Reading your lovely reflection in an airport where it's looking as though a travel delay may cause us to miss a connecting flight. I'll read it again and again, you're helping me see the bright side.
Donald, what a beautiful moment to have that reflection during a travel delay. There's something about airports - that liminal space - that makes me feel the same way. Thank you for reading and for reminding me that these words can help us see the bright side even in moments of disruption.
I really resonated with the part about the cognitive dissonance that comes up when you are returning from disaster and survival mode to learning to do the normal things of life again— so beautifully written❤️
Well, as usual, having my coffee while reading your post. Personally, I make every effort to make my life all about learning and evolving, even when from time to time something loops in my head for years. Your video post of The Egg: sorry to circle back, but it first hit me in a spiraling way on reincarnation.
People have told me forever, “Man, I’ve never seen anyone beat a dead horse like you.” I just smile, laugh and quote Mircale Max from Princess Bride (probably my most favorite movie character), “Whoo-hoo-hoo, look who knows so much. It just so happens that your friend (or my idea, my business, my…) is mostly dead. There’s a big difference between mostly dead and all dead. Mostly dead is slightly alive.” With enough stubbornness, love, attention and effort, I can often revive and make things flourish after everyone else has completely written them off. In those situations, I feel like a magician – something I wanted to be as a kid. Long story for another time : )
So, back to The Egg. By the way, I watched a bunch of YouTube versions of The Egg. At first, this video kind of felt like my coma/near-death experience. As I watched more Egg videos, I realized some very key elements/messages were completely different: in mine, I didn’t start with God. I travelled through a very dark tunnel where I saw many, many lost souls, and was frightened that would be my destiny – I didn’t represent everyone in the world. I know I wasn’t Jesus in a past life, and I certainly wasn’t Hitler either. People like Hitler and other lost souls who walked the earth must work through their issues as “lost souls.” It’s as if they were left back from class and need to learn their lessons all over again.
When I finally met God, I was in a beautiful field of flowers. He talked to me about the keys to living a valued life and that I ensure His ongoing involvement and guidance through prayer and meditation to enjoy a wonderful, happy and productive life.
One issue that has concerned me was the foggy part about reincarnation. Since it wasn’t clear as day, it stuck in my head for 8 years. I think I was getting ready to become a southern military veteran. But then, woosh, I quickly came back into my current existence. How could I explain my an authentic southern accent that was with me for weeks after awakening? How do I explain the many days where I didn’t remember anything after waking up? I had no past, and no future for hours.
The Egg makes it sound like we dissolve into one big soul, no more “you”. That did freak me out a bit when I first watched the video - the idea seemed awful of being reset as some random person in 500 AD with zero memory of who I am now. My thoughts circled and circled. Then one day, I laughed out loud. Funny how it hit me. I started thinking, in my 60 years, I’ve always been me. For instance, I don’t remember anything when I was 3, but I was still me. Teen years? always trying to forget the bits and pieces but still me. Forgetting what I ate and did yesterday? Still me. I just now have more experience and wisdom piled on.
God didn’t wipe me. He wants me to live purely present-moment living. So, reincarnation? If its real, I don’t believe it deletes our core. It doesn’t delete the core you or anyone. After many hours of prayer and meditation, I now think our spirit/our core essence keeps going – evolving, learning, carrying everything forward (As a side note, would love to know what Professor Deming is learning these days : ) We’re not vanishing. No reset that erases who I became. I get to keep being me, no matter body, time, or place. Southern vet, Asian farmer, whatever – still this same core (me basically in a different, new physical outfit). What a relief, continuity all the way.
Thank you helping me put my eight-year fog to rest through your living now posts and Living Now Club : )
Quick side note: since being in Las Vegas this week, my food insecurity project keeps moving along in the most interesting ways. Talked to a good friend about what I was trying to do with Wahlburgers and Flecha Cantina, and his eyes lit up. He said, “I need to loop you in with my close friend who owns 30% of KISS. He loves Mark Wahlberg, has all the Rock and Brew restaurants and is very close with many of the Native American casinos (another interesting story for another day or life : ). I have a call with him tomorrow to bring Flecha Azul into his locations. So funny that I use to call tequila – to-kill-ya. Who knew that tequila opportunities might just help with food insecurity. Wild, turning a lemon into potential lemonade.
