Author: Marilyn

Crone/Wise Woman Stories/

A Dance Story – Then and Now

 

“PERFECTLY ON TIME” MUSING
The insignificance of this human-suited earth-school traveller may well be superseded by the illusions of grandeur my soul has always been aware of.

Another period of reflections and musings? Seems to be the nature of this one and I don’t think I’m going to be apologetic about it. I also posted at Substack – Am I in a Time Warp and this blog may be somewhat related. As part of that meandering, plus taking a slightly deeper look at this business of “time passing by so quickly”, it struck me that:

  • I have a shelf life.
  • When my exit day arrives, I will exit.
  • Until then what do I want to do with all of those “Perfectly on Time“ moments?

I expect it’s that third bullet that should receive my attention – with a view to being more mindful about gratitude for the spectacular story given to me, to travel through, here in the earth-school.

For some unknown reason I do NOT have an enormous bucketful of memories and yet every so often something will pop forward, as though a curtain has been lifted, and voila there’s a recollection that now seems to fit like a glove with my “Perfectly on Time” mantra. Enter the “little dancing queen” and a 1st quarter experience calling to be written about and shared.

The Beginning of Dance

In the earliest years of the 1st quarter, I wasn’t old enough to appreciate the gifts I was being given. I doubtless didn’t really begin to value them until late into the 3rd quarter! These photos fill my heart with many emotions. Absolute amazement at the “time warp” and now actually perceiving that precious child with wonder. Followed closely by admiration to the little soul who agreed to come to the earth-school and live out the “story”. And finally, two-fold gratitude… first that mom took the photos and second that I still have them.


My brother was taking Highland and Tap classes and as an up and coming “little dancing queen” I wanted to dance too! In later years, stories included the telling about my “fussing to dance” whenever my brother was trying to practice and dad saying to our mom, “oh my goodness Kay, let her dance”. And so, she did and I did.

A Dance Competition

Highland Dance costumes included special black underpants and for an upcoming competition, as I was “doing things my own way”, I put those pants on inside out. OMG…. mom was simply beside herself (remember we’re looking back at the perception of a 5-year-old) and I really didn’t understand the fuss – something about superstition and how putting those pants on inside out would lead to bad luck. Being very self-sufficient it just made sense to change them to right side out and consider the matter done with. Believe it or not taking that action was apparently even worse!

Those who’ve known me for a long time are aware of my propensity for self-sufficiency and doing things my own way… characteristics that appear to have been around for a long time.

Back in those days there were “adult” and “baby” steps taught for the Highland Fling. Although young, I WAS a self-sufficient, soon to be “dancing queen” and HAD been taught the “adult” steps (not much attitude taking place there right?). And here follow the words written to provide you with a glimpse into what unfolded. I can almost “visualize” it in my memory – I hope you can too.

The piper is warming up his bagpipes and along with three other dancers our “turn” to perform is quickly approaching (there should be a way to include drumrolls here… LOL). Suddenly, there we all are… tiptoeing across the stage, stopping and placing our feet into the required “first position” and, waiting for the music to begin. At the appropriate point in the music we all start dancing the traditional Highland Fling steps. Although the youngest, I perform the “adult” steps, and am feeling quite pleased with myself as we finish, take our bow, and leave the stage to wait in anticipation for the judges’ results.

The “little dancing queen” did NOT place 1st, 2nd or even 3rd.

Now enter Kitty, my dance teacher’s mom, and not an individual to be trifled with. She was quite assertive (in today’s world we may say aggressive) and insisted that their decision should be reconsidered because of (1) my age and (2) the fact that I had done the adult steps. In deference to this well-known and respected individual the judges agreed they would take another look – but – I would have to dance again to be re-evaluated.

And, you may have guessed it… I forgot the steps! Was it because of the inside out black underpants? Only the universe will ever know for sure, but for the remainder of my dance journey I’m pretty positive those underpants were never again put on inside out.

And then there was Tap

Also part of the dance story and, because my brother was 5 ½ years older than me, very good looking and an excellent dancer we would sometimes be “partnered” to do a routine together. An over-the-top experience for that little sister – probably not quite so much for an older brother.

We had a most beautiful young teacher, Loree Martin who organized and choreographed the annual Martin School of Dance Review and oh what an enchanting time we had. Costumes, makeup, Broadway musical themes and so much excitement. I can’t imagine there’s anyone who doesn’t relish listening to the applause of a large crowd at the end of a performance. Most certainly the children enjoyed it to no end while at the same time little egos may have gotten a tad blown out of proportion to the dismay of friends and family. Yet one more… Aha…”Perfectly on Time”.

