“Something’s Got to Give” happens when an irresistible force meets an immovable object as described in the lyrics of the same name by Johnny Mercer. This theme was further explored in the movie of the same title starring Diane Keaton and Jack Nicholson.

THE CONDITION ARISES WHEN THERE IS STUCKNESS BETWEEN A ROCK AND A HARD PLACE; i.e.: WHERE NO MOVEMENT IS POSSIBLE WITHOUT THE YIELDING OF EITHER THE ROCK OR THE HARD PLACE.

IT IS IMMOBILITY TAKEN TO THE ULTIMATE DEGREE, ACTUALIZED IN THE BODY/MIND BY ARTHRITIS, HARDENED ARTERIES AND ARRESTED ATTITUDES! ALSO ACTED OUT IN POLITICS AS FILLIBISTERS AND IN MANY A DIVORCE COURT.

What would it take, outside an earthquake or legal decision, to restore a semblance of flexibility where only rigidity reigns?

Well, let’s consider the characteristics of the commonest of elements – water.

Water can appear in forms as varied as ice or steam; surely nothing is more malleable.

Water is the gentlest yet strongest substance with the ability to caress the skin of a baby or, over time, to reduce a craggy rock to a smooth river stone.

Or note the transformative force of fire as exemplified by the phoenix, the mythological symbol of eternal life, lifting eternally from the leavings of the burnt out, used up ashes of the obsolete.

PERHAPS THE HARDEST SUBSTANCE TO SOFTEN IS THE HEART OF MAN PITTED AGAINST HIS FELLOW CREATURES.

WHY ARE FORGIVENESS AND UNDERSTANDING SO RARELY EVEN ATTEMPTED, MUCH LESS ACHIEVED?

RESISTANCE IS THE OPPOSITE OF SOFTNESS. WHEN PLIABILITY RULES, WHERE DOES THE HARDNESS GO? TOO OFTEN SOFTNESS IS SEEN AS A NEGATIVE, PASSIVE QUALITY, LACKING IN COURAGE – COWARDLY.

Recently I watched one of my favorite vintage movies, “Born Yesterday”, marveling at the stellar performance of Judy Holiday as she emerges from exploitation of an abusive Paul Douglas using only her feminine wiles plus her innate sense of justice, newly awakened by William Holden, who sees the brain beneath the bimbo. Old Hollywood, where are you now, when we need an antidote to unbridled violence?

I’ve also been reading of energetic patterns on Earth being galvanized by cosmic solar flares. Is this a manifestation of warnings that even greater disasters are preparing to wake us from our ignorance unless we harmonize our personal interests with the good of all there is? It’s like some extra-terrestrial happening is screaming at us to wake up from a trancelike sleep which can only result in more polarization and ultimate annihilation.

Perhaps there are extremists who would solve our dilemma with dynamite – that’s a version of tossing out the baby with the bath water.

There’s no shortage of mind manipulators who might use hypnosis or subliminal messages to break the spell that blinds.

SUCH AS A POWERFUL, PERSUASIVE VOICE WHISPERING INCESSANTLY INTO THE SUBCONSCIOUS OF THE EMOTIONALLY AND SPIRITUALLY FROZEN POPULATION OF THE PLANET.

SOFTEN…SOFTEN…SOFTEN

MAYBE THE VOICE IS GENERATED BY THE SOUL OF OUR SUFFERING EARTH, SPEAKING ON BEHALF OF THE CONCERNED INHABITANTS OF OUR UNIVERSE AS IT WITNESSES ITS OWN DEATH SENTENCE BY SUICIDE.

THESE VOICES NEED TO BE JOINED BY MULTITUDES OF OTHERS IN ORDER TO GROW EXPONENTIALLY, CREATING A CRITICAL MASS CAUSING A MAJOR INTERVENTION WHICH IN TURN MAY AVERT SELF DESTRUCTION.

ON THE OTHER HAND, A CRISIS OF THIS MAGNITUDE MAY REQUIRE THAT ARCHAIC INSTITUTIONS, WHICH HAVEN’T WORKED FOR MANY YEARS, BE TOTALLY DEMOLISHED BEFORE RECONSTRUCTION/REBIRTH CAN BEGIN.

…LED BY THOSE WITH THE DESIRE AND SKILL TO BUILD A SOCIAL STRUCTURE THAT ALLOWS ENOUGH WIGGLE ROOM FOR ALL TO COEXIST HARMONIOUSLY.

A contemporary (and friend) who is fond of hearing my blogs – she has chosen not to bother with this new fangled computer technology – is perplexed by a paradox which, by attempting to explain to her, I am obliged to answer for my own edification.

She can’t help but notice the discrepancy between some of the ideas I profess to believe in and espouse with such clarity in writing versus the perplexed and contradictory person having a conversation across the dinner table.

So Sel, this one’s for you.

PARADOX, FOR THOSE WHO RELY MOSTLY ON THE LOGICAL LEFT BRAIN IN THEIR DEDUCTIVE REASONING, IS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO COMPREHEND, MUCH LESS RELATE TO. HOLDING EQUAL YET OPPOSITE VIEWPOINTS VIOLATES THEIR SENSE OF ORDER, WHICH IS ESSENTIAL TO A REALITY BASED ESSENTIALLY ON STRUCTURE. (WHEN THE WALLS COME TUMBLING DOWN  – LOOKOUT!)

