I believe we all have dreams that we want to manifest. My coach has a tag line that says “dare to dream”! That is what I like about her philosophy; and what we dream, why we dream and remembering and interpreting our dreams has been the subject of mystics and scientists.  The problem is precisely in our use of what we dream.

When we night-dream we are experiencing situations that we then subject to interpretation when awake; when our rational mind is active. If we remember the dreams, most of us are not controlling them. They just are. When we day-dream, we are consciously desiring to create a reality that is different from the one we are experiencing. While the merits of future- tripping are debatable,  we do like to wish, to play with what-ifs, to grow and like butterflies, transform. That is the natural way. The problem is our frame of reference.

In discussing the properties of a certain crystal, Robert Simmons writes in The Book of Stones that “we are educated to believe that the future will tend to resemble the past. This self-fulfilling prophecy keeps us chained to dreary predictability and kills imagination”. If you doubt this statement just listen to the political banter about “going back to the old values”, and other past-tripping  jargon designed to convince us that our country is on the wrong track. Indeed we are! We cling to the past; to the known and more dangerously, we cling to the romantic remembrance of what the past actually was. We refuse to be in the present moment accepting and loving what is or was, for the learning and growth it afforded us. The Buddhist translation of this is suffering. We suffer, or rather we are unhappy and create suffering by negating the present moment and proceed to visualizing a reality we are not able to see because of our frame of reference. We create a cupful of cravings and our dreams are fake.

In nature and in reality, everything is always moving and changing. That is the constant. Yet, we are too busy holding on. We hold to existing ideas and beliefs, no matter how obsolete they may be. We hold on to people, relationships and jobs that no longer fit. We cling to houses that are too big, too small, or in a certain neighborhood because of how they define us, and so it is with our dreams…We are busy defining exactly what the future ought to be while our frame of reference is the past!

I think that “no more faking it” may mean that I begin to love who I am, what I have, and what I do now, and proceed to use my dreams and visualizations to explore. First I contemplate the seed of my desires and next, engage in playing with possibility from what I know. I start by recalling feelings of joy, of love and enthusiasm in the face of new experiences. I put out my wishes and listen to my heart, and if the “dream” resonates with the feelings, then I dwell and these feelings. Hop on my imaginary bike and pedal to explore and visualize myself feeling more of the feelings of joy, love, openness, daring to feel what I am yet to really know. Now I am  grateful for my present “equipment” and take “trips” just for the enjoyment of the trip and for the opportunity to explore. This is how I can use my good old “frame of reference”.

Our frame of reference, is that new knowledge or ideas are discovered while doing something else. We know from Einstein to John Lennon that the greatest ideas did not materialize while seeking them. They came up in the shower, while putting a child to sleep, while looking at an event that had nothing to do with what they were looking for.

We don’t wait for our dreams to manifest. We expect that they will. It is inevitable. In the mean time, we re fully present. We appreciate that we may not be where we dare to be. We live in the present moment at all times and we are alert and open to what shows up, seize the moment and see the difficult encounters as nuggets of precious learnings. What is in front of us, what we are experiencing is unique to us. With presence and alertness, we can recognize in what we do not like, aspects or traits we have yet to accept and lovingly embrace them. It is not by focusing on the future, but by integrating the learning; the jewels that are present now and allowing these circumstances to dare us to transform that we manifest not only what we dared to dream, but the best possible dream for us.

I dare us to release our grip on being a certain person, or display a certain label to define us. Let us open our hearts and our minds, hop on the imaginary, or maybe the actual bike and pedal. Expect adventures and relish the feelings of discovery. That is how the caterpillar transforms. That is how we manifest our best dreams in the best form in the present we are. We drink from the cupful of the here and now!

One of the greatest gifts I received is the permission I gave myself to paint for the sheer beauty of the experience. I learned to Play with Fear. Along the way, my world re-arranged itself to reward my enjoyment. I am happy, I am grateful for my work, my family, my friends, my clients, my colleagues, my neighbors, my vendors, my home, my garden, my indoor plants, the weather changes, the music I hear, the television I do not have, the choices I make, the diets I have embraced and my fluctuating weight. I am thankful for those I often spend time with and the people I no longer do. Because I learned to accept and play with Fear, today I stand at the doors of the Temple of Light.

