Good Morning DearHearts,
Two of my brothers were coming to visit in June. Technically they are considered half-brothers; we have the same father and different mothers. That biological fact has never been of any consequence to me, I simply consider them my family.
Their names are David and Danny I guess they are “Irish twins” because their birthdays are one year and one week apart. Obviously they have always been very close.
Although we were not raised in the same home I always felt close to my younger siblings. In fact, they really grew up in Canada so I only saw them a couple of times a year. The truth is physical proximity is not the standard for having a close relationship.
Over the past 25 years I spent more time with David and he even lived in my house for several months (or was it a year?). David was always kind, joyful, generous and a dreamer. He always had another plan to make a fortune and was an artist in his heart. He also inherited the “gift of gab” from our father. David could probably sell any commodity to anyone, given enough time. He was a natural salesman.
What I did not know in June was that visit was to be the last one.
David really did not appear to be feeling well. I asked him what was the problem. His response was “nothing a hundred hours of reiki couldn’t cure”. I am a reiki master, so that was his flip yet truthful response.
David was less jovial and certainly not as talkative as usual. However, Danny and I kept the conversation going and neither of us really saw this as an indicator of what would happen next.
Two days later David was delivering a part for work in Orlando and had a stroke. He crashed his car and when the EMT’s arrived he told them, “I think I had a stroke” these were some of the last words he would say. His diagnosis was correct.
David spent the next nine days in the ICU receiving the best treatment possible but the stroke did too much damage to his brain. Under the advice of the ICU team, his mother made the most difficult decision any parent could ever have to make. She decided to disconnect her son from life support. David was moved to hospice care where Danny continued to comfort him until the end. Three days later he left this physical world. I believe his spirit had returned to the All That Is much sooner than the last breath.
Throughout this whole ordeal, Danny was there. He would not and could not leave the side of his “big brother”. When we wonder what unconditional love is all about- that’s it! I tried to comfort him from here and tried to get there as soon as possible but it wasn’t soon enough.
As Danny and I spoke about the unanswerable questions I received clarity on one thing. Death is not really how it is understood in this world. In this world death is understood to be the absence of breath in the body. In reality death is the absence of joy in our life.
We are meant to be filled with joy and happiness and peace. This is how each moment is to be lived. My spiritual path, A Course in Miracles, has taught me any moment without joy is wasted. It also teaches the experience of this world that has so much death in the middle happened because we “forgot to laugh”[1]. David loved to laugh, often at his own jokes just in case no one else appreciated his quips.
If David had somehow recovered from the stroke, he would have been left with many medical problems. The possibilities ranged from immobility to needing a breathing and/or feeding tube. His life would have become a limited existence. To a man who chased joy in life the restrictions would be untenable.
The accepted standard of breath indicating life would have rather indicated a breathing death. Depending on each situation and person, life can sometimes be another form of death, if it is joyless.
Each day, week or perhaps month most people have the experience of disappointments and unfulfilled hopes. These moments can be considered “little deaths”[2] because they are momentary noticeable separations from the joy of life. But they are only short lived and unless we dwell in them they will fade away like everything else in this world.
The fate that seemed to await David after his injury was not going to be short lived or overcome. So each moment would have been an eternity for both him and those who loved him so very much. There’s a famous French phrase Joie de Vivre, for those who do not know it means joy of life. It is the exhilaration of each moment we have through the access of our own free will. When our free will or our joy is no longer our personal decision we can begin to feel as though we are a victim of our existence and circumstances. This was neither how David would want to live nor what his loved ones would want for him.
When all of the possibilities are considered there is no doubt that David pursued his eternal life in what many would call death. He is no longer limited by time and space. His unbounded joy is now filling the heavenly space and angels are laughing.
****************************
If you are a student/teacher of A Course in Miracles, I invite you to check out my YouTube channel ( Janet Weissman) to watch my daily videos of the Workbook Lessons. While you are there- Please Subscribe.
My book, Good Morning DearHearts is available on my website and many online book sellers. JanetWeissman.com
Unbounded Joy is Available Here-Now,
In Love, Light & Peace
Janet Weissman
©2021 All Rights Reserved
[1] ACIM Text Chapter 27
[2] ACIM Text Chap 27 I 4:8
Good Morning DearHearts,™
For many years I had a floor lamp in my office. It has always had a “leaning” problem from the moment it was assembled it has leaned to one side. Many times I have tried to tighten screws or adjust it, but it never helped.
A few months ago, when I moved it during cleaning, a chunk of the base fell out. Now it seemed to have a reason to lean, so I simply propped it up against the printer table. Not the best solution in retrospect. Last week the rest of the base disintegrated. No amount of propping was going to suffice now.
