Oh, doubt not her fullness. Nor your own.
Saturday, November 30, 2013
Friday, November 29, 2013
Throne of Now
I confess, it did beckon me to come and sit. To do so would have disturbed the image. I took my seat and sat both where I was and upon its warm seat gathered in the sunlight. Much like all experiences, sorrowful or glad, we don't have to dig them out, nor do we have to pass by unaware. Simply to be present, this moment, now. Ahhhhh no king or queen has known a greater throne.
Thursday, November 28, 2013
Open Doors
Some on this day will be alone midst a gathering of family
and friends. Others will be immersed in love and joy. Others like me will be immersed with none but ourselves and love filled hearts. A day celebrated in the U.S. for giving
thanks. Hopefully, one day soon needing no reminder. May we learn to awaken
each morning, open the doors and say “Thank you Life! Thank you Love! The door
is always open. Come in my Friend and let us give thanks.”
To all so kind to pause here, blessings and thanks given for
you. Off to nature where a corn meal blessing among the mountains, snow, and
migrating geese will be offered. Be well my friends. And may you know the joy
of thanks.
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
Smallness Transformed
I sat on my cushion releasing my heart's prayers. For a six year old boy undergoing brain surgery. A mother whose adult child simply did not wake up and no reason is known. For others facing grief, sadness, uncertainty, and lacking the basic water, food and shelter of life. I am but one and sometimes feel so old, frail, and inadequate. My simple little prayers but they are so so earnest and felt. Then to open my eyes and see such a gift. The sun and morning had gathered my little simple prayers and were streaming them into the universe. Never doubt. Never stop praying. Life truly hears and responds.
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
Searching for Truth
So many wisdom teachings, so many paths. I sat and asked what do I know to be true? All I heard was my heart. I decided that was enough. That was my answer.
Monday, November 25, 2013
Audacious Reverie
I am the wounded animal sound of the howling winds. I am the silence of sheltered walls. I am the window's view shrouded in a white out. I am the presence of the sun's crystal illumination. I am the candle's thin dance of smoke. I am the wax, wick, and flame melted as one. I am the prayer of love, joy, and freedom for all. This day for all life the stillness of a feather surrounded by storms.
Sunday, November 24, 2013
Uncovered Song
Yesterday, she was bowed beneath the snow. This morning unseen beneath the drifts of snow wind. Have you ever heard the difference in wind as it blows across the snow covered earth? The song is so different. I stood knee high in the drift and thought I remembered where she was. Gently the snow removed and there she was. I giggled to find her again. Together we greeted the first blue sky in days and sang with the snow wind. Her image and strength will return the favor when life's drifts cover me....and we will sing again and again.
Saturday, November 23, 2013
Gifted Softness
No greater tip could be left for one who carried out the banquet for nature's small ones to eat. A soft reminder the feather is on the ground but the winged bird is still in flight. A gentle touch from nature to nature, a small blanket offering warmth to the snow and earth. May my touch upon the earth be so simple, be so gentle.
Friday, November 22, 2013
Nested Feast
Sometimes the whispers and lessons so simple and clear. I, with such a small but growing heart, experience and know such joy clearing snow to feed the birds.... What must the Heart that created mine, in boundless perfection, experience when I dare to take flight and come to feast?
Thursday, November 21, 2013
Eyeing Fog's Embrace
And what is it you are struggling to see Little One? Your eyes see
only the cloud of fog. Your eyes also don't see the mountain that holds,
supports, and lifts the tree above the earth and into the clouds. See with your
heart Little One. And giggle to watch the clouds descend to caress the earth.
Feel their touch upon your face. Alive in this one moment and the touch of the
heavens surrounding you...that is what your heart sees.
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
Forecast
"COLD WITH WIND." I do not know why a forecast such as that made me giggle and laugh. It continued on to say there would also be snow. I took my seat upon my cushion to greet the morning. The image of nature's friend who greeted me yesterday returned. I whispered to him, with a giggle, 'just so ya know...cold. With Wind.' And with joyful eyes, as I took my first long slow inhaled breath, the whisper came back, 'just so ya know...life. With all. With ease.'
Labels:
acceptance,
being,
ease,
equanimity,
joy,
laughter,
wellness
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
Uneclipsed Tenderness
Sometimes the physical pain wears me down, sending me to my
knees. Or should I say my bottom as I move from my knees to sit upon my
cushion. Buddha taught that suffering exists. Buddha also taught we can be
released from suffering. First comes the acknowledgment and even the honoring.
