Friday, March 27, 2009

Leading Lady



For some reason theater references often fill my mind as potential metaphors. Today I was pondering the concept of "Leading Lady". Saying it out loud sounds important, doesn't it?

Obviously, the leading lady would be a vital element of the story being depicted. She would be a powerful force making or breaking the performance of the play or movie. She would also be deserving of special attention, like a special dressing room, a chair with her name on it, and maybe first in line at the food truck. I'm sure her opinion on various topics would also be of interest to others.

I think I'm going to play with the idea that I am the leading lady in my life. Life isn't a performance, it's for real, yet I am the major player. The choices I make, how I behave, and in essence, how I want to live would be totally up to me. Since it's my life, then my opinion is the last word.

Now of course, I may ask for some direction and will learn from the other actors (that would be you), but when it gets down to it, being the leading lady means my life revolves around me.

Doesn't it make sense then to treat myself well and to honor my importance in having my life lived well?

Life is not a show and I am not acting, but knowing I am the star of this production I am living, feels good. The wonderful thing about this idea is we all get to have the lead parts in our lives and we all get to be honored for who we are.

Although I am the leading lady in my life, it does not mean I deserve any more than anyone else that is starring in their life. It also does not mean that all I would care about is me. What it does mean is that I play it out the way I see fit.

I am very happy to be casted in this role and plan on making it a great show!

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

A Lizard's Life Lessons



About a month ago, my son enlisted in the Army. This decision created a need for some quick action to move his "stuff" from Massachusetts to our home in Pennsylvania. Part of his stuff included a Giant Sudan Plated Lizard, named Monty. Monty has been with Alan living in several states (PA, Ohio, NY, MA) for the past six years or so. They are apparently quite close, so of course Alan wanted to have him in the loving hands of his grandmother (that would be me).

At first, I was a bit shell shocked to have a lizard living in my family room in a giant aquarium. Although I did not have a previous affection for lizards, after a few days I began to notice that Monty stopped hiding in one of his tunnels whenever I walked by. He actually was still as I tried to talk "nice" to him. He seemed appreciative of the mango or strawberries I fed him every other day. He would even sometimes make eye contact with me....that was a bonding experience, for sure.

As I continued to observe Monty I began to see that he seemed to be living a great life....at least for a lizard, and that maybe he had some lessons for the rest of us.

I noticed he loved to lie atop his tunnel to be closer to the light as though he was lying on the beach. His quiet appreciation struck me as living in the moment and fully enjoying it.

I noticed he never ate more than his fill. If I happened to give him more food than his usual allotted portion, he didn't clean his plate. I imagine his mindful eating habits will keep him healthy. He also exercises regularly as he scales the sides of his home a few times a day.

He is also a great reminder of the need to sometimes get away and off by yourself. He periodically goes inside his structure so that only his tail can be seen. I can only imagine this is his time to reflect on his existence and to be grateful for his wonderful life in my family room. I have learned to not disturb him when he is having his private time.

Monty will soon be moving out to live with my nephew (his uncle). Although I will be happy to have my family room back as it once was, I will miss this Giant Sudan Plated Lizard and will always be grateful for the lessons of life that I have learned.

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Recipe for Faith



Many people struggle to let go of control and allow their life to unfold with trust. In other words, having faith can be the greatest challenge of living in this world....especially in today's world. As I was letting this concept of faith roll around quietly in my mind this morning, some ingredients that I believe are necessary, bubbled up.

To have faith means we must believe that all is well....even when things are not looking or feeling like wellness. We must allow ourselves to trust that events, situations etc., will eventually create an outcome in our best interest. Faith also means that we are letting go of control, although we are still engaged in some action and allowing. We live with a high level of belief. Faith means knowing. We know, without question, that our needs will be met, even when there is no direct evidence supporting that fact.

When we are truly feeling the power of faith, we can totally surrender in complete peace. It doesn't mean we disengage from our lives, but know that we will be guided to take whatever actions may be necessary to lead us along on our path.

For some, even when they claim to hold a strong belief in God, will have difficulty keeping their faith alive. Others, without any formal religious connections, seem to naturally maintain and nourish their faith.

Regardless of your background or history on this issue, faith is a part of life that can always be strengthened. First you must recognize where you stand on this concept. Do you struggle to trust and have faith, or is it a natural part of you? Next, you can explore your fears that pull you from the peace of faith.

Looking at each fear with an open heart and allowing yourself to turn it over, looking closely, exploring and understanding the nuances, can be a great beginning for you to live a life based on faith. As always, holding yourself with love and compassion in your process is always a vital ingredient.

Sunday, March 22, 2009

Personal Mastery


Many of us spend our time and energy on mastering some skill or use of knowledge so that we may become an expert. It may be our dream to be the best of whatever it is we study and practice. Our intention may be to be famous or wealthy. We long to no longer need to ask questions, but to be one that has the answers.

Imagine that same desire and impulse to excel when it comes to mastering your life. This mastery will not come by looking outside yourself or by study, or by a growing bank account, although observation and experiences used as learning can certainly be helpful.

Personal mastery comes by looking within. It comes by sifting through all the external stimuli that tries to tell us what or who we should be and simply focusing on our small quiet voice of the heart. The payback in our process of mastery is when we experience joy, peace and passion for life.

Mastery will also obliterate fear and resistance, allowing you to move through life with ease rather than a perspective of difficulty and endless challenges. Mastery brings confidence, trust, a sharpened intuition and certainly unconditional love and compassion.

I know I have not yet reached mastery, although I am fully enjoying my learning and growth along the way. Once again, it is not the final "knowing" that matters so much, it is the desire to be as I was created to be that stimulates my joy to live fully now.