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You may have now heard many times the idea that “we are spiritual beings, having a physical experience.”
I don’t doubt that one bit, and have come to know this on many levels in my own personal life.
Today, as the world is awakening, many of us are going through various personal spiritual transformations. And as great as this is, there is still one part of this picture that presents a certain kind of challenge. This is the expectations of the physical world.
The truth is, that if we all learned to act out of the love, kindness and compassion that we are, I have no doubt most people would feel as if they live in heaven. However, the fact is that greed, lies and deception are still a real aspect of this physical world for many. So how does one on a spiritual path merge these two worlds?
Let me explain better what I mean. A while back I wrote an article entitled, “The Challenges of Expectations“. As I have another case scenario for you, we can consider this the part 2 of that post, and try to see how we can really merge the spiritual aspect of ourselves with the modern physical world, when it comes to dealing with certain expectations.
Dealing With Expectations
I will indeed be the first one to tell you not to expect things outside of you, whether it deals with your happiness, security or whatever the case may be. All of these have to primarily come from within. And while this sounds great in theory, and I do practice it on a daily basis with those closest to me, like family and friends, for the most part – putting it into practice on every level is quite another thing. In reality, we do live in a world where there is a certain expectation to how things run.
You watch television on your cable and you expect there will be a bill at the end of the month. You deposit money into your account and you expect that it will be there when you need to withdraw it. You go into the hospital and you expect that you will be taken care of. These are just, but a few examples, of how we have come to expect our society to operate, there are millions of other examples that we can of course list.
Perhaps an enlightened master wouldn’t blink an eye when a societal expectation falls through, but the truth is most of us will do much more than blink, if a certain standard is not delivered the way we have come to expect it. And while I do realize that some people’s expectations are very unsound in what they expect from others, what I am talking about here is basic expectations in society that are part of a system that we have constructed.
Last time, in “The Challenges of Expectations“, I shared with you a personal story of how my expectations were not met and the choices I had to deal with the situation, in terms of how I chose to see and take it.
Well today, I have another personal example for you. I know we should not focus on things that we do not want, but I truly believe this example can not only help you from a spiritual perspective, but from a practical perspective too, in how you can avoid what I will choose to call the “unpleasant” situation I encountered.
A Story of Expectations
About a week ago, my husband and I decided to book a trip. I found a great deal on a web site for a hotel package, and I knew that I would need to find a flight separately. No problem I thought, I know several so called “reputable” online sites where I knew we could find a flight easily and for a great price.
And so before I confirmed any dates with the hotel (which could not be changed, once set), I researched over 20 dates of possible flights for the best connection, availability and prices. Indeed I found one that suited all of our criteria and followed it through just up to the point of payment to make sure that, that was indeed the price that I was going to get (because I have seen several prices change when you get to the last step). At that point I contacted the hotel to make sure they had an availability during those dates too, and when they assured me they did, I booked the hotel. I then went on to complete the flight booking online. Everything went smoothly and I was very happy and satisfied needless to say.
The next day turned all of this a little upside down. To spare you the details and not dwell on what was, basically we got a few phone calls about how that was not going to be the price and we would have to pay almost $400 per person more. Perhaps you too would be as confused a little as I was, thinking how can you book and pay for one price and than find out that in fact it is a much higher price.
So at this point what did I do? Well perhaps as I mentioned, an enlightened master would have simply said “Is that so?” and thought nothing of it, but I am not there yet. My husband perhaps, me no ;)
As I mentioned to you, there are certain expectations or rules in our society that we have come to accept and hold expectations about, otherwise I think the whole place would be mere chaos. I mean, can you imagine walking into a store paying $29.99 for a sweater, only to get your credit card statement and see that they took out $59.99. I think we can all agree, that we wouldn’t agree to such rules.
Okay, so what happened? Well I am not a loud or confrontational person, never was and never will be. I actually stayed very calm thinking this would all be taken care of properly and the price posted would be honored. This is in fact what I communicated to the sales agent.
