Spiritual Book about Women's Spirituality, Adventures of a Mainstream Metaphysical Mom, Soulutions, Birth Mix Patterns

Week of January 23, 2006

Oops! I got caught up in the future again!

I haven't been all that crazy about where I live, and the (particularly natural) resources, and attitudes available lately. I found a place that my husband is in complete agreement with, and now we are planning on how we are going to get there, and still pay our bills. The internal issue that I am struggling with is the mark to achieve (now) our goal is 5 years from now. The plans we laid out together are completely realistic, and achievable. But, 5 years? When I think about the people that I have come in contact with that yearn for something other than what they have in-the-moment, and those who simply walk away from all responsibility (regardless of any consequences), at this moment, I completely connect with this spiritually. As I yearn for future developments, I get more frustrated, feel trapped, even become anxious, and angry. Then I had to snap myself back into the moment. Days, then becoming weeks, I had to sit quietly in a type of discussion, or prayer for about 10 minutes or so, twice per day (in the morning, and at night before bed). I worked with the (energy of the) words patience, then with gratitude, then beautiful, then named the things that were in my life at this moment that create these words for me internally. In essence this takes me back to patience, and I am busy in-the-moment observing the simply blessings of health (and how I can expand as a result of it), family (my oldest will be in college in three years, then second child only a couple years behind her), travel (and exploration), love in-the-moment, friendship in-the-moment, and my newest discovery my spiritual team. When in the darkness, and confusion, I gathered all my guides, the highest divine entities (no political red tape here), a number of grandparents that passed, ancient relatives in this lifetime, my beloved faeries, angels... wrapped them into one big energy entity, and created a golden cloak. One that I wear, all the time to take full advantage of all that this life has to offer me, and others that come in contact with me. This is yet another item to add to my gratitude list: Thanks for the openness, and ability to recognize that healing tools are always available.

Week of January 30, 2006

Time Flies! Depending on your perspective.

I was talking to my husband, and exclaimed, "that's just 5 years away!" My 15 year-old looked at me, and said, "You make that sound like it's tomorrow." My husband, and I practically sang this response back in unison, "It is tomorrow!" I didn't really get what my mother-in-law once said to me (that is, until now), "I'm getting older, but I feel like I'm the exact same person that I was when I was 30." Now, as I edge my way to mid-40's, it's making more sense. I am the same person that gave birth 16, 14, and 6 years ago to my children, the same person that married my husband nineteen years ago, graduated college 20 years ago, graduated high school 25 years ago. I remember always being the youngest in the group. As Chief Inspector Jacques Clouseau (Peter Sellers) said in the movie "Pink Panther," "Not anymore!" I do know this to be true, time flies when you're having fun!

Week of February 6, 2006

Be Nice

I picked up my daughter at pre-school and asked, �So how was your day?� She responded, �Everyone was mean to me.... Lilly Ann wanted to play by herself, Ryan wanted to play with someone else...� That same day she went for an afternoon play session with her neighbor friend. Within an hour I received a call, �Mommy, I�m ready to come home.� When I picked her up I asked the �other Mommy� if there was any turbulence (both of the girls want to lead so we have to referee now, and then), and she said there was a little (particularly when my daughter said, during their imaginary school session, �You march right up to your room, young lady.�). So we concluded that Emma was having a �sensitive day,� and felt she was a target for meanies (right or wrong, this was her perception).

I came away with a message (surprised?), we should assume that ALL are having sensitive days. If we feel the least bit like we are being mean, disrespectful, negative, and the like then we are. And if we are, keep it to ourselves until we can express ourselves more positively. The Oxford American Dictionary says a meany is �a small-minded, or miserly person.� �Mean� (from the same resource) has two definitions (as a verb): �To have as one�s intention, or purpose�; and �unkind, small-minded, spiteful... vicious� (as an adjective). If we mean be mean, meanies then we (by definition) have the purpose of being vicious, small-minded people. Ouch!

We all do it. On our �sensitive days� we assume bad things about good people, and worse about bad people. But, here�s the positive, we have choices. This is a Universe of free will. So the answer is simple. For optimal health, and overall well being, Be Nice (forgiving, pleasant, respectful, and the like) to others, and more importantly to ourselves.

Week of February 13, 2006

Tithing... Not just for church goers

I frequently use the word "tithe" when it comes to my usage of time. A friend of mine (who happens to be Wiccan) wrote to me one day... "I have to ask you a question... Why do you keep using the word tithing when you talk about volunteering for (a non-profit organization)? It's such a 'churchy' word that I find it curious. We're all volunteering. I would never say I tithe, 'cause that's not really what I do. I don't give 10% of my income to a cause, and that's what the origin of the word is. Time yes, but not money.