For it is the pain, sometimes more than the joy, that whispers with each
exhalation, “Beings and life forms are numberless. I vow to save them all.” My heart knows such joy, sweet mercy such
joy. But never is my touch extended to all more tender, and more protective,
more vulnerably naked, than when I offer metta and peace from the joyful heart
touched by pain. Denying neither the pain nor the joy. Their contrasting light
uneclipsed. “Beings and life forms are numberless. I vow to save them all.”
Namaste my friends. Tender tender fingers have touched your face.
Monday, November 18, 2013
Hart of Heart Fullness Reflected
Oh can you see it? How my heart sighed so to see. She turned her head and the reflecting shadow covers her. That this would be my image today. Wherever I focus I cast a shadow. A shadow upon others sometimes but always a shadow casts upon me. Oh that my eyes and others would only see the reflected heart. The imaged hart of heart full mindfulness.
Saturday, November 16, 2013
Fullness Beyond the Lens
And what picture would or could I dare to use?
This day.
This minute.
This second.
This moment.
This breath.
Tis all there is.
And yet it is filled with the vast infinity of life.
Friday, November 15, 2013
Uncollected Abundance Held
To see them side by side and giggle at my squeal and startled breath within. My hands instinctively moved down to gather the precious gifts. Instead, my fingers simply stroked. The whispered smile that the path is about shedding not collecting. To think how quiet and peaceful the world might be if the noise of collecting fell as silent as the feathers. In absolute abundance I walked away.
Thursday, November 14, 2013
Wake of Love
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
Pauperless AbunDANCE
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
Penned Path
Labels:
acceptance,
compassion,
gratitude,
grief,
joy,
love,
moving on,
wisdom
Monday, November 11, 2013
Final Sacrifice
On this day of remembrance, in the U.S. and Canada, for those who have served in war, I bow in gratitude for all who have and currently sacrifice so much. And then to bow again in compassion and faith, that one day soon, we will all be veterans celebrating. Warriors of Love and heart. Warriors whose only required sacrifice was to lay down the swords.
Sunday, November 10, 2013
Circle Complete
Sunrise we look to the east. Sunset we look to the west. Sometimes
I too find myself looking for the splash and flash throughout the day. Instead,
to see the whole circle touched. A dawn’s gaze to the south that does not
disappoint. And to know neither will the views of myself, others, and the day’s
events. I just have to turn my gaze and see the circle, complete.
Friday, November 8, 2013
Simply Rise Simply Try
To practice acceptance of all circumstances, feelings,
people, and events with compassion and without judgment, not forgetting it
applies to the self. My heart sighed to read such words. And then the gentle
whisper, “Are they but a bumper sticker placed on your car? Or have you
experienced them as both the car and fuel that carry you upon the path? Are the
words but your hiking boots worn in the house?” Oh I may get lost in my car. I
may get stuck in traffic jams. I have to wash, fuel, and maintain the car. I
have to clean off the winter snow and ice so I can see. And I can put on my
boots and perfectly lace each eyelet, tie the perfect knot and sit on the
couch. The word is to practice, to experience, and to try. No mention of
perfection or attainment. To slip inside the car or my boots and travel the
path. Nike says “Just Do It.” The path, knowing I am human, says, “Get up and
try.” The moon and sun never check the weather to see if conditions are
favorable. They simply rise.
Thursday, November 7, 2013
Waving Back
She skipped across the street to the corner where the school
bus would stop. I see her every morning. Today, she turned back to the truck
where her Dad was watching. She waved so vigorously her whole body swayed.
Something was different. Then I saw she had a floppy stuffed animal in her hand
and was waving it back and forth towards her Dad. Her smile was so big even my
failing eyes could see. As the school bus approached, one last fierce wave and
then she gently placed her floppy friend in her backpack, which looked way too
heavy for her body. She was off to school where she would have to sit still,
memorize, and be taught all the things society has decided are important. If by
grace a moment to color, it would have to be done within the lines. But inside
her backpack, a soft floppy but now still little reminder that she is still a
child. A child of wonder, magic, laughter, joy, and such a huge smile of life
and love. She’s growing up but she has a soft reminder of what counts. As the
school bus drove away my arm and hand fell down into my lap. As did my own
floppy stuffed animal that had been waving back.
