Archive for the ‘Storytelling’ Category
What Is the River Saying to You?
Thursday, December 15th, 2011
Nature is a wonderful teacher — when we are open to listening. I was reminded of this while sailing up the Nile River in Egypt. Our boat captain, Ibrahim, would sit and listen to the river throughout the day. It was amazing to watch him listen to the river and just as amazing to watch him give instructions to his crew through hand clapping, gestures, and big smiles. The river had taught him all he needed to know.
As I sit in various places (including the New York City subway), I imagine Ibrahim in my mind. And I am reminded to listen — just listen.
What is the river of your life saying to you?
Has life been a raging river, a flowing river, or a still river?
The river is speaking. What is the river saying?
{Photo was taken by Mary Anne Flanagan on the Nile River, Egypt}
My Journey Inside the King’s Chamber
Wednesday, November 30th, 2011
On the last day of my spiritual journey in Egypt I awoke early as our group was going to have a private tour of the King’s Chamber inside the Great Pyramid in Giza. After going through tight security, we were escorted by local police to this ancient site. We were guided along the side of the Pyramid toward a small opening. I was given the keys and asked to open the lock. My hands shook as I placed the key in and opened the gate. We were invited to walk along the long flight of stairs that would lead us to the top where we would meditate alongside the King’s tomb – a red granite sarcophagus.
The entrance was a long, dark, narrow stairway. Had I allowed myself to think about where I was, I probably would have panicked or succumbed to claustrophobia. Yet, somehow I knew I had to keep walking inside the chamber. My eyes began to adjust to the dim light inside and I began climbing up the narrow steps, while holding onto the metal bars on the side, and hearing my own heavy breathing. I looked up to find others in my group, but all I could see were my own feet in front of me.
Was I climbing up? Climbing in? Climbing out? I wasn’t sure. I just knew I had to keep going – inside the Pyramid – inside myself – into the dark. I pushed past all the fears and kept walking. I crawled my way to the top of the King’s Chamber. The room was cold and dark with only a tomb inside. After some meditation, we were invited to lie inside the sarcophagus for as long as we wanted. I waited until I felt ready to step inside the tomb and lay down. With my eyes closed and arms crossed, I began to feel the ancient tomb beneath my body. I asked the tomb to liberate the burden of past lifetimes. The darkness I have feared – my own darkness, softened.
After more than ten minutes, I was ready to come out of the tomb. I was ready to climb out of my own tomb. What was inside the chamber?
Death. Life. Breath. Egypt. Home.
Mary Anne
Who Will You Thank Today?
Friday, November 11th, 2011
As I stood waiting for my #5 train at Grand Central Station, I took notice of an MTA worker who I see every day. He helps keep the trains moving, lets the conductor know when to shut the doors, and assists struggling passengers. I have noticed how he does this with such kindness and always with a smile on his face. As I waited for my train, I went over to him to thank him. I shared with him that I have noticed how good he is with the customers and his positive attitude. He was very grateful for the compliment. He said, “I try.” I acknowledged his work, especially as people are always in a rush on or off a train. We chatted for a few minutes and he continued with his work.
My train started to pull into Grand Central and the MTA worker came over to me and before the doors opened he said, “You made my day.” All it took was a thank you. And what he didn’t know was that he made mine too.
I realized on my way home just how easy it is to make life nicer for another – a simple thank you. I have been much more aware of saying thank you and acknowledging people and noticing what a difference it makes.
Who will you thank today? Go ahead – make someone’s day sweeter.
Mary Anne
This is dedicated to all the Veterans for their service. Thank you.
Raw Hamburger or Cupcake?
Thursday, October 27th, 2011
During a recent lunch break at a conference, I decided to take a walk and leave about 45-minutes for my lunch. Upon returning from my walk, I stopped in the hotel restaurant, ordered my veggie burger, and was told it would take 10-20 minutes. Plenty of time to eat before the next seminar, I thought and placed my order. I waited – and waited – and waited. After some apologies, I was told my order was coming. Fifteen minutes before I was due to go back to my next seminar, I was handed a bag with my boxed lunch. I went to my hotel room so I could organize my course materials and opened up the box. It looked like a raw hamburger. It was thrown together in one of the most unappetizing ways I have ever seen. I kept staring at it. Just the thought of eating it turned my stomach. Due to the long wait, my meal was “complimentary.”
My anxiety kicked in as I had a choice to make – eat or go to the next seminar. Knowing I would be useless without food, I opted to leave the hotel and go to a local restaurant to get lunch and miss some of my next seminar. I found a local seafood place and ordered lunch. The staff was very polite and would regularly update me on the status of my food order. The cashier looked and me and asked, “Would you like a cupcake while you wait?” I smiled and realized how much this restaurant wanted their customers to feel cared for and happy. The cashier described their homemade cupcakes and said they would wrap one for me to take with my lunch. I returned back to the seminar full – not just from food, but from the idea of being fed with care.
