The Joy Prescription

Reflection on connection - my birthday...(and Dr. Ruth's!)

I love it - falling into the rabbit hole of the internet. I have the day off (not because it's my birthday, but that's a bonus!) One of the "lazy-ish" things I'm doing today (i.e., in theory not to require a lot of serious thought) is "dumping" email. Okay, so I may be considered an email hoarder. So confessed. And this is indeed a period in my life where I've been doing a lot of clearing, cleansing, etc. Overall.

An intriguing thread I found myself following today led me to this amazing video:

 

"One Power" by Daniel Nahmod. POWERful video. If you listen to the very end....

One of my core beliefs is that we are all connected. I know it - down to my toenails. I feel it - as deep as deep gets. The more we all "get" this, the more we will care - about one another, about our dear planet, about creating a world in which we can all get along, feel safe, and feel at home - wherever we are.

Feisty little Dr. Ruth (okay, I can say "little" - I'm short, but she's even shorter - I think she is, that is!) and I share a birthday. Admittedly she's a couple or three years older, but we're both June 4th gals. Someday maybe I'll get to meet her. What an honor that will be! So, Dr. Ruth, happy birthday! And in this VERY-connected world we live in, maybe someone knows someone who knows someone, etc. And maybe she'll receive my birthday greeting - somehow! How lovely would that be!

I'm affirming that I'm a world citizen. I haven't had the opportunity to travel very far - YET!  I am planning to manifest adventure as this next year of my life begins to open up. I'm affirming that this is an opening up of a new chapter, as another one closes. Yes - new life in this very interconnected world. Awwwww!!!!

In following these threads, I remembered Dan Seal's song, "We Are One." Powerful song. Powerful. Much like the one in the video above. And very meaningful, soul-touching lyrics. Dan has passed on from this world to the next; but, before he did so, he graciously performed his song for a mutual friend of ours. As his heartfelt words rang from the balcony behind us in the funeral home, I felt our hearts joined as one. In grieving for the loss of a dear friend, we were reminded of our deep connection. Perhaps those friends once again met in the next world and embraced.

Peace to all - on this special day. And, knowing that there are only 365-366 birthday possibilities in the calendar, I know that there are a LOT of June 4th folks in the world besides Dr. Ruth and me! Wishing us ALL a happy, meaningful day. And a year of increasingly felt connection - to one another and to Life - "big L"!

Namaste!
Ruth

 

 

Mother's Day, Primates, and Acceptance

This is going to - perhaps - sound a bit odd....let's see how it turns out. I first was going to comment on the movie "Chimpanzee." I went with a girlfriend to see the movie, just because I love our connections to those amazing primates (any debates about our "relationships" with the apes aside, please). Bizarrely, some of the lessons within that movie may apply to some of the big topics of these last days...

We are all living species. From the swimmers to the flyers and crawlers -  to all of us two-leggers. Where do chimps fall in those categories? Closer to us as humans, I'd affirm. But we look different. And we act a little different....a little perhaps.

However, I observed a lot of our similarities in the movie. We seem to care about one another - all in all. And the moms were very nurturing. But many of us do still have problems getting along. We have "groups" with whom we feel comfortable. And, some of us, sometimes, are willing and able to step outside our safety zone. Some may even be tossed out of our groups, unwillingly. Or, not welcomed in - anywhere. Survival of the fittest?

Who decides who is "in" and who is "out"? And, what are the criteria?

In the movie, a male actually came to the rescue of the young chimp who had lost his protective mother to the lurking dangers of the wild. An unlikely pair. But a very tender and loving picture. Tough guy male becomes the perhaps reluctant mother figure in young Oscar's life.

My personal opinion - we are ALL God's creatures. All of us - short or tall, young or old; black or white or beige or gray; gay or straight or undecided; Hindu or Muslim, Christian or Jew or Atheist. All God's creatures - whether you believe in "Her/Him/It" or not. All a part of the giant family here on planet Earth. And what do we need at our "core"? Acceptance. And ultimately, love. And, where's the best place in a "perfect world" to get and FEEL that unconditional loving acceptance? Moms!

