Ponderings #32

Dear fellow travelers,

Thanks again for being who you are!!

In all honesty I had had two yin and yang weeks. A lot of good (then everything is good, when we look closely at it) and then those challenges.

It seemed like I had information coming from many directions that I allowed to upset me and take me off my center.

I had to go back to most of my tools that I had learned over the years to really be able "to change my thoughts", to get back to the peace and calm that I aspire to.

I wrote gratitude lists of the wonders around me and the wonderful experiences I had had over the same time period. That really helped. There was so much to be grateful for!!!

The things I observed about me during those last few weeks, is that I allowed myself to be abrupt, and agitated with other people. Not a good thing for me to do.

Then I remembered, something we all know, that when other people are acting and being in the same way, maybe not as kind as we would like them to be, and they are allowing themselves not to have a great day; then this is when I need to be kinder to them instead of letting them push my buttons-- they may need more kindness not less.

This is an opportunity for me to show caring, no one really knows what is going on behind the masks we sometimes allow ourselves to wear.

I also allowed myself to find out, that when I really was letting my humanness come forth in not great ways, my good friends loved me anyway. Wow, imagine that!!

And guess what, hills do follow valleys!!!

I just needed to turn all my not so great imaginations and thoughts over to the"higher power", get myself out of the way, and to center on peace again.

Fall is beautiful, people are beautiful, we all are beautiful, even when we allow and maybe because we allow, our flaws to come forth to be looked at and changed.

We are all in process, never ending evolution, and its all good. I just always need to remember that and focus on the good.

Just Pondering on being human

Linda Patton RScP ENTC

http://Ponderings-everyday-spirituality.blogspot.com

 

Ponderings #31

Dear fellow travelers,

Thank you for reading and responding to my Ponderings. You are the blessing.

Today with a few people the topic came up about retiring, a new life. Now I know you are not old enough to consider such an option but many years ago, I also "never" was going to retire, that word "never" again. I would work until they carried me out! How's that for a proclamation?

Then as fate had it, one weekend I went to an ashram, with no agenda. We arrived very late on a Friday night, the next day I was totally disoriented, I was exhausted, hungry, lost and alone. The other attendees were at an intensive.

I finally found the main center and a meditation cave, very, very dark. I slumbered around a bit and found a spot on the floor and stared into the candle on the altar.

After a while, I heard a voice, inside me say,

"Who are you without your job?"

This really rocked me. "What? and who was I?"

I left the cave totally shakened and walked around the grounds the rest of the day emotionally depleted.--- I was my job, I always identified with my job. After all I forged ahead during the EEOC in an man's environment, I was a trail blazer!! I was......

Who was I?.........................Who would I be without my title, without my job?...........

After much purging and the rest of the weekend to process.................................

On Monday I went into the office and resigned. Much to everyone's shock.

But I was Clear.

Fast forward...I have survived, actually thrived. I do have a life, which has manifested in several areas. I haven't looked back except to be grateful for the great skill training I had been given.

Now when someone asks you "What do you do?" What do you say?

What is your identity? and who are you?? You may be very surprised at to who you really are.

I was surprised, and I still am because I am always evolving. I still am discovering other avenues to explore. That's life for me, always ready and to learn something new. And to serve, even if thru the tiny titbits I have gleamed along my way.

Just Pondering on identity.

Linda Patton, RScP, ENTC

http://Ponderings-everyday-spirituality.blogspot.com.

Ponderings #30

Dear fellow travelers,

Thank you for your Wow responses to my last Ponderings. And the Wow is when I wrote to the MIA POW organization and they responded within hours!! this was concerning the Vietnam bracelet I have had for 40 years, however, they stated that Maj Gregg's remains had been identified five years ago. I hope that knowledge brought some closer for his friends and family. I felt sad , just by having a bracelet with his name on it, I felt some connection to him.

It was a miracle that his remains had been located.

Miracles I know happen every moment, I just have to be open to experience them.

But what if a miracle takes much longer than a moment or even a year or several years to manifest? Would I give up?

I just wrote a paper for a course I am taking and while I was writing a statement I already knew, I didn't really get the enormity of it until I wrote the sentence:

Israel became a nation in 1948.

Wow!!!!!!! What a hugh happening, what a miracle!!!!

The Jews begin Rosh Hashanah tonight, the beginning of their High Holy days.

And the Jews biblically are considered to be God's chosen people, not because they are given anything "free" but because they are willing to endure all that is require of them to keep their biblical covenant with God.

When I want something, I admit, I'm not real good at being patient, waiting is not my natural tendency.

But the Jews did wait, for approximately 2000 years they held in their consciousness' that they wanted their land back, their own country. They had been dispersed over the entire planet for thousands of years and had suffered unspeakable atrocities. But the "coming home" never left their vision. After their Yon Kipper services they say from tradition, "Next year in Jerusalem!"

And, Yes, after the worst of the suffering:

Israel became a nation in 1948.

The Jews could return to Palestine.

How powerful is that. They never gave up- hope and vision!!

