Finding a path seems so easy for some; yet, it never is. What we see on the surface is the result of a long chain of decisions and events, spiced up with clear vision, determination and many other ingredients.
n past newsletters, I’ve said that we should try to exercise patience and let go of our desire to control everything in life; particularly in situations that go beyond our reach: it’s futile and frustrating to get angry over a flight delay, or to be sad or upset when the weather is not ideal for a special event on a certain day.
It is such an honor and an absolute TREAT to escort Gloria Steinem during the 10th annual San Miguel Writers’ Conference. She is a person I have always respected and admired, and it was a thrill to meet her and realize first-hand what a wonderful and inspiring woman she is.
We live in an era of instant ‘sharing’ and ‘communicating’. Internet has drastically altered – for better and for worse – how we interact with one another; and it also shows us much more to aspire to (both spiritually and materially). Whether we realize it or not, we’re constantly being told what we should aim for in life. Our definition of happiness and success is strongly influenced by what we see and receive through these new channels – particularly social media.
As a result of last week’s newsletter I received many lovely e-mails from you. SO many – I was so overwhelmed and surprised by your support, your trust and your understanding. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart!
I have been a psychologist for almost four decades. There have been several occasions in my professional life when I have dealt with death closely. I have also experienced the loss of both of my parents; and the loss of a dear mentor. They have all been painful, of course: every death of a loved one leaves a big blank space in our lives. However, these losses were also profoundly spiritual events that have transformed me for the better – death is, after all, one of the greatest ‘mysteries’ of the human experience. When we come in contact with death, everything changes because we see the world through different eyes.
I love my friends. I can’t imagine what my life would be like without them. There are friends who live in town and whom I see regularly – they are the spice of my life and make everything twice as wonderful. There are also friends I don’t see very often, except for when they are visiting – like Peter Criswell in the photo here; he was one of our first retreatants at LifePath, several years ago! – or when I travel to visit them. Those encounters are always something I look forward to, and they never fail to be a source of insight and sheer joy.
All flowers are beautiful, each in its own way. I particularly marvel at the ones that keep blooming even during winter. Here in San Miguel we are blessed with beautiful and awe-inspiring sights all year long; but for some reason, I always find that the floral beauty of San Miguel is more evident during the cold months. There’s just something so powerful and poignant about the message conveyed by winter blooms.
How many times do we act motivated by situations, ideas or things that are not real?We can even make (or not make) life-changing decisions while under the spell of illusions. Think about how risky that is: you can paralyse yourself over something that will never really exist. Imagine not doing something you’ve always wanted to do just because you are under the illusion that if you do it, something horrible will happen. Isn’t it sad, and frustrating?
We’re in those days when we start thinking about what we would like to accomplish or change during the year to come. Many people make lists of resolutions. I’ve given you my perspective about them in a past newsletter. We all have different ways to visualize and to get our priorities organized – so, however you choose to tackle the new year, the key is that you feel comfortable and motivated.
Whenever life presents a situation in which we have to decide between two or more courses of action, most of us – understandably – feel a bit uneasy. The harder the decision, the more insecure we tend to feel. Who wouldn’t? It’s completely human to doubt ourselves. Sometimes, the more we analyze a situation, the more difficult it is to come to a definitive decision. And then, fear may rear its ugly head…
While it’s true that our activities don’t define who we are, it’s undeniable that our patterns of conduct have a profound impact on the way we live. Indulging in negative behavior doesn’t just hurt us: it alters the balance of the universe, because we send not-so-great energy out to the world.
During our free time most of us like to engage in specific activities: some of us read fiction, magazines or certain blogs; or maybe we like to watch tv or go to the movies. Perhaps our favorite leisure activity is getting together with friends for a meal and/or drinks, while we discuss what each of us has been doing for the past few days or weeks.
Here we are: another year went by in the blink of an eye, and December is upon us once more!
