Awakening!

Awakening.

This is a tricky word that is sometimes misunderstood in spiritual context. It brings to mind (and many will have you believe) it's waking up in a field full of daisieswith the Dalai llama serving breakfast. Then, you are enlightened to the mysteries of the universe, wrapped in a warm and fuzzy cosmic blanket of Love.
Yea...not so much...

I feel that is why so many feel that 'awakening', in that context, is unattainable for them.Throughout the course of your life, you will be constantly Awakening. The universe and our spirit helpers are always assisting us in that process. They are our invisible stage crew. It is not a destination however.

I'm here to share with you, that from the moment you were born, you were Awakening. Awakening to out truth. Discovering our soul's reasons for choosing this life. Every experience, lesser and greater has been an opportunity to awaken and evolve. Not just as a human being but as a soul on a Divine mission.

Every experience, every person, has been designed to teach and to shift our perspective to a new and better way.

The challenge to our awakening however, has a lot to do with our stubbornness, ego and free will as humans. In addition to the conditioning that we received by Society, family and culture.Some of the most profound Awakenings occur when we experience cataclysmic events in our lives that dramatically and harshly shift our perspective. These events force us out of our ability to control the outcome and the Truth of our reality. In spiritual context, we refer to that as a Death. Whether that's a death of a person or

death of our limited perspective, understanding or ignorance. It's the death of the illusion and the awakening to the truth minus the illusion.

Regardless, it's not always pleasant. Not many people have been taught how to navigate this. That is why it is so painful; we have not been properly prepared from a young age to have that understanding.

That unpreparedness as adults has us feeling blindsided without tools for the grief that follows. It's like someone turning on a light, jarring you out of a sound sleep.

These awakenings, should be much gentler as children and adolescents. But for many it was not. If we have not been sufficiently prepared or taught, these lessons continue to repeat into adulthood when the lessons are more severe and traumatic.

These are the most painful Awakenings, because it shatters your entire belief structure or understanding. It forces us into the lesson and ownership with a few tools (and people) to rely on. You come to see, no one gave us those tools earlier on. Usually because they were not properly prepared either. That awareness creates a grief of its own. This is partially why the anger phase is the hardest part of the grief of awakening; We were not adequately prepared for life and it's myriad experiences.It makes us feel insecure, deceived and foolish. We are Works in progress. The road of life is filled with twists and turns and manyopportunities to awaken. Some awaken in this lifetime and some do not. And when we eventually make that Journey to the Blue Road of Spirit, we will have an opportunity to see the life and its entirety. We will see all of the opportunities we were offered to evolve and awaken while we had an opportunity to change it in this lifetime. That awareness will be inescapable and is the ultimate Awakening.

The journey as we awaken, allows us to become closer to our authentic spiritual self and purpose.

As we awaken,it connects us to the Beauty that is this life and to all the other Travelers along the road.

Awakening does not have to be painful. However there is always destruction before construction and all of our experiences are helping us build a better life for ourselves and those who come after.

And hopefully, we will be leaving this world a Legacy and a little better than we found it.

Marianne Goldweber A Village

Www.Mariannegoldweber.com

It's not easy being me :)

From the outside, I have 'started over' in life more times than I can count.
Whether I chose to or was forced to. I've learned to detach from what was, and accept what is and formulate a plan.
Like making dinner with a can of corn, some left over chicken and cream cheese.

Being me is not easy. Loving me is not easy. Being in my life is not easy. I break the rules, I get afraid, I don't remember your birthday, I grieve what has not happened in my expectation. I have been thrown under the bus by many,many people. I have been bullied and criticised.
I have taken many personal and physical risks, which seem like a multitude of failures. But I have come to understand it's not 'starting over'; its evolution.
We must be willing to evolve to change our world...the world.

Love, Courage, Resilience, Creativity, and Faith are the cornerstone of my life.
There is no reward without risk.
Be bold, be brave, be willing to let go, start over and soar.- Marianne Goldweber

'Come to the edge' He said
'We can't, we are afraid.'
' Come to the edge' He said
They did, and He pushed them and they flew.