Well, that is far from what happened. This was a Friday and all we were told is that we had half a flight, which was overcharged, the airline was refusing to refund it and we would have to wait till Monday for more information.
How would you react to this?
Monday came and we got a couple calls from a supervisor saying that that there is no way they are going to honor the price and in fact a refund would be next to impossible. The person was anything but kind and held a very hostile tone. There were no apologies. There were more complications with the two flights as it was a connecting flight, but again I will not dwell on the details. I explained with calmness, kindness and as much compassion as I could muster, that it is completely unfair to leave the consumer with a burden of now booking a separate flight themselves (when they were supposed to get a package deal), and for far more money then agreed upon. All I am thinking in my head is stay calm, I am sure they will come to their senses, see this is completely unfair, misleading and deceitful marketing and like any reputable company, would apologize and honor the price as it went through during my online booking.
Yes… well this is where the topic of dealing with expectations comes in. We have to remember and understand that no matter how hurt or upset or whatever the case may be that we feel when our expectations are not met, we are not alone in this. There are at least 2 parties involved, and they have their own expectations to meet. So those were my expectations and there are no rules saying that our expectations will ever be fulfilled.
Did this cause me an uneasy feeling within? Yes. Did I have a choice in how I was going to perceive this situation? Yes. I chose to be bothered by it. My husband, seriously barely even blinked. He said we could either be happy and accept what is, or choose to feel uneasy about what we think it should be. And while I totally agree and get that, I feel that by moving forward with this, and not just letting it go, I am standing up for more people than myself here. I feel that I should speak out against this perhaps small, but injustice nonetheless and not let the company just get away with such an act. I know there is a lot of “ego” that comes out in situations like this, but I did my best to stay conscious and aware of what I was feeling and why.
The Lesson
We all choose to walk this path of our physical experience in our own way. There really is no right and wrong. Many, if not most of the problems in our modern world come from miscommunication.
In this example, somewhere along the way there was a big error in communication. Unfortunately I fell into that error, and the onus was put on me to fix it. At least that is how I chose to feel about it.
This situation definitely gave me a lot to think about. On a day to day basis, I can honestly say my life is flawless in terms of not having any stresses or problems to worry about. I do not consider myself lucky, I just consider myself conscious. I am a calm person, and lead life in the most conscious way I can. I also believe that everything we have in our lives, we have attracted to ourselves. So I took some serious time to reflect as to how and why I could have attracted such a situation to myself.
Was it because there is passion within me for justice issues?
Was it perhaps because after I booked the trip for the great deal I got, I jumped up and down, saying “I can’t believe it”? (I do not for a second today undermine the power of our thoughts, words and intentions and definitely should have chosen better words.)
Was it for me to find my inner voice and practice standing up for what I believe is just? (I am not used to confronting others.)
Was it perhaps that we were not meant to be on those flights?
Was it perhaps because the Universe felt I can handle this situation and bring it to the level where the error would be fixed once and for all, so that other innocent people don’t get put into the same situation?
I don’t know for sure at this time. Maybe it was a mix of all of the above. What I do know, is that I am in no way a victim. I am an active participant in this whole situation. And just like with the last story I shared with you in the other article about expectations, the same still applies here – we have a choice at every step of the way in how we are going to act and how we are going to choose to perceive the events.
What I know for sure is that if nothing else, it taught me a great practical lesson – manage your expectations even more, whether of this society or people in general. I don’t mean to sound harsh or hopeless, but the truth is what I mentioned at the beginning still stands – rely internally on any happiness you seek. Be accountable for yourself and your own actions. No matter what the situation, we still have the choice of whether we choose to feel negative or positive about it.
Will I be doing any more online travel bookings? I am not sure. Naturally I can sweep this all under the rug and take it as an isolated case, but being spiritual, also does not mean being naive and allowing any kind of abuse. I always hold the statement in my mind “God protects those, who protect themselves.”