I wrote back... Time is as valuable as money to me. And (there are times that) I spend much more than 10% of this valuable commodity on (the non-profit organization). As a conscious capitalist, simply putting a dollar value on efforts lacks vision (even the dictionary describes tithe as monetary with specific percentages). I like to alter perceptions. Move meanings around. Like "Mainstream Metaphysical Mom"... some would say this phrase isn't compatible. Thanks for that comment... Tithe feels right to me. If we close the door on traditional words, we cement them into a control spot, and make them inflexible.

Week of February 20, 2006

I'm in a good space when...

Someone mispronounces a word, or calls me by another name, and I don't correct him/her.
I listen to someone fully, even when I don't agree with his/her viewpoint.
Someone's breathe smells, and I don't bring it to his/her attention.
Someone wears an outfit that she/he feels great in, and I'm glad she/he feels great.
Someone is mean, or rude, and I don't take it personally.
I am enjoying the moment.
I like myself when I'm in a good space.
When do you know when you're in a good space?

Week of March 13, 2006

Communication challenge periods becoming responsible ownership

What does it mean when communication challenges are abundant? For those who follow Astrology, when Mercury (planet connected to communication) is Retrograde (going backward), then communication is more challenging. Communication goes opposite to your goal, or expectation. I formed an opinion in this moment (maybe another moment, I will have a different opinion). Backward communication periods simply condition us to be more flexible, and accepting of conditions that don't always please us. We become more tolerant, more accepting, pay closer attention. Some say those who buy into this communication challenge period make excuses... Oops, Mercury is Retrograde. From my perspective, I can take more responsibility for my mess-ups, because I have nuisance energy partners (an odd strength in numbers). And as I take more responsibility while in the challenge periods, I get used to taking even more ownership for my communication challenges, inaccuracies, blunders, insults... outside of these periods. What is your choice?

Week of April 3, 2006

Reasoning in the Puberty Zone
Satisfied waking up with an emotional hang-over

One day this week seemed like a year. My son is officially a teen-ager--(13) as of February, hair is oily within hours of washing it, nearly as tall as me, wears his hair in his eyes, Instant Messaging (no more phone calls for this generation), and tougher uncharted territory... blatant lying. After a number of confrontations, he finally admitted to lying to my husband (his dad) and me about his grades, and homework requirements for this recent quarter. My son is an Aquarian, Life Path 4 (with 1 and 6 minor sub-influences), First Born Boy. You can refer to my books on Birth Mix Patterns for more details, but in a nutshell he lives in his own little world due to his out-of-the-box thinking, can be social but a bit aloof, and learns best hands on. We were striking that balance of allowing him to express himself freely, but checking in on his school work because things just didn't feel right. When I announced that his grade card was coming in less than a week, he finally spilled his guts saying, "I didn't realize how bad it had gotten until it was too late." I'm the authoritarian of the marriage so I set strong boundaries the next day (mentioning them to his dad before announcing them), and my son then announced "I hate you!" I reminded him that I'm his mom first and friend second, and I know who he his metaphysically and specifically as his parent. Without going into all the drama and details, we got to a place of "I didn't mean it. Can I help with dinner? Do you want to trade back rubs? I love you mommy." I woke up the next day with an emotional hang-over, but the satisfaction that I made it to the other side of sanity parenting three children (two of which are entering young adulthood).

Week of April 10, 2006

Reasoning in the Puberty Zone
Executing boundaries is a thankless job

Last week I was in the land of new boundaries. This week its execution. There were many things taken away from my son since the confirmation of his mountain of fibs over the months. One of the executions includes getting him back into Tae Kwon Do for his body, mind and spirit. My son gave up his phone privileges, hasn't dared to touch video games, and has a haircut that no longer covers his eyes, but when he realized he was (for certain) going back to Tae Kwon Do he protested. Regardless of what I have taken away for punishment, I still have to add discipline back into the mix to balance out his his overall being. I've had a couple people say, "Some day he will know that you did what was best for him." Here's my position--I'm not looking for an award. I don't care if he thanks me or hates me for putting his life back on track. It's my job (as a parent) to put a productive human being into society. I'm satisfied that I'm taking the steps to do that.

