Good morning from Portland, Oregon...
I arrived almost a month ago and have had a major time adjusting to the coolness of the weather here. Even a sunny day when the temperature rises to 70, I keep waiting for it to get so much hotter - and, alas, it does not! Then, my friends want to stay out of the sun cause they are too hot - oh my!!!
The almost daily shifting in the sky of clouds, sun, shadow, fog, mist and/or rain is a constant delight, I must say - and can be quite distracting when driving. I actually have found myself stopping on the side of a road just to enjoy the view overhead. Lovely.
In many ways, coming back has been somewhat of a culture shock - especially grocery shopping. The first time I set foot in Safeway again, I audibly was saying to myself, "Oh - look at that" or "How fantastic" - or "How do I choose"!! It is not that we do not have supermarkets in Baja - we do, but the selection is so much more limited. I have been wanting to just go to New Seasons or Whole Foods and "hang-out" - like one would go to the movies. And then the discovery of gelato - specifically pistachio gelato at a local spot in Sellwood. It puts ice cream to shame....
Visiting with my family and friends has been grand, and I have discovered that my 96 year old step-mother does not have health insurance. So, I have appointed myself her advocate and am now researching possibilities to ease the huge - HUGE - pay-out for prescriptions each month. It is somewhat daunting.
When I am at home in Mexico, I swim almost every day - sometimes several times a day, as the pool is about 50 feet from my door. It has made a huge difference in how I feel physically. Honestly, I was somewhat apprehensive about coming to Oregon and putting my body back into this cool and more humid environment especially without my pool.
Then - along came 24-hr Fitness and built a facility just two blocks from where I am staying off of SE Holgate. Yeah. I will now be able to walk a short way and swim which will allow me to maintain my progress. Just have to determine the best times to go...
As I have lost a couple of clothing sizes, I am now on a quest to put on some pounds - along with my exercise. Desserts are the answer! And Papa Haydn (an excellent restaurant with a bountiful and beautiful and delicious dessert menu) is just a few blocks away. Remember that old poster: "Life is short - eat dessert first!" I agree!
It is also delightful and soul-warming to connect with my spiritual family on a regular basis. I do miss the music and the focus on positive shifting of consciousness that is shared in a community. Hopefully, I will be able to bring some of this uplifting and life-altering awareness to the new friends I am making in Mexico through classes and shared study. At least that is my current intention.
Since I desire a deeper and expanded spiritual focus in my life, I trust there are others where I live who desire the same. As Emma Curtis Hopkins teaches, "if I see a need, it is mine to fill." So I am....
Please stay tuned....I will return....
Remember,
You Are Loved In All Ways
Lynn
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Leaving for US
It has been quite sometime - over a month - since I last wrote. Oh my gosh how time just keeps moving so fast.
A friend came to visit a week ago and remarked on how fast the days seem to fly by even without doing much....so true!
I am preparing to fly to Portland for 2 1/2 months after being in Mexico for almost 9 months and there are lots of preparations to make, some of which perplex me. Like my car. What to do with it - where and how to store it, etc. Luckily, here, we have a fantastic internet-communication site where you can write in with questions. I did - and so many people responded with such excellent advice that I now feel confident about leaving my vehicle.
Then there is my cat. Do I take her or leave her? If I take her, the friend who I am staying with in Portland has 3 dogs - not a good idea to bring a cat. So, have found a friend here who is willing to have my cat stay with her which prevents me from boarding her for so long.
Then - the biggest issue - what clothes to bring! Portland is so much cooler than Baja and although I have coats stored there, I have no other things - like a bathrobe. Solution, used clothing stores! That way I can create a "winter" wardrobe to keep in Portland and have fun doing it at the same time.
Well, then again, the biggest issue will probably be in culture, and I am preparing myself now. Mexico is so much slower and not at all as serious about everything as the US can be (which is what I love about it) - so we will see what feelings pop up for me during this time.
If anyone is still reading this blog, and who may be interested, I am teaching the "Relationships: Being Real" class at the Portland Center for Spiritual Living starting in September. The cl is 7 weeks and is truly more than worth the $80 fee. I am excited about teaching it again and highly encourage people to register for it.
So, for now - I bid you farewell. My next note will come from Portland.