A new lamp was purchased and during the assembly process I noticed it also has a cement type of base underneath. This lamp has no issue with leaning and it stands solidly to illuminate the room.
What does any of this have to do with a spiritual practice?
It has occurred to me the necessity of a good foundation. Whether I’m trying to support a lamp or a belief system there needs to be something substantial at the base.
Without a solid anchor the lamp runs the risk of falling over. Without a good understanding about the spiritual practice the devotee can be swayed by any good talker who challenges the path.
Discovering the necessity of a solid base to build upon is actually learned and not inherent. I have witnessed this while playing Legos™ with my grandchildren. I witnessed that having a good base to build upon is not within the scope of interest in a toddler’s mind. The main focus is more about how big will it be and nothing about support or longevity. Not surprisingly the building projects all collapse without a solid base of support.
Interestingly the ego also has the same interests as a three year old. There is never any regard or thought about how an idea is supported so it might thrive. Every plan the ego convinces me to follow always topples over in failure. This outcome is of no regard to the ego mind because it will simply move to the next scheme and convince the unwitting self to follow to another unsuccessful conclusion. As long as I follow the smoke and mirror tricks of the ego my hopes and dreams will tumble down just like the three year olds block tower. The other commonality between the toddler and ego is neither care to understand why their plan didn’t work.
In contrast, when I follow a guidance system that has the ability to foresee the outcome of each decision I will decide a good foundation is truly the way to go or at least to start. In this case the foundation is a thought system that encompasses all reality and eliminates everything ephemeral or temporary. I am only interested in what will support truth because only truth will support me.
Now, getting back to those amazing interlocking building blocks, that are so beloved by young and old builders; they will also benefit from a well thought out support system. Once there’s a broad base and plan for the building project there’s a much better chance the structure won’t just fall over when it continues to grow and expand.
A solid, well planned foundation is a good assurance towards a desired and achievable goal.
“Without foundation nothing is secure”[1]
Now, as a quick update- both of my ACIM classes continue weekly on Zoom. You can visit my website www.JanetWeissman.com for meeting information. Or you can email me at Jstarmiracle@gmail.com
My first book “Good Morning DearHearts “ is also available on my website and of course on the various online sellers.
I’m starting to work on a second book and on a deck of daily affirmation cards.
I am also scheduling individual guidance sessions for those who wish to accelerate their ACIM understanding or deal with an ego challenge. Please use my email for contacting me.
AND
Please remember you are a Perfect Child of God and Loved Dearly.
In Love, Light & Peace
Janet Weissman
©2021 All Rights Reserved
[1] ACIM Text Chap 24III 4:1
Good Morning DearHearts,
I first discovered the “Whack-A-Mole” game when my son was enamored with game arcades, this was many years ago. As he played for tokens I would walk around and watch what other entertainment options were available. During one of these walkabouts I found that mole game. I didn’t immediately connect it with a spiritual lesson it seemed much more connected to anger management.
One evening during A Course in Miracles group I made a comparison of the “mole” game to the ego mind and it suddenly was all so very obvious.
I always find it amazing how quickly one small throw away thought can develop into an unexpected issue. Have you ever followed the run -away train of your mind? Perhaps you haven’t, but we have all experienced the effects of one idea piled on top of another. The ego thought system can turn making the car payment a day late into impending financial ruin.
From a spiritual growth perspective it’s easy to see the ego’s hand in this game of life. Whenever I reach a place where everything seems to be falling into place (by my standards) and my “to do” list shrinks there always is an emergence of new emergencies. Can this always be a coincidence? We all know the answer to that rhetorical question.
My ego mind is the one pushing that poor rodent up through the holes for me to whack time after time. When I find peace and solitude my ego hits that button in my head and another mole appears in my mind. Two of the biggest enemies of the ego mind are peace and quiet. When my mind is quiet all of those garden rodents are peacefully sleeping.
I do want to be clear, not every thought is a fearful one. The problem is simply too many thoughts. Our minds are not really equipped to handle more than one thought at a time and we have an average of 6200 thoughts every day.
The sheer volume of ideas can easily place me in a space where I want to whack away at any intruding thought that threatens the peace I’m trying to acquire. Each belief that shows up in my stream of consciousness can bring with it a reason to become upset or remain calm. Many of the 6200 can bring me the perception of a problem and some even convince me they are “real” problems, either way I want to swat at them.