I attended a workshop presented by Andrew Harvey, often known as a "modern mystic," at Scarritt Bennett Center, an awesome conference and retreat center here in the Nashville area. Andrew spoke of the "Divine Feminine." He believes (as do I) that we HAVE to allow the more "feminine" face of the Divine to be brought forth in order to find balance and harmony and peace in this world. We have had far too much of the "masculine" influences. Too much power and domination. It's time for the duality to end and for unity and oneness to be in the forefront of all of our consciousness.

So - to bring all these odd pieces of thoughts together? Hmmmm.....

Mother's Day is coming this Sunday (in the US, that is). It's a good excuse to celebrate those women who gave (and continue to give) us life and love.  Yea, moms of the world! Thank you.

But, let's take it as another opportunity to celebrate those qualities of mothers that we love and admire - the compassion, tenderness, nurturing. Moms (if they themselves were blessed with the unconditional love each of us deserves) are able give of themselves, often making sacrifices for the good of all concerned. Those characteristics are needed in the world today. Today. Not "someday." Now. And their acts of love inspire our own acts of love in the world...and so it goes.

And, as we all grow and evolve, basking in the unconditionally loving acceptance of the Mother/Father God, we WILL want to make positive changes in OUR world. We will respond to the call to be "sacred activists," as Andrew Harvey describes, working - together - to make our world a healthier place for ALL God's creatures, even little Oscar.

Happy Mother's Day to all creatures - great and small!

New Year - New You - Near You

"A New Year and New You" are pretty self-explanatory. "Near You" refers to our sweet daughter's interpretation of everyone's "Happy New Year" greeting. She translated (transformed?) it into, "Happy near you!" at an early age. Happily, she's managed to bring it forward from age three or four till present time. It still feels just as warm and tingly when we say it to each other. Nice.

And I'm someone who likes to get a fresh start! I like the new year/new you concept. (I named my album, “New People for a New World,” so I most definitely believe in the need to continually re-invent ourselves.) I'm most definitely a confirmed optimist. So - January 1st is a very cool and a bit symbolic opportunity for new beginnings. I like it.

And tonight marks the end of a very complex roller coaster of a year for the world community and for our own little family. Sometimes it feels good to say goodbye to one year and greet another one with renewed faith and hope.

One of my well-practiced avenues to joy is basking in momentary pleasures (with or without camera in hand). And tonight it’s been pleasantly simple. Listening off and on to the television broadcast of NYC’s New Year’s celebration; anticipating the ball dropping. I even clicked a pic of the TV screen as they replayed the East coast version of the midnight hour (I’m in the central time zone). I enjoyed the lights on our own Christmas tree, hearing “Imagine,” John Lennon’s inspiring composition in the background. I even gave my kitty a kiss at midnight. Simple joys. Peaceful evening (despite the echoing sounds of fireworks outside my door). Nice.

The soft glow of the Christmas lights welcome in this long-anticipated 2012. New beginnings. I affirm that 2012 will be a planetary awakening (I might as well shoot for the stars, right? I like stars). May we all discover and experience profound joy in our lives this year – on a daily basis!

Life is most definitely created in each moment, as we experience it, interpret it. As John Lennon, poet/prophet declared in “Imagine”: You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one; I hope some day you'll join us, And the world will live as one.”

May we each allow ourselves to imagine all the inhabitants of our world living as one. What a beautiful dream/image to hold in our consciousness as we begin a new year! Awesome. Welcome, 2012! 

Happy days - for MANY reasons!

I could choose to comment about the huge news – huge – that the war of nine years in Iraq is being projected to finally come to an end in the next few months. But, I’ll leave that to all the more politically astute folks to share! Instead, I’m going to comment on a very private celebration…

I haven't posted anything much this summer. There’s been a lot going on. However, I do want to share a couple of joys! (After all, "joy" is supposed to be my thing, right?)