Blessings of love in all ways.
A friend came to visit a week ago and remarked on how fast the days seem to fly by even without doing much....so true!
I am preparing to fly to Portland for 2 1/2 months after being in Mexico for almost 9 months and there are lots of preparations to make, some of which perplex me. Like my car. What to do with it - where and how to store it, etc. Luckily, here, we have a fantastic internet-communication site where you can write in with questions. I did - and so many people responded with such excellent advice that I now feel confident about leaving my vehicle.
Then there is my cat. Do I take her or leave her? If I take her, the friend who I am staying with in Portland has 3 dogs - not a good idea to bring a cat. So, have found a friend here who is willing to have my cat stay with her which prevents me from boarding her for so long.
Then - the biggest issue - what clothes to bring! Portland is so much cooler than Baja and although I have coats stored there, I have no other things - like a bathrobe. Solution, used clothing stores! That way I can create a "winter" wardrobe to keep in Portland and have fun doing it at the same time.
Well, then again, the biggest issue will probably be in culture, and I am preparing myself now. Mexico is so much slower and not at all as serious about everything as the US can be (which is what I love about it) - so we will see what feelings pop up for me during this time.
If anyone is still reading this blog, and who may be interested, I am teaching the "Relationships: Being Real" class at the Portland Center for Spiritual Living starting in September. The cl is 7 weeks and is truly more than worth the $80 fee. I am excited about teaching it again and highly encourage people to register for it.
So, for now - I bid you farewell. My next note will come from Portland.
Blessings of love in all ways.
Monday, June 28, 2010
Relax, Let Go....aaaahhhh
For the past couple of weeks, I have watched myself become bound by fearful thoughts. What a disappointment I feel in myself on several levels, and what discoveries I have made in the process.
The situation: My car has California plates which were due to expire in May. When I was in mainland Mexico (once I received my annual visa card), an expiration date on a vehicle did not matter; here in Baja, it does. Many people have been detained by the Federal Police and either (1) asked for payment of a fine immediately in US funds (up to $500); or (2) have the car impounded. The reason "to check if the car has been stolen".
I sent in my payment to renew my plates but could not because I do not have insurance in the US (I have Mexican insurance). I could not get US insurance without an inspection of the car, which I would then have to drive back - which I am unwilling to do.
Enter South Dakota. In SD one does not need insurance to obtain car registration or plates or even live in SD. So I obtained SD plates and had them sent to a friend's in Portland, Oregon. He then sent them UPS to me here in Los Cabos. He sent them "next day" but Mexico does not have air freight - only truck, so it was impossible to get them here from Portland in 2 days - even tho my friend paid $70 for that kind of delivery.
I became fixated on UPS and their tracking system, and in the interim stopped driving from here to Cabo (that highway has Federal jurisdiction) because I was so fearful of being detained.
After the fact, now that the plates are on my car and I can drive anywhere, I realized just how vulnerable I had become, which kicked into high gear my need to control the delivery of the new plates, etc. Let go - have faith - were all wonderful phrases, but I in the midst of my fear, very impossible for me to choose.
So, what was my fear about? Being in a foreign country with very limited use of the language, uncertainty about my rights (if any) both as a temporary visitor and foreigner, the appearance of limited funds to pay a large fine, knowing only a couple of people here, how would I get around without a car, and on and on and on. It also spoke to my history of "doing everything myself" (in other words, attempting to control everything) and having to trust the "system" while recogniziing that here in Mexico a "system" really does not exist!!
So, now, I am back to deepening my spiritual practice, primarily by longer meditation along with prayer to shift my reliance back to Spirit, which I thought was firmly in place but this experience showed me just how much more work I really have to do.
Better go take a swim and relax a little more.
You are loved in all ways,
Lynn
The situation: My car has California plates which were due to expire in May. When I was in mainland Mexico (once I received my annual visa card), an expiration date on a vehicle did not matter; here in Baja, it does. Many people have been detained by the Federal Police and either (1) asked for payment of a fine immediately in US funds (up to $500); or (2) have the car impounded. The reason "to check if the car has been stolen".
I sent in my payment to renew my plates but could not because I do not have insurance in the US (I have Mexican insurance). I could not get US insurance without an inspection of the car, which I would then have to drive back - which I am unwilling to do.
