Comments on: Guest Post: Groceries, Refrigerators and Higher Selves

By: Davina

Davina — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 20:48:23 +0000

Hi Sara.
That was a fantastic article about storms! I agree completely. There’s something exciting about a good storm.

Hi Diane.
Welcome and thanks for your comment. You’ve got a great perspective about not feeling like you always have to “fix” something in order to be happy. I think Julie is right on by saying that “your contentment glows”. I felt that as I read your comment.

The more I read self-help material the more I am starting to see that, as you say… a lot of the experience is just about being in the experience.

By: Julie

Julie — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 16:10:24 +0000

@ Diane — I’m so glad you came over here! Davina has a terrific site.

Yes, the saturation point. I felt it, too, after several years of nonstop self-help. After everything settled and the mental air cleared, I was able to see that I really didn’t want to read any more, at least not for a long time. ;) …that I’d been lifted myself enough to realize exactly as you say it here. “Nothing needs to change in order for me to be happy.” The secret is within each of us, all the power we need to be happy. The only thing we ever should try to “fix” is our own perspective, our own thinking patterns.

Your contentment glows in the photos and writing you share with us. I just LOVED your haiku! That was so lovely I just sat and read it several times.

By: Diane C.

Diane C. — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 23:09:44 +0000

Hi Julie, I enjoyed your post about taking a break from self-improvement books. I used to read that genre almost exclusively for years. But I got to a point where I could to be more accepting of how things are, even when they’re far from perfect. Who am I to judge how things “should” be anyway. This is it, right here, right now, as it is. Nothing needs to change in order for me to be happy. I still like reading self-improvement now and then, but more for entertainment than a need to try and fix anything. I love feeling positive energy from others who want to help the world to be a better place.

By: Julie

Julie — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 20:59:51 +0000

@ Sara — Hi! I followed in wonderful footsteps, you know. ;) Hey, catnaps are good and naps with cats are even better! I hope you’ll completely sink into one, relishing every breath and every stroke and every stray kitty hair that tickles your nose just as you’re nodding off. Yep, I’ve had my share of naps with my cat keeping me company on my tummy… It’s SO important to give ourselves these kinds of breaks. It’s what helps to keep us on an even keel.

By: Sara

Sara — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 19:04:03 +0000

Davina — I am so excited that Julie is doing the guest post. I loved what she wrote about storms!!!

Julie — Welcome. Davina has both wonderful writings and a remarkable and diverse group of readers. They are right up your alley!

Regarding your post, I found it very relaxing. As I read it, I realized I was taking deep breaths, which felt so goooood! Now that I’ve finished it, I think I might just go and take a nice long nap with my cat…my work at improving myself will still be there when I get up. Thanks!

By: Davina

Davina — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 04:47:10 +0000

Hi Barbara.
I like how you say the pieces can fall in a manner that we would have never dreamed. That is a good way to look at it. Surprises are better than expectations.

Hi Lance.
Julie’s a good hostess isn’t she. Lots of fun! What you said about evaluating where we’re at suddenly made me think of the food analogy again… a personal development cleanse or diet could be a good thing.

Hi Kathy.
You’re welcome! Sorry you keep going into moderation. I’ve been emailing support about this and hopefully it will stop.

By: Julie

Julie — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 21:20:23 +0000

@ Kathy — I’m sorry that I couldn’t see your comment when I responded to the others. Especially since you enjoyed my wit. ;) I’m happy to meet you and glad the analogy resonated with you. It seems you’ve “been there,” too.

By: Julie

Julie — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 17:45:04 +0000

@ Barbara — “…overloaded and confused.” Yep. Here’s another analogy that came to mind with your “pieces.” All those puzzle pieces can’t find their way to the right spot and plop themselves into place until we quit trying to place them ourselves. And, like you say, we’re wonderfully surprised at the picture that appears!

@ Lance — Yes, it’s all part of the ebb and flow, learning, and doing, and being. The ebb and flow is continual, so we’ll always be in some phase of learning or doing. In order to keep the rhythm, we can’t be stuck on just ebbing or flowing. ;)

By: Kathy | Virtual Impax

Kathy | Virtual Impax — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 16:04:45 +0000

I absolutely LOVE the grocery shopping/rotting food in the refrigerator analogy! SPOT ON!!! What a great introduction to Julie!!! Thanks Davina!!!

By: Lance

Lance — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 13:39:46 +0000

Hi Davina – You have Julie here, that’s so awesome!

Hi Julie – It’s great to see you here! And you know what, I happen to think you’re right on track. In the ebb and flow of life – there’s a time for learning, and there’s a time for doing. We’re all at a different spot on this continuum. The important point is to recognize where we’re at, and act accordingly. Great points Julie – and you have me evaluating where I’m at, and what’s next – and that’s all very good stuff to be doing!