My great friend and mentor, Sylvia, and I, had a pretty deep discussion about words and their influence on thinking, and consequently how changing our thoughts to empowering ones, rests heavily on managing our words and choices of them.

We both agree it is important that we intentionally frame what we say in positive means if we will move forward with our thinking and doing, positively!

So on sharing the thought that The Universe has [and affords us] a 'wicked' sense of humour, I said, why don't we think of a more positive word that connotes the pre-meditated goodwill of the Universe in giving us occasions to laugh at ourselves and life in general? I smiiled on reflection that a very inspiring relative of mine chooses to say, 'What the heaven?' rather than, 'What the hell?'. Now isn't that empowering?

Sylvia and I made the commitment to spend some head and heart time on this very important subject! :D

I did my searches using the traditional methods, and guess what! Yet again, there was no obvious antonym for 'wicked' that captures the conscious naughtiness of it but doesn't also align with The Devil or something! Can you imagine that? No wonder so many of our thoughts get consumed with 'wicked' things and evil consequences!

So, on reflecting the success I had when reaching out for an antonym for panic, I thought I would extend the gesture once again to the Community, to see if we can come up with a lovely little word or phrase, which expresses the loving, thoughtful gesture of the Mother [that's my choice of Expression], to bring lovely growth opportunities which make us ultimately laugh on reflection.

Tell me what comes to mind!

You'll do both Sylvia and I a great favour today.

With thanks and all my love!

Best,

Sherri 

There's just something about animals, especially dogs, that steals my heart and brings me such joy!

As promised, I am looking for a dog or two for my home, that will assist with security and bring beautiful, natural love with them. Dogs, from what I've seen, don't seem to be consumed with ego even now, so they can receive and give love so much more easily than most of the humans I know.

They are awfully [I couldn't find a great, positive word; sighhh] loyal as well! I must say that some of the greatest friendships I have had, have been of the canine kind, both female and male of the species.

This week I am setting out to bring my new canine friend home! I understand that the U.S. First Family is also looking for theirs, ironically. :D And it looks like we're using the same means as well.

I chose to go to 'The Ark' Animal Sanctuary to make my selection. The two visits I made there absolutely made my day each time, and I'm certain I'll go regularly just to visit, in future. The animals are such fun; and the company of truly caring, heart-rich people was inspiring!

Here are a couple pictures from today!






Of course I selected my own dog at last, and I am so excited about bringing him home. I'm going to wait until he makes it home and share pictures.

One thing I would mention is that he [apparently] has a deformed back leg. I say this with humour because my new buddy and soon-to-be protector doesn't even realise that he's supposed to move slower with a 'less than' leg! lol Now isn't that great?

Three separate, well-intentioned persons all told me, 'People always leave Jonny because of his back leg...'. I wish I was surprised, but I'm not. But that is the chief lesson for humanity to work out, I think. 'All that's pretty, isn't necessarily healthy for you.' I will just let that one digest a bit...

On meeting Jonny I got such great flashbacks to my childhood pet and companion Bud, who had been run over by a car and broke both his front-right and his back-left legs. But his desire to live just propelled him! And Bud eventually grew to be a really fast running animal that didn't quite recollect his 'disability'... nor did we, his family, over time. He was such a strong, wonderful, happy dog... and totally smart and streetwise. Just what we needed for our home. I love Bud...!

Bud lived to a ripe old age of 14 [human yrs] although his physical growth was somewhat stunted. But he did an awesome job with his people.

So I'm excited about bringing Jonny home really soon, after I have secured the premises properly. Then, I do think, Little Eden, will emerge to be a little bit more like the Eden I dream about.

Until.

Peace and love to you.

Sherrilene

They are strongly connected. Indeed, it's been said that most of my physical ailments are psychic or psychosomatic.

This means I have to dump the toxins out of my mind, often, in order to heal myself physically.

I can't recall the last time that an external application resolved any of my physical problems, actually, unless you count the ocean...!

But the sea feels like the lifting of a burden from my mind and body literally when I go into it or even near to it. I think the evidence of the abundance of Nature helps to take the little challenges of the physical world away from me...

