In the olden days before radar and satellite navigation systems, people who sailed the oceans had to develop special navigation skills – reading the stars, and recognizing signs of land. They could tell they were nearing land by the color of the water, the sighting of birds, and land debris sometimes 2 or 3 days out.

We too can seek signs of land as a navigation tool on our voyage through life. Signs of land take on a different meaning in life navigation. We must become skilled at recognizing the signs that the universe is supporting our goals and dreams. First intention, then belief, and then confirmation.

There are subtle reminders that we are going in the right direction if we just look for them.

I recently had two big signs of land that have reinforced my current effort to invite Sufi into all aspects of my life from coaching to speaking, to family and work relationships. 

I believe that the key to healing the world, which seems in a very dangerous muddle at the moment, is to spread spirit, love, and hope. I am doing my part teaching Sufi meditation classes twice a week and writing these emails about my journey with the Sufis. I hope to inspire others to embrace and share their spirituality.

Recently I gave a speech in Toastmasters in which I shared three essentials of a complete human being from the book “When Life is Loveable and Love is Livable,” by my spiritual teacher, Adnan Sarhan. This was a brave move. You can watch this 7-minute speech here: Looking for Love.

I also teach spirit and breath as a way to ease and transform grief and to cope with any major life challenges.

The first sign of land was an interview of Paul Simon by Steven Colbert on The Late Show. Paul explained his inspiration for his latest album, Seven Psalms. It was a voice in his dreams. This was followed by dreams of the music and later the words.

Colbert asked if Paul was a man of faith. "We live in a paradise," he replied. "Life is incredible. What a great job you did, God! Excellent. Hat’s off to you."

From an overwhelming flood of gratitude, he came to his belief in a creator. "There may be another explanation for this amazing life we share," he said, "yet I choose the creator over any other explanation. I like the creator story..."

This faith came after losing hearing in one ear while making his album. He thought maybe this project was not supposed to be easy. Maybe there was something more for him to learn while making the album. He surrendered to the challenge.

Paul then turned the tables on Cobert and asked about his belief. Colbert replied that he had been an atheist for years but he too came to a spiritual belief by tremendous gratitude, not from happiness, but rather from the sublime of life even in the experience of grief. It was so huge it had to go somewhere. It led him back to his relationship with what he now calls "my god."

Wow, this is on national TV! I am so excited. Signs of land!!!

The second sign was Monday listening to Pat Johnson, International President of Toastmasters International in 2010-2011, speak about leading from the heart vs leading from the mind. When asked how she does this, she said meditation. MEDITATION!

People are coming out with their spirituality, on TV and in public. This can only encourage more to claim their spirituality. I feel inspired and encouraged to continue my effort to spread love. I hope this email encourages you to do that as well.

As the Beatles sang, "All You Need Is Love . . . "

This Friday, we are still on European time which has not yet sprung forward: March 22nd at 10 am PST. Please join in the love fest.

On Sunday, we split the difference -- a half hour later for us, and a half hour earlier for Europeans. Sunday, March 24th at 8:30 am PST. World time goes back into alignment on March 31st

The Zoom link is:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89999494833?pwd=V2pOS28yYUdXM3hkaW1rVWIvSjBUdz09

Meeting ID: 899 9949 4833

Passcode: SUFI

Here's a time converter link to check the time in your location.

Be peaceful.

Michelle

Dr. Michelle Peticolas

Life Transformation Coach

Empowering Women to Reinvent Their Life After Loss

Secrets of Life and Death

https://www.facebook.com/secretsoflifeanddeath.com