Who Are You That Your Future Is?!

One of the many opportunities I enjoy and cherish here in America is the availability of, and access to Ontological Design training. The education provided is experiential in nature and empowers you to take a deeper look at yourself and at the way you show up in life.

In the 90’s when I was exposed to this type of training I discovered that while on the academic and professional front I could navigate my way, on the ontological and self-expression front I could use some help.

For example, I always spoke in a low voice and that was my comfort zone.  To my surprise I learned that having been raised by domineering and aggressive parents; I developed a sensitivity to anything that resembled that, including raised voices! Therefore, talking in a low voice was my way of not dominating others, and this was a pay off for me at the cost of my own self-expression.  A real eye opener for me.

In another session of training one of our exercises was to interact with complete strangers and establish a conversation and a connection about the topic of our choice. In doing this exercise we realized what we were capable of. The exercise also helped us to acknowledge that our fears have no basis and in fact most of the limitations we felt were self-imposed.

At the conclusion of training we each were asked by the coach to stand up and make a declaration about our self-worth, in front of the class and to the whole world.  We were expected to speak loud and clear, and with 100% conviction.  It was empowering and truly an emotional experience to watch and to hear the declaration of each person including myself saying: I am part of the grand design of life!

The main principles of the teachings are:

1. Self-expression is an intention and involves speaking and acting together.
2. We should express ourselves in a way that frees the best in others.

• Speak clearly and loudly
• Don’t seek approval
• Be unafraid of being judged by others
• Show your emotions
• Allow yourself to be vulnerable
• Don’t care to be always right
• Dare to say no, and, accept no for an answer

I wish trainings of this nature were mandatory in the formal education system to enable people to have self-awareness, to practice more empathy for themselves and others, and to become empowered in creating a better future.

HAPPY NOUROOZ 2012

Nourooz means a new day in Persian language and marks the first day of spring or the beginning of the Persian New Year.  On March 19, 2012 at 10:15 pm Pacific Time all families who celebrate Nourooz come together and sit around a traditional table setting called “Haft-Sin” to observe the rituals of spring celebration.

Haft-Sin Table Setting

On almost every Haft-Sin table setting you can find Lentil Sprouts (can also be Wheat or Barley sprouts) growing in a dish, symbolizing rebirth.  Other items on the table each symbolize a concept indicating the wish for wellness, happiness and prosperity in the coming New Year.

Lentil sprouts on my Haft-Sin table setting symbolizing rebirth

Nourooz is celebrated in several countries around the world, and by many ethnic and religious groups. 

According to Wikipedia the first day of spring falls on the March equinox when the night and day have approximately equal length.

Nourooz is officially registered on The UNESCO List of The Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

The United Nation has recognized Nourooz as an international day.

Happy New Year to all who observe and celebrate Nourooz.

FEBRUALIA!

I have learned that February is named after Februalia, the Roman festival of purification.  According to the Encyclopedia Britannica, and Etymology Dictionary February is the last month of the ancient (Pre – 450 B.C.E.) Roman calendar, and the second month of the Gregorian calendar.

February ended a few days ago and I noticed that I have traveled during the whole month, on a full circle route, having no idea that I am actually on a journey of purification.

***

(1) I started with an intense clearing of emotions while attending an appeal hearing in Los Angeles, CA on February the 7^th.

(2) I had a lunch gathering with my soul friends in Los Angeles, CA on February the 18^th where Mahrokh inspired us by sharing the following excerpts from the book – Something More by Sara Ban Breathnach:

"People are either resigned and live in quiet desperation,or are exhausted and exist in restless agitation.

The resigned believe that everything is out of our control.  The restless sense that there’s got to be Something More to why we are here.

I wish I’d known that I’d been born to take on the world; I wouldn't have run from it for so long, but run to it with open arms. 

Flash forward nearly five decades later, the steely stubbornness has become spiritual moxie; all tension is gone; the burden of the assignments my soul chose to tackle in this life time has been lifted; I have learned my lessons well”.

(3) I attended a retreat in Baton Rouge, LA where we learned about identifying and acknowledging our emotional boulders,and healing and dissolving them in order to improve and facilitate the flow of energy in our bodies.  Our coach was Jeff who had come there all the way from New York and he was great.

(4) I also spent time with my son Brad who has always been an inspiration and support in my awareness journey.  His cat Strudel is a delight and we had a lot of fun hanging out with her.

(5) Full Circle

On March the 7^th. I left Baton Rouge, Louisiana for Phoenix, Arizona where my daughter Lily lives.  I started my journey in Phoenix and closed the circle by returning there.

Lily is the joy of the family and is the hero of her life.  She experienced the pain of separation from the family, friends, and country at a very young age, nevertheless, she has remained grounded at all times.  She takes care of a dog and two cats, and she is busy with her job and her volunteer work.

Leaving Baton Rouge for Phoenix 

I loved my Februalia journey!