by Bonnie Collins, Principal of Life Refocused Coaching
Nervous energy seems to pervade the post office today, making me feel tense; edgy. The woman at the counter is sending a package to her son in Kuwait. She eagerly presses the Clerk to know when the package will arrive at its destination. I consider where Kuwait is…my mind goes to the Arab world in the Persian Gulf.
I think how little I really know about this country. It is independent, shares a border with Saudi Arabia, is rich in oil, and is influenced by an Islamic culture. I know so little of their culture, their land or Islam. If I had a son or grandson there, I surely would know more. I have neither. I think of the war, and of the losses of men and women, and children in this (in my view) unholy war. I am reminded of the many issues that our great country faces, including the war, the need for affordable health care, the economy, and that a new president will now be taking us on an untested road. I think of the hurricanes, the people in need, and also how we are caring or not caring for this great Earth—the big picture issues. I think of more personal issues too, like a friend’s recent personal loss. My heart goes out to her, and to the world.
I leave the Post Office carrying my disharmony, and am immediately tailed by a driver who is obviously in a hurry. I wonder if perhaps my energy is attracting this.I am not a slow driver, but usually a moderate one. I sense this driver’s energy, the kind you can feel when someone wants to speed ahead, and push you out of the way. In the moment I engage the practice of Hoponopono, the Hawaiian shamanic practice of sending out forgiveness and light to all. I drive without changing my tempo, and instead, adjust the volume and frequency of my “inner” radio, focusing on that.
I want to do more to soothe my nerves today, and to put those ugly headlines and pernicious vibrations in my mental trash. I find exactly what I am looking for in another place, in another line where a woman is donating something in what appears to be a violin case. She looks friendly, so I say to her: “Oh, someone plays music.”
“Played,”she replies. She then explains that her daughter played this violin but that this young woman is now in college. This instrument will go to an organization across the country where it will be offered to help a young musician somewhere. “I see,” I say. “It will give someone else a chance.” I am inspired by the benevolence and generosity of her selfless act. My tense heartbeat begins to ease and my spirit is uplifted.
I think of some things I’ve done in the past year to give back to the world. I’ve donated food regularly to a local food bank and have sent donations to my ‘preferred’ organizations to help others, including for animals. I’ve given a bit of my time in visiting the sick. I wonder if it is enough. I comfort myself telling myself that ‘I do what I can’. Then my mind goes to Kuan Yin, the Chinese or East Asian Bodhisattva, goddess of compassion, peace and grace. Although I am not a Buddhist, I see her (in my mind’s eye) sitting peaceably among some tea lights. As I find her, I find peace. Many believe the simple reciting of her name will bring rescue for those wanting to feel a greater place and calm. It is good to have a refuge for ourselves. We cannot give to others unless we first give to ourselves. Finding our own meditative peace, too, and sending vibrations of peace, love and healing helps to raise the vibrations in the world too, at least that is what I believe.
When I arrive home, I decide to draw a Mandela in my journal. I draw a circle within the larger one. In the inner circle, I sketch the image I hold of Kuan Yin. I allow myself to meditate upon this for awhile, and let my mind ‘free associate’. As images come to mind, I fill in the larger circle. I’m pleasantly surprised that what comes into the picture is happiness, and love. I surround Kuan Yin with images of my family, my friends, my communities, my beloved cat, my power animals (among them a Bengal Tiger), a set of wings to symbolize my dreams; strong trees with deep roots, and chirping birds. I decide that I will return to this place with Kuan Yin whenever the big picture becomes too overwhelming, or when I need to experience more calm, more peace. Just for today, I am sending out to all of life, thoughts and prayers for sanity and for Peace.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Bonnie adds:
Joshua O'Brian, a friend and Light in the world, is offering a much needed calendar for children of divorce. We know that children of divorce are vulnerable, sensitive and needing a supportive, consistent structure that reassures. Young children living in a divorced family constantly face the painful question: 'When am I going to see Mom/Dad again?'
The Kids in Divorce (K.I.D.) Calendar is a kid friendly, customized monthly calendar that enables these children to visualize their schedule with Mom/Dad in a more open, and comforting way. It is educational too! If you're a parent of a child living in a divorced family, or a counseling professional, you'll find the K.I.D. Calendar to be helpful for young children coping with life in two homes. Visit: http://www.kidcalendar.weebly.com
Nervous energy seems to pervade the post office today, making me feel tense; edgy. The woman at the counter is sending a package to her son in Kuwait. She eagerly presses the Clerk to know when the package will arrive at its destination. I consider where Kuwait is…my mind goes to the Arab world in the Persian Gulf.