And now we have dance once again in this 4th quarter.

Thanks one more time to Sandy, for the invitations to embrace some new adventures and, the ongoing encouragement. Between folk, ballet and tap we are now up to about 10 hours a week. No OCD going on here with the Crone!

Ballet is the newest genre and I’ve discovered there’s something captivating about stepping into a dance studio with floor to ceiling mirrors and barres to facilitate lessons. In addition to an energetic sense of softness and calm there are also elements of grace, strength and fluidity that seem to kind of “float” around the room as we all put our best foot forward. My appreciation continues to grow, and I’m so delighted to engage with these like-minded souls, exploring like-minded pastimes.

Tap is of course an entirely different modality to ballet. This YouTube contains a routine we’re learning and is raising the bar on what happiness might look like – at all ages. The high energy of these youngsters is contagious and for at least a few minutes I swear …

I too can learn to dance just like they do!!
If not in this lifetime maybe I’ll just have to come back.

Is there a takeaway this week?

Am I trying to recreate or relive a part of what is now a long ago past? My view of life between the 1st and 4th quarters has undergone profound change (as it should have if any significant growth or maturity has evolved). Perhaps that little soul is just offering a reflective evaluation as a way of validating “Perfectly on Time”. I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t be here if I hadn’t been there.

Crone/Wise Woman Stories/

The Collective Consciousness

“PERFECTLY ON TIME” MUSING
My chosen attitude – being exhibited while connecting with another soul – has a potential to result in a new sense of gratitude for both souls.

I posted a wee bit early last week as I was going to be catching a plane at 5:55am and of course, here I am back home already and as always “Perfectly on Time”.

A couple of weeks ago I mentioned the beginning of a new journey/experience via the platform of Substack. Now I must admit I’m undecided about how this somewhat parallel writing journey may unfold. Last night I posted over at Substack – The Why of “Perfectly on Time”.  As part of my musings/meanderings for the blog this week, I found myself compelled to write about the few days of being away. It was a heart-warming time and the words attitude, connections and gratitude seemed to keep popping up. Then, add another thought about “The Collective Consciousness” and the hamster wheel and rabbit holes loomed large. Question – what does my heart-soul voice want to convey this week?

Back when I started this blog journey, I made mention of how I had used football as a way to breakdown and identify the years of 1 to 100 by assigning the quarters of 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th. At that time, it also struck me that in our world today we are seeing more and more octogenarians which led me to suggest there could also be an “overtime”.

So, now I want to look at how we enter and move through the last quarter & potential overtime. Of course, this most recent travel and retreat event is truly just a “snippet”. But perhaps that’s what our entire earth-school journey is made up of – “Perfectly on Time” snippets. Questions that seemed worth considering included:

  • Do the words attitude, connection and gratitude have any bearing?
  • If there is an element of positivity attached to attitude, can it make a difference in my subsequent connections?
  • IF I have valued connections is that a reason to practice gratitude?
  • What might each one be comprised of?

I’m going to reuse part of my Substack post here because I think there’s a relationship to be uncovered between the work related “retreat” I attended and what I now see as a recall of my own aging perceptions. I’m also happy to report that I truly felt as though I was able to embrace “Be Yourself” throughout the gathering.

  • 1st quarter of 1 – 25. Anyone over 40 was OLD and couldn’t tell me anything.
  • 2nd quarter of 26 – 50. Anyone over 70 was OLDER and still couldn’t tell me anything.
  • 3rd quarter of 51 – 75. Oh, oh….how on earth did I hit that ½ century / 3rd quarter mark only to blink and wake up with entry into the 4th quarter!
  • 4th quarter of 76 – 100. Finally!! Be yourself!

My contribution to Wellcoaches is not as a coach. Rather it’s tied to a component of systems design and analysis and is a virtual role.  Having been with them since 2007 I feel privileged to remain part of a company that has always operated from and with  strong underlying principles of integrity, care, and equanimity. This line at their website says a lot! Together, let’s create a world where everyone welcomes change, enjoys growth, and is good at both. And…. their Social Mission also speaks volumes.

Within the Operations Team, I AM the elder in this eclectic mix of beautiful souls. The majority are in their 2nd quarter with a small minority in their 3rd. That represents a significant age spread between this Crone and the rest of the team. It delights me to report that the age spread had absolutely no bearing on the attitude, connection and gratitude exhibited by every single participant at the gathering.