Problems play an integral part in our life. Problems are one of the many ways used to define and develop our “story”. We tell others of the adverse conditions we have overcome. These scenarios can be how we grew up without parental love and caring, they can be how we overcame many obstacles to get to and through school. Our problems often are about relationships that have disappointed or disappeared. Although it may not be readily noticeable all of our problems have to do with “body” thoughts.
The belief in problems and adversity fuels the many appearances of the “mole”. Any long held thought will manifest into a visible reality, because I will believe it even more when I see it.
The thing about the belief in problems is the only way to dismantle it is to expose the unreality of the belief. This is generally a very difficult task due to the strength of the problem belief system a/k/a the ego.
However, when held up to certain “tests” about its truthful reality the smoke and mirrors holding false beliefs together disappear. A wonderful spiritual teacher, Bryon Katie offers the test of whether the belief is true in all situations. A Course in Miracles also uses this litmus test for any belief. If anything is actually TRUE then its truthfulness will remain constant. When I hold up every fear thought to this standard it will always be resolved.
The real challenge to every perceived problem or upset is to realize the answer is actually closer than believed. This means the problem must be examined from a different perspective than the one that made the problem appear. Einstein of course had a widely known quote exactly about this solution. A Course in Miracles simply states “Let me recognize my problem so it can be solved”[1]
Without recognition of the actual problem what occurs is I have my hammer poised and ready. Now ask yourself, isn’t that hammer getting heavy?
Here’s another question to ask yourself, when did attacking anything (person, place or object) ever solve a problem or make it better? An attack will always beget another attack. Nothing is resolved in this plan.
I believe it’s time to forget whacking moles or other innocents and instead change how we think about every perceived problem that arises day after day. Many problems will simply vanish when we examine the reality in the situation. We can always pick the hammer up again, but for now we can rest our arm.
Please visit my website www.JanetWeissman.com where you can purchase my book “Good Morning DearHearts”. Does that sound familiar?
If you are a student or interested in A Course in Miracles, please look for my offering of the daily lessons on YouTube – search Janet Weissman. Be sure to subscribe while you’re there.
Until my next blog post – please remember
You ARE Loved Beyond Your Beliefs.
In Love, Light and Peace
Janet Weissman
©2021 All Rights Reserved
[1] ACIM Workbook Lesson 79 Heading
Good Morning DearHearts
“We are living in uncertain times” has been said so frequently it has become a cliché. It is hard to remember IF our world has ever been certain. What have we been sure about in the past 20 years?
Countless politicians, ministers, self help gurus and teachers have imparted the idea of uncertainty during speeches and sermons. Uncertainty can actually increase attendance at retreats, Sunday services and help to get out the vote since many are seeking to find something “sure” in life.
I remember being told as a child the only certain things were death and taxes. Thanks, but no thanks I won’t give those two choices my vote. I’m sure I can uncover something more pleasant that can be certain; so let’s explore that possibility.
I am certain to smile every time I see a squirrel stand up on its back legs and look at me. I cannot remember anytime that did not occur since I was a small child.
I am certain to feel pride in my country every time I hear the National Anthem, no matter if it’s at the Super Bowl or an Inauguration. That prideful feeling will be accompanied by happy tears, certainly.
I am certain to have my eyes fill with tears every time I see a reunion of military personnel with either their family or their pets. It is the closest anyone can get to being able to “see” love in action.
It is certain the sun will rise every morning. The moon will cycle through every month from new moon to full moon and back again, it is certain.
I am sure hope is certain. Yes, it sometimes wanes in troubled moments but it always returns. Hope is indomitable, no matter how some might act to destroy it, hope will rise again. I am very certain.
I am certain everyone prefers happiness over sadness. The world may seem to be offering more of the unwanted choice and yet I am sure the desire for happiness will win out.
I am certain everyone has at least one childhood memory that will bring a smile to either their face or heart when it is remembered. I am also certain many have forgotten to remember.
I am certain that when anyone visits the magnificence of the ocean or the serenity of a mountain top, it takes their breath away.
I am certain there is more kindness than unkindness in everyone’s heart. I am also certain that only fear prevents this from being known.
To be certain is to really know. This doesn’t mean to have a hunch or even perhaps an intuition. Certainty rises above any question or doubt. Certainty comes with a feeling of ease, commitment and peace that is undisturbed. Faith brings me certainty and certainty brings knowledge.
“Love rests in certainty. Only uncertainty can be defensive. And all uncertainty is doubt about yourself”
I am also certain that if you like my blog, you will like my book “Good Morning DearHearts” . It’s available on my website JanetWeissman.com or on Amazon and other booksellers.
AND I AM Certain There IS Great Love in Abundance Here For YOU!!!
