What you need to know is always in the present.

I read a quote by Pema Chodrone a very lovely Spiritual Master whose words are pragmatic for those of us today who have challenges to overcome at every turn it seems sometimes.  Pema says that what we need to learn is in the present moment and will be repeated in present moments until we get the lesson.  We cannot escape our karma and we have to be able to learn and transcend in order to become enlightened.
My lesson seems to be to find contentment in what I have for now in my life.  My personality is such that I have a compelling urge to reach out to others.  I have studied under two spiritual Masters since 1986.  I realized that a transition had taken place and I could describe what I wanted in a spiritual path and had always focused on the Master throughout my journey.  It really is a wonderful experience to see my wishes come true for me as I was initiated by Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Marahaj in April 2009.  I love His practical teachings that we apply to life.  We fill out a chart that helps us reflect upon and keep track of our thoughts and behaviors throughout the day.  I am not so good myself at doing that even thought I studied Beck's Cognitive Behavioral Theory in Graduate School and taught client's to use a chart that is similar to the one our Master has us use.  I have been able to monitor my inner state and immediately recognize the shift when negative thoughts arise.  That way it is possible to switch thoughts just like changing channels on the television.  You  can learn to use this technique to switch thoughts yourself.
I have always been highly motivated and productive in my life and finding time on my hands has turned into an endeavor of networking and outreach to others that I would not have done had I not had a set of circumstances to contend with.  That's life!  We have to learn to adapt to new situations and changes that are beyond our control and in that state of mind there is a quality of happiness and contentment.  Hence I feel content with my life and have goals for my future.  I use guided imagery to create a life that I want and since my last visit to Chicago I see myself living in a condo near a park and library where friends live in the same community.  I see a black Volvo sedan that I can park in a car port under the 1980's style building.  I know in my heart that this will materialize.
My value of serving my Master is core to my life style.  It's funny (not in a mocking way) but to see men send messages to say that they like me and I respect that and relate.  They see in me the love they have for themselves and I direct them to my Master for information about spirituality.  I have been celibate for many years because I am sensitive about my energy and keeping boundaries.  If my Master ever introduces me to someone to marry I will feel comfortable in that situation only.  My only daughter doesn't like my spiritual path.  I think less than my first Master who is a beautiful Indian lady.  I realize that for most there is a cultural shock to see my Master wearing a turban because of his own religion.  He is a Sheik.  One of the Masters on my first path said it didn't matter what color our skin was to him because he saw us all as BLUE!  I think that's a blast because our spiritual energy can be seen by enlightened Beings and we get so caught up in our differences.  The Genome Project at the National Institute of Health says that we have less than one percent difference between each race yet we have a great focus on differences.
My attitude was changed toward illegal immigrants as I have recently found myself in the best company ever with those whom I have believed shouldn't be here!  Now I wonder how to help illegal immigrants get amnesty.  One thought is that individual citizens and employers take responsibility for the problem by petitioning the government to allow us to sponsor illegal immigrants.  Let me know your thoughts if you read this please.
The present is really a gift so take it and be grateful because we still have a world where love prevails.  I believe that we have to confront and change the corruption and evil that exists in the world.  Our priorities have to be more geared to what is beneficial to people.  For instance today I saw a video of a Sudanese woman being whipped in public.  There was no compassion shown toward her from onlookers.  When I checked the United States web site their priorities were first and foremost global warming.  For those of you with blinkers on and plugs in your ears - THE WORLD IS NOT MELTING....I REPEAT... THE WORLD IS NOT MELTING....BUT WOMEN ARE BEING BEATEN AND TORTURED!  $$$$$$$$$$$$$ has to be taken out of global warming and put into helping women mostly in third world countries.
You see what I said earlier is true!  If I had been working at this point in time I would not been so involved in world affairs!  My present is having time to do outreach and draw attention to causes.
I am a Professional Life Coach and work with people who are committed to spiritual development.  I recommend that you go to www.sos.org to check out the official calender for programs and initiation.  I also require that you become vegetarian as I promote physical wellness and ethical treatment of animals.  Go to www.MyRain.me/rita for information about antioxidants.