On doubt, faith and creating your future

Eleanor R. Kootsey — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 00:42:52 +0000

This morning’s Daily Dharma from Tricycle: The Buddhist Review read, “We don’t have to let go, we simply have to not hold on.” (Joseph Goldstein, “Empty Phenomena Rolling On,” Tricycle, Winter 1993)

This practice is not new to me or likely to most of you; however, it has never been nor has it yet become my strong suit. When I want something or love someone, I tend to hold on for dear life. The only thing that has ever helped me to gracefully (rather than reluctantly) loosen my grip is my belief that when I place whatever I deem dear in the care of a power greater than myself, the issue will be resolved for the highest good of all involved. That, really, is what I want most.

Easier said than done! Especially when one really isn’t exactly sure just what that “something greater” is!

I’m reading the memoir Faith Under Fire about Army Chaplain Roger Benimoff’s counseling of soldiers during his two tours of duty in Iraq, his wrestling with God about the carnage and heartbreak of war, and his reintegration with home life and family as a changed man. Talk about grappling with trust in something greater.

In this area of knowing, feeling, surrendering to and co-creating with a higher power, I am a fan of the expression, “There lives more faith in honest doubt, believe me, than in all the creeds.” (Alfred Lord Tennyson) I doubt sometimes and I ask for help anyway. For me, it’s better than feeling stuck out on the ledge by myself.

Tomorrow, Floricane’s John Sarvay and I begin facilitating a two-day workshop, NextSteps, to help people in life and career transition determine what they most deeply wish to create for their future and who they’ll need to become to generate it.

A number of teachers talk about this process as “co-creation.“ It has indeed been my experience that after we make the decision to follow that small voice inside of us, create a magnificently detailed vision and strategy, and prepare our body, mind and heart to live this future, then… we must turn our brilliant plan over to a power greater than ourselves for editing, for alignment, for infusion of spirit, and for ongoing assistance.

Our job is to remain flexible, surrender our strong hold on how it must turn out, and trust (with honest, struggling doubt) in the perhaps slightly altered direction in which we are lead.

That, I believe, is how we’ll create a future that serves our own and the greater good.

What are your NEXT STEPS?

Eleanor R. Kootsey — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 02:42:14 +0000

I’m super excited to announce I’ll be co-facilitating NEXT STEPS, a four-week program for people who have lost their jobs, with the super-fun (and all around great guy) John Sarvay of Floricane.

NEXT STEPS encourages job seekers to take a step back and align their career search with their personal values and vision, and their experiences, skills and competencies – before they take the “next step forward” in their career. Click here for the full scoop on the program starting June 15th!

I’m excited to be in the process with the participants of NEXT STEPS. My position with Girls For A Change was cut to half time in January. I got the news three weeks after my Dad died and four days before breaking up with my then-boyfriend. (Happy New Year!) Though somewhat in shock, I had to believe that it was the Universe at work. I felt sure that I was being given a big fat push and a wide-open space to explore and pursue what I’m really meant to contribute to this world.

Even with this faith, I know well the terror of facing a huge and unexpected unknown, the excitment of letting secret dreams come to light, and the daily risktaking, failing and getting back up again… all the while trying to pay the bills!

Five years ago I created a 10-page (typed!) list of what I wanted in my career which helped me find my dream job working in girl empowerment. This time around, I still have the same passion yet the form is changing and my yearning is simpler: I want to be well used (my whole being) and to give the gifts I am here to give. The trick is remaining open to it manifesting in unexpected ways. We’ll see! It’s quite fun at the moment!

Click here if you or someone you know (and love!) is interested in joining the NEXT STEPS program starting next Monday, June 15th!

Eleanor Rouse » Next Steps

On doubt, faith and creating your future

What are your NEXT STEPS?