The Resolution
By Tuesday morning I did 2 things that I truly believed changed the outcome of what looked like a “grim” situation. The first thing is I brought myself to a place of peace by simply asking what would be the worst case scenario in all of this, and the truth was it was just about paying a bit more money. Yes, it is not an outcome we find pleasurable in this society but I had to look at the bigger picture, we would still be healthy and going on a trip and happy if I chose to be. So basically, I detached myself from the outcome. I allowed what is.
The second thing I did is I asked my angels to connect with the angels of the person who was in charge, handling this. I asked for them to remind them about compassion, kindness, love and simply put themselves in our shoes.
That afternoon I got a phone call from the same person as the day before, but they were not the same person. Today they were kind and gentle and delivered the news to me that they would honor the price apologizing for the situation. I have to tell you I was in awe. The supervisor even told me that on the way to her work she put herself in our shoes and realized that we really needed both these flights and it was not fair to not honor the price they were booked for. I was nothing short of speechless.
This taught me a lot…and I have so much gratitude for this situation, for this experience.
What I took away from this perhaps more than anything, is that if there is ever a situation that you feel strongly about where your expectations were not met, stand back and evaluate the situation from a deeper perspective, a bigger picture point of view. There is always a reason, always a lesson that can lead to our evolution or de-evolution. We can choose to act with love, kindness and compassion, or we can choose to let our ego rule our thoughts, words and actions, which not only will not make you feel good, but it will make any situation worse.
So the good news is that yes, all is fine with our booking and our vacation plans and I grew as a being because of this for the better. While I will be away at the start of January, I also am grateful to the wonderful guest authors who will be sharing some amazing material with you.
I appreciate any comments you would like to provide. I would love to hear how you would choose to handle this situation in a spiritual or enlightened way?
And for another example of how we can manage and deal with our expectations, check out Karl’s story from Work Happy Now – How To Deal With Goals You Don’t Reach.
*Photographs provided by alicepopkorn
About the author:Evita Ochel, B.Sc., B.Ed., CHN - is the main author of EvolvingBeings.com where she writes about spiritual and personal development. She hopes to inspire people, to truly live out the life of their dreams and awaken the highest version of themselves. She is also a nutritional science and holistic health expert for optimal health and longevity. Learn more about Evita Ochel or Follow Evita Ochel on Twitter.
26 Comments to “Spirituality Meets Modern World: Dealing With Expectations”
Evita, again I’m just so amazed how spiritually mature you are at such a young age. I still think you are the Louise Hay of your generation and more!
I get so excited when I see your stories!
Last year we bought a table and 4 chairs at a store for $1000.00 plus for our back patio. A month ago my husband noticed how is had cracked (the tiles). We had our receipt that said “life time guarantee.” Long story short the company gave us $800 in a store credit. Yes we were disappointed.
We spoke with the highest person in the pecking order so there was no one else to speak with. In the end we decided to accept it. My final question is always: Am I going to give my peace away because of this? Usually the answer is no.
I like how you remained calm and centered and asked what your lesson was suppose to be. You also called in your angels for others involved. Brilliant. I know you created your outcome. I also know if it wouldn’t have worked out this well in the end you would have accepted the consequences and remained calm. Way to go enlightened friend.
Gems I took from your story.
“Is that so?” This will be my 2010 motto!
“I do not consider myself lucky, I just consider myself conscious”
I always thought of myself as blessed not lucky this is another take on it and I like that.
“God protects those, who protect themselves.”
This makes us 100% responsible.
Thanks so much and enjoy your time away.
@ TESS – Wow Tess, I was really moved by your words – thank you so much for what you said, your support means the world to me!
And your example and how you handled it also demonstrates perfectly that we always have a choice in how we want to handle things and the ultimate question that you asked Am I going to give my peace away because of this?
The “is that so?” line I heard in a story that Eckhart Tolle wrote about where an enlightened monk is faced with a tough situation and that is all he said, not losing of giving away his peace. Thank you Tess for your heart and soul that you share so freely with others and the amazing being that you are!
