On the various blogs about Sachi/Shirley's new chapter, I have expressed my fierce defense of Shirley....and after much thought I realized that spiritually Shirley has scripted this for herself to travel through as we all create the events in our life for the growth of ourselves and others. So my perspective on this story has evolved to understanding that all events occur for a reason and spiritual growth occurs from them...especially when one is Shirley. So Im thinking that ultimately this event has a kiss of divinity on it....as strange as it may sound. It HAS to be part of the beautiful karmic dance we all do with our soul group. So my perspective has evolved a bit on this...and again I have to thank you, Shirley, for inadvertantly being the catalyst for my growth.

I completely agree with you, Kata .... (not that that maters, lol, but you know ... at least it proves I'm reading the posts, HA!). My perspective is evolving in this same direction. And I truly believe that EVERY event has the "kiss of divinity" on it ... it just may take time and patience and openness on our part to remain in the cracked space in order to let the light shine through ...

Love,
Lura

Lura and Kata,

I absolutely agree with your perspective, and I am certain Shirley does as well as she quite often challenges others (in interviews and elsewhere) with considering otherwise horrible circumstances as opportunities to learn and grow and balance otherwise unbalanced karma.

Here are a few lines from The Camino that recall this philosophy:

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"In other words, surrender--surrender to the knowledge that within myself was the balance of masculine and feminine and the ability to find joy in whatever occurred. All of life was a lesson in self-knowledge. The more knowledge we have of ourselves, the more we are able to deal with anything." (p. 117)(emphasis added).

From John the Scott: "Remember then that one drop of joy that you create transforms oceans of negativity." (p. 183).

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Certainly we learn the most from those in our lives who challenge us the most--even when such challenges are particularly hostile. Carlos Castaneda's don Juan calls them your "petty tyrants," and when you meet your petty tyrant, one should throw a flippin' party because this person will be such an opportunity to learn and grow. The concept is not unusual in Buddhist teachings as well. I've got my petty tyrant. I bet you do, too! Let's party! I'll bring the cherries . . .

much peace from the scorching deserts of Las Vegas,
steph

__________________
"I wasn't going to spend my life doing what had already been done." - Georgia O'Keeffe