Abundance

Hi Jen!

The essence of our Angel Card this week has resonated in so many ways, particularly as I go about the seasonal change out of holiday decorations.  Out with the creepy jack-o-lanterns as they turn their faces to the wall.  It's time for their backsides to take center stage.  I pulled out the banner handcrafted from last year and unfurled each letter.  T..H..A..N..K..F..U..L. Each pennant coming to a point, holding the name of someone in our family.  It represents the abundance of love, family, and traditions in our home.  So that was the obvious reflection on the word.  But where is the deeper meaning?  What happens in an empty nest where the number of people decreases?  Where families spend less time together?  Where is the abundance in that void?

I put the thought aside, knowing it would present itself later.  Your Dad and I set out for Costco to buy a new tree.  Our 13 foot behemoth had begun to show its age (9) and had simply become way more of a chore to put up and decorate than need be.  As I stood there in the aisle between the giant bows and lawn reindeer, I gazed at the pristeen 13' tree with LED lights that would be our replacement.  Next to it, the 9' tree...dwarfed by it's insanely big brother.  My eyes shifted back and forth.  Tallest.  Tall.  Tallest.  Tall.  There was no difference at all.  they were both...well...way taller than me!  It dawned on me in that moment...abundance isn't about what you have (because that is never hardly enough to our human egos).  It's real power lies in the void.  The empty - ness.  It's that comparison between something and nothing that gives value to the idea of abundance.  "More than enough" can be a family of one that's happy to be alive, or a sapling that holds a branch of berries instead of treasured heirloom ornaments and tinsel.  Simply, abundance isn't about having a lot of something.  For me, it's about having peace with the idea of less.  I'm abundantly satisfied with anything.  9' tree?  Now I can decorate it easier and taking it down will be easier.  Sometimes less really is more!

Love Mom

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Hey Mom!!!

Don't know if it's because I am a dancer who likes to shake her butt, but at first glance of the word "Abundance" I immediately see "A-BUN-DANCE" LOL!!  Okay okay okay ... on a serious note ....

Awwwwwwww ..... gonna miss that mighty green giant!!!  Soooo many memories and fowl language came along with putting that damn thing up every year lol.  Once up though, it was a magical sight!  Growing up with it was quite the childhood experience.  Hey, as long as I can lie on my back on the floor and light gaze from below, I am a happy camper ;) Would only be difficult with a desk tree ;)

I am glad to hear that you and Dad decided to downsize, bringing a new family member to your awesome collection of holiday decor. I absolutely agree with you about seeking abundance from going without.  I often like to find the "something-ness" in "nothing-ness".  Like the "nothing-ness" of last night's surprise.  As much as I LOVE to see my Mom and Brother, I was totally bummed to not see Dad with you all. Even though ensured me that he would be on his way once he finished some work at the house, I was still bothered that he was missing.  As the night continued on, I realized that it gave me a chance to sit with you and catch up.   I even snuck some quality time in with Christian before he started to hang with Erik. Although our meals were already finished by the time he arrived, I was thrilled to serve him dinner and catch up a bit in private.  My sad surprise turned happy as I realized the abundance of love that evening.  It was much needed that I was able to spend quality time with EACH of you vs all of you at once.  Isn't it crazy to think that I actually see you all more now?  This being home for 4 days a week thing is making life easier to prioritize.  I look forward to our family night now every week.  Family time is Abundance at it's finest!

-Love Jen

In-FLU-enced By Presence

Dear Jenny,

Have you ever told the Universe, "Stop the world.  I want to get off!"  And so it responds in kind.  I found myself up at 5:30 with the first indications of the flu.  You know - the symptoms that have you praying you're done on one end so you can lurch yourself around and forward with the other end.  Twelve hours later, only water to drink (at least it's staying down).  In between hurls, I focused on meditation.  "Breathe in light!  Heal my body!" I pleaded.  Then it dawned on me - there is nothing as effective at being filled with PRESENCE than being sick.  I tried to change my mind about the situation and I have to say...it did help with being able to drift into sleep several times.  I also stayed peaceful instead of worried about work.  I have a big client meeting. Simply emailed the team and they responded that they "have it."  No fretting.  No worries.  The world is gladly going to keep turning while I spend a couple of days stepping off.  PRESENCE really does relieve suffering.  Well - at least for the moment. 
We'll see when I try to eat something!  Oh, and thank you for the emergency fluids you left by the door.  

My little angel strikes again!!

Love, Mom

Poor Mommy!!!!

Yes, I've been there before.  NOT FUN!!!  Hope those liquids are getting some use.  As you are the lead actress in today's ill-filled drama of life's reality, I only hope that Dad is playing the supporting actor as " Most amazing nurse-husband of all time" ;)

Finding presence is tricky, ESPECIALLY when you are hugging the porcelain throne!!!!  Mom, you're a trooper!  Most people can't find the present moment in the good times, let alone the shitty (no pun intended lol)

Yes, presence seems to be a topic of challenging simplicity.  I say "challenging simplicity" because in the world of today,  to "simply be" is one of the most greatest obstacles we face in our day to day living.  When you really think about it ... how simple the thought.  Animals are the best examples of life forms who make peace with the present moment.  If animals could write a book about "A Life Lived Naturally In Presence" I would be the first in line to get one!

When one is TRULY immersed in the present moment, great peace and love can be found.  A place where compassion and forgiveness take hold.

Love this analogy ...

"Lock your wife and your dog in the trunk of your car for an hour, and then open the trunk and see who's happier to see you." - Billy Collins

  Let's face it .....  the wife would be furious!!!!!! The Dog on the other hand would be thankful it was released, showing it's gratitude with a wagging tale and licks galore. The dog isn't thinking about the fear it felt while it was locked in a tight space for an hour.  The dog is one with "NOW" ... and "NOW" is freedom, NOTHING else matters.

  While our minds run crazy with internal dialogue and external distractions, life is rapidly passing us by.  I think the Universe felt you on fast forward, and decided to press the pause button for you! This happened to me when I injured my knee last year. An opportunity to take a break from the demands of your outer world and get lost in your inner one.

Amazing how when we are aware of our UN-awareness, the window of bliss is swung open ... even if the window is located next to your toilet ;)

Get to be feeling better Mom and thanks again for a wonderful birthday weekend!  See you Wednesday for breakfast!

Love, Jen

Reflection Questions For Our Lil Angels  :

1) What brings YOU to the present moment?

2) Remember a time when you were lost in presence? What did that moment look like?

3) Do you feel that you could be more present in your day to day life?

4) What prevents you from being more present?

5) How will the practice of presence bring you peace today?