Never Too Old



For those of you who are tired of living, who think you have learned all you possibly can about life, or just think you know it all, I have a true story to tell you.

While stationed in England, I went to visit a friend in a British hospital. The numbers on the doors were so worn they were barely visible and I wandered by mistake into the wrong room. Immediately I realized my mistake, apologized and turned to leave. However, before I made it out of the room, the patient frantically motioned me inside.

Initially I was reluctant, but I went in anyway. Now I am glad I did because I had a very interesting conversation with a lonely, enlightened old man.

Introducing himself as Ruper, he went on to describe his life in painstaking detail, however, I'll give you the shortened version. Ruper was an orphan by the time he was five, as both his parents passed during an epidemic of tuberculosis. Afterwards, an aunt who resented having to care for a small child, raised him. With no one to push him, Ruper dropped out of school at ten and began working a succession of menial jobs. With one setback in life after another, he described suffering through numerous failed business ventures, three wives who all passed during the marriage and six children who would have nothing to do with him. And if that wasn't bad enough he was in the hospital dying of terminal lung cancer bought on by a life-long habit of smoking, which began at age eleven.

By the time he finished it was all I could do not to break down in tears. And I thought I'd had it bad. But Ruper maintained such a joyful attitude and wanted no pity, he even tried to cheer me up! He told me that his strong belief in Gods' goodness is what sustained him through all his tribulations. He also explained how he'd learned something valuable from every heartache. With a broad grin, he also added that in between the bad times he's had plenty of good times.

Believing that Ruper was ready to pass considering he had experienced such a full, if difficult life and was in so much pain, I made a comment that death would probably be a welcome relief. But to my utter surprise he shook his head and finger at me in mock disdain and replied in a heavy British accent, "Why, no way! You must be kidding! I still 'ave so much more to learn!"

Ruper was eighty-nine years old when I met him.

This was a major lesson for me and Ruper comes to mind often when I'm feeling smug about the things I think I know.

Life is a journey and throughout it we are continually growing and uncovering the many layers of ourselves. Our spirits, the non-physical aspect of ourselves, never dies. It continues unfolding, infinitely. There is no end to this learning process as the universe unfolds upon itself in its eternal creative aspect.

When we mistakenly think that we have learned all we can we close our minds to the wisdom and beauty of the life force. But when we open our minds we allow expansion and growth of our soul. Earth is a school. As my friend proved, we are never too old to grow.


Intuition


Intuition is the whispering of spiritual (non-physical) communication. It is the method through which our angels, higher selves and spiritual guides speak to us. At times it is the result of our minds' being in tune with the universal all-knowing Divine Mind.

Intuition can come in the form of a gentle feeling, to a strong hunch. These messages are never wrong because they are not hindered by human emotions such as fear or doubt and thus cannot become clouded or diluted. Intuition is intelligence in its' purest form.

Often on this side we have tunnel vision, our perceptions are limited and we think there is only one possible solution or answer. This is why we go against our 'gut' feeling, because of human reasoning, only to regret it afterwards. How many times have you said to yourself 'I should have listened to my gut feelings' or 'I started to do that...but changed my mind?' Like me it's probably too many to count and also like me mortified when you didn't listen. You just don't feel right when your head doesn't take heed to what your heart knows is right.

Listening to that still small voice, we can never go wrong. Our lives are made more harmonious as things fall into their right place. Intuition will guide us perfectly through all aspects of our lives if we would just allow it.

Often we have trouble deciphering the message from our personal feelings. Our emotions can be so confusing they sound like a scream compared to the subtle urges from the spirit. Getting quiet inwardly will help. Spending time alone in either meditation or simple contemplation will bring us more in tune. Our bodies' can be a great indicator too. Although intuition does not originate from the physical body, we respond to it. For instance, our body can signal danger long before it arrives by the hair rising on the back of the neck. If a decision is based on fear, you may get an uneasy feeling in the pit of the stomach area (or solar plexus). If, on the other hand, you follow your intuition and act accordingly, you may feel energetic.

Something to note: each time you listen and act on your intuition, it gets stronger! The hunches become more powerful and the urges more intense. You become better at deciphering intuition from emotion. Just like most things, the more you use it, the better you become. The channel widens and more messages flow thru.

Intuition is not limited to gender; men as well as women are both vehicles through which this information flows. Intuition has been linked more so to women than men, because women overall are more willing to trust in those things beyond the five senses. Also they tend to be more inclined to listen. Men generally are associated with a logical and scientific trend of thought. Intuition requires neither logic nor reasoning, both of which can hinder receptivity. But, men can just as easily avail themselves of this cosmic gift by being more willing to listen to that still, small voice within. We all can draw on this source of divine intelligence and like a true friend will never let us down!