Spring Clean the Body & Mind

Do you carry around a lot of excess baggage? Mental, emotional or physical?! You probably don't think about that excess baggage being physical, do you? But it can be. I think I've done pretty well handling any from my mind and spirit, but, even though I've changed my lifestyle to one far healthier I still felt like I was carrying around ... excess baggage. Time to let go of it all! More on Spring Cleaning the Body & Mind ...

And, by the way, I've been doing a blissful 'Snoopy Dance' all day long since today was the first day in five that I could actually EAT!!!! It took me almost half an hour to eat an itty bitty lunch - LOL - because I totally immersed myself in each delectable bite ... the smell, and taste, and texture ... ahhhhhhhhh. Delicious! Divine!

Crawling Ants

Meditation is a funny thing. A couple days ago, I sat down in the morning to meditate and within five minutes felt like I had ants crawling under my skin! I tried to ignore them. That didn't work, of course, because I felt some resistance - and what we resist persists. So, I then 'followed' them for a bit and they seemed to flow like a river, so I saw the flow and went with the flow of the river and ... the ants quit crawling. :-)

Fog

Fog enshrouds my mind,

reflected in the pale gray

moisture blurring the green sentinels.

Waters of Her living womb

fill the air with a silken veil,

brushing my skin with Her tendrils.

Chin

A tiny chin rests ever so lightly upon my cheek,

Weight nearly imperceptible,

Soft as velvet, the dark hair caresses.

The faintest touch of breath on my skin,

Warm from nostrils exhaling,

Body snuggled into my neck,

Lungs swell and sink in rhythm.

Beneath satin-like ebony fur

My larger chin rests gently upon his side.

Return to Gypsy Feathers

While mulling over this message, I did a little research on the Gypsy heritage. I found it fascinating that many sources indicate gypsies being originally of Indian heritage -- which certainly ties in with my current passion for studying Ayurveda and Yoga and Samkhya. Further, this blend of people was also referred to at times by some as "Black Dutch" and, hey, guess what is in my family tree? Yup, Black Dutch. I'm an All-American Heinz-57 mixture which is pretty cool. I like the sense of mental and spiritual global unity that flows through my physical veins. So, maybe my 'gypsy genes' are via nature and nurture! I'm not given to a lot of extensive yearning to know specifics about my ancestors, however, I did enjoy a project in school where we drew our family tree back as far as we could so I found out about my particular 'blend'. While it's not important to who I am, it is interesting to ponder. That said, many times over generations, children are taken into the family through informal adoption and reared as one of the family so there's no doubt in my mind that many of us may not actually have the genetics we think we do. Which is why it's interesting to ponder but I don't see the value in getting all caught up in heritage. Unless it's the heritage of being human. And even the human heritage is over-rated balancing our faults with our gifts. We're just one more species living on a sentient world in an intelligent universe filled with miracles. So, while the message wear the Gypsy feathers well resonates in my Being, it is simply a pointer to help guide my path.

Death

"But the truth is, death is not the ultimate reality. It looks black, as the sky looks blue; but it does not blacken existence, just as the sky does not leave its stain upon the wings of the bird."

~ Tagore

Initially, this passage struck me because it was addressing death and how we can lose sight of the whole of life when confronted with the transition of someone we love. How it is important to remain aware of the 'bigger picture' and not become trapped within the grieving process.

But within minutes, my mind was drawn into contemplation of the blue sky that does not stain. The blue sky that only appears to be blue from where we are sitting. We are breathing the air that is in this blue sky and are one with it every moment of our lives. Do we breathe in blue?

We no more breathe in blue than experience death as the end.

We breathe in those who have gone before us.

Beginning at Home

Change begins within. I really believe this. Not simply change for myself but change for our whole world. If I live my life in Truth, won't others see this? Someone asks "How can you be so calm? Why aren't you scared about what is going on in the world?" I explain that I listen and then I do what I need to, whether for myself, my family or others in need. Worrying doesn't do any of us any good and, in fact, contributes to the negativity of the situation.

Like a river

"Our life, like a river, strikes its banks not to find itself closed in by them, but to realise anew every moment that it has its unending opening towards the sea. It is a poem that strikes its metre at every step not to be silenced by its rigid regulations, but to give expression every moment to the inner freedom of its harmony."

~ Rabindranath Tagore, from Sadhana

As we go with the flow

be it peace that we know.

The flow of my writing

across pages inviting

or stretch in the form

of a cat, not my norm.

Each moment a knowing

that my spirit is flowing.

