This week, I received news that had a jarring and inspiring impact upon my life. I don't know if it was so much a new perspective found as it was a case of being turned to face "home" and see, again, a truth I needed to see.
On Thursday, I found myself on an elevator when a student informed me that a young man I had come to somewhat know and know of on campus last year had taken his own life. I do not know what led him to that point. I do not know what was in his heart. I do know that there were times when I wanted to ask him. There were times a year or so ago, when he walked our corridors, that I felt the "need" to chat... but did not. I felt it none of my business.
Now, I do not sit here and wonder if anything I could have done would have made a difference. I have no idea about that. I have no real idea what was in his heart or his life, or was not. I do know that the news awakened within me a realization of my deepest passion, my truest message.
We all count.
My love of unity and the coming together is based on the belief that we all count, we all matter, we all have a reason for being here. For me, this means that unity is based on recognizing our own value and applying that value in a way that makes our lives and our world better.
With this news on Thursday, my focus is so much more tangible, taste-able.
I am the unity guy, and I believe that our path to unity is through love.... l.o.v.e. .... looking inside ourselves for our talents and capacities and virtues, finding opportunities in the world to apply these to make this a better place, having a vision in our heads and hearts to know how things will be better, and simply engaging the process... doing it.
With that in mind and this coming weekend... Sunday, February 7, 2010 from 10:00-4:00... we are hosting Healthy for Haiti and it is going to be remarkable. Watch our You Tube videos for more information. Email me at barry@onepower.ca.
From last week, I wrote... With all of this in mind, my brother (Randy) and Carl George and I met this morning and thought about how we could really help in this time of crisis in Haiti. We thought about issues of burnout and sustainability, and creating a lifestyle of generosity and health. We are working on the possibility of an event on February 7 called HEALTHY for HAITI... an event open to all, family wide, encouraging sustainable health... with speakers and trainers and more... and entrance/admission is a sacrificial donation to Haiti. More details to come, but we are putting together something that can positively impact our individual and collective response to life. Watch the next SLOWER & HEALTHY Living video going up this weekend, and stay tuned. It is going to rock!
That possibility is now a reality.
It is about l.o.v.e. in action.
Hopefully, we will see you out for this wonderful day.
As I end this entry, this week, an update on my '10 in 10... and where are you with yours?
(1) Lhu Global will be born on February 20, 2010.
New website and services and alliances are forming to create Lhu Local and Lhu Global... two initiatives all about encouraging love, honour and unity as vehicles for peace and prosperity in our youth, schools, organizations, companies and communities. We are right on track. The new site will be ready within 2 weeks. Alot is happening in early February and will be announced this week, no doubt.
(2) Lhu Global Cartoonumn launched in February 2010.
I have my Green Room Pseudio (creativity center) ready for February and have ideas formulating as I write. The first issue will be out by February 20.
(3) Own and ride a blue Honda Shadow 750 by June 2010.
I will be looking for information on motorcycle training this week. I visited Honda One last week and sat on a beautiful 2009 Honda Shadow Aero... it felt like I was "home".
(4) Baha'i Pilgrimage to Mount Carmel in Haifa Israel in the second half of 2010.
My travel agent is checking on best prices. I should hear within 2 weeks.
(5) Joyful mastery of Salsa dance by Summer 2010.
Two sessions of Salseros Dance Co. in, and Raven and I feel great about where we are. It is quickly becoming very smooth. More to follow.
(6) Complete my own personal "MBA" in community development by December 2010.
I have organized my "curriculum" and have started with my first book by Martha Beck. I am onto Chapter 4 and loving it.
(7) Initiate my application for CSP by March 31, 2010.
This is set to start in February.
(8) Achieve effective, conversational Mandarin Chinese by December 31, 2010.
I have had to re-establish lessons in Mandarin, starting in February but they will be starting. Looking forward to it VERY much.
(9) Make LOVE my goal... at work, service, play, and life throughout 2010.
I am praying daily and listening to how I might "love" each day. Amazing things and feelings are manifesting, continuously.
(10) Confirm my space and role at College of the North Atlantic.
First stages of discussions and consultations have taken place... more in February.
And so, that is it for now. Know your core message in life friends. For what are you here? Live it.
God bless...
Barry
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Saturday, January 23, 2010
The Long and Winding Road
Well, it has been a remarkable week to say the least.
The news out of Haiti has been both horrific and heart warming. Stories of death and disease and disaster, intertwined with stories of survival and service and support. Then, to look at the response... both locally and globally. My students amaze me with their ideas. Those who would deny that we are heading to a united world, witness!!!
