In conversations with friends and acquaintances, I have noticed myself saying “Something told me …” very often.
“Something told me” to have the trees in my yard pruned before going on vacation. Good thing – so that when Hurricane Dean became a threat the day after my return home, I was prepared.
“Something told me” to get to the Tampa airport early last Thursday to return home. Good thing – the flight was late, but I was able to be re-routed to Jamaica through Grand Cayman on an earlier flight.
“Something told me” to unpack immediately on my return on Thursday night and to have my clothing laundered on Friday. Good thing, as Hurricane Dean came and took the electricity supply with it!
I note that I am not the only one “something” speaks to, for I hear others repeating the phrase. What is this “something” that is speaking to me, telling me what to do? Some call it the voice of God; others say “my mind told me”. Whatever we call it, we instinctively recognise its power and its omniscience. That “something” is our inner intelligence, the one intelligence in the universe, that knows all, that runs through and unites everything.
However, most of us are aware of it only in hindsight. We typically do not recognise it in the moment. Even if we have an inkling that “something” is whispering to us, we override it by our reasoning and logic – our rational mind. This rational mind, we believe, thinks in an orderly way; we have been trained to believe that this is the best and only mind to guide us. However, the rational mind has developed out of our history, our past experiences, our conditioning. It has developed based on what we already know. Our inner intelligence on the other hand has access to an infinite source of information. There is no end, no limit to the possibilities of our inner intelligence. This is what we must listen to if we want to manifest our best possible life. Our past cannot help us; therefore, our rational mind is of limited use. It is our inner intelligence that knows all that must be our guide.
Our challenge is to listen to this “something” in the moment. When we tune into this intelligence, we will make right choices, right decisions, and take right actions. “Right” meaning what is in our best interest at the time, and what is in our best interest at all times – which are one and the same when we are guided by our inner intelligence.
This intelligence is available to us all the time. It is never withheld. We do not have to ask, pray or beseech. It is a great day in our lives when we learn to listen to that “something” in the moment rather than in hindsight. We just need to be present, listen and trust.
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Friday, August 24, 2007
Hurricane Dean - the cleanup
“Kingston looks so clean” my friend remarked as he drove in from the airport, three days after Hurricane Dean visited Jamaica. “The mountains look shiny and green, and even the harbour looks clean and sparkling”.
I have often marvelled at the positive effects of a hurricane – the good side of what is considered an economic, social and natural disaster. The involuntary pruning of trees and plants seem to make them spring back more vigorously, and you can be sure that the next bearing of crops will be profuse. The buffeting of the trees by the wind aerates the root system, allowing water to flood through to the very tips. Bracing against the wind, the trees get stronger – like we do when we engage in intense physical exercise. As I wandered through my back garden immediately after the hurricane had passed, I noted that even though branches and limbs had broken off, blossoms on the mango trees were still intact, and the flowers on my delicate impatiens were still blooming! It seems that even plants understand the importance of protecting the young, losing leaves and fruit before blossoms and flowers!
Socially, hurricanes, like most “natural” disasters, bring people together. During the hurricane, families played games, talked, and were gentle with each other – unimpeded by television, radio and other types of technology. Neighbours, some meeting for the first time, helped each other prepare, and after the storm effected repairs, shared coffee, ice, and other necessities with each other. Last night, as I stood waiting in Island Grill, my family’s favourite quick service restaurant, I noticed that no-one complained about the absence of some menu items. No one grumbled about the long time to process their order. We all waited patiently and with understanding. Today, I observed that although most of the traffic lights were not working there were few traffic jams as motorists easily merged into and through the intersection sans honking horns, dirty looks and obscene gestures.
And then there is the clean up – I emptied my refrigerator last night, making it ready for the return of the public power supply. I have vowed NEVER to overstock my fridge again! I threw away too much food – items I had forgotten that I had! My yard will be cleared by the end of the week. The roads and gullies have been cleared as pre-hurricane debris, garbage and other refuse discarded and laid to waste on the roadways and in open lots has been washed away. The detritus left by the hurricane will soon be removed to the dump. Kingston really is clean!
