Wow what a year!
This year I was lead to teach, preach and write about Embracing Change. Now as 2009 comes to a close, I'm reminded of what a wise mentor once told me: "Teach what you need to learn and you will be assured to grow." He was right.
Little did I know at the the beginning of the year, that so much would change in my life. However, I want you to to know that even with all the changes, what I value most still remains at year's end - loving friends and the experience of joy each and every day of my life. so as this holiday unfolds, I will you all health and happiness and I give thanks that you were all a part of my journey.
Please join me in affirming Peace and Prosperity throughout the world. Love and Friends - Rev. Jack
Showing posts with label Hope. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Hope. Show all posts
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Sunday, July 12, 2009
I’ve been reading (using) a daily journal called “Spirit is Calling” by Edward Viljoen – better said; I began the year using it.
Today, ensconced in the surroundings of being back in the comfort of my den, I reached for it once more.As I opened to read the lesson of the day, I noticed that I had last opened the book on April 7th. I paused and asked myself – “What happened on April 8th? Why did I stop?”
The answer: It was on April 8th that I decided it was time for me to return to my house – to my home. In February of 2008, I needed to step away from the home that I thought was to be “our” home. Grieving twelve years of lost expectations had taken its toll and I needed to step away. Now, that I had decided it was time for me to make the house “my home”, I still had fears. I feared the walls would still seep with memories of “us”.
Regardless of my fears, I took the risk. When I opened the door, what I found was shocking. Warped hardwood floors, dirty walls, and backyard that had been ignored for 14 months. Needless to say, not one old memory remained. I could not recognize this house, as anything I would have once called my home. In truth, this disaster was actually a blessing.
I found myself surrounded by friends that jumped in and within 90-days transformed what looked like an abandon rental, into a house that I’m willing to proclaim as “my” home. So today I am so very grateful that the universe sent me the right people, at the right time, to walk with me through this transition.
Thank you Jeff, Deb, Eric and Matthew, the tiling, cutting, drilling, lifting, touting, hanging and moving were effortless because of your willing to help out. And a very special thank you to Diane, who sanded, buffed and painted each and every inch of wall, ceiling, and cabinetry.
I have often said that when the challenge seems too much – just move one rock. 90 days ago, I didn’t know where to begin – but they did. They taught me that it didn’t matter which rock was moved first, just start shoveling and don’t look back.
It’s good to be home.
Today, ensconced in the surroundings of being back in the comfort of my den, I reached for it once more.As I opened to read the lesson of the day, I noticed that I had last opened the book on April 7th. I paused and asked myself – “What happened on April 8th? Why did I stop?”
The answer: It was on April 8th that I decided it was time for me to return to my house – to my home. In February of 2008, I needed to step away from the home that I thought was to be “our” home. Grieving twelve years of lost expectations had taken its toll and I needed to step away. Now, that I had decided it was time for me to make the house “my home”, I still had fears. I feared the walls would still seep with memories of “us”.
Regardless of my fears, I took the risk. When I opened the door, what I found was shocking. Warped hardwood floors, dirty walls, and backyard that had been ignored for 14 months. Needless to say, not one old memory remained. I could not recognize this house, as anything I would have once called my home. In truth, this disaster was actually a blessing.
I found myself surrounded by friends that jumped in and within 90-days transformed what looked like an abandon rental, into a house that I’m willing to proclaim as “my” home. So today I am so very grateful that the universe sent me the right people, at the right time, to walk with me through this transition.
Thank you Jeff, Deb, Eric and Matthew, the tiling, cutting, drilling, lifting, touting, hanging and moving were effortless because of your willing to help out. And a very special thank you to Diane, who sanded, buffed and painted each and every inch of wall, ceiling, and cabinetry.
I have often said that when the challenge seems too much – just move one rock. 90 days ago, I didn’t know where to begin – but they did. They taught me that it didn’t matter which rock was moved first, just start shoveling and don’t look back.
It’s good to be home.
Friday, January 9, 2009
What's Changed? - What Needs to Change?
Hello my friend,
I want to ask you this question: “What’s changed in your life?” Or, should the question be: “What needs to change in your life?”
Perhaps in 2008, change was thrust upon you in some “unexpected” way. Or, maybe nothing changed, and you’ve decided that your goal for the New Year is to make a really big (positive) change in your life. Either way, I’m going to show you how to not only embrace change, but to celebrate it!