Last week a couple of significant folks in my world got full-time jobs after a very trying period of time (one of whom is our daughter). It's worthy of a celebration. AND (drum roll), our "little girl" has a very special birthday coming up as well!

Every year, as the leaves are changing shades and drifting to the ground, I often have "flashbacks" to when, in the wee hours of the morning, our sweet daughter "popped" (after some 36 hours of labor, "popped" may not be the most appropriate word!) into this world. What a perfect little creature she was. And yes, I had felt as if I'd been possessed by some unearthly creature for those many months. Another tiny little human was forming inside me. What an absolute miracle! A truly "non-earthly" event - a cosmic happening! Birth! Wow!

And what an absolute miracle life has been - for her, for us as her parents, for us as a family, etc.! I could talk about family stuff ad infinitum! And I could talk about miracles on and on as well (but I won't - not today at least - I want to celebrate HER today!) She's grown into a magnificent young woman. I'm a little bit proud - can you tell? Actually, I'm a LOT proud!

Another life - another miracle. We were given the opportunity to provide the "nest" from which she flew only a few years ago. We didn't do a perfect job, but I think we did the best we could, given life and all its complexities.

These last few days, I have spent many moments reflecting...on our "little girl" and the marvelous "big girl" she has become. I thank God for having a chance to be a part of her life! Trust me, we learned as much as we taught. Thanks, sweetheart! We love you!

These small celebrations of life (of a birth, of gainful employment in a challenging economy) are NOT insignificant. It’s the little pieces that make the whole. And, for the “whole” to be successful, we must have peace!

So, I also celebrate the end of war – not just in Iraq, but all over the planet. I believe it can happen. I believe it will happen. We must believe in it to make it so!

As I smile and celebrate out little family victories, I celebrate and continue to pray for world victories found in peaceful solutions to our worldwide challenges. Let’s make it so!

And the joy will be multiplied…and be experienced around the world!

International Day of Peace?

As many of us watched special programs today about the terror of September 11, 2001, reflecting on the devastating loss, the sacrifices, and the bravery of countless human beings, I recalled something that didn't seem to get mentioned ten years ago...

I - like many of you (hopefully) - are supporters of peace. Consequently, I've been aware of (and even at times participated in) gatherings of folks on special days dedicated to the pursuit of peace. Some of you may remember the saying, "May peace prevail on Earth" that was affirmed on a regular basis by many of us.

Well, guess what?! Tuesday,  September 11, 2001 was the last time the "International Day of Peace," (as created by the United Nations in 1981), was designated as the day of the opening of their General Assembly. Since then (beginning in 2002), they decided to switch to one consistent date, which is now September 21st.

On the United Nations' website, in Reference Paper No. 40 (February 2001), it stated, "In 1981, the General Assembly declared that the opening day of its regular session in September 'shall be officially dedicated and observed as the International Day of Peace and shall be devoted to commemorating and strengthening the ideals of peace both within and among all nations and peoples' (resolution 36/67)... In 2001, the opening day will be 11 September."

That morning, frozen with disbelief, as I watched the horrors begin to unfold, I couldn't help but ask, "Does anyone realize it's supposed to be the International Day of Peace"? I actually called one of the TV stations. No one had said anything about it. Was this intentional? Was the timing somehow meant to send a message of: "Make war, not peace!"

I never heard it mentioned then and still haven't heard any reference to it whatsoever. Perhaps, quietly, that's why the folks at the U.N. decided to make it the 21st from then on.

Wouldn't it be awesome if we human beings could find our way to real, lasting peace? The world's religions do seem to share the core belief in loving our Creator and loving one another. They all have what is referred to by some as the "Golden Rule." Somehow all that seems to have gotten overtaken by fear. Not a good thing.

One of the programs was speaking of the goodness of people toward each other following the September 11 tragedy. There really did seem to be a coming together - for a time at least.