At this point, it’s easy to go into panic mode over any project we might have fallen behind with. Tasks, goals, resolutions…sometimes they tend to pile up and haunt us even while we sleep! Let’s try to keep in mind that December should always be about reflecting on what we learned for the past 11 months; and appreciating the blessings in our lives.
November 20th of 2014 was quite a day. History was made in many parts of the world – remarkably in the USA and in Mexico.
I think it’s thrilling and moving to live in these times; when people are using all the tools at their disposal to propel change and create awareness. The mega march in Mexico City (with similar marches taking place in many other cities of the country; as well as in many other countries all over the world) was an incredibly powerful manifestation of awareness. The attitude of most Mexicans at this crucial moment in history is inspiring, and shows us that when apathy is replaced by positive action, there’s nothing that can stop the waves of positive change.
Beauty has two aspects: the physical, and the spiritual. In today’s world, we tend to mistake an aesthetically pleasant shape with real and meaningful beauty. Of course, there is nothing wrong with pleasurable aesthetics – as long as they feed our spirits and intellects. This is what the most popular, ‘mainstream’ current notions of beauty get wrong.
It is so usual, and so easy, to be discouraged by the attitude of others. Whether it’s another individual’s opinions, or those of the majority; it can be frustrating to either accept or try to modify what most people believe to be right.
Day of the Dead is one of the most beautiful celebrations in Mexico, and it is certainly the most poignant and spiritual. To witness the care, love, patience and commitment most Mexicans have with their long-gone ancestors never ceases to amaze me. It is certainly so unique and moving; and we are blessed to have the opportunity to witness it and/or even take part in it.
Finding a path seems so easy for some; yet, it never is. What we see on the surface is the result of a long chain of decisions and events, spiced up with clear vision, determination and many other ingredients.
n past newsletters, I’ve said that we should try to exercise patience and let go of our desire to control everything in life; particularly in situations that go beyond our reach: it’s futile and frustrating to get angry over a flight delay, or to be sad or upset when the weather is not ideal for a special event on a certain day.
It is such an honor and an absolute TREAT to escort Gloria Steinem during the 10th annual San Miguel Writers’ Conference. She is a person I have always respected and admired, and it was a thrill to meet her and realize first-hand what a wonderful and inspiring woman she is.
We live in an era of instant ‘sharing’ and ‘communicating’. Internet has drastically altered – for better and for worse – how we interact with one another; and it also shows us much more to aspire to (both spiritually and materially). Whether we realize it or not, we’re constantly being told what we should aim for in life. Our definition of happiness and success is strongly influenced by what we see and receive through these new channels – particularly social media.
As a result of last week’s newsletter I received many lovely e-mails from you. SO many – I was so overwhelmed and surprised by your support, your trust and your understanding. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart!
I have been a psychologist for almost four decades. There have been several occasions in my professional life when I have dealt with death closely. I have also experienced the loss of both of my parents; and the loss of a dear mentor. They have all been painful, of course: every death of a loved one leaves a big blank space in our lives. However, these losses were also profoundly spiritual events that have transformed me for the better – death is, after all, one of the greatest ‘mysteries’ of the human experience. When we come in contact with death, everything changes because we see the world through different eyes.
I love my friends. I can’t imagine what my life would be like without them. There are friends who live in town and whom I see regularly – they are the spice of my life and make everything twice as wonderful. There are also friends I don’t see very often, except for when they are visiting – like Peter Criswell in the photo here; he was one of our first retreatants at LifePath, several years ago! – or when I travel to visit them. Those encounters are always something I look forward to, and they never fail to be a source of insight and sheer joy.
All flowers are beautiful, each in its own way. I particularly marvel at the ones that keep blooming even during winter. Here in San Miguel we are blessed with beautiful and awe-inspiring sights all year long; but for some reason, I always find that the floral beauty of San Miguel is more evident during the cold months. There’s just something so powerful and poignant about the message conveyed by winter blooms.
