Throughout the last few years of my life, I've had to confront a truth that has not been entirely comfortable for me to embrace: the Universe is in charge!
I use the term "Universe" because mentioning any living or imaginary entity has become contentious. The last thing I want to do is to offend anyone by mentioning any deity they do not recognize affectionately. I also like the word "Universe" because it is not gender-specific but omnipresent, universal, and oddly comforting. What I've learned is that the Universe is in charge of everything. The best way to live, and possibly to die, is to welcome the Universe into our hearts and daily lives, allowing it to control whatever happens, even as we focus on the acceptance, gratitude, and peace of knowing that all will be well. "Sonny Patel" put it well in the movie, "The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel:" "In India, we have a saying: 'Everything will be alright in the end.' So if it is not alright, it is not yet the end." If it is not alright, be patient and wait. Things always change, and as change arrives, you will see then why you have been waiting. If you undertake any new objective and feel it is unnecessarily difficult to accomplish the task or achieve the goal, you probably should not be engaged in that activity. Stop and try something else. If the other thing you try works easily, that is what you were meant to do. If it does not go easily, try something else. Eventually, you will slip into some activity that is successful and immensely rewarding. The Universe tells us that sometimes, it is time to wait. When you feel there's nothing you can do without a huge struggle, don't even try. Wait and see what comes along without much effort on your part. That is probably what you are meant to do and will do successfully. I can hear you! You're saying even now, "Oh, but that flies in the face of everything I've ever been taught about accepting challenges and never giving up. How will I accomplish my goals if I give up on my projects?" See how "me"-focused are these remarks? Trust me, learning to relax and let the Universe look after you is far more productive than spinning your wheels, wasting resources and time, and becoming dispirited and disappointed over your "failures." Let me share with you a simple instance of how the Universe works: Yesterday, a good friend mentioned being interested in the Cincinnati Art Museum's "See the Story Book Club," a program offering a combination book club meeting to discuss a specific book with a fine arts tour to complement the book's subject. I heard her, but honestly, I didn't give the idea much thought. This morning, however, I received a subscription newsletter from CAM containing a reminder of the next book club meeting on September 16th. This meeting features the work of Amy Tan in "The Valley of Amazement." I like Amy Tan's work, but it's been a long time since I read anything by her. I went to my Libby app and checked to see if I could obtain the ebook with enough time to read it before September 16th. The app told me the book was available, but I would have to put a "hold" on it, and it would likely be two weeks before I could download a copy. I returned to the email and the CAM website to have a better look at what's available and coming up soon. Suddenly, I had a message on my phone. The book I had just requested was immediately available for download! Apparently, whoever had it before me chose that precise moment to return the book. I downloaded it, knowing that I'm now obliged to read the book and to attend the September 16th meeting at CAM. Would I have turned my back on the chance to download and read the book? Not for a minute! Why? Because I now know there's some important reason for me to attend that meeting on September 16th. It may or may not have anything at all to do with Amy Tan, but the Universe has sent me a signal, and I will do well to heed it. When good things fall into your lap unexpectedly, thank the Universe! When you fail miserably at a long-held goal, let it go. You're not meant to be doing that task, and while wasting time doing something you shouldn't, you will have missed out on how you should spend time and all the good things that will come from using time in synchronicity with the Universe. Please remember these ideas the next time you're stuck in traffic or waiting in a doctor's reception room. Find patience in the knowledge that everything happens for a reason, even if you cannot see what that reason is. Be aware when the Universe shifts the course of your life trajectory. Graciously and gratefully accept the change in plans. If you do, you will move happily with the Universe instead of always painfully swimming upstream.
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AboutMostly, I post on Facebook to tell you about my travels and life experiences, point out people and things that I want to tell you about, and keep you updated on what's happening in my life as an art quilter. Archives
September 2023
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