Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Six Month Reflection


Half the year is over and a good time to reflect on what has passed thus far. My biggest change has been the ability to live in the present moment however it may appear ... meaning a joyous, sad, troubling, or peaceful moment. I realized that I was spending more time resisting the moment instead of embracing it. That's a lot of energy tied up with avoidance.

When I finally welcomed whatever was happening and what I was feeling, all the stress dissipated and I had a sense of quietness, peaceful acceptance. Someone called it surrender in a conversation last night. I don't like that word surrender because, for me, it means to give up, however, giving up gives a chance for the workings of the universe to prevail. If I orchestrate my life with detail, then I am missing out on a chance for the universe to create one far more powerful, colorful and enjoyable. To surrender to the universe's infinite design, I have a life that is large and not diminished by my narrow vision.

That revelation was tremendous in allowing myself to get unburdened and start living a life that comes with grace and ease. I am still paying bills, working for money, interacting with people and seeing a bigger picture for me. Really marvelous. Yihaaaaaa!

And, I'd like to give thanks to Marilou, Dale and Tom for this one!

Monday, July 6, 2009

The Sounds of Silence ... Maybe Not

It is a perfect summer evening and I am sitting at the keyboard writing and biding time. Why? Salem is a snug little city with history and cramped housing. As each dwelling is situated nearer to its neighboring home than, let's say, an outhouse to the main house, there is a distinct lack of distance and shrubs to deaden a whisper.

Now, comes my neighbor with the Hasbro karaoke entertainment center ... dials turned to the number 10 on all output channels. I suspect he fancies himself a late 60's rock star with a nibble at the 70's. The music raises in crescendo and this thin, flat voice rises from the din. Is that Freebird I hear?

I have shut all the windows on that side of the house in the hope of muffling the noise but despite my hermetic attempts, he is still beamed to my ears via the evening air. I don't begrudge his artistic sense, his strained vocal chords or his flat tone but I value my chi. His dog has now begun to yelp. Ah, he (my neighbor not the dog) has moved onto the mojo rising refrain of Jim Morrison.

Wait, there is a lull in this musical Tet offensive. Is he done? Shhhhh, it's quiet for the moment. Has he blown a fuse, forgotten the lyrics, received a threatening call from a less flexible neighbor? What else can be in store for this magical summer?

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

The Sun Will Shine Tomorrow


It has been a few months while I figured out how to best weave this blog into my business model. And, then I decided I can have both a personal viewpoint and business blog together. Today's bit of fluff is the weather. Now, I live in New England and as the locals say, "If you don't like this weather, wait a few minutes 'cause it will change." They lie.

It has rained continuously for weeks. There was a brief window for the Jimmy Buffett concert in which fair weather prevailed but that is about it. People are down right depressed, lacking luster and dragging. Where is the sun? We've got global warming and no sun.

I don't like to complain but we need some relief here. I head down to the beach all year long but I haven't made it since spring time. Heck, I'd have to wear my fleece at the shoreline to keep warm. By nature, I am a flexible sort of person but I am treading the fine line of snapping like a mime without a street corner.

In the recesses of my mind, I know that all I have to do is ride this out ... the sun will shine eventually but right now I'm not betting my bottom dollar.