Insight-Out Solutions

Things are not as they seem

Many years ago, I participated in the experience of a Fire Walk. It was hosted by the then unknown, Tony Robbins and I was living and working in Los Angeles. It was an evening to remember and yes, I did the walk – not even a pink foot, and I was wearing a cashmere dress that could feel the heat.

The purpose was to give people the sense that anything is possible, but what I took away was that things are not always what they seem. What they seem on the surface. There is no doubt that fire burns- and I lived a long time in the great State of California, so I know what that means. At the same time, I absolutely know that things don’t always burn- even though it seems like they should.
There is a state of awareness or consciousness that allows you to transcend the ordinary in favor of the extraordinary. In India, a fire walk, sleeping on a bed of nails and levitating is rather commonplace. Here it is considered miraculous and impossible.
When we look with only the 5 senses we can be misled or at the least miss something important. Because at different levels of understanding, things look different, and possibilities begin to emerge that were never thought of before.

Watching the events of the past couple of weeks could lead one to fear, disappointment and even despair…but looking beyond could allow us to see more of what is trying to be born and bring new solutions and hope.

In order to be able to experience that, we have to give up thinking we know what is going on – that we have the whole picture when we only have a small slice.

When I allow the inner eye of wisdom and possibility to have dominion over my opinion or surface view- I begin to see there is something bubbling underneath and that contains something new and fresh and exciting.

Frequently asking questions can help the transcendence muscle to be stretched. Rilke said love the questions – so here are a couple to consider….

What is trying to emerge like a lotus coming through the mud to see the light of day?

How can I bring light and optimism where there appears to be loss and dissolution?

What is another way to see what I am looking at?

You probably have better questions than I do – so I encourage you to drop the worry – look beyond and see the world and the future that is waiting for each of us to bring it on.

Keep the faith!

Here’s to Abby

Continuing our theme of laughter is the best medicine and why not have joy amidst the mess….movies are one of the great ways to increase your laughter and your joy. We have all had favorites over the years where there is a line or two that stands out and we never forget it…

One such maestro of laughter is Mel Brooks – after all, the gorgeous Ann Bancroft said she married him because he made her laugh.

There were a series of movies in the 80’s that Mel Brooks gave us a lasting legacy of laughter. One such is Young Dr. Frankenstein starring the ever-funny Gene Wilder. There are some famous lines from that one…remember when they are at the door of the dark mansion with a giant door knocker…you remember it ..oh what knockers…

For a therapist the brain sequence is a sure giggle…Marty Feldman going to get a brain for the monster and the miracle operation. If you weren’t just laughing at the look of Marty Feldman and his moving hump – you had to gasp at the brain he took from the repository back to young Dr. Frankenstein…pronounced Fraakensteen…watch the movie for the correct pronunciation.

It was campy and I have repeated many of those lines over the years to lighten my own mood and whoever was nearby. These are not such funny times although there are some very funny people showing up and some that definitely leave us with a question of what is normal.

I still maintain one way to sustain your own well-being in these crazy moments is to keep smiling, watch some funny movies and above all else – don’t lost your sense of humor.

Here’s to Abby…enjoy and give a moment of thanks to all the cast of that classic. We miss you Gene!.

