Transformations

I've been thinking and dreaming about where I'm being nudged to transform my world. When I say "transform my world" I am suggesting a shift towards a better life: It could be mostly an inner renovation, or lifestyle alteration; it could be an adjustment in my relationships; it could be a new project or area of growth; or it could be a move into activism or service. 

That's the gift we have - to see what needs to change and do the work to change it. No matter our limitations, we CAN make the world better, one smile, kind word, or conversation at a time.

Agenda:

1. Love Meditation
2. Read First Things First
3. Transform my world intentions

1. Love Meditation:

Every month after the full moon, in the quiet-energy yin time of the waning moon, I practice a love meditation that progresses from receptivity, to gratitude, to generosity:

Day 2: Practice a love meditation, and end by feeling and expressing gratitude - send a prayer to the universe of thanksgiving for all I have in my life. 

When I remember to feel grateful for my blessings, my days take on a different tone: I have more vigor, optimism, compassion, and peace. By noticing how I am blessed, my impatience decreases and I realize how satisfied and fulfilled I really am.

2. Read "First Things First":

Last Fall I began to review this book by Stephen Covey (1994) that was pivotal in my growth, focusing on section 3: The Synergy of Interdependence. I've finished that section and am moving on to section 4: The Power and Peace of Principle-Centered Living.

"When first things are first -- when we see things in terms of principles, when we pause in the space between stimulus and response, when we act on the basis of importance -- what difference does it make in our lives?" This final section is about the journey and the destination.  

Chapter 14 is From Time Management to Personal Leadership, and gives lots of examples of the difference between the two. It asks first that I question the nature of each activity I do in a day - Why am I doing it, and why now? Is this the best use of my capacities? How can I improve the underlying system of my life (creating synergy with my teams, developing trust relationships, and realistic expectations with my community)?

3. Transform my world intentions:

I did a brainstorm on Sunday, but did not come to a conclusive leading, beyond what I've been doing already. I limited my thinking to this coming summer, when I will be busy being clerk of our Meeting, taking care of grandchildren, caring for my home and garden, and leading earthcare events.

The shift I've been working at all year is towards hope ad residence, and I think the best transformation I've begun is towards cultivating flow.

The next step is to write some intentions:

I Intend to transform my life towards hope, resilience, and flow: 

• I intend to start with personal leadership, asking how can I improve the underlying system of my life?
• I intend to live in the flow, with immediacy – slow down and just BE, in this moment- aware and awake, listening to my intuition and messages from the Universe.
• I intend to be passionate and brave - let go of caution and involve myself wholeheartedly with what I love. Stretch beyond the way I’ve always done things.

because these will allow me to be a wise, flexible, creative, hopeful, and positive leader for my family, community, and for the earth.