http://widget-34.slide.com/widgets/slideticker.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" quality="high" scale="noscale" salign="l" wmode="transparent" flashvars="cy=bp&il=1&channel=3314649325756188468&site=widget-34.slide.com" width="426" height="320" name="flashticker" align="middle"/>

Stay in your lane

Stay in your lane

Many of us travel the highways, side streets, and byways, busily pursuing our next destination; oftentimes, unconscious of the roads we actually travel on. Many of us feel like driving a car is much like riding a bike; once you know how, you never forget. So we meander along the roadways never really mindful of the road itself. We are ofttimes far too busy driving defensively, ensuring that the people around us ‘stay in their lane’, while simultaneously ensuring that we ‘stay in our lane’. We seldom enjoy the trip itself; preoccupied with the monotony of traveling. We rarely note the beauty of any given day; acknowledge the privilege even of having the ability or wherewithal to even travel. Mind you, the primary focus is on staying in your lane, regardless of the surroundings or the circumstances.

There are a variety of markings actually on the road: broken lines, solid lines, straight lines, not so straight lines, and lines of different colors. The markings on the lanes of the road represent a double ant André, or dual meaning, if you look closely enough. For example, on a multi-lane road, like a highway, the broken white line separates each lane. Now, the inconsistency of the line says to the driver that these are lanes that you can pass in. The broken white line is a signal that you can change lanes. You have permission to no longer stay in your lane, but move to a lane of your choosing. Maybe you will make this choice because the lane you’re traveling in is moving too slowly. Maybe you decide to change lanes because there is an exit coming up that you plan to take and you simply need to move closer to it to successfully navigate your exit from the roadway. Maybe you choose to change lanes simply because you have that choice. Regardless of the reason for the decision that is made, once you make it and maneuver the lane change, you must right yourself in your new position and then stay in your lane.

Some of the more major highways actually have little raised reflectors that precede the broken white line. These raised reflectors serve a dual purpose. The first is a visible and audible notification that your vehicle is crossing over to a different lane. You are moving out of your lane. You see the reflectors, but more than that, you hear your vehicle actually traveling over these reminders. Sometimes these raised reflectors are extended so much higher than the road, that when you cross them, your tires position changes, thus changing the position of your vehicle – at least temporarily. The second purpose of the raised reflector is more evident at night, when the roadways are dark. The reflectors provide little hints of light; reinforcing the lane one is in, and notifying of the distance to safely navigate a change in lane.

If you notice, there are times when even on a multilane roadway, the typically white broken lines are solid. The solid white line is an indicator that at that particular juncture, you are not allowed to lawfully change lanes. You are, then, mandate to remain in your lane. Those white lines are also a marker for the outside right lanes of most major thoroughfares. Once again, the solid white line is an indicator of your inability, despite your desire to stay in your lane. Conversely, on the far left, there is also a solid line; however, more times than not, the solid line on the left is a very strong yellow color. Interestingly enough, the coloring of the yellow line is much like the coloring of the traffic signs that provide information to a traveler as they maneuver down the road. You know the signs. They read things like, caution, yield, merge, turn; directions to assist in safe navigation of the roadways. The solid yellow line actually on the road, is a visual indicator as well. Once again, this marking does not avail the driver the opportunity to choose a change of lane. It is imperative that the driver in that particular lane refrain from moving particularly to the left. Failure to abide by this solid yellow line can land one in a ravine or a median, or in oncoming traffic. The solid yellow line is a staunch reminder to stay in your lane.

Now because a number of highways have commuter lanes, the line preceding the commuter lane, or immediately next to the commuter lane, can be represented by a double broken line – sometimes with reflectors, and sometimes not; or there can be a solid and broken line. Regardless of the specifics of the markings, one thing is clear – you know visually and sometimes audibly that you are moving into a lane that has a special requirement. Only if you have more than one passenger in the vehicle, are you even able to traverse in this special lane. If you are riding solo, you don’t have the commuter lane as an option, and once again, you must, stay in your lane.