https://youtu.be/C9Pw0xX4DXI

Real Magic

I am reading a book by the same name; authored by Dean Radon who is a director of science at the Institute of Noetic Sciences. He is putting some metaphysical concepts of ancient wisdom to the test of science. He is finding that magic – once taken from the world of occult – to the world of testing and proof, is being found to be both real and applicable.
For instance, the idea that thoughts become things made more popular through the daily inspiration of Mike Dooley. Years ago, while studying the work of Dr. Stephen Covey, he similarly taught that when you begin with the end in mind; you create a thought pattern that aids in bringing your vision to life.
The semi-cult movie, The Secret- made the idea of like attracts like to be part of understanding the Law Of Attraction. This law came long before the popular version and goes way beyond creating the Ferrari of your dreams.
Real Magic takes the laws of physics and applies them to how we create our life as we know it, and how to consciously apply its rigor that foes beyond the more superficial aspects of manifestation.
There is an art to focus on the possibilities and to know they are endless- that when we argue for our limitations, we help to bring them into our experience. Part of this art for me, is not overcoming or forcing positive outcomes on top of negative events – where the hidden fears of the worst are lurking. That defeats the purpose and often has people doubting the efficacy of the Law. Its much closer to use our imagination to create and visualize the world we want to inhabit and keeping our attention on that; rather than trying to defeat the things we abhor by putting a happy face on it.
This week’s news has everyone going in circles; and magnifying fear of the worst possible scenarios for many Americans or for people living in America. Knowing we don’t have the power to change what is far about our paygrade; how do we counter the effects of uncertainty amplified in uncertain times?
Here is where Real Magic comes to the party – really knowing ourselves as powerful creators that utilize the tools given to us to dream and then imagine and build. We have to be able to believe before we can see.
For me, the starting point is not to force myself to wish or hope or cross my fingers and toes for a better day. For me, it begins with a knowing that every energetic use of my imagination will produce an outcome – even if that outcome is just a better state of mind in a troubled time.
Join me this week- in supporting what my man, Albert Einstein said…”Imagination is more powerful than knowledge.”
Whatever you can do or dream you can, Begin it – Begin it Now!

All you Need is Love

Watching a favorite movie on Christmas Day, Michael starring John Travolta, brought together so many memories and thoughts.

It’s a love story for sure – one in which Michael facilitates William Hurt and Andie McDowell in finding true love. He also brings back the beloved Sparky from the dead, shown in the picture above.
So its love and miracles and Christmas…not to mention humor, dancing and joy. As the holiday moves into the New Year, I am reminded not only of what is important but what is really needed.
At the risk of the constant criticism of being a Pollyanna, I offer this thought that all we need is Love. I don’t mean the shallow kind found in the up coming Valentine’s Day cards…I mean the kind that forgives and forgets – the kind that allows mistakes and affection in the same space – the kind that lasts a lifetime and maybe more.

The next recommendation I will make is on a book – Cherished Belonging by Greg Boyle. It not only touches on the power of Love but points us in that direction for the ills of our culture at the moment. The violence, the racism, the antisemitism, the despair- the loneliness. He points out that loneliness is really a failure to feel like you belong. And what would be the success? More love-more patience-more understanding- more wisdom.

Whether you see it in a movie or hear it in a song, please consider Love as the most important force we can employ. In our families, in our friendships, in our communities and in our world. Consider making it a central focus for 2025 and let it take you to the next level of human beingness.

The music might help so give a listen, and as you are reading this, especially you California friends, I will be standing with the man of my dreams, and saying I certainly do.

Happy New Year,

https://youtu.be/_7xMfIp-irg

The Gifts we Bring

Giving and receiving are part and parcel of this holiday season. It all began for me at a young age, when my mom would bring me shopping at the Kresge Company for gifts for each member of our family. I can recall carefully selecting each and every item, from handkerchiefs for my dad and Evening in Paris perfume for my mom.

Giving has always been a part of my design and as I grew, I understood the importance of my innate gifts as well. To give talents and abilities became as important, if not more important, than a tangible item.

Everyone has something to give. Over the years, many people have said to me that they don’t have much to give, or they don’t see their talents as very special or unique. Everyone has a design that includes their unique gifts-and I sincerely believe everyone has a calling that expresses perfectly who they are and what they are here for.

Christmas giving can be daunting – from crowds to late postal deliveries, we can all become cranky and fussy this time of year. But when I pause and consider the humblest of gifts; a smile, letting someone have that parking space that was so perfect for your car, buying a surprise lunch or coffee or doing some heart felt baking – it all lends itself to the majesty of the season.

Generosity improves immune function, so every gesture is both on the giving end and the receiving end. The cycle of love keeps going around and around, even in troubled times.

The music this week reminds me of a few things. First, we give our finest – whatever that may be – to a greater good – a greater Spirit – to Life itself. Next it reminds me of the power of music to inspire, to awaken and to give joy! Last but hardly least this piece reminds me of my dear friend Laurie – back in California – who is a drummer and a giver. This one is for you my friend!

And to all – Keep on Giving and God Bless Us, Every One!

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukah and all good things.

https://youtu.be/D5zBF-zPXpU