"When you yield internally, when you surrender, a new dimension of consciousness opens up. If action is possible or necessary, your action will be in alignment with the whole and supported by creative intelligence, the unconditioned consciousness which in a state of inner openness you become one with. Circumstances and people then become helpful, cooperative. Coincidences happen." -Eckhart Tolle (A New Earth p. 58)
Since I have started reading "A New Earth", I have been reminded that we do not have to push so hard for things to work out. The things that are "really" right for us, often appear with ease. In fact, those things that are "really" right for us, often will not go away.
I know this to be true, but like many others, I seem to work against it. For instance, 7 years ago, I quit my job and told the Universe I wanted to become a writer. The idea of being a freelance writer would allow me to work and travel the world freely, enjoying life to the fullest. Almost immediately, I found that I was pregnant and the time for writing became less. Simultaneously, my interest in children and education (though always strong) grew more intense. So, on at least 7 different occasions, over the past 7 years, I have asked the Universe, "What should I be doing?" The answer is always "open a school."
The answer has come in a variety of ways starting with parents asking me to open a school, a school director asking me to purchase her school, a church asking me to start a school for them and a state employee actually signing me up for daycare license classes (because she thought I should start a school). Additionally, five years ago, my mom told a Chicago Public School (CPS) worker about my work with children (coaching children on focusing, concentrating and learning). He suggested I consider opening a new Renaissance 2010 school. I did not pursue that opportunity either, but have been watching the progress of the project ever since.
After reading chapter one of "A New Earth," I asked the question again. "What should I be doing?" Within an hour, my brother came by to pick up my nephew. Out of the blue he said, "You should open a daycare."
That evening I got an email from a Professor (who understands that I want to be a writer) suggesting I might look for business opportunities in homeschooling. Since I was planning to attend a homeschooling conference that weekend, I thought his suggestion came with perfect timing. I decided to attend the conference with an open mind about business opportunities.
That weekend, I spoke with one mom-preneur about homeschooling and working. When the topic switched to my plans, I explained that I wanted to be a writer and the Universe wants me to open a school. Her sister joined the conversation to say, "You can be a homeschooler, a writer and own a school at the same time." For me, this was a new and interesting option. Could this actually work?
The fact is, I have about four outlines of imaginary schools that I think are sorely needed in Chicago. They are ideas that are not popular, but they are very feasible. An optimal position for me would be to travel this world learning about more ways to educate children and to give them the options of gaining more than academic insight. Children need room to grow academically and personally at the same time. Though my brain is wrapped around the idea that I must open a school that achieves this lofty goal, I keep thinking that a school will inhibit my ideas of freedom (ego talk).
So, after the conference I said to the Universe, "Okay, if I really understand that I am to open a school, bring me a new opportunity."
Well, last year I wrote a research paper that suggested a great solution for foster care youth could be found in boarding schools. Last week, my school advisor told me that CPS is looking into such an idea. I researched the article http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?p=19121493 and decided to forward my research paper to a general mailbox at CPS.
Today, I got a phone call from CPS. I have not spoken to them and have no further information other than the fact that they are responding to my email.
Wow!
Reading "A New Earth" has helped me to recognize my resistance on the path of education. I believe, this must be the task I promised to attend to when I agreed to enter this level of consciousness. Tolle tells us to stop resisting; to live consciously and yield. That said, I do not know what will come of my conversation with CPS next week but, I do know that the time has come for me to do my part in educating children.
"If no action is possible, you rest in the peace and inner stillness that come with surrender. You rest in God." -Eckhart Tolle (A New Earth, p. 58)
And if nothing comes of this opportunity, I will expect the right one to soon come my way.
1 comment:
That is so cool. I bet it will be an interesting opportunity! I know exactly what you mean about things coming your way like that. This happens to me all of the time, albeit in smaller ways. I find if I need something and I don't rush out to get it eventually it appears. I also find the more I want something, an ipod, a published article, etc... the less I'll get it when my want is sharp and the more likely it'll arrive after I've stopped dwelling on it, whether through my own actions or chance. I never analyzed that too much before but now I see some connections.
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