For the most part I enjoy a “Keep it simple” life. I have been fortunate however to have had some extraordinary life experiences and I am grateful for them. 💕
I think that everyone has an extraordinary life . . .
but most of us don’t think so
as we plod through endless days of doing work
that we might find less than rewarding,
driving back and forth to that same workplace every day . . .
fulfilling the duties we must do to remain ‘civilized’–
laundry,
grocery shopping,
taking the trash out,
paying taxes.
going to school,
and sending our children to school.
But buried in those seemingly mundane activities
there are jewels of things that are not ordinary at all.
There is a sunrise that catches your eye,
a book that by chance
enthralls and inspires you,
a piece of music
that makes the rest of the world disappear for a few moments . . .
an eggplant you’ve planted
that grows large and fruitful
against all odds,
a child you thought hated you
hugging you
like you are the last outpost in a strange land,
some task or project you’ve been working on
comes out better than you had imagined,
you grow a person inside of your body,
you see the aurora borealis,
you step into the sea,
you climb a tree.
None of these things are ordinary.
The truth is
there is nothing ordinary or mundane at all.
Life itself,
is extraordinary.
It’s up to us to be present to the absolute miracle we are embedded in . . .
seeing the world as grey, soggy cardboard
only fulfills our worst predictions about what we are here for.
The magic is
that it’s all up to us
to see it for what it is
and to make the most of it
and of our lives as well.
The keys are everywhere . . .
in that book that inspired you,
the music that moved you,
the sunrise that caught your eye,
the eggplant that grew against all odds.
These things can wake us up
if we become present to the Mystery.
Like minded beings
can help jar us out of our lethargy.
They are our better angels . . .
that’s what we’re all here for.
We are not alone at all,
but deeply and irrevocably connected.
We are living deeply profound lives.
As Ram Dass so wisely said,
“We’re all just walking each other home”
What an extraordinary thing that is. ♥
” . . . to remain ‘civilized- . . ” Funny, odd not so much ha ha, my lovely wife Cheryl and I were having a conversation just yesterday afternoon and the topic of my becoming more civilized over the course of our marriage and her part in that conversion. I added that the conversion most likely would never be complete!
Beautifully said, Sparrow.
I didn’t know how to answer this question, so I didn’t.
But now I see. It’s all about being present and seeing
the amazingness all around (and within) ourselves.
Ah! I know I am living an extraordinary life, by God’s Grace. I was led to a solution of a spiritual way of living, one day at a time making progress though not perfection, forty one years ago on 2/15. These pages and the spiritusl pilgrims that you all are, help me on that journey. Blessings to each of you. Thank you!! . 🫶🏽💕☮️
This question immediately made think of an essay by Joan Westenberg I read recently. She talks about the fallacy of defining ourselves in terms of “peak experiences” when so much of our life is lived in the everyday.
I am thankful for my simple extraordinary life.
I am abundantly blessed. 🙏🏻
If anything holds me back it is my limited thoughts many of which have been imprinted, programmed from my childhood. I was raised with a lot of fear & a poverty mentality.
Removing these falsehoods is a lifetime project.
The Universe is full of endless possibilities. ✨✨✨
🕊️🩷
I’m not drawn to the term extraordinary because it screams performance when I see Life as process—the process of learning to love. I share a poem and meditation I wrote in 2014.
Bare Attention
When one softens
toward oneself,
the past is forgiven,
the present is embraced,
the future takes care of itself.
The Eternal Now is alive
and you can feel it!
Seeking is forsaken
And seeing is for taking
the chance
of being fully human.
Such vulnerability is
for the making
of Love.
I say that vulnerability is another word for incarnation. I have sensed for years that when I am willing to be vulnerable, willing to celebrate my humanity fully, this thing some call divinity flows. When ever I truly surrender to “what is,” it’s a virgin birth; it’s Messiah—God with and in me, fully human, fully divine. Big Bang, Enlightenment, Cosmic Christ, Second Coming, choose your label.
For me, it’s about forsaking expectations and accepting my limitations. It’s about refusing to fight, freeze, or flee and being willing to face, feel and free my soul. It is the realization that my “yes” will be echoed by the Universe and I can humbly claim the wisdom of the ages.
It shouts, “there is no “Us and Them.” There is only “We.” Let it BE.” It cries, “Choose evolution over revolution. Stop giving up the challenge to grow. Start giving in and letting it flow. Stop trying to get what can’t be got. Start learning to let what evolution has bought.”