Are there problems ahead? No doubt. Will we take steps backward along the way? My God, yes. But, 100 years ago, we would not have felt this connection to people we do not know in some country we really gave no thought of before this. There is a spirit afoot, and it will win.
I regret if you feel differently, but I understand. Already, I hear people talking of burn out and that is understandable, but avoidable too.
How do we avoid the supposedly "inevitable" burn out of Haiti and horror.
Let me suggest a number of things.
First, go into this latest crisis knowing that this is really a hard walk. www.hardwalks.blogsot.com It is not a moment. It is a call to our collective and sustainable shift in spirit. It is an alarm signaling our need to understand our world citizenship. We need to understand that we live on some very small blue speck in the universe without any knowledge of life elsewhere (as yet, anyway). Haiti is a call to our heart to understand that we are connected. Let that sink in.
Secondly, I go back to a religious concept called tithing. Whatever your belief system, I challenge you to "tithe"... dedicate and focus a percentage of your resources to helping your community, locally and/or globally. Do not do it simply as a tax benefit. Know that for those who have received much, much is expected. Some of my "wealthiest" friends know the power of sacrificial giving.... giving that tests us... giving of our hands and/or our money.
Thirdly, budget. Make a portion of who you are and what you make go to service. Karma does exist, whatever you might call it. We reap what we sow. This is scripturally true in all faiths.
Fourthly, work together. It is not about us each saving the world. Join with like minded and hearted souls and stick with them in serried lines, small armies helping to create sustainable change.
Finally, I refer to one of my favourite passages by Baha'u'llah, Prophet Founder of the Baha'i Faith. "The betterment of the world can be accomplished through pure and goodly deeds, through commendable and seemly conduct". We are NOT responsible for the world. We are responsible for our corner of it. Live it. Shine. Be the example for our kids and others. It is a simple formula. Truth often is.
With all of this in mind, my brother (Randy) and Carl George and I met this morning and thought about how we could really help in this time of crisis in Haiti. We thought about issues of burnout and sustainability, and creating a lifestyle of generosity and health. We are working on the possibility of an event on February 6 called HEALTHY for HAITI... an event open to all, family wide, encouraging sustainable health... with speakers and trainers and more... and entrance/admission is a sacrificial donation to Haiti. More details to come, but we are putting together something that can positively impact our individual and collective response to life. Watch the next SLOWER & HEALTHY Living video going up this weekend, and stay tuned. It is going to rock!
In closing, let me say that my vision is unfolding. As I continue to keep my eyes on the prize and walk resolutely, saying "GO".... much is happening. Consider:
(1) Lhu Global will be born on February 20, 2010.
New website and services and alliances are forming to create Lhu Local and Lhu Global... two initiatives all about encouraging love, honour and unity as vehicles for peace and prosperity in our youth, schools, organizations, companies and communities. We are right on track. More to follow.
(2) Lhu Global Cartoonumn launched in February 2010.
I have my Green Room Pseudio (creativity center) ready for February and have ideas formulating as I write.
(3) Own and ride a blue Honda Shadow 750 by June 2010.
I visited Honda One today and sat on a beautiful 2009 Honda Shadow Aero... it felt like I was "home". The vision got much more clear. I found out about equipment and training needed. OMG, this is going to cool, and sooooooo me.
(4) Baha'i Pilgrimage to Mount Carmel in Haifa Israel in the second half of 2010.
My travel agent is checking on best prices. The dates are set at December 20-28, 2010. Wow, I am so beside myself. :-)
(5) Joyful mastery of Salsa dance by Summer 2010.
I joined the St. John's Salesros Dance Co. We (Raven and I) have about 12-15 steps down, and feeling like it is really coming together. We keep going and Tango is on the horizon. Yum. ;-)
(6) Complete my own personal "MBA" in community development by December 2010.
I have organized my "curriculum" and have started with my first book by Martha Beck.
(7) Initiate my application for CSP by March 31, 2010.
This is set to start in February.
(8) Achieve effective, conversational Mandarin Chinese by December 31, 2010.
I have re-established lessons in Mandarin, starting January 30, 2010.
(9) Make LOVE my goal... at work, service, play, and life throughout 2010.
I am praying daily and listening to how I might "love" each day. Amazing things and feelings are manifesting. More to follow.
(10) Confirm my space and role at College of the North Atlantic.
First stages of discussions and consultations have taken place... more in February.
