My Words to Live By: I Am Open

I recently spent some time with a special friend and she told me how she came to name her upcoming book (which I hope to feature in a future blog). What follows is my reaction to the story of her experience.

At a New Year’s Day service, which is a time of beginnings, my friend participated in a “White Stone Ceremony.” During the ceremony, each person was given a white stone and participated in a meditation which lead them into receiving a word that encouraged their spirit to celebrate a new beginning.

My friend was asked to hold her stone, feel its energy, and go within to discover a word which called to her. After a few minutes of meditating, the word “JOY” emerged. Knowing that she had found her personal word and her purpose, she wrote ”JOY” on the white stone.

While listening to this story, goose bumps began to travel up and down my arms. I kept seeing and hearing the words I AM OPEN, and immediately knew that these are my own “White Stone” words.

Other words have called to me in the past (grief, courage, passage, freedom), but I cannot describe how deeply the word open resonates within me today. It feels like my own personal call to action to live by – I AM OPEN!

Oprah Winfrey said, “You have to find what sparks a light in you so that you, in your own way, can illuminate the world.”

I AM Open illuminates my world. At the start of each day, I am open to the belief that it brings with it a breath of fresh air … a new beginning!

Watch the Video →Welcome to the World of Essence of Laurel

Laurel D. Rund

It began in 2009 when a life-changing event transformed me into the woman I am today. Never could I have imagined that the death of my husband of 42 years would take me on a journey through loss and grief to a redefined sense of self. Death, an unexpected teacher, was my transformative metamorphosis. The slow and painful healing process unfolded my creativity and, in what I can only describe as a “new normal,” Essence of Laurel was born. "Your living is determined not so much by what life brings to you as by the attitude you bring to life; not so much by what happens to you as by the way your mind looks at what happens." Khalil Gibran My first book, “Emerging Voices” has a purpose ~ to serve as a journal and healing catalyst for anyone who has experienced a loss. The art and poetry within is a testimony as to what can happen when we acknowledge grief in all its forms. It allows for the discovery of a new perspective which will lead you on a journey of self-discovery and renewal. “Art from the Heart” has become my playground; a place where I can tap into my innermost creativity as an inspirational writer and artist. The surprise is that it came at a time when I thought that the next chapters in my life would be lonely; without purpose or passion. Instead I have been given the gift of a renewed sense of life, its possibilities and most importantly, an appreciation for living in the present moment. Our human experience, whether in a crisis or a life transition, continuously gives us the opportunity to learn and grow. We can choose to stay in a place of sorrow and regret, or embrace these life-altering experiences from which we can discover a new way of being. My hope is that my writing and ‘Art from the Heart’ touches and inspires you.