I had a lot of pain in my childhood for various reasons that I won’t go into here, but pain is an educator. One learns how to get around it, in order to survive. Hopefully the compensations or adaptations one chooses serve well, to move us towards further self-awareness and affirmation of life.

I’ve heard about those jellyfish from Downunder, with their hideous cardio-toxin! I guess, as in all things, we are to enter into our encounters with awareness and respect for the not-always safe or comfortable nature of things!

Thanks for your expansiveness which encourages others to explore and expand!

And to Tammy’s point – I have to agree also that writing helps me to become more aware also – as when I write, really write and connect with my soul – these times are very much a time of increased awareness – really back to what I talked about above.

Thanks so much for sharing these videos, and your voice with us…

Wow…what a thought provoking post here.

I have to say that for some strange reason I think I was born to be aware. I learned early on that by putting up walls didn’t necessarily make “bad” things go away. I grew up in a split family and I was constantly trying to deal with my emotions by writing in my diary. I was aware of so much around me. I am not so sure my siblings were as lucky as I. They have buried issues today that they are still dealing with.

I believe that awareness is a gift. So many of us never experience this. It is as though people go through life with their eyes shut. For some, there is a pivotal moment that triggers this awareness. For others, they remain “hidden” from reality.

Being aware and accepting of reality is a huge part of my life. I don’t like surprises. I feel as though meeting something head on is the only way to make it from moment to moment in my life. I don’t like going backwards, I don’t like rushing forward. I just like it now.

This has really gotten me thinking Robin. Maybe by writing I have been able to stay “aware” of all that is around me. What if I had never written? MMMM…..

Hugs to you Robin.

Tammy

In truth, I am the one who has always been a *showoff. … * I want to say big, but I’m trying to mend my ways.

Robin Replies
Dear Walter, Walter Walter!! I had no idea, boy you hid this one good from me!! LOL!! I am just hugging you right now. So many emotions collided reading this. I laughed over your wit, and tears came to my eyes because I was touched, and I admire you for such honesty and I couldn’t even begin to grasp that someone held me such high regard. I just don’t even think about it…I guess because I’m so busy falling in love with Life and people. And you have always been SOOOOO kind. My dear Walter this was my first thought: “But YOU are the maverick that you see in ME.” You have to be or you would not be able to see me in the encouraging way that you have. YOU are larger than life. Walt; you have lived and live and lived. You think with a great mind and move through the world with a huge generous heart. You are funny and witty and knock-your-socks-off intelligent. It is why you saw ME, understood ME, and we connected. It’s that simple. But then you don’t need me to tell you that. Thank you my dear friend. I am honored and touched.

Blessings
Dorothy from grammology
grammology.com

Robin Replies
Dear Dorothy, I just added your site to my RSS feed and will stop by again. I am just loving your honest, tell it like it is wise ways. I love this comment. And am deeply touched by your depth of insight. I am blessed in that at a very young age I was dying in both body and spirit and really had nothing left to lose. So going to the jungle saved my life, along with other experiences. I was also blessed that I grew up with parents that loved nature and spent a lot of time with their children in nature. It gave me a deep base to draw on and fall back on. I think it’s why I feel so strongly about connecting children to the natural world, because I KNOW firsthand how it can change live, literally save lives (and not just children but adults as well). —I also am touched by your insight about how whenever we hold ourselves back there are consequences that can paralyze us. We stop the essential life force. I have been in those paralyzed states when I was young. Once I saw how completely they were paralyzing my whole life, I learned to head toward my fear and vowed I would never cripple myself again. At the same time I never judge someone when they are immobilized by fear or anything else for that matter, because I have been there myself and completely understand…so well. I feel only compassion, love and encouragement. Thank you for such a beautiful comment, Dorothy. And many blessing to YOU!

