In comparison to others, I’ve had a very lucky life, although not completely without pain. I know that it is not right to rest on laurels without trying to help others not so fortunate I’m trying to learn about respecting the diversity and stories of others. In so learning, I sometimes blurt out stupid questions or comments without first thinking of the impact they’ll have on others. I feel so stupid about this! I feel that I will forever be an immature rube. I want to step back and remain with my own “kind” as a result. I can’t do this. I am trying to love the part of me that seeks kindness, compassion and change. I’m trying to understand the part of me that needs to grow. Thanks, Robert; this post about loving self in spite of or because of self was just the inspiration I needed for (another) fresh start.

When I’m faced with a difficult situation I remember the anonymous saying “if your life is free of failures, you’re not taking enough risks.” I also think of Robert’s soothing words of love and compassion that moves mountains. Thanks for all that you do in the world and thanks for being part of my journey, Robert.

I’ve been working with a board of directors for about one year. One member of the board has been a challenge for me in a variety of ways. He knows no boundaries, practices rapid takeover, appears to have some communication issues, speaks with authority on all subjects and generally bad mouths the organization’s leadership whenever possible. He has marginalized me at every turn. I feel angry and hurt by his behavior. Suddenly, I began to filter my own “ego-driven” feelings through a compassion filter and now I’m concerned for him and his anger. Why does he need to do what he does? What is he really looking for in this role? How do I find a way to make him a friend. He is on my path for a reason. I am being prepared for something through this person.

When you realize work doesn’t have to happen or be constrained to certain clothes, a particular group of people, or completed in an office environment to be of value, it opens your awareness to a new way of being and living~

After reading Robert’s invitation to adopt a word for the year, I immediately thought I’d like to do that too. I considered some of the suggestions, but none resonated within me. Rather than become anxious about it, I decided to remain open and trust that my word would manifest itself.
On New Year’s Eve I decided to post a message on Facebook. As I wrote, “May God be our compass in 2013,” I instantly knew that “compass” was the right word for me.
I’ve decided to devote more time to develop my spiritual and physical well-being. Several days later I received a call from the school district from which I retired nearly two years ago. They asked me to consider a long-term sub job. Easily motivated by a bump in income, part of me was already calculating how much I could earn. However, the part of me that doesn’t want distractions from my desire for more wholeness allowed me to tell the caller I needed to think about it before giving an answer. The pressure was on since they would be conducting interviews the next two days. I hung up and felt conflicted. Many years ago, I lived hand to mouth. At times that has caused me to be preoccupied with having enough money. Coincidently, my stepdaughter called and we talked about the prospect of my returning to a full-time job. As soon as I started telling her about my word for the year, I knew I had to decline the offer. My “compass” steered me in the right direction. I felt at peace with my decision and haven’t second-guessed myself as I had been prone to do. Thank you, God, for being my true compass.

My eyes well with tears as I write this, early Sunday morning. I have two grandkids in grade one, and the thought of this massacre to come into my life is unfathomable. Your words spoke so eloquently that I dare to take them as my own, as I ponder anew the mystery of life. As Leonard Cohen recently penned, we “deserve neither the cruelty or the grace.” The cruelty, though, is always the most difficult to comprehend and accept, and the healing a monumental endeavour. Emily Dickenson, the quintessential American poet, wrote: “Unto a broken heart / No other one may go / Without the high prerogative / Itself hath suffered too.” In her words we are not simply given encouragement, but more significantly, compassion through the sharing of feelings of loss and grief.

Difficult this Holiday as was last year missing my grandson, Nicholas. If only is one of my best phrases…If only I had noticed the signs of suicide. It is sometimes impossible, but I now see the signs he gave. I pray and pray and keep busy.

I am a teacher.
Not very conventional ,however I teach the things I know and love.
I teach Art from a point of intuition and coming from the Heart.
Because that is where everything happens for me
So I share my stories and I teach how to see as an artist and a spiritual being.
My life is blessed because I chose to listen to my heart
I am a believer in coming from the Heart and was very happy to meet you in Vero and purchase your book.

I am an ordained Unity minister serving a church in Ames, Iowa. I have a daughter who is transgendered and transitioning to male, although she defines herself as gender queer. My other daughter is straight and happily married. Their father and I divorced after he came out of the closet in 1989. It was the best thing he could have ever done for all of us. It allowed us all to live authentic lives and be the individual beings that we are. I have been happily remarried for 16 years. I live in a state where gay marriage is legal and I am delighted to perform this ceremony whenever I am asked. When I hear people say that marriage is between a man and a woman, I want to speak up and say, “NO IT IS NOT! You are confusing form with the essence of marriage!” Marriage is between two people who love each other and are willing to make a commitment to each other. No exceptions!

My dear Mother left this earthly planet six years ago today. I miss her daily and remember what made her special. She was a strong woman who said what she thought, was kind, loved being around people, and was not afraid of change. She moved cross-country at the age of 85, learned to use public transportation, used a computer, and loved life- choosing her own path up to the end.

As I remember my Mother I cannot help but reflect on the Alexander Technique and grief, the principles of awareness, inhibition, and direction! I think grieving never ends. Once that hurt is there, it is forever in our hearts. Awareness or recognition of it’s existance and the tension surrounding it can be the first step towards relief. Really understanding from where the grief comes and how we are reacting to it helps the process of healing. Never-the-less, once one has reached a point, it may be time to give it up! But, often one is like a dog with a bone, loath to give it up. The question becomes, is there something to be done or is the pain of grief something which will not change and must just be endured?

In response to that question and with a little space- there’s that pause again- I come to BREATH is the ANSWER. Here is a new direction; I know, it sounds simplistic. How can such a short statement come close to answering the question of grief resolution and relief? Breath as a solution will not likely totally erase the grief, but breath can help relieve some of the pain we experience as a result of tension created by our grief. Breath can bring us back to the NOW, giving us a moment of relief and a wiindow through which to direct our attention to the present, rather than to the past or future. The breath can open that window to sunlight and start healing the pain in our hearts.
For more about breath: breathistheanswer.com