BOOK OF JUDE – CHAPTER XLII

CHAPTER XLII

I am Jude. In keeping with creating opportunities of ‘Quietude‘. I went for a hike by myself on the weekend. I  completed the Sugar Moon Trail, a 6.2 km loop located near Earltown, approximately a twenty-five (25) minute drive away.

I arrived at the trailhead at 5:30am and except for a couple overnight campers the parking lot was empty. 

The conditions were perfect. The trail was peaceful and serene. The weather was great and the bugs were more than accommodating.

My little expedition was exceptional for a couple of notable reasons. 

Firstly, I went alone. I am generally walking or biking every morning but it’s rare that I hike unfamiliar areas by myself.  

However, much more importantly, I had a moment. I don’t want to sound dramatic or theatrical but I experienced an episode of unusual clarity and being.

For the first time that I can recall, I recognized that I was truly connected with nature. 

I stopped at a cathedral-like hollow that was completely encircled with tall trees. The space was grand and reverent and seemed somehow ALIVE.

I don’t know how else to explain it except to say that I was aligned with everything around me.  

I got completely lost in my thoughts and in that moment I truly realized that we all came from one source and are experiencing the same unique ripple in time; the trees, plants and insects. All things.

And that was profound.

I am familiar with the scripture and consider myself a spiritual person. I personally believe that we are connected to something much much bigger than ourselves. 

But this was different. It wasn’t an intellectual understanding. This was something that I experienced and it was just as much physical as it was spiritual. I felt it. 

It was gone as quickly as it came and it’s impossible to clearly describe it, but I know that the moment left an indelible mark on me. 

It was as if curtains were momentarily drawn back in that remarkable little glade and I was able to see clearly for the first time. And that was special.

Side Hustle – Unshackled Solutions Life Coaching and Consulting 

I received this testimonial from someone I have had the pleasure of working with over the past three months.

I did not think I was struggling.  I believed I was living my fullest life – as a giver – a doer – a server to the needs of others, I felt great doing that.  My life coaching sessions with Jude helped me to realize that I could feel even better than great…I could feel amazing!!

The meaningful and building questions he asked helped me to peer into myself, to connect with and discover the intricate hidden pieces of me that really made me tick.  I felt empowered and capable to accomplish what my heart had always longed for because I was the one determining, assessing and coming up with the answers – he was just the guide. 

If a person is willing to be fully honest to the questions in these sessions – a true “unshackling” will occur – one can and will absolutely be able to BREAK FREE and BE BETTER!

Coachee Testimonial

If you are interested in finding out more about life coaching or exploring what working with me would look like, please contact me directly to schedule a discovery call. No expectation or obligation. 

Your Next Best Read – The Enlightened Gardener by Sydney Banks

The Enlightened Gardener was written by Sydney Banks, a 9th-grade educated welder, born in Scotland, who made British Columbia his home in the early 1970s.

In this simple but insightful narrative, four psychologists attending a conference meet a remarkable gardener whose unique philosophy will forever change their lives.

This book was a quick and easy read. The author communicated his philosophy in plain language and introduced his holy trinity: the mind, consciousness and thought. 

As he explains it: 

• the mind is the source or universal intelligence behind life, 
• consciousness creates an awareness of what we call reality,
• thought is the power to create our moment to moment existence through our thinking.

He believes that these three fundamental principles can explain the entirety of the human condition. 

Positive Reflections – What’s Good?

At what age were you the happiest?

According to the research, it seems like the consensus is the mid-30’s. 

I get it. You have increased access to disposable income, you are generally settling down and a starting family and you are getting comfortable in adulthood. It all makes perfect sense. 

However, if that’s the case, I think I am an outlier because there is no question that I am the most joyful and fulfilled I have ever been. And it’s not even close. 

I look in the mirror and like what I see. I couldn’t say that before.

I am developing a better relationship with myself by reconciling my past and demonstrating more self-forgiveness.

I am taking full responsibility for my actions, poor decision-making and current circumstances. 

I have realized that our thoughts direct our feelings and frame our interactions with the world. As a result, I am now much more self-aware and I challenge my negative and self-destructive thinking. 

There is scientific proof that your thoughts can literally kill you. I am trying to release hard feelings, jealousy and resentment. I can’t afford to hold on to negativity. Life is already far too short. 

As a result, I find myself smiling more often and just being generally more content, despite my age.

I had none of this perspective, insight or understanding in my 30’s. I was completely lost in my thinking mind(Ego). 

I might have had more ‘fun’ in my past but it certainly can’t compare with what I am experiencing now. Nothing does. 

Public Announcement

Another Anniversary!!!!!

My wife and I were married fifteen years ago on July 25th. 

However, we have been together for well over three decades. Yes, you heard that right! We go back to the 80’s like leg warmers and polo shirts. 

That’s an extremely long time and something to be celebrated by any measure. We are OG’s.

We are certainly not the same individuals we were thirty-five(35) years ago. In fact, we aren’t the same people we were last week.

We constantly grow and evolve. It is part of the grand design. 

Remaining together has required considerable commitment, compromise and sacrifice but it has been a worthwhile challenge.

I love Team Clyke and the life we have created together. It has been one of my proudest  accomplishments.

We have raised a beautiful daughter, we see The Cubs almost everyday, and we live in a community full of family and friends.

We continue to adapt and respond to the unpredictability of life. 

There will always be misunderstandings, disagreements and drama and we have experienced our own fair share of hardship

However, adversity has only made us stronger and more resilient as a couple. We have been drawn closer through our perseverance and ability to overcome.  

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY Dionne Paris-Clyke. Thanks for choosing me and remaining committed to our shared love. I am Jude.