Gaia: 50+stars*~Half a century & more on earth - Look-out point: Looking Back, Looking Forward

If life is all about change, is resisting change, resisting life?

http://HolEssence.gaia.com — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:53:53 GMT

[blush, blush] ...

Re: If life is all about change, is resisting change, resisting l

http://torchholder.gaia.com — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 23:00:53 GMT

Many Thanks, for Your Appreciation, Honored Laurie.

Honor Crowns a Kind and Wise Woman, Like a Laureate Wreath.

Re: Talents and Gifts

http://HolEssence.gaia.com — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 02:04:24 GMT

Emily - I just sat down with a cuppa tea and treated myself to your beautiful writing style on the link you provided to your weblog. I enjoyed the "About Emily" page just as much! Thank you.

How has your life been different than you imagined?

http://HolEssence.gaia.com — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 19:04:34 GMT

This is perhaps one of the richest discussion tapestries that my eyes have had the privilege of drinking in a long time.

Each of you -- Meenakshi, ~KES, Jeannie and Joyous – has used a different color thread and the result is magnificent. Thank you each for your heart-based contribution. My life is different than I thought it would be, too:

I thought I would be a scientist. I'm not, but I use physics in my work every day.

I thought I would be a magician. I'm not, but my clients tell me they feel 'magical' when they leave HolEssence.

I thought I would be an adventurer, conquering new worlds. I'm not, but I travel for business and fun on a regular basis.

I thought I would be a mystery novelist. I'm not, but my non-fiction articles on health and wellness are published in magazines on a regular basis.

I thought I would be a stand-up comedian. I'm not, but I make people laugh on a regular basis.

I determined to make a positive, uplifting, constructive and healing change in the world -- and I have -- in my little corner.

Re: How has your life been different than you imagined?

http://Meenakshi.gaia.com — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 18:23:58 GMT

Joyous, how I love reading your words. You are such a wonderful communicator; and I'm so happy that you will communicate more, now that we have a new room in this group:Life at the end of the Rainbow - A Journal

Whenever you start your journal there, we'll announce it to all our members.

Kathy, I really enjoyed your sharing, and how you have indeed made life better for so many people - more than you have even mentioned in your short post.

Jeannie, you feel life is a vacation - WOW!

If life is all about change, is resisting change, resisting life?

http://HolEssence.gaia.com — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 17:55:27 GMT

Torchholder - Thank you for weaving this important thread into the tapestry of this discussion. Your contribution is valued.

Re: If life is all about change, is resisting change, resisting l

http://torchholder.gaia.com — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 10:44:38 GMT

Natural Observations about the Fall, and the Fall of Our Lives.
============================================================

I think fall is the hardest season
for the modern culture, the modern society,
to move into gracefully because it means

letting go of the dreams that were not fulfilled
during that summer, letting go of things in our life
that may not be working for us any longer

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Judy Bluehorse Skelton teaches herbal medicine
at conferences and workshops in Portland, Oregon

Judy Bluehorse Skelton:

And in the fall, some seeds, the fruits,
as they come into full bearing,
is the time to, to gather them.

When the energy starts to move back into the root,
if you're gathering energy or medicine,
if you're gathering plants for root medicine,
you might be digging in late fall, or, some do that in early spring.

And then we move into fall.
We move to the west, to the dusk,
or sunset time of day.
This is the direction of maturity, the adult.

It's a slowing down. It's a letting go.
It's a time when we accept some things will die,
whether it's an idea or a belief that we have held,
whether it's a dream that we gave birth to in spring
or in the spring of our life and has come to full fruition

. And sometimes it's hard to let go of those.
We get very attached.
We don't want to see it give way.
And yet, if we don't give way,
then we miss the gift of a new vision,
giving birth to something new
in the following winter and spring.

If you look at a society like the American society,
the mainstream society,
you can guess which direction,
or which season, as a culture,
mainstream society likes to stay in.
It's summer!

Youth. It's “Let's stay active.
Let's stay youthful, let's stay young.”
Those are all good things.
However! We miss the gift of maturity,
we miss the gift of contemplation, reflection.

We miss the gifts of moving into the uh,
role of being of service.
We miss the gifts of letting go,
of releasing, letting things move on.

And so we kind of get stuck as a society.
You can see it in the youth culture.
As a country, there's a certain immaturity.
We stay caught up in emotional passions.
We don't mature into the wise elder.