From where I sit today, a like-minded collective doesn’t equate to having identical personalities or identical ways of handling whatever dynamic may enter a room as we’re engaging with one another. Having just made that statement also doesn’t mean the entire world thinks/feels that way….please remember these are always my own thoughts and words.

My view of this recent collaboration was that I was gifted to be able to watch and be part of a profound modelling of “The Collective Consciousness”. It’s difficult to describe the level of respect, consideration, and open heart/soul exchanges that took place. What does come to mind is that there are factions within our human-suited earth-school that contain evolving souls who are making a difference one step at a time.

Attitude

Attitude is so important – not just for those around me but for myself. A practice of trying to just move forward day by day with the understanding the I’m always “Perfectly on time” has been a significant factor in where I find myself today and a saving grace throughout the grief/loss process.

Also, as just one individual, I have learned through much reflection and practice that my attitude can not only be chosen, but it can also be somewhat contagious. I know there are some “quotes” out there along those lines. Perhaps it’s sufficient to suggest there’s much more power in presenting some of those chosen attitudes than we acknowledge. So, if we have a “collective”, working together to consider making changes that may also have a “collective” result, how does attitude impact that process? The recent gathering confirmed that the impact is significant.

Connection

There is something about in-person / face-to-face gatherings that raise the level of connection – at least that would be one of my reflections from this event. If I had been able to visually see the energetic forces that were waving around us as we worked, played, brainstormed, and ate meals I expect it would have been quite spectacular. We are and were an “eclectic” mix – all of us representing a variety of cultures, BS (belief systems), personality traits, shadow, and soul components. To this earth-school traveller the resulting connection was like watching a kind of “web of bright lights” becoming interwoven and intertwined with each other and creating a source of solidarity that will serve the implementation of the results of The Collective Consciousness to the fullest.

The story I find myself in includes a gift of being connected to younger generations (in a variety of ways) for over 30 years. That connection is tied to family but also other group/network environments and they have ALL effectively helped me stay in a younger frame of mind. In fact, at times it could be a possible detriment…. the mind of a 25 year old simply doesn’t fit the body of a Crone. A highlight of this recent event was exchanging a ginormous hug with a 1st quarter young man who was probably only 4 or 5 when I first met him. Such a sweet connection.

Gratitude

It’s probably worth noting that this proponent of the earth-school, in all her humanness, does NOT live in gratitude 24/7. There are still a multitude of other moments when many of the “oh woe is me” characteristics pop to the surface. It’s also why (in training) is part of “Wise Woman”.

However, for this part of this blog, I decided to include a piece of what I wrote to the “team” at the end of the gathering because it was a soul-voice expression coming directly from my heart.

Thanks to everyone else for modeling what can happen when a “collective consciousness” hits a room of like-minded souls, and the joyful brainstorming unfolds. Seems to me intentions have been presented to the universe. Now all WE have to do is suit up, show up, and keep on doing the next right thing as we put the “plans” into action.

And, to also express gratitude to Wellcoaches and the “Team” for the continuing connection and mutual contribution to our respective stories. I don’t think there are a lot of places that would continue to welcome a Crone to a team dynamic. This recent gathering was strong evidence of how it can be done with enormous grace and dignity.

Is there a takeaway this week?

For me, as the Crone, a bit more practice of “gratitude” is never harmful. In fact, when those “Perfectly on Time” moments include a reflection of gratitude it feels as though anything and everything is possible. Even learning new tap dance steps!

Crone/Wise Woman Stories/

Perceptions and Expectations

“PERFECTLY ON TIME” MUSING
Words from the Crone:
I had to be there –  
in order to get to here –  
in order to see more clearly where I might end up.

Small side-note before I kick off on this one. It crossed my mind to go look for definitions of these two words – Perceptions and Expectations. Because there is a preponderance of information overload available in our world of technology I just stopped. Go have a look for yourself if you’re interested. In truth I just wanted to tell a little first quarter story to talk about the two words. All of it is my own take and my own view of events that happened at the time. I decided I couldn’t find any useful purpose in diving into definitions, meanings, general psychology, how it’s skewed, the sensory experience of the world….need I say more? So…here we have it!

To the child who was there so she could be here….

During the 1st quarter of earth-school – probably around 10 years old – swimming was NOT my forte. In fact, because I was NOT a swimmer, I was naturally apprehensive and typically cautious. That summer found me somewhat at loose ends and in today’s world “latch-key kid” may have been an apt description for my circumstances.