In ultimate closing, find your sustainable generosity and live it through living. Know your vision and keep your eyes on your prize. Serve the world and serve yourself and you will serve the Creator.
God bless...
Barry
The news out of Haiti has been both horrific and heart warming. Stories of death and disease and disaster, intertwined with stories of survival and service and support. Then, to look at the response... both locally and globally. My students amaze me with their ideas. Those who would deny that we are heading to a united world, witness!!!
Are there problems ahead? No doubt. Will we take steps backward along the way? My God, yes. But, 100 years ago, we would not have felt this connection to people we do not know in some country we really gave no thought of before this. There is a spirit afoot, and it will win.
I regret if you feel differently, but I understand. Already, I hear people talking of burn out and that is understandable, but avoidable too.
How do we avoid the supposedly "inevitable" burn out of Haiti and horror.
Let me suggest a number of things.
First, go into this latest crisis knowing that this is really a hard walk. www.hardwalks.blogsot.com It is not a moment. It is a call to our collective and sustainable shift in spirit. It is an alarm signaling our need to understand our world citizenship. We need to understand that we live on some very small blue speck in the universe without any knowledge of life elsewhere (as yet, anyway). Haiti is a call to our heart to understand that we are connected. Let that sink in.
Secondly, I go back to a religious concept called tithing. Whatever your belief system, I challenge you to "tithe"... dedicate and focus a percentage of your resources to helping your community, locally and/or globally. Do not do it simply as a tax benefit. Know that for those who have received much, much is expected. Some of my "wealthiest" friends know the power of sacrificial giving.... giving that tests us... giving of our hands and/or our money.
Thirdly, budget. Make a portion of who you are and what you make go to service. Karma does exist, whatever you might call it. We reap what we sow. This is scripturally true in all faiths.
Fourthly, work together. It is not about us each saving the world. Join with like minded and hearted souls and stick with them in serried lines, small armies helping to create sustainable change.
Finally, I refer to one of my favourite passages by Baha'u'llah, Prophet Founder of the Baha'i Faith. "The betterment of the world can be accomplished through pure and goodly deeds, through commendable and seemly conduct". We are NOT responsible for the world. We are responsible for our corner of it. Live it. Shine. Be the example for our kids and others. It is a simple formula. Truth often is.
With all of this in mind, my brother (Randy) and Carl George and I met this morning and thought about how we could really help in this time of crisis in Haiti. We thought about issues of burnout and sustainability, and creating a lifestyle of generosity and health. We are working on the possibility of an event on February 6 called HEALTHY for HAITI... an event open to all, family wide, encouraging sustainable health... with speakers and trainers and more... and entrance/admission is a sacrificial donation to Haiti. More details to come, but we are putting together something that can positively impact our individual and collective response to life. Watch the next SLOWER & HEALTHY Living video going up this weekend, and stay tuned. It is going to rock!
In closing, let me say that my vision is unfolding. As I continue to keep my eyes on the prize and walk resolutely, saying "GO".... much is happening. Consider:
(1) Lhu Global will be born on February 20, 2010.
New website and services and alliances are forming to create Lhu Local and Lhu Global... two initiatives all about encouraging love, honour and unity as vehicles for peace and prosperity in our youth, schools, organizations, companies and communities. We are right on track. More to follow.
(2) Lhu Global Cartoonumn launched in February 2010.
I have my Green Room Pseudio (creativity center) ready for February and have ideas formulating as I write.
(3) Own and ride a blue Honda Shadow 750 by June 2010.
I visited Honda One today and sat on a beautiful 2009 Honda Shadow Aero... it felt like I was "home". The vision got much more clear. I found out about equipment and training needed. OMG, this is going to cool, and sooooooo me.
(4) Baha'i Pilgrimage to Mount Carmel in Haifa Israel in the second half of 2010.
My travel agent is checking on best prices. The dates are set at December 20-28, 2010. Wow, I am so beside myself. :-)
(5) Joyful mastery of Salsa dance by Summer 2010.
I joined the St. John's Salesros Dance Co. We (Raven and I) have about 12-15 steps down, and feeling like it is really coming together. We keep going and Tango is on the horizon. Yum. ;-)
(6) Complete my own personal "MBA" in community development by December 2010.
I have organized my "curriculum" and have started with my first book by Martha Beck.
(7) Initiate my application for CSP by March 31, 2010.
This is set to start in February.
(8) Achieve effective, conversational Mandarin Chinese by December 31, 2010.
I have re-established lessons in Mandarin, starting January 30, 2010.