In Love, Light, Peace & Certainty
Janet Weissman
copyright 2021 – All Rights Reserved
ACIM Quote: Text Chap 22 V 3:10-12
Good Morning DearHearts,
This year has been very different for so many of us. This year so many have had friends and family members leave this physical existence. This year has tested our patience and faith. This year has kept so many in a fear based mindset for extended moments or months.
This year we have learned how to teach school, bake bread and gather around a small screen to celebrate birthdays. This year was the year of virtual weddings and funerals. This year we often longed for a hand to hold or a hug.
As the calendar page of each month was torn away to reveal a new month we used to think back to what happened in June, July or August. How was summer spent? This year with very few exceptions those months had no differences. This year June, July or August was no different than any other month. This year has been a constant continuation from one day to the next. This year most did not have a vacation.
This year was boring.
Ahh, but this year was filled with lessons and inspiration that was anything but lackluster.
This year old songs were given new meaning and poignancy. Medical workers singing “Lean on Me” touched hearts and souls in ways Bill Withers never could imagine. The song “Rise Up” became an anthem to inspire us to keep marching and protesting injustice this year. This year there were many reasons for peaceful protests. This year many marched for different reasons, but we marched.
This year small acts of kindness loomed large. This year the local Trader Joe’s™ brought flowers to local assisted living residences. At any time this would be an appreciated gesture, but this year it was so much more. This year, it replaced all the flowers and visits that could not happen from family and friends.
This year we have learned (in case we didn’t) to appreciate phone calls from family members and friends. This year the sound of a loved one’s voice could bring tears. Electronic connecting was how we spent a great deal of time, this year.
This year millions lost their jobs, their businesses and their motivation. This year many wished they could go into hibernation and wake up after this year had passed.
But even with so much heartache and uncertainty many came forward to help in any way possible, this year. This year we adopted pets from shelters. This year was a great year to “clear the shelters”. This year we donated to food banks to help the hungry. This year there has been millions who are hungry, but the new label is “food insecure”. I guess this is to separate that insecurity from all the other insecurities of this year.
This year has been filled with personal, political and global strife, yet this year saw the resilience and stamina we all have within us. This year we saw the best of some and unfortunately the worst of some.
This year creativity was everywhere! There were song parodies to lift spirits about the new “normal”. This year many people went into the mask making business for many reasons, some used it as a way to replace lost income, and some made masks to give away to schools and hospitals.
This year walking for exercise, gardening and bird watching became sought after past times. This year the joy of puzzles, books and games of all kinds was rediscovered.
This year has been odd, difficult, trying, exhausting, up-lifting, creative, fattening, and motivating. This year will be one our grandchildren and great grandchildren hear about in history classes.
As we come to the end of This Year let us see it now as a time of renewal and commitment to greater awareness of all the others, humans and animals that have gone through this year with us. Let’s end this year with compassion for everyone so the next year can benefit from This Year.
“We will not end this year without the gift our Father promised to His holy Son. We are forgiven now.”[1]
And one more thing
This year I published my first book- Good Morning Dearhearts
This has been an amazing year.
Remember
There IS Boundless Love Available For US- Now!!!
In Love, Light and Endless Peace for the New Year,
Janet Weissman
©2020 All Rights Reserved
[1] ACIM Workbook Final Lessons Intro 5:1-2
Good Morning DearHearts,
I thought right now we could all use a dose of whimsy and perhaps a little learning on the side. So, here goes.
************************
We live in an age of super-heroes. The heroic actions of Spiderman, Iron Man, Superman, and Wonder Woman are witnessed in movies and video games. However, long before the Marvel™ or DC ™universes existed there was an unsung hero. This hero always walked amongst us un-noticed. This hero always appears out of nowhere.
Can you guess who/what I am describing?
Let me give you a scenario.
There you are riding “shotgun” in the car with a mother, it may not be your mother. The car in front of you stops suddenly and then it happens. Yes, you are wearing a seatbelt, yes, you are an adult but when the car had to stop quickly you instantly became a “Child of God” in need of protection. Enter the super hero long arm of Mom. An arm appears across your body as if by divine presence—to keep you from being hurt or going through the windshield. It happens every time. Not everything is dependable in this world-but the protective arm of the super hero Mom is.
The protective action becomes unconscious once the badge of “motherhood” is bestowed upon you. I cannot remember the first time the involuntary arm movement occurred for me. I am sure it happened sometime after my first born child arrived.
How long ago was that? Well, the answer may be the reason for the superpower appearing in the first place.
