Divine Discontent

Divine Discontent! A state of being dissatisfied with something you once loved...a job, a relationship, a behavior.  You are bored, antsy, wanting something more. I've been told this is a signal from the Divine nudging you forward to something more satisfying. It happens right before the shift to that something more.

Personally, I'm ready for the shift to occur. I seem to have been in this state of discontentment for some time now. Something wants to manifest but it just isn't happening. I'm discovering though that it is somewhat of a challenge to make the right "move."

Moving too quickly without considerable introspection might just mean a move to a different location in the same state of Divine Discontent. Fortunately for me, the Divine has slowed the manifestation of my good down enough for me to realize this. Is the move a change for more good and fulfillment or is it just a lateral move to something different but really the same?

Years ago, in one of my many job searches, doors of opportunity opened then closed quickly.  Until one day at a breathwork workshop, the facilitator said he wanted me to work with him. Now this man had just met me, didn't know anything about me or my skills.  Fast forward to a year later. I had just begun a new job when he called and wanted me to work with him. I didn't feel comfortable leaving a job I had just started so it still didn't happen.  Then, about six months later when that job was changing drastically, I contacted him. It took a couple of weeks but about 11 o'clock one evening I received a phone call once again asking me to work with him.  I said yes.  Now I knew absolutely nothing about the job duties, had not seen the office, and had absolutely no idea what the pay was.  Crazy? Maybe but that job lasted over 13 years.

Serendipity brought me to this place and it was a good place. Not sure if you caught the word "with" in the above paragraph. This was the first time I had been asked to work "with" an employer. A team, partners, family. Something like that.

So what does this mean? It means things happen at the right time in the right place with the right person. One cannot make something happen nor can one just jump from one experience to another without KNOWING it is the right thing to do.

How do you know?  There is a feeling deep within that says yes this is right. Fears disappear; doubts don't appear at all. This feeling can be compared to coming to the edge of a cliff...and jumping.  You just know in your heart of hearts that it okay.  You will fly or land softly in a place of bliss and happiness.

But what do you do until that perfect time comes?  You meditate. You pray. You stay focused on the Good. You visualize. And....YOU DO NOT PUT LIMITS ON YOUR DREAM!

Limits. On my drive home from the gym this morning, the thought came through me that I have been putting limits on what I really want. I truly know what I want but my limited human thinking says that it is not possible. I have to do this. I have to do that. This is what is expected of me. This is what I need to survive.  Maybe survival isn't the issue. Maybe I need to thrive and do that which fulfills my hearts desires.

Beginning Now, honesty is my policy in asking for and expecting to unfold the deepest desires of my heart, to live my dream. Visualization of what I truly want to experience begins today and continues everyday until the dream is a reality.  In mind, it is done!

~ Affirmation ~

I am so happy and grateful now 

that I am living the life of my dreams,

fulfilling my Divine Purpose, and

enjoying every second of my life on earth!

Namaste,

Mareda

Ah yes, can't close off without an Irish blessing on St. Patrick's Day.  

Have a Happy St. Pat's everyone!

Happy Birthday Albert!

Albert Einstein entered this world on March 14, 1879. A theoretical physicist who developed the general theory of relativity, his achievements have the label of "genius."  This blog entry isn't about all his scientific wisdom but more about the wisdom found in his quotes.  Here are some quotes I found in the Christian Science Monitor.

1. Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one.
2. The difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has its limits. 
3. Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. 
4. A person starts to live when he can live outside himself.
5. Ethical axioms are found and tested not very differently from the axioms of science. Truth is what stands the test of experience.
6. Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new.
7.It is harder to crack a prejudice than an atom.
8. As our circle of knowledge expands, so does the circumference of darkness surrounding it.
9. Never lose a holy curiosity.
10. Imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is limited, whereas imagination embraces the entire world, stimulating progress, giving birth to evolution.
11. Falling in love is not at all the most stupid thing that people do – but gravitation cannot be held responsible for it.
12. Computers are incredibly fast, accurate and stupid.  Human beings are incredibly slow, inaccurate and brilliant. Together they are powerful beyond imagination.
13. Few are those who see with their own eyes and feel with their own hearts.
14. Once you can accept the universe as matter expanding into nothing that is something, wearing stripes with plaid comes easy.
15. You cannot simultaneously prevent and prepare for war.

