I went to a conference last weekend in the beautiful city of Victoria, stayed at a hotel and spend a couple of days wandering around. I just love this city. I'm hoping to set up some work there for myself someday soon. This conference really helped to get my enthusiasm back and to meet other people in my profession who are so interesting, people I would love to get to know better. There were top notch speakers and everything was very well organized. I have made a vow to consistantly do this and never ever neglect my professional development again. The excuse I always have for myself is I don't have enough money, or time. That is total nonsense and I am reminded at tax time that I can afford it because when I attend these conferences, the taxes I get back almost compensate the whole thing. But more importantly, the passion for my work is rejuvenated, I get to interact with new people and maybe create new opportunities for myself. I just love the whole thing. This is the very reason I went to school for so many years. To get out of my dead end job and make something out of myself and learn every day.
I heard Anthony Robbins say one time that he was amazed at how many people are looking to get out of the 'rut' they are in when actually they could begin by honouring their own profession by giving it the care and nurturing it deserves. He suggested taking courses and upgrading qualifications that you already have. That really hit home for me, sometimes when I am pining for change, the answer is right there in front of me. There could be a niche within your job scope that you have not pursued, a type of specialist certification that could be done. It's all up to you. I have turned over a new leaf with respecting my own profession and I am now going to work hard to upgrade my qualifications to reflect some particular interests of mine. And...have fun doing it.
Hope
After my son died, over 10 years ago, I went to a mediumship (spiritualist) demonstration and was given messages that absolutely confirmed my already solid belief in the spiritual world. No surprise really but a welcome gift in my process of intense grieving. I don't really know how people can get through a death without such a belief, it was essential for me. Even before my tragedy, I had an strong belief in spirit, I had always believed that we are spiritual beings living a human experience in order to learn something, the earth school. So the messages I received that night and the many I have received subsequent to this time have been a guiding light in my life. I still feel that although he is gone, I have constant contact with him, including some guidance, and will see him when it is my time to pass over.
I stumbled on an author Wendi Corsi Staub who writes about a town called Lily Dale in New York State and its quirky, wonderful, talented people. She grew up not far from this town and is familiar with its appeal. I have always wanted to visit Lily Dale but have not yet had the chance to do so. It's amazing how a belief in a spiritual existence changes everything about how we experience our human challenges.
Recently there has been much more open discussion about the value of hallucinogenic drugs like ecstasy for therapeutic uses. Believers don't need drugs to get the perspective of a spiritual existence but recently there has been more and more evidence that using drugs in a careful way can help a person get to the place of seeing life experiences as spiritual lessons in a way has been changing people's lives. Even CNN had reported such studies. It makes you think doesn't it?
Some people get this perspective through their religious beliefs, some through healers (like mediums) here on earth, and others through the therapeutic uses of drugs. No matter how we get here, we need some help to understand the human experiences that we can't cope with. I believe this is a statement about our crazy culture and how we don't allow anything outside of what is considered 'normal' to be Incorporated into our reality. We need to expand our horizons. It makes life much more understandable and our ability to continue on through tragedy much stronger.
Hope