I’m just finishing a new book called The 4 Steps for Embracing Change. I am inviting you to preview it and experience all that it has to offer before it is sent to the publisher. In fact, I want you to help me write the final chapter. Your story, testimonial and experience for embracing change may be used as part of the final draft.
On January 31st, I’m launching an interactive process like nothing else you’ve ever experienced. Imagine a multi-media, interactive learning experience consisting of live events, webinars, newsletters, audio recordings, blogs, bulletin boards and small study groups, all designed to introduce you to the tools for understanding your true nature, knowing what you value and for showing you the way to make great things happen in your life!
My role is to facilitate a process that will teach you the four steps (affirmation, atonement, forgiveness and gratitude) for embracing change in every aspect of your life. I am also here to remind you that no one is an island. No one has to go it alone. We were born to be in community.
We can help and assist each other to transcend any change that has been thrust upon us and to support one another in manifesting any change we want to make in our lives. We each have unique and tremendous gifts to offer one another. What we learn will come from our shared experience.
This learning experience will kick off with a very special event on Saturday, January 31st. I’m calling it a Spiritual Living Celebration. I very much want you to be there. I know it will ignite a flame within you that will be tremendous. I surround myself with magnificent people, which is why I’m especially inviting you to join me in making 2009 the year we all learn to embrace change. Please join us on January 31, 2009! If you can’t be there in person, visit my website at http://www.revjackelliott.org/ to learn how you can see it as a podcast.
Namaste - Rev. Jack
I want to ask you this question: “What’s changed in your life?” Or, should the question be: “What needs to change in your life?”
Perhaps in 2008, change was thrust upon you in some “unexpected” way. Or, maybe nothing changed, and you’ve decided that your goal for the New Year is to make a really big (positive) change in your life. Either way, I’m going to show you how to not only embrace change, but to celebrate it!
I’m just finishing a new book called The 4 Steps for Embracing Change. I am inviting you to preview it and experience all that it has to offer before it is sent to the publisher. In fact, I want you to help me write the final chapter. Your story, testimonial and experience for embracing change may be used as part of the final draft.
On January 31st, I’m launching an interactive process like nothing else you’ve ever experienced. Imagine a multi-media, interactive learning experience consisting of live events, webinars, newsletters, audio recordings, blogs, bulletin boards and small study groups, all designed to introduce you to the tools for understanding your true nature, knowing what you value and for showing you the way to make great things happen in your life!
My role is to facilitate a process that will teach you the four steps (affirmation, atonement, forgiveness and gratitude) for embracing change in every aspect of your life. I am also here to remind you that no one is an island. No one has to go it alone. We were born to be in community.
We can help and assist each other to transcend any change that has been thrust upon us and to support one another in manifesting any change we want to make in our lives. We each have unique and tremendous gifts to offer one another. What we learn will come from our shared experience.
This learning experience will kick off with a very special event on Saturday, January 31st. I’m calling it a Spiritual Living Celebration. I very much want you to be there. I know it will ignite a flame within you that will be tremendous. I surround myself with magnificent people, which is why I’m especially inviting you to join me in making 2009 the year we all learn to embrace change. Please join us on January 31, 2009! If you can’t be there in person, visit my website at http://www.revjackelliott.org/ to learn how you can see it as a podcast.
Namaste - Rev. Jack
Friday, October 17, 2008
Move One Rock
In August of 2008, I had published over 100 columns with the Tracy Press. The following article received the most email, phone calls and comments from folks I've run into. In these tough economic times it seemed to touch a cord with many many people. Many of you have asked that I post it here. Enjoy! - Rev. J
“If you want to change the direction of a waterfall –all you have to do is change (move) one rock.“
For me this metaphor offered by my mentor and psychologist, ignited an “ah ha” moment. It reminded me that when it feels like life is “out of control” we can shift the momentum by changing just one thing. Anything – the secret is to take action – just move one rock. Do something - anything. Then observe.
Using the analogy of the waterfall consider what might happen if the rock you move causes the waterfall to split and to go in two different directions. Perhaps the volume of water will be more “manageable” when the force of its delivery is cut in half. Perhaps the water now cascading off to the left is directed to a reservoir that will adequately contain and preserve it for a time when it is needed.