Why does it take a natural disaster to bring about these positive effects? For surely they are within our grasp on a daily basis, as a normal part of our lives. Perhaps that’s the point and the true meaning of a disaster – to remind us of what’s really important, to remind us that we live in a perfectly ordered universe – if we only step back a bit. Just look at the attached photo of Hurricane Dean from space – what a beauty!
PS: this musing is not in any way meant to belittle the suffering and pain of those who were hurt emotionally or physically by this and any other natural disaster. What it is meant to do is open a different view of life in our universe
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Hurricane Dean - and my jewellry
Awaiting the arrival of Hurricane Dean to Jamaica, I decided that I would put the unscheduled “downtime” to good use by sorting out and cleaning my jewellery. This is a chore I had long neglected, and I figured that some mindless, manual labour would be perfect for taking my thoughts off the fury and power of nature raging outside.
As I sorted and cleaned, it occurred to me how much maintenance THINGS require. To keep jewellery lustrous and dazzling, one has to store it properly, clean it periodically and most importantly – wear it! This led to further reflection, for I realised that in the past year or so, I have probably worn only 5% of my jewellery. For example, in the past two weeks, I have worn the same earrings and bracelet every day! I attended three evening functions and wore the same earrings to all three! We humans are truly creatures of habit – here I have a collection of jewellery, and I wear the same pieces over and over.
We also don’t appreciate how much treasures we already have in our lives. Each piece of my jewellery has its own association – a particular event or experience, who gave it to me or the occasion when I purchased it. Each piece is treasured not just for its beauty but also the memories. Sorting through, I came upon lovely pieces that I had long forgotten. I realise that I already have more than my two ears, one neck, two wrists, 10 fingers and 10 toes can wear. I need no more! I just need to be aware of what I have. Using my jewellery (the other 95%) will require some deliberate effort to change my habits. Each day, I will need to do something different, deliberately and with intent choosing something that I have not worn for awhile.
And so it is in other spheres of our lives – it is not only things that require maintenance, relationships do as well. Lack of maintenance and poor habits are killers of relationships, for they make us insensitive and immune to changes in others, to the particular circumstances of their lives and to how we ourselves are changing. To keep our relationships with loved ones sparkling, we must invest time, effort and loving care and become very aware of the 5% that we practice 100% of the time - and the 95% that we hardly ever take notice of.
And so I muse, what other habits do I need to change? What other areas of my life need attention and maintenance? Where else am I automatically focusing on 5% and ignoring the other 95%? When we become aware of the fullness of what we already have, we will recognise just how fortunate and blessed we are. Opening our vistas to the unhabitual, the non-traditional, the unused and forgotten in our lives will reveal treasures beyond measure!
As I sorted and cleaned, it occurred to me how much maintenance THINGS require. To keep jewellery lustrous and dazzling, one has to store it properly, clean it periodically and most importantly – wear it! This led to further reflection, for I realised that in the past year or so, I have probably worn only 5% of my jewellery. For example, in the past two weeks, I have worn the same earrings and bracelet every day! I attended three evening functions and wore the same earrings to all three! We humans are truly creatures of habit – here I have a collection of jewellery, and I wear the same pieces over and over.
We also don’t appreciate how much treasures we already have in our lives. Each piece of my jewellery has its own association – a particular event or experience, who gave it to me or the occasion when I purchased it. Each piece is treasured not just for its beauty but also the memories. Sorting through, I came upon lovely pieces that I had long forgotten. I realise that I already have more than my two ears, one neck, two wrists, 10 fingers and 10 toes can wear. I need no more! I just need to be aware of what I have. Using my jewellery (the other 95%) will require some deliberate effort to change my habits. Each day, I will need to do something different, deliberately and with intent choosing something that I have not worn for awhile.
And so it is in other spheres of our lives – it is not only things that require maintenance, relationships do as well. Lack of maintenance and poor habits are killers of relationships, for they make us insensitive and immune to changes in others, to the particular circumstances of their lives and to how we ourselves are changing. To keep our relationships with loved ones sparkling, we must invest time, effort and loving care and become very aware of the 5% that we practice 100% of the time - and the 95% that we hardly ever take notice of.