Morning Dirt

Two men are out, bright and early in the morning, to milk the cow. They are making jokes and, while laughing, one of them scuffs dirt into the fresh pail of milk! Oh no. Well, the dirt sinks and, not wanting to tell their wives, they simply take the milk into the house. Later in the day, the wives make ice cream -- and force the men to eat some! From inside the house comes feminine laughter. ;-)

______________

Short and lacking in elegance, this short-short story nevertheless had my writing partner, Sarah, and me in giggles galore. It was the last assignment of the day in our writing workshop, and it was my favorite one! Simply, we were divided up in pairs and each pair given four different words (ours were: morning, dirt, laughter, and, okay, ice cream is two words!) from which we had only a few minutes to come up with a story or scene containing all four words. Sarah and I came up with four little stories, but this was my favorite. For some reason, just coming up with it had us both in fits of giggles! Therefore, I thought I'd share in case it might strike your funny-bone, too... :-)

LAUGH & LOVE!

Ostara

Celebrate the balance of light and dark as we welcome the Spring Equinox. This day signifies balance but also the beginning of days with longer days than nights. Mother Earth gives birth all over the world to buds and sproutings and even here in the north we at least know there are many stirrings beneath us as the sap rises in the Maples. There are many traditions surrounding this time of the year, so celebrate yours -- or create your very own tradition!

I plan to light a candle before dawn and balance an egg on its end! Also, as fortune would have it, I have a writing workshop to attend tomorrow that I've been looking forward to. And it will be a lovely day for the two-hour drive to reach the location where it is being held! In addition, this coming week will be one of fasting and cleansing for my body. Rejuvenation!

As is normal for us, I expect our Sunrise Forsythia will be the first blooms we see on the property. Last year, the 'Sunny Sisters' were in full bloom by April 21st -- I expect to see them earlier this year.

~Bright Blessings~

Gypsy Feathers

Whispered call beyond the veil...

'Wear the gypsy feathers well'

I woke up this morning with that phrase going 'round and 'round in my mind; absolutely couldn't shake it although I don't recall a dream. However, I definitely felt that it was a message for me to pay attention to. So.

Many traditional indigenous cultures would wear feather head-dresses to invite, welcome or celebrate spiritual authority or wisdom. Feathers also represent the element of Air.

Gypsy to me signifies the desire to keep moving, enjoying change, independence, not abiding by greater society's rules.

I feel it was a message to encourage me to be true to my own higher Self, even if that means finding my way independent of what others might think. I am free to experience 'mix-n-match' spirituality! I honor all paths to enlightenment.

I no more need to attach to a single religion than I need to write on one topic or love only one creature or do only one thing in my life! This is my spiritual journey and I will 'wear the Gypsy feathers well.'

Bliss

"Follow your bliss and the universe will open doors for you where there were only walls." ~ Joseph Campbell

Words to live by! Of course, first we have to determine what we bring to the world that gives us in return that deep, abiding peace, joy and contentment. Are we doing what we love? Are we opening to the natural flow of life? Shall I ask myself (my Self), "What gift can I bring to life?" Not, what can I get but instead what can I give? How can I share love with the world around me? Maybe it's simply bringing a peaceful presence into another's life, albeit briefly ... but that single moment of shared peace could mean a world of difference to that other person. In what form do we provide a gift of love? In the shape of a poem or story? In the shape of a healing modality? In the way we make life easier or better for someone else through the career we've chosen? Or, is it that when we find the bliss in our own life, our happiness resonates outward so that everyone can see our glow?! How do you follow your bliss?

Hitch

Shoving her roughly out of the seat, the man tossed a bulky, beat-up duffle at Abby's feet. Sand and dirt billowed up in beige puffs and then settled thickly upon her scuffed hiking sandals, the grit sifting down between each bared toe.

The long, lean Siamese draped around her neck hissed at the man, a low growl emanating from deep in the furred throat. The cat narrowed his cobalt eyes in a challenging stare...

__________

To find out what happens, go to Hitch at In Cursive. This is my first attempt at what is called "Flash Fiction" or "Micro Fiction" and, although I don't usually write short stories, this was quite fun!

Melancholy

"The night's flower was late when the morning kissed her, she shivered and sighed and dropped to the ground." ~ Tagore

Who hasn't felt melancholy from time to time? My own journal writings - especially entries from my 20's - are filled with expressions of sadness or ennui as I struggled to find my place - in the world and in my Self. These melancholic moments touch me far less often these days - I could even say rarely - yet do still send out their tendrils at times and usually when I least expect them. Sometimes this sense of melancholy can envelop me first thing in the morning following a disturbing dream as it did this morning. Then, I sit with the dream's visions and seek the message... Is it attached to the past or to the future?

