Lessons from the Spider about Abundance

Friday, July 15, 2011

I was reading the Daily motivator and for the first time noticed a 'special feature'... and honestly, truly needed to read/see this... You might like it too.

Lessons from the spider
by Ralph Marston

As the sun appeared from behind a cloud, a fragile glimmer caught my eye. A few feet away was a spider web, so delicate it wasn’t even visible until the sunlight hit it just right. In the middle of the web was a tiny spider. A few insects, seemingly small to me yet as big or bigger than the little spider, were trapped in the web. That’s the spider’s food supply, I thought. It diligently builds the web, then patiently waits, and then the nature of life’s abundance provides sustenance.

Those little insects were already flying around before the spider ever arrived. The spider didn’t have anything to do with that. What the spider did, was arrange to catch some of them for dinner. Had the spider done nothing, and not built the web, the insects would have still been flying around, but none of them would be available for dinner.

There is no shortage of small insects. And there is really no shortage of any kind of life’s abundance. Yet for that abundance to useful, it must be utilized in some specific, meaningful way. For the spider, that means building a web to provide a food supply. After all, food is quite meaningful to the spider.

By building the web, the spider gives meaningful expression to life’s abundance. The same dynamic applies on any level. When there is something meaningful to you, it is absolutely available to you somewhere within life’s limitless abundance. And yet it doesn’t just appear because you desire it. Rather, it appears when you express your desire for it through the living of your life. That’s a crucial distinction. For the spider, that means building its web. For me, it might mean building a website, or writing a book. For someone else it might mean studying to become a research scientist or a gymnastics instructor.

We all must build some kind of web, though. The web does not create the abundance, for the abundance is already there. What the web does, is connect us to whatever particular expression of abundance that we wish to experience. And that, in the manner of a virtuous cycle, makes even more of life’s abundance present and available.

As I watched a stiff breeze blow through the web I wondered. What happens when the web breaks? How does the spider feel about that? Actually, I realized, it doesn’t matter what the spider thinks or feels. What matters is whether or not the spider builds another web.

Life’s abundance never ends. Yet our various connections to that abundance come and go. If we mourn their passing too obsessively, then we miss out on opportunities to make more connections. We treasure each connection, not because of what it is but because of the abundance with which it connects us. If there were no insects to catch, the spider would have little use for any web.

What the spider understands is that the insects are always there. So if the web blows away, the thing to do is simply build another one. Sure, it’s a lot of work. Sure, it’s a shame that the old one is gone. But the abundance is not gone. It just needs a new connection.

We can often lose some connection or other to life’s abundance. Yet even when we do, the abundance is still very much there. And what we have is the opportunity to build an even better connection, an even bigger and stronger web. As soon as we do, the abundance flows more richly than ever.

The spider has now eaten all its prey. The insects are gone and it is crawling around the web, re-spinning portions of it, making ever stronger the connection to abundance.


Ralph Marston's site is wonderful!! I read the Daily Motivator every single day (except Sunday when he doesn't post one lol)
greatday.com/nmot/features/lessons-f
rom-the-spider.html#ixzz1SBOwT0oN

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

HOPEFULHIPPO 7/15/2011 8:37PM

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MSLZZY 7/15/2011 3:19PM

Excellent! Thanks for sharing! Report Inappropriate Comment

ILUVTTV 7/15/2011 10:30AM

How true! So much is there and we fail to utilize it! Have a great day! Anne Report Inappropriate Comment

Mental Health Day

Friday, July 15, 2011

I decided to take a vacation day today... or a 'mental health day' if you will. I've been feeling drained and trying to recharge and change my energy levels.

I have my angel reading booked for noon today and looking forward to that.