Disappointed? Check your Expectations.......

When we have expectation, the only one who knows there is one is us.
When we try to enforce that illusion on situations and others it will, most of he time lead to disappointment.
When we stop creating an illusionary story into the future and are more present to what IS, we can be less rigid by allowing and not forcing things into that unrealistic expectation..
I have lived my life in a very constant state of expectation and disappointment, not just in my own need to control the outcome, but by never living up to the expectations of others.
When people become disappointed, they don't get angry at themselves for buying the lie if their expectation - they direct it at the person or situation and blame it or them for their deception. Creating damaging wounds that are hard to heal.
Having expectation is an immature thinking, deceiving us into trying to control the outcome- Faith is the maturity that tells us to accept what is, surrender and allow people and things to be as they are, and make our choices in the present, based in peace and truth.- Marianne Goldweber- Personal and Spiritual Development-Psychic Services

Be Gentle..we are all works in progress- a note from Mother To Son.

Marianne Goldweber

March 14

To my son,

You don't have to have all the answers, we are works in progress.

When you face things that you can't control, hand it over through faith to the Divine Source.

Even in our flawed humaness we are students and teachers.

Be as gentle with yourself as you would a child. We are all ignorant of something, no matter how old we are.

Learn to laugh at yourself...some of this is just ridiculousness.

Learn, love and shine- Your light in this world is a beacon; to sail by,and to lead the way for others.

Today's challenges are temporary and the sun will come up again tomorrow.

There is a reason we can't see the future..It's a surprise!

Nothing good or bad is permanent.

Take risk, never let fear rule your choices or your experiences.

People are going to disappoint and hurt You, it's not personal. You will hurt and disappoint people, it's not personal.

Take the risk of falling in love, don't be afraid to tell someone you love them. Even if it doesn't work out.

Trust your inner voice, it will never let you down.

Be brilliant, don't stay small because you don't want to offend others.

And above all, be happy. I will love you no matter what..really..I am your biggest fan and will defend and protect you. Even when you are wrong, and make lesser choices, I will remind you that you are better than that..and stand in the fire with you...You'll understand that kind of love one day.

Love Mom- Marianne Goldweber

Marianne Goldweber

Living a life of purpose requires we use our past, not as a weapon to punish ourselves or others but rather to use the past only to fashion tools that we will use to build a future for ourselves and others.- Marianne Goldweber

Weighing Fear...

I've seen and experienced some seriously scary s*** in this life. I have been present to devastating tragedy.
A bad day is when the police show up at your door to tell you that your husband was in a life threatening accident.
Or you lose a child to addiction or tragic events.
Or going to bed and your house catches on fire.
Its all about perspective.
So, before you post your bad day experience, weigh it against how bad it could be, stop and say thank you.- Marianne Goldweber

A long time ago my son came to me with some of his little friends and said...Mom- we've noticed that you are no fun lately. I came to realize that I was not fun because I was not having fun. I was  attacking my 'to do'  resentfully and critically. At that time- work work work- I made work a bad thing.
Our children are a reminder that in the sacred balance Joy is part of the equation.

In this reflective time at winters end, I realized I have created this amazing Life- winter provided me some much needed re-evaluating. Life being what it is, we can get swept away in activity and doing- so in returning to 'center' I reflected on my Core Principles. These are;  Love, Peace, Joy, Faith, Service, Compassion and Accountability. These are  the foundation of  my Faith and Life.

I reminded myself that I AM Love I AM Peace, I AM Joy and so forth. Therefore-  anything that takes me away from that plan must be re-evaluated. It's in this process that we tell the Universe that we are accountable to our own well being- that we have faith- that we are setting a higher standard of responsibility for ourselves- clearing the way to an Abundant and Peaceful life- committed to Serving Humanity unconditionally.

end of the world...as we know it.

Happy New Year!

When the Great Shift occurred on Dec 21,2012 everyone asked ‘Is the world ending’ and my answer was yes…but not in the way you will expect.