And so I muse, what other habits do I need to change? What other areas of my life need attention and maintenance? Where else am I automatically focusing on 5% and ignoring the other 95%? When we become aware of the fullness of what we already have, we will recognise just how fortunate and blessed we are. Opening our vistas to the unhabitual, the non-traditional, the unused and forgotten in our lives will reveal treasures beyond measure!
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
Vacation emptiness
Today is Day #4 of my vacation. For a total change of pace, I am vacationing in a big city, Chicago.
It has been an interesting three days, living in a city. I have met numerous friends and acquaintances of my host, Desiree. Many express surprise that I live in Jamaica and am vacationing in Chicago! For they see Jamaica as the mother of all vacations and Chicago as the land of work and daily living. Once they get over their surprise, I note their eagerness to expound on all the things I MUST do – newly remembered pride in their city and all it has to offer.
And so I muse on what “vacation” means. Literally, the word comes from the root “vacare” which means to be empty. Over time, the usage has changed to mean being free from work, occupation or activity. Returning to the original meaning, what “vacation” really means is a period of emptying our lies of the normalcy of our days (I pause on reviewing what I wrote - here is another profound slip – I wrote LIES instead of LIVES – perhaps because much of what we are living is not our truth but lies. Hmmmmmm. Something to think about). Vacation is about emptying the routine, the daily commitments, the obligations of our existence. It is releasing ourselves from the normal, everyday stuff of our lives.
I noted how I prepared for my vacation. I am away from home for two weeks. All arrangements for that time have been taken care of – bills paid in advance, enough dog food purchased, housekeeping and gardening arranged, even instructions should there be a hurricane! I have literally emptied myself of the two weeks. In so doing, I am now open for something else to flood in, for I know that the universe abhors a vacuum. Am I an empty vessel that will allow anything to flow into my vacation emptiness? Should I simply be open to all that flows to me?
That is one choice. Instead I have decided to place an intention for this moment of emptiness. My intention is to gain clarity about the next phase in my life, about some choices that I face – unhindered by the known of my daily living. I am open to the unknown. In so doing, I know that with clear intention, experiences and people aligned to it will flood in! It has already started to happen precisely in this way.
It has been an interesting three days, living in a city. I have met numerous friends and acquaintances of my host, Desiree. Many express surprise that I live in Jamaica and am vacationing in Chicago! For they see Jamaica as the mother of all vacations and Chicago as the land of work and daily living. Once they get over their surprise, I note their eagerness to expound on all the things I MUST do – newly remembered pride in their city and all it has to offer.
And so I muse on what “vacation” means. Literally, the word comes from the root “vacare” which means to be empty. Over time, the usage has changed to mean being free from work, occupation or activity. Returning to the original meaning, what “vacation” really means is a period of emptying our lies of the normalcy of our days (I pause on reviewing what I wrote - here is another profound slip – I wrote LIES instead of LIVES – perhaps because much of what we are living is not our truth but lies. Hmmmmmm. Something to think about). Vacation is about emptying the routine, the daily commitments, the obligations of our existence. It is releasing ourselves from the normal, everyday stuff of our lives.
I noted how I prepared for my vacation. I am away from home for two weeks. All arrangements for that time have been taken care of – bills paid in advance, enough dog food purchased, housekeeping and gardening arranged, even instructions should there be a hurricane! I have literally emptied myself of the two weeks. In so doing, I am now open for something else to flood in, for I know that the universe abhors a vacuum. Am I an empty vessel that will allow anything to flow into my vacation emptiness? Should I simply be open to all that flows to me?
That is one choice. Instead I have decided to place an intention for this moment of emptiness. My intention is to gain clarity about the next phase in my life, about some choices that I face – unhindered by the known of my daily living. I am open to the unknown. In so doing, I know that with clear intention, experiences and people aligned to it will flood in! It has already started to happen precisely in this way.
Thursday, August 02, 2007
None but ourselves can free our mind
“Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery;
None but ourselves can free our mind”
Bob Marley
August 1 is celebrated in Jamaica as Emancipation Day. I found myself musing this morning on the words of Bob Marley’s Emancipation Song. I have always loved this song, and in particular, these two lines. The song resonated with me from the very first time I heard it, and I am constantly speaking and reminding myself and others of the fundamental truth of these words. What Bob so forcefully states is that the challenge of freeing ourselves from the slavery of the mind is one that each individual must face by themselves. It is only I who can free myself from my mental slavery.
