Wisdom,

Sometimes, the flow of ‘society’ moves so rapidly and intensely that it causes/forces us to rush to keep up with its pace. It makes us believe that to get to our dedestination we must do as it dictates. Sadly, some of us never reach the destination it sets for us, some of us reach ‘the end’ only to find it lacking while some of us follow along with no idea how to (properly) navigate. Is it possible that these things apply to your situation?

My dear, a flow does indeed exist. However, it is not ‘society’s’ flow but ‘your’ flow that you need to follow. And, because it is your flow you have full ability of choosing its speed. Please always remember this. Also, it’s quite understanding that helming your own ship can seem frightening but what is a journey without some unknowns? Without some fear? Without lack of knowledge and uncertainties? With so many elements foreign to us it then becomes paramount that we set a balanced pace. Taking care in understanding all the events that enter our lives helps bolster a collected mind. In addition, while true that there will exist some individuals who seem to navigate more skillfully in comparison to ourselves we must recall that we are all shaped differently (in mind and body). The factors which conditions us are too many and ultimately out of our control. However, does this mean we should wallow in self pity? Does this mean we do not have the ability to apply ourselves to do as them? Does this mean the end?

Good friend, fate or no fate, God or no God, we are all exactly where we are supposed to be. However, with the freewill He’s bestowed upon us, I would think we are allowed to choose our destiny, don’t you think? Also, instead of thinking of the uncertainty that maybe God doesn’t want us to be happy, how about thinking of the absolute certainty that God gave us an existence with limitless possibilities? Doesn’t this ring more true?

Your destination will never be truly clear. And it’s perfectly fine. Your journey is sure to totter, just like everyone else’s. This doesn’t mean your life can’t be enjoyable. You don’t have all the answers and never will. However, isnt the prospect of discovery more appealing? An existence where I obtained all the knowledge would leave no room for surprises; for delight. It would be unstimulating. Hence, unleash the beautiful being you’ve imprisoned too long within, conquer all fears by tapping into your dreams, welcome the difficulties with their invaluable knowledge to be gained and recall that this is not a race. Life should be pleasured in, not suffered. It is only worth it if we relish in it.

I hope this helps and please forgive any grammatical errors.

Al

Dear Wisdom:

Of all the places I lived in LA County (A large, very spread out area from the South Bay in the south to the Valley in the north for one), I have fond memories of Culver City but that is my personal experience. And if I was to live in LA again, I would probably choose Culver City. It is very close to the city of LA, to downtown LA and very close to the rest of the West Side (West LA, Santa Monica etc.). I like the residential areas, private homes (I lived in rooms in such homes) but there are lots and lots of apartments.

I read your post to the other poster and I remember you wrote before about feeling like a pawn. It seems to me that you are feeling like your life is not in your control at all, that god has a plan and you are afraid to make the wrong move, fearing your move may not be according to god’s plan.

Do you feel then that you need to obey the plan, like a pawn, and you are waiting to “hear” exactly what the plan is before you can execute it obediently?

anita

Dear Wisdom:

There is such a thing as “rent control” apartments in Santa Monica and LA city, maybe in other places, where the rent is significantly lower than the going rate. It would be wonderful if you could get into such a building, that is other Rent Control regulations. I have no practical knowledge about it at this point. I did live in a few such: great apartments, great areas and low rent. Only I was not the one who applied for such or was on the rental agreement (I lived in those as a roommate only), so I don’t know how it came about.

As to your second paragraph: you have certain beliefs about who you are and who god is. And the two are connected. You view god as a tricky god, one that keeps you from what is good… who is unforgiving if you cross the line or make a wrong move.

Do you think that how you view god is connected to how your parents have been treating you, that you are projecting your parents into your concept of god? This is a tough question, and it is okay if you have no answer to this.

And it is okay if you don’t have an answer to this one: are you willing to examine your view of god and are you open to find out a … more correct view of who god is: maybe a forgiving god, maybe a god that is okay with you making mistakes… ?

anita