I accept that all that I have been and done it is and has been just perfect. I have done my very best given my understandings at the time; whatever I saw as truth. I know that it was and is just right, because all of it has served me to be who I am today. And while I may have inadvertently hurt some and I am regretful, I have nothing to forgive myself for. I have seen that there was deep learning in all of it. I accept full responsibility for feeling needy, demanding, loving, caring, boastful, wanting, experimenting, pushy and remorseful, brilliant and stupid, kind and blind. Above all, I am aware that I am always riding my bicycle.

In control of my handlebars, I don’t always understand who crosses my path at the moment, or the full import of what I am experiencing within and without, but I know that it is happening in the “movie script” I created with my thoughts, my beliefs and therefore my behavior. I pay attention and make connections. I search for the nuggets of learning. I sincerely apologize to others and myself for my incorrect perceptions and see that I embrace that I am here to learn and create and that this is my adventure, my journey. I accept that “perfection” is an unnecessary ego-driven desire and that the only way to engage in learning and growing is playing with a full deck of cards and diverse company at the table. I fumble, I put out my cards, I see what others put out and I Play With Fear.

Playing with Fear is accepting that I may not be right, that the game I am in may not be what I am ready for now or ever; that the partners I am with may not be the ones I will complete the journey with and at all times, honor my feelings. I have the power and responsibility to change course, to put out a new card, to be on the next ship and to reflect and re-assess directions. I drive my vehicle and like on the road, I need to mind my manners and drive with presence or I may cause harm for myself and others.

Today I am “poised for greatness”, as Mike Dooley puts it. I am standing in my greatest accomplishment; being the best student  of  Life. I know I can only work on myself and cannot change anyone or keep them from making my mistakes. These are after all, my mistakes. I also know that I do not have the right to interfere in another’s learning path for I do not know what is best for them. I can help by accepting those in my life just as they are in their journey, offer love and presence within the relationship. I can help and not enable. I can love and not expect love back. I can share Light and not wait for another to keep it bright and shining. No attachments and no aversions, the Buddha taught. Play with Fear and dare to enjoy this moment because it is the only one I have!

What wonderful gifts I received this year. Patiently I await the blossoms of the seeds I planted this year. Enter the Temple of Light, Play With Fear and have Happy Holy-Days now and forever!

The white Victorian wicker furniture is well-worn and graceful. The chair cushions are softly rounded and invitingly cozy. Lush greenery abounds. Cascading geraniums burst from the hanging baskets. Trailing flowers wrap themselves on the columns. The water is brightly lit and serene. Blue-gray mountains majestically preside in the distance.  In front of the railing, a tall table sets the tone, sporting a basket of mouth-watering breakfast pastries bursting with color.  A glass of orange juice sits expectantly next to a muffin on small plate. A bird house and a potted plant keep the sun from warming the cool drink. Fresh fruits are scattered next to a colorful teapot, two dainty tea cups and an elaborate pitcher. All are set on a low center table. Food and drinks are kept ready by the fiery kiss of the morning light. It is the start of a new day for the occupants of this fabulous place. My eyes scan the scene and I see little things I never before noticed. There is a narrow thin metal strip nailed to the floor depicting alert maintenance. Care is made obvious by the fresh paint on the wood and wicker. The center table is an elaborately forged metal table, updated and well maintained by a white coat of paint. There are yellow blossoms and orange ones and pinks, purples and reds ones. There are hundreds of shades of green. Oh, the peace and the aliveness expectancy of a new day! Fittingly I am having my first morning cup of tea.

This picture has been in my bedroom for over 10 years, yet I am seeing it for the first time…now…in the present. No stories, no visualizations, just what is.

As a good Feng Shui expert, I placed this picture across my bed so I would look at a beautiful scene when I first awoke and went to sleep. Dear Professor Lin Yun taught us the importance of first impressions, especially upon waking and to close the day, to notice the blessings surrounding us. I picked this print and lovingly selected the perfect complementing frame. Over the years it has served as my “vision board”. I imagined myself magically transported there, drinking the juice, flavoring the round coconut pastry, sipping the tea. At times I was in the south of France and other times I was in Savannah. I made it a retreat I owned for my spiritual gatherings in Tuscany. I looked at it as the view from my art studio. I pictured myself towelling from a morning dip and feeling abundant, joyous and surely successful. It was always in the future… until today!