And to mature and grow
and become the wise elder means
we have to move through the west,
to come to the north and dream again!
And begin all over again, with fresh vision,
fresh inspiration, new knowledge
and things to share when spring comes again.

When the leaves fall from the trees,
things begin to go underground,
slow down, begin to let go.

I think fall is the hardest season
for the modern culture, the modern society,
to move into gracefully because it means
letting go of the dreams that were not fulfilled
during that summer, letting go of things in our life
that may not be working for us any longer.

It's the time to look within,
to reflect and to contemplate
where we are and to contemplate our lives,
our actions, our inactions.

It's the time when things begin to die.
There is a harvest time.
The harvest, it's when we reap the things we've sown.
When we look and evaluate the things
that we have sown and what we're reaping,

it can be hard. It can also be beautiful,
but oftentimes it changes us.

And so the fall,
with all the beauty of the falling leaves
and the turning of the colors.
I think the plant world reminds us
that it's our opportunity to let go.

And know that, as some part of us dies,
that a new part will be born in the spring.

If we're not willing to let some part of us die,
old patterns, or old behavior,
then we can never fully grow
into the potential that we were born with.

And so fall, dusk, sunset,
turning to the west,
is an important part of coming into our full maturity.

The Cherokee tradition, we don't become an adult,
we don't become full maturity until 51.
I think part of that is based on the life span.
It used to be 120 - yes, 120.

I had an opportunity to hear Deepak Chopra
speak six or seven years ago.
And he  is East Indian,
a doctor living now here in the United States.

And he was speaking how his culture said
in your 51st or 52nd year, you become fully mature.
And I had never heard that except from the Cherokee.

And he went on to say that the life span
of the ancestors was 130 years,
and that one lived one's life and did the prayers,
followed the ceremonies, ate the proper foods,
and a life expectancy of 130 was not unusual.

Fall is the time of coming into service.
It's when, as adults, we've raised our families
and now we look within
and decide how we can serve the larger community,

how we're going to share our gifts
for the second half of our life.

So it can be a very exciting time,
it can be a very powerful time

because other energies start to come up and move,
and because we have more experience and knowledge

at that age, we're able to use that powerful energy
in a very good way, a conscious way.

We can choose how we're going to share
all that we have to give in the best way we can.
With each breath, with each step,
in each moment, may we all create beauty. Osadadu.

Neskahi:
Judy Bluehorse Skelton teaches herbal medicine
at conferences and workshops in Portland, Oregon

Re: How has your life been different than you imagined?

http://NothingiseverAlways.gaia.com — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 02:12:14 GMT

Well, from the time I realized that someday I was going to be like all the "big grownups"  that I would not always be a child, I believed and wanted to be a mother. I thought my mother was absolutely beautiful, kind and loving.

Fortunately or unfortunately along about 4th grade (a parochial school taught by nuns of the RC church) I began to hear that someday I may become a nun. That, I did not want. At that point a 9-year struggle began within me in which I yielded and entered the convent after graduating from high school.

Before starting grade school and on through the next 12 years there was a great emphasis on becoming holy and striving to do God's will. How one would spend eternity (which might begin at any moment) was dependent on not commiting sin.

After one year in the convent, it became apparent that I did not belong there.

There were few choices for a young woman whose family was of the blue-collar status.  Marry or live with parents and go to work. At age 20 I married a young man (22) who I met the year before I went to the convent. That's it!

I became the mother of six within 10 years, hubby went to school evenings and began to develop a career. I would remain married nurturing and caring for six children, they would grow up, leave home and I will have been wife and mother and then empty nester, my husband would grow old, handsome, and white haired and together we would travel, go on cruises and dance.

That is what I imagined. Some happened and some did not. It was a life of hard work, disappointments, struggles and a lot of depression.

A decision that I made in my late 20s or early 30s played a very large part in my becoming who I am today. I became involved with a powerful community organization. It's purpose was to help people to recognize their own power in determining the conditions and environment of the community in which they lived. In short, Democracy began to breathe, act and be heard.

Word was that the area was to be condemned to make way for "Urban Renewal". People would be forced to sell their homes for whatever they could get and relocate.
Enough people organized and in effect said: "Hell no, we won't go!"