In came 2013, and the shift began, we were leaving the prophesied Fourth world of Separation and were entering the Fifth World of Peace. But peace must be earned, by removing all the things that separate us- Hate, fear, judgment, chaos, blame…and so it began…

2013 was a year filled with removing of our blocks to peace…people, situations, ways of thinking, material things. Yes, 2013 was a year of ‘Taking out the trash’ which left us with big empty spaces…thank the heavens.

It was a year of upheaval and destruction- of assessing and deciding- of releasing and reaffirming;  2013 has been a year of hard work,  harder than most of us have worked in our entire lives…and now it is ending.

2013 is ending,  with clear spaces in our hearts, our homes and our souls…. 

What will we create in 2014?...ahhh that is the question- anything is possible!

 Abundant Blessings in the coming New Year my friends- Marianne Goldweber

Shifting Perspective- A Life Skill

Marianne Goldweber

6 hours ago via mobile

The ability to step into another person's perspective is a life skill. Being judgmental or critical of others is a sign of ignorance. Seeing ourselves through them shows moral maturity. Until we've experienced everything someone else has, we can never completely understand. We assume everyone has had the life we've had or the opportunities we've had.
I remember having a childhood acquaintance whose hair was always greasy and she wasn't always clean. It wasn't until we were adults that I found out that her mother used shampoo, soap and bathing as a cruel punishment. She suffered greatly at home and the hands of many bullies and judgmental people. I cried and asked her why she never told anyone. She said she didn't think anyone would understand. So she suffered in silence and accepted her lot.
Never judge a man until you've walked a mile in his moccasins- Until then we will never fully understand-Marianne Goldweber

Retrogrades Aug 2013- what they mean and how they effect us.

Hi Villagers!

Astrology is a long studied science- and  is a great tool to understand what our natural, inherent  strengths and weaknesses are and it can be used  (like an octane booster) to align with the celestial tides in order to make changes and propelling ourselves forward.A Good place to start is by  getting your Natal- or Birth chart. It is a great tool that can  help you understand yourselves better.
http://www.mariannegoldweber.com/Pages/Astrology.aspx

Today's topic is Retrogrades in astrology
Astronomically speaking- it is an optical illusion  full of scientific reasons- but planets appear to be moving backward. When this happens Astrologically speaking- it creates 'situations' here for us humans- depending on what planet is retrograde and when. It may affect the sun sign for instance, as this month (LEO) more than others..

Every planet  has an aspect- such as Mercury- governs communication. so when Mercury is retrograde- it puts all communications into a spin- in reverse. computers- email- misunderstandings etc. This retrograde forces us to  communicate- it stirs up all of our un said issues; which can help bring it up and clear the air-  or create more misunderstanding if we don't use it effectively!

Here is a web site that can explain what each planet governs, so when we talk about aspects being retrograde- you will understand what that means better. http://www.freehoroscopesastrology.com/planets-signs.aspx

Some planets have a more positive influence and some negative- but all are designed to expose us to the TRUTH of who we are and our motives.

Currently there are 3 planets retrograde- Uranus- Neptune- Pluto  If you are a sign governed by those planets- such as Pisces (Neptune) Scorpio (Pluto)  and Aquarius (Uranus)- or Leo- because it is retrograde in this sign at this time. The people who have these signs are under these planet's 'influence' to a greater degree.

Sieze the Opportunity

One day I was at a motivational seminar and there were over 200 people in the room. 

 I was seated toward the back of the room. The speaker came on and  said, as he pulled a 10 dollar bill from his pocket and held it up, "Most people do not recognize an opportunity when it is presented to them, they are afraid to get up and take it" I promptly got up and walked up to the speaker and took the $10.00. As I got to the front, another woman saw what I was doing and got up but she was stuck in the middle of the row and couldn't get out.

 The speaker laughed and said, "That's what happens, people are inspired only when they see someone else going for it...but not you," he said to me " But ,you didn't wait for anyone to give you permission to go for it."For the rest of the event ,that woman gave me the stink eye.  