I even gain weight at times of negative mental burden, regardless of my diet! And I can eat anything I want in any kind of proportion without exercising, when I am feeling free spiritually, which is in my mind as well, as you know.

Interesting, eh?

Peace to all.

Sherrilene

School was great! I'm realising how great an experience I had throughout my school life. There were times when it was felt that I was becoming a professional student, I liked study so much!

I liked exposure to a wide range of courses and perspectives. I liked field trips, especially to the outdoors. In fact I think school stimulated my liking for hiking at present.

Some of the teachers were quite interesting, as I remember; like my A-Level French teacher, who was German and Ba'hai... so different; and my Latin teacher who I'm certain was Pompeiian! She actually loved speaking Latin! And my Maths teacher in 6th Form who had lots of flare... more than most females I know lol

I made some very good friends at school also, deep, respectful friendships that have lasted the years, I am happy to say.

School is a blessing and I appreciate the opportunity of free education in my country, all the way up to University, and the mechanisms put in place to help make education abroad possible as well. What a lucky thing to have!

Perhaps this is why I feel an inclination to help out the educational system where I can right now...

Have a great day!

Blessings and love,

Sherrilene

Thanking my brother Samme for this connection.

Love and care to all this International Women's Day.

Be blessed.

Sherrilene

I'm moved in, and pretty settled! In fact, by many standards, it all got done in record time for a modern human being!



This blog is about my new home; the beautiful property I could only say I was led to. Without getting all 'mystical', I would have to say the coincidences are too many to be rationalised away. Indeed as I began tagging this message the word 'providence' came to me, and I don't think I have ever before used that word! Then I look it up and guess what the definitions are:

1.	(often initial capital letter) the foreseeing care and guidance of God or nature over the creatures of the earth.

2.	(initial capital letter) God, esp. when conceived as omnisciently directing the universe and the affairs of humankind with wise benevolence.

3.	a manifestation of divine care or direction.

4.	provident or prudent management of resources; prudence.

5.	foresight; provident care.

Ok...

So I now live in the East of the island where it is really breezy, close to nature and comfortable. Pleasant neighbours, a lot more space on the interior and a tremendous lot of birds in the early morning! Country life...!

 

I'm lucky; I know. I have decided to use this word because that's what many people would say who might be unaware of how I live and my passionate commitment to contribute to good flow in the universe. But if that's how you get good luck, that is just [good] life! Little Eden is a dream that I couldn't even conceive of until I got in here and started decorating. All the new little purchases that I picked up before even choosing a place, incredibly matched immediately. I have really had a great time trying my hand out at working with colours that come with the house and making something beautiful with it.



I've had some very pleasant tours around the property that reaped unexpected rewards, like the hibiscus bush and the Bajan cherry tree! The Bajan cherry is a special fruit that I believe is indigenous to Barbados and is naturally very rich in Vitamin C. It is a favourite of mine! What a find!!



And, fitting my dream of Little Eden, there is a mango and a paw paw tree as well!



A very high point of my new move is of course my dog!! I have missed having a dog or two around. In fact, I am asking, how did I survive so long without a happy little fella waiting around the house and doing protective things!



Jonny has most definitely adopted me as his new Human and is extremely protective and vigilant, which rests my mind quite a bit since the property is big and a lot to manage with my untrained human sensors. If I had any doubt about the human-canine divine connection it is completely gone! He just does his thing naturally, and as long as I show appreciation for it and keep him healthy, he'll be my peace of mind contributor for a long time to come.

I do have to remind myself of his love of relocating shoes and chewing on helpless accessible things like my Cuba doll though!!

We expect to bring home a puppy as well very soon, that Jonny can play Father Figure to and add to the fun and energy of Little Eden.

I must admit, after the dramas building up to the relocation, including confrontations, physical ailments and the like, it's remarkable how little anxiety rests in this new place. My 'intentionally peaceful' way is still bizarre to people so it can unnerve those who are still 'in the struggle'... which has been the case with my house mate lol She really did expect me to take little things personal and engage in territory battles etc. Of course I couldn't care less and my first priority of Being Peace pleasantly dominated my responses. I'm getting even better at it!

