My mom was a huge music fan, so my sister and I were blessed to hear music all the time in our household. Some songs a little too often if you asked us, but hey… what can you do? One song I remember touching me deeply is Alfie sung by Dionne Warwick. What a voice. What a song. It always made me wonder. What the heck is it all about? You know, life?
Is that a question for the times or what? If you are like me, you have been asking that question over and over.
I’ve heard a few people like Oprah, offer explanations of, this is a time to show how much we need each other and how we have mistreated each other. I have heard others talk of God and Allah and the Buddha and the lessons that are being taught by each during this time or punishment being handed down.
Nothing seemed sufficient until I let go of the need for an explanation for the collective and focused on what it’s all about for me at this time. This is not a selfish act, but rather I am following the need to figure this out so that I can be of more service to myself and the collective. I’ve touched on some things, but I am not ready to share them yet. They are still cooking, and I want to serve them up well done.
What I want to share today is the process I am using to answer the question.
1. Don’t settle for I don’t know.
You do know. Deep within, I assure you that you do know what it is all about for you. Sit with the question and write down any words, thoughts, and feelings that come to you. They don’t have to make sense right now, they just have to come from you.
2. Be honest with yourself in a kind way.
It’s easy to get down on yourself for plans and dreams unfulfilled or talents unused. This kind of ongoing crisis has led many of us to face our own mortality, behavior, and health. If something is speaking to you to be fulfilled, whether it be a health goal, a secret desire, or a seemingly impossible dream… honor the thought and the fact that you have it, without beating yourself up.
3. Question yourself.
What is one thing that you would really like to do right now to bring peace to yourself? What is one thing you would like to do to be of service to the collective? What is one thing that you will not let go of believing that you can and will do? What’s one thing you are going to need to let go of in order to get through this and be better?
4. Don’t stop believing.
Another great song by a group, so aptly named, Journey. This is a journey that needs your time and devotion. Being devoted to using this time in history to reflect on you will require your belief in yourself, your inner voice, and your plans, dreams and goals that have yet to be met. Believing that your life and contribution means something is what will keep you going back within over and over until you get your answers.
Giving yourself time to ask and receive can be difficult because even in this slow down we are still operating as a fast-food society. We want answers now. We want this to be over now. I’m as guilty as the rest of you. I am however choosing to sit with this assignment and make sure that it produces fruit.
What’s it all about? I hope Alfie found out. I hope we all do.
Lyrics to Alfie
What’s it all about, Alfie?
Is it just for the moment we live?
What’s it all about when you sort it out, Alfie?
Are we meant to take more than we give
Or are we meant to be kind?
And if only fools are kind, Alfie
Then I guess it is wise to be cruel
And if life belongs only to the strong, Alfie
What will you lend on an old golden rule?
As sure as I believe there’s a heaven above, Alfie
I know there’s something much more,
Something even non-believers can believe in.
I believe in love, Alfie
Without true love we just exist, Alfie
Until you find the love you’ve missed you’re nothing, Alfie
When you walk let your heart lead the way
And you’ll find love any day, Alfie
In Love,
Lynne