All day I kept thinking about the contrast in service – given a raw hamburger or asked if I wanted a cupcake. I thought about how easy it is to be filled with simple pleasures, like, attention, and good customer service. Where in my own life do I serve others a raw hamburger and where do I serve a cupcake?
There are days I serve raw hamburgers with my attitude and unwillingness to be understanding. And there are days I serve cupcakes with my kindness and generous spirit. Clearly, I want more cupcakes – to give and receive.
Mary Anne
Seeking Peace – Finding Love (Part II)
Thursday, August 11th, 2011
I wrote a blog post about reading a book while on vacation about a writer, speaker, and therapist who was “seeking peace.” The author needed to take time to find meaning again and take time out from everything in her life. I resonated with the book because I too was seeking peace. I was feeling burnt out at work, in my business, and living in the Bronx. I wanted respite and peace. I knew that six days in the mountains would provide me with the quiet space I needed to replenish. My partner and I spent days going for walks, swimming in local lakes and creeks, reading, and journaling.
We had planned to spend the second part of our vacation in Atlantic City. While a stark contrast from the quiet peaceful mountain views, we had tickets to go see Melissa Etheridge in concert. Plus, a few days on the beach and swimming in the ocean seemed like a relaxing way to spend a few days.
So, after we completed the first part of the vacation, we repacked the car for Atlantic City. We started driving and as we got onto the New Jersey Turnpike, I plugged in my iPhone to listen to music in the car. As soon as I heard the music, I turned to my partner and said, “I forgot the tickets.” Then I began crying. (If you have ever driven on I95 in the Bronx, you would understand.) My partner said we will turn around and get them. I said I felt terrible and the tears kept coming. I couldn’t stop myself from crying. Was it because it would add at least two more hours of commuting and crossing the George Washington Bridge again? Was it because I pride myself on being organized and felt like I failed? Was it because I just wanted to get out of the city and be on the beach? I think it was all of it. My partner was calm and wanted to make the best of the situation. She suggested buying lunch at our local diner and was very encouraging the whole ride back to the Bronx.
It all worked out perfect. We had lunch, drove to Atlantic City, saw an amazing show, and spent two days on the beach. Here I was seeking peace and by the end of vacation I was finding love – again. I realized the peace I was seeking was within and that I needed to be reminded of that.
It’s easy to find peace in the quiet uninterrupted moments. Seeking peace in the chaotic forgetful moments is where the work comes in. And finding love is a gift better than any concert in the world.
May we always seek peace and find love.
Mary Anne
This is dedicated to my partner, Lorene, who reminded me just how easy it is to be peace & love. I am very grateful.
Amazing Grace & Bagpipes
Thursday, July 28th, 2011
Have you ever heard the song Amazing Grace played on the bagpipes? No matter where I am or what I am doing, if I hear that song, I stop, and cry. Amazing Grace always makes me cry. The words seem so tender and when you add bagpipes, the sound goes right in. I have heard it played at many funerals, including my mother’s.
I haven’t really thought about the song in years. Then as I was walking to the subway this morning in the Bronx, I heard Amazing Grace being played on the bagpipes. The bagpipes stood out as it was 7:30 in the morning and a quiet, “suburban” section of the Bronx. I stopped to try to find where it was playing from, but the song just echoed around me. I watched as people kept walking and rushing to the subway. Did other people hear the bagpipes too and were ignoring it?
I stopped to listen to the beautiful bagpipes blaring, tears and all. I could hear the words:
Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.
Maybe the song doesn’t have to just be a memory of funerals. Maybe the song can be a reminder of life, of grace, and of sweet mornings. Maybe Amazing Grace is always around me and I just need to be reminded to listen to it more.
What is your “Amazing Grace?”
Mary Anne
Have You Checked the Expiration Date Lately?
Wednesday, July 20th, 2011
I found a Metrocard in my wallet last week and swiped it to see how much money was on it. The machine read, “Please see an attendant.” I walked over and asked the MTA attendant if she could check how much was on my card. After she swiped it and checked her computer she said, “Ma’am, this was a 30 day unlimited card that expired in January.” I thanked the lady and walked away with my expired card. After discarding it in the recycling bin, I realized that I had been carrying around an expired card for over six months.
Later, I decided to look through the rest of my wallet for other expired or outdated cards. As I finished reorganizing my wallet, I decided to check what else in my house had expired and could be thrown out. As I sat down feeling proud of getting rid of unnecessary items, I decided to check inside and see if anything within could be discarded. What else has expired in my life? Were there any thoughts, beliefs, and feelings that have expired that I am still carrying around? Could I let go of my disappointment and frustration? Am I carrying around anger that expired last month?
I invite you to check in and see if there is anything you are carrying (inside and out) that has expired. What has expired that is still living inside you?
Start with today. What are you still carrying around that you are willing to let go?
It’s time for a new 30-day pass.
