My past week has been filled with events; listening to inspirational speakers with similar messages. Here are two.
Inspirational Conversations at the Library is a series of interviews run by Walter Mason. I attended his interview with Belinda Castles, you can get snippets here. I heard Belinda say twice “We are humans – not robots.” – something her husband reminds her when she dwells on what to do next; having just finished writing her novel Hannah & Emil. The quote that inspires her is Samuel Beckett’s ”Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try Again. Fail again. Fail better.”
“We are humans – not robots.”
On Saturday, I attended the Healthivate 2.0 Blogging Conference. There were many amazing speakers and I’m sure to blog about their stories later. The last keynote speaker Dr Sam Prince gave an inspiring talk. He too uttered the words “We are humans – not robots.” Message noted!
“We are humans – not robots.”
Dr Prince’s topic was “The Importance of Giving and The Power of Bloggers.” He reflected on a common thread that runs through his life – “I’ve always described my life as a bit of a dog’s breakfast. The roles in my head are divided into three sections. One is my role as a doctor, one my charity work 1disease.org, and the third is my restaurant business.” He said the lessons he learnt in a hospital as a student aged 21, also helped him run a Mexican restaurant, Zambrero.
Starting his restaurant business, Dr Prince had to refurbish the premises and so he went to Bunnings to buy paint. There he came across a Bunnings rep who knew everything about paint and was a great help. In conversation, Dr Prince found out that this man was working part time at Bunnings so as to support his dream of an IVF programme for he and his partner. The doctor then gave the rep his advice. The aisle at Bunnings became a pop up hub for talk on paint and IVF programmes. They were there for hours.
So, as the restaurant began to flourish, someone approached Dr Prince regarding a franchise. This man was interested however when he approached his advisers with the franchise contract they advised him against it, mainly because Dr Prince was too young and inexperienced. However, about six months later, the man returned and bought into the franchise. Dr Prince asked his first franchinsee why the change of mind. The answer: it turns out his best friend is the Bunnings rep who remembered the doctor’s passion for his business and his kindness in sharing his knowledge. Dr Prince ends his personal account with – “… magical thinking of angels – but truth is more fantastic. As you talk about your passion and your dreams people who can help you will turn up everywhere …”
Dr Prince’s keynote speech took me to a video I watched the night before the conference – 2013 Tropfest winner, “We’ve All Been There”. See why.
Share your knowledge. Share your dreams. Pass it on. I suppose we do that as we blog.
Here in Sydney it’s Friday, 15th February. So yesterday, in Sydney, it was Valentine’s Day. It started off appropriately for me when I was on Twitter. The very first Tweet I read was Emerging Festival’s Tweet:-
“What’s your romantic read? [in the office: "Oh, it's Valentine's Day? I was going to ask this question to Twitter anyway."]” .
My tweet reply was Letter to D by Andre Gorz. The only other response was ”Hafiz all the way”.
“You gave all of yourself to help me become myself.” Letter to D, Andre Gorz’s beautiful and heartfelt open love letter to his beloved Dorine.
I go to my book shelf and pull out the little paperback for a re-read. It sits on top of Kahlil Gibran’s The Prophet and Marianne Williamson’s A Return to Love. This day also happens to be our writing group’s first day back in 2013. So in the evening I race into the community centre’s room running five minutes late, although I make it in time for the first writing exercise. It’s what Janet (my teacher) calls the “D string word exercise”. Of course! I had been thinking why my first choice had been the book Letter to D and not Gibran, Hafiz, Poe, Shakespeare … Yes, I am meant to be here; I had been toying with the idea of not having enough time to attend these classes.
The writing exercise was interesting. Janet read out a list of words commencing with the letter D, and our task was to write for fifteen minutes incorporating one or more of the words. Now, I would share my exercise with you here however the words were all rather Depressing and I played with a number of the D words on the “Disappearance of love” – not quite appropriate for Valentine’s Day.
Andre Gorz (born Gerhart Hirsch) commences his story with these words :-
“I need to piece together the story of our love to appreciate its full meaning. It’s what has allowed us to become who we are, living through each other and for each other. I’m writing to you now to understand what my life has been, what our life together has meant.”
“The Universe is the handwriting of God, and it is both self-organizing and self-correcting. Where there is lack, the Universe is already planning to remove it from your circumstances. That is the Law of Divine Compensation. The only thing that can deactivate the Law is if you have more faith in the reality of lack than in the reality of the Law.” from The Law of Divine Compensation by Marianne Williamson,
I’ve started to read Marianne Williamson‘s new book The Law of Divine Compensation. I find I fall into reading MW’s books easily. I think this stems from having read A Return to Love based on the principles of A Course in Miracles years ago. This became my bible and MW my teacher. I’ve read all her books. I believe this is one of the reasons why I can fall into moments of synchronicity. The main message for me in her teachings is to put love over fear in any situation. It’s my mantra. Through beautiful moments of synchronicity, I got to meet and work with MW when she was in Sydney for the Hay House I Can Do It Seminar at Darling Harbour in 2011. The whole experience was magical. I also got to take lots of photos, as below -
So, this morning, I’m on the train reading Marianne Williamson’s latest book; page 20 “In any instant, regardless of what has happened in the past, the universe has arranged and is continuing to arrange infinite possibilities for you to prosper. If you cannot see this now – if despair and anxiety hang like a veil before your eyes, preventing you from mustering any faith in God at all – then in this moment lean on mine.”
