One of my long-term goals has been to retire when I reached 70 years of age. My work life began at age 15. Within a year, I had my own apartment. With that effort to break free from my parents came a lot of responsibility. I didn’t know it was an illegal move until my mother angrily pointed it out to the apartment manager (tee hee). All I knew was I wanted my independence and was willing to work hard for that goal. I’ve been working hard ever since. As I was drifting off to sleep, a whisper made its way to the surface. There might be another way to communicate my next chapter. The word refinement came through loud and clear.
Whenever I mention that I’m going to retire, the response from others is common. They stare at me with a look like I just poured cold water on their head. That is followed by the same old question of What will you do?, Do I exude the persona of a man who knows only work? The strange thing is that most have no clue what I do. That makes it difficult to start into a retirement dialogue. It has occurred to me that the word retirement has its own connotation. Retirement means ceasing to work, but to many it means ceasing all activities!
As I was drifting off to sleep, a whisper made its way to the surface. There might be another way to communicate my next chapter. The word refinement came through loud and clear. Refinement is making small changes to improve things. The word also means cultured elegance or making something pure. As a former restoration expert, this feels more like my goal for the next chapter in life. From now on, I am replacing retirement with refinement! Let’s get more on the subject as we listen together for the whispers from spirit:
Maturity brings greater discernment for those on the path of enlightenment. What begins as a journey toward the light evolves through a process of elimination. Every micro-experience becomes a love story that continually unfolds. Looking in the mirror is challenging due to the natural tendency of seeing only flaws. A desire to purify the human energy within must pass through the memories of past wounds.
Purification is letting go of the unnecessary burdens connected to unhealthy attachments. Working through mental disturbances releases a person from self-deception created out of ego. It is a complex process of coming into the light from inside the darkness of emotional debris. One can learn to complete the processing of most difficult life experiences.
The Higher Self holds a sense that is fulfilling in finding freedom from limitations. Healing comes from a spiritual source deep within. There is an eternal spring where pure compassion is without struggle. With age, the path illuminates the process of life. Space in the subconscious mind captures the essence of love with attachment. The experience of pure bliss and joy instill a vibration that communicates a permanent state of fulfillment is possible.
Every step on the journey has led to this moment. Refinement is using a skillful approach to emphasize a deeper response to life. Taking the time needed for cognitive reframing develops better self-control. Calming the nervous system is necessary to regulate energy for improved health. Refinement comes from practicing self-awareness and allowing for moments of reflection. Creative expression can match accumulated levels of personal growth and development. Refinement can become your greatest love story.
Bring joy, ease suffering and create beauty, then dance like you mean it!
Blessings, Russell
“The process of discovering your fearless self is of refinement, not adding. The best way to reconnect with your freedom is to look at the rules you have that govern your freedom.”
Steve Maraboli
