Morning Meditation

This morning in mediation, I was disrupted by the sound of traffic. The roaring din of I- 95 impeded my focus and weighed heavily on my heart. Rather than watch my breath, I watched my inner critic rise up in abject disdain for our collective infringement on the Eco-system.

And then, my attention was interrupted by the wild call of the ducks and egrets; the rustling of the leaves and the sun beating upon my forehead. Just as I was about to surrender my commitment to meditate, I experienced a harmonic convergence. The din of the traffic melded with the sounds of nature and viola... I found myself at one with everything. Not unlike the Buddhist mind of non- duality... I experienced a moment of true harmony where adaptation (on both sides of the equation) from humans and nature-- resulted in a moment of perfect harmony. Everything meshed. I was inside that glorious moment.This morning's meditation was not what I expected. What a blessing! May you find fortune in the unexpected gift that rises up in the moment.

Love Makes Life Happen ------- Just the Way You Feel It!

I've been told to set goals, make vision boards, write down what I want; exactly how I want it, specifically and clearly, deep from within my desirous heart... ad infinitum. And it has worked, somewhat. Not 100%, not all the time, here and there. A little of this, a little of that. But somehow, a little bit of doubt and a little bit of uncertainty can sabotage a dream -- big time!

Yesterday,however, I had an aha moment.

Have you ever had a time in your life, when something you dreamed about having or experiencing happened? It was bigger than you could have imagined, better than you ever believed... it was the stuff that grace and gratitude is made of and just the fact that it happened, was enough fuel for years of faith.

Years ago, as a high school dropout, I went to visit a friend at Stonybrook University on Long Island, NY. While on the campus, I saw a sign that said, "Undergraduate Admissions." I heard myself say, silently, "I'd love to go to Stonybrook University." It was an innocent thought energized by a deep love for education -- and unfortunately, an education that I could not get in public school. And to my surprise, only an hour after uttering those words, I was accepted on the spot with a handshake and a hearty welcome.

Years later, another thought about traveling to India, turned into a great two week adventure throughout the country.

And just last night, I realized, I am living a thought I had a few months ago. I never said I want - I need - I have to create or manifest or attract. I said, I'd love to..... That was it, those were the words, I'd love to... so go ahead, fill in the blank with what you would LOVE TO... live, do, see, feel, experience ... and trust me.... Love makes life happen just the way you feel it!!!

Sterling Spin Radio Show!

While sitting in the Cancer Center at the University of Michigan, waiting for the oncologists report from a suspicious CAT scan that I took on a lark, I had the sudden realization that life is happening now. I'd been putting off my dreams and wishes for a couple of years, thinking, they're there, I'll get to them just as soon as I finish... and I could fill in a hundred things, all the time. Waiting in the doctor's office, a funny sense of urgency began to take over.

Since that day, almost three months ago, I have gathered friends old and new around me, and we have come together with the sole purpose of creating a powerful and passionate radio show, Sterling Spin. Many of the people and events that are part of creating this experience have been magical; filled with the very energy and dedication I am ready for in my own life. Now I can share my journey with you and maybe, just maybe, help you have the energy and dedication in your life, to honor your dreams and wishes and make them come true. Tune in and listen every Thursday, Friday and Saturday on AM 1470 WWNN radio in South Florida, listen live on the Internet, or download the archives at SterlingSpin.com. Get ready for smart talk, real alternatives and the truth, straight up. I have so much to share.

Walter Cronkite Was The Best Teacher I Ever Had!

Walter Cronkite was the best teacher I ever had. As a young journalist and broadcaster, I was truly lucky to secure an interview with Walter Cronkite. Just a few hours before our meeting, I glanced at his picture and thought he looked old. That momentary glance found its way into every question I asked him. " In your day," I referenced more than a few times and he picked up on my limitation.

Clearly, I had pegged him as a man whose day had passed and he felt it would be wise to teach me a lesson or two. "Liz," he said, "If I were to imagine the causes you are actively involved with, I would venture to say you care about the environment and maybe the PTA and the rights of animals and the ..." and each time he pigeonholed me, I started to resent being projected upon... and then, I got it. That's what I had done to him.

Through example, he illustrated what it feels like to be stereotyped and Walter Cronkite, the consummate gentleman, was able to convey this to me right in the heart of our interview.

Once I surrendered my projection of him as an "old man" I was truly able to see him in his brilliance and to recognize that he had a heart of gold. He cared deeply about our changing world and was concerned about how the media has morphed. He advised the following:

1. Educate Yourself - Don't buy into soundbites
2. Speak Up and Speak Out - it's our right to be heard in America
3. Don't Stereotype - Learn to listen and perceive from your heart
4. Be Proactive - Know you can make a difference

May Walter Cronkite Rest in Peace. I know his memory will live on... in me... forever.
He was the best teacher I ever had.!

Earth Day - Desert Flowers

This is a true story....

It was 7 AM and I looked out my bathroom window. I saw a police van and three police cars. My first thought was my son. Was he home in bed, safe and sound? Then I wondered if someone was hurt.... or did I do something wrong?

The doorbell rang. I sent my husband and stayed back, fearful of what I might hear. "Crime," I heard the officer say through the cracked bathroom window where I stowed myself safely. "There was a crime in the neighborhood," he went on to say.

Then the words muffled as husband and the police officers moved toward the street.

"Yes," I heard my husband say. "That is my wife's car." I was dressed by then and walked outside as if on cue .

"Mrs. Sterling, we need to ask you a few questions. OK?" "Of course," I replied.

Do you smoke crack, they asked me. Of course, I don't and they asked me to look into the car seat and to report what I saw. I noticed my car was ransacked and there were glasses on the drivers seat and a long glass rod (aka - Crack Pipe) I confirmed it did not belong to me.

The police notified me that a man was apprehended in my car smoking crack and looking for valuables in the middle of the night. He was in custody and he would be charged as such. I was asked for permission to dust for fingerprints. I agreed.

After the police left, I took my car to be cleaned. I noticed a box I received a year ago from a friend; I had shoved it into the glove compartment. I didn't even know it was there until I held the empty box in hand. It once contained a beautiful kaleidoscope that was handmade in New England. I have a vague memory of it. Never even used it. Never took it into my home. Discarded it and now, I hold an empty box in hand feeling I lost something I didn't even know I had. Funny thing, huh?

Here's the not so funny part.... I had images of the man in my car. All day long I imagined his look, smell, lifestyle, cadence of his voice. I imagined him sitting in my car and it turned out, I relied on all the stereotypes that have conditioned my consciousness. The man who entered my car, ransacked it, smoked crack and left his pipe behind was a 47 year old white Jewish man who has clearly lost his way in life.

I may have lost my kaleidoscope that I didn't even know I had, but what I gained is much more important. I gained compassion for someone who is suffering, acceptance that I let my imagination influence my perception and appreciation that sometime or another, we all lose our way. May Robert, the man who entered my car, find his way. And let us all pray.

A Tough Day Gets Easier