Summer, a Time for Reflection

 

As we go about enjoying the summer time, taking a break from our normal routines to take vacations, go on picnics, enjoy outdoor festivals, enjoy outdoor sports like hiking, camping, going to baseball games and fireworks shows, this period of relaxation often provides fertile grounds for us to reflect on where we are in our life and what we would like to do next.

You see, it is often when we are just relaxed and enjoying the casual gatherings and outdoor activities that thoughts may come to us about how we might like to change our lives and what we might like to do differently. It is during these summer breaks that we might take time to read a book that presents us with new ideas, or have conversations with others about our dreams and visions for the future.

It is this dreamy, relaxed state that is really fertile for letting our mind wander. Visiting other places and experiencing new things and indulging ourselves in pleasant surroundings prompts thoughts about what we would like to do more of and how we might change our life to make this possible. As we mull over thoughts about career change, relationship change and other activities we want to include more often.

It is the period of reflection that cultivates these thoughts. So during this period of reflection, it can be extremely useful to have insightful conversations with others about these topics. And that, in turn, is what propels us into the serious season of fall when many follow through on these new ideas to seek new homes, new jobs, new fields of study and either renew or change relationships.

It is always good to engage in these kinds of reflections, conversations and planning when we are not in stressful situations and needing to reach a conclusion urgently because the changes that are happening are emanating from the decisions of others.

Making a bucket list is one way of approaching how to get more out of life and satisfy some of those ideas that have been on the back burner for a long time. But I notice that bucket lists often include some one time experiences, rather than major changes we desire that would make a difference every day, such as new studies or activities that would enhance every day, investigating career options or changes in relationships. In other words, changes we would implement every day to achieve greater satisfaction.

Summer time is a perfect time to think about this and discuss this so that we can formulate plans to take action. Someone who can listen objectively can be a great help in clarifying your vision. And this is often best done when not under the pressure of a deadline. So during this relaxed summer season, take the time to engage in creative thinking and visionary exploration. The rewards are abundant.

Moonwalking

My fair complexion burns too easily in the sunlight, so I am careful about that the same way as I am careful about eating very limited amounts of sugar. I have even been burned when wearing sunblock, so no more of those experiments for me. So I really enjoy moonwalks. I do that in my neighborhood most every night. I love just being out in the night air, looking up at the moon and stars, breathing the cooler air, savoring the quiet. Moments like these let ideas flow through my mind, offering fresh perspectives and sewing seeds to be developed. Usually, for example, I write these newsletters after I come back in from a bit of night air and a moonwalk. What a simple way to refresh and rejuvenate. 

Awakening the Magic in Our Lives

How do we awaken the magic in our lives? The simplest definition of magic ever offered is this: Change according to will.

The word magic itself often conjures up images of stage entertainers pulling things out of hats and sleeves, making people appear and disappear from boxes and other mind boggling tricks. Of course, they use special props to make their feats seem miraculous. And it is entertaining.

But how do we experience magic in our lives? We can make things appear and disappear. We change things all the time, don't we? Jobs, careers, majors in school, places we live.

Magic comes into play when we set our intention to make a change but we are not certain how we will achieve it yet. Consciously, sometimes we know that we need to take a class or classes to learn a new skill in order to get a different job. This would be one way of using our will to make change.

The magical part that we do not know is how our intention alone can open doors for us. Here is an example. One time when I was looking for a new job, I called a person I knew who I had done some work for in the past. All I was asking him was if I could use him as a reference in my search. Instead, he offered me a job. It was something I did not know how to do, so he offered to teach me on the job, and I thought that was a great opportunity, so I took it. Looking for that kind of job was not even on my radar, but simply calling him and asking for help opened the door to change. It was a good experience.

Then there are times when our eyes are opened to magic by seeing things from a different perspective. You are familiar with the expressions "looking outside the square or looking outside the box." How can that apply? A simple example. Resumes show what we have done, not all the things we can do. How we present ourselves to others, verbally or in writing, can open their eyes to seeing us differently.

There is also a critical difference between what we know and believe. As we think about our life so far, there are things that we believe, and then there are things that we know from experience.

What do we know? What has brought us the greatest joy in our life? What have we done that we are most proud of? Who have been our greatest teachers? Who have been the most helpful people? Who have been our best friends? What are the things we would like to do more of? Answers to these questions are what we know. By asking and answering such questions, we draw from our acquired wisdom.

This process is a way for some to discover their life purpose. In other words, we discover what we are good at and what we want to do more of through a review of our life experiences. Recognizing these patterns opens the way for us to make change according to will.

It is also important to notice what keeps drawing our attention. What things keep coming to mind that we have not done but would like to do? This would be a version of what many would call their bucket list, although sometimes it seems that that term brings up lists of silly things. Not a thing wrong with silly things. As you know, I am a big fan of stand up comedy. But look at your situation a little differently. What things would you like to do that you have not made time for? What things do you think are important that you would like to help with? When something keeps coming to mind, it is your spirit guides sewing seeds for you to nurture and cultivate in the garden of your life.

How do we use magic in our relationships? First, we have to begin by simply setting an intention to create such a thing. Then we do not simply believe that it is possible, rather we recalibrate our thinking to include the fact that there certainly are people in this world who fit that description. Not just one, but many. We will never meet all of the people who could be a great partner because some of them live in parts of the world we never visit, but here, within the areas where we live, there are others who would love to meet us.

You see, one limiting belief that many buy into is that there is one perfect person for them and that if they blew that relationship they will never get another chance. Nonsense.

By setting our vision for that goal, we send out thoughts and words into the universe and ask our spirit guides to help us meet that good match, and we do not settle for less. We do not change our plans to accommodate someone else's goals. If someone else suggests a change that really resonates with you, then changing plans can be responding to what you consider to be a good opportunity. Changing plans just to be with someone else will probably turn out to be a disappointment if you are not loving what you do. Hold strong to the vision that we can make this positive change. A practical way to reinforce this is to keep doing the things that you love to do. Who else will you meet there? Other people who enjoy and value the same things you do.

You see, we are all capable of creating magic in our lives. Don't wait to get lucky. Act decisively. What are the things that you keep wanting to do, but never get around to? Set aside time in your schedule and do that, whether it is a creative endeavor or a sport or a hobby or simply an activity you enjoy. Do not sell yourself short.

Remember that old saying that luck is the place where opportunity meets hard work. We all have to power to change our vision for our life, to change the way we life our life. Remember the definition of magic. Change according to will. We may need to open our eyes to see things differently before we set new goals, and if you need help with that, help is available. Change is always possible. Do you will it?

If you do so, you may find how to make some things disappear while making other things appear. Every day is a new awakening.

Meditation Classes - Enjoyable, easy to use techniques 

Mondays at 7-9 pm July 10, 17, 24, 23, 31
at my home office
Try a variety of methods including mindfulness, chanting, drumming, visualization and guided meditation. See what works for you.

Tuition $200. Call or email to reserve your spot.  

Tarot Classes - Not Fortune Telling, Fortune Creating 

 Wednesdays at 7-9 pm, June 14, 28, July 5, 12
at my home office
During my 40+ years of reading and collecting cards, I have learned more about tarot than you will find in most basic instruction books.
Learn how to use this time tested tool to help you get more out of life. It is not fortune telling. It is fortune creating.
Tuition $200. Call or email to reserve your spot.