Perhaps, once the water fall is split into two, the void in the middle will reveal the valves and levers that control the pump, thrust, volume and the amount of water released – so you can now shut it off.
For many of us that last couple of years has been like that waterfall. Life (call it recession, real estate crisis, gas prices and/or job downsizing) has been coming at us like a torrent. Some of us have been swept away when we took our eye off our task – for others, the change came out of no where.
Many of us believe we are powerless and surrender to the current and let go and proclaiming “what will be - will be.” Others of us fight the good fight, but learn to late that they were fighting with brawn rather than with brain.
During the last couple of years, I have been drenched by the waterfall. I thought I had a plan. I thought I had life all figured out. But then the water came, I found my plan was obsolete and that I had no “plan B”.
The first wave to hit me was the reality that my 12-year, long-term relationship, was unraveling and coming to an end. I wasn’t prepared – I nearly drowned. Then a good buddy had a major stroke – wave two. I had not anticipated being a caretaker, but I took on the challenge – besides it distracted me from the pain of the first wave.
Wave three came when it was time to refinance the home I’d purchased for my partner and me. Values dropped and it would be impossible to refinance for the amount owed. For the first time in my life I was stunned by realities thrust upon me. Nothing was going to plan and I found myself isolating. I couldn’t preach, teach or write now – my life’s a mess!
When I found myself hovering near the same state of depression that enveloped my life right after 9/11/01, I immediately took action. I call my mentor and psychologist. In the very first session he reminded me of a teaching he’s used as a metaphor time after time: “If you want to change the direction of the waterfall –all you have to do is change one rock. “ Calling him was the demonstration of moving that first rock.
The second rock I moved was to call my mortgage holder. My broker and I laid out the facts. If she called the note due, she’d be getting a house back that she would not be able to sell for anything close to what was owed on it. She decided to “freeze” the note for two years.
Emotionally, I decided I needed to lease the house out for that two year period. I’d purchased the house for “us”, if it ever is to be “my” house – I needed some emotional distance - rock three. I called the landlady that owned the one place I’ve lived in Tracy where I felt good. It was vacant. Moving back was like coming home – rock four.
Now, in a testament of honesty, I must say the waterfall of life is still cascading my way faster than I want, but now I’m endeavoring to use my brain rather than my brawn to calculate which rock to move next. Everything in my life must be re-examined. What was true 18 months ago is not be true anymore. There’s a new reality. There are new rocks to be moved.
If you are experiencing a new reality yourself, know that even in the mist of ciaos you can still effect change. Don’t give up; don’t surrender; don’t let go - Just move one rock.
“If you want to change the direction of a waterfall –all you have to do is change (move) one rock.“
For me this metaphor offered by my mentor and psychologist, ignited an “ah ha” moment. It reminded me that when it feels like life is “out of control” we can shift the momentum by changing just one thing. Anything – the secret is to take action – just move one rock. Do something - anything. Then observe.
Using the analogy of the waterfall consider what might happen if the rock you move causes the waterfall to split and to go in two different directions. Perhaps the volume of water will be more “manageable” when the force of its delivery is cut in half. Perhaps the water now cascading off to the left is directed to a reservoir that will adequately contain and preserve it for a time when it is needed.
Perhaps, once the water fall is split into two, the void in the middle will reveal the valves and levers that control the pump, thrust, volume and the amount of water released – so you can now shut it off.
For many of us that last couple of years has been like that waterfall. Life (call it recession, real estate crisis, gas prices and/or job downsizing) has been coming at us like a torrent. Some of us have been swept away when we took our eye off our task – for others, the change came out of no where.
Many of us believe we are powerless and surrender to the current and let go and proclaiming “what will be - will be.” Others of us fight the good fight, but learn to late that they were fighting with brawn rather than with brain.
During the last couple of years, I have been drenched by the waterfall. I thought I had a plan. I thought I had life all figured out. But then the water came, I found my plan was obsolete and that I had no “plan B”.
The first wave to hit me was the reality that my 12-year, long-term relationship, was unraveling and coming to an end. I wasn’t prepared – I nearly drowned. Then a good buddy had a major stroke – wave two. I had not anticipated being a caretaker, but I took on the challenge – besides it distracted me from the pain of the first wave.