There is one more thing that is critically important to note. Whether it be the shoulder or the median, there is another road marking that bears mentioning. If one inadvertently crosses the solid white line on the far right hand side, placing the car off the intended road, there are often linear raised asphalt rows that cause a terrible racket notifying the driver that they have traveled off the beaten path; that they are no longer in their lane. Similarly, these raised asphalt waves can be found on the far right side of the ride, again indicating significant departure from the prescribed roadway. What’s interesting about this roadway marker is that it is not a different color, so visually one may not be cued. The cue or indicator comes audibly and is physically manifested in the disruption in the vehicle when these ‘warners’ are crossed.

So what of the double ant Andre’? What of the deeper meaning? May I suggest that the oft traveled roadway can be seen as a visual representation of one’s spiritual journey? We all have a path, a lane, with a destination in mind. Sometimes we are very mindful of our travels, and other times we are unconsciously moving, with little thought to the route. Maybe it’s a route we have taken numerous times, and are operating on automatic pilot; simply moving – moving but without intent or intensity. Some of us may be very focused on staying in our lane, driving defensively; becoming increasingly defensive when another traveler veers too close to our path, putting our travel in jeopardy. Regardless of whether we are purposeful in our traveling, moving aimlessly or operating to protect our lane to increase our chances of safe travel, we are all traveling on this spiritual roadway.

Let’s take the broken white line. As previously mentioned, the broken white line indicates ones ability to change lanes – to choose another lane. The traveler is empowered to make a choice; whether it be for convenience, change of direction or a change of pace, the ability to choose is readily available to us. This is much like the execution of free will. What’s important to remember though, is once we have made the conscious decision to move lanes, we must then right ourselves to travel safely in the new lane – to stay in our lane. As long as there are broken white lines, we have the ability to change lanes as many times as our heart desires, or is deemed prudent for our journey; as long as the traveler continues in a forward motion, they will continue on the path to reaching their desired destination. Now, some would argue that repeated lateral moves or frequent lane changes prohibits forward movement; thus slowing forward momentum. That may very well be true. One has to consider whether expedience or continuous movement is preferential. It may very well be a personal choice.

As with the regular road, the spiritual road also has raised reflectors that serve a dual purpose. The raised reflectors provide a visual and audible notification of movement into a different lane. When the road is dark, the reflective quality of these road markers provides little hints of light; making it even more clear the lane one is currently traveling in, and notifying of the distance necessary to travel to successfully navigate into a different lane. Little hints of light – reminders; that sometimes small voice that aids in choosing. Some call it conscious, while others note it as their Higher Powers way of gently getting their attention; maybe to remind them of their current path and the rightness of staying in their current lane, or maybe as a means of gently cautioning the changing of lanes – not prohibiting movement, but gently warning with a visual and audible reminder.

The solid white line is a clear indicator of an inability to lawfully change lanes. To move contrary to the law may put the traveler in grave danger. Even if the solid white line is crossed, consciously or inadvertently, there is still the raised linear ripples or hard waves, yet another increasingly significant reminder that further warns the traveler that they have traveled off the intended path. Not so much a visual warner (faith is the evidence of things not seen), but a definitive audible and physically manifested warning of significant transgression from the desired route.

The strong solid yellow line, bearing the coloring of information is a much more forceful (if you will) reminder of the importance on staying in one’s lane. Failure at this juncture to do so may prove fatal. There is often no place to go when the yellow line is crossed – no additional road that will bear the weight of the vehicle – no room for additional maneuvering. The yellow line can be the precursor to hitting the concrete median or traveling into oncoming traffic. Even if crossing the yellow line proves not to be fatal, there is significantly increased risk for serious damage; from which there may be no recovery.