So now I continue on my path, and to enjoy this part where I stroll through Little Eden.

Peace only to you and yours,

Sherrilene

Dear Brain,

You are such a hard worker; indeed I understand you use up to 70% of the calories that I intake!

That's why worrying, I mean overloading you, with stuff that you really aren't meant to keep poring over is quite insensitive of me, isn't it?

Add to that, I end up physically drained as well sometimes.

You were given as a gift to me; to process incoming data, connect that to the knowledge I had already accumulated through the Ages and in modern times through education, while recollecting that the Heart really is the place to go when facts are clearly missing...

And so often I get to thinking that I have all the answers, like anything at all is 'my' problem! And I place you under so much pressure to deliver!

Brain, my friend, please know that I appreciate you as my most precious gift and I thank you for performing despite the useless clutter that I might introduce unintentionally... you know, things like other people's issues, that are totally out of my hands to change, while I attempt to play Hero!

I'm just going to go to the Heart now so I can work out how best to show my appreciation to you. Mmmm... a nap.

Yes I could do that. That should stem the data inflow just a bit! Then we'll see how we go from there.

Thanks friend,

Sherri

That it is contagious, and because it is invisible, and often masked in toughness and bravado, we are mostly unaware that it is even affecting us on a subliminal level...

I speak, in particular, about when we engage with persons who are living in states of fear, often manifested in aggression, apathy, anger, sadness, etc. Sometimes at face value the individual might appear very much in control; they may even be laughing and joking a lot. Sarcasm, irony, presented as 'wit'...

But, underlying, is actually cynicism built on fear.

Their humourous exterior can draw many, and in time transmit their emotions over to the circle. The result is often the stimulation of latent fears in others, completely unaware. Old, past issues can resurface and re-present within fully functional others.

Fear begets fear. It's so important to peer a little below the surface to make sure you are dealing with the true person... and not the ego re-presented... since this is where fear resides.

Peace to all!

Sherrilene

 

The World Entrepreneurship Summit (WES) returns to London on March 20^th, 2009, and this time will feature the Launch of the World Entrepreneur Society as well.  As a fortunate participant at both WES events (London and Nairobi), it is exciting to prepare to be among other entrepreneurial enthusiasts interested in contributive business and solution building across diverse perspectives.

Membership to the World Entrepreneur Society will afford opportunities  for direct relationships to be built among this group, so that worthwhile ideas can be fertilised and will hopefully flourish out of the Event. Shared intellectual energy and goodwill directed at the present problems facing economy, enterprise and society, will hopefully lead to the emergence of creative solutions that can benefit a cross section of stakeholders globally.

I am pleased to again have the grant support of the British High Commission, which is ensuring  the inclusion of the perspective of small, developing territories such as Barbados at this event.  Participation at the January 2008 World Entrepreneurship Summit proved fruitful in that it spawned the development of alliances which cut across national and continental divides and led to the WES East Africa event in Nairobi Kenya, where I was a speaker on macroeconomic level Quality of Life applications.

I am looking forward to a further expansion of the favourable thrust towards collaborative human capital development out of this upcoming event.

Finally, I will take pleasure in introducing the World Leadership Day mission and values at the Summit, since it coincides directly with that occasion as well.

Full report on my return.

With best regards,

Sherrilene M. Collymore

The Human Quality Headquarters

Shoot!

We're supposed to?

Who designated us heroes?

Perhaps this is the mistake we are making; thinking that we're so important and lofty because of whatever ideas have filtered into our heads about what we should be doing rather than what we are being guided to do.

Because I am not being guided to save anything, but to act in my space, bring calm, share joy, friendship, goodwill, and help flood my environment with energies which perhaps will help lend to creativity, enthusiasm to serve and to new, happier methods of social interaction!

That's what I hear when I tune deep in!

I think I ought to get ahead with saving my own soul from my ego!

lol

Peace to all.

