Listening...really listening

In a world of conflict, anger, sadness, and violence it is crucial that we really
hear and understand each person that we interact with.

If you are struggling with a person or interaction, ask yourself these tough questions:
What is the meaning behind his/her words? What is the person trying to say without saying anything? Even if I disagree, am I really listening and "seeing" him/her?
Or am I talking a lot, trying to control a situation to get a need met?

This revelation came to me after a discussion about meditation with a friend. We were talking about the difference between praying and asking God for something that we want versus simply tuning in to the Source of all goodness, love and guidance.

By trusting and listening to God we are more able to live in spiritual way, in touch with our true selves, and this naturally helps us to tune in and to connect with others because we are not pushing our own, ego-driven agendas.

And there is a real peace and sense of wellbeing and presence that comes when we are listening...

Really listening

Every day New

At certain junctures in life we often feel a need and an ability to "start fresh"....
For example when the new year begins many people decide to replace an unhealthy habit with a healthy one. Or those beginning a new job often make resolution to be more organized, or avoid gossip, or maintain a more positive attitude about clients and coworkers.

We do this to improve our lives. And it seems easier to make changes when something tangible begins.

But what happens to that fresh outlook, to that inspiring feeling of newness after time goes by? It fades, right?......and anything we label a resolution or tell ourselves we "should" do tends to feel annoying or forced.

What if....
Every day we woke up feeling new?
Like a clean slate, released of our problems, our unhealthy habits, even our story of who were are based UPON THE PAST.

Remember, the only moment that ever exists is the one happening right NOW.
It is fresh,
It is new,

And so are you!
Reborn each morning with God's grace
To walk steps you have never walked before.
To be the person you want to be today.

We are, every day,
New

The Miracle of You

This Sunday morning...
I am sitting in awe and gratitude.
After hearing a true story told by my brother;
About his good friend, a young and healthy, kind and intelligent woman
Who almost lost her life Friday night.

A rare medical condition, a specific type of artery rupture--
That often ends the physical life of a human in fifteen minutes.

You can call it luck,
Or divine grace,
But forces lined up perfectly--
She was near a top trauma hospital,
A particular expert surgeon happened to be on shift,
Her loved one was able to promptly transport her to the hospital.

Stories like this are shocking and scary.
But they can wake us up,
TO THE MIRACLE OF LIFE.

That's right-- you and your life are a miracle!
You are precious and your life as a human is ephemeral.

Are you enjoying your journey?
Are you content most of your days?

If not, what can you do to change your life-- to nourish and embrace yourself
In that which fills you with joy!?

We cannot escape pain and loss,
This is true;
No one is happy all the time.

But there are steps we can take to live more full and joyous lives;
To fulfill a higher purpose,
To brighten the lives of others and help the planet.

What can you do today to embrace and honor
THE MIRACLE OF YOU.

Embracing the journey

This morning while practicing yoga in my apartment the following message came through:

The yogi lets go of attachments,

While holding on to purpose....

And embracing the journey.

Whether or not you practice yoga, reflect on this for a moment:

How different would life be if you focused less on the outcome and your "wants".....and more on full experience of THIS MOMENT ?

Regardless of whether your mind really "likes" what is going on right now,

Can you be friends with the now?

Can you be at peace with life, 

Your beautiful, imperfect journey

Many small steps

I love the spiritual teacher, Eckhart Tolle, (author of The Power of Now, A New Earth). Despite the fact that I have spent countless hours "studying" Tolle by listening to his audio recordings and podcasts, I continue to grow and learn each time I return to his words.

Even if I have heard the exact words before.
The simple act of listening to a highly conscious person speak can raise one's spiritual consciousness and ability to dwell peacefully in the here and now.

Last night I was listening to Tolle and Oprah's New Earth class chapter 9 webclass and I was struck by this message,

Many people (particularly young adults) spend a great deal of time trying to figure out how to achieve "great" things-- with career, finding a partner, starting a family, etc.
It can be overwhelming; the thought-
"Will I ever get there!?"
inevitably arises and and with it comes a certain
Fear
and detachment from the present moment.
"What if my dream does happen for me!?
"Then what?"
Fear

But once we recognize this as the Mind, the Ego, we can step and say no.
The truth is....

Greatness is achieved through many small steps.

One step at a time,
Starting with the one we can take now,
Is the quickest way to any desired goal--
Not all the steps, not tomorrow's 26 steps,
Just the one right now.

Tolle also talks about the importance of being at peace, not resistant, to the reality of the present.
Even if we do not like what is happening.
Fighting against life isn't enjoyable or helpful.

When we are not at peace it is hard to trust, to relax, to take that one step in front of us.
We stay worried, confused,
Stuck.

If you can relate to any of this, take a deep breath. Smile.
Isn't this moment a bit more beautiful now?

You have heard it a hundred times before, but remember:

It is not the destination, but the journey, my friends!

And you are exactly where you are meant to be right now.

Ego vacation

I recently made an interesting discovery.

When my body is physically ill (i.e. with a cold or virus), my ego buys a Southwest ticket and flies away...

For a short vacation.

First it does a little temper tantrum- "What? Sick again? This is ridiculous! You are supposed to have a good immune system. Now you may have to postpone plans and you certainly can't surf this week."

I bet you are laughing. The Ego can be pretty immature and negative.

But this happened to me Monday morning. I woke up with a cold, exhausted. After a few negative thoughts, I have been in a state of peace and surrender.

Still working each day,

Normal, typical schedule.

But not over-booking myself.

Not creating super high expectations for myself.

Just taking one task on at a time.

Yes, because I am physically tired I must take life one moment at a time.

Just this e-mail.

Just this phone call.

Just this one appointment right now.

The typical mind chatter- "Hurry, do more, do better; Should I do x, y, or z after work?"  has flown away with the Ego,

on its little vacation,

Leaving me with pure presence.

Which is such a gift.

So I will set my intention on extending my Ego's vacation as long as possible,

Even when good health returns.

If you have noticed yourself caught up in "the rat race" and you are feeling harried, stressed, and negative,

Get online and start checking airfares.