were in a car accident. This is the sort of thing that other types may scorn and scoff at, and the INFJ themself does not really understand their intuition at a level which can be verbalized. Consequently, most INFJs are protective of their inner selves, sharing only what they choose to share when they choose to share it. They are deep, complex individuals, who are quite private and typically difficult to understand. INFJs hold back part of themselves, and can be secretive.

But the INFJ is as genuinely warm as they are complex. INFJs hold a special place in the heart of people who they are close to, who are able to see their special gifts and depth of caring. INFJs are concerned for people's feelings, and try to be gentle to avoid hurting anyone. They are very sensitive to conflict, and cannot tolerate it very well. Situations which are charged with conflict may drive the normally peaceful INFJ into a state of agitation or charged anger. They may tend to internalize conflict into their bodies, and experience health problems when under a lot of stress.

Because the INFJ has such strong intuitive capabilities, they trust their own instincts above all else. This may result in an INFJ stubborness and tendency to ignore other people's opinions. They believe that they're right. On the other hand, INFJ is a perfectionist who doubts that they are living up to their full potential. INFJs are rarely at complete peace with themselves - there's always something else they should be doing to improve themselves and the world around them. They believe in constant growth, and don't often take time to revel in their accomplishments. They have strong value systems, and need to live their lives in accordance with what they feel is right. In deference to the Feeling aspect of their personalities, INFJs are in some ways gentle and easy going. Conversely, they have very high expectations of themselves, and frequently of their families. They don't believe in compromising their ideals.

INFJ is a natural nurturer; patient, devoted and protective. They make loving parents and usually have strong bonds with their offspring. They have high expectations of their children, and push them to be the best that they can be. This can sometimes manifest itself in the INFJ being hard-nosed and stubborn. But generally, children of an INFJ get devoted and sincere parental guidance, combined with deep caring.

In the workplace, the INFJ usually shows up in areas where they can be creative and somewhat independent. They have a natural affinity for art, and many excel in the sciences, where they make use of their intuition. INFJs can also be found in service-oriented professions. They are not good at dealing with minutia or very detailed tasks. The INFJ will either avoid such things, or else go to the other extreme and become enveloped in the details to the extent that they can no longer see the big picture. An INFJ who has gone the route of becoming meticulous about details may be highly critical of other individuals who are not.

The INFJ individual is gifted in ways that other types are not. Life is not necessarily easy for the INFJ, but they are capable of great depth of feeling and personal achievement.

Source HERE

Love and light

Trace

xoxo

Which Jung archetype best describes you?

A little fun ~ personality quiz HERE

You're the explorer! 

According to Jung we can find this archetype in many myths and fairy tales. You're a restless nomad, always full of wanderlust. You see life as one big adventure and you're always planning your next move. This archetype thirsts for new experiences and new people. You're independent, adaptable, ambitious and true to yourself. Your sense of adventure is your greatest strength, but you may risk wondering aimlessly and you may find it difficult to choose a direction. Channel your adventurous spirit into something productive!

My thoughts...Hmm

Internal explorer, perhaps. :o) 

A nomad wandering fictional worlds. Always seeking knowledge and beauty.

The term "archetype" has its origins in ancient Greek. The root words are archein, which means "original or old"; and typos, which means "pattern, model or type". The combined meaning is an "original pattern" of which all other similar persons, objects, or concepts are derived, copied, modeled, or emulated.

The psychologist, Carl Gustav Jung, used the concept of archetype in his theory of the human psyche. He believed that universal, mythic characters—archetypes—reside within the collective unconscious of people the world over. Archetypes represent fundamental human motifs of our experience as we evolved; consequentially, they evoke deep emotions.

Although there are many different archetypes, Jung defined twelve primary types that symbolize basic human motivations. Each type has its own set of values, meanings and personality traits.

Most, if not all, people have several archetypes at play in their personality construct; however, one archetype tends to dominate the personality in general.

The Soul Type

5. The Explorer
Motto: Don't fence me in
Core desire: the freedom to find out who you are through exploring the world
Goal: to experience a better, more authentic, more fulfilling life
Biggest fear: getting trapped, conformity, and inner emptiness
Strategy: journey, seeking out and experiencing new things, escape from boredom
Weakness: aimless wandering, becoming a misfit
Talent: autonomy, ambition, being true to one's soul
The explorer is also known as: The seeker, iconoclast, wanderer, individualist, pilgrim.

More HERE

In Jungian psychology, archetypes are highly developed elements of the collective unconscious. Being unconscious, the existence of archetypes can only be deduced indirectly by examining behavior, images, art, myths, religions, or dreams. Carl Jung understood archetypes as universal, archaic patterns and images that derive from the collective unconscious and are the psychic counterpart of instinct. They are inherited potentials which are actualized when they enter consciousness as images or manifest in behavior on interaction with the outside world. They are autonomous and hidden forms which are transformed once they enter consciousness and are given particular expression by individuals and their cultures.

More HERE

Exploring personality types

INFJ

A little while back I wrote a post concerning sensitive souls - HSP - 'highly sensitive people' and came across the personality types of Jung / Myers-Briggs. Curious, this week, I plunged in and took two different tests online. I'm not sure how accurate they are but found it interesting that I got an INFJ result both times.

INFJ stands for Introvert, iNtuitive, Feeling, Judging, and represents individual's preferences in four dimensions characterising personality type, according to Jung's and Briggs Myers' theories.