I really enjoyed reading your story too. In the story, I saw that you made an accusation, or a charge of injustice, and therefore a charged or polarized encounter was created. We may think it is the external world that caused the situation, but it is something within us that attracts the tension so that the puzzle can be solved. Sides were taken, and our thoughts and emotions pull and push the bubble back and forth.
However, you found the solution by surrendering the situation to a source outside of the dualistic and charged bubble. We can throw our hands up in the air and surrender, not to the opponent, but to someone or something outside the realm of justice. This eases the so called opponents mind and allows them to see and be influenced outside of the bubble too. Their clouded vision opens up, and new view points can be explored.
What it comes up to, is that you created a miracle for your self. Tension was manufactured, and then you applied your knowledge and faith to dissolve that tension. And when the negative playing field was dropped, your positive intention was able to flow fluently so that it could be felt and acted upon in the physcial realm. Angels were truly at work.
Have a great Vacation Evita! It looks like you made a new friend over there.
@ BERN – Yes I did make an accusation, even though not consciously, subconsciously definitely. As soon as I chose to feel “harmed” in some way, I created the duality of us and them. In essence we are all one, and had I allowed that in from the beginning, perhaps things would have worked out sooner. I really did think that a miracle happened, I was super grateful to me, the angels, the Universe and the people I interacted with.
Thank you so much for the vacation wishes and for your always welcomed deep wisdom.
Evita, I love it when you share like this!
Tess and Bernie are right: You performed magic; you made a miracle; you set up and starred in a brilliant example of creation. You did a marvelous job of thinking quickly, on your feet—and to call for help as you did is the wonderful missing link so many of us aren’t taught to do. Your story was a beautiful demonstration of how it all works, how WE create our environment, our situations, our worlds, our own heaven or hell right here in daily life. …how, if we’re to have the life we desire, we must continually be aware of our thinking, monitoring our balance. You did a remarkable job of demonstrating what thinking on your feet (with your heart) can achieve.
Like you, I’ve had my successes and “less thans,” too. My most recent success was with our new electric meter; our bill was $3,000 the month it was installed. We see horror stories on the news of people fighting for months for just these sorts of resolutions. Despite that, with absolute certainty I calmly declared, “They’ll fix it.” Then, even before I could call the next morning, a representative drove out just on a routine check to make sure the new meter was working properly. I said it apparently had need of adjustment, and when the man looked quizzical, I mentioned the huge bill. He, too, remained calm, and then proceeded to figure out the problem on the spot (it was human error with paperwork, not the meter). The next evening, we had a the credit on our account.
I really LOVE how you remind us that (1) others have their own parts to play in all our social dynamics and (2) we can ask for assistance, hoping others will see things our way. But we still must (for overall well-being of ALL parties) practice the art of acceptance. Not the “roll over and play dead” kind, or even the kind filled with resignation, but the kind of acceptance that is really a way to describe the compassionate, detached, loving understanding that comes with being attuned to Truth, to seeing all situations as the woven, interlinked relationships they are, knowing everyone is allowed free will. Even companies. And countries. And all. When we try to force others, that’s when chaos ensues.
Enjoy your vacation!
@ JULIE – Thank you Julie, your words here brought with them an amazing energy that I allowed to envelop me and they made me feel so good, so warm, so loved and supported. I know I am a whole being without them, but I believe to our souls, kindness from another is like a delicious treat.
Thank you also for sharing your experience – I love learning together!!! In your example you held such an amazing state, and all worked out so smoothly. Can it ever be anything but in such a situation? Perhaps. But even then I believe it is for our higher growth.
Thank you for the vacation wishes and for sharing your amazing energy here with me and all of us – it is so very much appreciated!
I’ve found that while awakening, daily life can be even more challenging sometimes. Our attention is on being conscious, and often confusion comes up as to what the “right” thing to do is. The right thing is always to rely on Awareness, but it’s easy to forget that. One of the things that comes up is periods of very low energy or emotional turmoil, and for some reason, not much has been written about this.
Thanks for another great article. It’s wonderful how you use personal example from your life.