Enter South Dakota. In SD one does not need insurance to obtain car registration or plates or even live in SD. So I obtained SD plates and had them sent to a friend's in Portland, Oregon. He then sent them UPS to me here in Los Cabos. He sent them "next day" but Mexico does not have air freight - only truck, so it was impossible to get them here from Portland in 2 days - even tho my friend paid $70 for that kind of delivery.
I became fixated on UPS and their tracking system, and in the interim stopped driving from here to Cabo (that highway has Federal jurisdiction) because I was so fearful of being detained.
After the fact, now that the plates are on my car and I can drive anywhere, I realized just how vulnerable I had become, which kicked into high gear my need to control the delivery of the new plates, etc. Let go - have faith - were all wonderful phrases, but I in the midst of my fear, very impossible for me to choose.
So, what was my fear about? Being in a foreign country with very limited use of the language, uncertainty about my rights (if any) both as a temporary visitor and foreigner, the appearance of limited funds to pay a large fine, knowing only a couple of people here, how would I get around without a car, and on and on and on. It also spoke to my history of "doing everything myself" (in other words, attempting to control everything) and having to trust the "system" while recogniziing that here in Mexico a "system" really does not exist!!
So, now, I am back to deepening my spiritual practice, primarily by longer meditation along with prayer to shift my reliance back to Spirit, which I thought was firmly in place but this experience showed me just how much more work I really have to do.
Better go take a swim and relax a little more.
You are loved in all ways,
Lynn
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Creative Juices
Yesterday, while in conversation with a close friend, I found myself becoming excited about the unlimited possibilities that exist for me here in this beautiful part of the planet. As I am "creating" the environment in my new 'casita', I find my mental activity focusing on beauty and color and texture and I see it everywhere here. Especially color - vivid and happy colors that make you perk up and take notice simply because....
That creativity has spilled over into my teaching and spiritual life as well. A date has been set for me to begin the first Science of Mind spiritual study group: the first Wednesday in July, which is July 7. Many people are away right now, but there are still a few people here - and all I need to start is a few. In fact, I may even start 2 groups - and do one on Sunday morning as well since many people don't go to church and it may be a perfect time to start a spiritually-focused community something, aka "Open Circle" in Ajijic.
Now my task will be to locate a space for the Sunday group - preferably something outside and free. A perfect space just popped into my mind - and I will have to investigate more fully. Oh my, God is so-o-o-o good!
Made the decision to offer my Relationship class here in November and also to teach it in the US while I am there - got to get myself back in the saddle again. I am also going to offer spiritual counseling to people through a networking group I have joined and think I may have a client already. It feels good, especially here, since I am feeling so much more comfortable about driving places. Even if I get lost, I can find my way back to a familiar spot pretty easily. I think that since I now have my own place to live and it is really in a very central location, I feel more comfortable as a whole. Even tho I have only been in Baja for about a month and a half, it really feels much like home - especially because I am breathing so much better and my body is filled with more energy and vitality.
This is astonishing in some ways for last week I walked up a very long and steep hill - only stopped a couple of times - and when I got to the top, I felt so elated that I had actually done it I sad down on a ledge to revel in the feeling. 6 months ago I had difficulty walking just 2 blocks up a gentle incline. Once again, elevation, medication and prayer!
So, once I am settled and have a spot to keep my computer set up most of the time, I will be writing in the blog on a more regular basis. Once again, thanks again for your diligence and patience in continuing to follow my thoughts - and my life. I am truly grateful.
You are loved in all ways,
Lynn
That creativity has spilled over into my teaching and spiritual life as well. A date has been set for me to begin the first Science of Mind spiritual study group: the first Wednesday in July, which is July 7. Many people are away right now, but there are still a few people here - and all I need to start is a few. In fact, I may even start 2 groups - and do one on Sunday morning as well since many people don't go to church and it may be a perfect time to start a spiritually-focused community something, aka "Open Circle" in Ajijic.
Now my task will be to locate a space for the Sunday group - preferably something outside and free. A perfect space just popped into my mind - and I will have to investigate more fully. Oh my, God is so-o-o-o good!