Out of the 16 Myers-Briggs personality types, INFJ type is believed to be the rarest. Apparently, uncommon jewels of the personality spectrum make up less than one percent of the population.

Here are some excerpts that I've read online:

One of the things that differentiate INFJs from other introverted types is their easy and pleasant conversation style. They are known for being great verbal communicators.
To most friends and acquaintances, the INFJ type seems very sociable and extroverted. This can cause confusion when INFJs become overwhelmed and must withdraw from people. In truth, INFJs are just like other introverts in the sense that they are very selective with whom they consider real friends.

Like other intuitive introverts, INFJs sometimes struggle with external sensing perception. This means that they can become so absorbed in their inner world that they are oblivious to the physical world.

Source

INFJs are champions of the oppressed and downtrodden.They often are found in the wake of an emergency, rescuing those who are in acute distress.INFJs may fantasize about getting revenge on those who victimise the defenceless.The concept of 'poetic justice' is appealing to the INFJ.

In their own way, INFJs are just as much "systems builders" as are INTJs; the difference lies in that most INFJ "systems" are founded on human beings and human values, rather than information and technology.

Usually, self-expression comes more easily to INFJs on paper, as they tend to have strong writing skills. Since in addition they often possess a strong personal charisma, INFJs are generally well-suited to the "inspirational" professions such as teaching (especially in higher education) and religious leadership. Psychology and counselling are other obvious choices, but overall, INFJs can be exceptionally difficult to pigeonhole by their career paths.

Writing, counselling, public service and even politics are areas where INFJs frequently find their niche.

INFJs are some of the best writers. They can fiercely write about everything and anything. And they never show anybody what they write out of fear of what people will think of them.

They struggle with loving a lot of creative things and not sure what they like the most.

With their giant imagination and visionary minds, they can have a tough time dealing with daily, practical matters. Not being able to answer the question "What's the point?" can lead to neglecting cleaning, financial responsibilities, etc. Insomnia. Splurges of hyperactive thought. An overindulgence of creativity.

INFJS can be rock solid calm, then a strange wind happens that carries a dead bird abstract construction. Then they are super sad and say lots of deep things from nowhere.

A nice piece on Wordpress HERE

Social psychologist Elaine Aron suggests that 15 to 20% of the general population will have the innate temperamental difference which she calls “High Sensitivity” (HS), or for research purposes, Sensory Processing Sensitivity (SPS).

While sensitive persons are often thoughtful, careful and empathic parents, partners and friends, when they are stressed… or if they have never learned how to cope with their unique qualities effectively, they may create tensions and difficulties for the people around them.

My thoughts...

I relate to the words above. I can ignore the phone, it doesn't matter who it is because I need to 'feel' in the mood to chat. If I'm having a lively day and living in reality, great. If not, I will pretend the outside world does not exist. That includes the doorbell. Lol. Seriously. It drives everyone crazy, but they accept it's me. Such beautiful peeps. :o) I will later catch up with them, and they know this. My daughter will nag me the most but we end up laughing about it. Aww, I love her so much.

My resilience to sensitivity has improved greatly since childhood. I say improved, perhaps it is a growth of  realising which emotion to display or not, how to mask them better. As Virgina Wolf wrote:

People draw different things from me.

Does anyone else relate to this quote?
I can usually adapt to my surroundings, to people. I may not always like it, but I hold on in there until I'm able to leave. Then I gasp a big gulp of air in relief. What I give off entirely depends on them. In some ways, it's like a mirror of energy but I'm still me, it's just that I pick up on the vibe around me. This is truer if I'm not in my usual environment. I tend to think before I speak. Observe, wait until I 'see' a person if that makes sense? I then adapt accordingly. Adapt in the sense of topics I talk about, how much I express, etc. This is often construed as being reserved. I can be more open, but I guess it depends on the company.

Growing up, I always saw the beauty in things and appreciated what an incredible world we live in. When I hit my teens it was like that wonderous world became lost to me. I discovered hatred and conflict, mostly through secondary schooling. It was a dreadful time where I felt confused by the actions of other children around me. None seemed balanced or truly happy. I didn't understand why they weren't 'nice'. I endured the systematic teaching of a non-sensitive environment for three years until one day I walked out of school vowing never to return to that ugly place. I never did. This changed the path of my adult life forever. From eighteen to my twenty's I found independence exhilarating and unpressured, attending many courses on subjects that interested me. I had always loved learning and the calm adult environment suited me better.  Life became that wonderous place again, of course, there were personal ups and downs, but in general, I fitted in. I blossomed and grew. Inside still lived that sensitive soul, but I could choose my surroundings and luckily, then, there was the freedom to do so. Art became, always was, my soul's release. It allowed me time to vent using a creative expression . I felt free. In my experience, other creatives tend to be 'different' too, more sensitive, less judging, and generally converse on deeper levels.

I really feel, as I've mentioned before in another post, that there should be more options for sensitive children in education. I have three children and the eldest thrived in mainstream schooling with no problems, which was great, but there were areas with my middle child, and sensitivity issues, like my own, with my youngest. I've battled with 'the system' shrugging off those looks of disapproval when I take my children's emotions into account. I've been called 'too soft' even given snotty remarks about my son's hair being too long, yes really, but I remain strong in their defence because of my own experiences. I still need to recuperate in solitude, at times, from the still ongoing fight. Thankfully, great family, friends, art and writing get me through. Phew! :o)

I believe strongly in education but the delivery needs to be re-evaluated for the minority. Since I was a teenager to now, I'm nearly fifty, why is there not a different form of schooling in place? Why is it so difficult to get heard? We're still fighting battles that shouldn't exist.
I've often daydreamt a world where beautiful schools cherish the gentle souls of children. Play and creativity being vastly important structures, along with knowing the self, and appreciating others. Not in a textbook format, but through actively playing out. Is that the hippy side of my mother influencing me? :o) Idealistic perhaps, but we need diversity in a material world. Need something other than drive toward the profit, future 'paid' job, and importantly, I believe this structure of teaching can co-exist with the system in place.