Some of these quotes I've heard before but others are new to me. Wisdom speaks through this mans words as well as his works.  So, 

Happy Birthday Albert! 

                                                 

Namaste,

Mareda

Remembering

Sir Herbert

Early Friday morning, a pet family member flew over the Rainbow Bridge to join the billions of other pets awaiting him.  About 3:45 am, as I was holding Sir Herbert he spread his wings as if to fly, took one last breath, and was gone. I'm sure his soul flew out of his body at that very moment and soared to greet those who awaited him.  It was a bittersweet moment.  Sweet because he had been sick for the last two weeks; bitter because he was gone.  His mate, Lady Peaches, is distraught.  No matter how much I explain to her that Herbert is gone, she misses her mate of 15 or more years.  So sad.

This experience has allowed me to take the time to remember other pets who have moved on.  Today, this blog entry is dedicated to their memory.  All very special creatures who touched my life at various times beginning with a little fox terrier named Penny.

Penny and I grew up together.  I was about 4 when my parents decided it was time for a dog. She came to us as a puppy and was a typical puppy...into everything. Ah, yes, Penny. She did not like other dogs and chased any of them who might venture onto our lawn. She did like balogna and would awaken from a sound sleep when the refrigerator door opened. I remember one Sunday when I played hooky from church, I heard this "noise" from downstairs. To my amazement, there she was sitting very calmly in the middle of the living room, howling at the top of her lungs.  Maybe she was singing praises for all the balogna blessings.  After 17 years, Penny made that final journey.  Thank you my sweet dog for all those years of friendship and love.

The next special creature to enter my life was Lady aka Huggy Bear.  Lady was a basset hound like no other. She was found wandering down a country road by the sister of a dear friend. They rescued her but found that her ears and their son's delight in pulling them just didn't seem right.  My friend rescued Lady from a less than ideal situation and when I met Lady I immediately exclaimed that I wanted her. I was married at that time with a husband who was less than thrilled to hear this exclamation.  However, the phone call soon came asking if I was really serious about having Lady as a family member.  Of course, the answer was yes as soon as I agreed she would not be allowed in the bedroom or living room, etc. etc. Lady was with us for eight or nine years. During that time we discovered that she loved beer and was not intimidated by anything, including heavy equipment that infringed on her property.  Thank you Lady for making a less than happy marriage a bit happier.

Then came Sasha. A poodle mix who joined me shortly after my divorce. My good friend Jill went with me to the Humane Society to search for that perfect companion.  When we got there we discovered very few small dogs in residence.  However, all of a sudden Jill comes running to me saying "Get over here quick, they just put this little dog in the cage and a lady is on her way over. You need to get there first."  So over I went and Sasha became an Eckert.  She was with me for close to 17 years. A bundle of love and joy who (according to my vet) helped pay off his school loans. We took long walks until she got too hot and I had to carry her home. Thank goodness she was little!

Sasha soon had a little brother named Romeo.  Romeo was a kitten who had been abandoned in the parking lot at Timberlake Apartments.  He lived under a neighbor's car and would not come out for anyone but me. Needless to say, he chose me. Sasha was not entirely thrilled but they soon became buddies. Romeo was appropriately named as he was the most loving cat ever. He would sit on my lap as I meditated or read, snuggling the whole time.

A few years after Romeo joined us, a friend called telling me about nine kittens who had been thrown into the garbage at Timberlake.  They had been rescued and were secretly being housed in a vacant apartment. Of course, you know what happened.  Damien joined the family.  I must admit neither Sasha or Romeo thought this was a good idea.  Sasha eventually accepted Damien but not sure about Romeo. Another cat was cutting in on his lap time.

Romeo left way too soon shortly before I went to Russia to bring Ulya home. I often wonder if he knew someone else was coming who would get most of my attention.

