Just in the last couple of weeks a drama unfolded in the hills of West Virginia.  A drama which drew many hearts; the trauma at Sago mine for the trapped workers and their families was something we could all relate to.  Each of us has loved ones that we cherish in our hearts, and all of us can imagine the strain of uncertainty those people went through. 

As we heard of this disaster our hearts reached out to those people, we were drawn in with compassion and gave it freely.

One thing played in my mind frequently as this story unfolded to the world; some words the wife of one of the miners said early on drew my attention.  She said her husband had just told her that he didn’t want to be working in the mines any more.

I heard this story many times over through the events of 9-11 and other crises through out the world.  An inner urge wells up to the surface and expresses itself just prior to a crisis.  How often do we hear that small inner voice directing us?  Do we listen?  Or do we ignore it?

One of the most profound teachings I ever heard was simply this; “There are two methods of learning, inspiration and desperation, which are you using?”

Many times in my own life I have unconsciously walked myself to the edge, only to find myself scrambling and clawing my way back to stability; simply because I ignored that inner voice directing my actions with a hidden knowing.  Usually these crises have come because I was thinking of me.  My question was, "What can I get?" instead of, "What can I give?" 

The greatest leap in a single human beings evolution is that point of realization that true receiving can only occur through giving.  That is when the floodgates of prosperity open in a person’s life.  How can I give to this situation?  What can I do to increase the good here?  Because our attention is on giving we are noticing the needs of our environment and because we are noticing those needs we are listening.  Listening, true listening is the key to learning by inspiration.  My word for myself this year is ‘listen’.  My promise is to listen more closely and to learn by inspiration. 

My wish is that your week be inspired and that you move easily through the potential challenges of your life.

Many Blessings,