Our brave, courageous, “gonna figure this out” Mom had purchased a lot “in town” and undertook to have our family home (built for her by our Dad) moved from the farm into town and repositioned on a city lot. She was faced with many challenges after Dad passed and as I recall the event (while now wearing the Crone hat) I clearly see what a tough decision it must have been. Her story is book worthy….perhaps one day I’ll be inclined.

Mom was limited in her available skill set and with just a Grade 8 education she was thrust into the role of Mom/Dad/Breadwinner. So, with the bravest heart and soul she undertook to create a revenue stream through adding a suite in the basement of the house, took in borders, cleaned motel rooms, cashiered and basically kept putting one foot in front of the other and doing whatever options the universe conspired to present. Of course, that meant I became a “latch-key kid” of sorts. My brother is 5 ½ years older than me so he too was off working a summer job and that meant I pretty much had free rein to go and do whatever struck my fancy. It’s worth noting that in those days there was no “key”. Our door was always open AND our community was incredibly safe.

Enter the swimming pool story.

On nice days I could trip a light fantastic down to the big public pool and hang out. Sometimes with a friend. Sometimes on my own. I used to watch some of the bigger kids jump from the high diving board and oh boy did I ever want to do that! But, when you’re young, not a swimmer, and the height of the board looks unbelievable there’s a BIG element of uncertainty and fear rolling around in that little heart. Can I? Should I even try? What if I get up there and can’t do it? The list of questions was long.

Perceptions and expectations dropped into the hamster wheel to be looked at this week because of multiple writings and presentations that seemed destined to catch my attention. Because they all spoke to me on several levels, with all of them leading me back to these two words, it felt like the blog might be a combination of:

  • a reflection about those perceptions and expectations from over 60 years ago
  • to a closer examination of what they look like today.

So, let’s head back to the pool and the high diving board. At that time, I probably weighed all of 55-60 lbs, stood about 4’10”’ and was called “knobby knees” because I was so skinny. But, a day DID arrive when I climbed up that ladder to the high diving board and as I keyboard these words I can almost feel the heart palpitations starting up and a borderline nauseous sensation along with the hamster wheel doing a fine job of speaking quite loudly (more like yelling). With words like…are you nuts! You don’t even know how to swim! What are you going to do if you jump? You can’t swim dummy! And, despite all that natter I kept putting one foot in front of the other (just like Mom) …up those ladder rungs…until I got to the top.

From the top rung to the end of the diving board looked like it was about a mile long. Seriously I do think I suddenly had a very different “perception” and I almost started to step back to go down but of course now there was a line-up behind me, so any lingering perceptions and expectations had to be seriously re-thought (of course this is at a soul-level readers – that little girl was in “shaking” mode NOT re-thinking mode). But, it’s one thing to be so full of fear and trepidation that you think you might throw-up. It’s another thing entirely to be hissed at and called a little wimp or a chicken. Does anyone reading this relate AT ALL?

My perception at that time? From the recall of that memory, I’m not entirely sure. That everything looked way scarier, bigger and insurmountable than it actually was? Absolutely.

My expectations at that time? Again, I’m not entirely sure but something pulls at my heart and tells me I was really just trying to find a way to fit in (whatever that may have meant at the time). To be “somebody”. To show others that I wasn’t a pip squeak or a wimp or a scaredy cat.

So, I walked that mile long plank…stood there for what felt like an eternity as those behind me were yelling for me to jump…”for heaven’s sake just jump”. I seriously don’t recall any words of “encouragement” being spoken and doubt it would have made any difference. In hindsight and with the Wise Woman (in training) mentality I see it as a “perfectly on time” experience presented by the universe to reaffirm that I was just fine as I was and that “girls can do anything” (those words were NOT part of the hamster wheel conversation at that time).

So, I jumped.

Again, as I stop to truly try and relive the experience, I can almost feel the shock of hitting the water – after all it WAS the high board not the low board. And the water wasn’t particularly warm. Then a sensation of dropping, dropping as though I might never stop but might also even hit the bottom of the pool. I can also “almost” feel myself holding my breath and kicking with all my might to get back to the surface so I could breathe. Of course, that too felt like ions versus the actual seconds it probably took before I broke water and gasped for air but there I was. AND I didn’t know how to swim. AND I was pretty much in the middle of the pool in the deep end. AND….what on earth do I do now!

I have spent a lifetime not being able to, or not knowing how to, ask for help. That day was no exception. So, I did the only thing I could think of and that was dog paddle, and do you know what? Dog paddling gets you to the side of the pool, and I was SAFE. Panting, gulping for air, frightened on one hand and overjoyed on the other.