Most of us will argue that we are already free – to be what we want, to do what we want, to think what we want. That’s true – but the real bondage that we are in, is the bondage of our “wants”. For our wants are typically not OUR wants, but the wants that have been programmed into us by our parents, communities and society. The real task that human beings face is to free our minds from the bondage of our prior experiences, our societal conditioning and our family upbringing.
Most of us do not even question our wants outside of the traditional and what we have come to believe for ourselves as normal. For example, I am free to live wherever I want to live. However, where I want to live is defined by what I have grown up to believe is acceptable and desirable. So, it’s a nice neighbourhood in the city for me – when what my soul cries out for is a little cottage beside a stream in the mountains! Or a tree house. Or no house at all – perhaps just living where the next moment takes me, free of encumbrances of ownership and possessions!
Allowing our wants to be defined by others takes us to a place of discomfort, dissatisfaction and unease. It is the feeling of emptiness when we finally get what we said we wanted. It is the feeling of always searching but not finding. It is the feeling that life is against us rather than for us. It is the feeling of being hemmed in by others, cordoned off from our real selves. It is the feeling of being in bondage! We do not like it at all. Yet, our tendency is to stay there, and to solve the problem by either settling for what we have, or pursuing more, more, more …. of the same! For some of us, the bondage becomes too great, and we start to realise that we, and only we, can define our wants. That is the beginning of our true emancipation. It is only I who can free myself, for it is I who has mentally enslaved myself.
When this happens, then the real task of emancipating ourselves becomes one of questioning fearlessly, boundlessly and endlessly – who we are, what we have, what we want, who says we should want it, what else is out there to want, and so on. How will we know when we have the right answers? Our souls will tell us – from the feeling of peace, joy, calm that pervades our lives. For once we truly emancipate ourselves, then there is no wanting – just being.
None but ourselves can free our mind”
Bob Marley
August 1 is celebrated in Jamaica as Emancipation Day. I found myself musing this morning on the words of Bob Marley’s Emancipation Song. I have always loved this song, and in particular, these two lines. The song resonated with me from the very first time I heard it, and I am constantly speaking and reminding myself and others of the fundamental truth of these words. What Bob so forcefully states is that the challenge of freeing ourselves from the slavery of the mind is one that each individual must face by themselves. It is only I who can free myself from my mental slavery.
Most of us will argue that we are already free – to be what we want, to do what we want, to think what we want. That’s true – but the real bondage that we are in, is the bondage of our “wants”. For our wants are typically not OUR wants, but the wants that have been programmed into us by our parents, communities and society. The real task that human beings face is to free our minds from the bondage of our prior experiences, our societal conditioning and our family upbringing.
Most of us do not even question our wants outside of the traditional and what we have come to believe for ourselves as normal. For example, I am free to live wherever I want to live. However, where I want to live is defined by what I have grown up to believe is acceptable and desirable. So, it’s a nice neighbourhood in the city for me – when what my soul cries out for is a little cottage beside a stream in the mountains! Or a tree house. Or no house at all – perhaps just living where the next moment takes me, free of encumbrances of ownership and possessions!
Allowing our wants to be defined by others takes us to a place of discomfort, dissatisfaction and unease. It is the feeling of emptiness when we finally get what we said we wanted. It is the feeling of always searching but not finding. It is the feeling that life is against us rather than for us. It is the feeling of being hemmed in by others, cordoned off from our real selves. It is the feeling of being in bondage! We do not like it at all. Yet, our tendency is to stay there, and to solve the problem by either settling for what we have, or pursuing more, more, more …. of the same! For some of us, the bondage becomes too great, and we start to realise that we, and only we, can define our wants. That is the beginning of our true emancipation. It is only I who can free myself, for it is I who has mentally enslaved myself.
When this happens, then the real task of emancipating ourselves becomes one of questioning fearlessly, boundlessly and endlessly – who we are, what we have, what we want, who says we should want it, what else is out there to want, and so on. How will we know when we have the right answers? Our souls will tell us – from the feeling of peace, joy, calm that pervades our lives. For once we truly emancipate ourselves, then there is no wanting – just being.
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