A Course in Yielding

"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.

Keeping a pact

So, I'm doing that Oprah & Eckhart "A New Earth" thing. You know, the webcast on Oprah.com. Okay, maybe you don't know. Anyway, I bought the book when it first came out in 2005 (I think). I tried to read it twice and decided, both times, that I simply was not ready. I was not in a place where awakening would work. I've asked myself what that is all about.

The fact is, over the past 3 years I have been completely lost. I got married and had my second child (after fighting marriage for so long) and then I created a reality that found me lost and at the mercy of confusion (completely different than Confucius). I hid my spirituality and beliefs from my husband and his family, I stopped making time to address the issue of me. I started charging for my Spiritual Coaching sessions and classes and thus, got lost in the financial woes of people paying me my worth, instead of helping them find their way back to bliss.

I've been making my way back slowly and this book is good for me in that manner; helping me to find my landmarks, the ones that lead me back to me.

So, in my current moment of bliss, I want to say, "Thank You," to all the souls that are a part of my life right now. Each of you has played a significant role in my journey back to me. I realize that at the spirit level you all agreed to come into my life when I would need you most and help me get right back on track.

I'm talking about Wini, Kim, Lori, Mr. Cutler, Imani, Stevie, Journey, Justin, Mom, Wanda, Shannon, Amber, Sherri, Stephen and so many more that I cannot begin to name you all. You may not know who you are but, if you are a part of my life in any tiny way, I am talking about you.

I appreciate each of you keeping that pact. It means so much to me.

Yvonnie