(9) Make LOVE my goal... at work, service, play, and life throughout 2010.
I am praying daily and listening to how I might "love" each day. Amazing things and feelings are manifesting. More to follow.
(10) Confirm my space and role at College of the North Atlantic.
First stages of discussions and consultations have taken place... more in February.
In ultimate closing, find your sustainable generosity and live it through living. Know your vision and keep your eyes on your prize. Serve the world and serve yourself and you will serve the Creator.
God bless...
Barry
Saturday, January 16, 2010
GO!
Well, what a week... and in the best of ways!!!
Authenticity breeds focus, and focus breeds action, and action breeds results.
That is my lesson learned this week.
You might remember my list of milestones. I crafted these after a time of deep reflection during the Christmas Season. I prayed and pondered and listened... and remained open, with no expectations. Indeed, I detached from the world and attached to my heart. The following list was the result.
(1) Lhu Global will be born on February 20, 2010.
(2) Lhu Global Cartoonumn launched in February 2010.
(3) Own and ride a blue Honda Shadow 750 by June 2010.
(4) Baha'i Pilgrimage to Mount Carmel in Haifa Israel in the second half of 2010.
(5) Joyful mastery of Salsa dance by Summer 2010.
(6) Complete my own personal "MBA" in community development by December 2010.
(7) Initiate my application for CSP by March 31, 2010.
(8) Achieve effective, conversational Mandarin Chinese by December 31, 2010.
(9) Make LOVE my goal... at work, service, play, and life throughout 2010.
(10) Confirm my space and role at College of the North Atlantic.
Authentic, to me.
The focus it created was not only amazing, but natural, because it was authentic and truly heart felt.
I immediately started acting upon it, not becauase it was a list of things "to do" but because it was my heart's desire. It is not lost on me that desire means "of the Father"... of the Creator. That is the level I sought and feel I have reached with these milestones So, the motivation is deeply natural. The focus is crystal clear.
And it caused action, and results.
What results? Have a look...
I have my dates for Baha'i Pilgrimage to Mount Carmel in Haifa Israel in the second half of 2010. In connecting with the World Center in Haifa, the response has been amazing. After 8 years, I am at the top of the waiting list. After 18 years of living Baha'i, I was given a choice of dates... and there on the list was what I had been dreaming. December 20-28, 2010... during Christmas week, I will be walking God's Holy Mountain and its gardens... Mount Carmel. I will be walking amongst the Shrines and places of burial of Baha'u'llah and The Bab... I will be praying and walking the land They walked. I will be praying alongside Their resting places. I shudder even now. BUT, for this blog, the importance is that the dates are now set. Yummy. :-)
Joyful mastery of Salsa dance by Summer 2010. My darling, youthful, devout dance partner, Raven, and I have joined the St. John's Salseros Dance Company and we are back at Salsa with a fire. Even talking learning Tango!!! I have Salsa shoes now, and we are intent. Yum, yum.
In completing my own personal "MBA" in community development by December 2010, I have established my own curriculum of choice.. books and materials I have purchased for study and development of a new level of expertise in unity building. Studies start this week.
Also, in confirming my space and role at College of the North Atlantic, I have prayed, pondered, reflected and initiated conversations and feel that increased clarity is around the corner.
Make LOVE my goal... at work, service, play, and life throughout 2010. I have been living what I call my daily PLOWERS, a process of living each day with greater love. It means pray, laugh, oxygen (breathe), water (drink), exercise, (eat) real food, and (get) sleep. All with the intent of loving myself, my work, my students, my colleagues, my friends and family, my life... more and more unconstrained. I am calling it my gypsy heart. Yes, YUM!
This week, I will continue on the above, but also...
I will work on my business model/plan for Lhu Global and the Cartoonumn by February 20, 2010 and visit the Honda cycle shop to look at owning and riding my blue Honda Shadow 750 by June 2010. And, I will confirm the start of my lessons to achieve effective, conversational Mandarin Chinese by December 31, 2010.
Then, in February I will be looking at initiating my application for CSP by March 31, 2010.((9)
So, what is the significance? Well, it is a journey and it does not end.