I drifted off course, I think...Okay, back on track. All of this is possibly a part of INFJ thinking. I don't know. It's interesting to me to ponder as I idly write...humanity and reality blending with dreams of a better, more understanding world. Somewhere everyone has a place.

Hemmingway said to express what pains you. Write from that truth. This has been so difficult for me, still is. I'm so used to hiding the 'inner-self' away from the world and pain lays even deeper within. When I write, I do tap into those depths, but it is not easy to express that emotion on the page without editing the scenes to be calmer, focused, more rational. I think that's why I subconsciously write in omniscient. It's a detachment. The reader can't get too close. My thoughts run deep but no-one would know, and that has been an interesting development in my writing, sharing words and my secret world, something I would never have done before. In a story I've outlined, Shining Sword, I think I'll be tapping into more of my fears and hopes while exploring the story and characters. It is a follow-on to Awake in Purple Dreams where a young woman called Brooke uses art to channel hope to children. It really resonates with what I've written above, and I guess, is where certain elements of this story stem from. A tale of a world in conflict with underlying manipulations, none are good for the development or purpose of creating a happy, nurturing community.  These are areas of grey in my reality of this amazing world at present.

The quote below reminds me of the main characters in my writing:

The world breaks everyone, and afterward, some are strong at the broken places.
Happiness in intelligent people is the rarest thing I know.
But man is not made for defeat. A man can be destroyed but not defeated.
~ Hemingway

There are some beautiful quotes of damaged people that become strong and remain kind. They have lived through the darkness and carry the scars. Yet these scars shine once the soul grows and can be worn with pride. A marking of strength, of overcoming the worse of battle. Mental or physical, or both. I write my characters from these places in different ways. I feel their fears and hopes. I really want them to grow, to be humbled by life and have a new appreciation for the wonder of it all. To realise that we are all so very important in a much bigger picture that we know nothing about. For me, this is where the magic is, in the transformation, going beyond the set boundaries, which are often too marginalised and definitely not for all.

So, does any of this portray the thoughts of INFJ? Or at least some depths of the traits? I don't know. Are labels even necessary? Sadly, I believe in the current system of our world, yes, they are. Initially, it can 'free' the sensitive from the system to a certain extent. They can be accepted for who they are at last and not  have to be pushed into being a certain way. I would even go so far as to say they should be exempt from certain participation if it does not suit their well-being. After all, isn't that what humanity is all about? Understanding, caring, compassionate, and nurturing? Helping people grow?

I care, have always cared, and need to express this with art or writing. Working in the charity sector also gave me a sense of  having 'more' to offer. Helping others in small ways goes a long way. Seeing someone's eyes light up when they have accomplished a tiny thing makes me smile and lifts my heart. That feeling which you've helped put there - blows you away.
Sensitivity is not weakness, it's a bravery like no other. To remain, at the core, kind, really is being a true warrior in this world.

Love and light,

Trace

xoxo

The Soul ~

Freydoon Rassouli

The soul in many religions, philosophical and mythological traditions, is the incorporeal and immortal essence of a living being. According to Abrahamic religions, only human beings have immortal souls. For example, the Catholic theologian Thomas Aquinas attributed "soul" (anima) to all organisms but argued that only human souls are immortal. Other religions (most notably Hinduism and Jainism) teach that all biological organisms have souls while some teach that even non-biological entities (such as rivers and mountains) possess souls. This latter belief is called animism.

Personally, I believe the soul can be simply termed as the 'magic' that lives within us all. :o) 

Anima mundi is the concept of a "world soul" connecting all living organisms on the planet.

Freydoon Rassouli

Eugenia Loli

Twin Flame ~

Throughout the course of your life, you may have had unusual or powerful dreams, visions, or fantasies of a mysterious person. You get a particular feeling and the energy of the individual feels familiar as if it is someone you have already met in the past or someone you will meet in some unknown future. You have a vague feeling that this person is real even if you can not see a face or invent their physical appearance in your mind. You have a feeling as if this person is 'out there somewhere' and may even know who you are on the same level.

There may be an unusual synchronicity or event that surround the initial meeting between first flames. Often you have a feeling or 'knowing' of something that you just can't quite put into words. Twinflames often encounter each other for the first time in an unexpected way out of the blue and usually there are synchronicities and strange occurrences or major shifts in energy the same week of the initial meeting.

Most twin flame couples are physically at a distance or live in different countries. Often there is something that prevents the twin flames from being physically together in the beginning. This is usually because there is much energetic work to be done on the mental and emotional levels before the physical meeting can occur. If the physical meeting were to occur too soon the energy can often be too intense.

The relationship is immediate, as though no time had been lost since you were last together. You feel comfortable with them and you feel you can truly be yourself with them. Sometimes conversations can seem to last forever and there is not much that twin flames are not willing to talk about. It's as if you could share your entire life with this person and there is a level of openness and understanding between you that brings a comfortable yet intriguing sense of familiarity.