Don't wait for anyone to give you permission, or approve of you going after an opportunity.There will be many, who will not cheer for you in your efforts, but resent you for getting the prize..Go for it.~ Marianne Goldweber

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

People are flawed, what they do to us is not personal- even if it appears personal. We may have been victimized by their behavior, however we are not victims; but actually we are targets- and they are really great teachers...sent to force us to learn... to grow.. So if we can believe that WE choose them for that experience- there is nothing to forgive, in fact our prayer is 'Thank you'- Marianne Goldweber

My Symphony

My Symphony

In the silence, I have discovered a sound.
I call it My Note.
One single note that resonates within me.
Emanates from me.
I play my personal sound throughout my days,
and the resonance of that sound has attracted other vibrations.
Some in perfect chord and harmony with my own.
and yet,
there have been those that are sharp
and some flat
But....
When I stop to reflect
upon all of the notes I've met
and play them in succession and unison
it has revealed a great work
which is, the Symphony that is my Life.
Marianne Goldweber

Conscious giving this Holiday season

As we embark into the holiday season-please, rethink what we are purchasing as gifts. Please, support local owned businesses and artists. Try to avoid companies that outsource jobs, or import foreign goods and materials. 

Help your children make their gifts for family and friends- or even make them yourself. Or make a family agreement to purchase personal care and household items for those in need at this time of year. Donate your time as a family to a shelter or elder care facility.Donate toys for children who would love and cherish your gift. 

Together we can make this a kinder and more meaningful holiday season, and who knows- you make get the holiday bug all year long...:)

 

If you need ideas or sources- just send me an email!-
Remember- It takes A Village- Marianne Goldweber
A Village- Development Center, Cleveland ohio
216.324.2657
Mariannegoldweber@yahoo.com

Getting serious about Serving.. Join us!

When I realized that I was about to embark on this Spiritual journey, I knew that once I went through that door, there was no turning back. I would be forever changed. There was no going back to my illusionary, problematic life- where I was whining and resistant to seeing anyones suffering but my own.

A Spiritual life is selfless- not in that you don't care for your own needs, but in a way that if my needs aren't met- I cannot fully Serve the needs of humanity.

Part of our Village philosphy is about  Selfless serving and  compassionate giving.
What the hell is that, you ask?
Well, Selfless Serving is unconditional, without condition- without  being thanked, rewarded or acknowledged for  our contribution.
Compassionate giving is to everyone, even those that some feel are not deserving- the addict- the  imprisoned- the greedy- the demanding. the ungrateful. Because you see- it is not in what is given- it is given with compassion- the energy attached is not about the recipient, it is about the giver.

I began this journey serving women in transitional housing, and then contributed through the  homeless shelters and then through other non profit outreach facilities- like the Salvation Army.

I didn't know (at that time)  the impoverished commutity firsthand, so I alligned myself with those who work directly with those in  need.
Since that time- I have advocated, raised awareness, collected non cash donations, solicited non cash donations from businesses and supported individuals, families and agencies that make a difference directly.

There are risks too-
There are liars, criminals, and deviant behaviors. There is pedophilia, rape and rap sheets. There is only a basic survival instinct to take- some are rude and ungrateful- somehow created by our separateness as a society and lack of Love.
 and ...you may fall in love...with mankind- even if they haven't bathed- or are mentally ill- or elderly and alone..their eyes tell a story, and their stories are amazing. They connect to your god light and you will become the weeping Buddha- for someone created their suffering and their suffering is palpable.
It can overwhelm and consume you.

Then there are the children-who never got to believe in Santa- because it is an illusion that parents can't fill. Like flowers in  the sidewalk crack- they grow and  thrive in spite of their  living conditions, they laugh and play and wish wishes and dream dreams. Some, who's reality is your worst nightmare.

And we choose to Serve, even at great personal risk of insignificance.