A friend, Mike Nordby (www.globalyouthmentor.com).. the Whether Man with his daily ocean dips and weather forecasts.. has had to make a trip back to care for family and it starts today. Some of his friends and colleagues, myself included, have chosen to take these same next 6 weeks and work on our Hard Walks... each of us commtting to doing something hard that we need and want to do, alongside Mike's Hard Walks, continuing his journey. We are establishing a blog (see the side links) and a You Tube Channel... and we are inviting you to join us... pick something you really need to achieve by March 1, 2010. Join us... myself, Joel Sweeney, Geoff Eaton, TA Loeffler, David Norris, Paul White, Michelle Snow, Steve Callahan, Justin Dearing and others (see www.nlaps.ca)... on our Hard Walks... make one for yourself... something that will rock. My Hard Walk is two fold... exercising body and spirit 2 hours a day... I will exercise at least 1 hour every day and I will pray (1 hour) and listen and act upon any answer I get every day. How about you? Join us in spirit.
Folks, I have been getting a word in my head and heart these days... "GO". The time for planning for me is done. It is now about action. When I sense something I need to do, I will GO.
What do you need most to GO on?
Hoping you join us. GO!!!
Much love to you all...
Barry
Authenticity breeds focus, and focus breeds action, and action breeds results.
That is my lesson learned this week.
You might remember my list of milestones. I crafted these after a time of deep reflection during the Christmas Season. I prayed and pondered and listened... and remained open, with no expectations. Indeed, I detached from the world and attached to my heart. The following list was the result.
(1) Lhu Global will be born on February 20, 2010.
(2) Lhu Global Cartoonumn launched in February 2010.
(3) Own and ride a blue Honda Shadow 750 by June 2010.
(4) Baha'i Pilgrimage to Mount Carmel in Haifa Israel in the second half of 2010.
(5) Joyful mastery of Salsa dance by Summer 2010.
(6) Complete my own personal "MBA" in community development by December 2010.
(7) Initiate my application for CSP by March 31, 2010.
(8) Achieve effective, conversational Mandarin Chinese by December 31, 2010.
(9) Make LOVE my goal... at work, service, play, and life throughout 2010.
(10) Confirm my space and role at College of the North Atlantic.
Authentic, to me.
The focus it created was not only amazing, but natural, because it was authentic and truly heart felt.
I immediately started acting upon it, not becauase it was a list of things "to do" but because it was my heart's desire. It is not lost on me that desire means "of the Father"... of the Creator. That is the level I sought and feel I have reached with these milestones So, the motivation is deeply natural. The focus is crystal clear.
And it caused action, and results.
What results? Have a look...
I have my dates for Baha'i Pilgrimage to Mount Carmel in Haifa Israel in the second half of 2010. In connecting with the World Center in Haifa, the response has been amazing. After 8 years, I am at the top of the waiting list. After 18 years of living Baha'i, I was given a choice of dates... and there on the list was what I had been dreaming. December 20-28, 2010... during Christmas week, I will be walking God's Holy Mountain and its gardens... Mount Carmel. I will be walking amongst the Shrines and places of burial of Baha'u'llah and The Bab... I will be praying and walking the land They walked. I will be praying alongside Their resting places. I shudder even now. BUT, for this blog, the importance is that the dates are now set. Yummy. :-)
Joyful mastery of Salsa dance by Summer 2010. My darling, youthful, devout dance partner, Raven, and I have joined the St. John's Salseros Dance Company and we are back at Salsa with a fire. Even talking learning Tango!!! I have Salsa shoes now, and we are intent. Yum, yum.
In completing my own personal "MBA" in community development by December 2010, I have established my own curriculum of choice.. books and materials I have purchased for study and development of a new level of expertise in unity building. Studies start this week.
Also, in confirming my space and role at College of the North Atlantic, I have prayed, pondered, reflected and initiated conversations and feel that increased clarity is around the corner.
Make LOVE my goal... at work, service, play, and life throughout 2010. I have been living what I call my daily PLOWERS, a process of living each day with greater love. It means pray, laugh, oxygen (breathe), water (drink), exercise, (eat) real food, and (get) sleep. All with the intent of loving myself, my work, my students, my colleagues, my friends and family, my life... more and more unconstrained. I am calling it my gypsy heart. Yes, YUM!
This week, I will continue on the above, but also...
I will work on my business model/plan for Lhu Global and the Cartoonumn by February 20, 2010 and visit the Honda cycle shop to look at owning and riding my blue Honda Shadow 750 by June 2010. And, I will confirm the start of my lessons to achieve effective, conversational Mandarin Chinese by December 31, 2010.
Then, in February I will be looking at initiating my application for CSP by March 31, 2010.((9)
So, what is the significance? Well, it is a journey and it does not end.
