One of our Enlightened Life Lovers, Theresa Wilkinson, sent me this story and video link.  Just when we thought that the world economy is in chaos, our own government is divided against itself, and the unemployment rate may not go up for some time…..there is a story like this one.  Click this link and see for yourself!

We are about to ring in the new year everyone has been talking about, 2012.  We are seeing how human challenge and apparent tragedy create openings where we can and do rise to a higher order of ourselves.  Are we finding ways to become more heart-centered or cynical?  The choice is certainly ours.  And news like this gives us hope and inspiration. 

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I’m reading this book a second time.  (I rarely if ever do that.)  I also recently saw the movie.  Despite those who bemoan how movies do not do justice to books, I think this one does.  And it’s not a “chick” book.  It’s a book about being human, searching for the deepest truth in oneself, and having the courage to live authentically.  I would hope this pertains to all of us.  In re-reading this book, I forgot how absolutely funny the author is.  The thing I like most about this work is how in the midst of personal angst, she finds a ray of humor.  She is able and willing to embrace her vulnerabilities and yet take herself as lightly as possible.  Can you?  I think this is a great skill in life. 

I am hearing that many women are reacting to this movie with “How selfish of her!”  This is an interesting phenomenon.  After two waves of feminism (some say three), there are women who still hold a double standard for their own gender.  Judging anyone for anything is not wise.  I’ll offer the famous Rumi poem, “Out beyond ideas of wrong-doing and right-doing there is a field, I’ll meet you there.”  Liz finds herself on her knees after years of reaching for “right-doing” according to everyone in her life, including herself.  Once she releases judgement she hears her own pure thoughts and feels her own deepest feelings.  It takes human courage not to run at this point, in any direction. 

I like this book and movie a lot.  Mostly because I love the theme, which in my understanding is this — “Who are you?” and “What are you here for?”  The two most important questions any human can embrace.  The two answers which keep one on the path of authenticity and intimacy.  The only road to love. 

And so I will recommend both the movie and the book to you (all of you).  I will also recommend that you sit with your close circles and talk about some of what comes up for you.  Keep it real.  There is ever so much difference between conversing and gossiping.  I’d love to hear from you about what this book (and movie) unearths in you.  While it would be wonderful to take a year and travel to far off lands in search of self, it can be done much closer to home.  As long as we are willing to release the known, face our fears, and stay true to our deepest intuitions, I’d say we are definitely on track.  Oh, and it doesn’t hurt to eat…..pray…..and love along the way.

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The end of 2009 is upon us, complete with the upcoming holidays and a reflective look back at a tumultuous year. Last weekend’s Wall Street Journal (Weekend Edition) boasted the headline, “Jobs Data Lift Recovery Hopes,” siting a slight drop in the jobless rate in November, after a solid two year climb to “heights unseen in nearly three decades.” And while the Dow rose there was a new concern by investors that the Federal Reserve will begin to raise interest rates. Experts are cautioning that “one month’s data don’t make a trend” and predict that unemployment will actually peak in the first quarter of 2010. So what is the key? “Growing jobs.” says President Obama and many others.

Switch channels now to a webinar I attended recently by Loral Langemeier, author and entrepreneurial expert who had a brief cameo in the movie The Secret. She exuberantly says that “Unemployment is fabulous!” as it encourages many to be resourceful in thinking outside of the “job” box toward creating their own businesses. The Foreword to her newest book, Put More Cash In Your Pocket is written by Harry S. Dent, Jr., Pres. of the H.S. Dent Foundation and bestselling author. He states that “History repeats itself and the next decade will be more like the 1930′s, when major companies and banks failed but entrpreneurialism flourished — and more at the everyday scale than massive new Microsoft and Google companies.” He adds that traditional methods to achieve financial security can no longer be relied upon; job security is pretty much an oxymoron; and that retirement is moving further out of reach.

So as we take a broader look at this economic and business landscape, what do we conclude? Is this a recession, a depression, or a revision? Are we seeing the worst of times or a change of times? Is the glass half full or half empty?

My answer is that we are poised at a unique point in human history, one in which we have received the most massive invitation ever delivered to man (and woman) kind. It is called “the shift” and is often associated with the year 2012. However be aware that it is a 30 year window and that we are smack in the midst of it!

Sound interesting? More in my next blog as we take a closer look at the opportunities and implications of this amazing cosmic picture and what it means in our personal lives.

Meanwhile, I wish all of you the happiest of holidays! Go to my contact page and sign up for my monthly newsletter to receive personal invitations to all upcoming Enlightenment events! Or click the Calendar link to see what is coming up! Also, please join my “Enlightened Life Lovers” fan page on Facebook!

~Victoria A. Vetere, PhD, HC – Enlightened Life Coach & Facilitator

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