Revisiting Madame Contreras

You're not in Sagara anymore!!!traveling on those lovely subways for 45 minutes each
Could that be an understatement...?way every day to where I find myself situated with
As the months have found me in new territory delvingpersonnel that yet realize I am there to help and not to
further into the aspects of tests and initiations. I havebe in opposition to them and their ideas. Well, maybe
found myself amidst the busy and bustling life of Newthat can be one of my tests to overcome and see
Yorkers. Coming from the serene and contemplativethem with compassion, I believe it is.
consciousness of the east into the everyday hustleAs my thoughts and consciousness changes so will
and bustle of subways, unheard of noises, and peopletheirs I hope. If not I can say that I gave it my best. In
with serious yet impersonal style of interacting withregards to this it is hard for my fellow co-workers that
one another. (talk about a culture shock) It appearsthey have been told that the building, the YWCA, will
that not smiling and not looking one another in the eyebe renovating apartments and the school is being
is the way to survive in this town especially on theevicted, so make room for economic improvements
subways. My own insight into the subways is thatand financial advancement.
having encountered many annoying solar plexusThis concern can change ones attitude, and bring
upsets after leaving the subway. It came to me that Iabout competitiveness. It will close in one year. As I
was actually delving into the "Astral world of Maya" orbring compassion and kindness to the situation I
in better terms the energies of people's fears, doubts,understand not to take it personally. (One test high on
pride, lust, greed and insecurities. As for me it is part ofmy list) I understand their plight.
the nature of the Bodhisattva to continue to beThe children are always so innocent and precious they
compassionate and to understand that amidst this isjust want to learn how to get along in this world.
the inner need in all of us to want happiness and forgoImagine coming from such a pure state, and then
suffering.having to come here and learn how to cope with all
New Yorkers were all out to see the wonderfulthis. Children are pure love, and all they want to do is
display of Cristos Gates, beautiful saffron clothgive it to you. Isn't this why so many people just love
banners in all of Central Park, I felt a wonderful feelingto be near young babies.
of unity while walking through them and a meditativeOh, some good things do happen on the subways, if
way of looking at how nature could be changed withyou can keep an open mind, I saw a wonderful
the flow of the these beautiful banners amidst theMexican family interaction, it was great so loving with
bustle of the city. It was a peaceful and beautifulthe two children and the parents, it was like they were
experience to see New Yorkers partake in thissmiling and happy and not concerned with being
awareness. It slowly changes my perspective of theimpersonal. (Also, I get to catch up on my spiritual
coldness that is in the faces of these New Yorkers.reading)
Ah, maybe I have some compassion setting in.I seem to be in this place in time for more life lessons
Currently the biggest tests that have come in to mycoming from the eastern to the west and one of the
life is that of trying to integrate a part of myself to bebest places to be is New York where you can find the
a meaningful and productive servant to those I come indiversity of every culture and country. My only
contact on a daily basis. As a substitute Montessoriaspiration is that amongst it all I will find the inner
teacher, also an Administrative Assistant, a Spanishstrength to share my compassion with them as I learn
Teacher (it would appear that my past embodimentsand experience their lives also.
have caught up with me) in Brooklyn, New York,