Since then, other pets have joined the family and I feel so blessed.  They are still active, loving members of our family. Beautiful accepting angels of love.  They are:

Damien, age 18

Spookie, age 11

Lucky Joseph, age 11

Lady Peaches

Here is Lady Peaches at a happier time.  Today, she continues to grieve. How I wish I could make it better for her. We hear so often that animals are creatures of habit (aren't we all?), that they really can't love or feel. Ballderdash! They feel; they love.  Anyone who has had and loved a pet knows this. Peaches is a grieving widow. Instead of casseroles I will bring her a new toy and some sweet treats to make her world just a little brighter. And who knows, maybe, just maybe, she will let me hold her in the near future.  

So to all my dear, departed furry and feathered friends, thank you for making my life just a little brighter.  You were and still are loved and missed.

And thank you to Lucky Joe, Damien, Spookie and Peaches for being part of the Eckert family.  Ulya and I are so blessed to have each of you here.  

And as a footnote, the cats have the names they do because both of them came to us during the Halloween season. 

Give your pets an extra hug today from me.  They are pure Love.  

Namaste,

Mareda

Snow, Ice, Sleet!

Up until now, the St. Louis area has been fortunate to miss the weather challenges so many other parts of the country have experienced.  About 10 this morning, the snow started. Big fluffy snowflakes drifted down from the sky.  Within minutes, the ground began to be covered.  Then the snow changed to sleet and has continued to go back and forth from snow to sleet.  It's pretty outside but the roads are not pretty nor are they what I would call safe.  Predictions are that it is to continue like this till midnight.  Anyone who knows me knows that snow is not something I look forward to and when ice is in the mix, ugh!

Not too many years ago, I would have been in a state of panic with the weather conditions of today.  Do I go to work? Do I stay home and forfeit pay?  Will I get stuck? Will I have an accident?  On and on, my mind would race. Today, however, I went to work and watched as the snow began to cover the parking lot. There wasn't much going on and the office did close early but as I began my careful walk to my car, I felt none of the usual anxiety. I was mindful of my walk and the fact that there was a layer of ice lurking beneath the snow.  Getting in my car, I was grateful it started and that the snow was easily removed from my windshield. The roads were slippery but as I slid around one corner, I was at peace knowing I was just a few blocks from home. Now I'm safe and warm inside trying to convince my wonderful Lucky Joe that "no" we are not going outside to play ball.

Sometimes when I am in a "funk" I wonder if all my spiritual work has done anything to elevate my consciousness. Today, as I remembered previous snow storms and my reactions, I acknowledged to myself that the work I've done over the years has been fruitful. I am peaceful knowing all is well in my world at this very moment. Mindfulness is the key. Mindful of what is safe and what is not. Mindful that cars need gas in their tank if the weather is less than ideal.  Mindful that if the roads are not safe you stay home.  The body temple we live in is more important than a job, a prior commitment  or a trip to the grocery store.

So, as I look out from my front door and see the snow and what some call "blizzard conditions" I know I am safe and blessed.  And I am very grateful for that.

May all who read this entry, be warm, safe and happy. 

Namaste,

Mareda

Feelings

The past couple of weeks have felt as though I was on a perpetual roller coaster of feelings.  For those of you who know me, a roller coaster is my least favorite fun park ride.  In fact, ain't nobody getting me on one ever again. Been there, done that.  On a more serious note, I have experienced a plethora of emotions that have drained me energetically.

Without going into much detail, I was surprised and frustrated by an experience with another individual.  Actually, very angry. After much self-examination and prayer, I realized it wasn't all about me at all. Terry Cole-Whitaker's book, "What You Think of Me Is None of My Business," came to mind during this time. Everyone is where they are.  Sometimes we take things way to personally. And sometimes we are way too hard on ourselves.

from "Laughing Quietly To Myself"

However, I still felt some frustration and went about "doing" what I felt needed to be done.  Immediately events were set into motion and my feelings went from frustrated to elated. The Universe was taking charge and doors were opening, but....

The doors closed.  I was back to square one.  This time I didn't feel the frustration as much as many of my friends.  For once again, I realized change is the only constant in this world. What seemed to be today is only one episode in this saga called life. Things are still moving just at their own speed, not mine.  Divine Right Action is unfolding....in God's Time.

All this being said, I do think it is important to accept our feelings as real at the moment. I have often denied or apologized for my feelings. Stuffing our anger may only make it erupt at a future time.  Acting happy when we are actually quite sad or disillusioned is just denying who we are at the moment. As I've mentioned before we can visit the condo in the valley; we just don't want to take residence there for very long.

