Gifts for a Purpose

Sign on a business window in North Vancouver, BC

When you think of gifts, do you think of them in terms of Christmas or Mother's Day for example? Or do you think of them as something natural and innate?

Most of my life I have been searching for my gifts and my purpose, my raison d'etre, especially since I have had several near-death experiences, though different from what is known as NDE (near death experiences). Different in that I had some close encounters with death, my birth being one of them, though not the ones you read about (like going through a tunnel to bright light). You can get an idea by reading one of my former blog postings: http://xpressyouressence.blogspot.ca/2012/03/close-call-death-almost-befalls-me.html

This may sound strange to you that years ago, I truly considered that I had no gifts, no (natural) talents. I was quite surprised then what I discovered during a workshop entitled, "Discover Your Sacred Gifts." During the process, the group explored 24 gifts, four of them labelled lifestyle gifts.

And what shocked me was that I actually seemed to have quite a few, in fact more than I could imagine. It seemed rather strange to me, felt foreign even, that I possessed so many. How could that be? Really?!

Without giving the workshop away, a few of these gifts are quite common, some more than others, and of course, some are quite specific.

The main 'test' if you will is to discover your gifts by recalling incidents including feedback and then to apply the ones you have in your life. Though I do use most of 'mine,' the others I am hoping to in the near future. I would prefer to say that I am "in the works" of using the ones that seem somewhat latent in me at the moment.

Are you curious to know what your gifts are? If so, check out the course via http://yoursacredgifts.com/ It's not only interesting, it's a lot of fun!

And, if you do know your gifts, are you using them?

Don't Worry, Be Happy

When I was growing up and even at times 'today' - these days - happiness seemed so elusive. It seemed like everyone else was happy, happier than me.

Years ago when I had my spiritual awakening (see blog posting, http://xpressyouressence.blogspot.ca/2012/12/well-i-did-it-again-i-cant-believe-it.html), I had a strong inner knowing (i.e., intuitively) that I could have written a book on the key to happiness as I realized why during that experience. It was so simple, yet we - yes, myself very much included - tend to complicate things, including life. (Hmmm, if I had written that book, would I have been as successful as Eckhart Tolle? ;))

I am not giving the key away, not so fast! However, I will tell you that oftentimes, I look externally outside myself for happiness. When I do this, happiness is elusive. It's like looking for a needle in a haystack. This may be not the best analogy, but the only one I can think of right now.

Most of you, perhaps all of you, can relate to this at one point or another in your life. This can be hard to admit, after all who wants to admit that they're wrong?!

As a result and in my search for happiness, I have come to learn that it is simply a matter of choice. (This is not the key I am referring to above, though one of them.)

We can choose, despite the weather or our current mood, what will it be today: a smile or a frown? being loving and caring or cold and callous? being generous or stingy? You get the idea.

Hint: For Vancouverites, Londoners, and the like, rain is much preferred than a flood or tidal wave, right? It's a matter of perspective. So, be happy with what you've got/been given.

Though the "grass is always greener on the other side", it's not always that way though it may appear to be. For example, though you may admire someone, you probably wouldn't want the problems he/she deals with (which may be hidden under the surface or not at all). Everyone has their own unique challenges to cope with, including you. What you have is perfect for you whether you like it or not. Best to make the most of it: "suck it up princess!" (Not sure what they say for guys.)

When life gives you lemons, how can you make lemonade? Or phrased another way, what choice can you make no matter what life hands you? How can you make your world, your life, and that of others a better and happier place?

*NB: I prefer to use the word 'happiness' rather than joy as the latter denotes supreme or ecstatic happiness whereas this blog posting is about everyday-kind-of happiness. :) And I'm not perfect: I'm still a work in progress! ;)

Landfill Harmonic: An Orchestra from Trash!

"The world sends us garbage. We send back music." (Favio Chavez, orchestra director)

I received this YouTube video from my choir director. I find it really fascinating as two of my main interests (of many) are music - though I used to play violin that is besides the point - and recycling.

This video seems extremely fitting for Earth Week in more ways than one, which by the way happens to be 'just around the corner.'

Have you ever heard of the acronym GIGO (garbage in, garbage out) in the field of IT/computers? It essentially refers to the quality of the output being dependent upon the quality of the input, whether intended or faulty.

Well, the video above illustrates a slightly different concept: GIMO (an acronym I invented) for 'garbage in, music out.'

On a slightly different note (pardon the pun as that immediately came to mind), how can you (1) create something out of 'garbage' or recyclable material and (2) make music in your life out of improbable circumstances (like the expression "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade")?

Watch and listen and be inspired. Perhaps it will give you some ideas? ;)

Seconds: Tribute to TED Talks

My second installment of TED talks (that happen to be held in Vancouver, BC) features music with a twist. Well, some of you may not call it that, i.e., 'music.' However, it changes about 3/4 into the video where it may sound more like it to you.

Similar to one of the TED talks in my previous posting (March 21st), it features a beatboxer, yet with a completely different style. (I believe he uses a tape loop where his 'music' is recorded so he can transpose on top of it which he does in the video.)

I heard about Shamik, a Vancouver-based beatboxer (making music with his voicebox) and DJ: https://soundcloud.com/shamik through a radio show. "Free Spirit", a piece of his music played at the beginning and end of "Breaking the RULES with Tammra Broughton LIVE on LIVING PROOF RADIO" (April 1, 2014, www.livingproofradio.com or direct at http://podroom.a2zen.fm/podcasts/living-proof-radio/breaking-the-rules-with-tammra-broughton-live-on-l#.Uz5aF6JvCQE

His "Shamik vs M.I.A." - M.I.A.=Missing in Action - an interesting mix of beatboxing and rap similar to "Momentum". Most of his beats and music featured on his website are short pieces (www.shamikmusic.com).

When I first heard beatboxing, I was so mesmerized that I felt like a little kid with a new toy or a bright and shiny object. I might have looked like one too, albeit it didn't matter to me. I was right up close, as close as I could get, with my eyes and mouth wide, in awe, like a child in wonder. How marvelous the human body is and what sounds it can make!

What appeals to you about this genre of music? How can you be in a state of wonder hearing this anew?