So, in retrospective recall (now that the deed has been done) what does that word perception conjure up? How about “Braveheart” in a 10-year-old little girl in a human-suit…

“Oh for heaven’s sake Marilyn – look what you just did! That wasn’t so bad”.

“Wow…that high jump board isn’t nearly as high as it seemed to be about 10 minutes ago”.

“That’s pretty impressive to dog paddle from the middle of the pool to the side of the pool”.

And what expectations now that the deed has been completed? In truth that’s a tough one but from the Crone’s view there’s a leaning toward the idea that Marilyn the little 10-year-old (who often lived in a fantasy world where the prince was about to pop up and make her every wish come true) may have actually been looking for someone to notice, to come over and say how brave/smart and clever she was. The other Crone view though is that one about being “perfectly on time” and although not to be recognized in those moments 60+ years ago – NOW feels like a clear message of a little soul doing a happy dance and saying something like “you go girl, girls can do anything”.

In hindsight and having now reached a different level of maturity and understanding, both of these words – perception and expectation – also conjure up another word. “Unrealistic” – perhaps to be considered when giving thought to any presently unfolding perceptions and expectations.

It has obviously taken decades for this human-suit to recognize and redefine a number of words that have been part of the earth-school journey. There is also a much stronger awareness of the insignificance of my own perceptions and expectations. Why? Just because they are mine doesn’t mean they are unique, etched in stone, the be all and end all. It just means they are mine. Is it viable to experience an A’ha moment and recognize that you can have yours and I can have mine and neither of us needs to be right or wrong or even agree with each other?

As part of this continuing unfolding of awareness what keeps popping to the top is “how do I respond/react?”. Is it with condescension that somehow, I have all the answers and know something that you don’t? OR, is it with curiosity and respect for your view while understanding that each of us is entitled to our own perceptions and expectations and ….we simply are.

The following links are being included because each one has impacted me in one way or another these past days. Appreciate that it looks like a lot and of course there is no requirement for anyone to dive in. My ongoing adventure continues and each of these reached into my heart-soul at a level that’s a little deeper than I might normally dig into.

Prue Batten and her Substack Knot’s in the String with a recent post about Reinvention

  • Prue raised a question to me last week about the earth-school and the human-suit. Made me realize there are times when I could add a little clarity to the writing. I value her input!

David Michie’s recent Substack Post Where Do I End and the World Begin

  • David speaks about a “taken completely out of context” newsclip about the Dali Lama. More evidence as to why I don’t watch mainstream news but also caused me to ask myself….do I undertake to research to find out the whole story?

Ramona Grigg’s recent Substack Post On the Subject of Substack and Notes

  • This is a new environment of sorts and I also value Ramona’s questions and reflections. As with mainstream news – our technological environment (which includes all the social media options) at times has me questioning whether to stay involved or not. Time will tell.

An Unexpected Mystic Post it’s already here. Open your hands

  • Esoteric and beautifully written. Lynette is attached to Suzanne Giesemann so her writing typically touches this Crone at a deep level.

Wellcoaches Corporation [where I have a beautiful extended family]

  • CEO Margaret Moore’s Keynote Address at the American College of Lifestyle Medicine. Ground Zero and Tilling the Soil.
  • Wellcoaches CCO Erika Jackson on Well-Being and Self-Compassion.
  • Both beautiful colleagues have one more time given me much to think about. Being of service is something they model with exceptional grace.

My own take aways for this week?

The topics connected to the above may not be directly related to these words Perceptions and Expectations but for me, the writings and presentations include information and ideas that resulted in a “Practice the Pause” event to digest what I had read and heard and then consider if there was any correlation at all through questions like:

  • How much do they drive my behaviour?
  • How much do they influence my response to whatever it is that’s crossing my path in any given moment?
  • IF, I can look at them with a view to redefining my own responses has some much-needed heart-soul work been undertaken?
Crone/Wise Woman Stories/

To Practice the “Pause”

“PERFECTLY ON TIME” MUSING

Getting caught up in the drama of “the committee”, aka the hamster wheel of mental gymnastics, is a precarious dynamic for this one. Much better to take the “Pause” and see if I can do something nice for someone else without getting found out.

Before I get too far into this post, I wanted to say thanks to those who subscribed to the next new adventure unfolding over at Substack. It’s that “launch” that has been a driver to this new “musing” and title.

