A few years ago, while trading healing sessions with a friend, I had a spontaneous "re-birthing" experience where I was coming out of my mother's womb and through the birth canal. I paused after my bald head came out and met the "outside" world.
At that moment I somehow knew, supra-consciously and with crystal clarity, that my soul had come into this body this time to a) get a 360 degree view of the world -- it seemed imperative that my head must turn around at this point to get a bigger view as I was being born; b) I would always have my basic needs for food and shelter met in this life; and c) I chose my particular family in order to become an independent woman.
In reviewing these life memories, I also realized that my whole life I've had compassion for the under-dog and those worse off than me. Since I broke my arm two weeks ago, many other experiences and thoughts have flashed through my mind. They all indicate the same thing: YES, it is time to do this journey and it is my calling.
I will keep you posted on the process of preparation and during the actual pilgrimage. I expect to learn a lot as I go where invited and help in any supportive way I can; I certainly have lots of tips and tools to share from my 40 years of teaching and self-development. I'm looking for schools and various organizations that help at-risk populations that need a loving hand. Like Peace Pilgrim, I will have no money and I will stay with whomever and wherever room and board is offered. Check out peacepilgrim.com. She's my heroine and model.
So, I started putting the first two steps and some life statements and actions that I have taken together. A puzzle was instantly completed.
1) Since I first started teaching in my early 20s I have always said that when the doctors open me up after I die (somehow assuming they would), they would find the word "teacher" embossed on my heart. "Embossed" was an important aspect since I taught the blind. 2) When asked at various times who I admired most, I have always said Mother Theresa, Helen Keller/Anne Sullivan, Peace Pilgrim or someone else who gave up material things to serve on faith with love, acceptance, and compassion. Stories of such people wer thrilling and I always felt that would be the "highest" thing someone could do in life. 3) When asked what my high dream was In one long term self-help group I attended, I answered, "A saint." That felt uncomfortable to say, as who was I, full of foibles, to declare I wanted to be a saint?
The next night at my regular weekly business meeting where I manage the registration table, I overheard two successful entrepreneurs talking business. A feeling of guilt and frustration kicked in; I hadn't done enough on my first for-profit business that I had launched six-months before. Once again, like when I fell, I was out of my body and into my mind and yelped as I redamaged my wrist that I had been pampering.
That was Step 2, the Self-Judgement.
Stayed tuned for Step 3: The COMPLETED PUZZLE. Teacher
Why am I doing this pilgrimage? Because I fell and I put much more than two and two together. I was rushing down a city street worried I would miss my bus and thinking about my college developmental math students (test-anxious math phobics for the most part) and tripped over myself, I think. The momentum propelled me into a running crouch as I tried to catch myself. However, a looming pole convinced me to crash on the sidewalk rather than head first into it.
It was BIG PAIN time. A few concerned men standing around outside the tavern offered help. Since my left arm and wrist took the brunt of the fall, I gladly accepted a right hand up, thanked them, and with a slow limp crossed the street holding back tears.
Well, I did catch my bus and then focused onrelaxing my breath and sending energy to my wounds on the ride home. In slow motion and in a slight shock state, I took real good care of myself at home all night. That was Step 1: The FALL.
The Be-Loved Project--Anyone can learn to feel more loving, thankful, and peaceful.
Motivated by three school shootings within a week and inspired by Peace Pilgrim, a woman who walked for 28 years and over 25,000 miles throughout the U.S. with just the clothes on her back and a message of peace, Dr. Paula Jeane, a.k.a. Teacher, is launching a spiritual pilgrimage dedicated to helping thousands of people to create happier, more hopeful lives. The Be-Loved Project starts January 1st, 2007 in Joshua Tree, CA.
Teacher will help free of charge in return for room and board; will travel by any means available and as simply as possible to welcoming homes; has 40 years experience in special education and psychology; incorporates self-awareness, belief systems, and developmental gaps into learning; is a super support person; makes learning fun and easy.
Who do you know that needs a helping hand? A struggling student? A family that wants to improve communication? An organization that serves people with special needs? An adult with a learning or emotional challenge? An overworked classroom teacher?
Immediate needs: 1. Contacts to organizations, schools, and people who might be interested in a free helping hand. 2. A few good business team members to take over lighten up! learning. 3. Come to a letting-go potluck for some clothes, artwork, craft materials, books, kitchenware, jewelry, furniture, decorations, etc. SUN, Nov 26th 2-5pm; SAT, Dec 9th, 2-5 at 4610 W 26th Ave,Denver
The Be-Loved Project -- Anyone can learn to feel more loving, thankful, and peaceful.
Motivated by three school shootings within a week and inspired by Peace Pilgrim, a woman who walked for 28 years and over 25,000 miles throughout the U.S. with just the clothes on her back and a message of peace, Dr. Paula Jeane, a.k.a. "Teacher," is launching a spiritual pilgrimage dedicated to helping thousands of people to create happier, more hopeful lives. The Be-Loved Project starts January 1st, 2007 in Joshua Tree, CA.
Teacher
will help free of charge in return for room and board;
will travel by any means available and as simply as possible to welcoming homes;
has 40 years experience in special education and psychology;
incorporates self-awareness, belief systems, and developmental gaps into learning;
is a super support person;
makes learning fun and easy.
Who do you know that needs a helping hand?
