Living in the NOW

Things become so twisted when someone assumes what you’re thinking and then they act on their ‘clairvoyance’, not the truth!

I was in a phone conversation the other day, and nearing the end the other party said something like “you seem annoyed with me so I’ll just go”, and I said “okay”, and we hung up. The fact is, I wasn’t annoyed at all, I was somewhat confused with how the conversation was going and I had just asked for some clarification to what was said, and then came the above response.

Someone had assumed, or ‘read my tone’, or whatever, and put the disconnect on me.  This wasn’t about me! A simple question as to whether or not I was annoyed would have settled the whole thing.

I remember learning many years ago that the easiest way to know I am shifting blame is when my words have a “YOU” in them, i.e., “I think that You…”, or “You should….”, “I’m upset because You….”.,,or case in point “You seem annoyed…”.

If I come from the place of “I feel”, i.e., “I don’t feel heard”, “I feel I’m being placated”, “I feel I’m being treated rudely”, I am owning how I feel, but not blaming another for feeling that way.  The long and the short of it is that if I feel the way I do it is because of whatever reaction I’m having to what someone else is doing or saying.  It’s my trigger! I’m the one who has to settle my feelings within myself and figure it out. Only I can give me my peace.

Knowing myself is a big deal!  I’m responsible for how I perceive others’ words, events, anything. If I question something, I know I can ask to get an affirmation of my own understanding, or I can get a correction.  The final assessment is still up to me and it is I who lives with that and trusting myself.

Being comfortable with myself is a big deal!  I have no intention to be unkind or rude to anyone.  If someone has an axe to grind they’ll have to grind it on their own grinding stone.

In life I have to sift the wheat from the chaff. In so doing,  It’s a part of loving myself and taking good care of myself. It’s a part of keeping my own standards of peace and happiness. It’s about trusting myself and my own intuition. It’s about believing myself. It’s about upholding my integrity.

“To Thine Own Self Be True.” Blessed Be.  To All Be Blessed.

Actions speak louder than words.   ~Gaya

 

 

The HERE, the NOW, the PRESENT…all one and the same. There’s no escaping WHAT IS!  Some may think they’re stuck with it…I happen to believe I’m Blessed with it.

I know I expound often on what a privilege I think LIFE is to be lived.  It’s such a joy to use my SELF as I participate. Living alone, this is what is available to me:  my personal input, my self-honesty, my authenticity during my days, my observations as I proceed intuitively ofttimes with no thinking, just responding to what has presented to me.  This is, in fact, when I commence a blog.

I find it so interesting when I am introspective and I challenge myself to the truth:  what am I thinking? Why am I thinking this? is this from my ego or from my heart? Do I approve or disapprove and why?  What is my motive, do I have an agenda? What is my purpose of the moment?

It’s not about what others think anymore. What a relief this is! It’s about interrogating myself and answering truthfully.

If I do need validation, thankfully I have someone I can turn to.  We all need someone who has no vested interest in us other than they honestly care and have exhibited this time and again.

I want to feel whole and competent… and so far so good.  There is pure joy in living and doing and being.  There is pure joy in sitting in the silence and listening. There is pure joy in believing I am worth it and honoring that worth. And, whatever I offer to myself, I freely can give to another:  my attention and care and effort to enhance their present moment.

Blessed Be. To All Be Blessed.

All answers come from within. Truths do set you free.  ~ Gaya

 

This is a continuation of my personal experience with COMMITMENT!

I don’t think I’ve ever learned so much in such a short period of time than during the past month since my friend arrived to stay with me for these weeks.

To offer some background, we met on the internet, had spoken a few times on Zoom, and were members of a group. Our initial introduction was, perhaps, 1 1/2 to 2 years ago and our contact certainly wasn’t daily….more like monthly.

Fast forward to the present when events happened and she called me to inquire whether she could come stay with me for a time while she found  her own place in my town. She was familiar with the state of New Mexico. We were ‘adult’ about it before any decision could be made, and ultimately we ‘committed’ to doing it and we were absolutely going to do our parts to make it work!  At this time I had no clue that I was doing myself the biggest favor of my life!

Any relationship has its issues as we all know, but honestly, this whole process has been so enlightening to us both because we know that commitment means “no other alternative”, and so we both have put on our ‘big-girl britches’ and we are totally pledged to not only making it work, but we are enjoying this privilege in our lives.

