Daily Awareness

The goal of life is to live in such a way that ....

2009-10-31T15:09:37-07:00

As with virtually anything in life, our focus and interests are based on our immediate experiences. At this point, taking a deeper look at my own life purpose has come to the forefront due to my father’s recent transition from this life.

As I have explored various authors’ works I find it most amazing the many philosophies and beliefs regarding what is most important to live a fulfilled life.

Out of the dozens of books and articles I have read, the following statement deeply resonates with me; “The goal of life is to live in such a way that our lives will prove worth dying for,” writes Reverend Forrest Church.

One of the recommendations from Reverend Church is to want what you have, appreciate each and every moment we are alive and live without the regret of, “if only”. If only I would have ….. If only I didn’t …. In only….

He goes on to say that often we realize only after something is taken from us how valuable it is; whether it be our health, a loved one or a job.

Reverend Church speaks not only from the over three decades as a minister whose main message is love and death, but also from the perspective of a man who was diagnosed with incurable cancer being given only months to live. It was in the diagnosis he was able to understand fully if all he professed to be true really was.

In reading his book, Love and Death, My Journey –Through the Valley of the Shadow, Reverend Church shares a level of wisdom so intensely simple, yet immensely profound.

The further I delved into the wisdom in this short and very easy to read book, the more I fully recognize the greatest gift we can give to ourselves and others is to live with such a deep level of congruency with what we claim to be true, what we speak of as truth and what we know to be true.

It is one thing to say we believe something to be true and something else to live in such a way that our life is an example of this truth. As you look at your own beliefs, philosophies and faith do your words match your thoughts and your actions? If not, is now not the most important moment to begin to live your truth recognizing today may in fact be the only day left to do so?

Great loss can bring transformational change

2009-10-29T06:29:04-07:00

There are experiences in life which are inevitable. Experiences that outwardly equate to loss; such as the death of a loved one. Although on the surface the appearance may be of loss; a deeper look shows there is much that has been gained.

It is the very core of our beliefs and faith that will reveal the inner strength to accept that life can be very painful, but it is in the pain we are truly alive.

Sadly, there are those who believe their pain is the only pain. They are not able to see that others too experience a deep level of pain by virtue of the fact that life can be tough.

The longer we experience this thing called life, the more we understand that things can change at any moment, forever transforming the course of our life.

We are free to either accept this change; or resist. It is in the acceptance we are more able to understand these shifts are what makes up the very essence of who we are and who we are to become.

It is when we are able to step back and realize that as we are going through an experience, it is likely many others have been through, are going through or will go through, a similar experience.

Consider this, life may not be so much about the experiences we have in our own little corner of the world, but rather to grow to a level of compassion so deep that we can truly empathize what another is going through in their darkest hour.

The truth is, life will have pain. Pain is not a bad thing. It may be the very pain so many try to avoid, that opens the space in our heart to be the person we are meant to be.

The experiences we have are not always so much about us, but rather about learning a level of love, compassion and giving that previously may not have been visible.

Love can transform even the toughest situations from one of frustration, uncertainty and fear into one in which we are guided as to what we are being called to be.

It is through prayer and meditation we can create the space to “be” rather than “do”.

When life offers up challenging times, this is a perfect time step back, sit quietly, and pray for right actions. It is in asking for guidance that we are shown how to live and love in ways we otherwise could not do.

Without asking for guidance, one often stays in the ego rather than in heart. It has been said that ego is Etching God Out.

It is easy to get caught up in the activities of the day and believe we are in charge. This kind of thinking likely comes from ego.

Could it be that our life is not about being in charge, but of being of service? Although we will do things that appear as if we are in charge, it may be those very things are about the service we are giving.

If we simply sit quietly and ask, “And how may I be of service today?” we will be given the answers in so many ways.

It is in the willingness to ask how we can be of service that our hearts are open. Open to the gentleness that allows us to see that which we otherwise would be blind to if we simply look at what is on the surface.

It is in the ability to step outside of ourselves we are given the greatest gift of all; the gift of love, compassion and service.

Regardless of what is going on in life, there is a prayer that always puts life into perspective for me.

It is the Prayer of St. Francis. By taking a few moments to absorb the true meaning of these words, one’s day is transformed to create a deeper meaning to life.

Regardless of one’s religious or spiritual beliefs, the words can comfort; bring deeper meaning and insight into virtually any situation.

Prayer of St. Francis

Oh Lord make me an instrument of your peace

Where there is hatred bring your love

Where there is injury, pardon

Where there is doubt, bring your faith

Where there is despair, bring your hope

Where there is darkness, we will bring your light

Where there is sadness, feel a joy

Oh Divine Master, Grant that we may not seek to be consoled ….as to console

To be understood as to understand

To be loved as to love

We are now your instruments…Be loving

For it is in giving that we receive

And pardoning that we are pardoned

And in dying to ourselves that we live

Oh Lord we are now instruments of your peace

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When life offers second chances....take them

2009-10-21T22:25:21-07:00

Life sometimes offers us a second chance to right our wrongs. Those second chances often come disguised as tragedy waiting to be recognized as a miracle.

Such was the case 20 years ago. Life was great and I didn’t think anything could change it, until I received a call late one night about a month into my new job from my brother-in-law saying that if I wanted to see my father alive, I had better come quickly. He had suffered a major heart attack and was in a coma. The doctors didn’t think he would make it through the night.

I thought of nothing but getting to my dad’s bedside. In that moment much of what I had believed to be important became insignificant, including the new broadcast job I had recently landed.

I drove two hours in a fog of tears and regret. The tears were for the thought of never seeing my dad alive again, and the regret was for the many times I didn’t take the opportunity to tell him the important things in life like, “I love you.” As I drove through the night I vowed that if I was given another chance, I would never miss the opportunity again.

