This phenomenon was also noted in one of best poems ever written about war, “In Flanders Field.” “In Flanders Fields poppies blow, between crosses row on row…” It was written by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, Canadian Army, after 17 days of hell at Ypres in spring of 1915. You can read it here: http://www.arlingtoncemetery.net/flanders.htm .

Like you probably, I draw solace from people who say things better than I do, and describe to me what’s in my own heart and soul, like great writers and poets. Both happy and sad things. It’s hard to communicate both extremes and that’s when we most want to express them. However, I’ve also heard great eloquence from people who were not poets and writers.

Word Count: 718 words Thanks, Claudette Rowley ===============================

What Calls You?

"It is not, in my estimation, an undue stretch to say that if we are living lives that are wrong for our spirits, and if we say no to calls that could put that spirit to rights, then we, too...are lost souls." - Gregg Levoy from Callings: Finding and Following an Authentic Life

We all know people who have known from birth almost that they had a calling - to be a dancer or parent or salesperson. A calling that had a life of its own, a force that was so strong they couldn't resist it. Here's truth: We all have a calling, several in fact. A calling is a vocation in any area of life: work, relationship, or lifestyle. Our callings or vocations are forces that pull us toward being more authentic - toward lives centered around what we want, and even more important, what we love.

We can be called to DO something, like train as a surgeon, publish a book of short stories or start a non-profit venture. We are equally as likely to be called to BE something as well - more creative, more compassionate or more truthful. Any calling we hear is our natural birthright. No calling is better than another nor is one person more worthy than another to follow their calling.

Here are three very general steps to identifying and following a calling:

- Listen. The universe is constantly asking us to follow our callings. When we don't know what they are, it gives us signs and signals. For example, one client overheard a conversation in a coffee shop that was exactly what she needed to hear at time, as if words were spoken directly to her.

- Respond. Once we've identified a calling, we need to respond "yes or no" to it. Sometimes we answer consciously, and sometimes unconsciously by turning a deaf ear to calling. When we hear calling, but don't respond, universe pushes and prods us.