As I opened my eyes after this morning’s meditation I felt the sun rays shining directly on the picture and today I looked at it anew. I was here in my bedroom. No stories, no visualizations, no chanting. This morning as I looked at the scene depicted, I felt joyous. I was just looking at a sunshiny morning. I saw peace. I felt the welcoming juice and the warmth of the tea and the softness of the cushions. I noticed more things. I saw new lines on the furniture. I observed the way the sun touched the prints on the pillows, and the skilled and detailed way in which the artist depicted comfort, fluidity yet solidity; flow and groundedness; abundance and classic restraint. I sensed peace and the calmness of being here and in this moment. My body filled with tingling sensations, I felt grateful that I can see this beautiful picture and discover newness every time I see it from the comfort of my beautiful bed. There was background happiness surrounding me as I noticed the beauty of my comforter and the softness and richness of my silky pillows. I experienced the wonderment of the still green landscape outside my window and felt the sun warming my body just like the one in the picture. As I got up and showered and wrapped myself on the thick towel I felt the goodness of the here and now.  I felt abundant, joyous and surely successful!

Oh, the peace and the aliveness expectancy of a new day! Fittingly I am having my second morning cup of tea. It is the start of the day for the occupant of my fabulous place. Top of the morning to you…Here and Now!!!

What were they thinking? I struggled to remember that Bob Oakes was only reading the news, but since his deep and often convincing voice was the only one I heard, I felt very sad. I found myself questioning his lack of discernment. Why did he not choose the story about houses sold to lead and then, if he needed to, report on the downer poll?  I also wondered how many of us felt as I did and if the pledges did not decrease following the segment.

Last night during our meditation & spirituality class, we touched upon complaining, either aloud or in our heads. We agreed that complaining has no real purpose and it incites ego-driven actions. One of the members spoke about “letting it out” in her own home to release energy as a positive action. She felt better and did not hurt anyone. Really?

Another member reminded us to be aware of what we are letting out in order to feel better. Our thoughts are real forces. They carry lots of energy. She asked what kinds of “seeds” we are planting, not only within our environments but outside in the world? Did she say…outside the safety of our homes? Indeed.

Those seeds-thoughts and words that are planted in our homes bear fruit in our furniture and accessories. They latch onto the dust, ride on the air we breathe, nest in our clothes, settle in our aura and take root in our psyche. We are thinking machines; we have about 60,000 thoughts a day. Most of the thoughts tend to be self-referenced yet random and porous. Unless we become aware of our thoughts and consciously filter the thoughts of the other trillions of people on the planet, we include these in our psyche, our aura, our clothes, our breath and bring them home to our dust, accessories, furniture, walls and windows.  We grow beliefs and vibrate with them. We attract others like ourselves. We affect others and our behavior is affected by our vibrational field.

This morning I became aware of what I was thinking and how quickly Bob Oakes words affected my thoughts, my feelings and therefore my actions. I did not pledge. I also became keenly aware of my complaining thoughts. I accepted that I was complaining and pondered about what within me was awakened by the radio stories. I will discuss that part of my internal search on another entry. Today I was certain that I had to find ways of transforming the negative seeds I was about to plant in my environment into beautiful blossoms. I know that what I decide to think affects me and those around me.

From gardening, I know that I need to pull the weeds as soon as they appear or they will invade the more beautiful plantings. I could also plant more flowers where the weeds were pulled and they would naturally keep the annoying ones from coming up. I acted as a gardener and first I shut off the “water”; I turned off the radio. Then I focused back on what I first heard; the story on Cindy Lauper. Pretty soon, her song buzzed in my head. I could sing all the words. Then I remembered that many more houses had been sold this past month and what a good thing it was for my business–I said that most of our thoughts tend to be self-referenced.  I could reach out to those new homeowners to help them clear the former owner’s energy, arrange their environment to facilitate growth and harmony and I could even sell them door protectors! Next was transforming my complaining to positive action.