Week of April 17, 2006

Reasoning in the Puberty Zone
Kissing and Telling

Well, with two teen-agers the fun never seems to end. On the same day, both of my teenagers have taken Adulthood 101. While they don't tell me everything, I have ways of finding out what's going on in their lives. And now my kids are certain I have spies planted everywhere. My boy decided to "make out" with another thirteen year old while at (his Friday night excursion) Teen Night ice-skating. This rumor spread like a lit match to dried brush, and by Monday the rumor flames spread all over school. At first he denied all allegations (after all this is pretty embarrassing), but with enough prodding he finally admitted his necking test run. My son was greeted at school with (he later admitted), "Hi... I heard about Friday..." from people he didn't even know. What does a mother say to a thirteen year old boy that will make any difference to him? Well, he got a pretty bad cold and I told him that we needed to go to the Dr. immediately as he may have "the kissing disease" (mono). I told him that he may be sick for the next couple of months, because I was aware that (the early developed... if you know what I mean) young woman that he had his experience with had recently kissed many other boys as well. This scared the begeebers out of him. He could have a kissing transmitted disease! As luck would have it he only had an ear infection, but this will likely be a conversation that he never forgets. Now--what to do with my high schooler that is dealing with sexually active school mates! I can't go there right now.

Week of April 24, 2006

Is a Threat Reality?

I'm a bit unraveled and impatient this week. I'm frustrated with gas price increases. I spent $46 filling up my 17 gallon tank yesterday. Being an independent business owner selling to other independent business owners, I grasp onto the rays of light that shine through the economic uncertainty over these many years. Uncertainty spreads as I am copied on email messages from suppliers and retailers (literally) begging people to purchase from them or they are destined to go out of business. Still I am paying my debts down to zero (a piece at a time), but I do become frustrated (even irritated) by events that threaten my financial and overall freedom. I have it better than many as they struggle to put food on their tables, and their utilities on. I have above average shelter, a solid vehicle to drive (and its paid for), good quality food, my health and healthy children/husband, and contemporary clothing. So the issue is my own impatience as a result of a perceived threat. It's only reality if I allow it to be.

Week of May 1, 2006

I'm getting what I wanted... Now what's the matter?

One minute I'm talking about impatience in getting what I want then it becomes clear that I am getting "it" and I walk through another set of fears. It's settled. We're moving to our dream area in three years. Now I'm looking around at the home that we built only a few years ago saying, "Can we top this?" When I drive conveniently to areas that I've known for ten years I wonder, "Will daily life be as accessible?" Taking long walks in our area full of easily accessible paths I say to myself, "Gotta have this where we move." Then I realize that I can reframe my fear (of change) into appreciation of my experiences in-the-moment. My answers... "Yes. Yes. And Absolutely."

Week of May 8, 2006

Our butterfly

My oldest child just got her first official job. And she is taking driver's education. I've been mother to three "children" to this point and I am in an unfamiliar position of being mother to "nearly" an adult. It's a feeling of freedom and sadness at the same time. My oldest daughter is the shyer one of the three. In her cocoon, we (my husband and I) have been weaning her into speaking for herself or on behalf of a group (like making a reservation at a restaurant, paying for her own merchandise, asking a sales clerk for help, researching job opportunities...) to help her come out of her shell. In frustration (when we asked her to research and call on a particular matter) she said, "I'm not an adult yet! You guys can still do a few things for me!" And oh the moods. I'm "mom" most of the time (and the meaning changes with the pitch she uses... mooooommmmm, mom, maaaaaooooommmmm...), but I still get glimpses of my baby when she slips and I'm "mommy." She will only know just how much we do for her when she is a parent in this exact same transition. So, for now, we celebrate her growing awareness as a developing adult. Our butterfly.

Week of May 15, 2006

The Universe's hint to let go of a long-standing project

One of the "projects" that I have been working on for about two years is to take junk food and drinks out of our school cafeterias in Ohio. It has gotten a bit trying, of course, because people have to form an opinion that will be in either disagreement or agreement. For too long, schools nationwide have been willing to give up demonstrating healthy patterns in school cafeterias for profits. Am I worried that minor children from 5 to 17 are irritated because they can't get soda, high sugar drinks and candy at school? NOPE! Is this contributing to a much larger problem nationwide? YEP! Does it matter that cafeteria lunches are only one meal five days per week? In a teaching facility inconsistent with it's health and nutrition lessons, YEP! But relief is in sight as Bill Clinton (please consider taking political party affiliations out of the equation to remain open on the longer-term vision of this project) jumped on this issue and began negotiating (not with the greedy school, local, state and federal governments but) with the companies and school cafeteria food buyers. My neighbor sent me the article printed in TIME magazine (May 15, 2006) on the specifics of Bill Clintons strategy to "fight fat" and the Universe gave me a very clear message as I read. One of the photos shown was of Bill Clinton in 1992 (apparently in Cincinnati, Ohio biting into a Skyline Chili dog... a fast food delicacy in the area) and my brother and sister-in-laws were standing right next to Bill Clinton (they are just one of the everyday millions of Democrats that just happened to be in the right place at the right time). My job is done! (Keep an open mind on this particular subject) Thank you Universe for letting me know that it is time to let go and let Clinton!