The word “lean” bounced back at me. It’s a word that has been PopPiNg up here, there and everywhere this morning! So I reflect on the word lean. I thought about it; as we lean on each other “one mind joined with another, regardless of their position in time or space, can remove whatever chains would bind us”. So, as with all things, when we share our troubles or enjoy our blessings with others it’s a comfort and a witnessing.
Words have power. Why is the word “lean” so prominent this morning? The word conveys a relaxed image and one where you’re not taking energy from the one you are leaning on. It’s light. And so my mind wanders when I realise it’s my station and I need to get off this train. I collect my belongings, go towards the doors and wait for the train to stop; still thinking about the word lean. There right in front of me, eye to eye, is this sign “Do not lean on the doors”. (The italics are mine!)
Ok. So it’s ok to lean on others but not on the doors. What else about the doors? If I lean on others and ask for help, I wait for doors to open (or close) and I need to step back and witness the doors opening and closing, then I take action. Yes? I’m still not clear … On my return home on another train, I figure I would take a photo of the sign and post it on my blog. It’s a similar train, however, all signs of warning on this train are different and do not have the word lean …
I don’t usually hang on one word like this. Obviously, it’s come up for me because of certain uncertainties … so here it is. Any enlightenment here would be appreciated! I’m looking forward to moving on and reading the rest of the book.
PS: Dare I now mention that after writing this and ready to press “publish”, doors and keys to doors are a big issue and I now remember they have been for last couple of days! …
There is much posting on social media about one’s word for 2013. My word for last year was Renaissance and I felt that High Renaissance wanted to kick into 2013, however Time told Renaissance you know what …
Abundance. I know the word “abundance” has been overdone however it’s one of my words for 2013. It’s one of the spiritual laws in Diana Cooper‘s A Little Light on the Spiritual Laws. “Abundance is your birthright. Open up to receive it.” Abundance allows me to have three words for 2013.
Time. Julia Cameron says make “time your friend” and friend I intend to make it. Yes, it’s mid January and this really should have been my first post however as with all good friends, any time is a good time.
“In many shamanic societies, if you came to a shaman or medicine person complaining of being disheartened, dispirited, or depressed, they would ask one of four questions:
When did you stop Dancing?
When did you stop Singing?
When did you stop being enchanted by Stories?
When did you stop finding comfort in the sweet territory of Silence?
Dancing, singing, storytelling, and silence are the four universal healing salves and where we have stopped them is where we have experienced the loss of soul.” ~Gabrielle Roth
I love the above quote which particularly resonates with me as I haven’t been doing much of the above, particularly the dancing and singing bit.
“I would take the stars out of the sky for you.” The Real Thing
On New Year’s Eve I came across The Real Thing. I kept replaying this video; replay after replay. So much so, I did give some thought to a possible calling of an Extraordinary General Meeting from the residents to discuss my removal, however quickly dismissed that in my belief that how can you not dance to this music? So, it’s become a theme dance song for me and I’ve had many great moments doing so (… ok, I understand … you don’t have to follow me.).
So, the wondrous thing for me this afternoon? The instant I posted the Gabrielle Roth’s quote on my Facebook page, I heard The Real Thing’s You To Me Are Everything on the radio. Synchronicity.
And the magic continues. That’s for another post. Right now I’m enjoying the music and inspiration of Gabrielle Roth as you all must do!
Because you can either live your dreams,
Or you can live your excuse.
I’ve been spending some time (online) in Byron Bay, Australia at the Birth 2012 festival – a three day festival celebrating the new global consciousness. Barbara Hubbard and Bruce Lipton have been some of the amazing speakers however this post is about Kirk Nugent. He is known as the People’s Poet and “his focus has always been on inspiring his audience to rise to their innate greatness”. (Interview by Danielle Graham of SuperConsciousness.)
PURSUE YOUR PASSION
This is your life,
Your purpose on this Earth is not to please me.
Nor is it to fulfill your parents unrealized dreams.
You were not placed here to make concessions so that they could be proud,
So they could brag about their seed,
Fulfill some unfulfilled childhood emotional needs
No disrespect but
Let everyone be proud of their very own deeds
This is your life!
I came to shine light into the dark
And like a dog against a hydrant, I am leaving my mark!
We were not sent here to invest in someone else’s idea of what we should be
The complacent life does not stimulate me.
So forgive me if I feel no compassion
For those poor souls who live to follow the fashion.
Because if you want to live a life that’s neither limited nor ration,
Then by God you must pursue your passion.
They will tell you that it can’t be done
As though you were delivered unto this world for your song to go unsung.
Let the world scream that unattainable theme
But for you, there is no such thing as an impossible dream.
Ain’t no mystery, check the history
Look at the life of Oprah Winfrey,
Muhammad Ali, Mahatma Gandhi.
Remember what they told Walt Disney?