I am aware that I ‘want’ to bend for the sake of our success toward our commitment. In this process, a sensation comes over me, i.e., I feel compassion sometimes, I feel selflessness sometimes, I feel excitement sometimes when I observe such positive results which come from no inconvenience on my part, but rather, from a sincere endeavor by me.  It’s easy to reflect on those times in my life when it was apparent my focus was so far away from this kind of attitude.

Please understand this is difficult to describe, but it is happening, and I am a far better person for it.  I am expanding my capacity for understanding and altruistic thinking.  Plainly, I am caring outside of myself and it feels wonderful and not only that, I feel like I am completing myself in some important way as a human being.

Incidentally, my friend and I have conversations about this, and her experience is similar.

So, my friends, this is my story and I’m sticking to it!  Ha! 🙂

Blessed Be.  To All Be Blessed.

Amen…And So It Is.    ~Gaya

 

I’ve been realizing these days that I am the only one who can give myself peace of mind.  This said, I don’t spend much time mulling things in my mind which wastes my time…if I observe myself doing it. I try to be more centered on thoughts that fill me up with enthusiasm for life and doing things which project my optimism moment by moment.  I really do spend a great deal of time expressing my gratitude for so many things.

I wrote a poster not long ago which defined “Commitment” as no other option.  Gosh, believing this makes life even simpler, albeit more serious as well.  To me it’s satisfying that I can propose options to myself to most everything when it comes to choices.  Subsequently, I already know  that I will like the outcome because of the intentional actions I take.

I can take  mystery out of my life on a daily basis, and welcome what presents to me which is the joy of living in the NOW. And, when I am then faced with more choices, I can review what I will and won’t commit to, and what I will allow occupancy in my day for the entertainment and pleasantry for as long as I wish.

We all know worry does nothing but upset us.  We also know that acceptance is a key to streamlining our days and relaxing in the flow of the action.  I also keep reminding myself that it is I who dictates where I will stand…I am not a tree, I can move around any which way to get my footing and reposition myself.  Like I said in one of my books, I believe if I made my bed I have to sleep in it; however, I can move it around any way I want in this process.  Nothing is so ultimate except death….and perhaps regret,

I have a friend staying with me for 6 weeks.  We both made a commitment to make it work. We don’t know each other very well,  so we are customizing our positions with pure consideration for each other.  This isn’t always easy, but we continue to remind ourselves that we committed to the arrangement for our individual reasons.  I’m glorifying my position in this, because I  have begun to realize what it takes to commit to something/someone and how important my word and actions are.  They are absolute!!  I am proud of myself and also, I am learning such vital lessons yet to learn this late in my life about how to make the best of everything.  I have been given a great personal life  opportunity by fulfilling this commitment. I realize how instrumental I am about everything in my daily life and how it affects me and others.

Blessed Be.  To All Be Blessed.

Gratitude is a Connection to Everything.   ~Gaya

 

 

 

 

No question, I’m getting pretty comfy in my new place!  Porter knows our routine down to the minute, and I have found that my GRATITUDE keeps me grounded in astounding ways.

THOUGHT is great when it is constructive and innovative and creative and happy and motivating and intentional.  It is MY election to improve my surroundings…emotionally, physically and spiritually.

I recently completed painting the ceiling and walls in my living room and dining area!  This was a feat, but doable.  The outcome is amazing and such an improvement around here.  Next comes the kitchen, and other rooms too, as long as my energy and stamina and physical ability hold out!

What occurs to me this morning is that “accomplishment”  is also evident internally in my thoughts and emotions, as well as obviously in the visual, and it all has to do with my wellbeing. When I’m thinking  I’m already in the creative process as ideas begin to swirl, and these ideas are all about making ME happier!  It’s not about what I’m lacking or any dissatisfaction, it’s about how can I get a greater shine to my life and my surroundings…a continuous polishing to my whole existence while I’m alive!

Now I’m referring to ATTITUDE. It’s about helping myself!  It’s about my own proactivity  which spurs me on providing the constant link to the Ease and Grace in my life. I think I maintain an overview of my surroundings and my physical wellbeing  which ‘lubricates my life machine’, if you will. For a fact, if I don’t do it, who/what will?

I follow my GPS when I’m driving to an unfamiliar area, and I guess I use my GTA when I’m navigating my own life.

And, not to forget your ESP!  ~Gaya

Blessed Be.  To All Be Blessed.

 

Do things really change?   I did change my surroundings, got a new little dog, am meeting new people, have different activities, etc., but inside all seems to be the same.  Days go by, I still have problems to solve, attitudes to moderate, I’m always the optimistic thinker, have my spiritual practice and I continue to postulate my existence and purpose and what is required by me to gain equanimity and harmony while living as a human being on this planet.