You feel an overwhelming sense of love and attraction. This love is genuine and heartfelt and you feel magnetically drawn to their energy. This is not to be confused with lust or an obsessive love. Twin flame love is unconditional and transcends the ego. 

Twin flames, also called twin souls, are literally the other half of our soul. We each have only one twin, and generally after being split the two went their separate ways, incarnating over and over to gather human experience before coming back together. Ideally, this happens in both of their last lifetimes on the planet so they can ascend together. So you probably haven't had many lifetimes with your twin.

Each twin is a complete soul, not half a soul. It is their task to become more whole, balancing their female and male sides, and ideally become enlightened, before reuniting with their twin. This reunion is of two complete and whole beings. All other relationships through all our lives could be said to be "practice" for the twin, the ultimate relationship.

Meeting, you feel a sense of completion that goes beyond words. Wholeness on a soul level that is beyond the physical. Each twin flame is still an individual and is not 'the other half of your soul' as if you are complete now that you have found them. It is a meeting an energetic mirror of your own soul. You share a vibration and resonate with them. ~ I call this the 'soul song' in book two. ;o) 

Soul Mate ~

Soulmates are our soul family, the ones we do have many lifetimes and experiences with, who help us grow and evolve, create and dissipate karma. According to ancient wisdom, when the soul is "born" or descended from Source, it is created in a group. The souls in this group are our soulmates, ones who are very like us in frequency makeup. Then each of these souls is split into two, creating the twins.
A soulmate is someone you are close to at a soul level, and with whom you have had many shared experiences in different lifetimes, in various kinds of relationships -- siblings, parent-child, best friend, as well as romantic relationships. There is a deep love for each other, and a spiritual bond that sets them apart from the superficiality of most other people in your life. Conversations are generally deep, about personal growth and service to make the world a better place. We can have many soulmates in our lives, and they come to us to help us grow spiritually. More Here 

Naked of Form

The Modern English word "soul", derived from Old English sáwol, sáwel, was first attested in the 8th-century poem Beowulf v. 2820 and in the Vespasian Psalter 77.50. It is cognate with other German and Baltic terms for the same idea, including Gothic saiwala, Old High German sêula, sêla, Old Saxon sêola, Old Low Franconian sêla, sîla, Old Norse sála and Lithuanian siela. Further etymology of the Germanic word is uncertain. The original concept is meant to be 'coming from or belonging to the sea/lake', because of the German belief in souls being born out of and returning to sacred lakes, Old Saxon sêola (soul) compared to Old Saxon sêo (sea).

In form ~ Odilon Redon

The Koine Greek word ψυχή psychē, "life, spirit, consciousness", is derived from a verb meaning "to cool, to blow", and hence refers to the breath, as opposed to σῶμα ("soma"), meaning "body". Psychē occurs juxtaposed to σῶμα.

"And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: 

but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body."

In the Septuagint (LXX), ψυχή translates Hebrew נפש nephesh, meaning "life, vital breath", and specifically refers to a mortal, physical life, but is in English variously translated as "soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion"; an example can be found in Genesis 1:20.

Transformation ~ Kassandra Vizerskaya.

Words...

Freydoon Rassouli

The Ancient Greeks used the word "alive" for the concept of being "ensouled", indicating that the earliest surviving western philosophical view believed that the soul was that which gave the body life. The soul was considered the incorporeal or spiritual "breath" that animates (from the Latin, anima, cf. "animal") the living organism.

Francis M. Cornford quotes Pindar in saying that the soul sleeps while the limbs are active, but when one is sleeping, the soul is active and reveals "an award of joy or sorrow drawing near" in dreams.

Freydoon Rassouli 

Words...

Drawing on the words of his teacher Socrates, Plato considered the psyche to be the essence of a person, being that which decides how we behave. He considered this essence to be an incorporeal, eternal occupant of our being. Socrates says that even after death, the soul exists and is able to think. He believed that as bodies die, the soul is continually reborn in subsequent bodies and Plato believed this as well, however, he thought that only one part of the soul was immortal (logos). Aristotle's discussion of the soul is in his work, De Anima (On the Soul).

Cathrine Langwagen.

Augustine, one of western Christianity's most influential early Christian thinkers, described the soul as "a special substance, endowed with reason, adapted to rule the body". 

The 'origin of the soul' has provided a vexing question in Christianity. the major theories put forward include soul creationism, traducianism, and pre-existence. According to creationism, each individual soul is created directly by God, either at the moment of conception or some later time. According to traducianism, the soul comes from the parents by natural generation. According to the preexistence theory, the soul exists before the moment of conception. There have been differing thoughts.

David Joaquin.

In Hinduism, the Sanskrit words most closely corresponding to soul are jiva, Ātman and "Purusha", meaning the individual self. The term "soul" is misleading as it implies an object possessed, whereas self-signifies the subject which perceives all objects. This self is held to be distinct from the various mental faculties such as desires, thinking, understanding, reasoning and self-image (ego), all of which are considered to be part of Prakriti (nature).

The atman becomes involved in the process of becoming and transmigrating through cycles of birth and death because of ignorance of its own true nature. The spiritual path consists of self-realization – a process in which one acquires the knowledge of the self (brahma-jñanam) and through this knowledge applied through meditation and realization one then returns to the Source which is Brahman.