I slept in and it's another sunny day out. Going to enjoy treating myself to a few things... including a nice walk by the river this morning. Will check in tomorrow!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

MOMMYBYCHOICE 7/15/2011 9:34AM

whats an angel reading?? and btw MH days are very very importatnt. Report Inappropriate Comment

MEADSBAY 7/15/2011 9:06AM

Have fun! Report Inappropriate Comment

NANCYBOAT 7/15/2011 9:04AM

Good for you - we all need a break. Enjoy!!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

KAITLYNSNAMMY 7/15/2011 8:05AM

Good for you. I wish you a wonderful day of R&R.you deserve it. Enjoy! Report Inappropriate Comment

LADNBA 7/15/2011 7:58AM

Good idea! Too many of us become obsessed with our jobs - either inside or outside the home & sometimes both - and we forget that we need to take care of us! Report Inappropriate Comment

FCARMICH 7/15/2011 7:56AM

enjoy! Report Inappropriate Comment

ALICERIEGER 7/15/2011 7:53AM

Enjoy your day! Report Inappropriate Comment

Repeating Cycles

Thursday, July 14, 2011

So I was reading one particular blog in my review and the light bulb went off ... because I could have written it today as it's much of what I'm feeling and going through again.

It's good to recognize the pattern, but what's more important now is to develop a strategy to break that cycle and do something new/different. Love this quote today:

Vitality shows in not only the ability to persist but the ability to start over. ~ F.
Scott Fitzgerald

Every day we are going through the motions and repeating things - but we can make a difference in every day with one small change, one choice different from before... So I'm going to focus on doing small things and not getting overwhelmed with the big picture. I got some great feedback on my blog yesterday (thank you everyone)... and truly my SP friends are my assistant navigators - helping me to see things where I sometimes don't see it.

So I did something different for my workout yesterday and decided I'm going to try to be consistent and do it every day for the rest of the month and just focus on this one task... I won't beat myself up for NOT getting my ST in again last night - instead I will focus on this morning and doing that new thing again... The new thing is actually using the programs within my elliptical. I have never really been able to manage to go more than 10mins on it without feeling like - man this is hard I have to get off. And this was without using any programs and leaving the resistance at the lowest level. So yesterday I decided to try a program for 20mins and will run these programs for every morning until the end of the month.

I hope to also work my schedule to include my evening workouts - but was kind of distracted yesterday. I'm dealing with some stuff and won't blog the details (unlike my past blogs) because it too feels like a repeat in how I'm feeling emotionally and it has to do with 'dating' and wondering ... can this be something that can happen or am I dreaming again.

So with all this uncertainty and struggle going on in my head - I feel the need to go for a reading... which I've been debating about for some time. Going to e-mail and see if he's available. This will be my 4th reading with him over the past few years... I don't go often but I find that when I'm at a point where I'm feeling a bit 'lost' they help... it's like obtaining counselling from my angels and it's always positive...

We'll see if I can actually follow through on this too because I've cancelled the past 2 appointments I booked...

Today's goal - FOLLOW THROUGH on all I set out to do today!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

SEAWAVE 7/14/2011 6:08PM

You've mentioned wanting to have a reading a couple of times in the past few months. Keep your promise to yourself this time! Report Inappropriate Comment

HOPEFULHIPPO 7/14/2011 2:46PM

consistency was my hardest plateu to beat...stickers helped me a bit with that one. You can do this! Report Inappropriate Comment

MEADSBAY 7/14/2011 10:05AM

It's funny how we try to be consistent and have a routine and sometimes it turns into somewhat of a rut! I find this is true in workouts and in eating. Report Inappropriate Comment

KAITLYNSNAMMY 7/14/2011 8:09AM

One day at a time, you will do it! Report Inappropriate Comment

MSLZZY 7/14/2011 7:25AM

Focus and follow through, yes! You can do it! Report Inappropriate Comment

DOOBRIE 7/14/2011 6:02AM

Keep up your exercise goal. I'm doing a DVD challenge on one of my teams and I'm doing at least one exercise DVD every day this month, even if it's only a 10 minute one. I'm really loving it! Sending hugs for the other things going on in your life. Report Inappropriate Comment

EXENEC 7/14/2011 4:59AM

Amen to all you wrote. Good luck. Report Inappropriate Comment

Blog Review

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

I worked on putting my blogs into a Word document yesterday and I am up to the end of May. I have been doing this practice for the past few years now because I enjoy having them printed and in a 'book' like a true journal of my journey.