Made the decision to offer my Relationship class here in November and also to teach it in the US while I am there - got to get myself back in the saddle again. I am also going to offer spiritual counseling to people through a networking group I have joined and think I may have a client already. It feels good, especially here, since I am feeling so much more comfortable about driving places. Even if I get lost, I can find my way back to a familiar spot pretty easily. I think that since I now have my own place to live and it is really in a very central location, I feel more comfortable as a whole. Even tho I have only been in Baja for about a month and a half, it really feels much like home - especially because I am breathing so much better and my body is filled with more energy and vitality.
This is astonishing in some ways for last week I walked up a very long and steep hill - only stopped a couple of times - and when I got to the top, I felt so elated that I had actually done it I sad down on a ledge to revel in the feeling. 6 months ago I had difficulty walking just 2 blocks up a gentle incline. Once again, elevation, medication and prayer!
So, once I am settled and have a spot to keep my computer set up most of the time, I will be writing in the blog on a more regular basis. Once again, thanks again for your diligence and patience in continuing to follow my thoughts - and my life. I am truly grateful.
You are loved in all ways,
Lynn
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
New Casita
Yesterday was the first day in my new casita - a small, 1 bedroom in a 3 apt. house in San Jose del Cabo. I am delighted. It is very private and has a large patio area just off the living room where I plan to create an "outdoor living space" with large palms in containers, etc. I also have a small pool just around the corner to use every day; plus, access to the beach and restaurants at a large resort just down the hill. The view from the end of my street is spectacular as my house is built high on a hill overlooking the Sea of Cortez.
San Jose del Cabo is the oldest of the two 'Cabos' (I think the church in the town square dates to 1500 something) and is more quiet and less 'touristy' than Cabo San Lucas, which is about 30 miles to the South.
After almost a month in this lovely area, I am beginning to feel somewhat comfortable in finding my way around. All directions are given in terms of landmarks as opposed to addresses: there are no addresses! Although, the government just announced that all houses will now have assigned addresses, but since no mail is actually delivered, they will not be for any significant purpose except as ornamentation for lovely tile numbers. There are a few street names - but just major streets. If a side street does have a name, there is usually no sign anywhere to tell you what it is -which makes the use of landmarks essential for finding even a business.
Am meeting many wonderful Mexican women through my roommate - all educated, bright, lovely people - and know a couple of them will become good friends of mine over time. One I will be taking Spanish lessons from when I return from the US in November.
Am becoming much more clear about what kind of spiritual support I can bring to this area. As the outdoor patio at my apt is quite large, I am contemplating having a weekly Sangha or prayer-support group there for a few people to begin integrating the Science of Mind philosophy into this community. I also plan to go to a little town about 45 minutes north once each month and do a study group for people who live on the 'East Cape'. In the interim, I am getting to know my way around, finding the organic markets (which abound here - yeah), swimming each day (an essential part of my physical spiritual practice), meeting lovely people and beginning to form networks.
Life is good in the Baja and I am feeling wonderful.
You are loved in all ways,
Lynn
San Jose del Cabo is the oldest of the two 'Cabos' (I think the church in the town square dates to 1500 something) and is more quiet and less 'touristy' than Cabo San Lucas, which is about 30 miles to the South.
After almost a month in this lovely area, I am beginning to feel somewhat comfortable in finding my way around. All directions are given in terms of landmarks as opposed to addresses: there are no addresses! Although, the government just announced that all houses will now have assigned addresses, but since no mail is actually delivered, they will not be for any significant purpose except as ornamentation for lovely tile numbers. There are a few street names - but just major streets. If a side street does have a name, there is usually no sign anywhere to tell you what it is -which makes the use of landmarks essential for finding even a business.
Am meeting many wonderful Mexican women through my roommate - all educated, bright, lovely people - and know a couple of them will become good friends of mine over time. One I will be taking Spanish lessons from when I return from the US in November.
Am becoming much more clear about what kind of spiritual support I can bring to this area. As the outdoor patio at my apt is quite large, I am contemplating having a weekly Sangha or prayer-support group there for a few people to begin integrating the Science of Mind philosophy into this community. I also plan to go to a little town about 45 minutes north once each month and do a study group for people who live on the 'East Cape'. In the interim, I am getting to know my way around, finding the organic markets (which abound here - yeah), swimming each day (an essential part of my physical spiritual practice), meeting lovely people and beginning to form networks.
