Flow

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Increasingly, I’m intending to move my whole being, without resistance, into that stream of life in which what I am ready for effortlessly appears. Some people call this phenomenon “flow.” People of faith call it “God’s will.” It doesn’t matter what we call it; what matters is that we experience and recognize it.

As they are happening, these incidences seem like ordinary life. Then, on reflection, we realize that they were carrying us to a destination. This is why reflection and meditation are important—to help us realize the Divine at work in our everyday lives.

You write it: Where are you on this journey?

Grace

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A mentor died recently at the age of 94. When I was a just-out-of-college teacher, she was my supervisor. She took me “under her wing.” She encouraged me. She spoke good words about me. She taught me, by example, how to be a true professional. She opened doors for me. I was promoted into each position she was being promoted out of.

Then she left our town for a job in the city. We stayed in touch. A few years later, I left for a position in that same big city—but, for the first time, not one she was being promoted out of.

By this time, we were on different paths. I had to make my own way. I could, because what I had learned from her.

Her name was Grace.

You write it: Who paved the way for you?

Enough

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My understanding is that a large number of Americans feel disenfranchised by rights granted to groups they consider “the other.” Their fear is rooted in the belief that there’s only so much in “the pie.” If “the other” takes a share, they won’t get theirs.

The truth is that quality of life is not a pie; there is enough for everyone. Our collective presence and productivity enriches and sustains all. “A rising tide catches all boats.”

I pray that these fellow Americans are able to transform their fear into faith so that they may fully enjoy the abundant American experience.

What is your prayer for these times?

Simplicity

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In high school I fell in love with these words of Henry David Thoreau: “I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived.”

Yesterday, as I sat in my healing chair, I could fully see the butterfly bush just beyond the terrace. Covered in purple blooms, the bush was also filled with large yellow butterflies and small birds.

An internet search tells me that butterflies symbolize transformation, freedom, and rebirth.

May it be so.

Rest

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Over the last several months, my neighbor and friend was gradually leaving, ultimately succumbing to liver cancer.

During this process, I mostly kept my distance, out of respect. Sometimes I would call or text his partner to ask what they needed. Often, she would respond, “We are resting.”

What a concept! “Resting” is an actual activity one may choose!

How deeply ingrained is my belief that I have to be DOING something! Now, as I recover from a broken hip, I’m doing a lot of resting—for the first time in my life, guilt-free!

You write it: How do you feel about resting?

Good Willl

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My time in the hospital and rehab, recovering from a broken hip, happily coincided with the Paris Olympics. What an inspiring distraction!

The inspiration, of course, was the phenomenal ability of these athletes, but even more importantly, their genuine good will and celebration of each other’s success.

Yesterday afternoon three remarkable women sat in my living room, chatting about important things that make a difference in people’s lives. In reflection, I celebrate the success each of them brings to every day. I’ve had enough of hatred and derision. Give me affirmation and good will, please. Will you join me?

Choose Love and Grace

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I’ve had a lot of time lately to rest, observe, and reflect, encased in kindness and encouragement. A friend bringing her encouragement and a book—beautiful flowers from family and neighbors—a nurse saying, “You look good today”—a child with her mother presenting to me a preciously small bouquet of tiny red and white flowers.

I’ve also been watching the Olympics and being inspired by the generous outpouring of love and support I’ve seen among these amazing ahletes from all over the world. Atlhough they compete, they generously celebrate each other’s success.

I do not believe anyone thrives on hatred and derision. Please join me in choosing love and grace.

Reflection

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Last Thursday a neighbor and dear friend died. I knew his death was coming and hoped it wouldn’t. In my heart I was holding both hope for his survival and wish for his release from what he called “the mess” he was in.

I’m tired.

It took me years to learn to allow myself to grieve. As a young woman, when a grandfather died, I picked up a broom and swept the long driveway. I would do anything to avoid feeling.

Finally I found a guide who taught me to accept and express my feelings. It was a long process.

Last week my friend died. My world changed. I’m swimming in the difference.

Heart Light

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On UTUBE I’ve been watching people tell their stories of near-death experience. What these stories have in common is the dying person’s sense of all-encompassing love—around, through, and within them. Many say that, because of this love, they didn’t want to come back into life.

I wonder if it’s possible to increase love while we’re still here. Or, in the words of the song from the movie ET, “Turn on your heart light.”

That’s my goal for today.

Books, Audios, and Retreats: Become the Change

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THREE BOOKS

Journey from Head to Heart: Living and Working Authentically is the story, complete with tools and processes, of how I made the change I wanted to experience. Several years after, I wrote Simple Serenity, short reflections about the result of these changes. Recently, I wrote A Love Story: The Transformative Power of the Twelve Steps, which is a story of how my personal work sustained a happy marriage. All are available from Amazon. Just search for Nancy Oelklaus.

AUDIOS AND RETREATS

A friend recently confided, “I’m feeling a lot of fear.” I was little help because I rarely experience fear. She went to my website, www.NancyOelklaus.com and found, in audio tools, the heart meditation. This simple, 5-minute meditation helped to allay her fears. All the audio tools are free.

One of the things I do with clients and close friends is retreats in Sedona, where I live. The last person who had this experience wrote this after she returned home: “I had three days with Nancy, and still have the peace and serenity I found in Sedona.” (Artist Ash Almonte)

YOU WRITE IT:

What changes would you like to see in your life?

Purity of Intent

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“Purity of Intent.” One of my teachers, Liliane Desjardins, introduced me to this phrase many years ago. I use it every day.

Before I speak or act, I ask, “What is my intent?” If it’s to change someone’s behavior, then I refrain from taking action. If it is to control an outcome, I do not speak. But if it is to express my soul’s truest desire or purest truth, then I move ahead.

Think about it: How do you engage with this topic?