Its message is a reminder that the biggest battle resides within; the egotistic mind is the only sin. It has to lose so my personal evolution can win.
We must learn to pay “bare attention” to what is happening in and through us, taking responsibility for what we contribute to the wholeness—the holiness of life; for what holds our attention, influences our intention; and our intention holds the whole world in its hands.
Woh. Thats a big one. On one level, I have had an extraordinary life. And on another level, I have always thought that certain experiences were beyond my reach. Or maybe, not meant for me. Or maybe I was undeserving. I’m not sure where this comes from exactly, but I’m sure it’s baked in from my early experiences. The youngest of five and being brought up in a life of scarcity thinking.
Everything I have and everything I’ve done has been beyond my expectations. I’m grateful for all of it.
Now, my job is to adjust my thinking to one of acceptance and trust and of belonging.
I trust that an extraordinary life is available to everyone through peace of mind, kindness, awareness, and compassion. This is why I practice every day.
Every life and every human being is extraordinary and so trusting that an extraordinary life is available to me also is the natural perspective. What kept me from trusting were expectations about how “I” wanted it to be extraordinary, while trusting life in a way goes along with an open heart, love for all beings and trusting His Love unconditionally and that all was, is and will be well. I had lost this perspective that nothing was or is or will ever be destroyed and that all IS well no matter what, that my conscious mind was interfearing, – chosing fear instead of clear perspective.
A life led and being allowed to be of support for others, paying forward of the support I have received while having walked my life to find light again despite deep darkness and being together in loving kindness or whatever life asks of me will be what life needs of me, and so now, with a deep bow, I hope to serve the light for the well being of all. Thank you dearly, from my heart.
thank you, dear Sparrow, and as you asked, my real name is Mushu, only my second name is Emilia, as this was my grandma´s name on my mother´s side, which I thought would be more convenient for our conversation. But may be, I should be using my real name? I guess a thought worth while…
I meant no disrespect,
dear Mushu . . .
I love all of your names
and you should use the one you are most comfortable with.
I saw in my phone
that you (Emilia)
were listed as Os
so I wondered if you were the same person.
We are comfortable
with whatever name you choose . . .
look at me–
I chose ‘sparrow’. 🙂
It’s such a deeply reflective question. For me, I’d rather practice perceiving my simple life as a gift than try to elevate it to make it more valuable. Because I initially see myself and am considered valuable in the hearts of my parents. Later on, how I live with the people around me will make my life special without needing to be extraordinary.
Nothing, at least not anymore. I have realized that I deserve a happy life, and a happy life is an extraordinary life. I have a husband who loves me and treats me well, two dogs that adore me, my heath is good, and I am teaching yoga to some really wonderful people. I’ve surfed waves all over the east coast, in Puerto Rico and Costa Rica. I’ve climbed lots of mountains in WNC. I live in a city where there is so much to do. And I woke up today, another chance to keep living this beautiful life I’ve been given. I’m grateful for my rather simple but extraordinary-to-me life 💃🏼
I do not need or want an extraordinary life. A simple one is fine with me.
I learned on Valentine’s Day that my Dad’s CT scan came back with a mass in his chest – more tests will follow. Prayers for him would be appreciated as well as me as I am struggling with bad stress and anxiety.
My prayers and good wishes are with you and your Dad, dear Michele. We are with you alongside in heart and spirit. May blessings and His Love be with both of you and all your family.
We are companions on the journey. Years ago there was a commercial for a phone service. A person was in the foreground and a crowd behind. The words were something like you have a network behind you. So here we are even from a distance.
Nothing is holding me back from that as of this writing. Having my BosLoc umpire who share common ground not only takes the burden off of me but also makes my life feel extraordinary too.
Over the past four years, lacking one day, I have slowly begun to trust life again. 2/17/22 was the first day after 13 years of a relapse that I did not drink alcohol. I was scared, sick and signed up for a two week in patient stint at a cognitive based therapy addiction rehab. I was introduced to this wonderful community a couple of months later. With my mental state about as good as it has ever been, I no longer fear trusting life with out booze. Falling below consciousness. Now I rise above to consciousness. I am grateful for this shift, this site, the wisdom, support and camaraderie of our community. Peace, Love & Light.
Speaking from my own experience,
dear Joseph,
your journey
was and will be
more incredible with each day that passes.