Beginning this year- our Collective effort as a personal and spiritual development center is to commit  to making a difference in our communities. Last year- we served over 100 individuals and falmilies with  every day products, food and clothes, advocacy and spiritual support. This year, our goal is over 500 individuals and families that we can make a difference to. Sound like a tall order? Not really. Here is what we can do;

If every person on my facebook friends list contributed the following- Today, that would be 778 people. If those shared it with 1 friend- that number would double. So 500 seems relatively easy!
If you can give 1 thing. on the list.
Also, it doesn;t matter where you live- there are shelters and agencies in your area that need the support.

Here is what each person can contribute;
1 tube toothpaste
1 toothbrush
1 pack of mens socks
1 washcloth
1 towel
1 lotion
1 shampoo
1 laundry soap
2 paper towels
1 large toilet  paper
1 pack light bulbs
laundry detergent
cleaner
hydrogen peroxide
bandaids
feminine products
hairbrush
mens under wear(new)

Now....there are  other items that are in desperate need- new or used and CLEAN
mens clothing (all kinds)
Boots (men women and children)
Shoes (mens women and children)
Coats (mens women and children)
hats, scarves and gloves (mens women and children)
long under wear
Blankets and throws- new or used  and CLEAN please. (no comforters -they are too hard to wash)


Care Alliance-Will take old prescription meds to redistribute to the sick homeless by doctors.There are a number of their health care facilities in Cleveland.

Health Care Alliance (216) 781-3414 2227 Payne Ave, Cleveland, OH Get Directions

Thank you for being part of my Village, and together- we can make a difference in our changing world.
Peace and Love
Marianne Goldweber
216.324.2657
Mariannegoldweber@yahoo.com
www.avillagecleveland.com

Maneuvering Life's Highway

There are always going to be people and things that cut you off on the highway of life.. but how you maneuver and respond makes all the difference...- Marianne Goldweber

This quote was inspired by a car adccident the other day. I was driving along- listening to  the radio, the sun was out when all of the sudden- I saw an accident about to happen. I check the rear, tried to maneuver around it, but one of the drivers cut in front of me and I when I tried to maneuver away  we collided anyway.

After the initial shock and aftermath I had some quiet tome to reflect on that situation and how it pertains to Life. 

Many times, we see  the situation coming- but we can only prepare so much and there are going to be times that no matter how much we prepare- things are not up to us. There are others involved and we can never anticipate how they are going to respond in the same situation. The outcome is  now out of our control and  we are left with  the impact and the cleanup.

Had I not been  careful and alert; armed with many years of driving and past experiences- this could have been much worse. So the lesson here is; You can only be adequately prepared for the unknown- how everyone will respond  in  life's situations will affect us- but there is great purpose and learning in each and every one for us and everyone else. :)

The Path

crawling
rising
stepping
unsteady
falling
crying
rising
angry
determined
panting
puffing
climbing
slipping
defeated
bruised
broken
resolute
resilient
excited
careful
curious
strong
courageous
grateful
methodical
pondering
believing
purposeful
aware
conscious
liberated
grateful
jubilant

Marianne Goldweber

Spiritual accountability- the key to freedom

We are groomed from birth to feel  pain, pleasure, disappointment, success, guilt,  and a myriad of emotions. However- as psychic spiritual beings- we are not taught how to separate the feelings or emotion of others from our own.

For most of us, culture and  spirituality are very separate. Unlike  most indigenous cultures, where the relationship from  Creator to man is not separate; that they co-exist with the Divine.  This teaching includes  a  great responsibility to themselves, the children  and communities to stay on the Good Red Road;  to serve selflessly and care for their brothers and sisters be they  human, animal, plant or stone.

Lives of honor, truth and accountability to defend our planet- our Mother. Their thoughts and actions  leading the way. Remembering that any negative experience that they have,  has been created for growth- not as a punishment, but as an event to gather knowledge and  use to evolve to a place of wisdom. Through those teaching, they become  the wizened  example of a committed life.