THE HABITUAL PATTERN OF THINKING BY MEMORY, ASSUMPTION AND DEDUCTION IS SO INGRAINED IN THE MINDS OF MOST INDIVIDUALS THAT ANY PHENOMENA PERCEIVED AS BEING OUTSIDE THE NORM TAKES ON, AT BEST, CURIOSITY SUBJECT TO CLOSE SCRUTINY LACED WITH SCEPTECISM – PLUS A DOLLOP OF DENIAL.

I GET THIS. I WAS ALSO TRADITIONALLY TRAINED. EXPERIENCE GATHERED OVER TIME HAS CONVINCED ME TO AGREE WITH SOCRATES THAT THE UNEXAMIMED LIFE IS NOT WORTH LIVING.

 TO ATTEMPT TO DO SO WOULD EQUATE TO LEAVING A PRICELESS DIAMOND UNCUT, OR PLACING IT IN CLUMSY HANDS – THE BRILLIANCE OF ITS’ FACETS FOREVER OBSCURED.

Why does significant growth appear to be closely correlated with strain and suffering?

Does the oyster cringe at the irritation caused by sand as it grates against soft flesh in its formation of a pearl beyond price?

Do coals burn in an agony of sacrifice as they send flames soaring in a splendid fireplace?

It is recognized and accepted that in adolescence young bodies are insatiable in their efforts to attain maturity – there’s even a name for it – growing pains.

AREN’T WE GROWING FROM THE MOMENT OF INCEPTION?

WOULD OUR CREATOR LEAVE US HELPLESS BABES?

 CAN DIVINITY’S HIGHEST INTENTION BE FOR US TO ONLY INHERIT THE HISTORY OF OUR ANCESTORS, WARTS AND ALL?

Science has long recognized the existence of duality within the construct of our brains, allowing for split input. Though no sane person, using the strengths of the left brain, would drive a car after an alcoholic spree, we may use the influence of Bacchus on the right brain to heighten our enjoyment of social situations by lowering the bar of sobriety a bit.

WHATEVER FORCES FASHIONED THE MINDSCAPE OF MY IMAGINATION, FORGOT TO PUT A FRAME AROUND IT.

QUIRKY IDEAS QUICKLY TAKE ROOT IN THE FERTILE SOIL OF MY SOUL, LONG BEFORE I HAVE ANY FEEDBACK OR PROOF OF VALIDITY.

THERE IS NO POSSIBILITY OF DENYING OR DEVALUATING THE FUNCTION OF THE FACILITIES THAT GET ME FROM POINT A TO POINT B IN A FACT-BASED ENVIRONMENT.

DOES THIS ABILITY OBLITERATE THE EXISTANCE OF WHAT MAY BE DISMISSED AS DREAMS OR FANTASY?

LESTER LEVENSON, A VERY WISE MAN AND VISIONARY TEACHER OF A PAST GENERATION, FOUNDER OF “THE SEDONA METHOD”, ADVISED HIS STUDENTS, WHEN PRESENTED WITH A QUESTIONABLE OR NOVEL IDEA THAT ATTRACTED THEM, TO “TAKE IT FOR TESTING”.

THIS FACILITATES PERSONAL INVESTIGATION LEADING TO DISCOVERY, EITHER TO DISCOUNT, DISMISS OR ADOPT MODIFICATIONS IN PRACTICE THAT WOULD IMPROVE QUALITY OF MIND, BODY AND SPIRIT. LESTER ADVOCATED THIS FEEDBACK SYSTEM WHICH ACCOMODATES ACCEPTANCE ACCORDING TO THE CHOICE AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE INDIVIDUAL.

I HAVE NEVER ASSERTED THAT I AM A FULLY ASCENDED PRACTITIONER OF EVERYTHING I MAY SEEM TO PREACH. IT’S HARDLY NEWS THAT LIVING IS A LIFELONG EXPERIENCE OF TRIAL AND ERROR – NO ONE EVER HIT THE GROUND RUNNING. I HAVE YET – AND MOST LIKELY NEVER WILL – ATTAIN THE LEVEL OF LOVE AND GRATITUDE THAT I ASPIRE TO. TO RESTATE MY THEME, I, PLUS EVERYONE ELSE, ARE WORKS IN PROGRESS.

IF, PERCHANCE I DID SOMEDAY ACHIEVE ENLIGHTENMENT, OR TOTAL PEACE OF MIND, WHAT ON EARTH WOULD I WRITE ABOUT? 

It may be a well kept secret, or a little known fact, that some of us seasoned citizens who are perhaps presumed to be put out to pasture are, in fact, far from grazing, still looping the loop.

The inspired title of this blog was casually dropped during a conversation with fellow blogger, Ruth Spier Rosen. Our mutual friend, Margie, another perennial whose professional past in academia predates the Women’s Movement, had arranged a dinner meeting for the three of us, thinking, correctly, that we would have an animated evening. We did.

Ruth wrote a series of recipe booklets in the 1950’s, called “Handy Aid Cookbooks’, which after being warehoused for some thirty years, are currently enjoying a revival, via her website:

http://foodofthefifties.wordpress.com.

I had asked if she was actively involved in the publishing company founded by Ruth and her husband and now continued by her son. Her reply, “I still have a chip in the game.”

THE SONG “THE GAMBLER”, WRITTEN BY DON SCHLITZ.AND POPULARIZED BY JOHNNY CASH AND KENNY ROGERS, ADVISES US WHEN IT’S TIME TO “HOLD EM OR FOLD EM”

THAT’S OK FOR A GAME OF POKER….DO THE SAME RULES APPLY TO THE GAME OF LIFE?