Robin Replies
Kia ora you beautiful Wild Brother, I feel like you are writing one of my deepest truths when you write: “…the world around me, what I had been taught to pursue by schools, by churches, by society, was not for me. I felt empty and alone. The only time I felt anything was when I was in Nature, walking in the woods, paddling my canoe, just being nothing yet everything if that makes sense.” This not only made complete and utter sense, but it was ME growing up and if I am really honest; it still is me. I have learned to find peace and joy wherever I am. But I CHOOSE to “be with” nature as much as possible. And the whole thrust of my life moves me back to a time I will once again go wild. I have learned a lot being in society the last 14 years; it’s been an invaluable time of growth, but… Well, you know how I feel, better than anyone. You jut know. Robb, I can’t tell you how much good it did my heart to read what you wrote here. I have written almost these same exact words in my first book, the I am in the process of getting out. In fact I’ve had some thoughts and ideas that I want to share with you. When I get a break at some point I will send off an email. And Robb, you expressed this beautifully….you always do. Kia kaha. Aroha always my Wild Brother.

he invited me to sit in it…wow! it started to turn counter clock wise at a certain speed…later i learned that it was in the inverse of earth gravity so one can work better with the self…anyway, he gave me a garbage bag…yes and it was big..but there was lots of love in that room and i wanted to go through changes and was even ready to die for that…….well i filled that bag with thousands of memories, pains and lots of fool knowledge…..and that went on for a few months actually..always in respect and with my acknowledgment….one day..while in that chair..i saw this man stand up and pull the curtains open…the veils that were blocking my mind’s eye, my vision of things ……i was totally stunned…….it was breathtaking….i could not speak..he asked me what i was seeing..i finally found the words…there is a gigantic being of pure light that i see…all the planets, the stars, the whole galaxy, all that exist is his body……..i didn’t really know what to think of all this ..so i ask him ..why me?..he answers, because you deserved it…..that night i went home..went to bed..and as i layed in my bed..all pains, strikes of violence, all hurts of all kinds were pulled out of my body like darts of light..and i cried enough to fill rivers and then i was ok and fell asleep…..my life has never been the same since

..i worked with this gentleman for a while yet (who refuse to be called guide, or any other worthy name…he has no name, no age, and he appears in one town does what he does and move’s on to wherever is his calling)..i have seen many worlds, because of his help and i’ve also learned that true knowledge is sacred in a way and seldom taught on this earth but there are a lot of superb folks out there who participate in the growing consciousness of all things..and there are many walks of life….eventually like all things..there is an end…or continuing if you wish…i decided to stay here..i like this planet..so i chop the wood and carry the water..i work 40 hours a week in a factory..its an awful place but i’m there everyday with a smile and a joke to tell..some call me the philosopher..or the strange one..i don’t care..i’m happy and i still have so much to learn….so to end this story, being aware, being here now..awareness is a day to day thing…..you do your best and hope to never be..unaware….this story is more than 10 years old..but its like yesterday…my heart and soul pound like the first day…….peace

Robin Replies
Dear Marcel, This is a sacred story. More importantly a sacred experience. This whole sharing is so loaded But I will speak to the things that touched my heart. I loved the whole thread of your humble humanity. When you said: “…the discovery of…life love.” I love that line and know what you mean. Also you said: “one day i was so tired of my searches of balance and peace, i fell on my knees…cried out…put on my path a true son of the universe so that i may know!” This is beautiful Marcel and a cry straight from the heart. It moved me to tears. I think if we can reach this place in our lives we are very very blessed. It is a place we never forget, as we are wide open, stripped bare, raw and exposed to Life. Our defenses are stripped away or gone, we no longer “have control. We must surrender. This is when Life can enter. Sometimes people perceive this state as a curse or weakness in character, something to be ashamed of or even frightened by. And some have such ridged control that they never even allow their lives to reach this beautifully vulnerable place (I do not judge them as all must happen in the right time). But it is in this place that evolution of the soul takes place. It is here that we see (and KNOW) who and what we really are. What is.