A friend, Mike Nordby (www.globalyouthmentor.com).. the Whether Man with his daily ocean dips and weather forecasts.. has had to make a trip back to care for family and it starts today. Some of his friends and colleagues, myself included, have chosen to take these same next 6 weeks and work on our Hard Walks... each of us commtting to doing something hard that we need and want to do, alongside Mike's Hard Walks, continuing his journey. We are establishing a blog (see the side links) and a You Tube Channel... and we are inviting you to join us... pick something you really need to achieve by March 1, 2010. Join us... myself, Joel Sweeney, Geoff Eaton, TA Loeffler, David Norris, Paul White, Michelle Snow, Steve Callahan, Justin Dearing and others (see www.nlaps.ca)... on our Hard Walks... make one for yourself... something that will rock. My Hard Walk is two fold... exercising body and spirit 2 hours a day... I will exercise at least 1 hour every day and I will pray (1 hour) and listen and act upon any answer I get every day. How about you? Join us in spirit.
Folks, I have been getting a word in my head and heart these days... "GO". The time for planning for me is done. It is now about action. When I sense something I need to do, I will GO.
What do you need most to GO on?
Hoping you join us. GO!!!
Much love to you all...
Barry
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Watershed
In my last couple of blog entries, I wrote of the future and milestones planned. I deeply and honestly believe in the importance of four "elements" to achieving our most real dreams. As I have noted before, nothing replaces a clear vision, deep passion, hard work and purposeful flexibility. We need to be like a river flowing home.
That all being said, today's blog is a bit of a watershed moment for me. It is about a look back, before we return our gaze to the present and the future.
I do not believe that it is healthy to dwell on the past. It no longer exists. All that exists is what we take from it, and that is a matter of perspective. Our past is a mine from which we can discover rock or gem, all depending upon that for which we are looking. If we wish to validate our action or inaction in any area, we can find reasons from our past. That is not to minimize the pain that all of us have experienced, to one degree or another, in our past. It is to say that it is about what lessons we learn from those moments of trial and triumph.
And so, here I am, looking back at 2009 and, indeed, the last decade. I am pondering all of the messages of authenticity I hear these days. It is really becoming quite the "hot topic"... being ourselves and moving beyond the mask. Truthfully, I agree with this. We, far too often, live lives of facade, showing what we think is what our corners of the world expect. We wear roles like robes. Indeed, there is value in being able to "switch gears" and put on our "game face". There is also, and probably even more, value in being true to who we are, when we are, where we are.
What do I mean?
I do not mean that we should be living our "Dr. Phil" moments for all the world to see. I believe we need not confess to any other but our Creator. We can confide in friends, ask for forgiveness from those we have hurt, but confession is not something for public display. That is my core belief. Sharing our story to inspire is one thing, but confessing another.
Either way, I digress.
What I do mean can best be demonstrated by my own look back.
2009 was a year of introspection and deeper learning for me. That is not to say that I was locked away and disconnected from the world. I had one very busy and productive year. It does mean that I took time to think upon my life, especially this past decade. There were trials to question, lessons to learn.
It was not easy. In many ways, it required me to spend time with me, alone... a scary proposition for many of us.
In 2008, a marriage in which I had placed all of my trust, ended. I have spent much of my adult life somehow looking for "love". Whatever the reason, I have always believed that I could take on the world and needed nothing other than one soul in which I could find my solace, my sanctuary. After years of looking, I thought I had found that, but in 2008, it ended. It did not end with a bang or with conflict and contention... it ended with both of us wondering what had "happened".
Personally, I spent considerable time questioning my faith and my trust of my own instincts and intuition. I had my moments of real doubt about my ability to feel what I feel... and know it to be true. I will not lie. It hurt. It hurt alot. My heart felt, at times, like a hand had taken hold and was squeezing the life out of it. It confused me. I had believed in this marriage. I was wrong. It said to me that I could not trust my very soul.
Nonsense.
Looking back on these past 10 years, I realize how much I had moved away from my core and who I was and am, at a deeper level. As a child and youth, I believed in what my cousin and I called being "tribal"... connected, understanding that there really was more than the eye can see. I believed in love, a deeper love, a royal love, a love that is of true magic... not fairy tale, but authentic magic, miracle, honour, and more.
Somewhere, along the way, I became much more practical and pragmatic. I would rationalize and convince... and I can be very convincing. I would ignore any signs of incompatibility in order to see beyond and "understand" that all things are possible.
Actually, I believe all things are possible, if they are right.
I do NOT believe that the "universe" answers our every call, and that it is some wonderful order taker. I do believe that, if we choose our cause and our passion carefully and deeply, all Heaven will support it.