It was sooooo long ago that children’s car seats were still secured in the front seat. OH NO!!@!!
The seats did face backwards for protection, but back then 6 month old children could still ride “shotgun”. It was a time of innocence or maybe simple mindedness. The answer doesn’t really matter the result was – babies rode shotgun.
Eventually car seats moved to the back seat and yet once the super-hero arm was acquired it could not and would not be retired. Just like the tickle in your nose that causes a sneeze, the involuntary arm would NOT be held back.
The inability to stop this protective action has over the years caused many a chuckle when an in-animate object has been “protected”. Groceries, purses, packages all have been saved by the long arm of the mom. But perhaps the funniest of “saves” happens when a much larger human is in the passenger seat. I have many times launched the saving arm to protect a 180 pound man. Every time I would hear “what are you doing?” and the response is “I can’t help it, it’s involuntary.” The passenger’s size and weight could have proven injurious to “the arm” but even that would not stop the “save”.
Of course it is possible this “superhero tendency” is found in fathers as well as mothers, it might just be a parental protective device that crosses all parenting. I have not personally witnessed a father perform this human seatbelt action, but that does not dismiss the possibility.
Parents from all species have the instinct to protect their young. Once the decision to procreate happens, the maternal and paternal urges take over. We desire for our “creation” to be safe, happy and to have everything that will help to ensure that outcome.
Our non-human counterparts build nests, dens and burrows to protect their offspring. They are known to cover the young with their own bodies to ward off an attack from outside threats. With this perspective in mind, the “long arm of the mom” makes perfect sense.
We may think of protection as something only present in the physical world, yet many if not all religions and spiritual texts offer ways we receive ethereal shielding. The Bible gives us many passages describing the Divine intervention angels offer. Angels have been protectors, guides and messengers to our biblical counterparts. They are the representation of selfless love, exactly like the “long arm of the mom”. Perhaps, the involuntary motion of the mother’s arm is merely an angel watching over a Child of God and guarding against harm.
“Around you angels hover lovingly, to keep away all darkened thoughts of sin, and keep the light where it has entered in” [1]
In Love, Light and Safety
Janet Weissman
©2020 All Rights Reserved
For more information about me check out http://www.JanetWeissman.com
[1] ACIM Text Chap 26 IX 7:1
Good Morning DearHearts,
I do not as a rule write about deep gut-wrenching pain in my blogs. I try to focus on what is uplifting and leads to what A Course in Miracles refers to as “The Peace of God”. However, at this moment I’m being urged to lend my voice- even if it’s not one many know.
This amazing country is experiencing great gut-wrenching pain right now. It has sprung up from fear, because that is the birthplace of all non caring actions. Fear is the origin of every attack and retaliation from perceived attacks. This particular fear has been brewing for hundreds of years. This fear was born out of the horrible and erroneous belief of one skin tone being superior to another.
The lava of fear, hate, distrust and pain has been percolating in the belly of every person who has been marginalized by the “ruling” class and rightfully so. It had to erupt and it was destined to be violent. However, as emotional and powerful as the protests are and how very overdue the message, they are not enough to bring about radical change. Mass suffering will not be the foundation of reform. We have already experienced that and nothing has significantly changed.
Change must come from reason. Change emanates from logical thought and an ability to be open minded about ALL the thoughts of those involved. As long as I grip my opinion in a clenched fist I will be unable to extend my hand to another. As long as my mind is closed to someone else’s opinion and pain I am destined to re-experience the gut wrenching pain of my limited convictions. Those of all skin tones have felt the repercussions of small mindedness. The separated mind will always find someone “out there” to persecute because that small mind refuses to realize the ONE REAL TRUTH – WE ARE ALL ONE.
The ego voice screams until we pay attention, “there isn’t enough for us and them”. The ego’s solution is to destroy attack, defeat and ultimately eradicate the enemy (always them). Throughout history the ego has perceived many threats by ”them” but none as consistent and long lasting as what has been assigned to African Americans.
This amazing culture that was brought through conflict to this country has been the most demonized of any segment of citizens for hundreds of years. Whereas other ethnic groups earned their acceptance into the thread of the American tapestry over time, our darker toned brothers and sisters have consistently been denied acceptance.
Their degree of talent, knowledge, and accomplishment has been consistently minimized because of pigment. Racism has known no boundaries or limitations. The false belief that as long as we with less pigment do not beat, maim, shoot, choke or kill an African American we are not of the racist ilk must be exposed for the lie that it is. It must be addressed and changed.
We all need to realize that diversity in our lives is enrichment. Life is fuller with more colors of the rainbow. Children can grow up with an appreciation and acceptance of other people when they do not grow up in a bubble of one color.
