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October 22, 2008

life's lessons

Awhile ago I was asked this question:
What's been the most useful life lesson you've picked up over the years?

I have just re-read my reply, and it reached right into my soul. A spirit-gift to myself.

1) The nature of impermanence. Things will always pass. Good or bad, they'll always pass. Appreciate each moment for the good it brings. (And the good it brings may not always be apparent until much later - just wait.)

2) Live consciously. Don't make a mess in the first place, and you won't have to clean it up later. (Literally and figuratively.)

3) We teach others how to treat us. Don't see yourself as a victim in life; see yourself as a volunteer. In other words, if you're eating a &$#% sandwich, chances are you ordered it.

4) Rule 62. (Don't take yourself so seriously.)

October 18, 2008

living/dying

Why do we really start living only when we become aware of how much closer we are to dying?

What if we were to embrace life now? What would that look like? Feel like? Taste, sound, smell like?

August 29, 2007

balance

I write this by the light of the just-full moon. It sets in the clearest western sky as the sun rises to the east. Beautiful and enchanting blend of balanced energy.

Balance... I am reminded to find what is important for my own personal balance and nurture it.

Brain challenges... creative expression.
Devoted work hours... dedicated time for play.
Solitude... family time.
Laughter... tears.
Heated passion... gentle softness.

Love... and love.

August 22, 2007

revealing ourselves

To be vulnerable... that is strength.

To allow others to see and feel who we truly are, at the risk of judgement against the deepest parts of our souls... that is courage.

"When we walk to the edge of all the light we have and take the step into the darkness of the unknown, we must believe that one of two things will happen. There will be something solid for us to stand on or we will be taught to fly."

That is trust.

August 16, 2007

perspective

I have been faced with a unique challenge to open myself up to alternate perspectives, which lead me to ponder how, at times, attachment to my own perspectives have lead me into deepest despair.

How naive can I be to assume that my own perspective, this one human being in a sea of billions, is the only valid viewpoint? Wow. I am thankful for the reality check, returning to a place of peace.

Imagine you and I sitting at a table together. On the table between us is a vase. I could be thinking it's the most beautiful vase in the world; you could be thinking it's the most wretched thing you've ever laid eyes on.

Who's right? Neither one of us... it's just a vase.

So... I begin to consider my perspectives of my own life. Challenges arise and I observe my mind jumping to the worst conclusions, getting carried off with "what if's", making 'problems' out to be bigger and more important than they really are. (Not-so-commonly known as "pole vaulting over mouse sh*t")

I notice there seems to be a need for labelling "good" and "bad". But things just ARE. Looking from that perspective, all is well and managable, and I become thankful for the experience.

August 02, 2007

honouring our elders

I am thankful to be surrournded by families who honour and embrace the respect and care of our elders. I am proud to be one of them in a time of my father's illness. I travel in peace, knowing that this is the turning of the great wheel... and trusting that the outcome will be for the higher good.

This old man, once vibrant and strong and authoritative, now ill and uncertain. It is an honour to give back the care and guidance he has given me in this lifetime.

An article in the newspaper baffles me - a woman leaves her mother to die in her home, while she is out spending mother's money on herself. I am perplexed and dismayed. I do not understand.

I truly do not understand.

Aho, Dad.

July 28, 2007

growing young

What would the world be like if we were born old and grew young throughout our lives?

July 03, 2007

walls

We sometimes build the illusion of walls around our hearts to protect us from pain. Funny thing about those walls - we create them to keep hurt out, but instead all they seem to do is trap hurt inside, and it eats away at us from the inside out.

I see the walls for the illusions that they are, and release them so that my body, mind and spirit may once again BE in harmony.

November 22, 2006

emerging

It's 9pm. Not that it matters, but as I glance at the clock I am aware of the seeming disparity between that clock's reality and my own. It feels at least midnight.

Confusion is the beginning of learning.

My days are spotted with random moments of tearshed. For what? I'm not sure in this moment. I only know that I am opening and softening. It is good.

It began with awareness that I am holding on to tension, confusion, ideas that don't work anymore. My penchant to hold tight winds it's way around control, the two intertwining into a deadly noose swinging high in the wind, awaiting first my victims and then myself.

Can I envision BEing still, BEing happy, BEing soulful and mindful and at peace? Can I envision just BE-ing?

Can I just BE?

Am I willing to let go of control with complete abandon? THAT is the only real question in this moment.

No, that is the only real answer.

I wander away from the computer to feel the fullness of my inner questions without radiated screen glaring into my searching eyes.

I seek within myself. There, I find not only questions, but answers before the questions can ever be asked.

It is good.


August 29, 2006

travel lightly

Time to release old and embrace new. Is there a difference?

I pack my things and real-eyes the absurdity in moving so much 'stuff' from here to there. Why?

Of each item I ask, "Why am I keeping this?" I am attached to some, others are merely conveniences. The important thing is that I recognize my attachments for the illusion that they are.

Travel lightly upon this earth... always, and all ways.

August 01, 2006

focus back to Now

Past a beautiful lake, through an ancient cedar forest, over a mountain and into a lush valley near the ocean - this is my travel route each morning and reverse again in afternoon. Ought I be inspired by the beauty and wonder? I grow impatient and angry with the others who follow me too closely in their vehicles on these winding roads. Awareness of wasted energy - anger depletes the personal power of choice - for each of us. I strive to bring my focus back to Now with patience and compassion.

July 22, 2006

spiritual warrior

Life offers us the opportunity to become a Spiritual Warrior. A warrior is one who bravely goes into those dark areas within themselves to ferret out the Truth of their being.

It takes great courage, stamina and endurance to become a Spiritual Warrior.

The path is narrow, the terrain rough and rocky. You will walk alone: through the dark caves, up those steep climbs and through the dense thick forest. You will meet your dark side. The faces of fear, deceit, and sadness all await your arrival.

No one can take this journey but you. There comes a time, in each of our lives, when we are given the choice to follow this path.

Should we decide to embark on this journey, we can never turn back. Our lives are changed forever.

On this journey, there are many different places we can choose to slip into and hide. But the path goes on.

The Spiritual Warrior stays the course, wounded at times, exhausted and out of energy. Many times, the Warrior will struggle back to their feet to take only a few steps before falling again.

Rested, they forge on, continuing the treacherous path. The journey continues. The Spiritual Warrior stays the course. Weakened, but never broken.

One day, the battle, loneliness and desperate fights are over. The sun breaks through the clouds; the birds begin to sing their sweet melodies. There is a change in the energy. A deep change within the self.

The warrior has fought the courageous fight. The battle of the dark night of the soul is won. New energy now fills the Warrior. A new path is now laid before them. A gentler path filled with the inner-knowing of one who has personal empowerment.

With their personal battle won, they are filled with joy. A new awareness that they are one with the Spirit beams as they go forth to show others the way.

They are not permitted to walk the path for others. They can only love, guide and be a living example of the Truth of their being.

~ Author unknown