I honor you
and I honor your lovely wife Cheryl,
who surely has been an active participant in your healing as well. ♥
It has been inspiring and an honor, to be part of your journey. Your contribution here, and your perspective has been helpful and appreciated. Thank you 🙏
When I stop and think about it my ordinary life is extraordinary. I have two loving, kind, amazing children I was raised with love and the freedom to be who I wanted to. I have traveled to extraordinary places and have shelter, safety, running water, heat and air conditioning. I am grateful for these extraordinary components that not everyone has.
And fear also keeps me from taking some leaps that could lead to the extraordinary things life dreams and peaceful relationships.
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For the most part I enjoy a “Keep it simple” life. I have been fortunate however to have had some extraordinary life experiences and I am grateful for them. 💕
I think that everyone has an extraordinary life . . .
but most of us don’t think so
as we plod through endless days of doing work
that we might find less than rewarding,
driving back and forth to that same workplace every day . . .
fulfilling the duties we must do to remain ‘civilized’–
laundry,
grocery shopping,
taking the trash out,
paying taxes.
going to school,
and sending our children to school.
But buried in those seemingly mundane activities
there are jewels of things that are not ordinary at all.
There is a sunrise that catches your eye,
a book that by chance
enthralls and inspires you,
a piece of music
that makes the rest of the world disappear for a few moments . . .
an eggplant you’ve planted
that grows large and fruitful
against all odds,
a child you thought hated you
hugging you
like you are the last outpost in a strange land,
some task or project you’ve been working on
comes out better than you had imagined,
you grow a person inside of your body,
you see the aurora borealis,
you step into the sea,
you climb a tree.
None of these things are ordinary.
The truth is
there is nothing ordinary or mundane at all.
Life itself,
is extraordinary.
It’s up to us to be present to the absolute miracle we are embedded in . . .
seeing the world as grey, soggy cardboard
only fulfills our worst predictions about what we are here for.
The magic is
that it’s all up to us
to see it for what it is
and to make the most of it
and of our lives as well.
The keys are everywhere . . .
in that book that inspired you,
the music that moved you,
the sunrise that caught your eye,
the eggplant that grew against all odds.
These things can wake us up
if we become present to the Mystery.
Like minded beings
can help jar us out of our lethargy.
They are our better angels . . .
that’s what we’re all here for.
We are not alone at all,
but deeply and irrevocably connected.
We are living deeply profound lives.
As Ram Dass so wisely said,
“We’re all just walking each other home”
What an extraordinary thing that is. ♥
Sparrow, I would buy a book of your collected writings. So wise and beautiful.
You are so kind,
dear Barb . . .
I collect,
but have not published.
Your support
means a lot to me,
like maybe I can share them somehow.
some day. ♥
Sparrow, your words, thoughts so beautiful. Thank you kindly. 🙏🏻🩷
The Divine in me,
dear PKR,
bows to the Divine in you. ♥
Thank you Sparrow. I too loved the line “The keys are everywhere”
It’s amazing to think,
dear Michele,
that yes,
the keys ARE everywhere,
no? ♥
“The keys are everywhere”
🔑💜
♥
” . . . to remain ‘civilized- . . ” Funny, odd not so much ha ha, my lovely wife Cheryl and I were having a conversation just yesterday afternoon and the topic of my becoming more civilized over the course of our marriage and her part in that conversion. I added that the conversion most likely would never be complete!
Not for me either,
I am afraid,
dear Joseph . . . 🙂
Beautifully said, Sparrow.
I didn’t know how to answer this question, so I didn’t.
But now I see. It’s all about being present and seeing
the amazingness all around (and within) ourselves.
It is,
isn’t it,
dear Mary . . .
I mean
REALLY! ♥
Ah! I know I am living an extraordinary life, by God’s Grace. I was led to a solution of a spiritual way of living, one day at a time making progress though not perfection, forty one years ago on 2/15. These pages and the spiritusl pilgrims that you all are, help me on that journey. Blessings to each of you. Thank you!! . 🫶🏽💕☮️
That’s so interesting, Carla, that you remember the day you turned toward the spiritual which led you to the extraordinary!♥️
Mary, sorry for delayed response. My experience is that when one is given a Miracle, the date is remembered. Thanks for your comment 💕
This question immediately made think of an essay by Joan Westenberg I read recently. She talks about the fallacy of defining ourselves in terms of “peak experiences” when so much of our life is lived in the everyday.
