It can all start with one word... Genshai, the Golden Rule, Sawubona

Genshai - This word was introduced to me by Kevin Hall years ago whom I met personally at a conference where he spoke and I also received his book "Aspire" (which is on my keeper shelf) .

It's funny, because a year prior I was recommended by both Bob and John to get in touch with him as I had a similar love and particular"ness" for words in the same way.

....The meaning of the word, "that you should never treat others in a way that would make them feel small," I expanded to include myself and almost anything I come into contact with. It really expanded the way that I would receive the world around me. It also expanded the way I would read and write...as well as my personal consideration and relationship with of God. The viewpoint from which I viewed my life "grew".

But I'm not sure that everyone would have read the meaning the same as I did. You see, it's not just about "not" making others feel small...it's about questioning yourself on how you choose to see. Well, if it isn't "small" or "insignificant" than what is it? If I can't "belittle" it or take away the person's name and only refer to them as a number or a file, then what am I supposed to do? And also, if we can't think small does that mean we have to think big? Well, why not for the possibility of more...that like you, this person or thing before you has had quite the journey and story to share that might just surprise you....that might even inspire you....and might connect you to a part of you that you are meant to "see" in a deeper way.

And in that, the "golden rule" comes forward. "Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you." But have you considered yourself enough...to really and truly know what you would like? In life, in actions, in love.... to bring love forward to another? Again, this scripture asks you to consider yourself and what YOU like...

And yet another  word, Sawubona.

This is a Zulu greeting that means “We see you”. And in the expanded version of how I apply it in my life...if I am saying this greeting, “Sawubona”, who is “we”? This again brings around your consideration into yourself….”who” is “I”? For myself, my “I” is a wholeness that includes the ever-presence of God...period. So with 7 billion people alone on this earth (and not including the other beings of animals, bugs, etc on this planet) that we are sharing breath with, we get to witness what would be a handful of those around us. We don’t get to see everyone who may pass by in the same space, so what does that mean for those that we do get to see? Perhaps there is a greater reason we can explore if we choose to connect to it.

In order for us to consider the vastness, the significance, the potential greatness of one another, we must first give that consideration of ourselves. So I ask you (and myself) today, In what ways have you been treating yourself and considering yourself as small? And how can you suspend those thoughts and considerations to allow yourself to be seen (and enjoyed) in a “bigger” way? Honestly, our dreams are but a glimpse of what is possible...but it is still possible. And if we could just expand our day to day view of life...how much more joy and wonder could we be experiencing?

The gift of support.

 Good morning!

The gift of support....Is support a safety net? Is it a way of getting through each day? Is it something you couldn't imagine being without? Is it something you feel is lacking? Is it something you find you are able to give? Are you willing to receive it?

It all depends doesn't it? Some have been conditioned to think that it is better to do things on their own so when you go to offer help or support, it's an outright insult. You are compromising their independence. And for others, it's a blessing...maybe because they are tired of going it alone.

In my own head, all of the above questions apply...the internal dialogue is always between doing it all on my own to "prove" I am independent and capable, and another voice that allows the willing supporter to come in and contribute.

And then there is yet another...almost like a pulse that runs through my life that is constant in support....no matter the choice I make, it is there. I can feel it as I breathe...as I look around a room, and even as I touch and feel in the spaces around me. It's in THIS space that I know that even in the most challenging of moments or events or pain that I am experiencing, that I am reminded that I will be fine, and that there is a bigger picture.

This week started off with a LOT of pain. I committed to being in recovery mode from that point on...a lot more rest and sleep...and definitely more grace and compassion for myself. I also chose to show up in moments where I knew...that even not at my best I would be able to strengthen and deepen connections. I call it my bigger picture moments. And in those moments, that when I tap into my undercurrent of support. It's also a great reminder for me that I have been in even more difficult situations and was able to encourage and then be supported, so I know I can do it again. I take that and sprinkle in other areas of my life...and I hope to recognize the areas where I may have missed sprinkling that support...in the lives of those around me and in my own life as well.

I hope you can feel supported today in some way...today I can say I know that I am

#thankyouGod #gratitude #thereisalotofGood #lookforthegood #everpresent #helpingmetoshine #Iamalight #divinesupport #oneanotherlove #Sawubona

First day of school 2017

 

Alrighty...we walked them there today...all the way to the lockers...like many of the parents there. After, all the parents got to hangout drinking free coffee, eating cute mini doughnuts, and catching up with each other. Happy first day parents! ...and kids...

#backtoschool #hangingontheplayground #letsbereal #notjustforthekids #identificationpics #theywillbesafe

It was my honour to consider his safety, happiness, and well-being

 DOH! Another thought....

As I went to settle the worries of an anxious child this morning I shared how it was my honour to consider his safety, happiness, and well-being. By no means is it a burden or where I would have him to feel guilt or shame for having to consider such things. I don't expect him to be perfect. I don't want to expect or imagine a perfect fairytale-all-done-for-you existence. Sometimes I remember what it feels like to think that I "should" be one way or another. How I didn't meet up to the expectations of those around me and how I was "supposed" to feel weighed down with guilt and shame....as though that was supposed to motivate me to be something different than what I am or what I was experiencing. To have the guilt and shame morphed me into something...ANYthing other than me so others could be happy.