In truth, children are mostly readily receptive to other children; their natural instinct is to join. Have you ever watched children in the waiting room of a pediatrician’s office? They all play and share together. I do not believe racism is inbred, it must be taught. Judgment is not a child’s nature, acceptance is.
Now, we are in a space where it seems those beautiful accepting children grew up and forgot their true nature. It is disturbing to realize we have reached such a low level of consciousness that it is now necessary to instruct grown-ups about respect and acceptance of each other. There should be no need of a debate, protest, or argument about “Black Lives Matter”. Of course they do!
The only culprit that could be fueling this insanity is the ego mind which points to differences and sees them as threats. If we do not look alike or eat the same foods or worship in the same way then it is obvious one group is inferior and one must be superior. This imagined supremacy is absurd. Our cultural differences do not matter-but the lives that have been stolen because of these false beliefs do matter.
There is a profound lesson is A Course in Miracles that I believe addresses this conflict with the simple words “One brother is all brothers. … Such is the truth.”[1]
Our ability to truly experience “The Peace of God” is dependent on realizing we two legged beings are actually much more alike than different. Science has proven this the primordial soup that flows within each of us is alike. Our collective wants and desires are the same, we all want peace, love, safety, freedom, and respect. However, if I truly want to have the experience of these qualities in my life, I cannot deny them to anyone else.
Martin Luther King wrote, “We will not be free until everyone is free”[2]. This exact sentiment appears in many forms, from the Bible to the masterpiece “Hamilton”. MLK also wrote about the beloved world community that would see the end of all conflicts based on perceived differences. This will be a community where disagreements are resolved peacefully and war will be unthinkable. This will be a place where all live safe and have placed harmony over discord. This will be a place where all of our children deserve to grow up. Why not start this community here and now?
I welcome your comments.
My book Good Morning DearHearts is now available on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/0997904755/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_rlM4Eb2KZNAMI1
Or on my website www.JanetWeissman.com
In Love, Light and Peace
Janet Weissman
©2020 All Rights Reserved
[1] ACIM Workbook Lesson 161
[2] Martin Luther King, also stated by Emma Lazarus known for Statue of Liberty poem
Good Morning DearHearts,
Sometime during March 2020, the world experienced a HUGE SHIFT. Within a matter of days people were no longer allowed to leave their homes unless they were part of an essential business or going to buy groceries.
Restaurants, salons, retail stores, movie theatres and all entertainment venues and events were closed or cancelled. Schools at all levels, nursery to post graduate ended classes. No graduations or proms would be attended in spring of 2020.
Now, it’s several months later and although the virus that caused life as we know it to come to a screeching halt is NOT quite vanquished, most want to go back to “normal” life.
I’m not sure I understand the draw to return to what was broken when we left it. Let’s look at “normal” and virus “new normal” to see which one we actually prefer.
Old Normal
Essential hourly workers are lucky if they make $10.00 an hour to show up every day to stock grocery shelves, clean hospitals or stand in one place for hours to check out the customers grocery purchase.
New Virus Normal
An additional $2.00 per hour was added to these hourly workers pay. Now of course this is STILL NOT A LIVING WAGE, but it was helpful. Now with the “belief” the world is returning to “normal” this bonus is being removed from the hourly pay.
Old Normal
Each day there was bumper to bumper traffic on all expressways that was further enhanced by countless traffic accidents and sometimes fatalities.
New Virus Normal
For two months there was no need for a morning or evening traffic report on the news. Very few were venturing out of their homes or going to work. Those who had to be on the road found the traffic moving with an easy flow. There were very few traffic accidents, fatalities or road rage reported.
After only a few days of being “back open” the traffic reports, accidents and road rage have quickly returned.
Old Normal
The beaches, parks and nature trails were becoming one trash pile after another. The wildlife that naturally reside in these areas were basically in hiding to avoid the two legged creatures that came to desecrate their homes.
New Virus Normal
With the removal of humans in their habitat the wildlife have had a come-back. The camouflaged cameras that are located in these areas have provided a glimpse into the real world of our national parks and recreation areas. The animals seem to do quite well without human interference.
In the one weekend when humans were allowed back to the beach they left tons of trash in their wake. Have humans not learned yet that being in nature is a privilege and the world IS NOT their trash can? Send everyone back to their room until they learn better.
Old Normal
Each and EVERY day the news would report countless numbers of murders, drive by shootings and the unkind nature of human against human.