Friends and family are familiar with what may feel like “ad nauseam” references to “Perfectly on Time” AND “Taking the Pause”. What may be helpful to others is to also know that I’ve become convinced that when those words pop out it’s my soul-voice speaking. I also have no difficulty acknowledging that the shadow-voice can sometimes rule “The Committee” and isn’t nearly as calm, understanding and patient.

Why this musing?

In part because of many thoughts/conversations/exchanges taking place with dear friends, newer writing colleagues and family. There has been this enormous mixed-bag of experiences crossing my path lately which seem to have resulted in an equally enormous mixed-bag of emotions.

Joy, gratitude, confidence, grief, sadness, questioning, fear, self-doubt….a full spectrum.

Through these many connections it has also become evident that I am NOT alone in these earth-school incidents that sometimes feel like an over-size teeter-totter of some sort….kind of like an enormous roller-coaster….definitely NOT like gently “swinging on a star”.
Request to readers: Please remember that the appendage “in training” to this persona of the Crone / Wise Woman is there for a reason!

When I was walking through the 2nd and 3rd quarters of this earth-school story my brother and I used to roll our eyes and shake our heads at our mom. She would have been near the tail end of her 3rd quarter and moving into her 4th. Conversations were often focused on who was sick and who was about to pass and who had just passed. Today I understand completely! So for you “youngsters” who are kind enough to be reading these posts just a gentle reminder that in a blink you may find yourself here…and you too will be “perfectly on time”!


What I understand now (at least in part) is this. There IS a shelf-life to this human journey and that recognition has raised a deeper awareness (from a 4th quarter perspective), that the exit point is much closer than it appeared in the 1st, 2nd and even 3rd. And, then enter the teeter-totter and roller coaster extravaganza and multiple questions running through the hamster wheel A LOT. Questions like… SHOULD I / CAN I:

  • take that trip?
  • downsize my materialistic inventory?
  • move into a retirement community?
  • quit work?
  • just sell everything and run away?
  • should I, should I, should I???

So, here I am (as the Crone) one more time replaying old ideas, looking for new ones and then considering how to become an observer and just “watch and allow” those thoughts to come and go. Thank you, Jeremy, for the introduction to the Plum Village App. Thich Nhat Hanh has been part of my ongoing uncover, discover and discard process and now I need to go back and reread “No Mud No Lotus”. Also an additional thank you to David Michie for a recent Substack that has given me more new ideas.

More recently, living this earth-school “story” has become quite delightful at times [putting on my tap shoes introduces the loveliest feeling of fun and joy] …other times not so much as there occur periods when the emotional intensity can get somewhat heavy.

However, I HAVE been given several “tools” and options to use when that dynamic pops us and the biggest gift I can give myself is to “pause”, take a breath, step back and count. Sometimes to 5…. sometimes to 100…. sometimes through hours and sometimes through days. And when able to engage in that practice, there is an option… to simply trust that whatever is unfolding in those moments, minutes, hours, or days is also “perfectly on time”.

Serendipitous events when recognized are pretty magical.

I mentioned that eldest grandson in the Substack post about the blinks. Yesterday, following a small family gathering for Easter another grandson and this Crone were in the same vehicle for about an hour and my, oh my! As with that eldest grandson the dialogue that unfolded was clearly a gift to show me again that these next generations have arrived with a level of maturity and understanding of the human conditions that has taken me decades to even begin to comprehend.

Add to this some fun back and forth taking place between my son Brett and his children, via text messages tonight, and there is yet more evidence of some young wise women and possible old souls in young human suits bouncing around in the exchange.

You cannot stop me from using my mantra!


I’ve been known to suggest that “when the student is ready the teacher will appear and when the teacher is ready the student will appear” because it seems that each of us fills both roles at various times [Writer’s note: I was going to try and give credit to the originator of that statement and ended up down a plethora of rabbit holes and I decided to let it be].

Age does NOT dictate that the Crone has nothing more to learn. Age is just a number assigned based on the number of loops around the sun and if I was to try and create some kind of comparison between human time and cosmic time I’d land flat on my face. Just seems that the heart-soul component doesn’t have anything to do with age…. just with love. Makes me think of that song “Love Makes The World Go Round”. Keith – have you recorded this one?

Might it be that serendipitous moments are popping up all over the place to allow for a somewhat deeper dive into the “whys and what ifs” of the earth-school experiences? Could it be that we’re all part of a “soul cluster” and have agreed to these “perfectly on time” experiences as a way to step into both the teacher AND the student roles?