Life is good in the Baja and I am feeling wonderful.
You are loved in all ways,
Lynn
Sunday, May 16, 2010
My 70th Birthday
Yesterday, was my celebration of 70 years on this earth plane - and I am still wondering when all those years accumulated! I still feel about 25 inside, even tho the outer spacesuit has many more signs of gravity, I feel blessed to be in such good health and especially to have a mind that is alert and actively awake.
Yesterday, I went on a catamaran sunset cruise to Land's End - at the tip of Baja where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez. It was simply glorious. The weather, of course, was grand, the company wonderful, the food and music perfect and the views - especially getting so close to the famous Arch - were breathtaking. Once the boat reached the Pacific, the captain turned off the engines and put up the sails. Simply awesome...
(A part of me wants to work for the Chamber of Commerce and tell everyone I know to come and visit this beautiful area. To that end, I am now looking for either a new digital camera or a cell phone that takes pictures.)
Sometimes I wonder if my life is as special as I think it is - or if the majority of lives are full to the brim with living. As I review these past 70 years, they have flown by - even tho there certainly were years that seemed to be filled with chaos, pain, sadness and confusion (two that stand out are 1968 and 1978 - oh, and lest I forget 1990 - whew, what a year).
One event that stands out at the moment - probably the biggest, other than my sobriety - is my inner reconciliation with my 2nd husband and love of my life after 40 years. In my heart, this is a testament to all the inner spiritual work I have done over the years, and I feel so grateful. Just using this phrase seens contrite and not nearly big enough, deep enough or profound enough for how I feel - but it will just have to do for now. Feeling this love in the innermost recesses of my being has transformed everything - at least the way I look at life and at people now. I am much more accepting and my inner (and outer) judgments have all but disappeared (not completely, yet - but close).
This appears to be what my journey has been about, and even though it has taken all these years and all these experiences, I have a rich book in the making - quite possibly a movie too.
But no matter what, I have evolved into the woman I so wanted to be and my heart is overflowing with love.
Blessed be....
Yesterday, I went on a catamaran sunset cruise to Land's End - at the tip of Baja where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez. It was simply glorious. The weather, of course, was grand, the company wonderful, the food and music perfect and the views - especially getting so close to the famous Arch - were breathtaking. Once the boat reached the Pacific, the captain turned off the engines and put up the sails. Simply awesome...
(A part of me wants to work for the Chamber of Commerce and tell everyone I know to come and visit this beautiful area. To that end, I am now looking for either a new digital camera or a cell phone that takes pictures.)
Sometimes I wonder if my life is as special as I think it is - or if the majority of lives are full to the brim with living. As I review these past 70 years, they have flown by - even tho there certainly were years that seemed to be filled with chaos, pain, sadness and confusion (two that stand out are 1968 and 1978 - oh, and lest I forget 1990 - whew, what a year).
One event that stands out at the moment - probably the biggest, other than my sobriety - is my inner reconciliation with my 2nd husband and love of my life after 40 years. In my heart, this is a testament to all the inner spiritual work I have done over the years, and I feel so grateful. Just using this phrase seens contrite and not nearly big enough, deep enough or profound enough for how I feel - but it will just have to do for now. Feeling this love in the innermost recesses of my being has transformed everything - at least the way I look at life and at people now. I am much more accepting and my inner (and outer) judgments have all but disappeared (not completely, yet - but close).
This appears to be what my journey has been about, and even though it has taken all these years and all these experiences, I have a rich book in the making - quite possibly a movie too.
But no matter what, I have evolved into the woman I so wanted to be and my heart is overflowing with love.
Blessed be....
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
The Unfamiliar
As I look over my life, I realize that for most of it, I have been somewhat curious. Especially about new places, which has given me the opportunity to push the boundaries of my "safe and known" life experiences. I have finally accepted the fact that I desire to experience as much of life as I am able and to learn more about myself in the process.
