Behold. . . .with Rapt Attention!

“Miracles are commonly defined as rare and extraordinary events that defy the laws of nature. . . sometimes described as acts of God or. . . divine intervention that only a few of us will ever experience,” says Dr. Deepak Chopra on Day One of his “Miraculous Relationships” CD set. Chopra believes miracles happen every day, not just in far-off villages or holy sites across the world, but here in our own lives. He thinks miracles only seem extraordinary because we are not paying attention to their presence in our lives.

The word miracle comes from the Latin root mirari, “to behold with rapt attention.” In Spanish, the verb mirar means to look. Look! Pay rapt attention. When we are really present, paying attention, “We begin to notice the miracles in our lives, the everyday acts of grace that guide us on the most evolutionary path.” Grace is unearned love. The universe is loving us through people we meet and experiences we have. We need do nothing to earn it. It just is. It just is the nature of the universe to love.

Renewing her California real estate broker’s license this week, the Spiritual Adventuress was immersed in grace, bathed in love, marinated in miracles. Driving south from Ventura to Los Angeles can be a seamless experience. Who knew? Internet directions guided the car from the Ventura Freeway to the Hollywood Freeway to the Harbor Freeway right into the heart of Los Angeles, one block from Pershing Square, to the State of California’s Junipero Serra Building, formerly a Broadway department store. Parking, at $2 per 10 minutes with a $13 maximum, is available on the corner where live attendants shoehorn your car into the lot (and out, if you’re lucky. I was!) In the lobby, a “homeland security” airport experience is recreated by uniformed guards with grey plastic trays and a walkthrough scanner. “We don’t make you take off your shoes,” one says. I’m only going to the third floor.

Behind a glass service window, Apollo Uban, whose blonde, shoulder-length dreads remind me of light rays emanating from his sun-god namesake, asks how he can help. “I need help renewing my license. I received some forms I don’t understand. They seem to indicate you cannot have a California real estate license if you live in another state. Is that true? I’ve had a license for 35 years. I have a license in New Mexico, where I live now, but my son is being treated for cancer here. I may need to move back, to make a living. I want to keep my California license.” “I bet you came in today because you think you have three days left to renew it.” “I did.” “You have two years, not just one.” “Oh, thank God, but I’d like to take care of it now.” Apollo says, “Before I can let this conversation go any further, I need to know your son’s name.” 

One page needs to be notarized. “Do you have a notary here?” “No,” Apollo says as his work computer blocks his search for the nearest one. “I’ll just use my personal i-pad,” he says. “I see why you received the Caring Service Award,” I tell him, acknowledging his certificate of Commitment to Service too. After speaking with his co-worker, Angel, he tells me, “A notary is on the way. She’ll be here shortly. You can wait in the lobby.” “Angel,” I emphatically repeat her name, acknowledging her assistance. I have the distinct impression the notary is another department employee whose job does not include notarizing documents.

The notary efficiently completes her job. Her fee is $10. Expressing my appreciation, I hand her a $20 bill, saying, “I don’t need change.” Protesting her protests I say, “You could just say yes. You have made my life immeasurably easier today, and I really appreciate it. I want you to have it. Travel,” I say, referring to her journey from the back office to the lobby. “Well, if you insist.” “I do insist,” I say. “Would you like a receipt?” “I would. You can just make it for $10.” While writing it out, she says, “I’ll be honest,” noting the $10 notary fee and $10 travel expense. Placing her mobile notary service business card in the case with my reading glasses, I tell her, “I’m going to keep that!” And I am. Her last name is Easter, the name of a dear, long-term friend in Ventura. Every time I open the case I will remember the resurrection of my expiring real estate license with the assistance of Apollo, Angel and Ms. Easter. I will know the universe is a place of grace, of unearned, unconditional love where I experience its miracles.

“In the infinite, unbounded realm within us, sometimes referred to as Spirit, Source, God, the Higher Self or the Divine, anything and everything is possible, including miraculous relationships,” says Deepak Chopra. “As you tune in to Spirit and pay attention to the presence of miracles, your life will be transformed into a dazzling experience more wondrous and exciting than you can even imagine.”

“Love and spirit are forever conspiring to create miracles in our lives.”

“Today I am open to the presence of miracles.”

                       - Deepak Chopra, “Miraculous Relationships” CD