4th of July
I have to laugh because I totally forgot about my Mastermind Post for July! It has been a busy time for me. Not busy in that I've been doing a zillion things, but busy in the way my mind has been growing and wrapping itself around quantum leaping.
I may use phrases that don't set well with people because they have notions about "New Age" phraseology. I grew in in a right-wing-christian-conservative environment that was ruled at home by a woman who believed all women and children should be sheltered and not know anything. We girls were also not allowed in the kitchen except to do dishes. We were not taught to be homemakers but were expected to KNOW what we were supposed to do. All in all it was a very limiting environment therefore I struggle with the phraseology of born again Christians, or republicans, or lifestyles where the man is totally in charge. I'm not judging the people who have these belief systems because I deeply believe that God made us all different on purpose and that we are here to explore the gifts he has bestowed on us. Some of us are meant to learn to "rein it in", while others of us need to learn to, "put it out there". I am in the second category.
My "putting it out there" is not predefined. My opinions are personal and are just that, my opinions. As I learn to express them I learn who to express them to. I have no desire to change anyone's religious or political belief systems. I don't believe it to be possible. We adhere to what resonates with us at any given time of our lives. People reach out for comfort and when they find it, that is where they hang for as long as they get what they need. Nobody, no matter how impassioned of a speech they make or how much they attack my intelligence or me has caused me to change to their side of the fence, so why should I waste any of my time trying to convince them?
My upbringing gave me forbearance that is unusual to my generation. My breaking out of the restrictions gave me a more open mind than I usually encounter in other people. My forbearance and tolerance causes a certain type of person to believe that I am ignorant and naive. I do not choose to listen to the news and be manipulated by the way a story is told or embellished. I do not choose to be angry at someone for getting an abortion. I do not choose to follow the crowd or a passionate person who believes they are correct.
I believe that my example is a far more powerful persuader than my speeches. I will live the politics and religion to others while I continue on my journey of self exploration, growth, and healing. That doesn't mean I do not explore politics or religion. It just means I do not argue them. Debate is a game, not a means of world change. World change starts at home and when we strengthen our home and our family, we create an atmosphere that might be worthy of emulating.
While it sounds selfish to the outside world, to me what I am doing is all about strengthening my core, my foundations, and making a life that is solid around me. All of my mastermind ladies with the exception of one, have seen my chaos first hand. Most of you have seen it pulling together and becoming cohesive. Some of you know more of my story than others and some of you are able to recognize that I have come a very long way. But all of you know that I am going somewhere. All of you know that my direction will be of service to others.
I don't have a set date to be organized. That idea makes me laugh. But I do have a plan of action which I have been adhering to in a far different way than ever before. I call it quantum leaping. Instead of scrabbling to scrub and make everything appear okay, I have been listening to guidance from a higher power. Being open to change isn't a fearful way of life. It is knowing that when I follow this guidance which is illuminated by sense of well being and accomplishment, I allow God's love to flow over me. This in turn allows it to flow outward and over other people.
Love is an action word that goes beyond other people's judgement, politics, or religion. Strangely enough as I practice it on myself and my short comings, I am becoming a person that I respect and enjoy. I love my life right now.
I love all of you ladies and applaud every forward step you are making!
Sincerely, Carmen
I may use phrases that don't set well with people because they have notions about "New Age" phraseology. I grew in in a right-wing-christian-conservative environment that was ruled at home by a woman who believed all women and children should be sheltered and not know anything. We girls were also not allowed in the kitchen except to do dishes. We were not taught to be homemakers but were expected to KNOW what we were supposed to do. All in all it was a very limiting environment therefore I struggle with the phraseology of born again Christians, or republicans, or lifestyles where the man is totally in charge. I'm not judging the people who have these belief systems because I deeply believe that God made us all different on purpose and that we are here to explore the gifts he has bestowed on us. Some of us are meant to learn to "rein it in", while others of us need to learn to, "put it out there". I am in the second category.
My "putting it out there" is not predefined. My opinions are personal and are just that, my opinions. As I learn to express them I learn who to express them to. I have no desire to change anyone's religious or political belief systems. I don't believe it to be possible. We adhere to what resonates with us at any given time of our lives. People reach out for comfort and when they find it, that is where they hang for as long as they get what they need. Nobody, no matter how impassioned of a speech they make or how much they attack my intelligence or me has caused me to change to their side of the fence, so why should I waste any of my time trying to convince them?
My upbringing gave me forbearance that is unusual to my generation. My breaking out of the restrictions gave me a more open mind than I usually encounter in other people. My forbearance and tolerance causes a certain type of person to believe that I am ignorant and naive. I do not choose to listen to the news and be manipulated by the way a story is told or embellished. I do not choose to be angry at someone for getting an abortion. I do not choose to follow the crowd or a passionate person who believes they are correct.
I believe that my example is a far more powerful persuader than my speeches. I will live the politics and religion to others while I continue on my journey of self exploration, growth, and healing. That doesn't mean I do not explore politics or religion. It just means I do not argue them. Debate is a game, not a means of world change. World change starts at home and when we strengthen our home and our family, we create an atmosphere that might be worthy of emulating.
While it sounds selfish to the outside world, to me what I am doing is all about strengthening my core, my foundations, and making a life that is solid around me. All of my mastermind ladies with the exception of one, have seen my chaos first hand. Most of you have seen it pulling together and becoming cohesive. Some of you know more of my story than others and some of you are able to recognize that I have come a very long way. But all of you know that I am going somewhere. All of you know that my direction will be of service to others.
I don't have a set date to be organized. That idea makes me laugh. But I do have a plan of action which I have been adhering to in a far different way than ever before. I call it quantum leaping. Instead of scrabbling to scrub and make everything appear okay, I have been listening to guidance from a higher power. Being open to change isn't a fearful way of life. It is knowing that when I follow this guidance which is illuminated by sense of well being and accomplishment, I allow God's love to flow over me. This in turn allows it to flow outward and over other people.
Love is an action word that goes beyond other people's judgement, politics, or religion. Strangely enough as I practice it on myself and my short comings, I am becoming a person that I respect and enjoy. I love my life right now.
I love all of you ladies and applaud every forward step you are making!
Sincerely, Carmen
Finally! I'm in! Hello lovely Carmen! As I grow and change, become more and more comfortable with who and what I am (and am not) Chaos doesn't look like Chaos as much. The Chaos inside is being recognized and unlearned. As I set aside all I thought I knew... Everything is in Goddess' hands.
ReplyDeleteYou are one of the most inspiring persons I have ever known! Pure LOVE. H