With my recent tougher days where I've been struggling, I found myself wanting to go back to a period where I know I was doing better - back in Jan/Feb/Mar - with my dream trip, and my 30day stretch of being alcohol free ... so I could read how I was feeling and know I can feel that way again... with the choices that I make to do so!

We all have our ups and downs and as I re-read my own blogs, I see my pattern. I am also noticing how my monthly cycles are taking over about half my month with respect to the 'hormones' and how they affect my life. I did a mini-test and perhaps I am nearing menopause but not sure... I do know I'm extra sensitive and emotional these days. Perhaps it's because I'm alone with the girls gone and my focus is just on 'ME' ... I don't have the girls to worry about but just alone with my thoughts and need only care for me. Very different focus and while Sunday it will already be 3 weeks that they've been gone - I feel like I have yet to get grounded so that I can accomplish a few projects and tasks before they come back.

My number one priority is to get rid of the ever negative revolving payday loan I've been stuck in for so long... I will be near broke by paying it off but I have been putting it off long enough. With the girls gone, I can suck it up as I don't need much for spending/groceries - it's just me and the rabbit (and he doesn't eat much lol).

Second priority is to de-clutter some more and get rid of some 'stuff' before Megan gets back. There are items/toys she just doesn't touch anymore and it's time to donate them to children who can use them (I'm thinking of bringing it to a women's shelter or something - will have to seek out what is around town as this is where I'd like to donate it).

My third priority is to get back to routine and stop trying to 'catch up' ... My yo-yoing of the weight is driving me insane ... and I have to just let it go and start from where I'm at.

So I begin this morning with my first workout of the week in the morning. With all the alcohol cleared out of the house - I will also be AF (the paying off of the huge debt this Friday means I am not leaving myself room to spend on buying any more either lol). Time to tighten up the belt - in all areas of my life and get on top of things to feel lighter and better in every sense - mind/body/spirit!

Here's to a balanced LIFE again!!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

MIMICOTO 7/14/2011 1:30PM

What a great exercise! Just an FYI....I too noticed that my hormonal swings started taking up about 1/2 of my month about 2 years ago....perimenopause!!! Supplements help (evening primrose for example), but the biggest boost is from being AF. Changed a ton of stuff for me and really diminished this rotten extended PMS.... xo Report Inappropriate Comment

KAITLYNSNAMMY 7/13/2011 8:37PM

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GTANYA 7/13/2011 7:44PM

Helene, I am proud of you for writing this blog. You nailed it and reconfirmed how important you are to you. You are spending the time you need to get to where you want to be. Paying off your loan - how amazing is that after all you have been through. You are amazing girl and once again an inspiration to me (and others). Have a wonderful evening. I will be doing the same over the next couple of weeks - sorting through all my stuff and aiming for my dreams!!! Take care and let's connect soon. We can always exchange numbers and I can call you!! Take care Tanya Report Inappropriate Comment

HOPEFULHIPPO 7/13/2011 4:02PM

Very inspirational. You can do this. One day at a time friend. Report Inappropriate Comment

AUNTB63 7/13/2011 1:00PM

Great written blog. Documenting our journey and being able to look back must be invaluable. I haven't done that and now wish I would have. It seems that you have some goals (priorities) to get to, but I have faith that YOU can do this. Working with negativeness is absolute hell at times....went through that for about a month......slowly getting beyond it. Sorting and de-cluttering is a great way to have something constructive on your mind along with helping others by donating what you can...I cleaned out a couple of closets and found it therapeutic. We all have done the "yo-yo" dieting and we know that it goes no where.......getting back on track (ONE day at a time) is the only thing that worked for me.......yesterday was my Day 1 (again) and it went well....not perfect, but well. Hope things go well for you.....I'm here for you if you need it. Barb Report Inappropriate Comment