I think how little I really know about this country. It is independent, shares a border with Saudi Arabia, is rich in oil, and is influenced by an Islamic culture. I know so little of their culture, their land or Islam. If I had a son or grandson there, I surely would know more. I have neither. I think of the war, and of the losses of men and women, and children in this (in my view) unholy war. I am reminded of the many issues that our great country faces, including the war, the need for affordable health care, the economy, and that a new president will now be taking us on an untested road. I think of the hurricanes, the people in need, and also how we are caring or not caring for this great Earth—the big picture issues. I think of more personal issues too, like a friend’s recent personal loss. My heart goes out to her, and to the world.
I leave the Post Office carrying my disharmony, and am immediately tailed by a driver who is obviously in a hurry. I wonder if perhaps my energy is attracting this.I am not a slow driver, but usually a moderate one. I sense this driver’s energy, the kind you can feel when someone wants to speed ahead, and push you out of the way. In the moment I engage the practice of Hoponopono, the Hawaiian shamanic practice of sending out forgiveness and light to all. I drive without changing my tempo, and instead, adjust the volume and frequency of my “inner” radio, focusing on that.I want to do more to soothe my nerves today, and to put those ugly headlines and pernicious vibrations in my mental trash. I find exactly what I am looking for in another place, in another line where a woman is donating something in what appears to be a violin case. She looks friendly, so I say to her: “Oh, someone plays music.”
“Played,”she replies. She then explains that her daughter played this violin but that this young woman is now in college. This instrument will go to an organization across the country where it will be offered to help a young musician somewhere. “I see,” I say. “It will give someone else a chance.” I am inspired by the benevolence and generosity of her selfless act. My tense heartbeat begins to ease and my spirit is uplifted.
I think of some things I’ve done in the past year to give back to the world. I’ve donated food regularly to a local food bank and have sent donations to my ‘preferred’ organizations to help others, including for animals. I’ve given a bit of my time in visiting the sick. I wonder if it is enough. I comfort myself telling myself that ‘I do what I can’. Then my mind goes to Kuan Yin, the Chinese or East Asian Bodhisattva, goddess of compassion, peace and grace. Although I am not a Buddhist, I see her (in my mind’s eye) sitting peaceably among some tea lights. As I find her, I find peace. Many believe the simple reciting of her name will bring rescue for those wanting to feel a greater place and calm. It is good to have a refuge for ourselves. We cannot give to others unless we first give to ourselves. Finding our own meditative peace, too, and sending vibrations of peace, love and healing helps to raise the vibrations in the world too, at least that is what I believe.
When I arrive home, I decide to draw a Mandela in my journal. I draw a circle within the larger one. In the inner circle, I sketch the image I hold of Kuan Yin. I allow myself to meditate upon this for awhile, and let my mind ‘free associate’. As images come to mind, I fill in the larger circle. I’m pleasantly surprised that what comes into the picture is happiness, and love. I surround Kuan Yin with images of my family, my friends, my communities, my beloved cat, my power animals (among them a Bengal Tiger), a set of wings to symbolize my dreams; strong trees with deep roots, and chirping birds. I decide that I will return to this place with Kuan Yin whenever the big picture becomes too overwhelming, or when I need to experience more calm, more peace. Just for today, I am sending out to all of life, thoughts and prayers for sanity and for Peace.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Bonnie adds:
Joshua O'Brian, a friend and Light in the world, is offering a much needed calendar for children of divorce. We know that children of divorce are vulnerable, sensitive and needing a supportive, consistent structure that reassures. Young children living in a divorced family constantly face the painful question: 'When am I going to see Mom/Dad again?'
The Kids in Divorce (K.I.D.) Calendar is a kid friendly, customized monthly calendar that enables these children to visualize their schedule with Mom/Dad in a more open, and comforting way. It is educational too! If you're a parent of a child living in a divorced family, or a counseling professional, you'll find the K.I.D. Calendar to be helpful for young children coping with life in two homes. Visit: http://www.kidcalendar.weebly.com
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