"For the atman, there is neither birth nor death at any time. He has not come into being, does not come into being, and will not come into being. He is unborn, eternal, ever – existing and primeval. He is not slain when the body is slain". [Translation by A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada (Srila Prabhupada).

When the Atma becomes embodied it is called birth when the Aatma leaves a body it is called death. The Aatma transmigrates from one body to another body based on karmic [performed deeds] reactions.

In Hinduism, the Sanskrit word most closely corresponding to the soul is Atma, which can mean soul or even God. It is seen as the portion of Brahman within us. 

Freydoon Rassouli.

Daisy Lee

The flower itself unfolds worlds of deeper meaning. From stem, petal, leaves, color, stamen and pistol, there is so much to consider in the deeper realms of flower meanings. Take the time to contemplate the various nuances of "flower-power" in a symbolic perspective. You'll be delighted at every turn.

Since antiquity, flower symbolism has been a significant part of cultures around the world. Flowers accompany us in every major event in life--birth, marriage, holidays, graduations, illness, and finally death. Flowers have been grown in decorative gardens and used as an adornment for centuries on virtually every continent on earth. 

Over the ages, humans have devised symbolic languages of flowers, which became popularized in the Victorian era. In the 1600's, Lady Mary Wortley was pivotal in bringing flowers and meanings to the public attention. Prior to her research and observations, the symbolism of flowers was quite esoteric. In Victorian times, certain flowers had specific meanings because the flower selection was limited and people used more symbols and gestures to communicate than words. 

Floral symbolism varies according to the type of flower, how it is arranged, how many flowers in the arrangements, and combinations of flowers. Effectually, a floral bouquet as a gift could have endless symbolic meanings. Only someone savvy in the language of flowers and meanings would be able to crack the secret code.

Further, the Victorian era wasn't the only phase of intense floral discovery. Deeper meanings of flowers were used and interpreted by:
Native American Indians
Ancient Egyptians
Ancient Greeks
Ancient Celts
Japanese
Chinese
...and many more cultures around the world have their own specialized flower-language. HERE HERE

Finding the right flower to give to someone your love is an art. 

Luli Sanchez.

Transmigration of a soul - Metempsychosis is a philosophical term in the Greek language referring to transmigration of the soul, especially its reincarnation after death. Generally, the term is only used within the context of Ancient Greek philosophy but has also been used by modern philosophers. Another term sometimes used synonymously is palingenesia. It is unclear how the doctrine of metempsychosis arose in Greece. The Orphic religion, which held it, first appeared in Thrace. 

Orpheus, its legendary founder, is said to have taught that soul and body are united by a compact unequally binding on either; the soul is divine, immortal and aspires to freedom while the body holds it a prisoner (not released until death). More HERE

Stasia Burrington.

In a dream, I saw an ethereal purple flower ~ it was  the source of everything. (Moi)

Enna, a character for a book I've yet to write called 'The Butterfly Bridge', traveled through water and white sands, her journey takes her into the universe where a beautiful, translucent, magical flower exists. It was quite a moving experience, and where my idea for the title 'A Carpet of Purple Flowers' and 'Calageata' derived. An ethereal flower/place ~ containing the karma of all life/souls. 

I've written a short creation story which includes the Sindria, the first beings of light born from the source. 

Lonely in Your Nightmare by Silvia C via DevianArt

Calageata (Swan-gate) ~ An otherworldly place for Sindria (care-keepers of souls).

Flower of Vororbla ~ Flower of karma. (Voror Flower)

Mists of Calageata (from the flowers) represent our forgetting in timelessness. In sleep during soul transition stages.

I love the tempo and lyrics in this song by Mree. It's how I see two souls (twin flames) joining, and it was perfect to listen to as writing a certain visualization in book one. It's not about perfection of the body (material form) but uniting of souls that have been separated for an extremely long time. Words spoken by the eyes are not comparable to the voice. It could be called 'insta love', but in truth, it is ancient love and far from instant, intangible to many, especially when not yet soul ready to meet their twin. ;o) 

I'm not a religious person, but I do consider myself spiritual, though not in a heavy way, and by that I mean, my daily life is not filled with incense and meditation, not that there's anything wrong with that. ;o) I live, when able, in my mind, writing, researching, and creating art, that is, to me, a form of meditation - detaching from a systematic world and the surrounding city stresses. I believe that our creative muse connects to 'the source' becoming a form through which we can share experiences, dreams, and knowledge. People rarely show their inner selves, but through creativity, we can easily express/investigate parts that otherwise would remain hidden.

More research behind the spiritual/scientific concepts for the story can be found HERE

It has been quite the challenge to use these areas in a very subtle way so not to overload the story with information or get too deep into the psychology of life and death/soul and matter/form. A love story was the perfect way to explore these ideas. Helps that I'm a hopeless romantic, too. It's the reason that I write using fantasy and reality creating a blend of truth and myth. It is up to the reader to decide what is possible, or not. The layers within the story are concepts that go beyond tangible/literal thinking, so I don't expect everybody to connect to certain elements used in the book, but I've applied them as gently as possible, and I promise all is relevant to the bigger tale. :o) 

 

What does the soul mean to you?

love and light,

Trace

xoxo

Research: What does being an HSP - Empath - INFJ mean?

What is an empath?

