February 13, 2008

A Valentine To Remember

“Our life work has to include our deepest values, passion, feelings and commitments, or it’s not work. It’s just a job.”

Matthew Fox

Valentine’s Day is a celebration of LOVE. What loving wellsprings and fertile riches are waiting within each of us to be planted for our highest heart’s desire as we listen to our heart and inner calling.

In 1980, I hosted a life changing four-day residential intensive with Dr. Brugh Joy, after reading his profound book entitled, Joy’s Way, A Map For The Transformational Journey. Brugh was the Great Awakener in my getting serious about dream work. He embodies the radiance of wisdom and love present in all true teachers, as well as having a great sense of humor.

A Valentine To Remember

Later on, Brugh shared this true story, which touched me deeply: “Her name was Ballentine. Yet when I first asked her name, I heard a “V”instead of a “B”, so the wonderful name Valentine and an unforgettable nocturnal friendship were birthed in a hushed, darkened hospital corridor in the early morning of 1974. The lilting, soft, singsong Jamaican accent further enchanted me as she continued mopping the floor. She was very striking in an ethereal sort of way—tall and lean, with temples silvered and her remaining hair very black to match her eyes, all enhanced by a carriage suggestive of ancient nobility.”

“Why do you want to know my name?” she inquired as she lowered her eyes looking downward and away from me. “Because of what just happened in room #405.” I said pointedly.

Just minutes earlier, I had finished evaluating a patient who was admitted to 405 with painful pleuritic chest pain. Returning to the nursing station, I was writing an order for medications I felt would help: ‘A strong analgesic,’ I thought, ‘and a muscle relaxant. A sleeping pill should she require it, chest x-rays, electrocardiogram…’ As I was writing, I first glimpsed Valentine and her mop in her slow, rhythmic dance, moving from room to room down the hall. I thought I could even hear her humming softly—like a lullaby or a child’s sweet song. She entered room 405. I continued writing meds when I suddenly remembered I hadn’t asked my patient about any allergic reactions. I started to enter her room, only to bump gently into Valentine. She graciously nodded and revealed a most wonderful smile. She was softly singing. I entered 405 with physician responsibility. What I encountered greatly impacted me. My patient was sitting up in bed, relaxed, humming the same song Valentine was singing.

“What happened to you?” I asked. There was almost a tinge of attack in my voice.

“Oh, that wonderful woman came into my room and she was singing this childlike song.”

“Did she say or do anything?” I probed.

“No, she was just mopping and singing.” My patient added, “I do feel so much better, Dr. Joy.” A little deflated, I asked about her allergies and left the room. Which brings me to the rest of the story.

Valentine asked, “What happened in 405?” I responded, “The patient is much better because you came into her room.” Valentine’s response was, “I am very happy she is so much better.” Through quiet hellos and eye embraces, our friendship deepened. One night she revealed how Spirit had called her. She had experienced a healing presence since childhood. Pets, people and plants seemed to get better around her. She called it “Spirit doings.” I’ll never forget her words, “Oh, I could never learn what you know to help the sick, Dr. Joy. So I prayed and waited and Spirit said: ‘Go be a night janitor at the hospital.’ “So here I am…still mopping 35 years later!” She laughed. We both laughed. I, being 35 at the time, laughed at myself, she, in childlike wonderment.

She had deepened my realization that something was missing from my soul training. Two months later my inner call came in a loud voice that said, “Your life as a physician is over.” The exploration of dreams that ensued began my apprenticeship as a night janitor to the soul.

Brugh’s touching story of Valentine confirms the clarity of heeding Spirit’s call. It beautifully reflects how she was summoned into sacred space at the hospital. “A janitor on the night shift a healer?” you might exclaim. And, yet in this case, it was Valentine’s purity of heart and her songs that healed. Valentine recognized and honored the Healing Presence of her childhood and “Spirit Doings” in childlike wonderment and dedicated her life to the guidance of her heart.

“He who knows others is wise;

She who knows herself is enlightened.”

(adapted from Lao Tzu)

How many times have we encountered angels unaware? They seldom announce themselves. They are Beings aware of “Spirit Doings.” Through their loving presence, they transmit and heal. Our “teachers” often appear in the most mysterious of ways.

Lee Carroll spoke in Phoenix about the power of intent. Kryon has repeated over and over that it is our purity of intent spoken loudly and clearly that engages our highest outcomes. Most everyone is familiar with Star Trek and the term “engage.” You are the captain of your ship and we are in the potency of “now” time to engage our focused heart’s desires. We are each the “soul” creators of what we will magnify and illuminate with our sweet spots and heart songs. Your joyous emotions and good feeeeelings are always the signal of Spirit’s presence in your life. And, commit to being where you are valued, whether it is in relationships or your career.

Buddha said,

“Your work is to discover meaningful work

and then with all your heart to give yourself to it.”

Remember, as you plant your dreams and intentions, miracles and magic will grow. Happy Valentine’s Day!

Shine on!