Maslow (who didn’t share all he learned from Indigenous wisdom, as described in https://www.resilience.org/stories/2021-06-18/the-blackfoot-wisdom-that-inspired-maslows-hierarchy/) set us up to think of life as this mountain we climb toward the amazing, when we’re fully self-actualized. Westenberg writes about what it takes to set ourselves up for a good Monday, since we have so many more of those than we do trips to the mountaintop. https://www.joanwestenberg.com/your-life-is-the-sum-total-of-2-000-mondays/
I don’t need extraordinary. I need simple good, every day. If I look closely at the world around me it’s all extraordinary anyway.
“I don’t need extraordinary. I need simple good, every day. If I look closely at the world around me it’s all extraordinary anyway.”
Thank you,
dear Barb,
for these wonderful links.
They always put things into perspective for me. ♥
I am thankful for my simple extraordinary life.
I am abundantly blessed. 🙏🏻
If anything holds me back it is my limited thoughts many of which have been imprinted, programmed from my childhood. I was raised with a lot of fear & a poverty mentality.
Removing these falsehoods is a lifetime project.
The Universe is full of endless possibilities. ✨✨✨
🕊️🩷
I’m not drawn to the term extraordinary because it screams performance when I see Life as process—the process of learning to love. I share a poem and meditation I wrote in 2014.
Bare Attention
When one softens
toward oneself,
the past is forgiven,
the present is embraced,
the future takes care of itself.
The Eternal Now is alive
and you can feel it!
Seeking is forsaken
And seeing is for taking
the chance
of being fully human.
Such vulnerability is
for the making
of Love.
I say that vulnerability is another word for incarnation. I have sensed for years that when I am willing to be vulnerable, willing to celebrate my humanity fully, this thing some call divinity flows. When ever I truly surrender to “what is,” it’s a virgin birth; it’s Messiah—God with and in me, fully human, fully divine. Big Bang, Enlightenment, Cosmic Christ, Second Coming, choose your label.
For me, it’s about forsaking expectations and accepting my limitations. It’s about refusing to fight, freeze, or flee and being willing to face, feel and free my soul. It is the realization that my “yes” will be echoed by the Universe and I can humbly claim the wisdom of the ages.
It shouts, “there is no “Us and Them.” There is only “We.” Let it BE.” It cries, “Choose evolution over revolution. Stop giving up the challenge to grow. Start giving in and letting it flow. Stop trying to get what can’t be got. Start learning to let what evolution has bought.”
Its message is a reminder that the biggest battle resides within; the egotistic mind is the only sin. It has to lose so my personal evolution can win.
We must learn to pay “bare attention” to what is happening in and through us, taking responsibility for what we contribute to the wholeness—the holiness of life; for what holds our attention, influences our intention; and our intention holds the whole world in its hands.
Beautiful,
dear Carol Ann . . .
what spoke to me most
was the prose that followed the poem . . .
something I will copy and keep
(if you don’t mind). ♥
Sparrow, I certainly do not mind if you keep it.
Thank you,
dear Carol Ann . . . ♥
Woh. Thats a big one. On one level, I have had an extraordinary life. And on another level, I have always thought that certain experiences were beyond my reach. Or maybe, not meant for me. Or maybe I was undeserving. I’m not sure where this comes from exactly, but I’m sure it’s baked in from my early experiences. The youngest of five and being brought up in a life of scarcity thinking.
Everything I have and everything I’ve done has been beyond my expectations. I’m grateful for all of it.
Now, my job is to adjust my thinking to one of acceptance and trust and of belonging.
You have had
and are still living an extraordinary life,
dear Charlie . . . ♥
I trust that an extraordinary life is available to everyone through peace of mind, kindness, awareness, and compassion. This is why I practice every day.
Every life and every human being is extraordinary and so trusting that an extraordinary life is available to me also is the natural perspective. What kept me from trusting were expectations about how “I” wanted it to be extraordinary, while trusting life in a way goes along with an open heart, love for all beings and trusting His Love unconditionally and that all was, is and will be well. I had lost this perspective that nothing was or is or will ever be destroyed and that all IS well no matter what, that my conscious mind was interfearing, – chosing fear instead of clear perspective.
A life led and being allowed to be of support for others, paying forward of the support I have received while having walked my life to find light again despite deep darkness and being together in loving kindness or whatever life asks of me will be what life needs of me, and so now, with a deep bow, I hope to serve the light for the well being of all. Thank you dearly, from my heart.
Thank you for this gentle and tender
perspective,
dear Ose. (?) ♥
thank you, dear Sparrow, and as you asked, my real name is Mushu, only my second name is Emilia, as this was my grandma´s name on my mother´s side, which I thought would be more convenient for our conversation. But may be, I should be using my real name? I guess a thought worth while…
I meant no disrespect,
dear Mushu . . .