Being an empath is when you are affected by other people’s energies and have an innate ability to intuitively feel and perceive others.  Your life is unconsciously influenced by others’ desires, wishes, thoughts, and moods.  Being an empath is much more than being highly sensitive and it’s not just limited to emotions.  Empaths can perceive physical sensitivities and spiritual urges, as well as just knowing the motivations and intentions of other people.  You either are an empath or you aren’t.  It’s not a trait that is learned.  You are always open, so to speak, to process other people’s feelings and energy, which means that you really feel, and in many cases take on the emotions of others.  Many empaths experience things like chronic fatigue, environmental sensitivities, or unexplained aches and pains daily.  These are all things that are more likely to be contributed to outside influences and not so much yourself at all.  Essentially you are walking around in this world with all of the accumulated karma, emotions, and energy from others.

In general, an empath is non-violent, non-aggressive and leans more towards being the peacemaker.

Empaths are sensitive to TV, videos, movies, news and broadcasts. Violence or emotional dramas depicting shocking scenes of physical or emotional pain inflicted on adults, children or animals can bring an empath easily to tears. At times, they may feel physically ill or choke back the tears. Some empaths will struggle to comprehend any such cruelty, and may have grave difficulty in expressing themselves in the face of another’s ignorance, closed-mindedness and obvious lack of compassion. They simply cannot justify the suffering they feel and see.

You will find empaths working with people, animals or nature with a true passion and dedication to help them. They are often tireless teachers and/or caretakers for our environment and all within it. Many volunteers are empathic and give up personal time to help others without pay and/or recognition.

Empaths may be excellent storytellers due to an endless imagination, inquisitive minds and ever-expanding knowledge. They can be old romantics at heart and very gentle. They may also be the “keepers” of ancestral knowledge and family history. If not the obvious family historians, they may be the ones who listen to the stories passed down and possess the majority of the family history. Not surprisingly, they may have started or possess a family tree.

They have a broad interest in music to suit their many expressive temperaments, and others can query how empaths can listen to one style of music, and within minutes, change to something entirely different. Lyrics within a song can have adverse, powerful effects on empaths, especially if it is relevant to a recent experience. In these moments, it is advisable for empaths to listen to music without lyrics, to avoid playing havoc with their emotions.

Empaths often are vivid and/or lucid dreamers. They can dream in detail and are inquisitive of dream content. Often they feel as though the dreams are linked to their physical life somehow, and not just a mumble of nonsensical, irrelevant, meaningless images. This curiosity will lead many empathic dreamers to unravel some of the “mysterious” dream contents from an early age and connect the interpretation to its relevance in their physical life. If not, they may be led to dream interpretations through other means.

Empaths are daydreamers with difficulty keeping focused on the mundane. If life isn’t stimulating, off an empath will go into a detached state of mind. They will go somewhere, anywhere, in a thought that appears detached from the physical reality, yet is alive and active for they really are off and away. If a tutor is lecturing with little to no emotional input, empaths will not be receptive to such teaching and can (unintentionally) drift into a state of daydreaming.

Give the empath student the tutor who speaks with stimuli and emotion (through actual experience of any given subject) and the empath is receptively alert. Empaths are a captivated audience. This same principle applies in acting. An actor will either captivate the audience through expressing (in all aspects) emotions (as though they really did experience the role they are portraying) or will loose them entirely. Empaths make outstanding actors.

Empaths frequently experience déjà vu and synchronicities. What may initially start as, “Oh, what a coincidence”, will lead to the understanding of synchronicities as an aspect of who they are. These synchronicities will become a welcomed and continually expanding occurrence. As an understanding of self-growth, the synchronicities become more fluent and free flowing. The synchronicities can promote a feeling of euphoria as empaths identify with them and appreciate the connection to their empathic nature.

For some empaths, the lack of outside understanding towards paranormal events they experience may lead to suppressing such abilities. (Most of these abilities are very natural and not a coincidence.) Empaths may unknowingly adopt the positive or negative attitude of others as their own. (This, however, can be overcome.) Empaths may need to follow interests in the paranormal and the unexplained with curiosity so as to explain and accept their life circumstances.

 

30 of the most common 'Empath' traits:

1. Knowing: Empaths just know stuff, without being told. It’s a knowing that goes way beyond intuition or gut feelings, even though that is how many would describe the knowing. The more attuned they are the stronger this gift becomes.

2. Being in public places can be overwhelming: Places like shopping malls, supermarkets or stadiums where there are lots of people around can fill the empath with turbulently vexed emotions that are coming from others.

3. Feeling others emotions and taking them on as your own: This is a huge one for empaths. To some, they will feel emotions off those near by and with others they will feel emotions from those a vast distance away, or both. The more adept empath will know if someone is having bad thoughts about them, even from great distance.

4. Watching violence, cruelty or tragedy on the TV is unbearable: The more attuned an empath becomes the worse it is and may make it so they eventually have to stop watching TV and reading newspapers altogether.

5. You know when someone is not being honest: If a friend or a loved one is telling you lies you know it (although many empaths try not to focus on this because knowing a loved one is lying can be painful). Or if someone is saying one thing but feeling/thinking another, you know.

6. Picking up physical symptoms off another: An empath will almost always develop the ailments off another (colds, eye infections, body aches and pains) especially those they’re closest to, somewhat like sympathy pains.

7. Digestive disorders and lower back problems: The solar plexus chakra is based in the centre of the abdomen and it’s known as the seat of emotions. This is where empaths feel the incoming emotion of another, which can weaken the area and eventually lead to anything from stomach ulcers to IBS (too many other conditions to list here). Lower back problems can develop from being ungrounded (amongst other things) and one, who has no knowledge of them being an empath, will almost always be ungrounded.