So, one more time I want to come back to this idea of being “perfectly on time”. A recent recall and revisit to The Pale Blue Dot was a reminder of how very teeny weeny each of us human-suited travellers are in that big picture.

Maybe not even the size of a cell in the knee of a giant!

And, in that context along with the context of “light years” what do I want to be doing with the time that’s left. Definitely not a question that would have been top of mind in the 1st and 2nd quarters, but it’s become pretty relevant in this 4th quarter. Why? Perhaps with the recognition that the loops around the sun are nothing more than blinks. That the Pale Blue Dot clearly shows how small and fragile our world is and therefore stepping into all the “moments” we’re presented with and stepping in from a place of kindness, compassion, care, respect, and consideration toward all sentient beings may be our purpose.

Exciting ideals? Absolutely. Attainable 24/7. Hhmm…not likely given the free-will each of us has been given. But…what if we just gave it our best shot in those “perfectly on time” moments? What if instead of being the old grump walking down the street a new approach was taken and I became the happy crone instead. Would a smile extended to that other human-suit walking toward this happy crone make a difference? Not always… but I’m pretty convinced it would make a difference more often than not. What if we all stopped just for a few moments with a view to doing something nice for somebody without getting found out. Ha! What a unique idea. Well, maybe not so much. There IS that idea of pay it forward and there are certainly many stories to evidence that approach.

The Crone’s take away for this week?

I’m not going to change the world all by myself. Perhaps though, by encouraging and being supportive of others, as they travel this journey and walk through their own experiences, a soul to soul connection is unfolding “perfectly on time”.

Crone/Wise Woman Stories/

Saying Yes To The Universe

 “PERFECTLY ON TIME” REFLECTION
“We are not human beings having a spiritual experience.
We are spiritual beings having a human experience.”
Thank you Pierre Teilhard de Chardin for providing us with this quote.
What a lovely way to re-evaluate current conditions.

This has been another seven days of reflections, hindsight views, new ideas and new connections. Some years back, author Michael Singer entered this writer’s world. At the time reading The Untethered Soul felt somewhat deep and beyond my grasp. However, following-up with The Surrender Experiment immediately took me back to The Untethered Soul and here we are today with quite a change in perception and understanding.

This evolving writing experience continues to surprise AND delight for a few reasons. Unexpected encouragement and connection arriving from friends and family. At the same time this lovely sense of trust that saying “yes” to those new opportunities being put forth by “My Guide Tribe” is truly “perfectly on time”. That was the very core of Michael’s book The Surrender Experiment….to simply say yes to whatever was presented and from there to just trust that it was in some sort of divine order. Magic seems to follow!

This next loop around the sun.

[Of course this image is NOT one of our planet orbiting the sun but it felt like a bit of a fit. It’s my own photo and when it appeared [Jun 4, 2022] made me think of my Grandpa who used to tell stories about the “Sun Dog”. I like this spiritual explanation found online:

What is the spiritual meaning of sun dog?
A sun dog symbolizes unification and harmony, represented by the three ‘suns’ appearing together. It can also mean transformation and a positive shift in your life.

It startles me to look at the calendar and realize it’s just over four months since the web-site was launched, the little Facebook Group was created and the first blog was posted. The speed with which life continues to fly by also continues to astonish me. Seems there was a time when “decades” seemed to be a significant timeline reference point. Now, not so much.

And, as another spring begins to unfold it’s a further reminder that every single second someone, somewhere is either celebrating an event OR remembering a loved one who has transitioned OR just recalling a memory of importance following one more loop around the sun. As an active member of the 4th quarter club, it often feels like a “loop” is actually just a “blink”. As evidenced today when grandchildren Jeff and Laura are celebrating their first wedding anniversary.

Additional “new connections” arrived to share life experiences as we all muddled along for the week.  There seemed to be an unspoken suggestion to define them as a “soul cluster” which felt like a “perfectly on time” fit because of some deep and open-hearted sharing that resonated with and, in some cases, paralleled this Crone’s own story.

These most engaging and generous new friends have arrived, in my corner of the earth-school, via the Spirit Writer’s Workshop and the substack.com/app. And, as my mentor Gladys has often remarked, there may have been a “hidden-hand” in the works because of a willingness to say “yes” and take the next step.