Mary Anne
35 Years Later – Traveling Leads to Children’s Book
Thursday, June 2nd, 2011
I was recently on a 3-week spiritual travel adventure to Egypt with a small group. Upon meeting my new roommate, we started talking about books and he mentioned he had finished reading this fantastic book, Tales of a Female Nomad, by Rita Golden Gelman. He thought I would like the book since I love to travel and I was the only woman on this group trip to Egypt. Upon returning home, I purchased the book and started reading it.
After looking at the back cover, I noticed that Gelman also wrote some children’s books. I saw one of the titles, Why Can’t I Fly?, and my jaw dropped. As soon as I went home, I went to my bookcase and on the bottom shelf are three books I had as a child. My favorite one was Why Can’t I Fly? The book tells the story of birds trying to help Minnie the Monkey fly. Minnie keeps falling when she tries to fly, but she doesn’t give up. Minnie tries one more time and the birds quickly got a blanket so Minnie could land in it. An elated Minnie says, “I can fly. I can fly.”
I have had this book since 1977 and when I moved to NYC, my mom gave me my three favorite children’s books. I can’t believe that 35 years later I am reading a book by the same author. Tales of a Female Nomad is Gelman’s story of self-discovery as she travels the world with no permanent address and no possessions except those she can carry. Reading this book about courage is bringing me as much joy and enthusiasm as the children’s book did when I was little.
Unfortunately, my mom passed away in 2000 and she is probably the only person who would remember how often I read Gelman’s book and how much I loved it. It is one of my most treasured childhood memories. I am grateful that my journey to Egypt led me back to my childhood and to books that remind me to never give up.
I am grateful for Gelman’s writing and for inspiring me – for 35 years! “I can fly. I can fly.”
Mary Anne
This is dedicated to my friend Don and to my mom.
Doing It Afraid and Trusting
Wednesday, May 18th, 2011
While I am sure many, many stories will emerge from my recent trip to Egypt, I am surprisingly at a loss for words to describe my journey. It was a trip of a lifetime and an amazing experience. Our group had a private tour of some of the most sacred temples and sites in Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan. I spent 16 days with a group that made me laugh hysterically, and allowed me to cry when I became overwhelmed with emotion.
I didn’t know until I came home how many people were thinking and praying for me before and during my trip. I hadn’t realized so many people were worried about my safety and I have never felt more loved in my life. I was scared too – at the thought of being so far away, of not seeing my partner for almost three weeks, of going to a ‘foreign’ place, of getting sick, of not fitting in with the tour group of eight men and much more.
When I arrived at JFK airport, I was nervous and excited. As I started to walk down the runway, I thought, “Turn around right now and go home. This is crazy!” I kept walking anyway. As I went to my seat, I heard inside, “Don’t sit down. Get off the plane before they close the doors.” The next thing I knew I was buckling my seat belt. I sat in my seat watching people and realized I was sitting next to a Coptic Priest. I tried to sleep, but all I heard were the screaming infants on the flight.
I arrived at the Cairo airport and was met by a Quest Travel staff member who helped me get my Visa, pick up my luggage and drove me to the Mena House Hotel. It was there I was met my friend and leader of our group, Howie. He walked me to my room and from the balcony there was a clear view of the Pyramids of Giza. The whole thing was surreal. Was I really in Egypt? Was I really looking at the Pyramids?
I loved staring at the views of the Pyramids and missed home at the same time. I kept wondering if I was crazy to go on this trip. I even thought about leaving to go back home. I started to question myself – first there was a revolution and then my flights were cancelled twice – were those signs? Deep down I felt like I was supposed to be in Egypt – even though I had no idea what the reason was. The word that came to me was “trust.”
On Wednesday afternoon the group started to arrive to the hotel (I had arrived two days earlier due to limited flights). I met my roommate, Don, that afternoon. As soon as we met each other we connected immediately. It was as if we had known each other for a long time. We had similar taste in books, music, and spirituality. I shared that I had no idea why I had come to Egypt. He had the same feeling and said he was working on “trust” and this journey would allow him to explore trust.
And there it was in front of me – my purpose for Egypt – to trust myself. I trusted myself throughout the trip and the eight men I traveled with and realized I was not visiting Egypt – Egypt was visiting me.
I am grateful for doing it afraid and trusting.
Mary Anne
This is dedicated to the people of Egypt!
What Inspires You?
Wednesday, April 13th, 2011
Every few days I log into my WordPress Blog and clean out the spam comments. It’s amazing how many spam comments come in each week. For some reason, before I clicked the “Empty Spam” button last week, I read a few of the comments. The first comment read, “The site is uninspiring. Daily life proceeds.” I started laughing and grabbed a piece of paper to jot it down. What a wonderful reminder that my site is uninspiring and daily life proceeds.
If I had read that comment two years ago, I would have felt like a failure and questioned my writing and my work. Yet when I read the comment, I thought there are times the site is uninspiring and daily life does proceed. Inspiration comes from within. I can’t inspire people; I can only notice what awakens my mind and emotions and share that with others. There may be times an idea, a poem, a story, or a workshop inspired you. Perhaps that was because something inside was feeling connected.
What inspires you?
Daily life proceeds,
Mary Anne