Monday, April 21, 2008

Journey of a Thousand Miles

Tomorrow, I am taking a journey of a thousand miles. Actually, it is more than a thousand miles. Probably 1100 or 1200, I would guess. Plus I have to drive north from here about 70 miles to the airport!
But what counts is the first step. My first step is to recognize and pay attention to the journey itself. The destination will take care of itself.

Thursday, April 17, 2008

I can see clearly now

This just might be my most favorite song ever.
Please play it for my funeral (some day)!
It was a hit back when I was 13. I learned to dance
the cha cha to it.
You can listen to it by clicking on the link
down there on the right, under the Random Classic Art, in the list
"Songs I would want if stranded on a desert island"

Here are the lyrics:

I can see clearly now, the rain is gone,
I can see all obstacles in my way
Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind
It’s gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright)
Sun-Shiny day.

I think I can make it now, the pain is gone
All of the bad feelings have disappeared
Here is the rainbow I’ve been prayin' for
It’s gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright)
Sun-Shiny day.

Look all around, there’s nothin?but blue skies
Look straight ahead, nothin?but blue skies

I can see clearly now, the rain is gone,
I can see all obstacles in my way
Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind
It’s gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright)
Sun-Shiny day.

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Where it stops, nobody knows

I'm more of a merry-go-round gal than a roller coaster gal, first of all. So when life becomes a roller coaster (emotionally speaking), I am not exactly in my element. I prefer the steady bobbing up and down, with a bit of change in scenery and a bit of repetition (familiarity breeds contentment). Throw a bit of music in, and I am a happy camper.
But, alas, life is not always thus. OTHER people, who may be ROLLER COASTER people, are there in my midst, having to be dealt with and perhaps supported or challenged or leaned on or whatever.
So, roller coasters have some things in common with merry-go-rounds, but ONE thing different is the highs and lows, and the twists and curves (okay, that's two things). Before I get too lost in this metaphor, let me be clear, I am pro-"feeling what you feel."
I guess it does come down to how you view the world. You decide what kind of ride you like best. Just excuse me, if I don't feel like taking the same ride as you do. I may stay on the side and watch you, and then go on my own ride when it's my turn.

Wednesday, April 9, 2008

Flow

It's funny how Life hands you exactly what you need at the moment. The learning opportunities abound, and when one comes along, you have the choice to take it or not. Letting go of the notion of control means learning to go with the flow. Going with the flow is not a passive state; it is a healthy acceptance of What Is.
When you struggle against the flow of Life (e.g. change), you can lose the opportunity for learning and growth. Still, it's inevitably a temporary loss, because Life doesn't give up that easily. Life wants you to get It.

Thursday, April 3, 2008

This comfort

I've written about 10 posts since the last one; trouble is, they've all been in my head, while I was driving or otherwise away from the computer! Too bad I don't have a personal assistant to take dictation at my whim. I wonder what that would be like!
The other problem is that I have so much going on in my mind, that it is hard to focus it. I wish I could distill my thoughts, and somehow writing them down does soothe the thought beast for a while.
I just finished a book, the title of which I don't exactly recall, but it was a collection of essays compiled by Charles Grodin. All sorts of famous and semi-famous people wrote about their biggest mistake and what they learned from it. By and large, the major themes involved making sure your loved ones know that you love them, being true to yourself, and knowing that in fact there are no mistakes (in the sense that everything can be a learning experience and everything contributes to your growth, if you allow it). Perhaps my favorite essay was the last one in the book. Paul Newman writes that he is still making the same mistakes he made 50 years ago, which means he is not surprised when he does it again, but strangely comforted. Made me think about how we might draw a perverse comfort from making the same mistakes over and over.