8. Always looking out for the underdog: Anyone whose suffering, in emotional pain or being bullied draws an empath’s attention and compassion.

9. Others will want to offload their problems on you, even strangers: An empath can become a dumping ground for everyone else’s issues and problems, which, if they’re not careful can end up as their own.

10. Constant fatigue: Empaths often get drained of energy, either from energy vampires or just taking on too much from others, which even sleep will not cure. Many get diagnosed with ME.

11. Addictive personality: Alcohol, drugs, sex, are to name but a few addictions that empaths turn to, to block out the emotions of others. It is a form of self-protection in order to hide from someone or something.

12. Drawn to healing, holistic therapies and all things metaphysical: Although many empaths would love to heal others they can end up turning away from being healers (even though they have a natural ability for it), after they’ve studied and qualified, because they take on too much from the one they are trying to heal. Especially if they are unaware of their empathy. Anything of a supernatural nature is of interest to empaths and they don’t surprise or get shocked easily. Even at the revelation of what many others would consider unthinkable, for example, empaths would have known the world was round when others believed it was flat.

13. Creative: From singing, dancing, acting, drawing or writing an empath will have a strong creative streak and a vivid imagination.

14. Love of nature and animals: Being outdoors in nature is a must for empaths and pets are an essential part of their life.

15. Need for solitude: An empath will go stir-crazy if they don’t get quiet time. This is even obvious in empathic children.

16. Gets bored or distracted easily if not stimulated: Work, school and home life has to be kept interesting for an empath or they switch off from it and end up daydreaming or doodling.

17. Finds it impossible to do things they don’t enjoy: As above. Feels like they are living a lie by doing so. To force an empath to do something they dislike through guilt or labelling them as idle will only serve in making them unhappy. It’s, for this reason, many empaths get labelled as being lazy.

18. Strives for the truth: This becomes more prevalent when an empath discovers his/her gifts and birthright. Anything untruthful feels plain wrong.

19. Always looking for the answers and knowledge: To have unanswered questions can be frustrating for an empath and they will endeavour to find an explanation. If they have a knowing about something they will look for confirmation. The downside to this is an information overload.

20. Likes adventure, freedom and travel: Empaths are free spirits.

21. Abhors clutter: It makes an empath feel weighed down and blocks the flow of energy.

22. Loves to daydream: An empath can stare into space for hours, in a world of their own and blissfully happy.

23. Finds routine, rules or control, imprisoning: Anything that takes away their freedom is debilitating to an empath even poisoning.

24. Prone to carry weight without necessarily overeating: The excess weight is a form of protection to stop the negative incoming energies having as much impact.

25. Excellent listener: An empath won’t talk about themselves much unless it’s to someone they really trust. They love to learn and know about others and genuinely care.

26. Intolerance to narcissism: Although kind and often very tolerant of others, empaths do not like to be around overly egotistical people, who put themselves first and refuse to consider another’s feelings or points of view other than their own.

27. The ability to feel the days of the week: An empath will get the ‘Friday Feeling’ if they work Fridays or not. They pick up on how the collective are feeling. The first couple of days of a long, bank holiday weekend (Easter for example) can feel, to them, like the world is smiling, calm and relaxed. Sunday evenings, Mondays and Tuesdays, of a working week, have a very heavy feeling.

28. Will not choose to buy antiques, vintage or second-hand: Anything that’s been pre-owned carries the energy of the previous owner. An empath will even prefer to have a brand new car or house (if they are in the financial situation to do so) with no residual energy.

29. Sense the energy of food: Many empaths don’t like to eat meat or poultry because they can feel the vibrations of the animal (especially if the animal suffered), even if they like the taste.

30. Can appear moody, shy, aloof, disconnected: Depending on how an empath is feeling will depend on what face they show to the world. They can be prone to mood swings and if they’ve taken on too much negative will appear quiet and unsociable, even miserable. An empath detests having to pretend to be happy when they’re sad, this only adds to their load (makes working in the service industry, when it’s service with a smile, very challenging) and can make them feel like scuttling under a stone.

If you can say yes to most or all of the above then you are most definitely an empath.

Remember, empaths are having a particularly difficult time, picking up on all the negative emotions that are being emanated into the world from the populace.

Source: http://themindunleashed.org/2013/10/30-traits-of-empath.html

What is an HSP?

Highly sensitive person (HSP) is the psychology term popularized in the 1990s to denote a person having a high measure of the innate trait whose scientific name is sensory processing sensitivity (SPS) (or innate sensitiveness, as originally coined by Carl Jung).

Highly sensitive people, who comprise about 15-20% of the population, process sensory data more deeply due to the biological nature of their nervous systems. This depth of processing underlies HSPs' greater proclivity to overstimulation, emotional reactivity and empathy, and sensitivity to stimuli.

If you find you are highly sensitive, or your child is, I’d like you to know the following:

The brains of highly sensitive persons (HSPs) actually work a little differently than others’. To learn more about this, see HERE.

They're are more aware than others of subtleties. This is mainly because their brain processes information and reflects on it more deeply.

They're also more easily overwhelmed. They notice everything, and are naturally going to be overstimulated when things are too intense, complex, chaotic, or novel for a long time.