The Spirit Writers Workshop, facilitated through Kristine Carlson and Debra Evans of the Book Doulas finished on Wednesday. These most lovely, authentic, and genuine women provided us with an experience of exceptional quality plus the opportunity to engage with equally genuine and authentic participants.  So, one more time this writer has been gifted to join with other women who share the journey of grief and loss. The offer to move into the next phase of the Book Doulas Book Incubator program was difficult to decline. However, My Guide Tribe have reminded me of my lifelong pattern of getting “overly busy” and reaffirmed that it doesn’t all have to be done by last week. So….perhaps next year.

The second group has only a few connections at the moment and yet something tells me it’s just the beginning of some very special times ahead. The Substack platform was quite an accidental discovery. The introduction came about via David Michie, author of The Dalai Lama’s Cat series. He is a wise, funny and insightful individual with a very large heart who supports four charities via his Substack subscriptions.  Prue Batten and Ramona Grigg were subsequent additions who have now been identified as part of the second “soul cluster”. Prue attached to David and Ramona attached to Prue. Both women are writers of significance and yet they took time to engage and respond to this Crone who truly is just “in training” – although also standing by that mantra of being “perfectly on time”!

There’s something about Substack that’s calling me to post there and let the little Facebook Group go. Or… perhaps for a short term, let them run parallel and see what the universe may have to say? Although the platform is designed to facilitate paid subscriptions, it appears that most offer “free subscriptions” with an option to subscribe which may provide additional access to additional posts. Always more to unfold and be revealed during this next blink. Also yet one more learning curve option…good thing curiosity continues to be a driver over here.

Since October the Crone has said YES to:

  • Share a daily reading with some friends and family because there was this “poke” to do so.
  • Accept an invitation to participate in a folk dancing class
  • Accept an invitation to participate in tap classes
  • Initiate a membership with the Pickleball Association of Canada and BC
  • Sign-up for and participate in an online/virtual program to look at what changes might be considered for this new year
  • Sign-up for Kristine and Debra’s Spirit Writers World Summit
  • Sign-up for Kristine and Debra’s Spirit Writers Workshop
  • Take a closer look at David Michie’s world
  • Almost accidentally sign-up for a Substack account
  • Connect to two other Substack writers previously unknown to this Crone
  • Accept an invitation to increase the tap from once a week to twice a week

Results

  • A most delightful and engaging time with grandchildren
  • Create a web site and start writing a blog
  • Unexpected encouragement and new connections
  • Being re-introduced to a sense of joy and happiness that had somehow disappeared
  • “Performing” as part of a St. Patrick’s Day celebration
  • New connection to a new “soul cluster” (x2)
  • REMINDER: via Pickleball Orientation, lessons, Skills and Drills plus a game that The Crone may “think” young, but the body speaks differently

The purpose of the list? To see in words the changes that can take place by saying yes now and again. AND to be reminded that maintaining mental/physical/spiritual balance is a critical component if that sense of overwhelm is to be avoided.

Part of what has become defined as an “uncover, discover and discard” process is the recognition of a lifelong pattern of getting “overly busy”….  a type of running away from stepping into, and walking through, a variety of emotions. Not always on the shadow side – sometimes on the soul side. So, at this phase of the next blink, I’ve decided to simply continue the journey of being “perfectly on time” through the blog, possibly Substack and the newer activities that have presented so much fun and joy (folk and tap dancing).

To wind up for this time.

A cherished conversation with dear friends the other night included a discussion about whether or not there’s a difference between soul and spirit. Mr. Google provides us with a plethora of information doesn’t he (oops – is that politically incorrect). And, as with ALL media this writer has become much more selective about “accepting as truth” the various opinions and presentations made available.

Please note. If not already done so in earlier posts, what is written here comes directly from the soul-voice attached to this human-suited earth-school traveller. Good, bad or indifferent does the following then carry any weight? Probably not. Does this Crone really care? Probably not…

Seems that the “soul-voice” attached to this human-suit has come to a place of trusting that a variety of agreements were entered into before arriving for this multitude of “loops around the sun”.
AND, that big, small and everything in-between agreements were settled on with an untold number of other souls.
AND that the main purpose was to help each other walk through a lifetime and variety of experiences
AND that with a little willingness to “do whatever it might take” each little soul might come out the other side having experienced a certain level of spiritual growth.

No right or wrong in any of this. Just a potential multitude of scenarios, unfolding “perfectly on time” with the outcome always landing on “my side of the street” so to speak. (That equates to taking responsibility for my own actions and recognizing that if “me” is taken out of the word blame all that’s left is bla, bla, bla.)

My own take away this week? We truly are Spiritual Beings having a human experience as was evidenced throughout all the various connections gifted to this Crone this past week.