Unfolding

Stepped into it again with my extended family.  True -- if you think you are spiritually enlightened spend some time with your family of origin.  

My clear intentions were so easily hijacked and I become part of the drama.  Stepping away from the storm and taking time to feel all my crazy emotions.  Attempting to see a bigger picture and my part in creating and sustaining the insanity.  Giving some space to be with -- what should I do or not do next.  

This morning a gift appeared in my e-mail;  words in the weekly newsletter from coach Alan Seal: 

To "see" takes time.  Life moves fast, and we move fast thorough it.  Therefore, we tend to notice only the surface layer of our surroundings.  We see chairs, tables, trees, people, sidewalks, and benches.  Yet if we look more closely, there are patterns, textures, and edges.  And if we engage our intuitive awareness, beyond the patterns and textures, we can sense energies.  

The same is true in our life situations and circumstances.  If we take time to be present with our circumstances - to "see" and feel and sense them - they, too, will reveal themselves to us.  There is a lot of information and guidance hidden within the layers of our lives and experiences.  If we pay attention, everything we need to know will start to reveal itself.  We will understand more fully the essence or core of what is going on:  we will sense what wants to happen in the big picture; and intuitively, we  will be shown our next steps.  We have been conditioned to analyze and fix.  We assume that the only way through our situation is to figure it out and make something happen.  Yet what if there was another way?What if the situation itself could show us everything we need to know?  

Inviting in:

• Letting go of needing to do something to try and fix things.
• Trusting the situation will unfold and I will be shown what to do or not do next  
• Looking for the energy (love) under all the muck.  
• Remembering to take deep breaths, smile and just be. 

Being A Bad Sport

This morning I was with a wonderful women, Laurie, who was very upset about putting her all into a project that did not win the competition.

We live in a society where coming in 2nd may sent a message of not good enough.  How many viewer are disappointed after an Olympic event when their countries flag is flying over the bronze metal recipient.  "We're Number One" is chant many of us remember from youth.  Any vivid memories of the elation of victory or the crash when our team loses?

It hurts to not be chosen, especially when we have given best effort.  Hearing the words "losing builds character" or "this is God's will" or "don't be a bad sport" do not bring much comfort when we are tasting the salty tears traveling down our cheeks.  Losing hurts if we are 7 or 70.

I had the honor this morning of holding a space for grief.  Letting go of the expectation or dream was compounded with strong emotions of conscious and unconscious past loses.  Big girls (and boys) do cry.  It is good to cry.   Giving the feelings permission to be, invites in release, insights and healing.

This wonderful wise women shared this morning "when my emotions are strong I can not think clearly".  After a few minutes Laurie was able to list the gifts of creating and birthing this 2nd place project...

• Enjoyed creating
• Creating increases creativity
• Others had enjoyed supporting creating the project
• Sharing it with others brought joy

When asked "are you complete on this?"  She went inside, tears again filled her eyes and she said "I am being a bad sport".  Who said it is bad to feel sad when we don't get what we want or feel we deserve?  Why would anyone who loves us want to layer guilt and regret on top of the sadness, anger and frustration we are being present with?  Laurie was wise and powerful in hearing and feeling the impact of this old message.  

It was easy to acknowledge Laure for her effort, clarity and wisdom in this situation.   I asked my friend to take on 2 requests:

1. Spend some time being with this loss in a space of curiosity (noticing) and compassion (non judgement).  To think about, feel or journal and see what comes up.  
2. Find ways to celebrate the effort put into creating and sharing the project.  

It takes courage to be present with strong emotions.  Our own emotions and strong emotions of others.  There can be gifts in giving permission to be a bad sport -- as long a we do not hurt our self or others.