Volume 13, Issue 11 | November 2024 | |
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Hi!
Last month I wrote that I was grateful the U.S. elections were almost over. Well, now they are over (as well as so much more IMHO…).
The results impact everyone nationally and globally. It was a rude awakening for me to learn that a vast number of voters: “inform” themselves via social media and not reputable news publications; had no clue what was at stake in the presidential election; were/are not critical thinkers (and actually voted against their own and their loved ones’ self-interest); and, much more. What transpires down the road I suspect will be a rude awakening different from mine for many of those who voted for the president-elect as well as other such-minded political officials.
The situation has provided much learning and introspection for me. It is clear that I am not in control of election results, other people’s minds, U.S. Cabinet choices, etc. Heck, I’m not even in control of my own car getting a flat tire and my having to spend two hours during the busy holiday week waiting for it to be repaired!
What I can do is accept things as they are and then respond in a mindful, loving way (to myself as well as others). Acceptance doesn’t mean I no longer care. Rather, instead of draining my energy and my power by being angry and frustrated, acceptance allows me to let go, relax, and think clearly/receive clear guidance so that I can make sound choices moving toward what I care about.
So, in moving onward and upward, during this season particularly focused on gratitude, here are some of the things for which I am grateful:
- A sharp, discerning mind
- Sound physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health
- Prior practice in acceptance, letting go, forgiveness, and compassion
- Online support group members sharing their experience, knowledge, and life plans in response to the election results
- Knowing nothing remains static, change is inevitable
- Spirit flows in, through, and around all beings and all things, everywhere and everywhen
No matter what Life throws our way, the crucial thing is how we respond. The way in which I respond, determines if I lose my peace and then cannot accomplish what I desire, or I maintain my peace which allows me to move in the direction I desire. There is always a learning opportunity and a blessing in the midst of situations.
I am grateful for acceptance and letting go so that I can create a satisfying life. That said, I am trusting that as we move into the Season of Light, I can actually experience joy despite the direction in which the U.S. is heading. As always, the present moment is the best place to be, the only place to be—it is where I have all that I need including acceptance, joy, and peace. And, so do you!
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Acceptance and letting go.
Daniel Nahmod's song "Water" reminds me that instead of constantly struggling and fighting, to be like water, flowing, carried by Life, resting, leaning back, and letting Nature take its course. Ah, so peaceful and serene.
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Spirituality
Accepting Life on Life’s Terms
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One of the most powerful learnings I received from the Twelve Step philosophy was about how I gave up my peace because I thought I was in control and could change people, circumstances, etc. It was an opportunity in learning how to cultivate happiness and serenity.
The following is excerpted from the story Doctor, Alcoholic, Addict in the book "Alcoholics Anonymous," Third Edition, page 449.
"…Acceptance is the answer to all my problems today. When I am disturbed, it is because I find some person, place, thing, or situation—some fact of my life—unacceptable to me, and I can find no serenity until I accept that person, place, thing, or situation as being exactly the way it is supposed to be at this moment. Nothing, absolutely nothing happens in God’s world by mistake. Until I could accept my alcoholism, I could not stay sober; unless I accept life completely on life’s terms, I cannot be happy. I need to concentrate not so much on what needs to be changed in the world as on what needs to be changed in me and in my attitudes."
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Inspiration and Contemplation
Dr. Lee L. Jampolsky on the Paradox of Acceptance
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People—and Other Beings—Making a Difference
A Thanksgiving Turkey on Every Table
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We’d given our turkey to a family that was even more needy. But who would help us?
By Mary Jarvis, Pawhuska, Oklahoma
Published by Guideposts
I lifted the heavy lid of our old freezer in the garage and peered inside, looking for some vegetables to make for dinner. For the past year, we’d scraped by on my small teacher’s salary while my husband, Mike, was away at graduate school. With three hungry teenagers to feed, it was a challenge to stretch our grocery dollars. Now, one glance at the half-empty freezer made me question what I’d done on impulse a week earlier.
The Tuesday before Thanksgiving, Kathy, my 14-year-old, blurted out that one of her friends wasn’t celebrating the holiday because her mother couldn’t afford it. “We could give them our turkey, Mom,” she said. “We don’t need it since we’re going to Uncle Pat’s.” How could I explain to her that I was saving our turkey for Christmas? We didn’t have enough money for Mike to come home for Thanksgiving. The kids and I were going to my brother-in-law’s so I wouldn’t have to invest in a big dinner. How could I afford another turkey before Christmas?
We taught our kids to help others. But to help someone else when we could barely help ourselves? Still, I knew I couldn’t say no. Lord, I hope you have a plan because I sure don’t.
We gathered up a bag of potatoes and cranberry sauce I had in the pantry. I sent my son, Matt, out to the freezer in the garage to get some vegetables—and the turkey. When we brought Kathy’s friend the food, her mother cried tears of joy. At the time, their happiness made me feel better about giving away our turkey. But now, looking into our freezer, I wondered, Who’s going to help us?
I rummaged through the frozen containers—broccoli, carrots, some blackberries from our garden. I pushed aside some frosted bags of green beans and corn. Wait…something was there. Suddenly I stopped and stared. Nestled among the vegetables was a newly bought turkey.
I never found out who the mysterious donor was. Does it matter? Whoever it was knew exactly what we needed, when we needed it.
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e-newsletter designed, developed, written, and published by Joyce S. Kaye | |
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You, Me, and Spirit
I was a devout atheist until 34 years ago when I "came to believe" in a Power greater than myself. Thanks to hearing the novel idea (well, at least it was to me!) that one could choose their own concept of God—and name too (Spirit, The Great Mystery, All That Is, etc.)—and the workings of synchronicity, I embarked on a new way of thinking, a new way of living, a new way of being in the world and with others. It impacted all aspects of my life and relationships.
Since that time of commencing my conscious spiritual journey, I have endeavored to remember The Presence in all that is, all whom I meet, and all that I do—including working with clients in my own business, academia, and the corporate world. I strive to be of service and to nurture the human spirit in all environments.
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