Monthly Archives: August 2013

My personal myth – cosmos

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It occurred to me that in order for me to create a myth for my own life, that my first step should be some commentary about the universe or cosmos within which I live.  How do I perceive my universe?

I envision a universe made of energy – a very fine and subtle energy.  I see a universe with secrets we may never know or understand, but are worthy of seeking to explain.  A universe with some sort of intelligence that exists within it.

I see all of us as an energy stream or consciousness within and part of that intelligence.  We can receive guidance and wisdom from that intelligence.  We can also be shown elements of what our Mission here on Earth could be, if we choose to accept the Call.

That Mission and Call are always there for us to perceive, accept and take on.  I don’t feel the Mission is hardwired within us, but on some level, I think it evolves out of our natural loves.

I strongly feel that when we’re ready to see it – really see it – then our ability to perceive it becomes real.

As Joseph Campbell said:

“Follow your bliss, and the universe will open doors for you where there were only walls.”

In my own life, I’ve always been afraid to embrace my Call – to be all I can be.  Now I feel ready for it – not sure why, other than it’s my time.  The desire to Be has outweighed the Fear to stay in place.  I’m actually fearful to write the above line, but know that I must, if I’m going to break free of the fears that have ruled too much of my life.

The Universe is calling – I’m ready to answer.

A personal myth – coming home

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I had a friend over for dinner this evening, and we reminisced for a time about past travels. He talked a bit about his travels to Europe, and I about a couple trips to York, England.

I told him that whenever I returned to York, it was like coming home for me. I was born in Canada to parents from Belgium & the Netherlands, so it was not a connection to England through DNA.

It was a connection at a soul level. I’ve always had an attachment to Arthurian legend, and I think it extends from that linkage.

I felt at peace walking around York, and grounded, too.

Anyway, our conversation got me to thinking about what my personal myth could look like. I’m keen to pursue some ideas about that, and I’ll start to look at it from a macro level tomorrow: my cosmos.

You can’t let the darkness win

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Today, as I worked on sizing up an opportunity, I felt the darkness take hold.

It was the little voice telling me I’m not good enough, not young enough, and not ready.

The interesting thing was that I had an awareness that none of it was true. I’m everything I need to be right now, and I was able to discern that – there was the slight pause or gap which allowed me to insert a more useful message.

That pause has taken years to develop, and I’m grateful that I was able to call on it today.

Tomorrow is a new day. Onward …

On the journey home

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I’m writing this post by the side of the road, as I make my way home. I’m surrounded by this beautiful vista, and listening to Anathema playing “Internal Landscapes”.

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I’m struck by the magnificence of life – sights, sounds and wonder – as I make my mini-pilgrimage home. All of the elements I mentioned above have combined to give me peace and a sense of comfort that it’ll all turn out right – I’ll find the perfect opportunity, and I’ll know it when I see it.

Tomorrow my Quest begins

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Tomorrow afternoon, I’ll be leaving the cottage – my refuge and sanctuary for the past 6 weeks – to return to the city and my personal Quest.  By Quest, I mean my search for my next career opportunity.

When I started this blog, my intention was to focus on grand, mythical themes.  The reality of my next few days is that they will be anything but grand or mythical.  They’ll actually be pretty tactical and perhaps even a bit bland.

I’ll be updating my LinkedIn profile, and other social media sites.  I’ll search for opportunities via LinkedIn, as well.  Pretty mundane stuff, but important and necessary.

I think the lesson here, for me anyway is that a large, grand, mythical life sometimes looks pretty basic and mundane.  But, the magic is in making the most of these simple moments – be present, give my best and do each task with expectation and gratitude.  I often have to remember to remember to do that – let’s see how it goes.

And the universe delivered, once again

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Today, late in the afternoon, we were sitting on our back dock when we heard the beautiful and haunting sounds of our neighbour playing his bagpipes.

This chap comes up once every year or so, and when he does, we are given the gift of his free concert.  We cannot see him behind the trees on his land, but the sound wafts across the water to our place a short distance away.

If I’ve learned anything about life – and I know there’s much to learn – it’s that the universe is constantly giving us moments of joy, beauty and wonder.  Tonight’s concert was no exception.

The trick is to know it when it comes, to give thanks, and be grateful for the perfection of the moment.  Thank you.

And, chaos reigned, and it was good

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I’m sitting in the family cottage – 9:30 pm on a Sunday night.  My dad, sister and brother and their families have come up for a visit.  As I write this, I’m surrounded by the sounds of the kids playing a wild, crazy and loud game of Monopoly.  The two dogs are moving around the cottage, and a storm is raging outside.

One could easily perceive this as an enormous distraction from the very serious task of writing about life, hope and abundance.  And, as you’ve no doubt guessed, it is actually all of those things – it is joy, it is life and it is perfect.

Another example of the wonder of children being crazy, being wild and being alive.  Nothing more to say …

The real world is coming to meet me soon

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Here I sit on a Saturday afternoon, whiling away the hours on a beautiful day.  In the next few days, I’ll be heading back to the city with the intention of finding my next career opportunity.

I have no real sense of my direction right now – inklings and ideas – but that’s really it.  It’s not that I’m waiting for some lightning strike or bold tap from the universe.  I feel some unease, some fear and also some hope that things always happen for a reason, and that they will turn out.  And, better than I can now imagine.

I do wish that I had a better sense of where I’m going next.  However, the hope is what carries me each and every day.

The importance of being present

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Today, while working outside with my dog, Scout, I noticed how she was able to appreciate the peace and quiet of the back harbour.  The two of us have spent the better part of 2 months up north working on the cottage, allowing me to ponder my next career move.

I saw her staring out at the beautiful view, in a peaceful moment, and realized that I had missed doing that most of the summer.  I was so busy “doing” that I forgot to “be” present, slow down, and take in the wonder of the world around me.  Scout had figured it all out, and she was doing it each and every day.

My learning and intention from all of this is to spend a little time each day enjoying the moment, being present, and taking whatever insights I might gain from the experience.

A stunning view of Georgian Bay from the cottage.

A beautiful view of Georgian Bay from the cottage.

My daughter’s Vision Board

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Today, my daughter turned 13, and I decided to build her a Vision Board.  You can see the picture below.  It is made out of red cedar boards that are almost 50-years old.

They were used on our boathouse dock until a couple months ago.  They had gotten quite punk, rough and covered with lichen over the years, so they needed to be replaced.

But, when I looked at the boards after removing them, and planed one, I noticed this beautiful wood below.  It seemed a good idea to use these cast-away boards for a higher purpose – for more than just firewood.

As you can see, I lovingly planed, sanded and cleaned up the board.  Then, I used our cottage branding iron to burn the family name into the board.

This Vision Board can be used by Gilly to pin her hopes, dreams and goals to it.  They’ll be a constant reminder to her of what she cherishes most.  And, they’ll be tied to the cottage – a place we all love.

In keeping with my post from yesterday, I was in “flow” when making the board – planing, sanding, drilling the holes for the twine that will secure it to her wall, and then the fun of branding it with the iron.  (Kinda like Burning Man, but in the shop instead!)

I can’t honestly say my calling is to make these vision boards, but I can tell you I love making them for the people I care about most.  It’s an honour for me to know they’re pinning words and images that link to what’s most important to them – what gives them hope – on the boards that I created at the cottage.

They continue on, and so do I somehow, too.

Built on Aug. 22, 2013 - Gillian's 13th birthday.

Built on Aug. 22, 2013 – Gillian’s 13th birthday.