Sherrilene

A year ago today, I was a good deal more deluded than I am today about problems, responsibility, friendship and generally relationship, leadership, creativity, freedom of will and choices, well, of people.

So I was sacrificing like a trooper for the cause of [more] humanity.

It was a stressful time.

Not so much now though.

Let's just say the rose glasses are gone lol

Peace and love to everyone!

Sherrilene

Be.

Don't question. Don't analyse. Don't overthink. Don't make it about you.

Just be. And it will be perfectly completed.

Peace,

Sherrilene

Open thinking.

I played around with words like 'abundant' for what I feel when I think about this question. But 'open' seems more appropriate.

I think I've been caught up with the same line of thinking for an extremely long time. I have been attempting to make sense out of topics that didn't fit my practical mind. They relate to people's behaviour; particularly destructive acts, to themselves and loved ones, well, and to the world.

I couldn't 'get' it... I never did.

For a while there it seemed like if I was flying solo with this concern. I guess this is because most people seemed to accept this as the standard and didn't question too much if it was right or wrong.

And granted, it isn't 'my' problem; it never was. But it never sat right with me.

Well I am thankful to say and to see that people are stepping into that place now, actively, quite naturally and I am prayerful that to see this trend continues upwards.

I've believed in people for a long time but my having expectations of them has been a sad thing, especially for me. I am definitely an advocate for resisting having expectations or making assumptions of any kind!

I have contracted my thinking repeatedly about what my human colleagues will be prepared to do for the sake of wellness and healthy living. It has been a challenge relating to everyday people because of this, I confess.

I feel as if my development is leading to convergence with what others are aspiring to also. That is a nice feeling. In a strange way it releases me to open my mind up about happy interactions with more folks since if I could be described as anything, it is a Quality of Life nut. lol

The possibilities are endless now I think! I'm getting nicely into the idea of relaxing with all kinds of people now; perhaps creating things, seeing beautiful things grow together; sharing dreams... Nice!

Happy new year to all!

Peace... and joy. Sherrilene




 

On its insistence!

I gave up trying to be closed hearted sometime back despite many occasions of my heart being battered or taken advantage of by people 'close' to me. That's just me to give it!

The consequence has been a lot of love being forwarded in my direction as well, over the years, from all kinds of [unexpected] directions. So no complaints...

I think the net results are the rational factor in Me giving the nod to go for it again and again! That, and my learning that there really is nothing important to lose! [I don't count pride...]

As I write this I think of what happens when I attempt to be cold and closed hearted and it isn't a pretty picture. I don't like that person very much. The cheerful, loving person I am with an open heart, I much more approve of.

And the people that are able to receive love like her too. :)

Here's to my open hearted crew!

Loads of love to you!

Sherrilene

Because 'without' in every conceivable sense of this word, is a myth, a mirage, a show...

'It' is all built-in... We've come equipped, with answers, with truth for our lives' purpose, for happiness, satisfaction, enjoyment and usefulness!

The resource available inside is accessible always and is ours to have... duty free :)

But first we must trust ourselves enough to take that route first and foremost, and dispel the associated myth that some earthly being besides ourselves, knows it all, knows better, has the answers for our individual lives.

That person, unfortunately, (?) is yet to be found.

Blessings to you!

Sherri

I'm just wrapping up a very pleasant and restful visit to London; a combination of business and pleasure and self-care.

I had expectations of seeing many colleagues and GAIA friends socially but unbelievably, I only saw one such person, although I managed to connect with many others still and satisfactorily.

The Conference was successful; I predict many good outcomes from it and look forward to being a part of that change. It seems like a long time coming, but it really isn't. Everything good in its good time!

I spent the week at Goodenough College in WC London.




I also had a great time on the streets on foot all over London. I refused, in fact, to take the subway or go underground at all while I was here, just to test my ability to judge the lay of the land and learn something different about London. It was a great idea. It's something I always wanted to do, And the sunny bright weather that greeted me was like a nod from the Mother to get out there and absorb the goodness! In fact, it was sunny nearly everyday this past week!