Just think - if we could somehow re-capture that sense of "we're in this together," wouldn't it be wonderful? I don't know about you, but I would prefer my daughter (who started her freshman year in high school fall of 2001, right before 9-11) raise HER family in a world where peace does prevail! And I believe "When we believe it, we will see it" versus the old saying, "I'll believe it WHEN I see it!"

So, please, before this day disappears off the calendar in 2011, may we all declare - in ONE voice - "May peace prevail on Earth!" So be it!

Good stuff helps you through the bad stuff!

This is a confusing time in which to live. That's putting it very mildy! For many, it's tragic. Loss of life, loss of home, loss of safety and security. Environmentally, the Earth appears to be having quite a time herself, with earthquakes, floods, tornadoes... and hurricanes will be coming soon... So-called natural disasters seem to be around every corner.

Even in Nashville, we're quickly approaching the year mark since the flood of 2010 that so devastated our city and surrounding communities. That's just the confusion called "Mother Nature." 

And then there's the "Human Nature" or "People Nature." Egypt...Libya...and war still waging in way too many places all over this very same planet. Financial problems all over the earth as well - unemployment, continued foreclosures, etc. The gap between the "very wealthy" and the "very poor" widens almost minute to minute (and the "middle" is not exactly in the middle any more). And one relates to another which relates to the other...and it goes on. A big mess!

And so I speak of JOY! One of my clients said to me recently, "I know I'm supposed to be joyful." Okay, I am not naive. I know there is great pain within us and significant grief and loss all around us. Truly. We aren't good at taking care of ourselves and we're not that good at taking care of one another. (And we're not that good at taking care of old Mother Earth either!) And, no, I'm NOT turning into a pessimist. I believe in the potential of the human race. I do. We are at core capable of amazing things. And there ARE amazing things going on all over the planet. Unfortunately, the other - the negative - gets the most attention. And if you "buy" the concept that whatever gets the attention is what expands/grows/increases - we need to exercise a bit more caution! So... what do we do about it?

I'm not proposing we all stick our fingers in our ears and go "la, la, la" and not pay attention. But we do need to pay attention to what we pay attention to! And be more conscious and conscientious about where we put our time and attention.

Here comes my joy concept. It's more about focusing on the good when you experience it. Learn to soak up the "good stuff" and let go of the "bad stuff." That's a very very general way to describe it, but it gets at the core of my message. When stress hits us - as it tends to on a daily basis (even globally!) - what do we need more of to help us get through the stress? The "good stuff"! So my "JOY" is more the kind of deep smile, the warm glow, the bright spot, the "ahhh's." It could be a hug from a loved one, a warm breeze, a lovely sunset, a good night's rest. The more of that you have in your storage tank, the better off you are. I know it - in the core of my being. I feel it. I believe it. I use it every day. And it works!

Back when I started sharing my JOY RX concept, I created a little sing-song kind of rhyme. Perhaps letting this one play over in your head will create a groove that inspires you. It goes like this:

"Soak up the Highs, Let go of the Sighs, Keep Joy in your heart ALL-Ways." Now repeat after me: "Soak up the Highs, Let go of the Sighs, Keep Joy in your heart ALL-Ways." In all ways, for always, may all your "highs" stay with you...and may all of your "sighs" vanish!

And, as your joy-filled selves are able to navigate this stressful existence on planet earth in a healthier, more balanced way, may you reach out to others also on this journey.

Deep breath. W e all will get through this enormous turmoil swirling around us. We will! We have to stick together - as one big planetary family. Somehow, we have to figure it out! And a daily "input" of joy - in whatever form you can discover it - will help. And it's the "good stuff" that will help you get through the rough parts.

Happy spring!

OK, Humans, It's Time to Find our Common Ground

I had fully intended to write about a bit "lighter" topic - post holiday seriousness. But I guess one of my overall goals in writing this blog is to inspire folks to be more compassionate, committed, conscientious, conscious human beings!

Oh, yes, and I want world peace.

Do you think I'm kidding? I'm not. I do want world peace. The thing about that, however, is that it takes one-on-one, human-to-human peaceful interactions to really make it happen. We have such a long way to go.