My involvement in that organization was the beginning of my self-esteem. It was found that I had a natural talent for reading people and groups. Ideas and solutions for problems would just flow. I grew and blossomed. I was approached to become a paid member of the staff and I refused saying the time and talent that I gave was mine. If I was paid, it would no longer be mine. Some would say that I should sharpen my talent by going to school. Others said, "No. School will spoil your natural talent." They were right. Besides, I was satisfied and was not interested in going to school. I have problems with conformity and schedules and others' expectations of me.
Today, when talking with people singley or in groups, it is assumed that I have a college degree.
Oh yes, I have higher education, it's just not recorded anywhere.
Before I and my family left the city, I was asked if I would accept a nomination for presidency in the organization. I declined because at the end of the 1960s I did not believe the people were ready for a woman leader and even now I will not compete, if I believe I will not win.   So I was elected first vice-president of 14.
The organization was of the same auspice as that in which President Obama volunteered/or worked.
He was still in school when I was involved.
His was on the South side. Mine was on the near Northwest Side.

I got my headstart and kept on going. The children all grew up and five of six are living anywhere from 150 miles to 1500 miles away. My husband's life (though we remained married) was difficult and lonely. He died in 2004.

Now I am enjoying a new life. I've found the end of the Rainbow.

No, what I imagined did not happen.

The difference is large.

The difference brings me joy, peace and tears of gratitude.

I'm glad you asked, Laurie. And I'm glad that I took the time to answer.

Namaste!

Joyous
1937

Re: How has your life been different than you imagined?

http://kathysmith.gaia.com — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 17:48:21 GMT

I was taught I would grow up, get married, have children & a home. It is not that way once you move out and the rent, utilities, car, etc. are due. It wasn't how I'd imagined so I worked and put myself through school and began a career of running my own business. By doing that, I did get what I wanted and appreciated things by earning them. So, it turned out better than I could have ever imagined and finally learned how to have imagination to make a better world.

Re: How has your life been different than you imagined?

http://mermaidjade.gaia.com — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 17:43:36 GMT

I hadn't thought past raising my family. I didn't realize I would have a life of my own to explore my own feelings and creative process. It's like being a kid again only better. I don't have a longing at his point in my life...longing fulfilled I'm feeling more free than I imagined. I feels like a vacation in many ways. ~ successful transition ~

Re: How has your life been different than you imagined?

http://Meenakshi.gaia.com — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:02:08 GMT

Different from what I'd imagined in childhood - oh yes!

In childhood, this is how I thought I'd be- bustling about large rooms in a huge house of many children and staff and family and extended family; in a saree, with a huge bunch of keys jingling from the waist, getting happily overwhelmed with the work I am doing. The image brought me joy and a sense of familiarity.

This is how I am- bustling about - check
feeling happily overwhelmed - check
many children - no; but each of the two is so perfect, that i say the best model rolled out the first time, so we didn't need any second models
staff - yes : moi me hum I and ...yes, of course, the family and the wonderful appliances that wash clothes [sorry organic living, but when I washed clothes by hand a few months ago I enjoyed it but it was exhausting and didn't allow me to do other jobs!]; and do some of the dishes and so on....
extended family - now, parents visiting. yay!
in a saree - no, more western clothes, living in a western country that feels more like home than I could've imagined! [after all, here too the Natives are called Indian!]
This is how I feel --when in pensive mood, I marvel that life turns out so differently. I feel the tug from that imagination as if a desire wants to play itself out.

In healing connection, I realize the 'imagination' was the memory of ancestors who are ever with us, seeking to work out their unresolved issues through us. It is a task I usually take on in light; but of late, have been asked to do it in a more personal way, so am doing so. I can feel them jostling for attention, and have to remind them to wait their turn. We work their issues as that is the miraculous duty of the human life, but do not need to get overwhelmed by that either! The freedom is ever in our hands...

Grt questions, Laurie; I could go on, but...hey, let's let others speak! [stop jostling!]

How has your life been different than you imagined?

http://HolEssence.gaia.com — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 12:48:32 GMT

How has your life been different than what you'd imagined?

Is the difference between what you thought it would be and what it actually is, large or small?

Does the difference bring you joy, or sorrow?

Re: Talents and Gifts

http://Meenakshi.gaia.com — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 23:08:01 GMT

Emily, thanks for the link; I clicked through through your Power of Light post. I wanted to reply here, with a tiny nudge towards
There's a Novel in there Somewhere- NaNoWriMo!

Re: Talents and Gifts

http://celebrantemily.gaia.com — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 21:46:14 GMT

I have neglected my writing talent for a long time. Yes, I've written newspaper columns and wedding ceremonies, and I write in my journal. But after my book was published in 2001, and selling my work was still very difficult, I gave up writing essays and other creative things. I didn't have the incentive to write if nobody was going to read my efforts. Yesterday I decided to start a blog where I can share my stories. I still won't be earning money from this talent, but I think there's more of a chance people will read them! I invite all of you to take a peek: http://emilyseverydaypath.wordpress.com.

