SYNCHRONICITY

In 1993 I purchased a book entitled “Healing Words –The Power of Prayer and the Practice of Medicine” by Dr. Larry Dossey. Something around that time, and I cannot recall precisely what it was, prompted me to purchase the book.

Thinking back I initially thought it may have been the death of my grandfather. He suffered a massive stroke, followed by a year of recovery, and then an eventual heart attack, around that time.

More than likely it was me looking for answers during the illness of my friend Steve Budd. Steve was diagnosed with HIV/AIDS in February 1990 and his illness and eventual death changed my life in profound ways.

Steve’s diagnosis propelled me into a new and exciting pursuit of answers of many kinds, some spiritual but mostly academic, and unwittingly his passing lead me a newfound focus on my career and a reconnection with my children - who had long been estranged.

Recently I have been thinking about “Healing Words” and also “The Celestine Prophecy” by James Redfield. Why these two books, I don’t know, but somehow the two are linked in my mind – perhaps it has to do with the questions behind the power of energies and prayer and other mysteries I do not understand.

In 1995, when I read “The Celestine Prophecy,” I initially thought it was meant to be non-fiction. It wasn’t until the very end that I realized it was definitely a work of fiction; however, it fed into and confirmed, my unfounded belief in coincidence, and consciousness, and that there are immeasurable powers, like energy fields - similar to sound-waves, that humans are not able to identify, comprehend or harness, and yet one day these too will be measurable and eventually controllable.

Only randomly have I given much time to the school of thought surrounding personal energies, prayer, coincidence, and ultimately destiny. In truth I rarely think that deep; however, innately I do have a belief in the unknown and esoteric.

The “Nine Insights” or at least, several of the insights, from “The Celestine Prophecy” fit well into my way of thinking regarding these mysterious. I believe we know far less about the universe than we think we are capable of knowing – meaning the amount of knowledge we currently have could fit on the head of a pin compared to the cosmos-full of exciting and profound ideas yet to be uncovered.

I recall around the same time (give or take a few years) that I was reading “The Celestine Prophecy, I heard Maya Angelou speak about powers we are unable to understand and that one day in the future we would discover, for lack of a better term, and I am paraphrasing, a “barometer” that we will measure the energies radiating from us. As I recall she specifically was talking about a “love force” that would be measurable – like a Geiger counter and radioactivity.

And why not?

Less than a thousand years ago people believed the world was flat. Inventions like the television, or even electricity were unfathomable, and who ever thought human beings who orbit the earth or land on the moon.

Each generation has discovered new frontiers previously thought to be undiscoverable; therefore, it stands to reason that there are sciences yet to be realized – the power of prayer, the struggle and transference of positive and negative energy, and the understanding of intuitiveness, coincidence, and synchronicity.

This morning I woke up thinking about my father and his brief, but ongoing, ordeal with colon cancer. Lying in bed I was reflecting upon, and appreciating, the love and support I have received from friends and coworkers as I cope with the situation.

After starting the morning coffee and letting the dogs out in the yard, I was unconsciously and uncontrollably compelled to comb my bookshelves looking for “Healing Words.” It sounds strange, but I was drawn or lead to this book, and when I found it and opened the front cover, a piece of paper fell out of it.

I leaned over to pick it up and instantly recognized my grandmother’s distinctively ornate handwriting.

Several of the books I own came from my grandmother, but as I stated earlier, I purchased “Healing Words.” I do not recall her ever seeing it in my house or ever asking to read it, and yet there concealed within it’s page was her handwritten note, and when I read it I could hear her voice as clear as if she was sitting next to me.

Written on a notepad that said “Warning – This fridge does not contain the following…” my grandmother wrote:

Chris – I’m so glad you had children. As long as they have children our blood line keeps us alive. When the blood stops, we die out.”

Grandma’s voice is never far from me. I talk about her daily to Fettit, just as I do with other family members, even though she has been gone for four years, but this is different. This is a note she wrote to me with the intention of me finding it one day – today.

I find it peculiar that not only have I been thinking about and was drawn to “Healing Words,” but also to “The Celestine Prophecy, and something this morning told me to read the “Nine Insights” again.

The Seventh Insight is “Engaging the Flow” and it reads “Knowing our personal mission further enhances the flow of mysterious coincidences as we are guided toward our destinies. First we have a question; then dreams, daydreams, and intuitions lead us towards the answers, which usually are synchronistically provided by the wisdom of another human being.

I know these words come from a book of fiction, and although I rarely acknowledge my belief, fundamentally, I believe in the insightfulness of their intent.