Offering my experience as a learning tool for others seemed to fit the bill. I am grateful that through writing this piece, I transformed my complaining voice in the head. I accepted that I did not know why the radio station chose what they did, but that in general, I am enriched by the programming they offer. I made a pledge. I also patted myself on the back for having had the presence to turn off the sound when I did and for taking charge of my thinking. I have the power to insert a new thought at any time. I am not my thoughts and I decide what to think as long as I practice being present as much as possible.

Finally, I know that I create my reality by my thinking and my beliefs. I present to you a commissioned painting I did several years ago in where I entice the viewer to question what they see and think about what they see. Is it a picture of a sunrise? Could it be a fiery sunset as I witnessed this past summer on Block Island? Is it possibly a raging forest fire? Can it be a beautiful afternoon becoming cloudy and ominous on a late summer day? Maybe it is a gorgeous Fall Foliage day in New Hampshire? Or is it a self-healing piece about complaining and transforming thoughts? You decide. You are in charge of your own thoughts!

You can name the painting. Have a great day!!!

As I reflect once more on the reasons why I love painting and the success of the on-going exhibit in the Boston Area, I received this TUT note (www.tut.com) and I thought it was exactly on the mark. I could not said it better and I thank Mike Dooley for reaching me today. I hope that as you are seeing it today, you too take time to sense your big motivator, your big attractor.
“One of abundances many corollaries, is that the brighter your light, the more you attract… everything. Moths and butterflies.At which point you begin learning what to celebrate and what to let fly on by.”

Take time during the day to sense your own light. Let it shine. See the same light in all you encounter and in all you touch. You’ll see, you’ll have agreat day!

In any interaction you are involved with, do not be the first to speak. Be present, fully present with an open heart/mind to welcome the other into your vibrational circle. Be responsive, not reactive. Put all your energy in been fully present to what this other brings. It is even more fun within a group, like in a business meeting. Enjoy the process & with the same presence, decide when to reply & what is good to say—if necessary. Most people need you to hear them. Welcome this opportunity to practice some good Bodhisattva skills. Note a couple of times a day how you are feeling and what you are thinking. Pay attention to our usual “wanting to share my story”.

I know it may feel weird, contrived at first, but you are planting good seeds,crowding the seeds of anger, despair, isolation and sorrow–quite prevalent everywhere we look! You are becoming stronger and I PROMISE…you will feel good as soon as you notice how much love you feel inside, mostly toward yourself. You notice how easy it is to serve by this simple act of giving from the heart.Your vibrational field will positively change. Who knows, you may notice birds and butterflies being attracted to you. Simply reply Thank You!

Let us know how it goes

Financial matters tend to show what we value most and surface quickly. Discussions surrounding the space renovations became stalled when the price tag appeared to be higher than my client expected. The doctor asserted that the practice was in need of a very expensive and “much-needed, even crucial, newest and greatest” dental machine. However, they could not possibly afford the financial commitment of both! We need this superb diagnostic! Space designer, what do we do? Can we scale down the redesign? If so, how do we manage to add this BIG new machine within an existing constricted and awkward configuration? Designer, you can make miracles, don’t you?

The need to create room for a big piece of equipment not only means disruptions to the work, and a financial commitment; it also implies that changes are coming. These may be painful. Something must be removed to make room for the addition if no additional space is available. Space, like a body is an entity. We cannot continue to stuff an already full digestive system without introducing a new regimen—exercise, good & qualitative food and practices, eating less, meal planning…You get it, space does not stretch and this space is tight!

In this project, insufficient storage was but one of the problems. An outmoded and bulky filing system was compounded by single-use office equipment and the apparent lack of time for organizing the office. The front office was the one in most need of help. The first diagnosis: clean and clear as much as possible and combine office equipment. Staff time allocation for this procedure was strenuous; for when an office is crowded, people feel that they can never accomplish enough.  New multi-function equipment was installed and much de-cluttering ensued. Yet space and staff continued to be problematic.

The front office staff works in a narrow, very cramped space directly in line with the front door. They have breaks in an open and tiny space housing a microwave, a refrigerator and random storage above their heads; all within a narrow corridor shared with operatories, the sterilization center and the lab. Being in direct line with the front door makes them feel that they “are always on”. The lack of space to take a meaningful respite within the work day creates restlessness and feeling disrespected or uncared for. Continued neglect of staff needs eventually may show up in staff morale, disgruntled patients and a tired CEO. Can we afford to renovate with these people?