HOW DOES ONE HANG ON TO HOPE?

WHEN DOES ONE BET THE FARM?

WHAT IF THERE’S NO LONGER ANY FARM TO BET?

Leaving the subject of folks dealing with the short end of their lifeline, or credit line, let’s leap (?) to those at the beginning of their adulthood.

Since its inception some eight or nine seasons ago, I have avidly followed the only reality show that resonates with me, perhaps because I have such respect and admiration for these beautiful and gifted kids, as in my imagination I match them step for step. The show is “So You Think You Can Dance?”

 Surprisingly, many of them, far from the intensive, costly training and emotional support most receive from proud and indulgent families, have literally propelled themselves into the auditions and emerged winners against unbelievable odds and obstacles. Where and how did they find the inner and outer resources to live their dreams? It seems that dancing in the streets of the inner city or country lanes can be as effective as in a professional studio.

 TRUTH IS, I HAVE A FEW GUILTY SECRETS OF MY OWN:

My own mother pronounced me a “klutz” (meaning clumsy) when, inspired by my movie idols, I begged for tap dancing lessons.

At college, in lieu of sports training, I opted for required physical education in the form of modern dance. I LOVED IT! Martha Graham was all the rage and I just might have traded in my paint brushes had there been a dance department at my college.

When I came to New York in search of a designing career, I was lured by an offer from the fabled Arthur Murray studios to teach ballroom dancing – so how klutzy could I have been? Thanks to Mom, I went back to the drawing board.

 NOW HOW DID I GET FROM KEEPING A CHIP IN THE GAME TO MY SUPPRESSED DESIRE TO PLAY GINGER TO FRED?

 I KNOW! THE LINK IS THIS!

 THE CHIP IN THE GAME IS THE ONGOING DANCE OF LIFE.

 Physics tells us that an object in motion tends to stay in motion. I presume this to also mean the activity of the mind, including the imagination, as well as the physical vehicle with its subjection to wear and tear. You know what they say: “The minute you drive it out of the dealership…..”

 Lately I discovered that I cannot walk as quickly or as long as in the past. After the initial shock that I may have moved to my last mambo diminished, I simply grounded myself in gratitude that I am blessed to have had a long and mostly fun run – and can still take a few curtain calls.

 Clearly the delicate balance between holding and folding ones aspirations in life is as delicate as dancing en pointe.

 LIFE ISN’T ABOUT WAITING FOR THE STORM TO BE OVER. IT’S ABOUT LEARNING TO DANCE IN THE RAIN.
AUTHOR UNKNOWN

If you don’t know the expression, ask your grandparents, parents – or anyone who grew up influenced by World War II – and who wasn’t if you were there? The phrase connotes pleasurable excitement, especially when shouted by GIs to especially alluring females – think Betty Grable, Rita Hayworth or any leggy luscious pinup. Today the boys are fair game too but at the time those who weren’t too young or too old or infirm were in uniform.

Hubba hubba was probably generated by the word hub: think big city hub-bub, airports, circuses, downtown…..anywhere the action is! And for a fee, you too can play…
or enjoy as a spectator sport!

Of course a hub is actually the heart of a wheel, the vital center from which the action springs, the centerpoint of the spokes leading to the perimeter where all outer activity runs around in circles, going nowhere or somewhere, usually in a hurry.

THE HUB DOESN’T REALLY COVER DISTANCE AT ALL. IT ACTS AS POWER CENTER FOR THE PUPPETEER WHO PULLS THE STRINGS FOR THE ANTICS OF AUTOMATONS, WHO GYRATE ENDLESSLY AROUND THE RIM IN THEIR FRANTIC DANCE OF NEAR – OR COMPLETE – DISASTER. WHAT A WASTE OF POSITIVE POTENTIAL!

THE PURPOSE OF THE SIDESHOW OUTSIDE THE BIG TENT IS TO ENTICE ATTENDEES, AMUSE THEM, WHET THEIR APPETITES, RAISE ANTICIPATION. LIKE SHEEP THEY ARE LURED TOWARD THE CENTER RING WHERE THE HEADLINERS PERFORM THEIR RITES OF RISK AND REWARD FOR THE ROAR OF THE CROWD.

AS P.T. BARNUM NOTED: THERE’S A SUCKER BORN EVERY MINUTE.

Could there be aliens on spacecraft examining us at this moment to determine if we indeed are a hazardous form of life in the universe? A threat to galactic harmony? What must we seem to a hovering host of angels? Especially non-judgmental ones?

Almost everyone in the so-called developed world appears to be behaving like rats in a maze, desperately looking to find cheese where there is none. Even if they do find a nibble they had best be warned to check the list of ingredients.

Inhabitants of third world communities are looking to join the race. At least they attempt to bring something fresh and creative to the game, including a willingness to work very, very hard.

HUBBA HUBBA CAN BE VERY ENTICING TO HAVE-NOTS.

THERE MUST BE ANOTHER WAY TO SURVIVE THIS TUMULT.

SOME ARE HUDDLED AT THE HUB OF THE WHEEL, HOLDING ON FOR DEAR LIFE.

My good friend and webmaster Juan is a triple-faceted example. He runs a media computer division which can demand his presence twenty-four/seven. He has moonlighting clients like me who grab for the leftovers. Plus, not least, his devotion and service to his family and faith. Actually that makes four, not including his personal welfare.

