Spirit, intuition,
gut feeling, sense....all words that define the guidance we receive on a daily basis.
If we are willing to “listen” we will be guided with right action moment by
moment.
Recently, I had one
of the most profound experiences of my life that was enhanced by following my
guidance. Fortunately, I listened to what I was meant to do to be fully present
for this incredible experience.
Over the weekend I
attended a book marketing conference I had anticipated being a part of for
months. As an exhibitor I joined my colleagues, Christine Kloser and Lynne
Klippel of Love Your Life Publishing, for a weekend of networking, connecting,
fun and learning.
With every
intention of staying until Monday, my plans quickly changed when I felt called
to head to my parent’s home on Sunday.
Three weeks prior my
father was diagnosed with terminal cancer. With a strong “feeling” that his
time of transition was near, I booked a one way flight from San Diego to
Sacramento. The flight was scheduled to leave only hours from when I got this
incredibly strong sense to be with my father and mother.
From
the moment I made this decision everything opened for me to get home to my
mother and father’s side.
I am so very grateful I followed my heart, leaving when I did. Upon arriving at my father’s bedside in the early afternoon on Sunday, I knew I made the correct decision. There was absolutely no doubt in my mind of this truth.
On
Monday morning my mother, sisters and I were at my father’s side as he
transitioned from this life. His passing was gentle; surrounded with a deep
sense of love.
Had
I stayed at the conference as originally planned, ignoring the strong sense to
leave a day early, I would have missed this most profound experience.
What
an amazing confirmation we "intuitively know" what we are guided to
do. When we honor this guidance we are blessed with the gifts life has to
offer.
It
is through following my intuition I was called to write my thoughts for others
to read. I have known for many decades there is something beyond what we can
see, feel, touch or taste. There is a dimension that goes far beyond the physical.
As
I have reflected on all that has transpired in the last 48 hours, I am reminded
of a recent conversation with a group of colleagues regarding how much personal
information is appropriate to share with our business community.
Some
believe it is inappropriate to share anything other than “business as usual”
information; sharing nothing about our personal life.
Others
believe it is very appropriate to share what we are “called” to share. This is the
belief I hold.
With
so much pain in the world, it is through our transparency and authenticity we heal
while creating the space for others to experience their healing.
Imagine
how lonely it is for those who keep their lives in well protected compartments;
compartments that keep one in a space of separation rather than connectedness
to others.
Is
it because of separation so many experience fear, loneliness and confusion. Some
hold strong beliefs that only what can be seen and controlled is what life is
about; nothing less, nothing, nothing more. I let go of that belief many
decades ago and am grateful I did.
There
is a deep sense of freedom knowing there IS so much more than beyond what is visible
to the naked eye. It is in this freedom we find the greatest sense of purpose
and connectedness.
Ours
is not to live a life of separation, but rather to be in connection to all that
is. It is in this belief we are able to recognize how precious each day is; the
only day we can be in resolve in all we do, say and feel.
Our
greatest gift to this life is to recognize the power that resides in our
ability to incorporate our purpose and message through what we are called to do
professionally, personally and spiritually.
May
your day be one of resolve with a deep understanding and level of gratitude in
knowing there is no tomorrow and no yesterday. There is only this moment. May
this moment be filled with a deep connection to your purpose.
Your
comments are welcomed and encouraged.
Hi Kathleen, As I said before, my best to you on your loss. I'm so glad you got to be there to see him off - so lovely. AND, congratulations for BEing you and following that strong sense of gotta-go.
Congratualtions is such a weird word because it means good for you for doing something someone else might find hard or unusual. But what I mean is yay for you for following that natural, innate sense that we are all given and are systematically trained out of feeling when we were young. You've brought it back and honed it so beautifully.
I so agree with you that we ought to share - how else will people see that we walk our talk, and that we're vulnerable and go through 'stuff', too?
You go, girl. Reach out and pat your own back, and thanks for being real. You set a fantastic example.
aloha -
Angela
Posted by: Angela Treat Lyon | October 13, 2009 at 01:29 PM
Kathleen, I am so sorry for your loss. I, too, lost my father about 18 months ago. I truly believe our instincts should be listened to, and we so often overlook them by thinking we know better. I'm glad you were able to be by your father's side as he passed.
As for sharing personal stories, why is that wrong. After all business IS Personal - what better way for someone to get to know the "real" you and decide whether or not they want to be associated with you.
I appreciate having others share their personal lives with me - it provides an opportunity for me to help them, even in some small insignificant way by just listening. People want to help others, like to help others, so why not allow them to help you get through this time in your life. Keep your memories sparkling, cherish the moments you had with your Dad and with other members of your family and keep on telling us your stories. This is where YOU originated - what better way to get to know you? I can't think of a better (or stronger) foundation for building a relationship.
Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers,
Carol Deckert, Networking Coach
Posted by: Carol Deckert, Networking Coach | October 13, 2009 at 01:32 PM
My heartfelt sympathies for your loss.
I am in agreement with your idea of transparency ad authenticity.
When we share our humanity, we decrease interpersonal barriers. In effect, we give "permission" for others to accept the "not-OKnes" of living this life.
When we're afraid to be human by hiding behind a prideful barrier, we tend to deny what being human is all about.
Whether we like it or not, we're all in the "same boat." So, don't hold back from sharing experiences that may help a fellow "shipmate!"
Peace and Blessings!
Coach Richie Perl
Posted by: Richie Perl | October 13, 2009 at 01:39 PM
Beloved Kathleen,
You are such a gift!
Love is all that matters. Thank you for sharing yourself and your experience for the benefit of others at such a vulnerable moment.
With love, Kimberly
Posted by: Kimberly Marooney | October 13, 2009 at 01:50 PM