I co-created a group called Being Present to Serve, which focuses on how to manifest money by just showing up, being present to what is in front of you, and finding a way to make the situation 1% better. The group has been very successful and as I reflect on those concepts, I realize that the reason it is so successful is because it has the key ingredient to everything - connection. When people talk about Near Death Experiences or healing themselves from life-treatening diseases, they have a single theme that runs through their experience - connection. 2016 has been quite a year. After September 11th, I decided to take a leave of absence from my very successful consulting work to study International Conflict Resolution. I felt like I had to do something to make the world a better place - I was feeling completely disconnected from everything. After a very painful few months hearing about every conflict around the globe, I was completely depressed and felt hopeless. I could not see how I could stand up against governments, personal interests, and groups who did not care about doing the right thing or helping one another. I was so upset, that I literally gave up. One of the things I teach is the power of giving up. I love the line from Nothing Stays the Same by Carly Simon, "there is more room in a broken heart". From the place of being broken-hearted, I made a decision. I decided that I could not take on the problems of the world, of any one group, of my country, my state, my city or my county, but what I could do was be the beacon of hope, love, light and peace in my tiny, seemingly insignificant, circle. And, that maybe, if I was good or helpful to one person in that circle, they would go on to cure cancer or broker peace in the middle east. From that moment on, that became my mission.
I went for my daily walks in my very non-reach-out-and-touch-someone neighborhood and widely smiled and said "hi" to each person I passed- most of whom were engrossed in phone conversations, their ipod (it was a while ago), and; most of whom completely ignored me. I waved at passing cars (also, not done in that neighborhood). I baked cookies for neighbors for no reason. And, I found ways to be kind to my family and friends. And, that was it. From there, I was given opportunities to serve on boards in the county and eventually, represent our state in creating policies of inclusiveness. It all started from being kind to my family and friends, and friendly on walks in the neighborhood. This holiday season, if you are feeling sad, alone, unsettled in any way, I ask you to try something new. First, love your broken heart - they are the biggest gifts for creating change that you could ever ask for. Second, go do for others. Whatever you can - drop quarters near gumball machines at the grocery store, leave a treat on your neighbors doorstep, pick up the phone and call someone who had a tough year and let them know you are thinking of them this holiday season. As I posted in the quote, sometimes the smallest thing you do, make the biggest difference to someone else. In my experience, I found the cure for my saddest moments came from being of service to someone else. The world needs you right now. The you, that you are, in this moment. Not the successful you, the thinner you, the happier you, it needs the broken-hearted you to sit and cry with. And, if you are loving life right now - reach out and touch someone too! Because it wasn't that long ago that you were broken hearted. Pray for others to have the thing you want the most - if you wish your parents were still with you this season, or your spouse, or that you had your health, then pray that all the people around you that "seem" so unbeliveably happy, have good health, and enjoy the time with their loved ones. It is amazing the power of connecting - the power of giving to others that which we desparately want. From my heart to yours, happy holidays. And, on December 25th, when Christians will be celebrating Christmas and the Jews will be celebrating Hannukah, know that over 1/3 of the world's population will be in a place of peace and prayer... regardless of what your religion is, what a great day to join in the feeling of peace, love, and hope. Together, we can add to the world frequency of love and peace and intend 2017 to be the year when things get better for all.
1 Comment
A beautiful post Amina... I know that the Being Present To Serve group has definitely given me more connection and a different way of seeing the world. Being of service in the moment to people or situations feels really good and that is the reward in itself.
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fROM aMINA...
Hi! Welcome to my blog, Lunch with Cinderella. I love writing about my life experiences and the fact that they may help spur some cool experiences of your own. If you are here, leave a comment... I read them all and love hearing from you! Get New Blogs delivered to your Inbox!
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