What color would you become?

http://HolEssence.gaia.com — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 03:52:53 GMT

Sandi - White is associated with the crown chakra and connection with Spirit.

Keywords Associated with White
Balance, light and divinity

Color Energy Properties & Associations
Purity, Innocence, Harmony, Balance, Spirit, Inner Light, Cosmic Consciousness, Divinity, Perfection, Protection on All Levels, Cleansing, Simplicity, Freshness, Completion, Oneness, Clairvoyance, Clairaudience, Divination, Invoking Good Spirits, Angels, Higher Self, Spiritual Enlightenment and Serenity.

Frequency
White light has an even higher and faster vibration (frequency) than purple. If you could "hear" the color white, it would be about an octave higher than purple. It has always been seen as transcendence -- the triumph of Spirit over the flesh. It represents cleansing and new beginnings.

Alchemy
In alchemy, white is the feminine principle or highest frequency of thought turning into pure consciousness.

Spiritual Traditions
In Christian beliefs white is the highest color representing the purified soul.

To the Buddhist tradition, white is self-mastery and redemption. It is representative of being lead from bondage - the highest spiritual transformation.

In Hinduism, white is symbolic of pure consciousness, upward movement, light, and manifestation.

In Mayan tradition it represented peace and health.

Apparel
It is said that wearing white helps reduce feelings of disappointment or drudgery.

Re: What color would you become?

http://sandiwhite.gaia.com — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:37:03 GMT

That is easy for me, White. My name is white, my house is white, my truck is white, my socks are white, almost everyday in Summer I wear a white shirt. While some might think white is a boring color, it is mostly considered a value, there being only 3 primary colors. Red, blue and yellow, with white and black being values. However, white is comprised of the entire spectrum of colors visible to man, as playing with a prism will soon tell you.

Re: Are you spending your life, or investing it?

http://HolEssence.gaia.com — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 02:20:48 GMT

Gael - I very much appreciate and resonate with the way you answered this question. When you said, "Time given and charity are investments for others without any thought of return." I just smiled because I know that it will, indeed, come back to you, boomerang-style. Especially because you are doing it without any thought of return.

On July 5th I wrote a blog called The Ripple Effect - Boomerang Style. For convenience sake, I pulled a portion of it here -------------------------------------

Because we are all interconnected ...

Every single thing that we do--or fail to do--has a powerful ripple effect. Incredibly powerful in that the consequences do not just extend outward, but travel back again, boomerang-style.

When I hurt you, I ultimately harm myself, my children, my grandchildren; and so on.

When I lie to you, I ultimately deceive myself, my children, my grandchildren; and so on.

When I steal from you, I ultimately take from myself, my children, my grandchildren; and so on.

Likewise, when I do something that is positive, uplifting, constructive and healing, something that is for the highest and best good, the same boomerang-style ripple effect comes into play.

Our thoughts and actions do not just effect us individually; they effect us collectively. Our thoughts and actions do not just have a local effect; they are global in nature.

When I choose to be responsible for cultivating and maintaining my own personal healthy energy signature, it ultimately impacts you. When others choose to neglect the cultivation and maintenance of their own personal energy signature, it ultimately impacts the rest of us.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Gael, thank you for being you. I'm so glad that I'm in your sphere of influence and part of your ripple effect!

Re: Are you spending your life, or investing it?

http://addresstofollow.gaia.com — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 20:16:59 GMT

A bit of both, my investments have been things like education, qualifications,
self directed learning, spiritual growth, home and garden, family, an investment in future humanity, and the spend bit is what I do with these or how I use them. Time given and charity are investments for others without any thought of return.

Are you spending your life, or investing it?

http://HolEssence.gaia.com — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 12:45:57 GMT

Using the following definition for investing (the idea of it), would you say that you are spending your life or investing it? Please explain.

Definition
An investment is a choice by an individual or an organization such as a pension fund, after at least some careful analysis or thought, to place or lend money in a vehicle (e.g. property, stock securities, bonds) that has sufficiently low risk and provides the possibility of generating returns over a period of time.

What color would you become?

http://HolEssence.gaia.com — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 12:44:11 GMT

Meenakshi - I have a small statue of Kuan Yin in my office as a gentle reminder to be compassionate. Thank you for weaving her in.