This is what I forgot!
I started forgetting it as a young man who had "parenthood" of sorts placed upon him, who was expected to be responsible and take care of things. That is not about blame. It is what it is. I started to forget it when I saw, around me, that many of those in my life were compromising and settling. I started to forget by buying in...
I am opting out of that purchase.
My spirit, my soul, tells me, this day, that we all need to claim our own independence day. Today is mine.
Independence from what?
Not from other people. We are interdependent, and I am glad.
Independence from the world of false expectations.
As I approach my 50th birthday, I have received the greatest gift of all... my truth. I believe that there is absolute truth. guiding who we are together. I also believe that we have our own truths, of who we are, and who we are to serve and love.
I am Barry Lewis Green... bold and bounteous, loving tornado. I am larger than life. I am life. I am unconstrained as the wind and water. I have a gentle, loving center. I think BIG. I love. I love, I love. I am tribal, a believer in magic, dreams, romance, dance, song, joy and service. I believe that being human is a noble calling. To be human is to be noble... when we debase ourselves, we are not living truly human. I believe in honour. I am a world citizen and a follower of Baha'u''llah (www.bahaullah.com and www.bahai.org).
I believe that followership is as important as leadership and I practice both. I am a student and teacher. I am a friend, who makes mistakes but always intends the best. I am the Unity Guy. I believe unity is created in diversity, and appreciation of both. I still believe in "her" wherever she is. I no longer "look" for her. I look for me. I have heard the voice inside that says "as you find you, she will find you".
I believe.
Now, will I have more lessons to learn? I sure hope so. Still, this lesson is seminal for me. It is watershed. It took much to get to this place... including a willingness to stare the monster in the maw... to look at my fears as well as my strengths. The result? In many ways, I have returned home. I will continue to grow and change, but now realize, fully realize, that serving the world and serving yourself are not mutually exclusive... to love your neighbour as you love yourself implies that we need to love BOTH. I do and I will.
And so, I thank my past relationships... personal and professional. They, in unison, have brought me home. Relationships in love and work, in which I placed my entire being, despite my soul saying "no"... they all have brought me to this place.
As I close, I remember two things...
MOST importantly for me, Baha'u'llah said in one of the Hidden Words... O SON OF MAN! Veiled in My immemorial being and in the ancient eternity of My essence, I knew My love for thee; therefore I created thee, have engraved on thee Mine image and revealed to thee My beauty.
I lovingly suggest you say these words but replace "thee" with your name, and feel the effect.
Secondly,
Baby Dinosaur in the 90's show DINOSAURS said "I'm the baby, gotta love me!"
Love yourself as you were created friends. Learn from what has been sent you in the past. See all that you have experienced as teachers, and learn. Now, you live.
I leave you with a quote I said in a workshop several years back...
"All that we have been and all that we will be are as nothing compared to who we are today/"
Be it.
Love, honour and unity friends...
Barry
That all being said, today's blog is a bit of a watershed moment for me. It is about a look back, before we return our gaze to the present and the future.
I do not believe that it is healthy to dwell on the past. It no longer exists. All that exists is what we take from it, and that is a matter of perspective. Our past is a mine from which we can discover rock or gem, all depending upon that for which we are looking. If we wish to validate our action or inaction in any area, we can find reasons from our past. That is not to minimize the pain that all of us have experienced, to one degree or another, in our past. It is to say that it is about what lessons we learn from those moments of trial and triumph.
And so, here I am, looking back at 2009 and, indeed, the last decade. I am pondering all of the messages of authenticity I hear these days. It is really becoming quite the "hot topic"... being ourselves and moving beyond the mask. Truthfully, I agree with this. We, far too often, live lives of facade, showing what we think is what our corners of the world expect. We wear roles like robes. Indeed, there is value in being able to "switch gears" and put on our "game face". There is also, and probably even more, value in being true to who we are, when we are, where we are.
What do I mean?
I do not mean that we should be living our "Dr. Phil" moments for all the world to see. I believe we need not confess to any other but our Creator. We can confide in friends, ask for forgiveness from those we have hurt, but confession is not something for public display. That is my core belief. Sharing our story to inspire is one thing, but confessing another.
Either way, I digress.
What I do mean can best be demonstrated by my own look back.
2009 was a year of introspection and deeper learning for me. That is not to say that I was locked away and disconnected from the world. I had one very busy and productive year. It does mean that I took time to think upon my life, especially this past decade. There were trials to question, lessons to learn.