And what of the commuter lane? Remember, you must meet specific requirements in order to travel in this lane. Have you noticed that even when traffic is at a standstill in all other lanes, the commuter lane seems to move faster, with fewer obstructions in travel? This is not a lane for those riding solo; independently moving along their desired path. No, this lane is for those who are riding with a partner, a someone else. Now that someone else may actually be the driver, or they may be just riding ‘shotgun’, but they are there; prominent, and easily detected. Isn’t it interesting that just having that someone else in the vehicle, on the path with you is enough to gain access to this special lane for travel?

So, what of your travels? Are you traveling along a prescribed course with a specific destination in mind? Are you changing lanes? Are you mindful of your course of travel, heeding all the warnings and being reminded by that small still voice? Are you riding solo, or do you have a partner riding shotgun’; availing you the privilege of riding in the special lane? Are you enjoying the trip? Are you staying in your lane?

Emergency Fund

EMERGENCY FUND

It is highly recommended by renowned financial analysts, and people in the business of money and finance, for every family, every individual, to have an emergency fund. The parameters of the emergency fund may differ depending on what financial consultant or financier’s principles you ascribe to. Some recommend that a family should have enough money in reserve, or in their emergency fund to last one year. This specified amount includes one year’s worth of expenses; including mortgage, rent, household bills, food, etc.

For some, the idea of having a years salary or a years worth of expenses saved up seems an impossibility; particularly in today’s economy. Other money managers prescribe timeframes that are shorter in duration, but the concept never changes. I’m sure we have all had family members who have said, “Put something away for a rainy day”.

This seems like sage advice particularly in times of economic disparity. It is not too much of a cognitive leap to consider that if having a storehouse, or an emergency fund in economic times of crisis is a good idea, then having spiritual stores, and an emergency fund of spiritual resources is a good idea as well.
Very often, economic crisis and spirituality find themselves intersecting. When people are hurting, can’t see their way clear, don’t know where the next house payment or next meal will come from, they cry out to a Higher power for divine intervention. Even those who profess no particular faith, and even those who consider faith the frivolous notions of the masses, in times of crisis, find themselves crying out “Oh Lord!” ‘Oh God!”

Consider this. When the economy is flourishing, instead of spending aimlessly, put something away in the emergency fund. When times are good and blessings seem abundant, put something away in your spiritual storehouse. We all know how difficult to save when crisis actually strikes. Be a good steward of plenty, so that in times of famine the crisis is diminished.

So, what do you have in your emergency fund?

Driving Under Influenced !!

By the title of this, you can tell that once again I had an epiphany while driving. I am going to start calling them EWD’s. I’m sure you have noticed that near major holidays, or extended weekends, the signs appear on the roads and the commercials show on television about the importance of not driving under the influence. Sometimes the commercials and warning signs on the road describe in more specific detail what driving under the influence means. They talk about driving under the influence of illicit substances, particularly alcohol.

What accompanies these not so gentle warnings is the increased police presence on the roads. Please don’t swerve, change lanes without signaling properly, or drive more than the allotted speed limit, for if you do, then you stand an increased chance of being pulled over on the side of the road by your local law enforcement agency. There is another accompaniment to this more than seasonal dance --- the designated driver. For if you determine or someone else determines for you that you are not capable of limiting your intake and then having sound judgment when it comes to your mode of transportation, than a friend of local bartender will make the decision to provide you some much needed assistance. The irony however, in the designated driver is that the person under the influence has to summon up enough common sense to acquiesce and allow another person or force to determine their safety and destiny.

So once again, I am in my car, contemplating this notion of driving under the influence. And then it dawned on me…. What about DRIVING UNDER INFLUENCED?

What ever does this kind of DUI mean? More times than not, I have arrived at a particular familiar destination, without giving a lot of thought to how I have gotten there. It’s sort of like moving from one place to another on automatic pilot. Then I thought, “No, that’s not what I think I mean by DRIVING UNDER INFLUENCED. So after a few more miles, and given a little more thought to the original connotation of the DUI, it became increasingly clearer to me. DRIVING UNDER INFLUENCED – the absence of influence. Movement without influence; activity without influence; thinking without influence, contemplation without influence. Driving under influenced.

