“We do not “come into” this world;
we come out of it, as leaves from a tree.
As the ocean “waves,” the universe “peoples.”
Every individual is an expression of the whole realm of nature,
a unique action of the total universe.”
― Alan Wilson Watts
Click here to listen to a great song by the amazing Steve Goodman.
The other day I stood at the edge of the pool, waiting for the woman swimming in the lane in front of me to finish her lap. When she drew up to the wall she looked up at me as I asked, “Mind if we split the lane?”, simultaneously motioning with my hand that I would be willing to take the right side. Without a nod, a smile, an affirmative, she turned, stuck to the left lane line and pushed off.
What could I have done in those few seconds to annoy and alienate this stranger? Perhaps she wasn’t a stranger. Did I flirt with her husband 22 years ago and she recognized me immediately? Why would she choose to be unfriendly when a smile would have been absolutely adequate? Why am I half way across the pool and still thinking about her?
The answer to the last question, in a nut shell, where it belongs, is because I am wired that way. No need to beat myself up about it, but I can move on from it. Seven little words helped me move on in a big way.
She is doing the best she can.
I will never know why she did what she did and did not do what I was expecting (a smile). But I do know that we are all doing the best we can. Like it or not, it is the truth. And if we consider this the next time someone is rude, divisive or parsimonious we will probably be a lot happier.
Instead of spending my swim annoyed by her behavior, I tuned into a lovingkindness meditation for my children. It goes something like this:
May know good health.
May Nick be protected.
May Will be safe.
May Chanel be happy.
May Sophie be prosperous.
I cycle through each child, so eventually they all get each wish as a big energetic hug from me. And as we all know, this hug will return to me. For more on lovingkindness, click here.
Please join me at Cottage #3 on Wednesday evening February 12th for the
earrings without partners event.
Bring with you any earrings that have lost their partners, so we can create new and wearable designs for you to keep or gift. The images above are some samples of earrings that have been converted into rings, pendants and a cuff.
If you have other pieces that you do not wear because they are broken, dirty or have yucky mojo, feel free to bring them as well. The fun is in the phoenix-a-tion* process.
Remember, the process of redesigning is like the process of living:
like leaves and waves, we are showing up, expressing and doing our best.
For details about the event or if you cannot join us, but have some jewelry to send, please email me:
amy@amyragsdale.com
Thanks for walking with me,
Amy
DO I AMUSE YOU?
"When I wear Amy Ragsdale jewelry I feel bad ass, powerful and beautiful. Her designs are always evolving and fresh, fun and playful. I love her work!!!" Jane Innmon Jane Innmon is the woman of Sweetwater Healing Arts in Tucson Arizona. She moved to Arizona from the Delaware Valley almost fifteen years ago on a mission to build a Peace Sound Chamber. The Sweet Beautiful Waters Peace Sound Chamber has been created and with it, several other powerful ceremonies. I love her work! Jane is wearing a solid sterling fortis pendant which her husband, Pat gifted her for their anniversary last year. It is engraved with "DO I AMUSE YOU? “which apparently makes her smile.