Synchronicity

Tuesday I wrote about listening to your voice and following the path it may so gently provide you or in other cases not so gently whacks you aside the head. I wrote about this concept before, but probably mistakenly called it serendipity, but by whatever name you call it, last night was another vivid instance of this phenomenon.

I was talking with my wife about the entrepreneurial spirit and how I continue to feel the urge for it to come out, but can’t quite get it clear enough to bring forward. She said something along the lines of “you’ve had it ever since I’ve known you and it’s never come out.” Basically stating that I should focus on what I am doing now and not be troubled with trying to figure out what it is that’s continually making itself known. I responded, a bit tongue-in-cheek, “you just want me to die with my music in me.” Not five minutes later as she perused Facebook, she came across the following:

Dr. Wayne Dwyer just posted this brilliant status: “That music that you hear inside of you urging you to take risks and follow your dreams is your intuitive connection to the purpose in your heart since birth. Be enthusiastic about all you do. Have that passion with the awareness that the word enthusiasm literally means ‘the God (enthos) within (iasm).’” Don’t die with your music still in you.”

Now I realize some will say this is a happy coincidence and nothing more, and while that may be true, I may do as another blogger wrote yesterday, “maybe I need to take my own advice” and listen to that voice a little closer. We all should, so as to not deprive the world of our  talents and gifts.

Find your Voice

Anthony DeMello, in his book Awareness: The Perils and Opportunities of Reality, writes about how our feelings are based on our perceptions and so many of the issues in society and our own world are related to faulty thinking. I've read this book most nights for quite a while, so needles to say this wasn't my first time reading the following particular passage:

"say your thing and get out of here. And if they profit, that's fine, and if they don't, too bad!"

Maybe my mind was open enough at this time, or maybe it just takes several repetitions to get a message through a thick skull, but whatever the reason, this passage resonated last night. "Say your thing," and go on. One mustn't worry whether the message is received as it certainly will be heard by some and ignored by others. We must strive to let the world hear our voice and not bury it for fear of rejection or not being heard. The world deserves that and so do each one of us.

Prior knowledge

An article in the NY Times recently highlighted for me the vast differences that can occur among children as far as background and prior knowledge is concerned. When students come to us with this wide difference, it certainly makes it imperative to attempt to get these children experiences that will enable them to have the background to succeed. It is a quick read and should make those of us in better circumstances grateful for the environment in which we grew up.

Happy New Day

Wow! Yesterday certainly flew by and by the time I noticed, I was at home away from a computer and didn't post. While this was intended for New Year's Day, it certainly makes sense every other day of the year. Wait, maybe I actually did plan that as a way of making a point. Then again, that would have been too clever and didn't happen.

The title comes from a passage in a little daily reminder book I read. As many begin the new year with resolutions to change this coming year, this phrase reminds us that change comes about day by day. Commitment to taking action each and every day is the only way to bring about change over a longer term.

I am also reminded of an article about Chris Mullin (One Day at a Time) that I believe ran in Sports Illustrated several years ago. It told the story of Mullin, now a former NBA star, was dealing with his alcoholism. Committing to a course of action for this particular day seems easier than thinking about doing it over a longer period of time, even a lifetime. It's a little like eating the elephant one bite at a time. 

As you look forward to positive change in your life and work, what are you going to do today to begin moving toward that goal? Good luck and Happy New Day.