Influence has been defined by Webster’s dictionary as a power affecting a person, thing, or course of events, especially one that operates without any direct or apparent effort. WOW! That bears repeating: A power affecting a person, thing of course of events, especially one that operates without any direct or apparent effort. Then follows the AHA moment. To drive under influenced means to operate without this affective power; without the impact on the person, thing of course of events; and to exist in abstentia from this force that has the ability to change, challenge, and indeed influence effortlessly.
Now, it is not for me to say what this influential power or lack thereof, is in your season. Call it what you will, but it sounds to me like living without this influential power is a negative versus a positive. To move without influence, to be without influence sounds like the absence of really moving and BEING.

So yes, there will continue to be warning about driving under the influence, and for some, the connotation and understanding of this notion will remain the same. But for others, DUI will never have the same secular, simplistic meaning again. For those who understand the power of this oxymoronic notion and flight of thought and fancy, their daily goal will be to drive under the influence; moving under the power of an effortless will that leads and guides to purpose. For those who recognize the message in the words, the goal of everyday life is to drive under the influence, because DRIVING UNDER INFLUENCED is to live without inspiration, meaning, or acceleration. Driving under influenced is to live without purpose.

Compartmentalized Brilliance

You, like me, have met people in your life who have demonstrable brilliance that seems to be regulated to one, maybe two areas of their life. Even people frequently referred to as ‘idiot savants’ exhibit extraordinary skills in oftentimes a creative area of their lives that provides an ironic juxtaposition to what has been defined as their developmental limitations. The ability to masterfully play the piano, but be unable to read music; the gift of etching life on a page, yet being unable to define colors; the stealth to hear a concerto and repeat it verbatim, without the ability to spell c-o-n-c-e-r-t-o; compartmentalized brilliance.

The compartmentalization of brilliance is not relegated to those with savant syndrome. It happens in those who have not been defined in terms of operating with developmental limitations who have a hot spot of brilliance. It happens to the best of us. To be able to cook a savory meal without a recipe; measuring in the chef’s hand without using the contemporary tools of a chef; determining tastes by how the ingredients feel; versus perfectly measuring out to ensure that not too much of one thing and not enough of another are imparted into the dish. The ability to dissect a mechanical problem, determined by the inappropriate sound the engine is making; ears tuned to the rumble of the components, and peeked when something doesn’t sound quite right; correcting the problem, with oil stained hands, worn out tools, and no written instruction or the reassurance of a trained mechanics watchful eye. Even something so simple as calculating the cost of groceries as one shops in the store; not writing it down, but balancing the checkbook – adding and subtracting, down to the penny, so as not to go over budget.

These are all things that ordinary people do everyday without giving it a second thought. This bisected brilliance is taken for granted by some, and is often unrecognized by most. They are lovingly referred to as the meanest cook in the family, the shade tree mechanic, the frugal one, ‘the one with the good credit’.

It has oft been said by those with extensive research credentials, and multiple letters and commas behind their names that most humans only use 10% of their brains capacity. What if, because we know this and accept it as fact, we individually decide to stretch the parameters of our own compartmentalized brilliance? What if there was a collective decision to use 20%, 30%, God forbid, 50% of the magnanimous power that has been given to us in the form of intelligence. What difference would that make in our lives? Would there be limits to the feats we could accomplish, the tasks undertaken and conquered, the depths of dreams no longer deferred? Most importantly, the compartmentalization removed, eliminates all excuses of what one can’t do; it decreased the comfort of staying within the knowing; forcing the widening of the eye, and the expansion of the mind to heights unknown.

If this decompartmentalization process was then broadened to every facet of our human selves; not only intelligence, but feelings, emotions, physicality, spirituality, what then? What then would be the result of decompartmentalized brilliance?