Well, sending prayers, good vibes and as much positive energy I can muster for you to emerge stronger and better than ever. Stay cool. And remember to Stay Hungry, Stay Foolish. Please consider watching Steve Jobs Stanford speech, too. It’s awesome, especially his thoughtful comments about waking up every day, looking in the mirror and asking himself something like “Am I happy with everything I’m doing if I knew today was my last day on earth?”, because every person will have that last day experience some day. I now ask myself that same question every morning and make adjustments to optimize my way of living and happiness. Peace out : )
Hi : ) I'm so glad you're in the Eat phase of Eat Pray Love. FYI, I spent some time in India a few years back as I started my Pray phase - spiritual path. Absolutely loved the Golden Temple, which represents equality, humility, and faith. It was amazing to see some of the wealthiest people in the world donate their time as volunteers to take visitors' shoes before they entered this amazing Temple. It was so cool to see how this Temple was open to people of all faiths and had openings on all four sides to demonstrate that everyone is welcome.
I was interested but couldn't figure it out then - my "stop food insecurity project" that I'm working on today. One of my motivations came from my experience with the Golden Temple that serves thousands of meals for free each day, regardless of your religious or spiritual disposition - such a magical and inspiring way of thinking/being.
Well, so glad you're enjoying all the Italian food. I grew up with lots of Italian friends from "my neighborhood." Each family argued that they made the best meatballs, and I was amazed at how they spent almost every Sunday cooking, feasting, and enjoying each other - simpler times. But, I have to say and paraphrase: "nothing beats a nice mutton, lettuce, and tomato sandwich, where the mutton is nice and lean, and the tomato is ripe." - Miracle Max : )
Enjoy every moment, and yeah, Stay Hungry, but mostly, Stay Foolish : )
Beautiful Louise. As I am savoring this I am remembering someone talking about that same liminal moment in which the story arc is still in progress. He was saying as an author how he felt such power in knowing that he will have the choice of the end of the arc that brings the whole meaning of the story together. I had never thought of my life like that before but your writings inspire …Thank you for sharing
Love”A life doesn’t need to be big to be beautiful!”
While I am in the midst of treatment or rather in a holding zone, now- i am rebuilding energy, peace. Stillness and seeing all the beauty in a smaller way… i haven’t traveled in 6 months… but I am able to see… and feel stronger before going back on immunotherapy.
Your writing is so open and honest. Thank you and I am happy for you as you find your way.
Magnificent as always, my love! It reminded me of a new Jayaism he said to me at the lake: “To go forward, you need to lead back.” (He was specifically talking about posture in ceremony and encouraging a relaxed posture slightly leaning back while you drive the energy forward).
I love the way your mind works and how you walk your path with such beauty and grace and inimical Louise-ness. I can’t wait to see you soon!
Louise - I’m glad you’re having this time. We must all learn how to breathe without anxiety. Inhale peace. Exhale tension. One breath at a time is enough. I’m praying that hope and peace embraces you, your family and friends.
Thank you Louise - your message is so resonant and so perfect! What can I say?
When I saw you this week you were completely radiating and sharing all that joy - I feel so inspired. And your hair is so beautiful and new! And I am now remembering that I never even read eat pray love and I meant to! 🙃🙏✨💫💕💕💕
two little mantras keep floating in my thoughts after reading this new piece...."you never go back" and "embrace the mundane"....must look up that word in the OED....and finally, this thought...you are witnessing your own rebirth.....but this time, one of your own orchestration....thank you, thank you, thank you
I am so grateful for your suggestions! I've been reading Fires in the Dark as well and have been absolutely loving it.
The OED etymology of mundane is fascinating. I've been going down a wonderful rabbit hole. Embrace the mundane, embrace this world, and choose this life.
I feel that deeply re: witnessing my own rebirth. It's such an incredible opportunity to rethink how I wish to live and exist in the future.
Reading your lovely reflection in an airport where it's looking as though a travel delay may cause us to miss a connecting flight. I'll read it again and again, you're helping me see the bright side.
Donald, what a beautiful moment to have that reflection during a travel delay. There's something about airports - that liminal space - that makes me feel the same way. Thank you for reading and for reminding me that these words can help us see the bright side even in moments of disruption.
I really resonated with the part about the cognitive dissonance that comes up when you are returning from disaster and survival mode to learning to do the normal things of life again— so beautifully written❤️
thank you so much!