How in God's time, not my time, their vision became a reality.

I wonder what would it be, that I would desire so clearly and with such determination, that I would hold onto a vision thru a hundred generations, suffer unspeakable tragedies and still see the vision as a probability?

Imagine beginning a vision now in 2012 and having it manifest in 4012 ???

I cant honestly wrap my mind around that concept!

Ah yes, miracles still happen. In every moment,

and then some do take longer. some much longer!

What do you vision?

How long are you willing to wait?

Are you willing to give up something for it to happen? What?

Just Pondering on miracles,

Linda Patton, RScP, ENTC

http://Ponderings-everyday-spirituality.blogspot.com

Ponderinga #29

Dear fellow travelers,

Thank you for all your comments, they help keep me in touch with what you are thinking and feeling. They a blessing to me.

One of the things in my life I am grateful for is you, which I have written many times, because its true.

Another thing (s) I am grateful for is my every flowing abundant life. I am so grateful for all that I have, and all that comes my way. You, and other people, are so good to me! From comments, experiences and gifts. You reconfirm to me that it is a reciprocal universe. I give, and I receive more than I feel I ever give.

That's one thing I have come to realize, is that when I give in one direction, ( I don't have any expectations of receiving back at all), but if I were to look for a return from that direction. OPPP's. it may not happen. But what does happen, is that the abundance always comes, but it may be from a totally opposition source. I just need to be more aware, say yes, and yes! and be even more grateful.

Abundance can be in small ways, twice now in the last week, I was in a line at two different stores and there were discount coupons available that I didn't have, and yes! both times, the person behind me said "Use these". How great. Be a grateful receiver, it helps those who give to feel good also.

I could go on and on about all I have been given, just in the last several months, of which I am so grateful, but I will just say "Thank you", And know that we all know how abundant life is.

Well, just look at those trees, they will certainly show us how abundant their life is when in a few months, all their leaves will be on the ground!!!

Another lesson is-- don't ever give up on your desires or dreams! If, held in the mind, as an intent, it does happen.

One thing that just happened to me is; I have a very short bucket list, because I usually do what I want, when it occurs to me to do it, but sometimes things may take a little longer.. and for years, I always wanted to see Barbra Streisand in concert, and she doesn't do many. But I knew I would see her in concert, somehow, someday.

Well! about 5 months ago, I received an email that she is having a concert in Brooklyn, NY, the ticket prices were over the top and to get to Brooklyn, isn't impossible but not great. But I kept her picture and the ad on my desk.

Two days ago I opened an email, the kind I usually just delete, that was selling tickets, And she is also going to be have a concert in Philadelphia WOOO!

How great is that. That's manageable, effortless and affordable!!! I have my tickets in hand, and its also going to be a birthday to me! It is an abundant, giving universe. I am so excited.

If this works for me, it works for you also!!!!!

Be grateful, for even the things that don't look great at first, we never know what may happen as a result.

Everything we have ever done in our lives, has led us to where we are in this moment. If you don't like where we are, we have choice.

What are you grateful for?

Do you give of yourself and your possessions?

Do you believe it's an abundant world?

Just pondering on gratitude,

Linda Patton RScP ENTC

http//Ponderings-everyday-spirituality.blogspot.com.

 

Ponderings #28

Dear fellow travelers,

Thank you for all your comments, they help keep me in touch with what you are thinking and feeling. They a blessing to me.

One of the things in my life I am grateful for is you, which I have written many times, because its true.

Another thing (s) I am grateful for is my every flowing abundant life. I am so grateful for all that I have, and all that comes my way. You, and other people, are so good to me! From comments, experiences and gifts. You reconfirm to me that it is a reciprocal universe. I give, and I receive more than I feel I ever give.

That's one thing I have come to realize, is that when I give in one direction, ( I don't have any expectations of receiving back at all), but if I were to look for a return from that direction. OPPP's. it may not happen. But what does happen, is that the abundance always comes, but it may be from a totally opposition source. I just need to be more aware, say yes, and yes! and be even more grateful.

Abundance can be in small ways, twice now in the last week, I was in a line at two different stores and there were discount coupons available that I didn't have, and yes! both times, the person behind me said "Use these". How great. Be a grateful receiver, it helps those who give to feel good also.

I could go on and on about all I have been given, just in the last several months, of which I am so grateful, but I will just say "Thank you", And know that we all know how abundant life is.

Well, just look at those trees, they will certainly show us how abundant their life is when in a few months, all their leaves will be on the ground!!!

Another lesson is-- don't ever give up on your desires or dreams! If, held in the mind, as an intent, it does happen.

One thing that just happened to me is; I have a very short bucket list, because I usually do what I want, when it occurs to me to do it, but sometimes things may take a little longer.. and for years, I always wanted to see Barbra Streisand in concert, and she doesn't do many. But I knew I would see her in concert, somehow, someday.

Well! about 5 months ago, I received an email that she is having a concert in Brooklyn, NY, the ticket prices were over the top and to get to Brooklyn, isn't impossible but not great. But I kept her picture and the ad on my desk.

