Ice cream or Church?

For those experiencing the ‘living loss’ of a loved one to Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, finding moments of happiness can be far and in between. Yet when you keep your eyes, ears and heart open you can sometimes be touched by a moment that allows you to share a smile which is all you need to raise everyone spirits.
My friend Mary’s visit with her grandmother provided such a moment for all those who had gathered to celebrate the ailing matriarchs 92nd birthday. Although grandma was dressed in her pajamas and only somewhat aware of why everyone was there and who they actually were, a question fostered in confusion allowed everyone to share a smile.

As recounted to me, a conversation between Mary’s mother and Mary’s grandmother went like this:

Grandma: “Shouldn’t we be going”
Mom: “Where, Mother?”
Grandma: “Home, to church.”
Mom: “We aren’t going to church tonight.”
Grandma: “Oh, okay, Let’s go get ice cream then.”

The innocence of the moment made everyone laugh.

When the story was told to me, it jarred a memory of a teaching of Dr. Hew Len. He has taught that vanilla ice cream is a ‘spiritual’ tool. According to a message he received in meditation, eating vanilla ice cream is an opportunity to connect with God and erase memories of past mis-steps in life.

I remember when I first learned of Dr. Hew Len’s ice cream tool. I thought it was as wacky as anything I had heard. Then I noticed something. Every time I eat ice cream – and I am a vanilla ice cream eater – I think of Dr. Hew Len’s teaching, and after I smile, I realize I am thinking of my connection with God. Wacky or not, it does have the same effect as going to church!

Guess we should watch who we think is suffering dementia and who has odd teachings. Everyone has something they can teach us when we are willing to learn. What we think is 'loss' may not be a loss at all.

Happy learning. Thank you.
Andrea T. Goeglein, PhD
www.facebook.com/DrSuccessPhD
www.Youtube.com/user/ServingSuccess
1 866 975 3777

Love

In the spirit of enjoying the moment, I will be off line until September 25, 2010.

Our daughter, Dana, and her honey, Kevin Courtney, will be married on Saturday, September 18 at 3 p.m. EST. 

We are off to celebrate with our families and regardless of what my ego tries to tell me, the only thing that truly requires my attention is that celebration. 

Moment by moment is all we have...we intent to fill each one with love.  I invite you to do the same.

Thank you, Andrea

I Am Enough

So much of adult life is focused on what has to happen next in order for some goal to be achieved. From the mundane of brushing your teeth to the subline of creating and sustaining happiness and success, we are schooled in setting goals, making lists, and taking steps to achieve our goals.

What would a day look like if we all lived it from a viewpoint of ‘I am enough’.

I am enough each time I smile.
I am enough because I am.
I am enough because I care.
I am enough because I pray.
I am enough because I try.
I am enough because I rest.
I am enough because I love.
I am enough because I believe in good.
I am enough because I believe.

I am enough because I am enough. What about you?

Dr. Success Challenge (or not): Get a piece of paper. Center and calm you mind in any way comfortable to you. When you feel ready write the words “I am enough” at the top of the page. If you are moved to write something after that, do. If not, don’t.

Enough said. Have fun being enough.

Thank you and enjoy,
Andrea T. Goeglein, PhD
Dr. Success
http://www.servingsuccess.com/storeandmore.php
www.facebook.com/DrSuccessPhD
www.youtub.com/user/ServingSuccess.com
1 866 975 3777