Patience

"Everything works out in the end. If it hasn't worked out, it's not the end."~Unknown

Persistance in the Duality of It

“It's not that I'm so smart, it's just that I stay with problems longer.” -—Albert Einstein

Ok....so it is uncomfortable sitting in duality, separation, in the us vs. them mentality - it is stressful. Yet, being in "it", and staying there to see what you can learn...and see what messages there are...and figuring out how to reconcile it... means that it becomes less stressful in the loing run.

We need to be able to "sense make" the paradox in the world...staying there, vs. running away from it by rejecting it or becoming angry and frustrated is NOT the key to peaceful evolution. As we can connect with it and develop a relationship with it, we grow by learning and being open to seeing what we can learn from it.

Try it the next time you experience paradox and become another Einstein.

Listening to Relieve Stress

"Our listening creates a sanctuary for the homeless parts within another person."~
Rachel Naomi Remen

We are often frustrated with a situation or person because we disagree with their point of view. Yet, our "disagreement" gets in the way of understanding the other person more completely. The other person needs to have someone listen and hear them...then, we can be the vehicle in which that happens...once their story is told, they feel better.

And maybe, just maybe, when I do this, I have learned more about that person by being vulnerable to what they believe and allowing it to bounce around with my beliefs. Learning increases harmony and decreases stress...allow yourself to really listen and learn.

Knowing Our Truth

"Truth is a deep kindness that teaches us to be content in our everyday life and share with people the same happiness." ~ Kahlil Gibran

What is it for you? Oprah, in her monthly magazine, has a great feature on the last page: "what I know for sure". I like to respond to myself each month when I see that - What do I know for sure? What is my Truth?

When I know my truth, there is less stress, because I don't have to think too hard about what to do...I am clear on my values...my beliefs...what I know for sure - my truth. Then, things get easier.

Yesterday, I answered the question, and here was my answer: Conversations that matter. That is one piece of my truth, and important one...it was a wonderful evening of honest and magnificent conversation with friends...what a blessing. I came home, in peace, and clarity, and loving my world.

Getting clear about our truth, as Gibran says, is being content...a thing I know for sure.

Lead with Intention...not Expectation

Any kind of expectation creates a problem. We should accept, but not expect. Whatever comes, accept it. Whatever goes, accept it. The immediate benefit is that your mind is always peaceful.~Sri Swami Satchidananda

Yes, the expectation of people doing things in a certain way or by a certain time, often leads to disappointment...another version of stress. If can allow for ouir intention to, lead us along the path of life, it is ours - we own it and control it.

But we do not control others...we can not make them do it (whatever "it" is). So, letting go of what we expect...and know that regardless of what others do or don't do, we are fine...we are good...wewe are complete...a much more peaceful existence.

Commencement

"By believing passionately in something that still does not exist, we create it. The non-existent is whatever we have not sufficiently desired." ~ Nikos Kazantzakis

I love this time of year at graduation...it creates such closure for me...and for students, it is just the beginning. They have a whole life to create on their canvas. I see their excitement, their alive-ness, and I am happy for them in their pursuit of their dreams.

Knowing what you want to passionately pursue lessens the stress of not knowing what to do...feeling stuck. Just moving, taking ANY action will make us feel better, less stressed, as movement loosens us the static energy in our minds and bodies. It also begins a different chemical process in our bodies, possibly leading to the relaxation response, where infinite creativity and peace are found.

If we passionately pursue "the thing" we desire, we will create the qualities of that thing...just by starting with one step and moving forward....so COMMENCE!

Salute to Dr. David Walker

"Do you have the consciousness of what you desire?" ~Dr. David Walker

He was one of my heroes in life...a wonderful friend, colleague, teacher - how does one remember such a powerful force like David? His website for his Church shows a welcome video from him...he was just a darling to me.

One of his most powerful lessons was one in which he discussed time, and since time is a stresser for many people you may really appreciate the lesson: it is NEVER about time, it is about consciousness. So, I created this affirmation for this: I make best use of my consciousness every day.

If I do that, I will never regret or feel guilty or stressed about my day - I did the best with my consciousness and that is good enough for me...BTW, the name of his book is: You are Enough - get it, read, it honor it, and be it...it is the best that we can do to honor his life.

thanks David...for all the memories...mel