Two days ago I opened an email, the kind I usually just delete, that was selling tickets, And she is also going to be have a concert in Philadelphia WOOO!

How great is that. That's manageable, effortless and affordable!!! I have my tickets in hand, and its also going to be a birthday to me! It is an abundant, giving universe. I am so excited.

If this works for me, it works for you also!!!!!

Be grateful, for even the things that don't look great at first, we never know what may happen as a result.

Everything we have ever done in our lives, has led us to where we are in this moment. If you don't like where we are, we have choice.

What are you grateful for?

Do you give of yourself and your possessions?

Do you believe it's an abundant world?

Just pondering on gratitude,

Linda Patton RScP ENTC

http//Ponderings-everyday-spirituality.blogspot.com.

 

Ponderings #26

Dear fellow travelers,

Thank you, you are my constant inspiration. The reason I continue to write.

I have had a wonderful week, filled with great events, family and friends.

BUT.

I know from what I have heard and read, that some of you are in the midst of really difficult challenges. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Please know that you are supported in a multitude of ways you may never know exist or could ever imagine.

A wonderful event we went to this past weekend began thru my eyes from a concept coined by Barbara Marx Hubbard. It is called an "Evolutionary Driver", Simple stated: situations can go on status quo for a long time, comfortable, reliable, and then something happens and actually stops the day to day routine and commands action to manifest change.

This is a good thing, after the initial chaos, of what the driver may have created, is back to order.

The event was a most beautiful "Civil Union" ceremony . The one fantastic lady is someone who paints with us. She has had a dynamic partner for 17 years.

The evolutionary driver was that an institution refused to pay a rather large bill unless it had proof that they were indeed in a "Civil Union".

Thus this beautiful, sophisticated ceremony unfolded. Both women are Parrot lovers and spend many of their vacations along the Amazon and other unique areas helping wildlife.

So.. no wonder the ceremony had a tropical theme and the setting was in a beautiful contemporary home surrounded by what one could imagine as a rain forest.

Hawaiian orchid leis had been flown in from Maui for each guest and Bird of Paradise flowers filled the vases. It was really lovely. And I feel so grateful for having been invited.

Good happens, just believe!!!

Is there something you feel you haven't done and long to do?

Is this the time?

Just pondering on choices and change.

Linda Patton, RScP, ENTC

http://Ponderings-everyday-spirituality.blogspot.com.

Ponderings #27

Dear fellow travelers,

Thank you for all your sharing, you are a blessing to me.

I hear of and from so many- of the challenges, well! hardships you are dealing with, and to be honest, I really don't know what to say--except I support you, and I am so sorry.

Some times I feel I am not empathically enough, or I say an inappropriate statement, and I later beat myself up for saying something that I don't feel was too supportive or sensitive enough.

I don't have the answers to the WHY one person has this happen or that person something else. My religious beliefs have some good solutions and answers, and I believe in almost all situations they  work and are true, but I know you may not believe that; and sometimes its not what you want to hear at the moment, and sometimes I don't blame you one bit--life can seem to be too much to bear at times. It feels like there is no relief in sight. and for some situations, no easy fixes or answers, no perfect answers to the Why question. Why this one has health challenges, and this one financial, or this one family challenges or all the above.  I dont know.

  I, as someone who has had many obstacles or so called challenges from time to time, and even though, I didn't see a light at the end, did manage to survive and thrive.

Even though, I never have experienced some of your challenges (and honestly I don't really want to, because I do think about you and your issues, and say  ( "Wow, how is she or he dealing or doing that".)

As I have said, I have had my own, to me intolerable or challenging situations. And a long time ago, when I didn't think my life would be any different than it was, a gal told me "Don't ever give up on your dreams". I thought she was being really ridiculous or a little nuts. I couldn't see pass the present situation to my possible unknown to me at the time, future.

However, many years later, at this moment, my life is great, I don't have any real wants, except for you to have your dreams fulfilled.

And to be honest, I hesitant saying my life is great, because of the stories I hear. Why should my life be great, when so many of yours aren't?

But then that's my challenge, to live my great life, which is now, and still be in a place of empathy to support you. And since I always say life is hills and valleys, and I'm on a hill now, trusting it will last forever! It could go into a valley, but I wont allow myself to mentally go there. I'm just going to love the hill.

But, I care about you, I support you, and if I ever say anything that doesn't reflect that in words or actions. Please let me know-that would keep our friendship alive, which is one thing  I care about, along with supporting you in some way: and it would help me to grow.

Please also know, as the gal told me years ago and I didn't believe her, "Don't give up on your dreams," and today is a brand new. never lived before day. So keep those desires, hopes and dreams alive....

Please let me know if I can support you, I can also do what I am trained to do and that is to do prayer work with you and for you, and to know the Truth about you. You are powerful, beautiful, and wonderful. and I care about and love you. You can always call me also 302-239-6080.

Just pondering on my growth.

Linda Patton RScP ENTC