So I did the tourist thing! Here are a few pictures:




The general atmosphere all around is quite calm; not the panic one would expect at, supposedly a time of 'unprecedented recession'. [I smile at the concurrence with my theory that the only people in a crisis are those who had money and status previously lol For the rest, life will just go on.]

I also had a great time sampling some new foods, specifically Indian and Japanese. Both were really great!

It was restful and peaceful and not at all busy and I liked that. There was time for reflection, space for thinking and recognising again what I need in any one place. It has been enough to know so many of my friends and loved ones are 'out there' although not necessarily in my physical proximity. [But I do miss my dog!]

It wiill be great to close off this time here on another high note and follow up the learnings and initiatives on my return home.

Blessings to GAIA friends Gael, Anges, Ange and Rose who welcomed me so beautifully. Maybe we wiill get to spend some time in person next time... which I hope will be quite soon.

Love to all.

Sherrilene

That beauty exists everywhere.

My travels have taken me to many places and I have seen people of every kind, just living their lives. As I move from place to place, I've experienced many similar sensations: I have seen poverty everywhere, I have seen tremendous cash wealth everywhere, I have seen strength of spirit and I have seen insecurity, manifested in many ways especially in the form of control structures.

I am so happy to say that despite so many images that keep getting blasted into my line of sight, which for some time seemed to dominate, every place I go I get the pleasant experience of tremendous beauty of one type or the next. It's usually surprising, in a very pleasant way.

I am thankful that the world has taken out time to share a different image with me. Indeed, now, I am inclined to think that the ugly is not necessarily Reality, although I acknowlege its presence in our space.

And since I have been honoured with that perspective of reality as well, I feel inclined to augment it wherever I can... to help reduce the ugly, the dark, the painful with beauty, light and happiness.

And why not?



Beauty energises me.

Then I can do more.

Peace and love to everyone.

Sherrilene

To just be; and accept themselves and be accepted for it.

Unfortunately, many people don't even know this, because it would require a direct relationship all the time with what is 'real'...

Most dynamics we work 'around' daily are so based on image and show; so emphasise finding and taking advantage in order to 'achieve' superficial thrills and highs from short term victories over some small thing or some one that appears weaker....

As if that is reality!

If it were our real wants being fulfilled, then wouldn't we be fully contented on completion of these acts...? Would we have regrets?

Instead, there is aggression and shame, often embarassment in the long run, attached to such living, isn't there? Too often.

Getting and keeping real could possibly be the best thing we do, to achieve what we want; which is peace and contentment with life and to accept ourselves as we are.

And simply then, just to be...

Wishing everyone peace and love.

Always,

Sherrilene

Yes, it is happening.

I didn't want to get too excited just in case it was a dream not yet due to be fulfilled. But the stars have let the pieces fall nicely into place for me to achieve some concurrent goals with my participation at the International Association of Facilitators North American Conference, as one of the workshop facilitators.

The theme of the Conference is 'The Art and Mastery of Facilitation - Explore Diversity'.

I am pleased to be the first Caribbean native to conduct a workshop there after being the first Caribbean native to participate in the IAF European Conference held in Groningen, the Netherlands last October. I am also happy for the opportunity to take my love of diversity more widely into my professional life.

Friends of mine might remember my passion for Facilitation [see my blogs entitled Facilitation - My Pet and Why I love my job, among others!] Honestly, nothing has come to me as naturally as a work activity as this field has. It combines both my passion for effective results with the satisfying feeling of contribution to the world from my tiny little corner over here.


I think the most significant bit is that the type of work compliments my lifestyle as I get to teach at a high standard and level, and to travel periodically; both of which are very pleasing to me. 

Another dream of mine is to work with friends; friends being people of like mind and spirit and positively contributive intention in their living. I have been very fortunate to meet such people along the way with whom I feel a very strong co-creative resonance.

One such person is Terrill Welch who has been a dynamic, role modelling addition to my inner circle! And a second person is Peter Brown who has been a wonderful resource and good friend as well for over a year, helping with my 'real world' education and thus contributing to my ability to perform my duties in international forums such as Nairobi and now Vancouver. Thanks to GAIA for these connections, certainly.