FIVE!

It may appear that Juan is chasing his dream around the circumference of the wheel, hoping to catch the tail of some elusive illusion of survival, or would happiness be too much to ask?

Fact is, Juan is as secure as any mortal can be. Though he appears to be running himself ragged with little return, THE TRUTH IS THAT HE IS IN TRUTH! 

There is no permanence in perpetual motion. Only in the small silent space of the hub – the heart – does tranquility reside. To believe this and live accordingly requires an ability to accept paradox – to live in an apparent duality secure in the certainty of an all encompassing Presence with no opposite. Juan does this.

This willingness to play the game confident that we are all equal players – and eventual winners – requires both an outer objectivity and an inner tranquility.

I have searched unsuccessfully for the origin of the following truism, which encompasses the elements of paradox as well as anything I’ve ever encountered:

LIFE LIVED USING 99% OF ONE’S EFFORT IS GRUELING AND ULTIMATELY FUTILE – LIVED AT 100%, LIFE BECOMES MEANINGFUL AND PRICELESS!

Some wag once commented that the answer to this age old dilemma depends on whether one is drinking or pouring.

Either way, since energy is endless as a life force one would have to extinguish the life source in order to totally drain the glass.

Albert Schweitzer, speaking of depleted vitality, commented that “In everyone’s life, at some time, it (vitality) is then burst onto flame by an encounter with another human being. We should give thanks to those people who rekindle the inner spirit.”

There’s an old teaching example that uses the image of a filth-filled glass of water. If one were to daily place a drop of pure water into the contaminated liquid, eventually the content would be totally clean and clear. This principle is meant to apply to the eventual triumph of good over evil, love over fear, etc.

Some advise placing a glass of uncovered water on ones’ bedside table. Toxins are claimed to be absorbed into the water during sleep which on arising one empties down the drain. Not a bad way to start a fresh day!

Actually an influx of exhilaration can reverse even long standing doldrums instantly. How would you suddenly feel if yours was the winning lottery ticket!

IT OCCURRED TO ME THAT THIS FIFTY/FIFTY FORMULA HAS ITS FLAWS, DEPENDING ON ONE’S STAGE OF LIFE.

FOR INSTANCE, EVEN SHOULD THE OCCASION MIRACULOUSLY ARISE, MY DAYS OF DANCING ALL NIGHT ARE MEMORIES.

I HAVE MY SHARE OF SENIOR MOMENTS, THOUGH SOME SECRET BACK-UP ALARM SYSTEM KICKS IN AT THE LAST MOMENT, PREVENTING MAJOR MISHAPS.

REGRETFULLY, MOST PUBLISHERS ARE PRINTING MAGAZINES AND BOOKS IN EVER SMALLER FONTS AND PALER INK, MAKING THE EFFORT OF READING NOT WORTH THE CONCENTRATION. I SHALL REFRAIN FROM EVALUATING THE CONTENT OR STYLE OF MOST OF THE WRITING.

SO MUCH FOR THE HALF EMPTY VESSEL!

WHAT ABOUT THE HALF FULL CONTAINER THAT MEASURES THE CAPACITY OF MY HEART AND SOUL?

THE GREAT NEWS IS THAT IT HAS BEEN RISING ALL ALONG AND IS NOW FULL TO OVERFLOWING!

My workshop, “Game Changes’ at the Learning Annex Local did not begin in May as originally planned. The good news is that it will start in September. So I get to kick back for the summer – what a blessing considering our famous NY climate!

Regular blogging is another avenue of expression which has become a bottomless pit of pleasure.

The simple act of putting an outfit together has always been and still is a gratifying exercise in harmony and imagination.

 RETURNING TO MY CLASSIC ILLUSTRATION OF HOW, OVER HOWEVER LONG IT TAKES, POLLUTED WATER AND MINDS CAN CLARIFY, CONSIDER THIS REFLECTION:

MANY OF THE TWENTIETH CENTURIES’ MOST POPULAR MIND GAMES REQUIRED THE RELEASE OR LETTING GO OF DESTRUCTIVE HABITS AND CONCEPTS IN ORDER TO ACHIEVE MORE PRODUCTIVITY AND PRESUMABLY HAPPIER LIVES.

WHAT IF, AS AN ALTERNATIVE, THE OPPOSITE PRACTICE WAS MORE EFFECTIVE? WHAT IF DROPS OF DIVINITY IN THE FORM OF SPIRITUAL WISDOM WERE LOVINGLY PLACED IN OUR HEARTS? MIGHT NOT OUR THOUGHTS AND DEEDS OF INCLUSION RATHER THAN BANISHMENT GRADUALLY SHIFT FROM JUDGEMENT AND FEAR TO RESPECT FOR ALL CREATION?

COULDN’T WE JUST ALLOW THE LESS THAN DESIRABLE TO SIMPLY WITHER AWAY FROM LACK OF NOURISHMENT?

OUR CUPS OF CREATIVITY WILL THEN OVERFLOW

THEIR BOUNDARIES WITH PEACE AND GRATITUDE!

If ever there were a common interest, a narrative thread focusing people of all ages and descriptions into unifying attention, it’s the rapt way we all relate to story-telling.

Perhaps it is hard-wired into the evolution of our essence that we love to gather around the campfire or TV, its living room equivalent, spellbound as we enter the audience of the narrator and performers.

