Notes

May 10, 2023

What an experiment!

This morning I followed up with a text: "Every birthday and Christmas I think why do we only express our appreciation for the ones we love only once or twice a year? So I was inspired to see how it felt to do it more often."

Out of the handful of thoughtful responses I received, my favorite was: "I think you're supposed to say it on special occasions and show it the rest of the time."

How brilliant and insightful this is; my friend Alex's reply has me reflecting even more than before.

I must admit it felt awkward to send - and maybe to receive - though in this lifelong process of learning to trust my instincts/intuition, I can let that doubt go, for I like to say "if you speak from your heart, you can't go wrong."

Today would have been Wayne Dyer's 83rd birthday, and perhaps I have him to thank for encouraging this outlook on life.

I believe if I can emulate the same degree of wisdom, compassion, patience and unconditional love as he so eloquently wrote about, I will consider my life well lived.

May 9, 2023

Every year following my birthday I experience the same sensation: why do we only celebrate each other once a year? 

How long would it actually take to text everyone in my address book and say something like "You are loved"?

One text message x 10 seconds (max) = 6 people per minute. 

Say I have 30 people in my address book with whom I am somewhat regularly in contact with.

That's 5 minutes a day! 

Yes, it may surprise people, and yes, perhaps not everyone feels unloved (and thus would not welcome such kind words with open arms), but just imagining myself doing this - every day - filled me with a sense of inner peace I haven't felt since yesterday.

Why only outwardly acknowledge each other once every 365 days?

I'm going to begin now. 

...

I just texted "You are loved (purple heart emoji)" to 22 people - even to a few people who have been texting me about buying my car though haven't followed through :)

Total elapsed time <5 minutes. 

It feels like the chorus to that Stevie Wonder song "I Just Called To Say I Love You."

May 8, 2023

Today is my birthday.

I just enjoyed a 75-minute long chat with a man I playfully refer to as an Irish wizard.

We discussed the illusion of duality, the art and science of teaching, and the pleasures and pains that arise in the pursuit of personal development.

13 years ago today I met my imaginary mentor and role model, Wayne Dyer, in San Francisco. 

I had driven down from "The Gateway to The Redwoods" in Northern California where I was WWOOFing on an organic farm to this Hay House-sponsored event, for I have been reading and listening to his books for decades.

Seeing my reflection in these men consistently affirms what I believe to be true not only about myself, but also about the world around me. The meaning and value I derive simply from being exposed to their wisdom and knowledge illuminates parts of me I either take for granted, ignore, or am completely unaware of.

I used to think I don't need anyone. I know everything. How wrong I was! 

The best thing I ever did was go to the library. It was a safe place where I was exposed to a diverse and eclectic culmination of human knowledge - without the distractions of advertising and other 'noise' (literally).

It was a peaceful place where I could explore ideas and ask questions and find answers and think for myself and write and ponder the mysteries of life.

I often contemplate the meaning of life - especially during significant times marked by a human-made calendar - and today I am most conscious of how much my life is a mirror of what I believe. 

Regardless of what is seeking my attention, I have the power to focus on what empowers me.