Happy New Year!
k
@ KAUSHIK – Hi Kaushik, you said something so important that I have already reflected on a lot and shared it with someone else who found themselves in a tough situation. Indeed, you hit it right on….life can become much more challenging the more we awaken. Some situations seem so odd to the state of being. Some relationships become strained as different dimensions of being are lived out. Thank you so much for this, I know it will help others who are on the path of awakening understand better why they may feel what they do.
And a happy new year to you too :)
Evita,
What a wonderful story to share! It truely shows so many aspects of staying/becoming centered while dealing with ‘the real world’. I really feel that your elegant explanation of your situation is a beautiful reminder/lesson for so many of us.
So often when people are presented with a situation such as this, they ‘roll over and play dead’ as Julie mentioned. Believing they have no influence on their own life, and the situations they find themselves in. When we remember that we are truely creating our experience, then as you so beautifully accomplished, we can create miracles in our own life.
I loved how you asked your angels to go and have a chat with her angels. I really think this is a brilliant connection to make. It really seems by doing this, she was able to take a moment, and step out of what ever loop she had been engrained in. And that is another aspect to consider when we are dealing with people in the ‘every day world’, we truely can not take anything personally, because this persons hostile personality might have been based on days, weeks, months or years worth of ‘bad’ moments in her life, leading to that very moment with you. We can not know what a person has gone through in their life, and how that influences how they are acting at any given moment. And by you taking the time to step back, and center yourself (and calling upon the help of your angels, higher self, and many other energies), you were the exact person she needed to come into her life to help bring a close to that negative energy she had been living in (for who knows how long). And as you said, she had put herself in your shoes. Even if the situation brought you discomfort for a short amount of time, it might have been perfectly orchestrated to not only help you grow, but her also. How perfect! =)
As beautiful Julie has reminded me recently, we should celebrate each and every moment in our lives, because even those ‘bad/tough’ moments are filled with such lovely lessons! And what an absolutely breathtaking miracle you made of this one! Thank you for sharing.
@ STACEY – Thank you so much Stacey! Your words summarize this situation so well. It was indeed as you say a great learning opportunity for all of those involved. This is also why I chose to write about it. I know that we should only give focus to things that we enjoy and carry with them a good energy, but I really feel that when this situation is put into perspective, it is in fact a very positive situation and can help others grow and learn too, so that they don’t feel like an injustice was done to them, but that they are creators in their own reality.
Indeed all moments are precious, because each one gives us an opportunity to learn, grow and demonstrate the highest version of ourselves. Thank you so much Stacey for taking the time to comment, it was really appreciated!
Evita,
As I sit here reflecting on the story you have shared, I find it deeply connecting that the first thing that catches my attention are a pair of candles laying on a book (with the wicks touching upon a star on the cover of that book). I find this significant because both those candles and the star represent light. In our world, that can sometimes not always seem “light-filled”, this story you have shared touches upon that light that is there, that light that is within each of us – when we reach these moments that can appear darkened – and we still choose to let that light shine. See, I really feel that there was somehow a connection – not so much in your wanting justice, but more in how you conducted yourself, Evita. And that connection, in some way (of which I don’t think we can ever fully understand) brought light to the person you spoke to on the phone. And so – like the candles and the star, touching upon each other – I feel that in your story – as your light connected with the light of this other person, and good came of it.
Maybe I’m way off base here. Maybe it had nothing to do with any sort of “light” that has come from you, and somehow touched upon another soul (however that may have happened). It feels right in my heart, though. And I think that IS a real key to life in general – how it feels in your heart. Evita, know that I find this story to be uplifting on many levels, especially on how a heart-centered approach to life can lead us to some wonderful realizations.
…and if none of this makes any sense (because I’m not sure it does except to me…) – Evita, I’ll just close by saying that I wish you and your husband a very wonderful and peace-filled vacation.