The HSP trait is not a new discovery, but it has been misunderstood. Because HSPs prefer to look before entering new situations, they are often called “shy.” But shyness is learned, not innate. In fact, 30% of HSPs are extroverts, although the trait is often mislabeled as introversion. It has also been called inhibitedness, fearfulness, or neuroticism. Some HSPs behave in these ways, but it is not innate to do so and not the basic trait.

Sensitivity is valued differently in different cultures. In cultures where it is not valued, HSPs tend to have low self-esteem. They are told “don’t be so sensitive” so that they feel abnormal.

HSPs have a strategy of thoroughly processing information about a novel situation before acting (exploring psychologically), as distinguished from a strategy of novelty seeking (advancing immediately and exploring physically).

Awareness of HSPs has been gathering pace in the US for a while and a new documentary called Sensitive The Movie recently premiered in San Francisco. It explores the issue of HSP and features Dr Elaine Aron, a scientist and author of The Highly Sensitive Person (it’s sold over a million copies). It also includes new research that shows how the region of the brain that deals with empathy and sensory information is different in people who score highly on the sensitivity scale. 

The singer Alanis Morissette, a self-confessed HSP, is among those who appear in the documentary. “My temperament is highly sensitive. I’m very attuned to very subtle things, whether it’s food or minerals or lighting or sounds or smells,” she says. “Overstimulation happens pretty easily.”

“Being HS is genetic,” says Dr Elaine Aron, who is a leading researcher in the field. “Twenty percent of us are born with it and it affects both sexes equally. I explain the condition in four letters: DOES. D is for depth of processing, which is the key to the whole condition. They process everything around them very deeply. O is for overstimulation, which is brought about because of D. E is for emotional reactivity and empathy. Research shows HSPs respond more to the emotions of others and to situations in general. And S is for sensitive stimuli – they’re incredibly sensitive to smells, sounds and light. However, not all HSPs are alike. For example, we know that around 30% are extroverts rather than introverts, which is what most people expect them to be.”

So what are the traits?

Dr Zeff says people who are HS “don’t have a natural shield – they find it hard to tune stuff out. For example, somebody standing close behind them and peering over their shoulder will really unsettle a HSP.” Dr Aron says HS men have a much harder time generally because society is less forgiving of them.

As for a cure, however, Dr Zeff says there’s no need. 

“If you are a HSP you shouldn’t want to ‘cure’ yourself. It’s who you are. 

In certain societies being highly sensitive is seen as a positive thing. Research found that highly sensitive men in Thailand and India were rarely, if ever, teased, whereas highly sensitive men in North America were frequently so.” 

What is an INFJ?

(Introverted Intuition with Extraverted Feeling)

As an INFJ, your primary mode of living is focused internally, where you take things in primarily via intuition. Your secondary mode is external, where you deal with things according to how you feel about them, or how they fit with your personal value system.

INFJs are gentle, caring, complex and highly intuitive individuals. Artistic and creative, they live in a world of hidden meanings and possibilities. Only one percent of the population has an INFJ Personality Type, making it the most rare of all the types.

INFJs place great importance on havings things orderly and systematic in their outer world. They put a lot of energy into identifying the best system for getting things done, and constantly define and re-define the priorities in their lives.

INFJ is a natural nurturer; patient, devoted and protective. They make loving parents and usually have strong bonds with their offspring. They have high expectations of their children, and push them to be the best that they can be. This can sometimes manifest itself in the INFJ being hard-nosed and stubborn. But generally, children of an INFJ get devoted and sincere parental guidance, combined with deep caring.

INFJs are distinguished by both their complexity of character and the unusual range and depth of their talents. Strongly humanitarian in outlook, INFJs tend to be idealists, and because of their J preference for closure and completion, they are generally "doers" as well as dreamers. This rare combination of vision and practicality often results in INFJs taking a disproportionate amount of responsibility in the various causes to which so many of them seem to be drawn.

INFJs are deeply concerned about their relations with individuals as well as the state of humanity at large. They are, in fact, sometimes mistaken for extroverts because they appear so outgoing and are so genuinely interested in people -- a product of the Feeling function they most readily show to the world. On the contrary, INFJs are true introverts, who can only be emotionally intimate and fulfilled with a chosen few from among their long-term friends, family, or obvious "soul mates."

The world can be an extremely harsh place to live in when you feel/see the world a bit differently. So, I decided to share this post because of the many areas of HSP that relate to myself, my mother, and especially, my youngest son.  I never understood peoples de-sensitizing to cruelty, lack of deep conversations, or losing their sense of wonder. To me, these were normal ways of viewing and experiencing the world. 

My son, Lewis, is very similar to me, and it's hard on one hand because I admire the qualities of his sensitivity, but on on the other, I know that 'fitting in' is always going to be problematic. Not from his perspective, however, he is a happy, sweet soul, but because of what is/will be expected from him in a systematic world. 

I often wonder why we, as a society, do not appreciate that people ARE different, and will, of course, continue to be so. Should we not then, accomodate lifestyles/teaching accordingly? Admit that there is nothing 'UN-Normal' in the variations of human nature as long as you're not harming anyone by being who you are, there really shoudn't be a problem. 

I think, this is where I write from, and I'm learning each time that I type up words to explain the worlds that live within. Trying to learn the 'craft' as I go, enough that I may be able to portray the characters and stories as they play out in my mind, giving them justice, and a voice.  I'm getting there. :o) 

So, let's continue to inspire each other, philosophise together, and wonder at the stars, of love, quantum mechanics, and things beyond the usual. 

#amwriting

love and light, my friends

Trace

xoxo