It was not easy. In many ways, it required me to spend time with me, alone... a scary proposition for many of us.
In 2008, a marriage in which I had placed all of my trust, ended. I have spent much of my adult life somehow looking for "love". Whatever the reason, I have always believed that I could take on the world and needed nothing other than one soul in which I could find my solace, my sanctuary. After years of looking, I thought I had found that, but in 2008, it ended. It did not end with a bang or with conflict and contention... it ended with both of us wondering what had "happened".
Personally, I spent considerable time questioning my faith and my trust of my own instincts and intuition. I had my moments of real doubt about my ability to feel what I feel... and know it to be true. I will not lie. It hurt. It hurt alot. My heart felt, at times, like a hand had taken hold and was squeezing the life out of it. It confused me. I had believed in this marriage. I was wrong. It said to me that I could not trust my very soul.
Nonsense.
Looking back on these past 10 years, I realize how much I had moved away from my core and who I was and am, at a deeper level. As a child and youth, I believed in what my cousin and I called being "tribal"... connected, understanding that there really was more than the eye can see. I believed in love, a deeper love, a royal love, a love that is of true magic... not fairy tale, but authentic magic, miracle, honour, and more.
Somewhere, along the way, I became much more practical and pragmatic. I would rationalize and convince... and I can be very convincing. I would ignore any signs of incompatibility in order to see beyond and "understand" that all things are possible.
Actually, I believe all things are possible, if they are right.
I do NOT believe that the "universe" answers our every call, and that it is some wonderful order taker. I do believe that, if we choose our cause and our passion carefully and deeply, all Heaven will support it.
This is what I forgot!
I started forgetting it as a young man who had "parenthood" of sorts placed upon him, who was expected to be responsible and take care of things. That is not about blame. It is what it is. I started to forget it when I saw, around me, that many of those in my life were compromising and settling. I started to forget by buying in...
I am opting out of that purchase.
My spirit, my soul, tells me, this day, that we all need to claim our own independence day. Today is mine.
Independence from what?
Not from other people. We are interdependent, and I am glad.
Independence from the world of false expectations.
As I approach my 50th birthday, I have received the greatest gift of all... my truth. I believe that there is absolute truth. guiding who we are together. I also believe that we have our own truths, of who we are, and who we are to serve and love.
I am Barry Lewis Green... bold and bounteous, loving tornado. I am larger than life. I am life. I am unconstrained as the wind and water. I have a gentle, loving center. I think BIG. I love. I love, I love. I am tribal, a believer in magic, dreams, romance, dance, song, joy and service. I believe that being human is a noble calling. To be human is to be noble... when we debase ourselves, we are not living truly human. I believe in honour. I am a world citizen and a follower of Baha'u''llah (www.bahaullah.com and www.bahai.org).
I believe that followership is as important as leadership and I practice both. I am a student and teacher. I am a friend, who makes mistakes but always intends the best. I am the Unity Guy. I believe unity is created in diversity, and appreciation of both. I still believe in "her" wherever she is. I no longer "look" for her. I look for me. I have heard the voice inside that says "as you find you, she will find you".
I believe.
Now, will I have more lessons to learn? I sure hope so. Still, this lesson is seminal for me. It is watershed. It took much to get to this place... including a willingness to stare the monster in the maw... to look at my fears as well as my strengths. The result? In many ways, I have returned home. I will continue to grow and change, but now realize, fully realize, that serving the world and serving yourself are not mutually exclusive... to love your neighbour as you love yourself implies that we need to love BOTH. I do and I will.
And so, I thank my past relationships... personal and professional. They, in unison, have brought me home. Relationships in love and work, in which I placed my entire being, despite my soul saying "no"... they all have brought me to this place.
As I close, I remember two things...
MOST importantly for me, Baha'u'llah said in one of the Hidden Words... O SON OF MAN! Veiled in My immemorial being and in the ancient eternity of My essence, I knew My love for thee; therefore I created thee, have engraved on thee Mine image and revealed to thee My beauty.
I lovingly suggest you say these words but replace "thee" with your name, and feel the effect.
Secondly,
Baby Dinosaur in the 90's show DINOSAURS said "I'm the baby, gotta love me!"
Love yourself as you were created friends. Learn from what has been sent you in the past. See all that you have experienced as teachers, and learn. Now, you live.
I leave you with a quote I said in a workshop several years back...
"All that we have been and all that we will be are as nothing compared to who we are today/"
Be it.
Love, honour and unity friends...
Barry
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