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....
Sunday, May 16, 2010
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
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Bugs and Spiders
Yes - I firmly believe there is only ONE life and that Life is expressing in every form of life everywhere...AND, I must learn to be more comfortable with some of the forms, i.e., very large spiders (or spiders in general) and cockroaches!
Today, I found a cockroach (about 2" long) sitting at the foot of my bed! I stood frozen for several moments while I assessed my options. Screaming wasn't one of them, although now I wonder how come. It must have come in from the yard as I leave the sliding door open and just the screen separates outdoor life from my living space. Crushing it with my shoe I was sure would implant a crunching sound in my mind, whch I did not want. So, I found the broom and first knocked it off the bed, then chased it until I had secured it within the bristles and scooted it out the back door. It righted itself and ran for cover under some storage boxes.
What is it about these small creatures that makes a perfectly sane and normal woman squirm?
In some ways, I think it is sinply the fact that it crawls and moves pretty fast (as do the large tarntula spsiders in Mexico), and I fear them crawling on me as well. Knowing they do not transfer diseases to humans doesn't seem to help.
So, now I am feeling a bit more rational and benevolent toward then (several hours have elapsed) and am, once again, willing to acknowledge their "spiritual" nature - cause at their core, like all form, they are of God. And then I might engage God in a conversation that would go something like, "What were you thinking?"
Yes, it is my choice to live in this hot climate where such creatures abound - and yes, I am sure I will come to accept their presence as Divine. It iis just at this moment I feel a tad bit of resistance.
Blessings of love,
Lynn
Today, I found a cockroach (about 2" long) sitting at the foot of my bed! I stood frozen for several moments while I assessed my options. Screaming wasn't one of them, although now I wonder how come. It must have come in from the yard as I leave the sliding door open and just the screen separates outdoor life from my living space. Crushing it with my shoe I was sure would implant a crunching sound in my mind, whch I did not want. So, I found the broom and first knocked it off the bed, then chased it until I had secured it within the bristles and scooted it out the back door. It righted itself and ran for cover under some storage boxes.
What is it about these small creatures that makes a perfectly sane and normal woman squirm?
In some ways, I think it is sinply the fact that it crawls and moves pretty fast (as do the large tarntula spsiders in Mexico), and I fear them crawling on me as well. Knowing they do not transfer diseases to humans doesn't seem to help.
So, now I am feeling a bit more rational and benevolent toward then (several hours have elapsed) and am, once again, willing to acknowledge their "spiritual" nature - cause at their core, like all form, they are of God. And then I might engage God in a conversation that would go something like, "What were you thinking?"
Yes, it is my choice to live in this hot climate where such creatures abound - and yes, I am sure I will come to accept their presence as Divine. It iis just at this moment I feel a tad bit of resistance.
Blessings of love,
Lynn
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Discovering Cabo
Yesterday was a day of discovery. A new friend guided me as I drove up and down the side streets (away from the tourist path) of Cabo san Lucas. We then parked the car next to a lovely park and walked the same path. Yes - this is the Mexico that I so love. Activity everywhere (especially since yesterday was part of the 4 day holiday - Cinco de Mayo), shops, photo studios, small cantinas, children playing, various smells of meals being prepared, colors adorning the windows and doorways in rugs or clothing, etc. etc.
We stopped for lunch at Poncho's, a fairy well-known restaurant that has been in Cabo for many years. It was decorated in classic Mexican Hacienda style and was visually captivating. I could not say that about the food, which was less than okay, but our table outside provided much entertainment through the street activity and passers-by.
My friend pointed out the best Italian restaurants, the municipal offices, the place to get my photo taken for my annual visa permit, the famous "Cabo Wabo" bar, the best spots to park, where one can get a great massage,etc. as we walked one street after another.
By the time we parted at about 3:30pm, I was definitely ready to drive back home and take a short siesta.
Along the "corridor" (which is the highway down the hill from my home and which runs the 30 miles between San Jose and Cabo), the government is putting up tall street lights to help curtail the many accidents along this route. Yes, they are putting up lights - about 30 feet apart - along the entire length of this highway - about 30 miles! Astonishing - not to mention the cost to the local taxpayers for the electricity needed to run them. Most of the accidents are caused by drivers who pay no attention to the speed limits. Then I discovered that Mexican drivers have no instruction in driving - but simply "pay" for their driver's license! Amazing....
Today, I am traveling the 14 miles North to San Jose for more discoveries. It is definitely a learning process here in this amazing country...
Blessings of love,
Lynn
We stopped for lunch at Poncho's, a fairy well-known restaurant that has been in Cabo for many years. It was decorated in classic Mexican Hacienda style and was visually captivating. I could not say that about the food, which was less than okay, but our table outside provided much entertainment through the street activity and passers-by.
My friend pointed out the best Italian restaurants, the municipal offices, the place to get my photo taken for my annual visa permit, the famous "Cabo Wabo" bar, the best spots to park, where one can get a great massage,etc. as we walked one street after another.
By the time we parted at about 3:30pm, I was definitely ready to drive back home and take a short siesta.
Along the "corridor" (which is the highway down the hill from my home and which runs the 30 miles between San Jose and Cabo), the government is putting up tall street lights to help curtail the many accidents along this route. Yes, they are putting up lights - about 30 feet apart - along the entire length of this highway - about 30 miles! Astonishing - not to mention the cost to the local taxpayers for the electricity needed to run them. Most of the accidents are caused by drivers who pay no attention to the speed limits. Then I discovered that Mexican drivers have no instruction in driving - but simply "pay" for their driver's license! Amazing....
Today, I am traveling the 14 miles North to San Jose for more discoveries. It is definitely a learning process here in this amazing country...
Blessings of love,
Lynn
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