Fenced In

On a recent vacation with my children, I had the opportunity to observe the landscape as I drove. Between the beautiful sky, trees in the midst of colorful transition and the sprawling fields that seemed to never end, there was an oft repeated theme. What, you may ask? Intermittently dispersed over the landscape were little enclaves of fenced cattle.
The cattle were of various colors and sizes; with males and females adequately represented. Some were even longhorns, frequently associated with the Texas longhorns. Some of the cattle were huge, easily weighing several hundred pounds. What was striking to me was not the sheer girth of these animals, nor the sheer numbers of cattle that could be seen in what appeared to be a rather small pasture. What was striking is regardless of the aforementioned factors, these animals were all held behind minimal fencing! Some of the fences were made from chain link; but more than not, the fencing was wooden stakes with some form of linkage running between. Rarely did I see barb wired fencing (like the kind that keeps criminals at bay). Some of the fences that I saw had wooden posts that were leaning, and fencing, regardless of the material, that was dipping, as it had not been pulled taut across the posts. Mind you, despite the materials, none of the fencing was such that it blocked the view from any passerby of neither the animals nor the fields they grazed in. The fences seemed see through.

I began to think about this premise as I drove across the countryside. These animals were massive. Had either one of them decided that the grass was truly greener on the other side of the fence, all it would have taken was to lean against the fencing and they would have that desired access. They would be free to eat, and graze in that greener pasture. Moreover, if there was such a thing as collective thought amongst these beasts of burden, a small number of them could trample the very fencing that was holding them in. The most striking visual was of a cow who had peeked it’s head through the fencing, and was actually nibbling grass from outside the enclosure! You could tell that this was no easy feet. There was some effort and even strain involved in securing the object that the animal sought.

This rather mundane visual context proved striking and profound to me as I drove. I began to wonder and think about the objects or things or the self that had me fenced in. What was keeping me from attaining the object of my desire that seemed to be right outside of my grasp? Was I like the animal who accepted their fate, by a fence that was leaning, that would take minimal effort to trample? Did I even know that I was fenced in? And was I so comfortable in my current condition that the thought of leaning on the weakened fence never crossed my mind, or the collective minds of those around me? Or was I more like the animal that was reaching through the fence, striving to reach the object of my desire? Yes, there was some struggle and strain involved, and it took great effort to reach, but the reward was perceived to be great enough to justify the effort?

And what if the fence that the animal was reaching through to reach the greener grass was barb wired or even electrical. Would I still be the one reaching through the fence at this level of risk? Contemplation of this fencing in has been an important and clarifying process for me. Have you considered what has you fenced in?

Nocturnal Disturbance

It’s not those things that go bump in the night.
It’s not the boogey man, hiding behind a child’s closet door or underneath the bed.
It’s not that weird unexpected noise that causes your ears to perk up and your body to tense.
It’s not the cries, deep sighs or irregular breaths from another, lying not so peacefully beside you.
It’s not the child you put to bed hours ago who now wants to sleep next to you…..where it’s safe.
It’s not the whistling of a mighty wind or the clap of thunder striking too close to where your heart lives.
It’s not that flash in the pan, too bright to see, blast of light from the lightening fingers in the sky.
It’s not the request of a cherished lover to move closer for additional comfort.
It is not…….

It is, however, that something that gives you great pause even in the middle of an entrancing dream sequence.
It is that something that makes you ponder even in unconscious thought.
It is that something that no matter how tired you are and how deeply you think you are sleeping, forces a sleepy eye, a sleepy conscious to awaken….
even if it is only for the briefest moment.
It Is that something you remember momentarily, and not as a passing fancy.
It is what needs to be attended to immediately, written down if only scribbled in the dark for fear that failure to act most expeditiously may cause this precious something to dissipate like so many other somethings before.
It is that something that in that one instance is the most powerful something that requires your immediate, undivided, unwavering attention.
Right now attention!!!!
It is a whisper from the Most High directing your feet, reminding you of your purpose, implanting a powerful thought…. Not prophesied by others but spoken in a sweet melodic and rhythmic way, with perfect pitch and timbre;
for your ears only…..directly to you and for you.
It is nocturnal disturbance.