Well, as usual, having my coffee while reading your post. Personally, I make every effort to make my life all about learning and evolving, even when from time to time something loops in my head for years. Your video post of The Egg: sorry to circle back, but it first hit me in a spiraling way on reincarnation.
People have told me forever, “Man, I’ve never seen anyone beat a dead horse like you.” I just smile, laugh and quote Mircale Max from Princess Bride (probably my most favorite movie character), “Whoo-hoo-hoo, look who knows so much. It just so happens that your friend (or my idea, my business, my…) is mostly dead. There’s a big difference between mostly dead and all dead. Mostly dead is slightly alive.” With enough stubbornness, love, attention and effort, I can often revive and make things flourish after everyone else has completely written them off. In those situations, I feel like a magician – something I wanted to be as a kid. Long story for another time : )
So, back to The Egg. By the way, I watched a bunch of YouTube versions of The Egg. At first, this video kind of felt like my coma/near-death experience. As I watched more Egg videos, I realized some very key elements/messages were completely different: in mine, I didn’t start with God. I travelled through a very dark tunnel where I saw many, many lost souls, and was frightened that would be my destiny – I didn’t represent everyone in the world. I know I wasn’t Jesus in a past life, and I certainly wasn’t Hitler either. People like Hitler and other lost souls who walked the earth must work through their issues as “lost souls.” It’s as if they were left back from class and need to learn their lessons all over again.
When I finally met God, I was in a beautiful field of flowers. He talked to me about the keys to living a valued life and that I ensure His ongoing involvement and guidance through prayer and meditation to enjoy a wonderful, happy and productive life.
One issue that has concerned me was the foggy part about reincarnation. Since it wasn’t clear as day, it stuck in my head for 8 years. I think I was getting ready to become a southern military veteran. But then, woosh, I quickly came back into my current existence. How could I explain my an authentic southern accent that was with me for weeks after awakening? How do I explain the many days where I didn’t remember anything after waking up? I had no past, and no future for hours.
The Egg makes it sound like we dissolve into one big soul, no more “you”. That did freak me out a bit when I first watched the video - the idea seemed awful of being reset as some random person in 500 AD with zero memory of who I am now. My thoughts circled and circled. Then one day, I laughed out loud. Funny how it hit me. I started thinking, in my 60 years, I’ve always been me. For instance, I don’t remember anything when I was 3, but I was still me. Teen years? always trying to forget the bits and pieces but still me. Forgetting what I ate and did yesterday? Still me. I just now have more experience and wisdom piled on.
God didn’t wipe me. He wants me to live purely present-moment living. So, reincarnation? If its real, I don’t believe it deletes our core. It doesn’t delete the core you or anyone. After many hours of prayer and meditation, I now think our spirit/our core essence keeps going – evolving, learning, carrying everything forward (As a side note, would love to know what Professor Deming is learning these days : ) We’re not vanishing. No reset that erases who I became. I get to keep being me, no matter body, time, or place. Southern vet, Asian farmer, whatever – still this same core (me basically in a different, new physical outfit). What a relief, continuity all the way.
Thank you helping me put my eight-year fog to rest through your living now posts and Living Now Club : )
Quick side note: since being in Las Vegas this week, my food insecurity project keeps moving along in the most interesting ways. Talked to a good friend about what I was trying to do with Wahlburgers and Flecha Cantina, and his eyes lit up. He said, “I need to loop you in with my close friend who owns 30% of KISS. He loves Mark Wahlberg, has all the Rock and Brew restaurants and is very close with many of the Native American casinos (another interesting story for another day or life : ). I have a call with him tomorrow to bring Flecha Azul into his locations. So funny that I use to call tequila – to-kill-ya. Who knew that tequila opportunities might just help with food insecurity. Wild, turning a lemon into potential lemonade.
Well, sending prayers, good vibes and as much positive energy I can muster for you to emerge stronger and better than ever. Stay cool. And remember to Stay Hungry, Stay Foolish. Please consider watching Steve Jobs Stanford speech, too. It’s awesome, especially his thoughtful comments about waking up every day, looking in the mirror and asking himself something like “Am I happy with everything I’m doing if I knew today was my last day on earth?”, because every person will have that last day experience some day. I now ask myself that same question every morning and make adjustments to optimize my way of living and happiness. Peace out : )
Thank you so much for sharing! Very moved. Love the 'stay hungry, stay foolish'!