Wave three came when it was time to refinance the home I’d purchased for my partner and me. Values dropped and it would be impossible to refinance for the amount owed. For the first time in my life I was stunned by realities thrust upon me. Nothing was going to plan and I found myself isolating. I couldn’t preach, teach or write now – my life’s a mess!
When I found myself hovering near the same state of depression that enveloped my life right after 9/11/01, I immediately took action. I call my mentor and psychologist. In the very first session he reminded me of a teaching he’s used as a metaphor time after time: “If you want to change the direction of the waterfall –all you have to do is change one rock. “ Calling him was the demonstration of moving that first rock.
The second rock I moved was to call my mortgage holder. My broker and I laid out the facts. If she called the note due, she’d be getting a house back that she would not be able to sell for anything close to what was owed on it. She decided to “freeze” the note for two years.
Emotionally, I decided I needed to lease the house out for that two year period. I’d purchased the house for “us”, if it ever is to be “my” house – I needed some emotional distance - rock three. I called the landlady that owned the one place I’ve lived in Tracy where I felt good. It was vacant. Moving back was like coming home – rock four.
Now, in a testament of honesty, I must say the waterfall of life is still cascading my way faster than I want, but now I’m endeavoring to use my brain rather than my brawn to calculate which rock to move next. Everything in my life must be re-examined. What was true 18 months ago is not be true anymore. There’s a new reality. There are new rocks to be moved.
If you are experiencing a new reality yourself, know that even in the mist of ciaos you can still effect change. Don’t give up; don’t surrender; don’t let go - Just move one rock.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Keep Moving
My blackberry beeped at 11:15 p.m. indicating a new email message had just arrived. I was just preparing to plug the phone into the charger for the night and decided to look at the message – to see who I’d have to call back the following morning. I knew far well, I wouldn’t be responding now since I had been ignoring calls all weekend.
The email read: “I can’t take it anymore. The pills, the stress, and the financial burden of working and being sick at the same time - it’s just too much. Do you know anyone – anyone at all that can help me? – I’m thinking about ending it all.”
Instantly, my fatigue was gone. I quickly dashed to the computer and opened the email on the computer. Regretfully, I didn’t recognize the screen name. I responded back by saying: “If it is this bad – it can only get better. Write me back and tell me more about your situation, so I can address it or refer you to someone who can help.”
Instantly, I received an email back: “It’s all just too much.”
“No – keep talking to me!” But that was it - nothing more. The writer remained anonymous. Was it someone that had read my column? Was it someone I knew – and they just assumed I’d recognize there screen name? Did they know that I was clergy? Why me? Why did I receive this message?
Two hours passed then came another “beep” on my Blackberry. I had now taken the phone under the covers with me and while I had been asleep, I was immediately alert.
“What do you know about terminal illness – why would you care?”
That was it. Still not a clue as to who was writing me. I texted back the following:“I know that you are in pain. I know that you’ve reached out for help – but now you must help me – help you. At least send me your name.” With that, I hit send.
I waited for a response. Nothing. I starred at the phone for twenty minutes. “Come on – write me – let me know who you are!” I kept saying that over and over in my mind.
I woke with a jolt at 5:30 a.m. I quickly glanced at the phone. The red light was blinking. I had a new message. All it said was “Tony”.
“Tony, you must let me know more about your situation. Please let me help.” I hit send once again.
As I showered and prepared for the day ahead, I wondered what it must be like to have no one to reach out too. I’m blessed. I have a varied circle of friends and professional colleagues to reach out too when I’m depressed (even though I rarely do) - What must it be like to have no one?
“Beep” – another message: “I live in Concord. I have HIV. – I can’t take it anymore.”
Finally, information I could use. I immediately referred him to the Contra Costa County’s Department of health’s AIDS Services Program. I forwarded the emails to a social worker that I knew there so she could keep the contact alive. For now, my work was done. I was the “bridge”. Hopefully, I had helped.
I said a prayer, thanking God for allowing me to be a conduit for my anonymous emailer. As I prayed, I also wondered – why me? And why did I suddenly no longer feel depressed?
Then it hit me. I had spent the entire weekend – isolating. It’s what I do when I get depressed. I have to get away from those I love; I have to be alone to wrestle my demons. To me, depression feels like an elephant on my chest. It renders me immoveable. In order to crawl out of it - I have to crawl into it.
