I Am Here Now

At any given moment we are somewhere and that means physically, mentally and spiritually. Our bodies may be in one place, but our minds and spirits in another. How often we daydream about what was or what may be, missing the ecstasy of this moment.

What is truly a joy is when our bodies, minds and spirits are aligned, and we are totally present in the what is now. To manage that feat, we must stop our thoughts, feel what is then present and then surrender to it. It is in this place of bliss that there is only joy and love. Fear disappears as the thoughts subside. Knowing all is well and peace is what is true is what fills our hearts.

I am typing these words in a hotel lobby in Sacramento and am filled with gratitude for what was, is now, and what will be. Surrounded by the sounds of people working and guests coming and going, I can still be present and feel peace within. By holding this focus the rush and stress around me does not affect me. I can feel peace at any time I choose.

In a moment, I will exit this page, and move on amongst the other travelers, but taking with me the peace of presence.

A Country Inspired

I have been watching the inauguration activities off and on today in the midst of clients, packing for a trip and the basic goings on of my day. Not only is today one of great history making with the swearing in of our first African American president, but it is a day where it appears our entire country is inspired to create positive change.

Witnessing the outpouring of support, the excitement in the faces of those watching the proceedings, either in person or from their own cities, I felt hope to be a palpable emotion that permeated every crowd. With hope comes intention and commitment. Without a doubt, with pure inspiration, we as a country can move beyond each obstacle and challenge currently in our collective path.

The most joy-filled piece of this political pie that I am enjoying is the thought that we as a country can shift our minds and actions from a stand against ___________(fill in the blank) to one of a positive focus for ___________(fill in the blank) that will ultimately serve us all. A positive attitude that creates respectful conversations will surely pull us up from a crawl to standing, and then leaping to new heights.

What each of us is called to do is to be open for change and cooperation, listening to other's ideas as we share our own.

I am one person, fully inspired, standing with countless others as I support our new president in leading our country to truly be a model for freedom and prosperity for all.

Mission: Possible

Remember the old television show, Mission: Impossible? It was one of my favorites, probably because the Mission Impossible team always succeeded accomplishing the impossible.

Last night I had a dream I was on a Mission: Possible team. I received a message to come to a very large high building and to travel to the top floor. When I got off the elevator I was greeted by my friends, Barbara and Larry. They were in charge of dispensing the tasks to the Mission: Possible teams.

The mission they assigned me and my colleague, David, was to teach people about JOY. We were told that many people are resistant and afraid, but they knew we could succeed in helping them to let down their guard and let in love and laughter.

When I heard our assignment, I had no doubt we could succeed and was excited to get started. Before we left, however, I found myself roller blading in this huge open space. I don't know how to Rollerblade in my awake life, but in this dream, I was skillfully zooming around with complete ease. Although I was surprised to see myself moving along with such confidence, I thought at the time "this is what life feels like when you give up your fears....it is complete freedom".

I don't have a strong urge to learn how to Rollerblade, but it is my intention to live with complete freedom, without fear and with pure joy. I know it's possible.

What are you wanting that deep down, you know is possible?

The Soup of Life

While eating dinner this evening, the metaphor of life being like Soup drifted into my mind. You may be thinking I am taking my metaphors a bit too far, but I encourage you to stick with me and see what shows up for you in your soup of life.

Imagine the soup pot is the container for your life or your life span. Within that container goes all the ingredients (which you choose) to make your life as delicious as possible. You will probably add some sort of liquid which is a vital ingredient. This liquid or stock creates the base in which all of the other ingredients will blend. I see liquid being represented by the truth of who you are. Soup cannot be soup without liquid. You cannot be "you" without the essence that you were born with.

Next you will add some vegetables, which not only add taste to your soup of life, but also variety of color, texture and nutrients that make for a healthy life. Metaphorically vegetables could represent all of the building blocks of your life....your relationships, your values, and every life experience you have ever had. The sweetness will compensate for any bitterness.

Of course, herbs and spices may be added to keep your soup from being bland. Spices, being optional in a soup, can be represented by all of the choices you make that take you out of your comfort zone....they are the particles of your life that create a zing or make you want to linger and take in more. Of course, soup can just have the basic seasonings of salt and pepper. It isn't tasteless, but it may not be memorable.

Now let's look at the process of making soup. The ingredients are added.....sometimes all at once, yet typically they are added gradually as the soup simmers. The simmering of your soup is necessary to make it taste good. Good soup and good life just doesn't happen immediately. Patience is needed, as well as attention and an occasional stir. Having your soup at a rolling boil will overcook the vegetables, but a slow simmer will create a delicious end result to savor.

I encourage you to pay attention to your soup pot of life. Be aware as you add ingredients and how they will change the taste. Stir the pot lovingly....don't rush it.....trust it will be perfect when it's done.