New Virus Normal
When the masses were put into a quarantine situation because of the Covid virus there were many unforeseen benefits. One of these benefits was a double digit drop in the global crime rate. However, after restrictions started to be lifted in Miami Dade County, Florida, the news very quickly had a murder to report. Prior to the quarantine it had been decades since there was a month with NO murders to report. Is this the normal we are so anxious to have return?
Before being sent to our collective “room” we were becoming a very separated group of people. Finding fault and blaming others for any and all situations was simply “normal”, after all everyone does it. Funny thing about experiences that are perceived as life threatening, they have a way of bringing us together. After “natural” disasters we see communities pull together and help strangers. This exact thing has happened because of an unseen threat. There has been an outpouring of assistance in every community. Does the “normal” of indifference still hold an attraction?
Yes, it will be wonderful to return to that favorite restaurant and hope they are able to re-start their business. It will be great to go to a hair or nail salon again. It will be fantastic to get together with friends for a pot luck dinner and game night without being 6 feet apart.
It would also be wonderful if all of the shelter pets being fostered get adopted. It would be great if the appreciation for nurses, doctors and first responders continues. It will be great for children to get back to “real” teachers and their classmates. There are so many more things once taken for granted that will seem like luxuries in the next few months. But mostly, it would be great if we all learn from this experience and start to appreciate the blessings that surround us each day and practice patience and kindness daily.
The motto that has been everywhere and applies even without a virus “We are all in this together.”
“…understanding brings appreciation and appreciation brings love.”[1]
I am thrilled to let everyone know that my book- shockingly titled “Good Morning DearHearts”™ is now on Amazon in both paperback and Kindle forms.
I also want to remind everyone
There is a Limitless Amount of LOVE Here For All of US-NOW!!!
In Love, Light, Health and Peace,
Janet Weissman
©2020 All Rights Reserved
[1] ACIM Text Chap 7 VI 6:6
Good Morning DearHearts,
It has been a bit of time since I posted here, but I have been really busy. My first book, shockingly titled “Good Morning DearHearts” has been keeping me occupied AND it will be available for purchase before the end of this month. (April 2020).
Obviously a HUGE shift in our normal life has happened in the past few weeks. There is not one being who does not or will not feel the effects of this worldwide virus. Schools, offices, malls, restaurants and all services have been abandoned for now. Only very essential businesses such as food stores, pharmacies and gas stations are open for business. Doctors and vets are mostly online appointments. All of this radical change has upended life and many are feeling depressed, anxious and lost.
Most resist change whenever possible, and now no resistance is possible. We MUST shift our ever so comfortable, not necessarily healthy lifestyle, and we must do it immediately. We must stay home, stay put, stay safe or risk death. Not too hard of a choice when framed that way.
So with all of this upheaval to our life being thrust upon us what is next? How do we learn to not only survive the fear but thrive in spite of it? Where do we go from here?
What is becoming evident is the ingenuity level of two legged beings is far greater than probably anyone knew. Given the fact that we are now living in an inter-connective world with electronic gizmos and gadgets we have seen amazing and inventive ways to stay “in touch”. However, what has been even more gratifying is the amount of gratitude and appreciation that has come out of this situation.
A general term for people in this world is humankind. However, the kind part has often been missing in the daily interactions between humans. In fact the level of mistreatment to our fellow “man” had escalated to the point that news programs didn’t have enough time to report the daily shootings, stabbings, murders along with the other news and sports. But this global crisis has actually changed that.
There has been an outpouring of KINDNESS that has accompanied this global health pandemic. Along with the seemingly necessary updates of new cases and fatalities is the reporting of gratitude for the “medical soldiers”. Food, masks and anything that can give support is being delivered to hospitals and first responders. Makeshift parades and cheering to show appreciation are becoming everyday stories on the news. Neighbors delivering food, holding drive by parades for children having a birthday or teachers because their contribution is FINALLY being noticed by everyone are now news-worthy.
Of course there are so many more incidents of kindness and gratitude that have not made the daily news programs, but that does not lessen their effect on the recipients. Every loving thought, word or deed brings with it the power to uplift and heal.
It is not only individuals that are extending a helping hand. For the first (only?) time I can remember financial institutions, insurance companies and utility companies are allowing payments to be missed without fearful consequences. It appears everyone is reaching out a hand of assistance. This is becoming a much kinder and gentler world.
In addition to the positive treatment of each other, the earth, air and water is finding a space for healing. The mere lack of motorized vehicles on land, air and sea is reducing pollution in the air and in the water. It has only been a handful of weeks and yet this planet only needed a little respite from human onslaught to begin healing. The question is will we allow healing to continue once the virus has been contained? Will this change consciousness?
