We’re all doing our best to live our lives as well as we can
And that means something different to each of us
But certain things are universal
That smile in your heart when you truly feel seen and enjoyed
The lifting of your cheeks when you make someone giggle
The expansion of your being when you witness a stunning moment in nature
In the structures of culture
Money often equals success
A life well lived
But as infinite documentaries have shown us
That’s not necessarily true
Money does not immunize us from hardship
Though no money is a pervasive hardship in itself
So, we do our best at what’s before us
Strive for what we desire
Sometimes succeed
Sometimes fail
But let’s not forget
Everything is holy
Every struggle is holy
Every success is holy
Every being is holy
Every item is holy
There is nothing in creation that isn’t holy
Because it’s exactly the wholeness of everything that’s holyWe can ignore or deny that holiness, wholeness, connection
And that’s where trouble starts
Trying to amplify holiness is equally problematic
One thing being holier than another is just not possible
Of course, recognition of holiness varies tremendously
And that comes down to ways of seeing, orientation
And there is a big philosophical discussion here I’d love to have
But for now, the point is: God is All Of It, and thus in all of it
Slowing down and looking people in the eyes reveals the light of divinity
Each person, a specific flavor and texture and shine
The constant striving, the hungry ghost
Can’t see it
Nothing is meaningful but the expressions of the chosen ideal
And attaining its markers
It’s safe to say that I have failed in achieving some key markers of success
But in doing so, I am touching into deep richness
I’m not particularly enjoying it
But I can’t deny there’s something tender and true I’m accessing
And it’s shaping me
I started studying attunement and coherence
So I could be a positive influence in the world
And boy, am I grateful I had that drive to begin
Because it’s serving me and it’s exactly what I need
If I were starting today, in my time of need
I wouldn’t have this depth of practice to support me
In hoping to bless the macro, I am living the blessing in the micro
It’s also making me very sensitive
To the many habits and mindsets of hustle culture I still employ
Though I have set down an enormous load
I still fear my bank balance is a reflection of my worth
Even though I can look at someone else in dire straits
And know that’s not true for them
Tomorrow I have an interview for a $18/hr job, and I really need it
Of course, I’d love to land in a well-paying role
But, I’m happy to step into a role that requires my skills and capacities, however humble
I’m reminded of the manifesting practice of writing million dollar checks to yourself
A practice that always made me laugh
Because, yes, lightening does strike from time to time
But I believe more commonly
God works in small, unmarked bills
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