There have always been all kinds of enthralling tales to tell, from drawings on the walls of cavemen’s dwellings to the graffiti of our present day. There are two dimensional depictions such as these and those that hang on museum walls to 3D in theater & movies. I strongly suspect that somewhere in the spheres there are multi-galactic extravaganzas “in development”, as they say.

CAMERA LENSES ARE NOW ENCASED AS STANDARD EQUIPMENT IN ALMOST EVERY TELEPHONE AND COMPUTER. EVERY HAPPENING CAN BE DOCUMENTED AND DOWNLOADED BY ANYONE….. YET ANOTHER WAY TO TRANSLATE PEOPLE, PLACES AND PHENOMENA INTO EVOCATIVE IMAGES.

THE BIBLE ITSELF HAS BEEN THROUGH NUMEROUS DRAFTS AND REVISIONS, DEPENDING ON THE SPIRITUAL FLAVORS OF THE DAY.

OUR DRAMAS MUST ORIGINATE WITHIN INDIVIDUAL CONSCIOUSNESS, IN THE CONTEXT OF COLLECTIVE CONSCIOUSNESS – AND UNCONSCIOUSNESS.

This week I was drawn to a book that must have been on my shelf – unread – for over fourteen years, since it was published in 1998. It is my custom to litter all literature with little plastic flags indicating passages for future reference. This volume, “It’s All God”, by Walter Starke, was pristine, though two of his previously published works in my library were well-tagged.

What fascinates me about this author is that there are no distinguishing letters following his name, indicating academic or professional authority as credentials or qualifications for writing on such an audacious theme. He called himself a “Practical Mystic”, drawing on Judaic-Christian tradition.

Mr. Starke, who passed in 2010, achieved fame as a director of Broadway plays, notably several written by John Van Druten. (Starke also received the New York Drama Critic’s Award for his production of “I Am a Camera” which later became “Cabaret’.)

I am tardy in adding Walter Starke to the list of teachers that have influenced my metaphysical education. I have been reading and absorbing his ideas for so long that many of them may have slipped into unacknowledged anonymity, silently influencing my thought.

I am thinking particularly of my blog titled “Finding Freedom in Freefall“. I refer, as he does, to my use of the phrase “free fall” as well as other ideas that indicate our being on the same page spiritually.

WELCOME, WALTER, TO THE LIST OF THOSE WHO MOST HELPED SHAPE AND GUIDE MY PRESENT THINKING. HEARTFELT GRATITUDE FOR YOUR WISDOM.

SINCE I SOUND LIKE I AM ACCEPTING AN OSCAR OR TONY, I MUST ALSO THANK GOD IN ADDITION TO JOSEPH CAMPBELL, A COURSE IN MIRACLES, DR. DAVID HAWKINS AND DR, IHALEAKALA HEW LEN!

 IT IS FOR GOOD REASON THAT WE EMBRACE THE BARDS’ CLICHÉ “ALL THE WORLD’S A STAGE. AND ALL THE MEN AND WOMEN MERELY PLAYERS.”

Ah – but the stage has expanded exponentially to include horizons undreamed of since the entrance of mankind from the wings of creativity.

What if reincarnation were but an opportunity for actors to change masks, costumes and accoutrements, learn a new script in perhaps a new language and charm different patrons?

What if by changing roles and identities they could thereby alter their own destiny – and indirectly change the life paths of those who observe them?

Witness the success of control freak Woody Allen’s’ recent hit “Midnight in Paris.” Where would you like to be transported in your wildest dreams? Maybe the land of “Avatar?”

NO WONDER KIDS RELATE SO FERVENTLY TO THEIR TECHIE GAMES.

OUR LIVES ARE OUR DOCUMENTARIES, OUR CANVASES, OUR SERIAL SOAP OPERAS IN LIVING, GLORIOUS PANORAMIC TECHNICOLOR, OUR VERY OWN ANIMATED VIRTUAL REALITY! 

WE LIVE IN POSSIBILITY! BRAVO! ENCORE!

A man (or woman) had recently arrived at the pearly gates and was being given the grand tour by the Great Guide.

He/she was awestruck as they entered a magnificent room piled high with packages wrapped in every color of the rainbow, “Wow! – what do those boxes contain?”

The Guide replied, “Well, those are the treasures we planned to give you on earth – only you never asked.”

ARE YOUR GIFTS STILL UNDER WRAPS?

ARE YOU HIDING YOUR LIGHT UNDER A BUSHEL?

The spiritual teacher, Esther Hicks, channels an energy group called Abraham. Once she was asked the question “How much is too much of a good thing?” Her guides explained that the universe knows no limitations, and is always expanding to include that which glorifies Creation.

When I was growing up under the watchful eye of a modesty-minded mother, I was not allowed to accept kind words with appreciation as this might encourage me to have inflated opinions of myself; naturally I gravitated to the opposite extreme, thinking myself unattractive. If someone said to Mom that I was pretty, she would dismiss the compliment by saying “Well, she’s sweet.”

What child wants to be sweet if she can be pretty? And would it stretch a point too much if she were both?

Of course it’s a different stage now. Excess seems to be the norm in order to be noticed. Ask Gaga, whose talent requires no embellishment, though without the facade, her light, too, might remain hidden.

Guess the trend toward overkill is relative to what is being over killed. Clearly addictive practices and substances can easily exceed boundaries. Warnings and labels warn and label. There’s always rehab. And supersizes.