@ LANCE – Oh no Lance, you are completely right on. What you did is you began to connect the meaning this held for you with all that is in your environment. You heightened your perception and saw more depth in your environment and than began to see how everything is inter-connected. The pair of candles are indeed a symbol of light, and light is what we are and always have the choice to share with this world.
Your comment was so beautiful and touching, and was a beautiful example of the oneness we can all feel at any given time. You chose to connect on so many levels – thank you. What an amazing addition to this whole story!
Evita,
You really hit on something here. We all have left such long comments. I came back because I was thinking the other thing I do when I know I am going to encounter a difficult situation weather it be in person or on the phone I can also send love and light to the other before hand, I can say a prayer for all involved and/or I can do the Ho’oponopono healing technique or any other for that matter. Sometimes we forget how many options we have rather than just allowing our ego to take control and over react.
@ TESS – I know Tess, I am so in awe of the comments, they are so amazing! And I am so grateful that you and all of these amazing people have chosen to add to this experience and give of themselves to grow the light and love in this world.
You are so right too…we do have so many options at every step and every situation! Thank you so much for reminding us of that!
I never thought of sending angels over to bully them with kindness. That’s a great idea. ;) Just playing.
I do like that you took action instead of just accepting what is. You found a way to be accepting, but willing to lay over. We don’t have to yell and scream to show people that we are upset. Prayer works well too.
We have so many options to pick from. We may as well pick one that makes both sides feel good.
@ KARL – Hi Karl, thank you for sharing your insight. That is what I was wondering…what would people do, just walk away and let it be, or is there a way to take action in a spiritual and enlightened way? I am sure many would argue both ways. It is as Tess and you have said too, we have so many options!
Thank you also for the feedback about my writing – that means soooooo much and is always so appreciated!
And it was a pleasure to link to you, I loved your story and thought it was a perfect addition to this so people can also see how expectations work when it comes to personal goals – just an awesome fit!
I forgot one thing. I sent my angels out a day before you posted this to get some link love and here you are answering my wish.
Thank you!
I really enjoyed this post. I love how you transition from one paragraph to the next. So very smooth. You make me feel so relaxed when I read your posts.
That is a tremendous story, and my gosh, Evita, I was applauding you in my head. Like you, I would have reflected in much the same way, asking myself what role I played in bringing that situation into my life. The same as you, I would have had my moments of stinkin’ thinkin’, but also been able to draw myself back from them and work from a more conscious state.
I absolutely loved reading this, and plan to share it far and wide. It’s a perfect example of what it means to walk our talk, and especially (I think) to have faith that an energy far greater than what our minds can conceive is at work… And it’s working ON OUR BEHALF!
Wow! Wow! and more Wow!
@ MEGAN – Thank you so much Megan. Yeah, I really like to see how pieces fit in. I don’t think anything in our lives is a coincidence, but everything fits in, in amazing ways – many perhaps that we cannot understand, but they should not be dismissed either way.
Thanks again for the energy imprint you left on this article – your enthusiasm is so much appreciated!
This is a great lesson to share. Holding expectations can create great distress if we refuse to be flexible.
In 2008 I went on a writing/meditation retreat. I went alone and had a roommate that I didn’t know at the retreat center. Halfway through the week one of the employees came to my classroom and pulled me out. My roommate, he said, had bed bugs. I nearly died. I had to move rooms, give them all my clothing and items (including those clothes on my back!) to heat them to kill any potential bugs and they were keeping me with the same woman. The room they moved us to was not the same quality as the original room – no working lamps, much smaller, etc. I was not pleased. Remembering that I was on a meditation retreat (ha!) I approached the front desk and calmly explained how I felt and asked if there was another equitable room.
Unfortunately no. They did offer me a complimentary spa service and a thousand apologies. I was not pleased with the bed bugs, but I was pleased with how quickly they handled the situation. I think I remember writing a similar post to yours after that situation!
There is always something to learn.
Holding too tightly onto expectations can wreak havoc – it all stems from wanting to feel in control, and when expectations are not met, we lose that control to an extent.