I will conduct a co-facilitation with Terrill while in Vancouver also and this will hopefully set the stage for many future, satisfying pairings. [Details on this shared event will be made available next week.]

I have wanted for some time to visit Vancouver and will be looking forward to being a tourist while fulfilling my business duties as well. Feel free to email me if you would like to co-ordinate that we meet up while I am in the Pacific Northwest. It would be wonderful to meet some more of my truly good friends from GAIA in person!

So to Vancouver and further growth!

Wishing all very well!

Blessings and kind regards,

Sherrilene





 

The myth that I had to suffer... anything and especially anybody.

This was a big one for me. I hadn't even defined suffering in terms of 'bearing with' miserable people, insisting on putting their anger and dissatisfactions in my space without thought for one minute of my conditions or how it impacted my life and others'.

I therefore 'suffered' them, not making the connection with 'encouraging' them to keep putting out destructive energies and breaking other peoples' energy down...

I have accepted, finally, that I do NOT have to engage with such people, who have consciously or unconsciously taken much of my energy while giving precious little of their own [to me or anyone else!]. I can choose who I maintain in my close space and aim to keep relating with people who desire a satisfying mutual experience for all involved.

Suffering is so not what it was made out to be! Now I consider what else I might have been suffering, unaware till now...

Peace,

Sherrilene

I am pleased to report successful outcomes from the recent World Entrepreneur Summit which took place at Goodenough College, London on March 20th, 2009.

What was successful about it?

1. An open ended agenda which spoke to what primarily concerns entrepreneurs, it having been recognised that entrepreneurs’ concerns are probably some of the most pressing if we as a world community are going to address serious structural problems in the economy anytime soon. Thus the theme of the conference ‘What is keeping entrepreneurs up at night?’ was both timely and effective!

2. The intermix of nationalities, experiences and backgrounds which made up the presenters and discussion groups for the full event was well done. Getting to discuss real solutions to drive innovation and foster creativity with Europeans, Africans and Asians, all interested in better lives for all people was, from my understanding, relatively unprecedented. The openmindedness of all participants was extremely encouraging!


i-geniuses Dave McQueen [UK/Caribbean] and Uzma Ahmed [Pakistan]

3. An embracing of the modern, especially social network technologies, as a vehicle to enforce this emerging community of entrepreneurs and social innovators with the launch of the World Entrepreneur Society and its associated social networking site (which can be found at http://wes2009.crowdvine.com/) was also a positive development.

4. An integration of Enterprise as well as Personal development activities within the agenda was quite innovative and an indication of the progressive thinking of the organisers.

My high points included the Workshop entitled ‘Steady as she grows’ which centred on high growth women’s businesses and very interestingly dispelled a range of the myths attached to female entrepreneurship and their relative successes to male enterprises. It statistically confirmed the high contribution of female entrepreneurs in sustainable business development and the capability of women to weather change such as the present economic recession successfully. (Full report at this link: http://www.deltaeconomics.com/media/COGS2008Women.pdf)

Specific female issues were raised in the discussions and merit further forums for elaboration and addressing. Hopefully this will be one of the activities which will come out from this occasion of WES.

Another high point was the presentation by John Elkington of SustainAbility, which among other things took a very realistic look at unlocking human potential. The quote which left the greatest impact on me from the morning session said: ‘The illiterate of the 21st Century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn and relearn’ – Alvin Toffler. It spoke volumes about the path that our world is taking and is in fact very encouraging to people who wish to see a more healthy and sustainable distribution of ‘wealth’ across humanity.

Kudos again to brainchild Dr. Rebecca Harding, who also led the Women’s Enterprise research effort and remains an inspiration to other female entrepreneurs across different nationalities. Indeed kudos go out to Delta Economics generally for its thought leadership and action in this critically important area.

Again I thank the British High Commission for its support of hq2’s development activities in Entrepreneurship for Sustainable Economic Development and I look forward to a continued good relationship with them. Please look out for more information on initiatives in this area and in Human Capital Development generally.

With sincere regards,

Sherrilene M. Collymore

The Human Quality Headquarters