…heartbeat
of the positive revolution
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Economic Stimulation It was hard for me to breathe for days after learning that more than 80% of the money my husband and I had invested in a “Safety” fund was gone. Poof! Fraud, greed, and bankruptcies converged to rip away a sizeable chunk of our nest egg. My initial reaction was disbelief. And then fear set in, driving me to consider going back to work after having enjoyed retirement for the past five years. I am keenly aware that my situation is not nearly as dire as others. I have a home-based business that continues to send monthly checks that cover my basic expenses, whether I work or not. In recent years I have had the luxury to give most of my time, energy, and a fair amount of money to projects, people and causes I support. Feeling paralyzed by my financial loss (what WAS I going to do to build back the cushion I had planned to rest on in my old age?), I reread some of the inspirational stories shared by you, our dear readers, and a smile crept into my heart. Of course! It was right in front of me, on my desk actually. I turned to the Revolutionary Agreements. They provided me with insights, compassion and direction. The Gratitude Agreements helped me to lighten up. After all, I still enjoy those things most important to me: family, friends, my health and skills that I can apply to earn income and rebuild my cushion. Once I replaced my fear with appreciation for life again, I focused on the Agreement, “I agree to look for blessings in disguise.” I began to see how this economic crisis could actually become a positive force in my life…and the world. My energy ignited. Everything I saw and heard (even the difficult stuff) began sounding like an opportunity to both give and receive. I’m a writer; I could learn to write grants to help the causes I support. I have been coaching people (for free) since long before coaching was popular; I could offer my coaching services. And then I had a huge “aha”! The cash flow from the business I started with a friend 14 years ago has been supporting my freedom for years. I could teach people who needed their own personal economic stimulus plan to do what I did. The possibilities are endless when I am full of hope and gratitude. The possibilities end when I am filled with fear. I hope you’ll join me during these challenging economic times by giving your gifts, allowing yourself to receive (you may want to re-read the Chapter on “I agree to give and receive thanks”) and feeling gratitude for every precious moment of our lives. With hope and gratitude,
Fulfilling Work Opportunity: Inquire Within Your stories are the heartbeat of the positive revolution. Keep them coming! Mountain High Reverend Sandra Fairbanks is the spiritual leader for the Center for Spiritual Living Tahoe-Truckee in Tahoe City, California. revsandra@godattahoe.org 2008 was a year of change and transformation for me. I had come to the end of my five year term with the Sierra Center for Positive Living and I knew it was time for me to move forward and upward in my life. Among the applications on my desk was the Center for Spiritual Living in Tahoe City. I confess that at the time I was hesitant about the smaller size of this spiritual community. The application sank to the bottom of my paperwork. My mind ran away with thoughts about what was next for me, effectively silencing my heart. One day, the application re-surfaced and caught my eye. Remembering the first Revolutionary Agreement, I asked myself, “Am I truly living my mission?” My heart opened as I remembered that my greatest desire is to co-create a community of peace both within and outside the Center. I followed what felt like Divine inspiration to fill out the application. The rest is history and now a loving opportunity. The Revolutionary Agreements are in sync with the universal spiritual principles I teach. Their effectiveness in minimizing stress and maximizing freedom and joy is universally applicable and not dependent upon any faith belief. Marian’s simple yet fresh approach opens the right brain allowing the lessons to be easily accessible, user friendly, and conducive to transformational breakthroughs. I look forward to beginning an ongoing Revolutionary Agreements series this spring, both inside and outside the spiritual community. As I look out from my deck at the breathtaking view of mountains and snow-flocked trees glistening in the afternoon sun, I kick back and inhale deeply thinking to myself, “I am living in a picture perfect postcard.” I lighten up and exhale, smiling in gratitude. Coming Attractions and Peaceful Events Wednesday, March 11, 2009, 7:00-9:00 a.m. – Dallas, TX - Center for Spiritual Living. Marian will be speaking to the Spirit in the Workplace group on Revolutionary Agreements At Work. For more information, please call the Center at 972-866-0099 or visit the website www.csldallas.org. Thursdays, beginning April 23, 6:30-8:30 p.m. – Tahoe City, CA - Center for Spiritual Living. Rev. Sandra Fairbanks will facilitate a six week study group on the Revolutionary Agreements. Cost: $60.00. There is a limited group size so register now by calling 530-581-5117 or visit the web: www.csl-tt.org Sunday, May 3 – Toms River, NJ - Marian addresses guests at the twentieth Annual Induction Banquet as she receives the honor of being inducted into the Toms River Schools Hall of Fame. For more information or to obtain an invitation to attend this event, call 732-505-2600. http://www.trschools.com/hssouth/halloffame.htm Marian’s message reminded me in a big way that I am not alone facing issues and challenges resulting from the economic crisis facing our country. Community is important in times like these. Together we can help one another recover by offering our hands and hearts in compassionate support.
Into the Light Sometimes in stress the mind runs wild Listen to the heart; it knows what’s best So I marvel at the snowcapped peaks; Lighten up? Okay why not? The time I have is not tomorrow I’m really fine, as long as I listen Fly with me?
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