I’m glad that in the end it all worked out and I know you will have a marvelous vacation!!! Happy new Year!
@ STACEY – What a great example to share Stacey – thank you so much for taking the time to include your story! As I mentioned above, I love when we learn together and the more of us that share, the more we all benefit!
Indeed being inflexible and allowing to see past the situation can make life really unpleasant. We are one in all of this and at the end of the day, love and kindness go a very, very far way!
Thank you so much for the vacation wishes and all the best to you as well in the New Year!
Hi Evita — thanks, I really enjoyed this story — I think it illustrates that it’s possible to ask for what you want from someone else, even if it differs from what they may want, and to do it from a place of compassion for that person — as it sounds like you did with the travel agent. Wanting something to change, I think, is not necessarily greedy or “non-spiritual.”
Sweet Sweet Evita,
Youre such an awesome gal to share this enlightening story with us. I loved every bit of it. Especially the questions….??? My own personal fav(the one i usually jump to on my head) was~Was it for me to find my inner voice and practice standing up for what I believe is just?~ Well cause i am like that. I have that fighting for a cause itch in me which I have to tame quite often. {My dad always told me to be a lawyer ;)} Much like me telling myself stay calm stay calm…dont react negatively….if you cant say anything constructive, then dont say anything at all.
Just 2 days back I was in a similar situation….To my own amazement..and to the amazement of my hubby(who wont say it, but show it with his glances) I was calm. The situation…being stranded last minute while dropping my mom to the airport.I wont go into the details..but just imagine if that person who you spoke to about the bookings..if that was a very close friend….hmmm….
But i calmly quietly did exactly what was needed and didnt freak out.
I think when we react with our spirit we are more at ease with the situation…and rather than go with the flow of negativity …we actually can make the situation positive. But like you said..it IS OUR CHOICE!
Thank you Evita for this beautiful story from your life.
Happy New Year full of Love and Abundance and above all spiritual growth. I am so glad we connected in 2009…may this connection deepen int he years to come.
Lots of love
Zeenat.
Wow! I’ve come to the right place! I really learned a lot here. Thanks for being a shining light in my world, Evita. Being conscious is definitely high on my agenda for 2010.
Hi Evita
That has been quite a journey, literally and spiritually and thank you for sharing it so eloquently and so openly and so detailed.
Every step required an observation, an awareness and THAT is so unusual. Normally we rush in with our automatic responses, at least I do and those automatic responses coming from the ego are always about making trouble, judging and only seeing it one way.
Oh, I so loved how you dissected your responses to show us what was going on, it was like a mirror to me.
In the end spirituality and daily life are meant to come together and that is what you so beautifully showed here.
I too am sometimes miffed by what I can accept and when I have to ‘fight’ as part of doing my bit. Oh how unable I still am to discern who is speaking, my ego or my heart centered self, but I am learning and these accounts are very helpful.
Evita, you are a treasure and you certainly made this happen by being aware and conscious.
You have a wonderful holiday, you sure did the preparations.
@ CHRIS – Hi Chris, thanks. I appreciate your view on this situation.
@ ZEENAT – Hi Zeenat, oh thank you so much for sharing your story! It is always so wonderful to learn with and from others experiences too I find.
I understand what you mean completely about choosing for the situation to turn negative or stay positive. I know this is indeed a choice. It is all about how we choose to act and speak. How we will react or act? All of these are within our control, whether we realize it or not.
It has indeed been a blessing Zeenat getting to know you too and I look forward to sharing more in 2010 :)
@ HANLIE – Always my pleasure Hanlie! Honestly Hanlie, being conscious of how and who we are at all times is the recipe I have found between a life of ups and downs, versus a life of stable joy!
@ WILMA – Hi Wilma, my pleasure.
And yes, you got it, it is that typical rushing into situations that ends us up often in unpleasant places. I know today in my life, that if we just stop and bring in a moment of stillness to act instead of react, than literally any situation can be turned into whatever we want it to be.
Thank you so much for your warm wishes Wilma and the holiday was excellent :)