The tragedy in Tuscon underlines this, sadly. I could rant and rave, I suppose, about gun control, about the mentally ill, about political rhetoric turning violent. But then I'd be joining in with something I don't like - the ranting and raving, that is.

I do believe in prayer, however; so instead, I'm sending thoughts and prayers to the families of those who lost their lives and all those who were wounded in the shooting. Sweet Christina Green, born on 9-11-2001 in the midst of a national nightmare, died at the hand of a gunman. Horrible. Very poignant.

I found a video from March 2010 where a very gracious Gabrielle Giffords responded to questions in an MSNBC interview, after someone vandalized her office following the vote for health care reform. She reportedly comes from a very "balanced" district politically and calls for all community leaders (not one "side" or another) to band together, declaring "we can't stand for this" (i.e., violence and inflammatory rhetoric, etc.). She eloquently spoke of Democracy being a "light" to others around the world. She was very thoughtful in her responses, seemingly making every effort to be non-divisive. There's already way too much of that divisiveness, in my humble opinion.  World peace. I still want it. It truly does begin with you and me.

Meanwhile, I'll keep sending forth prayers for Congresswoman Giffords' full recovery.

Who are the turkeys now?

I had a discussion a couple of days ago with a dear friend. We live over 300 miles apart and often communicate via email. But this time, we were actually talking by phone. We were sharing some frustrations and concerns about what modern day technology seems to be doing to our “kids” (and I use that VERY loosely – i.e., from about age 10-30!).

The catalyst to our discussion was what happened to Bill Nye, the Science Guy, who reportedly passed out in front of a bunch of students at USC. Here’s a link to a "Yahoo News" blog that is titled: “If the Science Guy passes out and nobody tweets it, did it happen?”

What was significant was not so much that the poor guy passed out on the way to the podium. Instead what is disturbing is what happened in response (or didn’t happen, depending on your viewpoint!). “It appears that the students in attendance, rather than getting up from their seats to rush to Nye's aid, instead pulled out their mobile devices to post information about Nye's loss of consciousness.”

Hmmm. What does this say about us and our special little communication devices? Have they become more important than human interaction? Some may say that it is human interaction…tweeting or texting. I don’t know that I can give it quite that much credit. I do see some value. There are times when just sending a brief message to my daughter or husband seems to serve a purpose. However, my concern (and that of my friend) is that we are somehow trying to substitute this strange form of communication for good “old-fashioned” real human-to-human interaction (or at minimum voice-to-voice!).

My friend, who often tends to be the cynical one, was making excuses for folks. I, on the other hand, who usually gives folks the benefit of the doubt, declared, “We’ve just gotten lazy!” She wanted to say we are depressed (as a people…as a “society”), maybe lethargic versus lazy. Okay…maybe. Could be.

Some of my favorite words are “c” words – three of my top favorites are: committed, conscious, and conscientious. Maybe when we aren’t filled with the “triple c’s,” we are a bit lazy… or at minimum have become complacent. Neither is good to me, or frankly, acceptable.

We have a whole planet of people and other living things that are dependent on us all being c.c.c’d in order to keep ourselves AND our planet healthy. A lot to ask? Perhaps there’s a bit a reframing required. We seem to be able to take time to research, acquire, and learn to use the latest piece of technology; and yet, we choose not to put the effort into learning how to make positive changes in the world.

Oops, I may be preaching. Sorry. But that’s because of a “p” word I love – passion. I’m passionate about us human beings and passionate about our planet (hmm, another “p” word!). Perhaps, instead of being lost in our self-focused world, as we seem to be so many hours in a day, we could take even a few minutes to shift our focus to others. That could truly make a difference. And in anticipation of the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday, let’s check the phones, Blackberries, I-phones, smartphones (whatever!) at the door – or maybe leave them in the back bedroom with your coat! Take a break! If you’re fortunate to be with loved ones, enJOY that time of real good human contact. Soak it up. Maybe you’ll want “second helpings” of that instead of turkey this year.