LET’S SEE WHAT LIGHT HISTORY HAS TO SHED ON THE SUBJECT.

When Shakespeare coined the phrase of “too much of a good thing”, it was understood that “thing” referred to the genitalia of either sex. The scene containing this dialogue occurs between Rosalind & Orlando in “As You Like It”.

Continuing Shakespeare’s line of thought, Mae West commented:
“Too much of a good thing can be taxing”.

“Save a boyfriend for a rainy day – and another, in case it doesn’t rain”.

Obviously an expert on the subject, Ms. West also observed that
 “Too much of a good thing can be wonderful.”

MORE THAN A DECADE AGO I REALIZED THAT TIME, IN LINEAR TERMS, WAS FINITE. AS INDIVIDUALS IN OUR WORLD OF LIMITATION, WE CAN NEITHER HOARD NOR WASTE THE YEARS ON EARTH THAT WE ARE ALLOTTED. IT’S CALLED FREE WILL, TIME DOESN’T CARE!

I  DETERMINED AT THIS POINT THAT MY SOLE REMAINING SO-CALLED GOAL IN THIS LIFESPAN IS TO FULFILL MY HIGHEST PURPOSE.

My definition/interpretation of the Bard’s phrase today would indicate a surplus of anything that made one feel really really good.

Since I neither smoke nor imbibe more that an occasional glass of Merlot, those usual suspects don’t apply. I never did drugs and sugar gives me indigestion.

Never having possessed much more than survival money, I can only presume that having gazillions in reserve would not tempt me much more than the luxury of a car and driver. After I had provided safe and comfortable homes for every creature in need.

(As for the archaic meaning of too much of a good thing, that ship sailed a while back.)

That only leaves two possibilities.

SHOPPING!!!

SPIRITUALITY!!!

AN OVERFLOW OF BOTH LEAVES ME POSITIVELY ECSTATIC!!!

To get high on a perfect bargain from a flea market or crafts fair leaves me almost orgasmic.

Beholding the beauty inherent in the natural and man-made evolution of the planet, its inhabitants and beyond renders me astonished and overwhelmed beyond comprehension.

IS IT POSSIBLE GOD MAY HAVE SURPASSED HIS CREATION OF THE UNIVERSE IN HEAVEN?

Most of us act unwisely or unfairly at times – then live to regret our words and actions, often when it seems too late; the wronged person(s) have passed or moved on.

The belated slap on the wrist or bitten tongue won’t help once the deed is done. Apologies are after words, which do not erase memories.

Seers, saints and scriptures plead for forgiveness – all too often it feels like lip service rather than regret.

ELIZABETH KUBLER-ROSS, THE LATE PHYSICIAN WHO WORKED WITH TERMINAL CANCER PATIENTS, OFTEN CHILDREN, NOTED THAT THOSE PATIENTS WHO HAD CLEAR CONSCIOUSES, WHO HAD RESOLVED ISSUES WITH TROUBLESOME RELATIIONSHIPS IN THEIR LIVES, ENDURED THE END OF EARTHY LIFE FAR MORE EASILY THAN THOSE WHO REMAINED BITTER TO A BITTER END.

I FESS UP TO LESS THAN LOVING FEELINGS TOWARD A BROTHER-IN-LAW WHO, BROKEN BY THE BURDEN OF CARING FOR MY SISTER DURING HER LAST LONG ILLNESS, ASKED HER TO DIE ALREADY.THIS SAME SISTER HAD WISHED OUR MOTHER TO DO THE SAME. WHAT GOES AROUND DOES SEEM TO COME AROUND.

NEITHER MY MOTHER NOR SISTER IN THEIR PRESENT FORM, OR LACK THEREOF, PRESUMABLY NURTURES HATRED IN THEIR HEARTS TOWARD ANYONE. PERHAPS IF WE INDEED GET DO-OVERS IN FUTURE LIFETIMES, IT WOULD BE WISE TO END THE CYCLE AND ACHIEVE CLOSURE ASAP.

IF WE CAN! BUT HOW TO UNDO THE PAST?

DR. DAVID HAWKINS TEACHES THAT THE ANSWER DEPENDS ON THE DEGREE OF SPIRITUAL SOPHISTICATION WE POSSESS AT ANY GIVEN STAGE OF DEVELOPMENT.

WITHOUT MAKING ANYONE WRONG FOR ANY REASON, JUST REALIZE THAT IF THE ACCUSED COULD HAVE DONE BETTER HE/SHE WOULD HAVE DONE BETTER.

THIS SIMPLE RE-FRAMING OF ANY INCIDENT, WITHIN THE BOUNDARIES AND CIRCUMSTANCES OF EXISTING OVERRIDING CONDITIONS OF TIME AND UNDERSTANDING, AUTOMATICALLY RELEGATES THE MATTER OF FORGIVENESS TO ITS RIGHTFUL REALM.

OBSERVATIONS:

“THE TRUEST GRACE IS NOT TO FORGIVE BUT TO HAVE NEVER FOUND FAULT.”
RICHARD PAUL EVANS

“FORGIVENESS IS GOD’S GREATEST GIFT.”
DAN BROWN – THE DA VINCI CODE

“WHEN YOU BEGIN TO SEE THAT YOUR ENEMY IS SUFFERING, THAT IS THE BEGINNING OF INSIGHT.”
THICH NHAT HANH

“VIEW YOUR LIFE WITH KINDSIGHT.”
KAREN SALMANSOHN

SINCE WE CAN OBSERVE THE WORLD THROUGH NO OTHER MECHANISM THAN OUR INDIVIDUAL CONSCIOUSNESS, WE WOULD NOT RECOGNIZE ANOTHERS’ BEHAVIOR IF THE SAME QUALITIES WERE NOT PRESENT WITHIN OUR OWN AWARENESS.