Hi : ) I'm so glad you're in the Eat phase of Eat Pray Love. FYI, I spent some time in India a few years back as I started my Pray phase - spiritual path. Absolutely loved the Golden Temple, which represents equality, humility, and faith. It was amazing to see some of the wealthiest people in the world donate their time as volunteers to take visitors' shoes before they entered this amazing Temple. It was so cool to see how this Temple was open to people of all faiths and had openings on all four sides to demonstrate that everyone is welcome.
I was interested but couldn't figure it out then - my "stop food insecurity project" that I'm working on today. One of my motivations came from my experience with the Golden Temple that serves thousands of meals for free each day, regardless of your religious or spiritual disposition - such a magical and inspiring way of thinking/being.
Well, so glad you're enjoying all the Italian food. I grew up with lots of Italian friends from "my neighborhood." Each family argued that they made the best meatballs, and I was amazed at how they spent almost every Sunday cooking, feasting, and enjoying each other - simpler times. But, I have to say and paraphrase: "nothing beats a nice mutton, lettuce, and tomato sandwich, where the mutton is nice and lean, and the tomato is ripe." - Miracle Max : )
Enjoy every moment, and yeah, Stay Hungry, but mostly, Stay Foolish : )
Beautiful Louise. As I am savoring this I am remembering someone talking about that same liminal moment in which the story arc is still in progress. He was saying as an author how he felt such power in knowing that he will have the choice of the end of the arc that brings the whole meaning of the story together. I had never thought of my life like that before but your writings inspire …Thank you for sharing
Love”A life doesn’t need to be big to be beautiful!”
While I am in the midst of treatment or rather in a holding zone, now- i am rebuilding energy, peace. Stillness and seeing all the beauty in a smaller way… i haven’t traveled in 6 months… but I am able to see… and feel stronger before going back on immunotherapy.
Your writing is so open and honest. Thank you and I am happy for you as you find your way.
That smaller way is everything. So much love and strength to you as you rebuild!
Manic newness is a great mantra for experiencing life daily!
Yes!! I love this. It's such a great reminder
Your insights and wisdom are profoundly inspiring and healing
I struggle with depression as am facing some personal challenges and your words are so powerful
Thank you 🙏
I'm so sorry you are going through this. Thank you for sharing! Sending love & light your way! ✨
Magnificent as always, my love! It reminded me of a new Jayaism he said to me at the lake: “To go forward, you need to lead back.” (He was specifically talking about posture in ceremony and encouraging a relaxed posture slightly leaning back while you drive the energy forward).
I love the way your mind works and how you walk your path with such beauty and grace and inimical Louise-ness. I can’t wait to see you soon!
Oh thank you love!! Wow I love that Jayaism. He is so brilliant. Cannot wait to give you a big squeeze soon!
I’ll run tomorrow morning to find the tagliatelles with truffles you just made me want to eat! Baisers🫶
Oh I love this! I hope you enjoy with reckless abandon! 🍝 🫶
Louise - I’m glad you’re having this time. We must all learn how to breathe without anxiety. Inhale peace. Exhale tension. One breath at a time is enough. I’m praying that hope and peace embraces you, your family and friends.
Thank you so much! I love this, its such a powerful practice
Beautiful.
thank you!
What a beautiful piece.
thank you!
Thank you Louise - your message is so resonant and so perfect! What can I say?
When I saw you this week you were completely radiating and sharing all that joy - I feel so inspired. And your hair is so beautiful and new! And I am now remembering that I never even read eat pray love and I meant to! 🙃🙏✨💫💕💕💕
Love you! Thank you so much. It was such a treat to see you!!!
Resonant and important . . .
thank you so much!
two little mantras keep floating in my thoughts after reading this new piece...."you never go back" and "embrace the mundane"....must look up that word in the OED....and finally, this thought...you are witnessing your own rebirth.....but this time, one of your own orchestration....thank you, thank you, thank you
I am so grateful for your suggestions! I've been reading Fires in the Dark as well and have been absolutely loving it.
The OED etymology of mundane is fascinating. I've been going down a wonderful rabbit hole. Embrace the mundane, embrace this world, and choose this life.
I feel that deeply re: witnessing my own rebirth. It's such an incredible opportunity to rethink how I wish to live and exist in the future.
So much love your way xo