I also understand when you asked: “Why me”…and were told, “Because you deserve it.” Yes, you do. This was and still is a magical awakening, one you invited when you let go all control and laid your heart bare. I know this place so well, such sweet peace arises from it. —I also loved your part about chopping wood and lugging water, yes, life goes on and each day is savored and cherished as we grow, continue to experience and learn, whether we work in a factory, dig ditches, heal the sick, write books, tend the children, etc. I believe we are ALL here for the journey. —I too have been called: “The Odd One” by my friends. Lovingly of course. And I’ve grown very found of the name. So I treasure your “The Strange One” or “The Philosopher”. In many past and some present cultures that is how names were given. I think both names fit you beautifully. —Marcel, this was a great gift you shared here today. One I treasure, it felt like a going home. Although many things were different on my path, I recognize so much here of my own path, my own feelings and awakening. That is very heartening and soothing. Thank you my friend.

peace,
mike
livelife365

Robin Replies
Dear mike, Ha! You are very astute. You didn’t read into it at all. In fact, I was tickled pink that you noticed. Which, for me, goes to show that YOU are very aware in a deep way, also. I will tell you this my friend; there is much more to YOU that you might always show the world. I see it and I see it coming more and more!!! I’m serious. And I KNOW that you can do it. I have no doubt mike. I look at you and it’s kind of like that old saying, “He has some really large shoes to fill.” Who I sense you are and where you are headed is VERY large indeed, in all ways. In spirit, soul, and actual life path. Trust it mike. REALLY trust it…even blindly. It’s all there just waiting for you, the shoes are there and I see you stepping into them. See, your work goes beyond talking/teaching health, it has a certain really “fun” vitality that is very alive and yet very at ease. It’s different from hype. So it makes you unique. It is that laid back happy, fun quality that acts like a magnet for you. You just being you, you just having fun, you just loving life and being warmly goofy and just plain ol’ fun! So there you have it.

Robin Replies
Dear Tara, I just love this beautifully honest comment about “self-made misery”. I write about this in my second book, which I am working on now. And I know what you are talking about. So I truly DO admire the courage and integrity of this sharing. It really amazing how MUCH self-made misery we humans can create. It also is remarkable how much we can let go of once we make the choice. And once we make this choice (and as you say it may be an “every day” process) we start to set ourselves free. Thank you Tara.

Thank you for the wonderful presentation – “What Forced You into Awareness? ”

“Through AWARENESS – the key to personal and spiritual growth – When we discover who we really are, we take charge. We live with intention, focus and purpose. We wake up to the gifts in every moment. We uncover the wealth of creativity, talent and wisdom already inside us.”

I am going to share this story with your readers and you…

This happen long time ago when I was only fourteen years old. Waiting for my father to bring some stuff, like quilt and clothing when living at a private residence and attending to college. My father has not showed up with the things I needed. Naturally began to worry what happened to papa. Finally, he arrived and I found out that no longer can carry on with my study. He told me that my mum is not going to live and I have to go home with him, to look after my younger siblings… Shocked and not aware of the situation at that very moment I packed all my belongings and returned home. Knowing how much work fell on my shoulders after my mother died, I have realized that my childhood burst like bubble in a split seconds and I became aware of what I am facing in that very early stage of my life.

Since then learn to take my time when decision making process. Somehow, I become wiser and self motivated. Being aware of the situation or being able to predict or foresee the future helps to avoid problems that were ahead of me. Faith and inner strength helped me to survive the toughest moments of my life.

Thank you,
Zuzanna

Robin Replies
Dearest Zuzanna, I am humbled by this story, my arms wanted to hold that fourteen year old girl (in spirit they do). My word you are brave and strong. It explains a lot to me why you are who you are and why I felt all this depth in you. You are like deep pool of clear water with many hidden depths that make you so real to me. I read this and my heart filled with love for that beautiful little fourteen year old girl who had such a load thrust so suddenly upon her shoulders. My heart swells with pride for the woman you are today. I see the way you move through life, even here on the internet, loving openly and compassionately all those who come your way. And you are the same way with yourself. I am honored to be called your friend. —Also, when you wrote about learning to take your time when you make decisions, I relate to that and feel the same, something I think about lately. So that was a good reminder for me. I think there is a LOT of power in what you said about predicting or foreseeing the future and avoiding potential problems that might arise. I agree. It is so important that we check in with ourselves and look/sense into things; this is a very important tool. And we must not only trust that we are capable of doing such a thing, but we must trust what we “see”. Thank you my dear friend. You are truly an inspiration.