Sometimes that learning is very, very uncomfortable as I allow myself to stretch into unfamiliar territory and push myself into doing things I have never done before. Then I get to watch myself - and listen to my inner voices as they either attempt to keep me from moving forward or support me as I tentatively do so. Fortunately, the encouraging voices usually win and, off I go exploring.
One aspect of this learning is that I have (finally) become comfortable in asing for help or assistance. People usually are more than willing to help - more than willing to share their experiences - more than willing to shine light ahead on the path. Such is the case here in Baja.
I am in the process of developing a sweet friendship with a woman who has lived here 12 years. She has been more than willing to share her experiences and knowledge of "how things work" here in Baja, Mexico - and I am deeply grateful. There is an ever-present undercurrent of apprehension for me as I learn about this country and its customs (and laws) since I do not speak enough Spanish to be able to communicate and thus feel somewhat vulnerable. That vulnerability (or inner tension) is a good thing for it means that I am stretching; the more I stretch, the more (I feel) I am growing.
Yesterday, for example, I purchased a new cell phone here at the TelCel store. My friend accompanied me and guided me through the process. There are no "plans" here; each phone comes with a certain number of "free" pesos and then you purchase additional minutes with a phone card. The additional minutes are then entered into your phone. So, the only decision one must make is which phone to purchase - which, for me, was pretty easy: simple. No camera; no extra bells and whistles. In addition, there are several ways to telephone someone here (not just their numbers - but the manner in which you dial those numbers).
The least expensive way to speak with someone is cell to cell. So, that is why so many people use cell phones. To call a land-line from a cell is more expensive (and vice-versa). One of the local bi-monthly publications has an entire article this month on how to use phones here in Mexico.
Once we have experienced something new, the next time is easy is it not? That is why when you ask someone how to do something they usually say, "Oh - it's easy", because for them it is - they know how!
So, I am - every day - telling myself that whatever I encounter today that is unfamiliar is going to be easy. I am mentally preparing my mind - and thus the rest of me - to be more relaxed and comfortable in these foreign surroundings.
How are you stretching yourself? Or, are you holding on to the past and what is already known or familiar?
Blessings of joy,
Lynn
Sometimes that learning is very, very uncomfortable as I allow myself to stretch into unfamiliar territory and push myself into doing things I have never done before. Then I get to watch myself - and listen to my inner voices as they either attempt to keep me from moving forward or support me as I tentatively do so. Fortunately, the encouraging voices usually win and, off I go exploring.
One aspect of this learning is that I have (finally) become comfortable in asing for help or assistance. People usually are more than willing to help - more than willing to share their experiences - more than willing to shine light ahead on the path. Such is the case here in Baja.
I am in the process of developing a sweet friendship with a woman who has lived here 12 years. She has been more than willing to share her experiences and knowledge of "how things work" here in Baja, Mexico - and I am deeply grateful. There is an ever-present undercurrent of apprehension for me as I learn about this country and its customs (and laws) since I do not speak enough Spanish to be able to communicate and thus feel somewhat vulnerable. That vulnerability (or inner tension) is a good thing for it means that I am stretching; the more I stretch, the more (I feel) I am growing.
Yesterday, for example, I purchased a new cell phone here at the TelCel store. My friend accompanied me and guided me through the process. There are no "plans" here; each phone comes with a certain number of "free" pesos and then you purchase additional minutes with a phone card. The additional minutes are then entered into your phone. So, the only decision one must make is which phone to purchase - which, for me, was pretty easy: simple. No camera; no extra bells and whistles. In addition, there are several ways to telephone someone here (not just their numbers - but the manner in which you dial those numbers).
The least expensive way to speak with someone is cell to cell. So, that is why so many people use cell phones. To call a land-line from a cell is more expensive (and vice-versa). One of the local bi-monthly publications has an entire article this month on how to use phones here in Mexico.
Once we have experienced something new, the next time is easy is it not? That is why when you ask someone how to do something they usually say, "Oh - it's easy", because for them it is - they know how!
So, I am - every day - telling myself that whatever I encounter today that is unfamiliar is going to be easy. I am mentally preparing my mind - and thus the rest of me - to be more relaxed and comfortable in these foreign surroundings.
How are you stretching yourself? Or, are you holding on to the past and what is already known or familiar?
Blessings of joy,
Lynn
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