I love it that I still marvel at life!  I still become aware of the synchronicities and what I see as miracles.  I’m aware of the support I receive from the Universe and Gaya (my non-physical friends).   I’m following my intuition even more, and I like my reliance on this silent leader. I’m enjoying that I take action on the spur-of-the-moment to make myself happy.

I’m strenuously working around my home outside these days, and it amazes me that I have the stamina, albeit not for more than two hours at a time.  I thrill to my physical strength and Will to do what I am doing.  I’ve developed a connection to this house and the land around it.  It’s like I want to continue to  fulfill my dream, exhibiting my thankfulness by showing it how much I love being here.  As I polish my surroundings I am polishing myself.  It’s my gratitude for it all that is expressing itself, I think.

I try not to take anything for granted…I’m more aware of my blessings and living under Grace, and I’m also more agreeable to acceptance of the not-so-pleasant happenings in the knowledge that life has always been like this and it always works itself out, one way or another.

I am reminded of the song, “Jesus Loves Me, This I Know.”

Life is Good. Thank You, God. Thank You, Thank You, Thank You, God.

You are recognized, supported and loved beyond measure.  ~Gaya

Blessed Be.  To All Be Blessed.

 

What keeps me keeping on keeping on?  I don’t know any other way!

It’s putting one foot in front of the other.  It’s about remembering the measure of my fear is the measure of my faith. It’s knowing my gratitude for all I have and have withstood throughout my lifetime are Blessings and Grace. 

I have my heartache like everyone else.  Though I do not feel I am free to mention it, this does not make me less authentic; however, it does restrict me when in my day-to-day expressions and exposure I try so hard to be exactly who I am.

So, I sit down like this morning and write a blog. I am wrestling with something that occurs in my life from time-to-time, and it is unsettling at the very least.  As I am in my silence, I try to stay level-headed, and invariably I go to words that are calming to me.  Eckhart Tolle says “Wisdom comes with the ability to be still. Just look and just listen.  No more is needed.  Being still, looking and listening, activates the non-conceptual intelligence within you.  Let stillness direct your words and actions.”

Fears are essentially lies I am telling myself.  I have no way of knowing the future…I fear.  The NOW gives me all I can handle.  It is my choice to enjoy this NOW, and create gratitude for the NOW that I am experiencing.  It is up to me to believe that I am capable to handle anything and everything that presents to me, or that I present to myself through choices I make.  The NOW is my reality.  It is palpable if I focus on it.  I want to appreciate what I am given, not what I make up out of fear.

Acceptance is the answer to all my problems today.  When I am disturbed, it is because I find some person, place, thing or situation…some fact of my life…unacceptable to me and I can find no serenity until I accept that person, place, thing or situation as being exactly the way it is supposed to be at this moment.  This is my paraphrase of information I interpreted from Stillness Speaks, by Eckhart Tolle.

And finally, I receive solace from Abraham-Hicks:  “Today, no matter where I am going and no matter what I am doing, it is my dominant intent to see that which I am wanting to see.”

In my silence this morning, I have shared with you how I  keep on keeping on. I am comforted by this and I hope it is helpful to someone else when they may be wrestling with something that needs settling.

I asked for help and in writing this, I have received it.  Thank you Gaya, my non-physical friends, my guardian angels, my guides, all that is connected to me, that love and support and guide me, through my inextricable connection to that which created me, God, Universal Intelligence, Creator, whatever you choose to call it.

Blessed Be.  To All Be Blessed.

Wherever you are, are we.   ~Gaya

I’ve set up a garden here at my new digs; I continue to have lots to do around my new home and the land around it; my little foster pup, Porter, definitely has my attention; and having turned 85 a little over a month ago, I seem to be more attentive to taking better care of myself in every way, i.e., physically, mentally, spiritually and socially.

This morning the phrase ‘going above and beyond’ came into my mind.  This is what I am doing these days and I’m realizing that this is what LIFE demands of me if I’m going to keep on keeping on with interest in what I’m doing and why I’m doing it!

Take the garden:  Chicago has nothing on Deming, New Mexico, when it comes to wind!  It’s usually westerly, and these winds come with gusty force.  Thankfully, in principle, I don’t mind wind, but for growing, I had to make sure my garden is shielded from the ferocity of this wind.  I put in some beet seeds and keeping them damp till they germinate is absolutely necessary.  Also scattered wildflowers in two raised beds and around a walkway…same thing, have to keep the ground damp. I bought two tomato plants but still have them in pots…they have to grow up a bit more before they can survive the garden, I think. I have lots of hope and faith here, but it’s the effort that I must put forth!