I am reminded of the cautionary tale of two monks walking through a forest. They arrive at an angry stream, through which a comely young woman is battling to navigate. One of the monks assesses the situation, strides forward, scoops the frightened girl up in his arms and deposits her safely on the other side.

He returns to join his holy brother, They continue in a strained silence until, unable to restrain himself any longer, the agitated monk erupts: ”You know we are forbidden to touch women! How could you break your vow and act as if nothing immoral happened? His companion calmly replied, “I put her down half an hour ago. You are still carrying her.”

I reflect on this observation by gazing into the mirror of my memory when tempted to condemn another.

BETTER TO DEFER JUDGMENT TO THE HIGHEST AUTHORITY, DIVINE DISCRETION,
ONLY THEN WE CAN UNDO, FORGIVE AND BE
FORGIVEN.

“JUDGE NOT THAT YE BE NOT JUDGED”
MATTHEW 7

The title says it all. The words “he” (representing humanity), “hear, ear and art” are neatly contained in the word “heart”, staring me in the face right now, asking “WHAT COULD BE MORE CLEAR?” Wow, “ear” is there again, reinforcing this point! “Let them who have ears…….”

I had an epiphany one morning this week. After days, maybe weeks of construction on the street where I live, the clamoring, clanging, riveting, racket had done its job of jolting me awake and shattering my nerves as it continued for hours.

It eventually dawned on my very annoyed mind that this noisy violence was essential – breaking down old structures (patterns?) is essential in order to build anew (rethink?). True, these guys were disturbing everyone but maybe themselves; on the other hand, they were hammering out homes, places for families to live. Remember, you can’t make an omelet without breaking eggs, though that procedure is quite quiet.

SINCE WHAT IS RESISTED PERSISTS, ACCEPTANCE OF “WHAT IS” HELPED REMOVE THE ACTUAL SOURCE OF DISCOMFORT;
THE ANGER OF INTRUSION ON MY PEACE AND REST.

I MOVED INTO THE SOMEWHAT QUIETER DEN, DONNED SOME GOOD EARPHONES AND WISHED THE WORKERS WELL. BY THE WAY, MUFFIE MY CAT SLEPT SOUNDLY THROUGH THE WHOLE ORDEAL.

HE WHO HEARS WITH HIS HEART CREATES THE ART OF THE EAR. BAD WRITING. GOOD IDEA.

Music offers graphic analogies:

 The pounding of percussion echo heartbeats of lovers.

Violins tug at their heartstrings.

The flutter of flutes murmur excitedly.

I’m getting positively poetic!

ON A MORE MUNDANE NOTE:

NOTICE HOW WE RESPOND TO CRYING BABIES AND SHRIEKING TODDLERS. I WONDER IF, IN PART, THESE LITTLE ONES ARE RESPONDING TO OUR DISAPPROVAL AS MUCH AS TO THEIR OWN INNER DISTRESS.

ON A NON-STOP FIVE HOUR FLIGHT TO NEW YORK FROM SEATTLE I SAT BEHIND AN EXHAUSTED, PREGNANT MOTHER HOLDING AN ENORMOUS RED-HEADED EIGHT MONTH-OLD BOY WITH A SET OF LUNGS TO MATCH. FINALLY AN INSPIRED FLIGHT ATTENDANT TOOK PITY ON THE CHILD, HIS MOM AND THE REST OF THE PASSENGERS. SHE SMILINGLY TOOK THE KID AND NAVIGATED THE AISLE COOING TO HIM. HE BROKE INTO A BIG GRIN, KISSED THE ATTENDANT- TWICE – AND GAVE US ALL A LITTLE RESPITE! GUESS SHE WAS LISTENING WITH HER HEART.

MY OWN SON, AT SIX OR SO, HAD A HISSY FIT AT BLOOMIES BECAUSE HE COULDN’T SQEEZE HIS BABY-FAT BOTTOM INTO THE CHINOS HE CRAVED. IT TOOK THE BUYER OF THE BOY’S DEPARTMENT AND THE FLOOR MANAGER TO PLACATE HIS HYSTERIA – I WASN’T MUCH HELP.

“A Course in Miracles” says that every unkind act is a cry for love. The Buddha practiced compassion.

All spiritual leaders admonish us to observe some version of “Do unto others……”

Maybe the Dalai Lama would stroll in traffic to avoid the brigade of strollers barricading all pedestrians except themselves.

Maybe certain diners at upscale restaurants also reserved the right to treat the premises as their private dining room, making normal conversation levels inaudible.

Maybe seemingly able-bodied teenagers can’t read the signs requesting that certain seats be offered to the aged and/or the infirm.

EMILY POST, WHERE ARE YOU NOW THAT I NEED YOU MOST?

DIVINITY, I MOST HUMBLY PETITION YOU FOR AN UPGRADE IN MY ACKNOWLEDGED ATTITUDE TOWARD INCONSIDERATION, BY OTHERS AND MYSELF.