How many times do we act motivated by situations, ideas or things that are not real?We can even make (or not make) life-changing decisions while under the spell of illusions. Think about how risky that is: you can paralyse yourself over something that will never really exist. Imagine not doing something you’ve always wanted to do just because you are under the illusion that if you do it, something horrible will happen. Isn’t it sad, and frustrating?
We’re in those days when we start thinking about what we would like to accomplish or change during the year to come. Many people make lists of resolutions. I’ve given you my perspective about them in a past newsletter. We all have different ways to visualize and to get our priorities organized – so, however you choose to tackle the new year, the key is that you feel comfortable and motivated.
Whenever life presents a situation in which we have to decide between two or more courses of action, most of us – understandably – feel a bit uneasy. The harder the decision, the more insecure we tend to feel. Who wouldn’t? It’s completely human to doubt ourselves. Sometimes, the more we analyze a situation, the more difficult it is to come to a definitive decision. And then, fear may rear its ugly head…
While it’s true that our activities don’t define who we are, it’s undeniable that our patterns of conduct have a profound impact on the way we live. Indulging in negative behavior doesn’t just hurt us: it alters the balance of the universe, because we send not-so-great energy out to the world.
During our free time most of us like to engage in specific activities: some of us read fiction, magazines or certain blogs; or maybe we like to watch tv or go to the movies. Perhaps our favorite leisure activity is getting together with friends for a meal and/or drinks, while we discuss what each of us has been doing for the past few days or weeks.
Here we are: another year went by in the blink of an eye, and December is upon us once more!
At this point, it’s easy to go into panic mode over any project we might have fallen behind with. Tasks, goals, resolutions…sometimes they tend to pile up and haunt us even while we sleep! Let’s try to keep in mind that December should always be about reflecting on what we learned for the past 11 months; and appreciating the blessings in our lives.
November 20th of 2014 was quite a day. History was made in many parts of the world – remarkably in the USA and in Mexico.
I think it’s thrilling and moving to live in these times; when people are using all the tools at their disposal to propel change and create awareness. The mega march in Mexico City (with similar marches taking place in many other cities of the country; as well as in many other countries all over the world) was an incredibly powerful manifestation of awareness. The attitude of most Mexicans at this crucial moment in history is inspiring, and shows us that when apathy is replaced by positive action, there’s nothing that can stop the waves of positive change.
Beauty has two aspects: the physical, and the spiritual. In today’s world, we tend to mistake an aesthetically pleasant shape with real and meaningful beauty. Of course, there is nothing wrong with pleasurable aesthetics – as long as they feed our spirits and intellects. This is what the most popular, ‘mainstream’ current notions of beauty get wrong.
It is so usual, and so easy, to be discouraged by the attitude of others. Whether it’s another individual’s opinions, or those of the majority; it can be frustrating to either accept or try to modify what most people believe to be right.
Day of the Dead is one of the most beautiful celebrations in Mexico, and it is certainly the most poignant and spiritual. To witness the care, love, patience and commitment most Mexicans have with their long-gone ancestors never ceases to amaze me. It is certainly so unique and moving; and we are blessed to have the opportunity to witness it and/or even take part in it.
A Hero’s Journey is an eight-week experiential interactive online program designed to navigate your life transitions with greater clarity, confidence and much less stress.
Moving Abroad: A Hero’s Journey is an eight-week experiential interactive online program for personal growth and transformation.
The Enneagram: Who Am I is actually a comprehensive roadmap that will guide you through life and gift you with more awareness and insight into yourself and others.
We Will Make Sure To Keep You Updated
One of my next steps on my own journey is to continue my work as a Psychologist in offering psychotherapy sessions online. If you are interested, you can contact me at docbeverlynelson@gmail.com
I will also continue offering online courses based on the Hero’s Journey and the Enneagram. I would love to help you make your life journey one of continued increase of happiness, fulfillment and satisfaction…More information can be found at: https:/lifepathmasters.pageable.com and on our website at https://lifepathmasters.com.