Now, in our  western culture there are few leaders, that we hear of  regularly, who can fit into that category. The leaders that we hold  above and emulate are famous; however, not for the most  honorable reasons. They are entertainers, or politicians, or  recognizable because they are willing to put their dysfunctional lives on public display for money.  Material wealth- not character, gives them a higher status of respect and reverence.

This is a culture of blame- not ownership. It's always someones fault for the suffering.- the victimization that  permeates this negative culture. So instead of becoming a leader- we seek out diversions to escape a painful, uninspired existence. We numb ourselves with  anything that will take us away from  the truth  of our lives for a while. We use alcohol, drugs, antidepressants and other pharmaceuticals, shopping,  technology, television and video games.

In order to keep the illusion going, we must work  grueling  jobs we hate, for people who remind us that we are expendable. Just so we can  buy more stuff, or pay for the stuff we bought- while our children are in  day cares with strangers.

Where are the Heroes, the Elders, the Wise ones?

We are the future- what we feel in our depression is the pain of our  changing world. The chaos and drama of others. Until we clear our own  life and home,  and create peace- we will not be able to understand and defend ourselves against the assault of negativity that surrounds us.

We must first decompress-  and assess where we are, what we want and what is truly important in our lives. To (possibly for the first time) look at who we are authentically, not who we have been told to be. We must stop and gather our thoughts and  take a  clear look at what we have created while we were diverted- or asleep. It is in that stillness  that the Divine speaks. The loving,  higher knowing,  reminds us of  the better way.

As we awaken- and make changes, it becomes easier to know what makes us feel good, loved and peaceful. We can then  come to see the source of what does not. It's then, that we can choose to  create purpose filled lives, and begin to set boundaries to the fear and  unhappiness of others.

You are the hero, you are  the one you've been waiting for. :)

Be the change you wish to see- and you will find that the world is not as bad as it seems. There is Hope, Love and Joy. You will meet others,  just like you that had the courage to lead.
Then the ripple will be created.

Independence Day

I woke up today, thinking about Independence and Patriotism. they are both  interesting words, meaning;

Independence-freedom from the control, influence, support and aid of others. 

Patriot-a person who loves, supports, and defends his or her country and its interests with devotion.

a person who regards himself or herself as a defender, especially of individual rights, against presumed interference by the federal government.

I was reflecting on how the United States wanted their independence from England- that  they wanted the  freedom to self govern. I was thinking about all the people who saw this country as a place where they could be free to think for themselves, to make money by creating their own business, to take care of their families, to believe what they wanted and to escape from persecution. 

Some of our inhabitants were not here willingly, but enslaved and eventually earned their freedom. I think about the Native peoples of this country, and every country- the First Peoples- our Native American brothers, who have had to relinquish their freedom in order for us to have ours; who still suffer today.

I thought about the courage and challenge and effort it took to be Self Governing, and to stand in that truth amidst the criticism of the naysayers, critics and large powers who sabotaged that  fight for Freedom at every turn.

I see the result of that Dream of our ancestors, and ask- would they be proud of what we've become?

I saw a commentary by Tony Blair on what makes America great- and I have to say that it inspired me as a Patriot. I don't always agree with  our politics, or  the decisions our government  makes- but I do believe that by having the Freedom to not agree; I am blessed to live in a place that allows me to do that. 

It is through the hard work- determination of  every immigrant that made this country what is is  and through the kindness and tolerance of our Native peoples, that I have these freedoms today.

I am inspired to  see tomorrow as my own Independence day- to be free from the tyranny of  the greatest enemy- myself and seek to  be self governing- disciplined and  raise my flag in truth, integrity and faith. 

I will strive to be courageous and blaze my own trail .

I will seek to be independent and pull my own load. 

I will not burden another with my lack of accountability.

I will defend that independence and be a beacon of it in  this world.

I will be an expression of my Faith.

I am proud to be an American and a Patriot- and Our United States,  like any family it has it's quirky bits- but we love each other and will do whatever it takes to defend it and  keep it together.

That is what makes us great. :)