And Porter?  Today is a vet day!  The shelter pays for the visit, but the main thing is his overall health and wellbeing.  He is turning into a wonderful companion, very smart and wanting to please.  He’s a grateful, loyal little guy.

And ME?  I’ve taken on additional responsibilities, notwithstanding the fact I am advancing in age…and so I’m much more conscious of what I owe to myself to succeed! 

More than ever before I’m aware I take nothing for granted.  By the same token, I am ever conscious that I am inextricably connected to and unconditionally loved and supported by God. 

The least I can do for myself is Go Above and Beyond whenever I’m doing anything.  It’s part of the pleasure of living life to the fullest.  It’s part of the contentment I feel at the end of the day when I express my gratitude for everything I have. 

It’s an absolute privilege to Go Above and Beyond the best way I am able.  The Intention matters.

Blessed Be.  To All Be Blessed.  Stay Safe.  Be Well.

Today is your day … be gleeful and grateful.      ~ Gaya

It’s so important what I think, what I say, what I do. Whatever comes out of my mouth and however I behave tells others exactly who I am for that time. I want to put more conscious awareness upon my actions, words and deeds…not how it relates to what others think about me, but rather,  to what power I have that creates my small world, my happiness and joy, my frustration and dis-ease.

To be more clear:  One can get so swept up in ‘appearances’, when instead, the conscious awareness ought to be on what really is! When I react, as against respond with a deliberate thought about something, I’m not intending to show who I AM at the time.  In fact, the exact opposite occurs:  I show my disorganized mind and emotions,,.my unconscious  unaware  side.

Life happens quickly…moment to moment…and I think it behooves me to slow myself down so I can relish in the delights of the five senses during the precious NOW moments.  What more is there, after all, than enjoying what I’m up to, what I’m experiencing, creating, as I act out my life play?

This is  ‘deliberate’ living ‘ … Authenticity at its best.

When I’m ‘on top of my game’, my inside artist is hard at work, designing in detail what I am thinking about, what kind of attention I’m giving to it, what outcome I am  expecting. In this very process I’m adding the color to my life and when I provide the details, the excitement that begins to happen is essentially me creating my small world for my own pure enjoyment and gratification.  It’s in these moments I am so grateful for all that I have.  I have so many gifts to use which stir from within.  We all do.  It’s a matter of  letting those ‘cats out of the bag’!

Perfect Timing!  I’m intentionally setting a deliberate action plan for me to more consciously initiate. I’m creating more ‘Go’ in my Flow.  I’m bringing more privilege of living my life with the deliberate intention of enjoying the whole journey.

There’s no question about it:  I have no endgame in sight!  I guess that’s what life is all about…we deliberately keep enjoying our ‘lifestyle’.

Blessed Be.  Be Safe and Well, All.

“You’ve Got This!”         ~Gaya

I feel the urge, I feel the surge, and I emerge!  … Again and Again and Again!  I think this is the process of how I continue living and doing whatever I set out to do in my life each moment, each hour, and so it goes, on and on.

I’ve learned that living Life isn’t just cut and dried!   It can’t be just a series of habits and repeat performances.  There is always the mundane,  so it’s up to me to hit my ‘refresh’ button!

REFRESH...I love this word!

I don’t ever want to be a ‘stick-in-the-mud’.  I don’t ever want anyone to say to me, “Awe, you’re no fun”, or “Live a Little!” But, I’ve never liked anyone yanking me out of ‘my way’ based on what they think about how I’m doing what I’m doing! I like the feeling of ‘get up and go’, and it’s up to me to do it, not wait for someone else to nudge me or tug on me or even judge me for not appreciating all of the opportunities that are available to me that enhance and expand my Beingness.

A new book I ordered, Welcoming the Unwelcome:  Wholehearted Living in a Brokenhearted World, by Pema Chodron, is being delivered  today.  I’m really excited…like for some long-awaited company!

I am not only offered each new day, I am given the power to observe my own behavior, assess my level of contentment, happiness, joy and calm,  and I have the cognizance to assert myself  for myself  to  fill up my body-mind-soul vessel.  I believe this is my absolute duty, my responsibility, toward myself and my well-being. I am my own instrument effecting the continuous progress of the privilege of living my life as long as I am being.

When you feel your inner peace and joy, you are coming to more understanding of who you are and what you are capable of doing for yourself.  We infinitely support you to your greatest good.    ~Gaya

Blessed Be.  To All Be Safe and Well.