Joy 35/82: Notes on Fate

Today was amazing and inspiring ... from the ancient stories told by Michael Meade while drumming to the life stories told by members of the workshops, to the poetry and shared song.  Meade's message is that each of us comes into this world with a gift (fate) that inclines us in a certain direction and calls us to that activate that gift, to turn it into something we share with the world.  Here are a few thoughts:

"The ungiven gift becomes a weight."  -- Michael Meade. 

Question:  What mistake(s) shaped your life?  Meade tells a story about his aunt who intended to give him a history book for his 13th birthday but accidentally picked the wrong one from the bookstore shelf.  The book turned out to be Edith Hamilton's "Mythology."  When his aunt offered to return it for the right one, Meade refused since he had already been struck by the pictures of the gods and goddesses on the cover.  He devoured the stories and they became part of him.

"Life is lived forward but understood looking backwards."

Hafiz from the "God of Four Words" -- "Come dance with me."

Hafiz:  One regret, dear World, that I am determined
          not to have when I'm lying on my deathbed:
          That I did not kiss you enough.

Joy 34/82: Great Question

Yesterday began with my friend Emily and I talking about living authentically and since we were headed toward a workshop on Fate and Destiny, it wasn't too surprising that more layers of the same onion were peeled back.  During the first session of the workshop, Michael Meade told a story about the Rabbi Zusha who admitted to his friends that he feared death.  When they asked why, he said he wasn't afraid that God would ask him why he wasn't more like Abraham.  He would just say to God, "I am not Abraham."  He said he wasn't afraid that God would ask him why he wasn't more like Moses.  He would just say to God, "I am not Moses."

"What I really fear," he stated, "is that God will ask me why I wasn't more like Zusha."

That story shortened into a most intriguing question that might be asked of us as we exit this life:  Did you become yourself?  Contemplating that question now rather than later might help us live into our true self.


About the image:  There was a beautiful rainbow this morning ... not this one ... this one is in Taos ... but a lovely beginning to the morning nonetheless.

Joy 33/82: All Our Selves

One of my favorite sources of inspiration and information is Bob Genn's twice-weekly newsletter.  Theoretically, it's about art ... and it is a rich source of information about art, art processes, and the business of art ... but it is also about life.  This morning he is talking about procrastination and states that it might not be a character flaw as much as it is a "war of selves," one self wanting to make art while another wants to organize the spice rack.  Knowing our selves and who's running the show can be helpful in our efforts to be more effective.

Here's what Bob says:

Recent studies tell us we need to get to know all our different selves. We need to make a list. FYI, here's mine: Responsible Bob. Loves-painting Bob. Hates-business Bob. Daydreaming Bob. Irresponsible Bob. Strategic Bob. Fooling-around Bob. Birdwatching Bob. Imposter Bob. Loves-writing Bob. Old-car Bob. Analytical-guru Bob. Doesn't-like-to-be-taken-advantage-of Bob. Helpful, loving Bob. Philatelic Bob. Lazy Bob. Leave-me-alone Bob.
Knowing these Bobs helps Bob see when one Bob is caving in to another Bob or pushing another Bob around.

It seems like an interesting exercise in self-acceptance, so I'm going to do it this morning and, if it interests you, invite you to do the same and comment about any insights you have.  I'll post mine tomorrow.

One of the most interesting sections of Bob's newsletters comes in the P.S. and with what he calls "esoterica."  About this topic of procrastination, he states:

PS: "You can't build a reputation on what you are going to do." (Henry Ford) 

Esoterica: The Greeks called it akrasia--"Doing something against one's better judgment." The condition is of great interest and puzzlement to motivators because of its irrationality. Surely we should all be getting positive things done in a steady, rational manner. I've gone blue in the face telling artists to "steadily chip away at your statue." But chipping isn't always steady. There's sweeping up to do. And birdwatching. And cleaning the lake.

About this image:  Why do we expect our lives to run in straight lines?

Joy 32/82: Fate and Destiny

Today I'm off to Santa Barbara for time with a friend and to spend the weekend at a workshop with Michael Meade, a renowned storyteller, author, and scholar of mythology, anthropology, and psychology.  The title of the workshop is "Facing Fate, Finding a Destiny."  I had the opportunity to experience a brief workshop with Michael Meade several years ago and was enchanted by his storytelling (often while drumming), so I am very excited about this weekend.

The description of the workshop includes this interesting distinction between fate and destiny:

Although often treated as interchangeable, fate and destiny are two sides of an archetypal dynamic that shapes each life from within. An old idea identifies fate and the soul as the same thing, for fate includes the persistent limitations and distinct complexes of our psyche as well as the tangled threads of family and ancestry within us. Our destiny is also woven within, appearing as a bright thread of the soul's deepest intention and original purpose in coming to life. 