ILUVTTV 7/13/2011 11:15AM

Putting your blogs in a binder is a great idea. If I really get into blogging, I think I will do the same. You know what you need to do and your list is well-defined. As you clean out some clutter, things will seem better. I wish you well on an AF journey. Take care and God bless, Anne Report Inappropriate Comment

PURPLESPEDCOW 7/13/2011 9:17AM

You have the right attitude to do what you want to do. Good for you in getting rid of clutter. I am doing that now as well. I find it more peaceful now that some of that old stuff is gone. Good luck in cleaning up and getting your life into a new normal. Report Inappropriate Comment

WESTCOASTKID 7/13/2011 8:36AM

SS, I love the idea of going back to your blogs of Jan., Feb., and March to see how you were feeling and what you were doing to make that time period such a success. Report Inappropriate Comment

MEADSBAY 7/13/2011 8:25AM

Me and you, kid! Report Inappropriate Comment

HOLDINGMYOWN 7/13/2011 7:28AM

Helene~ on a great review of yourself and where you at now at and where you want to go! I realize how lucky I am at this point in my life when I read about others on Sparks. I have a wonderful hubby who loves me fat or otherwise, who supports me on anything I want to do and I have two grown boys who are on their own feet and doing very well with their own lives ( even though my youngest has some family problems ), I have good family of my own who love and care for me, and I am retired with not a care in the world really to speak of~ Having said all that~ I HAVE been there and wore the T-Shirt of many people here on Sparks. I spent 28 yrs in a loveless marriage, I had problems with my both boys as they were growing up trying to cope with their father. I had to be both Mother & Father, wage earner, housekeeper, home maker, taxi, volunteer, Cub leader, Hockey Mom, worked 2 jobs when my oldest started university, did the household bookkeeping trying to to stay afloat with all the bills, constantly was a buffer between my boys and their father, constantly was counselling my boys on learning that life is not always fair and that they had to learn to cope with people worse than their father out there in the real world, and on and on and on~ And through all this, I was constantly on yo-yo diets and never seemed to be able to get a grip on my weight. But I was happy in many other ways despite it all. I learned very quickly that happiness was in MY control even if other things were not~ so I learned that if I made a decision~ it was MY decision! Therefore, get on with it! Close the door behind me once the decision was made and not to blame others for MY decisions. In doing this, I found that I could be happy with my life at the time~ and was happy to the point that many others around me were shocked when I decided to get a divorce once my boys were on their own feet. You hang in there Helene~ you are thinking right~and as time goes on your life WILL be balanced! But like losing weight~ don't expect it to all happen over night~ it does take patience and work~ BUT reading this Blog you wrote tells me that you are going to make it! Just close that door behind you now and OPEN the next one! And NEVER, NEVER, look back or open that closed door! Report Inappropriate Comment

MSLZZY 7/13/2011 7:10AM

De-clutter your home of items no longer needed-great idea! I have been AF for a long time but it helps that I can't stand the taste and being an EMT is a sure excuse to stay clean. Do the best you can-hugs! Report Inappropriate Comment

DREMARGRL 7/13/2011 5:16AM

Wishing you all the success in the world. I'm so glad you have a forum you enjoy so that you can sort out your "stuff". I just can't seem to want to blog much right now. Being a private person is a burden at times. So I enjoy your blogs and hope that by journaling, you will see the light at the end of the tunnel and continue to forge ahead. I see you moving forward......and that's such a good thing to do for yourself. I'm so proud of you. XO MaryAnn Report Inappropriate Comment

It's never too late...

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

It is never too late to be what you might have been. ~ George Eliot

My day did not go as planned and as I read some of my friends' blogs... I feel as though I'm not alone. I feel a bit off balance lately and my self-confidence and will has been shaken.

