Social Responsibility vs Loyalty

Living my unconventional lifestyle (for now), I've taken on some pretty random jobs. A couple of years ago, I found myself working at Fry's, a chain supermarket in AZ. I was hired on part time at $7.50 an hour. Twenty years previous, I worked for Von's (supermarket in CA) as a journeyman clerk and I was making $17.00 an hour.

I was working this job in order to help publish a book that I was writing at the time and living rent free because of my friend's generosity. It was very clear to me that a person living in the real world would not be able to live on this salary. I knew for myself that it was going to be short term, but what about the other people who had to live on these wages? How can they afford to live like this? What about health insurance? (I go to Mexico to get my teeth cleaned.)

My daughter was on an organic health kick at the time and was insisting that I buy organic. While I do agree with the philosophy, I couldn't justify the extra expense. I could buy a half gallon of juice at Wal-Mart for half the price as the local supermarket.

I was at a conference when I met Barb who was promoting social justice in all areas of life. I purchased a little book from her to help me understand what and who corporate villains were and why it was important not to support them.

I noticed that all of the companies that had taken a chance and given me a credit card after my bankruptcy were all corporate villains. (Companies that put profit over everything else.)

The dilemma for me...to stay loyal to these companies, after all they took a chance with me, or to close the accounts...sending a message of dissatisfaction with their business ethics.

Whatever one's beliefs are about the subject, becoming educated will help each of us to make better decisions on the companies and products that we support. 

LIFE LESSONS ARE ALWAYS OURS

When we find the courage to practice clear-direct-communication, it's important to share what we're feeling, (not always that easy) remembering that the lessons in life are always OURS! 

A friend recently told me of her and her husband's willingness to work on their communication. Every time that he barbecued  hamburgers, she got hers opposite of what she had asked for. 

One night, he asked her if she wanted him to barbecue hamburgers. She calmly replied, "No, thank you!" He was puzzled. She explained that every time she got her hamburger, it was how she didn't like it. 

After many times, what she felt like saying was, "You stupid moron! Cook it like I asked!" But she was able to hold her tongue, take a deep breath and tell him how she was feeling.

"When you cook my hamburger exactly opposite of how I ask for it, it makes me feel, unimportant:  you don't care enough give me what I ask for and unheard: you are not listening to me."

When we are able to share how we're feeling, it takes the focus off of the other person and places it back on ourselves, exactly where it belongs!

Remember that the lessons are always ours! When we make it about the other person, we miss the teaching for ourself! 

LETTING GO WITH CLEAR INTENTION

"Why you need to live in good weather don't you?" The words of an Irish Mystic that I saw during my four months in Ireland ran through my head this morning as I woke up in the Pacific Northwest to another day of clouds and drizzles.

Yes! Yes! I do need the sun! Finally, someone knows that besides me! Days without sun leave me nearly comatose. It seems the sun is up about 5:30AM and I'm not...and then when I'm up...the sun is not! I've been here in Vancouver, WA for the past two weeks and this has been the pattern.

However, I've come to appreciate the benefits of the light drizzle and last Monday was one. It was Memorial Day and we decided to drive to Bagby Hot Springs, in the Cascade Mountains at Mt. Hood.

Before we left, I picked up a book to take with me, The Way of the Shaman. A gentle reminder for me not to miss any part of the journey. Yes, we were going to enjoy the healing mineral water, but there was so much more to experience, if I'd just pay attention.

I'm pretty sure the drizzle is what kept the crowds away that day. When we arrived, there were quite a few cars, however we were rewarded with the secluded hot tub on the top being vacant. What's extra nice about these hot springs is the tubs are drainable after each use. (I know, that seems contrary to the places where water is an issue, but not here! The water flows freely, continuously! There is nothing to shut off!)

When we had finished our soak, I suggested that we do a releasing ceremony, leaving all of the burdens that we were carrying with us behind. The lightest drizzle continued as we all made a whirlpool with our hands. Then we all thought of the things that we wanted to let go of...anxiety, fear, pain, distrust, etc., and then placed our awareness on the swirling warm, healing water. With clear intention, we placed the things that we were willing to let go of, in the middle. We then let out the plug and along with the vortex of water, they all went swirling down the drain.

Just then the rain picked up noticeably and I knew that we had been supported by Spirit. I've witnessed this for myself many times and it was magical to be a part of this releasing ceremony in the spirit filled Cascade Mountains.

Try it for yourself! If you need help or encouragement, email me and I'll tell you how:)