So, I have visited that condo, acknowledged all those feelings of anger, frustration, happiness, disillusionment, etc. But now I'm ready to come back to the reality of my life. It is really pretty good.  In fact, it is fantastic!

While visiting that bittersweet condo, I came across some wonderful Facebook pages that assisted me in my stay.  Some of them are geared to the female population but I'm hoping the feminine in those guys who read my blog will enjoy them too.

Some of my Favorite Facebook pages:

Namaste Cafe

Laughing quietly to myself

Peace Path

Wild Woman Sisterhood

As the following indicates, keep being REAL!  It's who you are.  

from "Wild Woman Sisterhood"

Namaste,

Mareda

Frosty Has Competition!

The "dusting" of snow predicted last evening turned into 4 inches of white beauty as evidenced by the photos taken by my daughter, Ulya.  Thought it was time for some beauty on my blog, so here goes.

The beginning of the snow during the night. 

The lake at Kirkwood Park. 

A scene along Sugar Creek.

The Buddha off our deck.

The beginning of trouble for Frosty!

Buddy Eckert

Buddy and Ulya.

Sorry Frosty but you have competition in Kirkwood.








Happy Sunday everyone.

Namaste,

Mareda

Loving When It Is Hard To Love

A few weeks ago, I was streaming Agape Live when Rev. Michael Beckwith made the statement "Love when it is hard to love." A few nights ago, I had a dream about Gerald Jampolskly's book "Love Is Letting Go of Fear." Many of us say "I love you" at the drop of a hat to those around us.  We love chocolate or football or any number of things.  And yet as I mention this, if you read comments on Facebook (which I know I should never do) or the newspaper, you discover that there is a lot of hate and bitterness just about everywhere.  I am very much aware that people spout off on the internet because they can.  I assume it is some sort of release of their frustrations.  I am also aware that negativity and violence sells. That is really sad.

My life has been blessed and it is relatively easy to love. I've had some challenges but I've made it through them to the Light relatively unscathed.  I'm sitting here writing this looking out at a beautiful snowfall in the warmth of my home. My healthy, happy daughter is at work.  Friends and relatives are all pretty much safe, secure and happy also.  Life is good.  But.....

What if something happens to change that?  Illness strikes, tragedy happens.  Would I still be sitting here happy as a lark?  I pray that this is never part of my experience but it is reality for many, many people. Unless a person lives in a cave, the tragedies are only too well known to all of us.

I have known people who are so fearful of something bad happening to their family that they are immobilized from living.  Photos of their children are prohibited unless safe and secure within the family unit. Attendance at large events is out.  My feeling is that they are not living. They have allowed fear to "kill" any chance of enjoying the life that the Divine Presence has given us.

Of course, one must be aware of questionable activities and events, but living in a constant state of fear is not productive of a fulfilling life here on earth. Sometimes bad things happen. Trying to figure out why or blaming someone or a whole segment of the population is fruitless.

My daughter and I were blessed a few years ago to meet and spend time with Maria Szapszewicz, a Holocaust survivor.  Maria survived Auschwitz and Bergen-Belsen and was liberated from Bergen-Belsen on April 15, 1945.  As horrible an experience as this was for Maria, she was a joy to be around.  She laughed and smiled and brought joy to everyone she met.  I asked her how she was able to stay so positive.  She indicated that this was her form of revenge.  Her joy was a victory over the Nazi regime. And she loved and was Love personified.

Could I be like Maria?  or so many people who have risen above the tragedies in their lives?  I don't know the answer to that. I'd like to think I could but I've learned that until you are there, you really don't know what you would do.

This morning I came across this article on the Belief Blog.  It fits in very well with my entry today.

http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2013/02/02/a-killing-a-life-sentence-and-my-change-of-heart/?hpt=hp_c1

These are my thoughts to ponder today.  Thoughts about living, loving, and fear. This may be a day to pick up that special little book, "Love Is Letting Go of Fear," and read it once again.  Couldn't hurt.

By the way, a friend asked what Namaste meant.  Copied from Namaste Cafe:

Could this be what Love is all about?

Namaste,

Mareda