And I can feel that now....that there are expectations of me to be the happiest, healthiest, and wealthiest person in the lives of those around me. That anything that I could imagine becomes my reality in an instant. That I could travel and be anywhere I wanted to be at the drop of a hat. That I could just speak and money would be dropped at my feet in overflowing abundance. That I would be beautiful to behold by all and just glow with infinite wisdom and radiance. Oddly enough, I know that there are those in my life that are disappointed with me....having illness to live with, work through, and overcome. That I have financial struggles. That I 'waste' my intelligence in the presence of stupid, 'uneducated' people (not how I see it). That I carry any extra weight or body fat not rippling with muscle tone. I have crushed their expectations with bruit force. And with all this, here I am....me. Imperfect, ill, struggling, not as fit as I once was....

I admit, I do have a 'hint' of struggle. I recognize my own humanity. And I also look to what it is that I truly value, want, and love in my life. I may not be dreaming about a "dream" life for myself, as I have let dreaming slip from me recently, but I DO feel honoured to have the privilege to witness, love, and stand up for my beautiful family. That their smiles and hugs and touches light me up. That sharing in their struggles and maybe able to be their for support is a gift. To be spoken to and listened to by them fills my soul. That their actions in life include me in it. That the beauty of discovery and growth can be shared with and celebrated. I feel so special to be associated with them and know that I look on with such joy and delight....You see, I have expectations too. But these are the moments that I cherish experiencing and because they get to be here and living is an honour for me to witness. And then from there, I chose to honour the witnessing of ME being here and in my unique experience...through divine union. And it's not about my family first or me first....it's just that they are a part of my immediate experience each day. And it's THAT that goes unseen. Your witnessing of your perspective and experience in this world. SO who better to appreciate than you? Who better than me to give honour to the joy of my experiences than me?

#oneanotherlove #Lovealways #cherished #backtoschoolblues #DivineUnion

I am and you are not a burden. You are cherished

Good morning, 

As I went to settle the worries of an anxious child this morning I shared how it was my honour to consider his safety, happiness, and well-being. By no means is it a burden or where I would have him to feel guilt or shame for having to consider such things. I don't expect him to be perfect. I don't want to expect or imagine a perfect fairytale-all-done-for-you existence. Sometimes I remember what it feels like to think that I "should" be one way or another. How I didn't meet up to the expectations of those around me and how I was "supposed" to feel weighed down with guilt and shame....as though that was supposed to motivate me to be something different than what I am or what I was experiencing. To have the guilt and shame morphed me into something...ANYthing other than me so others could be happy.

And I can feel that now....that there are expectations of me to be the happiest, healthiest, and wealthiest person in the lives of those around me. That anything that I could imagine becomes my reality in an instant. That I could travel and be anywhere I wanted to be at the drop of a hat. That I could just speak and money would be dropped at my feet in overflowing abundance. That I would be beautiful to behold by all and just glow with infinite wisdom and radiance. Oddly enough, I know that there are those in my life that are disappointed with me....having illness to live with, work through, and overcome. That I have financial struggles.  That I 'waste' my intelligence in the presence of stupid, 'uneducated' people. That I carry any extra weight or body fat not rippling with muscle tone. I have crushed their expectations with bruit force. And with all this, here I am....me. Imperfect, ill, struggling, not as fit as I once was....  

I admit, I do have a 'hint' of struggle. I recognize my own humanity. And I also  look to what it is that I truly value, want, and love in my life. I may not be dreaming about a "dream" life for myself, as I have let dreaming slip from me recently, but I DO feel honoured to have the privilege to witness, love, and stand up for my beautiful family. That their smiles and hugs and touches light me up. That sharing in their struggles and maybe able to be their for support is a gift. To be spoken to and listened to by them fills my soul. That their actions in life include me in it. That the beauty of discovery and growth can be shared with and celebrated. I feel so special to be associated with them and know that I look on with such joy and delight....You see, I have expectations too. But these are the moments that I cherish experiencing and because they get to be here and living is an honour for me to witness. And then from there, I chose to honour the witnessing of ME being here and in my unique experience...through divine union. And it's not about my family first or me first....it's just that they are a part of my immediate experience each day. And it's THAT that goes unseen. Your witnessing of your perspective and experience in this world. SO who better to appreciate than you? Who better than me to give honour to the joy of my experiences than me?

I love you, and I hope you can love and celebrate you too...with all of us ❤

Love always,

The state of being that I chose to express inspires the action I take

 Good morning! I just got a good slap upside the head from a small voice within.... saying "Give credit where it's due ". More specifically, in recognizing and seeing my own gifts, talents, and contributions.

In what ways am I being "nudged" to express a greater contribution?

In what ways am I freely will to give?

In what ways do I encourage others in their journey in life?

In what ways am I thanked for what I share with others?

In what ways am I complimented by others?

In what ways to I share in moments with others?

In what ways do I make connections with others?

Can all these come from a choice of action or state of being that I chose to express?

There is no boasting that is happening here...sometimes we neglect honouring the life we are living without a second thought...even dismissing the good work we enjoyed doing to keep up with the notion of not being too high on yourself...but really...in the littlest moments...who is seeing what you get to see and experience? And even in some cases, who is celebrating you in the small things? We love to see others who have confidence and look on with awe and wonder, but how do they do it?

Maybe by seeing, celebrating, and enjoying the little things in life they get to personally witness.

We love it on a big screen or tv show, but not for ourselves?

Try it if you haven't...I will tell you that for me, it sometimes makes me cry...it takes off the edge of loneliness a bit, and helps me move forward in my day.

The little "wins" we live...let's count some and see...

#thankyouGod #everydayallday #grateful #Lovefirst #oneanotherlove #LovelifeFull #countyourwins #learnyourlanguage #EYL