Lost, unfocused,

where is the still

within that guides

and fires the will?

Like an addict, I can experience a kind of 'withdrawal' when I have to pull myself out of a particular pattern - one I find I have become attached to - in order to interact with the so-called mundane world once more. Then I have to go deeper to know the peace that comes with all of life in this world of form; the peace that is always there, waiting, patient. Ahhhh. There it is. Or, rather, here it is having been within me all the time. Presence.

_____________

Did you know that melancholic is one of the four Hippocratic Temperaments tracing back to 460 B.C.E.? These human temperaments or constitutions are a reflection of our manifestation of the elements earth, air, fire and water. This is a fascinating topic in holistic health care.

Trying

What does this word - trying - mean to you? I know that I over-use it constantly, both figuratively in my language and literally when reflected in my action - or rather in my lack of action. In reality, there is no "trying", there is only "doing." A puppy carries the ring as best she can -- she isn't 'trying' to do this, in the moment of action, she is 'doing' it. Trying is a mental construct that can hold us back, or gives us an excuse or a way out, or makes life easy for us. Trying is to attempt to do something, but by this definition can be deceptive and mislead us. Either I do something or I don't. When we live right now, we don't project ourselves into possible future action but experience life fully present. So when we try, we are in our head, but when we act on this desire, we are doing. Just semantics? Possibly. But, as someone who has her own demons of procrastination (for a variety of reasons), I feel it's a valid concept to consider and bring into the light. Darkness travels towards light, but blindness towards death. ~ Tagore

Last night, I attended a marvelous play called Trying by Joanna McClelland Glass. This was something I did as my weekly Artist Date so I expected to be entertained, which I was. However, I received far more than just a couple hours of amusement, thus my thoughts above.

From the perspective of creativity and art, there were several quotes and remarks within the play that touched upon this, most notably:

All passes. Art alone

Enduring stays to us;

The Bust outlasts the throne,

The Coin, Tiberius.

Needless to say, this quatrain (Dobson, above and below) supports the validity and importance of art and creativity within our own lives as well as future lives or societies. Our creations, in whatever form and by whoever creates them, share our thoughts and feelings and beliefs with those who come after we're gone. And, on that note ...

Time goes, you say? Ah, no!

Alas, Time stays, we go.

____________________

Here's a nice promo for Trying shared via an Australian premiere of it, and, of course, you can find many reviews by simply googling.

Woodland Creatures

"The smell of the wet earth in the rain rises like a great chant of praise from the voiceless multitude of the insignificant." ~ Tagore

When you walk, are you lost in thought?

Or are you aware of the creatures - mystical and mundane - quietly watching you?

They appear silent, yet teeming with life.

Do you sense them by the rising of the downy hair on your neck?

The tiny spider drifting upon a single thread...

Wait. Did you see a movement?

If you look too closely, they stop, but gaze upon something else, soften, and then, from the corner of your eye ...

Woodland creatures, sprites and all

who dwell among the leaves that fall,

those who shelter in the trees

or float upon the scented breeze,

need not hide behind a wall.

Theirs is such a life that we

cannot behold them, cannot see

mysteries, illusion's eye,

and so we often pass them by

unaware. They live on -- free.

The Voice

"I hear your voice on the wind

And I hear you call out my name ... "

~ lyrics of The Voice*

I first heard this powerful, incredible song - The Voice - while watching a public television broadcast of Celtic Woman ~ A New Journey and I was completely enthralled. My heart leapt and goosebumps popped up on my arms. Don't you just love it when that happens? Lisa sings The Voice beautifully and the lyrics are deeply moving. I can close my eyes and feel the words flowing within. Can you?

'Listen, my child!' you say to me,

'I am The Voice of your history.

Be not afraid - come follow me,

Answer my call and I'll set you free.'

The Infinite, Source, God, Goddess, the Divine Truth, the Tao ... speaking to us and through us...

I am The Voice in the wind and the pouring rain,

I am The Voice of your hunger and pain;

I am The Voice that always is calling you,

I am The Voice - I will remain.

When we listen, we hear divinity within the elements all around us ... we hear our own voice when we are still, quiet and open ...

I am The Voice in the fields when the summer's gone,

The dance of the leaves when the autumn winds blow;

Ne'er do I sleep throughout all the cold winter long;

I am the force that in springtime will grow.

Speaking to us through the changing seasons ...