I ended the day with the beginnings of a migraine. The pressure change and the heat/humidity did not help. I left work a bit early and was stuck on an over crowded bus with loads of kids not giving up their seats for those elderly or those requiring seats more than them... adding to my frustration. I was supposed to do a few things yesterday - including my workout, including picking up boxes... but I came home and my 'will' went out the window... I ended the evening by eating mindlessly and was not AF again.

I'm feeling like I'm at a cross road again ... I feel myself bloating up instead of whittling down and feel like I'm losing control. My dreams are even themed around 'losing' control...

Everything seems out of reach at this moment again and I feel like I'm fighting a losing battle. I know it's a mind set that I have to switch out of and that I need to get my resolve back - by getting one GOOD day under my belt to get the momentum going in the right direction again.

So it's a new day and I'm going to try again. I'm driving to work so I can pick up the boxes right after work and going in to work early to come back before traffic gets too hectic.

I did not workout yesterday - tried going for a walk at lunch but was turned around with rain. Then with the migraine, didn't have the energy to do anything after work. This morning - not feeling like doing anything either as I have to get ready earlier to make it in to work earlier. It's so hot/humid in my place too .. with no AC feels YUCK already.

I try not to post blogs like this ... but I have to recognize where I'm at... and pull myself out of this rutt I find myself in. It starts with one action, one step... I hope that today will be a better day!

Thanks EWESTCOTT for sharing this link ... and today's opportune note from The Universe

Laced throughout every day of your life, Helene, are hidden highways of opportunity, invisible crossroads of time, and golden avenues for personal transformation that if only traveled upon would reveal the extraordinary, the sublime, and the unexpected.

Yet most slip by undetected until there's first a childlike wonder at the ordinary, the routine, and the expected.

Hot diggity-dog,
The Universe

After all, Helene, it's usually a dirt road that leads to the diamond mine.

www.tut.com/theclub/

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

PERSISTENT_GIRL 7/12/2011 11:06PM

You are the driver of your life Helene and you will turn things around. Put one foot in front of the other and take it one step at a time. Do not dwell in the side road taken yesterday, instead look on ahead to this moment. I'm sorry I cannot be more "there" for you as I have some of my own stuff going on, but all I can do is send this nice message for today and I can at least i will do that. Keep faith & Be Strong Helene, find the strenght to move on! Your friend is right: on many dirt roads, gold mines are found!! Report Inappropriate Comment

CHEFKATLEANER 7/12/2011 12:53PM

Sorry to read that you're struggling. :( I hope that today turns out to be that great day that you're looking for. :D Report Inappropriate Comment

MSLZZY 7/12/2011 10:45AM

You are a fighter so don't let this get you down. Baby steps and one foot in front of the other! You CAN do it! Report Inappropriate Comment

CANDYXPERT 7/12/2011 9:45AM

I agree that one good day leads to another ... so have yourself a good day!! Report Inappropriate Comment

AUNTB63 7/12/2011 9:13AM

Boy do I know how you feel.........I too am struggling to regain that ever so important momentum. I keep telling myself....practice what you preach...that is one step at a time.....one day at a time. This past month I have been so out of control.........through my own fault (if I was going to blame any one). Every day I pledge to make it a good/healthy/active one and so far I just haven't made it through that first day........WE will do this again.....WE will not give up....WE have come a long way and WE will go forward and conquer. Have a great day I know I am going to try to. Report Inappropriate Comment

MEADSBAY 7/12/2011 8:18AM

We are human beans, as my third graders were wont to say, after all, and life is complex at times (if we let it be). Catch that part- 'hidden highways'? You will find your way if you keep looking for it. Report Inappropriate Comment

KAITLYNSNAMMY 7/12/2011 7:39AM

Keep feeling better. Report Inappropriate Comment

46SHADOW 7/12/2011 7:28AM

Keep up the good fight. Sounds like the migraine threw you off and that is only a one day occurrence. That was yesterday. it is a new day with new possibilities. I was off my momentum and am struggling to regain it but I'm sure we can do it. Report Inappropriate Comment