"The Other Two Choices"

The Teachings of Margaret Rainey, Interpreted by Rosemary Valdez Jones

In Margaret Rainey’s classes many years ago, I learned about two choices. She was there at a perfect time to teach us about two very important choices we all have. Her teaching would change my life. She said there were choices that would bring joy and wealth, but not the kind of joy and wealth you get from winning the lotto or shopping for a Mercedes Benz. Instead it was the joy that fulfills one’s life regardless of what is going on in the world outside us. We were told to ask these two questions; “Where do we want to live?” and “What do we want to do?”

Where do you want to live? Where do you feel at peace in your heart and feel in harmony with Mother Earth? Is it in the mountains, east? In the desert, south? At the ocean, west? Or is it in the snow, north? Do you love trees around you, the blazing sun, the solitude and open space of rural living or is it the emotions of the sea? Do you love the excitement of city and community? Have you always lived where you live now? Maybe you have traveled so much that you are just weary of traveling. The latter two questions can render the same result; you don’t know where you want to live. Once you think you know, stay “true” to the choice and envision yourself there. Think about it, dream it, fantasize about it and envision as much detail as you can. Then tell everyone where you are headed.

Perhaps you are like me, I realized that I had followed someone for the sake of love and when its time was done, I didn’t want to live where I was living. I never really did. I felt uncomfortable, and there was an emptiness knowing I didn’t belong anymore. I actually felt this long before I admitted it out loud. One day I just felt a lingering emptiness. Out-grown, and over-stayed, I knew this life was over. I knew I must move-on regardless of how uncomfortable shrugging off the cloak of security would be.

Being in Margaret’s classes gave me confirmation that I had chosen joy. I had moved west and now I can share with you how it felt for me when I arrived. It felt…safe and peaceful to my spirit. My mind was silent. I instinctively took a profound deep breath of relief.. I looked around and was awed by nature’s beauty and intricate diversity. I knew I could learn to love all the seasons. As I closed the door to the outside world, I felt joy that I had this space to come home to. I gave silent thanks to the universe for helping me reach this soft place. I knew I didn’t want to be anywhere else. It made me smile.

Margaret presented to us the second important choice: She told us to ask ourselves what we were drawn to without any prior influences or knowledge. It was a feeling that would be stronger than curiosity. We knew we would be good at it.

Margaret said we can lead ourselves to our life’s works and passion if only we do not forget what it is that we are still excited about. Sometimes it is helpful to recall what used to inspire us as children. or adopted other people’s desires. She said it didn’t matter if we had to make-up a new list of interests. The opportunity to uncover these talents will turn-up in our lives at different times, allowing us to choose when we are ready to fulfill the dreams we have been seeking.

I have fulfilled many of my dreams and uncovered some of my talents. I feel exalted when I do something I have always wanted to do. My heart-spirit feels satisfied and content. It matters not the outcome of the level of success or longevity of the experience. My work does not feel like work, because it is my true work. Time and success do not exist, only the joy of doing gives me the wealth of satisfaction. This is how I learned the meaning of the “wealth of experience.” Margaret urged us to not wait to begin to answer these questions. It is never too late to begin.

Editors Note: Rosemary Valdez Jones lives in Northern Baja. She works with organic vegetables, whole foods, and teas. She is creating a Food Bank in La Mision for those in need, and contributes her stories and teachings to The Baja Sun. This submission has been edited from a longer version.