I love all of your names
and you should use the one you are most comfortable with.
I saw in my phone
that you (Emilia)
were listed as Os
so I wondered if you were the same person.
We are comfortable
with whatever name you choose . . .
look at me–
I chose ‘sparrow’. 🙂
It’s such a deeply reflective question. For me, I’d rather practice perceiving my simple life as a gift than try to elevate it to make it more valuable. Because I initially see myself and am considered valuable in the hearts of my parents. Later on, how I live with the people around me will make my life special without needing to be extraordinary.
My Ngoc, we align on the desire for a simple lifestyle.
Nothing, at least not anymore. I have realized that I deserve a happy life, and a happy life is an extraordinary life. I have a husband who loves me and treats me well, two dogs that adore me, my heath is good, and I am teaching yoga to some really wonderful people. I’ve surfed waves all over the east coast, in Puerto Rico and Costa Rica. I’ve climbed lots of mountains in WNC. I live in a city where there is so much to do. And I woke up today, another chance to keep living this beautiful life I’ve been given. I’m grateful for my rather simple but extraordinary-to-me life 💃🏼
Well said, Sunnypatti. An extraordinary life is often times right there in front of our eyes.
I do not need or want an extraordinary life. A simple one is fine with me.
I learned on Valentine’s Day that my Dad’s CT scan came back with a mass in his chest – more tests will follow. Prayers for him would be appreciated as well as me as I am struggling with bad stress and anxiety.
a HUGE thank you to you all💗🤗
Loving kindness and soothing vibes to you and your father Michele.
Oh dear Michele so sorry for this news. We are all here to support you. Sending prayers for both of you and your Dad during this difficult time 🙏
I hold you and your father in my heart
with tenderness and love,
dear Michelle,
now
and in the days ahead. ♥
Thinking of you both.
Michele, praying for you & your dad. 🙏🏻🙏🏻
Remember your breath dear Michele.❤️
Sending you and your Dad loving energy, dear Michele.
Michele, please remember to breathe and take care of yourself during this difficult and stressful time. We are here for you. 🙏
Michele, I’m so sorry to hear about this. Sending love to you and your dad.
My prayers and good wishes are with you and your Dad, dear Michele. We are with you alongside in heart and spirit. May blessings and His Love be with both of you and all your family.
We are companions on the journey. Years ago there was a commercial for a phone service. A person was in the foreground and a crowd behind. The words were something like you have a network behind you. So here we are even from a distance.
We’re with you and your dad, Michele. 🙏 💕
Sending prayers 🙏🏼
Nothing is holding me back from that as of this writing. Having my BosLoc umpire who share common ground not only takes the burden off of me but also makes my life feel extraordinary too.
Over the past four years, lacking one day, I have slowly begun to trust life again. 2/17/22 was the first day after 13 years of a relapse that I did not drink alcohol. I was scared, sick and signed up for a two week in patient stint at a cognitive based therapy addiction rehab. I was introduced to this wonderful community a couple of months later. With my mental state about as good as it has ever been, I no longer fear trusting life with out booze. Falling below consciousness. Now I rise above to consciousness. I am grateful for this shift, this site, the wisdom, support and camaraderie of our community. Peace, Love & Light.
Congrats on your anniv Joseph 💗
When I first came to this site your reflections gave me hope for my daughter. Thank you for being here Joseph. 🕊️
I am glad for you & your daughter Robin Ann. As PKR stated, lets keep on truckin’!
Yes for sure!! ☺️
Speaking from my own experience,
dear Joseph,
your journey
was and will be
more incredible with each day that passes.
I honor you
and I honor your lovely wife Cheryl,
who surely has been an active participant in your healing as well. ♥
Blessings dear Joseph. Keep on truckin’.
🕊️❤️🙏🏻
It has been inspiring and an honor, to be part of your journey. Your contribution here, and your perspective has been helpful and appreciated. Thank you 🙏
Ditto
Congratulations, Joseph.
When I stop and think about it my ordinary life is extraordinary. I have two loving, kind, amazing children I was raised with love and the freedom to be who I wanted to. I have traveled to extraordinary places and have shelter, safety, running water, heat and air conditioning. I am grateful for these extraordinary components that not everyone has.
And fear also keeps me from taking some leaps that could lead to the extraordinary things life dreams and peaceful relationships.
Deann, it’s amazing when we pause and scan, we realize that there are many people who wish to have the life we already have.