Week of May 22, 2006

Dinosaurs exist, even though the BIBLE doesn't tell me so

Okay, I have to talk about it. The DA VINCI CODE. Dan Brown is a fiction writer who tapped into some hotly debated topics. Yes he took a jab here and there. Some information is folklore, some is based in fact, some is truth waiting to be revealed, and some is truth to certain groups without factual backing. For some the BIBLE is full of good stories with some lessons that can apply to their lives. For others, the BIBLE is completely factual truth, and there is no need for back-up data as this is God's word. Still for others (a historical recording in Roman times) the Christian BIBLE was created to bring peace (some say political power to, Pagan then born-again right before his death Christian, Emperor Constantine) among a variety of Christian followers fighting for their views to be heard as the one "true Christianity" (combining a number of "authors' accounts," then approved by the various Christian groups as their overall document of truth). And for some the BIBLE is of no use. While it may be tough for certain "Christian's" to accept that a Rabi (namely Jesus) took a wife and produced children, the fact is in the Jewish culture this a common practice. Does X + Y = Z? Egyptian scrolls (the scrolls of authors that didn't make the BIBLE cut or got destroyed as a result of not agreeing the official Christian BIBLE) mention Jesus kissing Mary Magdalene a number of times. Did this mean that Jesus was retaining a prostitute? Nope. After thousands of years a new Christian "truth" was revealed, the Catholic church announced in the last century that Mary Magdalene was not a prostitute (this nasty rumor was not in the BIBLE but taught or insinuated by church leaders which then became truth for many followers). What does it really mean to Christians when the BIBLE doesn't state whether or not Jesus married? Are Christian followers making insinuations as they did with Mary Magdalene for thousands of years? Would new facts destroy the Christian story line if the BIBLE is proven incomplete? Should the finger be pointed at the "human" editors from thousands of years ago? And what of King James' editing? If information isn't stated in the BIBLE does it mean it doesn't exist? If a tree falls in the forest and nobody hears it did it really fall? Information became clearer to me when I received a point of view from my pre-school aged daughter's Christian pre-school. It was about "God's Dinosaurs." It's best I quote the entire flyer so that my filters don't interfere with this thinking process. It says: "How old are dinosaurs? What color were they? Why are they extinct? We may never know the answers to these specific questions, but we do know a few things. Dinosaurs are never specifically mentioned in the BIBLE. We do know from reading God's word that God created everything in 6 days, which means that people existed the same time as dinosaurs, but maybe not in the same location. We do know that millions of animals and people died in the great flood, but did God take any dinosaurs on the ark with Noah? It is possible that dinosaur eggs or baby dinosaurs could have been taken? In the next couple of weeks, we will be exploring and learning lots of new information about dinosaurs. We will have many books in the classroom from the library during the next couple weeks. They will contain lots of information and pictures of dinosaurs that we can learn more about these creatures that God made. There is some false information, however, contained in some books, especially when it comes to the dating of dinosaurs. We will be teaching everything from the Christian perspective in the classrooms." My SWAG (Scientific Wild Ass Guess) is there is something in-between (everyone is a bit right). I do "believe" (however) that scientists have a better handle on the dating of dinosaur bones. From there, the sky is the limit!

Week of May 29, 2006

Karmic pardons, control and our laundry room calendar system

I have a large 3 month calendar in our laundry room. It puts the family schedule out in the open. The general rule is if you write your commitment on the calendar first then you win! So when I write my commitment of doing a book signing on a Saturday and my husband and/or kids have other ideas that included me being responsible for transportation, babysitting our preschooler, ... too bad! I have dibs and a complete karmic pardon! I positioned in my head that this was a way to organize the family, but it was really a bulletin board for "mom approved" commitments. But that changed the day I announced, "I am scheduled for..." and my husband spouts back with a look of satisfaction, "I didn't see that on the calendar. I already have... I put it on the calendar a month ago." Speechless, I realize "Drat, my family has figured out how to work the system!"

Spiritual Books about Women's Spirituality, "Adventures of a Mainstream Metaphysical Mom," "Soul"utions, and "Birth Mix Patterns" by "M.A." Michelle Payton