The diagnosis was to carve appropriate space for their efficient functioning. This was the designer’s job. The clarity achieved in cleaning, de-cluttering and re-allocating inspired a space reallocation.  Great! Yet funding the new space design must also prompt some serious thinking. Improperly addressing money issues may create unwanted personal side effects on the management side. These are not only monetary. The need to maintain the pace of work to support growth may lead not only to working additional hours, but to a diminished quality of life. This was the doctor’s conundrum!

Fortunately, being in a healing environment, we looked to necessary procedures for proper treatment. Doctors know that the basic procedures are not priorities. They are just that; basics of equal weight. Just like doctors prepare patients for a healing treatment, space planners must prepare (design) the space for the new practices/equipment to be incorporated while considering the work flow and its needs (staff ) and the entire financial aspects. Failure to consider any of these basic components, like patients, the new treatment (space & new equipment) may fail (financial & people losses).

An optimal renovation means that staff will work in a space that supports them in assimilating the new and incorporating what exists. An office needs appropriate storage for efficient workflow and effective movement within the work area in addition to effective work practices.  A space that restricts movement cannot produce at any level; let alone increase productivity. People simply survive. It is hard for doctors or management to feel this because they are busy treating patients or taking care of “important matters”.

Yet, when the front office really produces, all will notice a remarkable surge in their ability to serve the needs of the patients/clients and their own comfort level. That is how dependent we are on our staff’s efficiency! Staff also needs room to take a meaningful break. When we provide for this basic need, it says we appreciate them. When we don’t, we express that we only care for the bottom line. When you feel uncared, it makes it quite difficult to care for others. The front office is the mouth of the practice and vital.

Dentists know the importance of discussing with their patients about what enters the mouth, a vital body part, and how it affects the rest of the body’s functioning; front office staff  are the first encounter with your business.  Overworked, tired and unable-to-concentrate greeters cannot be as cheerful as they need to be. Just like the space, their thinking becomes narrow, stagnant and constricted. They are unable to grow. If they accommodate, then they get in time, depleted.

Properly preparing to renovate the space means analyzing all the parts and their interaction. It is the only balanced move toward a practice that is healthy, happy and that keeps on growing. Developing the layout and pricing it is as important as getting the specs for the new equipment and pricing it, and as important as projecting for additional staff and planning for revenues and outlays.

At the present moment, we are still planning on renovating the space, keeping an eye on training staff for the new procedures and planning to purchase the amazing machine when the time is right. We all keep an eye on the basics and keep smiling. The doctor and I are still smiling

Dissatisfied with my answer, she marched straight to her father, to see what he would say or maybe to commiserate with someone… he gave her the answer she wanted to hear. And then she confessed, “I am afraid to die too”.

I don’t know if it is age appropriate for her to come to grips with her mortality, but I know she is totally puzzled by the spectrum of answers.

I mean, don’t get me wrong, I’m afraid of a slow death. Like if all medications ceased to exist and I could not use my inhaler, yeah, that would suck. I would be out of breath most of the time, I could not walk far, or be outside in the heat, or cold. I’m afraid of my body decaying, but I am not afraid of leaving this world, I have learned to see as the Muggle world (to quote Harry Potter).

Maybe it’s because my grandmother died when I was very young, but I feel very little when someone dies. I see it as a part of life. Nothing more. Another amazing passage that the soul takes as it weaves in and out of consciousness. Whether you believe in re-incarnation, salvation or neither, you can’t deny the sacred journey of birth and death. From one form to the next, and it happens through these two doorways.

Really, we have little deaths throughout life. Maybe to prepare us for the biggie. We lose friend, jobs, spouses, children leave the home, parents leave this world, we re-invent ourselves, and make new careers at midlife. Little deaths. All the time.

Why are most of us afraid of death? Are we afraid of change? The unknown? Are you afraid of death? Afraid of what will happen to those you leave behind?

I must interview my pondering 7 year old, and see what troubles her so. Ask yourself these questions, and see what you come up with!

Asha Ramakrishna is  a writer, business woman, wife & Mommy. Connect with her on Facebook, under Asha Stories or visit her blog @ www.ashastories.com