PLEASE GRANT ME THE PATIENCE OF A SAINT AS I ACQUIRE THE ART OF HEARING WITH MY HEART!

Consider the seedling; pushing pushing pushing through frozen earth till the moment it blasts through, turns toward the light to unfold as a daffodil, rivaling the sun in beauty and hue.

Or observe the infant, bloodied and exhausted, even spanked into existence before its ordeal is done, finally placed to recover in mommy’s arms.

Even the newly hatched graduate, diploma clutched in hand, released from academia, faces freedom on the brink of a strange new, capricious community of opportunity.

SEVERAL OF MY FRIENDS, ALONG WITH MYSELF, SEEM TO BE EMERGING FROM SITUATIONS / CHALLENGES RANGING FROM SERIOUS TO RADICAL.

ALL ARE FACED WITH AN UNKNOWN WAY OF BEING IN THE WORLD, THEIR DETERMINATION AND DRIVE HAVING AN UNAVOIDABLE SIDE-EFFECT: A MAJOR RE-THINKING OF PREVIOUSLY AND DEEPLY ENTRENCHED BEHAVIORS AND BELIEFS.

THIS PROCESS IS NOT TO BE EQUATED WITH SO-CALLED ACCEPTED, UNAVOIDABLE CONDITIONS THAT MAY ACCOMPANY AGING.

THE OLD ADAGE THAT BREAKDOWN PRECEDES BREAKTHROUGH IS PROVING ITS VALIDITY ONCE MORE.

One dear friend, survivor of an accident which rendered her helpless for years, eventually recovered and, resolved to accomplish whatever challenges life presented, was literally burning her candle at both ends, resulting in a severe healing crisis. Divinity said “Not so fast!!!”

Another, pressed to her physical and emotional limits by her need and necessity to give care and solace to friends and family making their transition, also suffered collapse under the weight of good intentions inevitably limited by lack of attention to her own priorities.

My webmaster, Juan, devoted family man and exemplary employee, has exhausted the midnight oil so incessantly that he is being forced to re-evaluate his priorities, go to Plan B, in order to function effectively.

MY OWN REALIZATION WAS MERCIFULLY BRIEF, OCCURRING AFTER EXPERIENCING AN INSIGHT INTO THE WORD “MONEY”, WHICH I SHARED WITH YOU LAST WEEK.

 I WAS INTRIGUED BY A DIRECT RESPONSE MARKETING LETTER IMPLYING THAT BY DOING A LITTLE RESEARCH INTO THE TRIGGER POINTS THAT SEDUCE  BUYERS OF EVERYTHING FROM REAL ESTATE TO VITAMINS, I TOO COULD PRODUCE WINNING LETTERS THAT WOULD INSURE MY FINANCIAL FUTURE – WHO KNEW I WOULD LIVE THIS LONG?

WELL THAT SUPPOSEDLY SIMPLE INVESTMENT IN TIME AND STUDY, FOR ME (WITH MY NOT SO GREAT EYESIGHT AND TENDENCY TO FALL ASLEEP MID-PAGE) AMOUNTED TO A RETURN TO THE TEDIUM OF STRUCTURED STUDY FROM WHICH I MERCIFULLY ESCAPED INTO THE SATISFYING WORLD OF CREATIVE WORK.

THE BOTTOM LINE IS THAT WE WERE NEITHER DESTINED NOR DESIGNED TO BE MULTI-TASKERS: JACK OF ALL TRADES, MASTERS OF NONE.

EACH OF US HAS A DIVINELY ASSIGNED MISSION TO MAKE MAXIMUM USE OF A SPECIFIC SKILL, TALENT OR GENIUS WHICH FULFILLS OUR PURPOSE/PROMISE AND RAISES THE LEVEL OF ALL MANKIND!

NEVER DO ANYTHING YOU DON’T WANT TO DO FOR MONEY; NEVER LET THE LACK OF MONEY STOP YOU FROM DOING WHAT YOU LOVE.

Upon arrival at an unforeseen destination, the newbie flower (baby, graduate) is by no means assured that success/survival is possible in what has proven to be an unpredictable, even hostile environment. Storms of all descriptions conspire to uproot, upset and unbalance, requiring considerable adaptation or, in the case of the daffodil, going underground to hibernate and bloom next year.

Our infant learns that he must please others at the expense of his nature and dreams. Our promising graduate compromises, failing to find favor for her unique gift in the marketplace.

All this exacts too high and heavy a price from soul and spirit, just to stay afloat. Sacrifice eventually surfaces as illness of body and mind.

I DECIDED THAT THE PRICE REQUIRED TO WRITE A PROFESSIONAL SALES LETTER, PITCHED TO LURE OTHERS DOWN ONE GARDEN PATH OR ANOTHER, WOULD SPREAD MY ENERGY TOO THIN FOR CONCENTRATION AND FOCUS ON MY TRUE PURPOSE.

I HAVE NAVIGATED TREACHEROUS TERRITORY BEFORE. FROM EXPERIENCE I KNOW THAT BARKS ARE  WORSE THAN BITES – THAT NO MATTER HOW SCARY, DEDICATION TO ONE’S AUTHENTIC JOURNEY TAKES PRECEDENCE OVER FEAR, OVERCOMES OBSTACLES AND PROVIDES ULTIMATE PROTECTION.

SO BREAK NEW GROUND, KNOWING THAT IF YOUR MISSION IS POSITIVE, IT WILL ULTIMATELY PREVAIL!