Fate is there at the beginning as each soul's seeded pattern, and fate is there at the end; fate is purpose seen from the other end of life. Fate appears in the curious twists that define a life and mark it indelibly while destiny is the only way through fate's exacting pattern. What begins as limitation or even fixation becomes the vital plot line of the soul's necessary story. 

Life's genuine callings involve the golden thread of destiny that grants us specific gifts and talents; but the unfolding of fate requires that we also handle our deepest wounds and unhealed traumas. Only in facing our fate can we find our deepest resources and the destiny the soul longs to know.

About the image:  Toad Hall, Santa Barbara Botanical Gardens -- this is one of my favorite Santa Barbara pictures.

Joy 31/82: Reduction of Media Overload

The chaos of my life the past few years has had some unintended consequences ... one joyful outcome has been the reduction in my media involvement.  My addiction to television and newspapers dropped away (although I am still addicted to Grey's Anatomy which I can watch on my computer).  For awhile I worried about becoming too ignorant of world affairs but I find that the important stuff finds its way in.   What doesn't get in is the daily overload of crime and violence.

I didn't really notice the change that much until I started hearing people complaining loudly about being bombarded with political ads.  This morning I leisurely completed my absentee ballot and actually had to look for information to make my decision in several cases.  Few of us believe completely the political ads that come our way anymore ... which is a shame ... so being able to quietly look for objective sources of information was interesting and reminded me to be grateful for our system. It may not be perfect but it is peaceful and it is free.

About the image:  Cycles of Change

Joy 30/82: My Camera

Our mosaic class visited a tile artist's house today and it almost made me dizzy.  Every place you looked was a work of art ... an exuberance of color, line and form.  The woman who opened her home to us lives her art and reminds me of this quote from David Whyte:

What you can plan
is too small
for you to live.

What you can live
wholeheartedly
will make plans
enough
for the vitality
hidden in your sleep.

-- David Whyte, House of Belonging

Engulfed by color and form, I took over 70 photos in about an hour and could have taken three times as many except there were so many people walking around, I couldn't get clear shots.  Several years ago I started carrying a small but high-quality point-and-shoot camera with me everywhere I go.  On days like today, it gives me great joy to be able to easily capture the beauty and inspiration that comes my way.

About the image:  Shower ... just one example of her tile work throughout her house.

Joy: 29/82: Prayer

Prayer is powerful and because of its power, I wonder about it ... how to pray, what to pray for.  Many years ago, a friend of mine was struck by an aneurism at age 42.  He was one of the healthiest people I knew, a loving husband and father, and a bright light to his friends and community.  I got the news while traveling and prayed feverishly for his recovery all through the night.  He survived in a limited, severely damaged state and lived that way for 25 years.  It made me wonder if my prayers had been for the right thing.

I have recently joined a church community that believes in the power of prayer and often extends prayer for healing of all types.  It has refreshed my concerns and I wrote the following from a purely personal perspective in an attempt to get some clarity about what prayers I would want from others.

Prayers for Me

Please ...

Do not pray for my body to be healed
For we know not what gifts this illness brings.

Do not pray for abundance to flow my way
For we know not what lessons poverty offers.

Do not pray for my relationship
For we know not what joy solitude might bring.

Please pray only for my peace of mind,
for my openness of heart and
my growing understanding of myself as part of the One.

###

I guess it all boils down to "Thy will be done."  But, then, isn't God's will always going to be done?  Here's another, probably better thought out perspective:

12 Reasons to Pray and 12 Things to Pray For

By Living Life Abundantly

Reasons to Pray:

1.  It encourages others.
2.  It reminds you of spiritual values.
3.  It gives hope.
4.  It helps you feel better.
5.  It allows you to let go of situations.
6.  It provides comfort.
7.  It relaxes you and reduces anxiety.
8.  It builds faith.
9.  It deepens character.
10. It broadens your perspective.
11. It brings you closer to God.
12. IT WORKS!

Things to Pray For:
1.   For a growing relationship with God.
2.   For positive relationships with your family members.
3.   For energy and enthusiasm for your work or career.
4.   For wisdom to make right and wise decisions.
5.   For your service to your community and/or church.
6.   For the special needs of your family and friends.
7.   For the spiritual lives of your church leaders and congregation.
8.   For wisdom for our government leaders.
9.   For the moral integrity of today’s young people.
10. For the safety of those serving in our armed forces.
11. For a lasting peace among peoples and nations.
12. For the opportunity to be a blessing to someone today.