Why for two weeks, since I was told about Dad's cancer, have I had thoughts of these two books and what led me to them this morning? Synchronicity?

Grandma’s only child, the most important person in her life, the person she lived for, is lying in a hospital bed, recuperating from a surgery that removed a plum-sized malignant tumor from his colon. He has a legion and a spot on his liver, and although his future is brighter than it was two days ago, his prognosis is a mystery.

What is grandma telling me?

… As long as they have children our blood line keeps us alive. When the blood stops, we die out…

R CONNECTIONS

In early May I traveled to New York to visit my friend Matt, see some Broadway shows, and meet and spend time with an incredible group of people - the Rbloggers.

The Rbloggers are an online cult I have belonged to for nearly a year. We aren't really a cult but I have friends call us one.

Its a group of people who were brought together through Rosie O'Donnell's 2007 summer photos post.

The weekend was a smashing success and when I returned to my real life in Phoenix a very generous member of the group offered to make a photograpy book to celebrate and honor the weekend, and much to my surprise, he asked me to write the forward.

I was, and still am, overwhelmingly honored and grateful for the opportunity to put my words against the photographs taken by this wonderful group of people I now call friends.

What follows is the forward I wrote and the link to the book which can be viewed and purchased online.

Words, especially mine, are hardly necessary for a collection such as this. The photographs capture the true essence of what was a once in a lifetime event. They clearly speak for themselves - showing the genuine affection and friendship the Rbloggers have mined for one another along with the admiration, respect, and love for the one who brought us together

In the period of less than a year the term Rblogger has evolved, just as the relationships in the group have evolved and grown. In the beginning each member was a stranger-friend, but over the course of time, and culminating with the No No Nanette weekend, Rblogger has become synonymous with friend.

Each relationship is individual and attempting to speak for so many is impossible, so I will have to speak for myself.

I cherish, love, and depend upon so many of the Rbloggers. In my own way I cheer through the triumphs and empathize through the hardships, and in the end, individually and together, we continue to persevere – through many incarnations of the Rblogger name.

Last fall when it was announced that Rosie O’Donnell would briefly return to the New York stage in the City Centers Encores! No No Nanette, several of the Rbloggers decided it was a fitting time to unite in one place and celebrate our newfound friendship, as well as the woman who brought us together.

On May 9, 2008 it all became reality. The curtain lifted and anonymity and shielded personas gave way as the Rbloggers met face-to-face.

Under a predominately gray and gloomy New York City sky, in the shadows of towering steel and stone, long-time stranger-friends confirmed their affections, and life long memories were made and burgeoning friendships validated.

Looking through these photographs reminds me of what a magical weekend it was. People who have held me captive for nearly a year with their photographs, words and exposed truths, instantly became life-long friends. Time stood still as we celebrated our first en mass convergence, while sadly reminded of those unable to attend.

I arrived in New York without expectation but left with a newfound admiration and love for so many. What could have been awkward and uncomfortable instantaneously felt natural and organic.

Friday night after filing out of the theater, onto a crowded and wet New York sidewalk, I was greeted with shouts and smiles from across the street - the welcoming sounds of that half soaked assemblage still ring in my ears – and with the help of these photographs, time stands still and I am carried down the street towards a new found familiarity and closeness.

Rosie O’Donnell may have been the initial motivation for us to travel from our homes to New York, but the reason was clearly Rblogger-centered, however, I would be remiss if I did not give a special thank you to the inimitable Rosie, whose infectiously generous spirit and heartfelt sincerity unknowingly brought together a unique collection of people, from far away and all walks of life, to share in a remarkable experience that will forever live in our hearts and be replayed in the movie in our minds.

Thank you Rosie!

Chris Willi
(Gpawilli)

Click Here to View the R Connections Book

LOSE WEIGHT TODAY

Diet Book Author Advocates New 'No Food Diet'

Over the past few weeks I have lost 25 lbs and several people have inquired about how I was able to do it. I have been reluctant to share my secret but started thinking it wasn't fair to keep it a secret. I feel so good I want to shout it from the rooftop.

If it can work for me it can also work for you.

For those fighting, and losing, the battle of the bulge there was a new book published recently to help you watch (and count) hidden calories. It is called "Don't Eat Your Desk, by Alana Brixton-Bramby

I know I should have been more forthcoming with my new found secret diet, but Fettit asked me not to share it with the world. He doesn't know I am letting the cat out of the bag so please, don't let on to him.

This diet has transformed me and it can do the same for you.