Most of the first night at my father’s bedside is difficult to recall. I do remember calling my boss to tell her my father was in a deep coma and from one moment to the next we didn’t know if he would make it. I went on to say that I didn’t know when I would be in again. Until all was said and done, I hadn’t realized how truly blessed I had been to get that job and that boss. She not only said don’t worry about coming back until I was ready, she also told me I would continue to draw a paycheck which was a huge relief.

When I walked into my father’s room I was shocked at what I saw. Laying helpless and lifeless with tubes in every part of his body and on life support was the man who for so many years had prayed for me to find a better path in life. There lay the man who I was just beginning to have a relationship with after so many years of having pushed him away. This was a man who had been a loyal husband for over 35 years and a great example of someone who stood by their commitments.

After the first week of my dad’s heart attack, it became apparent that my father might remain like this for quite some time, possibly never coming out of his deep sleep.

Over the following weeks there was so much healing that took place in my family. Old wounds were slowly mended between my mother, sisters, and myself.

Even though my father could not respond to my words of love to him, I sensed he could still feel my love.

When the weeks turned into nearly a month there was talk that my dad would likely stay this way indefinitely. I get God bumps when I think back to the first motion my dad made. First it was a slight movement of a finger. Soon the finger became two, then a hand, and then his eyes opened. Over the next few days he was waking from his sleep.

Sadly, his body was coming to life, but his words were confused and disoriented. He talked of bizarre things that had happened to him that we knew hadn’t.

The greatest miracle was yet to come when little by little my dad became coherent. Wondering where he got the strange stories we realized his experience was based on what had been on television for the 28 days he’d been in a coma. The television had been turned on a lot during his stay. It was evident what went into his subconscious became his reality.

The story you just read is a portion of a chapter in the newly released book, Overcomers, Inc. During the time of the release of this amazingly healing and inspirational book my father was diagnosed with terminal cancer and within weeks transitioned from this life.

One of the greatest blessings I received was that my father was able to read the story I dedicated to him called, Second Chances. This was the last story he heard before taking his journey into eternity.

There is something very special about Overcomers, Inc. It has been written by 38 ordinary men and women who share extraordinary stories and insights to show that no matter what, life holds mysteries and miracles that abound.

To learn more about Overcomers, Inc., go to http://www.overcomersbook.com/booklaunch

A tribute to my father - a gentle, kind and loving man

2009-10-13T12:13:16-07:00

Spirit, intuition, gut feeling, sense....all words that define the guidance we receive on a daily basis. If we are willing to “listen” we will be guided with right action moment by moment.

Recently, I had one of the most profound experiences of my life that was enhanced by following my guidance. Fortunately, I listened to what I was meant to do to be fully present for this incredible experience.

Over the weekend I attended a book marketing conference I had anticipated being a part of for months. As an exhibitor I joined my colleagues, Christine Kloser and Lynne Klippel of Love Your Life Publishing, for a weekend of networking, connecting, fun and learning.

With every intention of staying until Monday, my plans quickly changed when I felt called to head to my parent’s home on Sunday.

Three weeks prior my father was diagnosed with terminal cancer. With a strong “feeling” that his time of transition was near, I booked a one way flight from San Diego to Sacramento. The flight was scheduled to leave only hours from when I got this incredibly strong sense to be with my father and mother.

From the moment I made this decision everything opened for me to get home to my mother and father’s side.

I am so very grateful I followed my heart, leaving when I did. Upon arriving at my father’s bedside in the early afternoon on Sunday, I knew I made the correct decision. There was absolutely no doubt in my mind of this truth.

On Monday morning my mother, sisters and I were at my father’s side as he transitioned from this life. His passing was gentle; surrounded with a deep sense of love.

Had I stayed at the conference as originally planned, ignoring the strong sense to leave a day early, I would have missed this most profound experience.

What an amazing confirmation we "intuitively know" what we are guided to do. When we honor this guidance we are blessed with the gifts life has to offer.

It is through following my intuition I was called to write my thoughts for others to read. I have known for many decades there is something beyond what we can see, feel, touch or taste. There is a dimension that goes far beyond the physical.

As I have reflected on all that has transpired in the last 48 hours, I am reminded of a recent conversation with a group of colleagues regarding how much personal information is appropriate to share with our business community.

Some believe it is inappropriate to share anything other than “business as usual” information; sharing nothing about our personal life.

Others believe it is very appropriate to share what we are “called” to share. This is the belief I hold.

With so much pain in the world, it is through our transparency and authenticity we heal while creating the space for others to experience their healing.

Imagine how lonely it is for those who keep their lives in well protected compartments; compartments that keep one in a space of separation rather than connectedness to others.

Is it because of separation so many experience fear, loneliness and confusion. Some hold strong beliefs that only what can be seen and controlled is what life is about; nothing less, nothing, nothing more. I let go of that belief many decades ago and am grateful I did.

There is a deep sense of freedom knowing there IS so much more than beyond what is visible to the naked eye. It is in this freedom we find the greatest sense of purpose and connectedness.

Ours is not to live a life of separation, but rather to be in connection to all that is. It is in this belief we are able to recognize how precious each day is; the only day we can be in resolve in all we do, say and feel.

Our greatest gift to this life is to recognize the power that resides in our ability to incorporate our purpose and message through what we are called to do professionally, personally and spiritually.

May your day be one of resolve with a deep understanding and level of gratitude in knowing there is no tomorrow and no yesterday. There is only this moment. May this moment be filled with a deep connection to your purpose.

Your comments are welcomed and encouraged.