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
Leap Day
So many wise ones have written about life as taking a leap
of faith, going for it, and trusting. The hero’s and heroine’s journey is one
of facing the obstacles, the mazes, and dragons. We leap alone, not clinging to
others or things, nor do we push or force others to join our leap. It is a
journey we make alone, leaping into the unknown…much like the way we entered
this world. And if that inaugural journey, that first leap is what we now
celebrate as our Birthday, then every leap we make is but another! I’m not
getting older….I’m being born over and over every moment, breath, and emotion! And so to all, may I offer a heartfelt giggle
and wish you – Happy Leap Day!
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
Derailed and Uplifted
I took
my place in line and placed my items on the counter. Another came and stood
behind me. The strength of her sigh was louder than its sound. I know not why
but immediately thought I had done something wrong. I was the source of her
sigh and felt frustration. Less than a minute but the sequence of thoughts and
feelings cascaded over a lifetime of self-judgment. And then the whisper of “Little
One…Oh Little One.” I giggled and derailed the oncoming train wreck of
thoughts. Another giggle, if her presence and energy could so change me, then
perhaps my own could change hers. I turned with a smile and gentle hello, my
eyes reaching into hers. It matters not what happened next. The real story is
not the ending. Except to say, I walked outside on a quilted cloud covered,
dark gray, sunless day…and thought perhaps I needed my sunglasses.
“When all your desires are distilled, you will cast just two
votes: to love more, and be happy.” — Hafiz
Monday, November 4, 2013
AT the Being of BE
I do love words and the powerful changes a subtle shift can
make. So many of our sayings, prayers and meditations use the words “like,” “know”
or “at.” May you be like the sun giving never asking for return. May you know
the state of happiness. May you be at peace. But the words feel like a place or emotion, here
or there but never quite me. In the midst of turmoil I can be “at” peace. But
how much more powerful would it be, if instead, in the midst of turmoil I “was”
peace? To change the “likes” and “at’s” to being or be. And so today, for
myself, all beings, and all life, my meditations are that all may be at peace
and at ease. But with a heart smile, I shall add “May all BE peace. May all BE
ease. May all BE happiness and joy. May all BE strength. May all fully BE.
Sunday, November 3, 2013
Unlimited Quantities
The morning and the day, a blank piece of paper and dancing shadows. The joy, the simple childlike innocent joy of knowing it awaits my mark. But oh, sweet mercy, the giggled anticipation of knowing at the end of the day, I get to re-open and savor each mark made. The marking, the re-seeing, and then the letting go. Not to worry! Not limited to just one sheet.
Saturday, November 2, 2013
Cross Hairs and Crossroads
I pondered the week
and the image of cross hairs and crossroads floated into my mind. Sometimes to
feel you're caught in the cross hairs, the aim directed at you. Other times to
see through the cross hairs. We focus with intent and attention, seeing what
needs to be seen, setting the goals and targets. Then there are crossroads. To
simply walk the path, knowing that everything changes, evolves, and
returns. All we set our sights upon -the
joy we would cling to and the stress or hurt we would push away - shall pass.
Both shall twist and turn, like crossroads, beckoning us further down the path.
May your day unfold like crossroads, delighting in the mystery and awe of the turns
and twists. May you know the path is certain; your steps are well grounded. No
need for cross hairs, giggle, the sights are ever changing… sweet mercy, ain't
that grand!
Friday, November 1, 2013
Tags Released
The sweet joy of sitting in meditation before dawn. The
stillness of love gifted within and without. All was broken by the scratching
of my shirt’s tag against my neck. I started to reach and move the tag but
stopped when I noticed how tense my body had become. I was not silent. I had
become angry at the tag. In its silent scratching it had deafened my heart and
stiffened my body. My mind had raced to fear that this was not a good omen for
the day. It was just a tag. It was just a tag. And somehow it had transformed
into something more than cloth and threads ever dared to think they would be. I
sat with the tag, befriending what it simply was. A laughter meditation, but
ever so humbling. A lesson best gently learned from a little tag, than with
others, beliefs, and life. And when the unstilled stilled sitting was done, to
leave a soft feather of trust and gratitude to this tag…releasing all others
not made with cloth.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)