No 7. Changing Lives through Dancing
By David Earl Woodbury
Friday, February 12, 2016
A Spark of Heavenly Fire
“There is in every true woman’s heart a spark of heavenly fire, which lies dormant in the broad daylight of prosperity; but which kindles up, and beams and blazes in the dark hour of adversity.” – Washington Irving (1783-1859) American Writer
For 40 years I have been associated with, guided by, taught by, led by, worked for, and mentored by some of the strongest women in the world. These women are amazing leaders and full of light and vision. They have guided my life and directed me forward into my current amazing life. Thank you my wonderful life-changing ladies! I love you all!
“Man has been endowed with reason, with the power to create, so that he can add to what he’s been given.” – Anton Chekhov (1860 – 1904) Russian Dramatist and Writer
Chekhov had it right for me because I feel empowered, full of power to create, yet each day I feel the spark of heavenly fire that helps me to grow and renew my strength daily.
“The aim of an argument or discussion should not be victory, but progress.” – Joseph Joubert (1754-1824) French Philosopher
Not every day is a victory day for me. Especially during this season of Lent, I am award of my shortcomings and am aware of where I need to improve in my life. The progress I feel is the most important part of Lent for me. Just get a little bit better each day and don’t go backwards into the old ways.
“Excellence is an art won by training and habituation. We do not act rightly because we have virtue or excellence, but rather we have those because we have acted rightly. We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit.” – Aristotle
When in my old life I was a 100% Choleric personality, I met someone who was 100% a Sanguine personality. He was always up, friendly and happy. It dawned on me that he was, every day, practicing the Habit of Happiness. He was choosing to be happy in his life.
Now, I am a retired Choleric. It’s not good for the heart to always be right (in your own mind) and always upset when things aren’t going your way. As a Chosen Sanguine, I find myself laughing rather than being so cross and “right” all the time. My “spark of heavenly fire” often gets snuffed out when I do not let joy and happiness take me over.
Whether or not you are observing these 40 days of Lent, or just trying to be a better person daily, try this. Cultivate that “spark of heavenly fire” in your life and share it with others. Just see how you too will become a “chosen Sanguine” in your own life!
Check this out: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Four_temperaments.
Thank you,
David Earl Woodbury
DavidEarlWoodbury@gmail.com (email me if you like this blog)