L is for Luck

I was surprised to find myself engaged in deep conversation with my seat mate for the whole duration of the flight. Usually I travel in my own cocoon of solitude. Something in me recognized Wayne as an 'important stranger' and this meeting as just the Medicine I needed. Perhaps you know people like Wayne, or maybe you are like him - uplifting, grateful, blessed, curious, open, willing. Essentially happy. It's contagious - even now when I think of our unexpected meeting, I am all those things too.

Wayne told me he wakes up thinking, "Please, God, let me help just one person today." He really means it, and I felt happy to receive help arising out of his solid intention. I'd been wondering how to find a great general contractor for my parents, whose home we are de-cluttering and prepping for eventual sale. Wayne owns many rental properties in that area and highly recommends his own meticulous contractor. I gratefully took the referral.

What luck, right? I never stated the intention to find a contractor, just put it on my back burner to 'figure out' later. With natural ease a great lead found me. Just because I was open to it.

Wayne and I are kindred spirits: went to the same university years apart, and both of our career paths have led to more joyful purpose. He's inspired by his wife's courage facing cancer and looks for and thankfully receives the miracles of her healing. He passes on hope in the telling of her courage. We shared about experiences caring for parents in assisted living and how illness can strengthen family ties. We agreed that it is the greatest gift to be able to serve from contentment, joy, and satisfaction. I walked away feeling grateful and happy, offering blessings back to his wife and family.

So here's what I think about luck. Wayne, like other friends aligned with their divine life 's purpose, make their own luck with their intentions. They show up to serve others for the sheer joy of it. He seems to expect to find common ground, anticipating the discovery of just how he's already connected to a new acquaintance. A natural networker looking to serve. I've decided this is a key to my happiness, setting the intention to connect with people and being open to what connections are revealed. Finding another in the flow of giving and receiving. Let me know how luck and intention have served you. I'd love to hear your stories.

B is for Being With What Is

The core of many spiritual practices is learning to BE WITH WHAT IS. Some call it acceptance or surrender or letting go of our attachment to how we want things to be. When life's big challenges loom large, it takes courage to show up and stay present with whatever vexes us.

As a big fan of Focusing, I am learning to sit with It. Stepping into Presence allows me to be with anything that comes up and wants my attention. By maintaining the compassionate, open, and curious stance of my most loving and wise Self, I can really hear Its concerns and extend empathy. Often just being heard allows this something to relax or shift.


The story goes that Tibetan saint Milarepa invited the demons of anger, greed, fear to come into his meditation cave and have tea. The point is to make space for what's here anyway, to invite it to be here in a more compassionate space. By being with what is, we get to stop fighting ourselves. And that is one way to see and bring beauty into the world.


For more info, see www.FocusingResources.com