As I continue to share my belief of “there’s always a blessing” I hope others can find it also. There is a tendency that comes from the ego mind to always find the pain and suffering in any situation. When we can move past or through that thought for just a moment we are offered this amazing opportunity to see where life has improved during this at home time.
Perhaps there are more meals with everyone at the table at one time because soccer practice has been canceled. Perhaps there are more Zoom family reunions because we realize how much we really care for each other. Maybe there is more time to actually meditate or listen to that podcast because the benefits of a quiet mind are being recognized. Maybe gardening seems like a good pastime now – it is.
When we are given the opportunity to be still and remove our bodies and minds from the busy-ness of this world, it would be unwise to not accept this generous offer.
Yes, there has been loss but there has also been learning and gain. If we do not learn from the disregard of how we have treated each other, the world and environment we will do this again. Each time we do not pay attention the example will need to be greater so we eventually do pay attention.
Perhaps the blessing is realizing we are all connected. This got our attention so we can move forward together in full appreciation of each other, at least for now.
“..understanding brings appreciation and appreciation brings love.”[1]
In Light, Love ,Peace and Perfect Health for ALL,
Janet Weissman
©2020 All Rights Reserved
PS- If you would like to preorder my book, you can do so at JanetWeissman.com
[1] ACIM Text Chap7VI 6:6
Good Morning DearHearts,™
Rumi wrote of the field. I see the field as a space beyond and between. It is beyond the wrongdoing of the ego thought system and it is a gateway to the next place where I will meet what comes next. It is a field where all things are possibilities.
This space that offers adventures, opportunities, and advancement could be seen as the most desirous place to be. It is totally open and devoid of responsibilities. Everything that was prior to entering the opening is complete. There is nothing to do but wait and trust.
I feel like I’m in that opening right now. Several projects, commitments and friendships have recently “completed”, which is the term I use rather than “ended”. Everything IS until it IS NOT. Now, at this moment I find myself having space in my calendar where until recently there were appointments, classes, and meet-ups with others scheduled. This is a gift of time to rejuvenate and regroup or maybe simply to allow and stay in gratitude.
This year has been full of moments and awareness opportunities for gratefulness. This has been the year I decided it was time to dedicate myself “full time” to my spiritual practices. I took that leap of faith and walked away from a guaranteed paycheck. This was a deep lesson in trust. I’m thrilled at how so many wonderful opportunities appeared out of nowhere. I have and continued to feel the support of my correct decision.
I’ve spoken and written many times about how there is a harbinger of unsettled feelings that occurs prior to great life changes. There’s a song from “West Side Story” called
“Something’s Coming”. That is the feeling many, including myself, have been experiencing of late. We are standing in that field and although we are truly not alone there, we cannot see anyone else.
I believe we have been lead to this open space for several reasons. One reason is- it’s time to release. We have been holding on very tightly to ancient values and beliefs and ways. There has formed a volcano like pressure within this world, affecting the level of fear in each of us. At any moment there are eruptions that manifest as anger and violence. The Ego voice has reached a high decibel of screeching fear thoughts, warning threats and echoes of “go this way”.
This discordance has become a plague of mistrust, fear and revenge. It cannot continue if we are to ever find the space of Peace that resides within everyone. Peace is truly everyone’s goal. We each have different ways to attain “peace of mind and heart” and each one that leads to that goal without harming anyone else along the way is welcomed in “the field”.
A Course in Miracles offers, as many spiritual teachings and songs tell us, our happiness is incomplete until my brother is also feeling joy. Think about the song “I can’t smile without you”. Without my brother/sister my own joy is diminished and cannot be fully realized. I often compare this to when one of us hears that fantastic joke and can’t wait to share it with someone. As we tell the joke, we laugh again and love that we have helped someone else to laugh. “Only Love creates and only like Itself”[1]
As I wait in the field, I envision all of us there. I see The Great Peace of the Universe envelope us. We wait together in faith and trust. Because Something is Coming!
I actually do know about three things that are coming.
December 15th One Day Workshop – Introduction to A Course in Miracles- a few spots left.
January 8, 2020- Evening Meditation and ACIM Discussion – Contact Me for Details
February 15, 2020 – Walk into Your Heart- One Day Silent Retreat @ The Duncan Center. A day filled with meditation and experiences to OPEN your heart to YOU and connect with your most beautiful SELF. $100 – Includes EVERYTHING you need for day.
In Love, Light & Joyful Peace,
Janet Weissman
©2019 All Rights Reserved
[1] ACIM Workbook What is Creation I:2
goodmorningdearhearts 