Over the years I‘ve learned to cope with it by not denying it, but I’ve yet to conquer it. I have even learned to sense its approach. Whenever I feel that it’s about to show up - I endeavor to keep moving. If I keep moving, sometimes I can avoid it, or once it arrives, it leaves more quickly. However, this past weekend – I was too tired to move and it consumed me. But this time, something else intervened. This time, receiving that email jolted it right out of me. Once I received that email – it was gone.
Perhaps the old adage is true – the best way to help your self is to help someone else. As I left the house this morning, I felt good again. I felt like the Jack I know. And then I reflected – was that why I got that email? Did the universe do what I couldn’t do on my own? Maybe so – I know one thing for sure, I’m glad that something bigger than me, intervened. Tony was helped – and so was I. When all else fails – keep praying and keep moving – go do something for someone else!
The email read: “I can’t take it anymore. The pills, the stress, and the financial burden of working and being sick at the same time - it’s just too much. Do you know anyone – anyone at all that can help me? – I’m thinking about ending it all.”
Instantly, my fatigue was gone. I quickly dashed to the computer and opened the email on the computer. Regretfully, I didn’t recognize the screen name. I responded back by saying: “If it is this bad – it can only get better. Write me back and tell me more about your situation, so I can address it or refer you to someone who can help.”
Instantly, I received an email back: “It’s all just too much.”
“No – keep talking to me!” But that was it - nothing more. The writer remained anonymous. Was it someone that had read my column? Was it someone I knew – and they just assumed I’d recognize there screen name? Did they know that I was clergy? Why me? Why did I receive this message?
Two hours passed then came another “beep” on my Blackberry. I had now taken the phone under the covers with me and while I had been asleep, I was immediately alert.
“What do you know about terminal illness – why would you care?”
That was it. Still not a clue as to who was writing me. I texted back the following:“I know that you are in pain. I know that you’ve reached out for help – but now you must help me – help you. At least send me your name.” With that, I hit send.
I waited for a response. Nothing. I starred at the phone for twenty minutes. “Come on – write me – let me know who you are!” I kept saying that over and over in my mind.
I woke with a jolt at 5:30 a.m. I quickly glanced at the phone. The red light was blinking. I had a new message. All it said was “Tony”.
“Tony, you must let me know more about your situation. Please let me help.” I hit send once again.
As I showered and prepared for the day ahead, I wondered what it must be like to have no one to reach out too. I’m blessed. I have a varied circle of friends and professional colleagues to reach out too when I’m depressed (even though I rarely do) - What must it be like to have no one?
“Beep” – another message: “I live in Concord. I have HIV. – I can’t take it anymore.”
Finally, information I could use. I immediately referred him to the Contra Costa County’s Department of health’s AIDS Services Program. I forwarded the emails to a social worker that I knew there so she could keep the contact alive. For now, my work was done. I was the “bridge”. Hopefully, I had helped.
I said a prayer, thanking God for allowing me to be a conduit for my anonymous emailer. As I prayed, I also wondered – why me? And why did I suddenly no longer feel depressed?
Then it hit me. I had spent the entire weekend – isolating. It’s what I do when I get depressed. I have to get away from those I love; I have to be alone to wrestle my demons. To me, depression feels like an elephant on my chest. It renders me immoveable. In order to crawl out of it - I have to crawl into it.
Over the years I‘ve learned to cope with it by not denying it, but I’ve yet to conquer it. I have even learned to sense its approach. Whenever I feel that it’s about to show up - I endeavor to keep moving. If I keep moving, sometimes I can avoid it, or once it arrives, it leaves more quickly. However, this past weekend – I was too tired to move and it consumed me. But this time, something else intervened. This time, receiving that email jolted it right out of me. Once I received that email – it was gone.
Perhaps the old adage is true – the best way to help your self is to help someone else. As I left the house this morning, I felt good again. I felt like the Jack I know. And then I reflected – was that why I got that email? Did the universe do what I couldn’t do on my own? Maybe so – I know one thing for sure, I’m glad that something bigger than me, intervened. Tony was helped – and so was I. When all else fails – keep praying and keep moving – go do something for someone else!
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