They said, “Young man you must be blind
You must have lost your rodent loving mind!
No one would ever pay to be entertained by a mouse
Or anything of that kind.”
Now Disney is worth more than everyone in this room; combined!
Pursue your passion.
Steven Spielberg was kicked out of the University of Southern California
Film School because his grades weren’t good enough.
Pursue your passion.
Russell Simmons refused to sign Madonna
Because he thought she had no talent.
Pursue your passion.
Brandy’s teacher told her she was too ugly to ever become an actress.
Pursue your passion.
Bill Cosby used to shine shoes in front of Temple University.
Pursue your passion.
Michael Jordan was benched on his basketball team in High school
Pursue your passion.
Larry Bird was benched his entire freshman year of college.
Pursue your passion.
Now here is proof that greatness is born out of zero doubt
In 1962 Decca Records dismissed four young musicians
Told them that groups with guitars were on their way out.
They left without a contract
But refused to walk on pins and needles
Months later they released their first album
And called themselves “The Beatles”
Pursue your passion.
Colonel Sanders was 65 when he fried his first piece of chicken,
Made millions after he told us that it was finger lickin’.
Pursue your passion.
Lauren Hill was booed at the Apollo
Pursue your passion.
Luther Vandross was booed off the Apollo
Not once, not twice, but three times!
You’ve got to keep coming back ladies and gentlemen.
Forget the limitations set by your fellow man,
Because when you pursue your passion,
Provision will be provided for your plans.
Let others lead small lives, but not you.
Let others be satisfied with the crumbs, but not you.
Let others sit around and be chronic complainers, but not you.
Let others be volunteers victims, but not you!
Let others be imprisoned by their fears, but not you.
Let others use their race, their gender,
Their sexual orientation as a crutch, but not you.
Let others be concerned about what the neighbors
Might think, say or do. but this is not for you!
Leave that for the politicians, the governor,
Start caring about other people’s opinion
And you’ll become their prisoner.
This is about a lifestyle that uniquely fits.
Life is God’s gift to you,
Style is what you make out of it.
Whatever you’re passionate about, the perfection of that craft can be learned
So with the obstacles of this world be not concerned
Because if you set yourself on fire
The world will come watch you burn.
So now that you know that impossible is a word
Found in the dictionary of fools.
What are you going to do?
What are you going to do with the rest of your life?
What two things do you want said about you when you die?
Personally, I never listened to what the pessimists are telling me
Because I know that the richest place on the planet is the cemetery.
There you will find books that were never written,
Loved ones that were never forgiven,
Ideas that were smitten
And dreams that were forbidden.
Soil that was never tilled, cathedrals that were never built!
Restaurants that were never opened
Chefs that never knew they were smoking.
Paintings that were never drawn nor hung,
Songs that were neither composed nor sung
Souls that never did what they really wanted to do
So don’t you dare die with your greatness buried within you!
The sperm that fertilized your egg
Survived the odds of 250 million to one.
Get it? Your sperm won!
As long as you live, you will never face such dramatic odds,
Now tell me that ain’t proof you’re favored by God.
You’re greater than any obstacle that can make you hysterical
So don’t you dare leave without your miracle.
It’s all an illusion, don’t you feed into their lies
Their forecast of economic woes and financial demise.
The Universe has an infinite supply, so no need to lie when I testify
That regardless of the economy, you cannot be denied!
It matters not if they raise the terrorist threat level
To hot pink, burgundy or fuchsia
You were born to control your future!
Don’t let ‘em fool you.
You were born to win, destined to be great
Magnificence was chiseled on your heart,
When God made you he was just showing off!
Discover your divine assignment and you’ll have no reason to retreat
Discover your passion and you’ll laugh in the face of defeat.
Indifferent to the pressures felt and you do not buckle like a belt.
So declare today that you refuse to lose
Because you can either live your dreams,
Or you can live your excuse!
So even when I’m old and grey,
I’ll still be commanding the stage,
Words still be smoking off the page.
So understand; this ain’t no phase!
Because everyday I learn a new lesson,
My best poem has yet to be written
And I’m not leaving until what I came to give has been given.
99 on the mic and I’ll still be spittin’ Still be rippin’
Still be giving, Still be driven So let my tombstone read:
Here lies Kirk and he died – LIVING
This morning I walk out onto my balcony. There’s an unusual sound about. There’s a stillness in the air. It’s the trees; they are still. It’s the birds; there are no birds. I wonder about today.
I log onto my computer and read about the tragedy in Connecticut. There’s an outpouring of grief. Post after post, tweet after tweet – why and how. I then see the word Connecticut. It’s my reminder that as with all things I have no control over however am affected by, to go within;
How do I connect with others and how do I disconnect? How do I connect with myself?
I am reminded of the following quote
“Humankind has not woven the web of life. We are but one thread within it. Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves. All things are bound together. All things connect.” ― Chief Seattle
I listen to the following Guru Ram Das Chant by Mirabai Ceiba for compassion and healing. I send unconditional love healing to all those affected by the tragedy in Connecticut.
I make a connection with family and friends. I go for a walk. I search for the birds.
