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
Monday, June 28, 2010
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
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