Indulgence

In contrast to Saturday's high energy, Sunday was all about slow, relaxing indulgence.  We lunched at a lovely restaurant on the edge of the ocean which just happens to be located "around the corner" (that's a country corner!) from where our new home will be located.

our table and the ocean beyond

The food was delicious, the company wonderful, the weather warm, and we were enjoying the good life.  "Does it get any better than this, I asked?"  (I ask myself that a lot!)

...and then...we looked up as a helicopter came swooping in over the water and landed on the lawn in front of us.  As if by magic two waiters appeared, carrying trays of champagne to greet the party that appeared  There were six early "thirtysomethings" who had come from the mainland for lunch and I got the feeling that this wasn't an unusual experience for them.

helicopter landing on the restaurant's lawn

Even with the economic downturn, there are still many people living financially secure and privileged lives.  We don't hear a lot about that in the media.  It also reminded me of a conversation I had with a friend recently about our beliefs around prosperity.  I was brought up with depression era parents whose philosophy was that there's never enough and you never know when you might lose it all, so save, save, save and pinch every penny twice and then turn it over and pinch it again.

I can't tell you how many times I've heard this and still hear it internally in my own mind.  I looked at the helicopter and immediately thought "the money it cost could have helped so many people" and that's true, but I've come to realize that I have an "either/or" mentality about it rather than a "I could help people out and still indulge myself" belief. Even the word indulge has self centered connotations. My beliefs...what I believe is possible...has put limits on what is possible.  I, like many people, think "pinched" when it comes to money, rather than "expanded". 

Our new home is located in the cove in the middle of the photograph.

Is that a realistic belief?  I didn't think so for many years.  But recently I've changed my beliefs about so many things and have found that along with a change in beliefs has come a resulting (positive) change in circumstances.  Maybe it's time for new ways of looking at the world...new paradigms.

It was a pleasant way to spend an afternoon...relaxing by the ocean, reflecting on new ideas, good conversation and yes, indulging...in a light fluffy lemon souffle with creme anglais!

Comments

[Serena]

OH, such beautiful pictures, Kate! Definitely a wonderful way to spend an afternoon.

You and I seem to have had similar mindsets and questions about life. I used to worry about money a lot but, since I started following Eckhart Tolle's and the Abraham-Hicks' teachings a year ago, I don't worry about money as much anymore. I have also noticed that since changing my 'lack of' mindset, for the most part, things seem to flow much better for me. It's an ongoing process though as old mindsets still creep in now and then.

Love, light and peace,
Serena

[Martie .]

Wow, Kate! What a fantastic weekend you had. I love the way you process your photos and I cannot wait to see your SoFoBoMo book. I too am going slow, but I really do need to kick it into high gear.

[lucy]

great ponderings, kate...in fabulous surroundings!!! this post brought to mind a family we know who might appear to the world as extremely indulgent in their lifestyle (and yes they do live a "good" life). what i know of them, too, is that they are also extremely indulgent in their generosity in the world...animal rescues, employee benefits, adoption of high risk children, etc. for them it is not either/or, but both/and. i hope i can learn more from their example. they live well AND they give well. how can we begin to answer the question of "what is enough" in regard to anything? i may be rambling, but you've stirred something here. thank you for indulging me :-)

[Barbara]

When I saw your first image I almost just left a reply before reading the rest because i thought it was just perfect (which it is by the way) but then I read the rest. You are always so thoughtful in your thinking and find that it is the same as I feel so many times. I want the extra to; to do the extra things life has to offer but then again I think about all the suffering in the world. Mind you I don't have a lot extra but enough thank goodness. I often wonder when I see things like this with people if they are more happy than me and i think NOT. You live in such a beautiful place, my SIL (I think I told you) is from there and his family is still. I would love to come and just spend the summer there and bring my camera of course with me to soak up all it's beauty. Enjoy your day

[Kate I]

Yes Barbara...do come!! You have two reasons now to come for a visit (well, three if you include photography)and by next year we'll even have a house for you to stay in! The invitation has now been extended so think about it (seriously!). We almost booked a trip to Sedona for a conference in June but when we realized we were going to be busy building, we decided to postpone it but may still do it next year.

Stay cool in Arizona.

[Graciel @ Evenstar Art]

To this day, my father talks with pride about his "depression era mentality". Of course, he's a wonderful man, but his paradigm has shackled me. But now, after much internal work, I, like you are creating a new paradigm for myself..and indulgence is on that list! Hooray!

xo

[Olivia]

I too appreciate your ponderings, Kate. In the current economic times, it's important for me to reflect on my financial status and use of money. I guess it's always important, but now especially when so many people are experiencing changes, it's more important than ever. I'm not sure if I've reached any conclusions, but you've got me thinking about this even more than usual. Thank you for the beautiful pictures and the things to think about. Love, O

[Kate I]

Thank you all...Serena, Martie, Barbara, Lucy, Graciel and Olivia...for your thoughtful reply's to this post. No matter what our financial circumstances may be right now it seems that fiscal responsibility, sharing our resources with those who may have less, and our ability to enjoy the fruits of our own labours are relevant topics in today's world. Thanks for your input.