I am The Voice of the past that will always be,

Filled with my sorrows and blood in my fields;

I am The Voice of the future...

Bring me your peace, bring me your peace,

and my wounds they will heal.

Speaking from within, our Self reminds us of our memories but fills us with the knowing that if we seek peace, all will be well. Speaking from her heart, Mother Earth shares her pain but gives us hope that with peace between all life, the scars upon her can be healed.

This song epitomizes our Oneness with All; there is no separation, except our own delusion of being separate.

We hear The Voice.

We are The Voice.

_________________

*Composed by Brendan Graham and winner of the 1996 Eurovision competition, this Celtic inspired song most recently recorded by Celtic Woman sings of the spirit that infuses our natural world -- the wind, the rain, the seasons, the past and future and dwelling in all of us.

Joy

"The quality of life is in proportion, always, to the capacity for delight." ~ Julia Cameron in The Artist's Way

It doesn't have to be 'bouncing off the walls, jumping up and down' joy and delight, but also the deep, inner peace and joy that comes through self-realization. The inner bliss of pure contentment that comes from recognizing our place in and connection to all of life. We can take joy in all the miraculous occurrences and beings around us, each one delightful, and contemplate how each one, each moment, right now, enhances our quality of life if we only step inside and let our Self see.

When asked, Gandhi summed up the secret of his life as "Renounce and enjoy!" (the essence of the Isha Upanishad) This is often initially a misunderstood concept because renunciation doesn't necessarily mean withdrawal from life but taking part fully and deeply.

Self-Sabotage

"Every time you don't follow your inner guidance, you feel a loss of energy, loss of power, a sense of spiritual deadness." ~ Shakti Gawain

Cuddle and hold your creativity close! Keep inspiration near your heart so that it is protected and safe, while at the same time allow it to break free and run and scamper and play, knowing that it can always come home to rest safely.

Let me tell you something you probably already know if you're even the least bit self-aware: subconscious sabotage is sneaky. It can wiggle into your latest creative endeavor and plant these little land mines of self-doubt. These are often small charges, barely noticeable, but they are cumulative. Do you see them?

I did see them, but, wow, they were subtle ... read more

Death

"The night kisses the fading day whispering to his ear, 'I am death, your mother. I am to give you fresh birth.' " ~ Tagore

Life has no opposite for life is eternal. It is only birth and death that are opposite ends of the spectrum in the world of form.

In Memory of Sophia

Sophia departed this earthly life while lying cradled in my arms this morning. It was quite clear that she had decided the time had come for her soul to depart; she only waited until I held her and then she quietly left. I'm happy for her that now her wild soul can run free, graceful and agile, something she was unable to do with the legs she was born with. We will both miss her quiet dignity and I am grateful for the lessons she taught me about acceptance and living in the moment.

_____________

Hobbit-Sophia (Sophia's Story)

6/97 - 3/8/09

Clouds

"Clouds come floating into my life from other days no longer to shed rain or usher storm but to give colour to my sunset sky." ~ Tagore

Isn't it wonderful how, if we learn to forgive and to release the past, we are granted the gift of knowing the beauty of the messages from the experiences of our lives? The memories that may have once haunted us with their dark essence, that we clung to in desperation as our identity, are now light and puffy ones that we can view with a peaceful detachment?

A few weeks ago, while outside taking a walk with the dogs, I looked up to see a cloud in the shape of a sea turtle swimming through the sky! I wonder what memory she was?!

Rustling

Rustling dead leaves on trees

and caw of the crow,

drip, drip of the melting

ice and snow,

fill my senses as I sit

listening, blind,

while the sunlight - prana -

awakens my mind.

___________________

After the sub-zero temperatures and several feet of snow we've been having, today is truly a much appreciated and blessed glimpse of Spring as we hit sixty-one degrees with full sunshine. Not only did my walk with the dogs take a long time since we didn't want to come in the house, but then Pooka and I also sat outside in our driveway (the only space bare of snow on the property) to eat our lunch. Ahhhh. Bliss.

Last year, our Sunrise Forsythia was in full bloom by May 11th when I made a flower essence from the petals; I feel an earlier Spring is coming this year so we ought to see her bright yellow blossoms peeking by the end of April!

Thorns of the Rose

"Let him only see the thorns who has eyes to see the rose." ~ Tagore from "Stray Birds"

When we awaken to our Self, we not only realize the beauty surrounding us but know that without contrast we could not recognize that beauty. When we say "this too shall pass" it's usually while we're in the midst of the thorns, but to accept that "this too shall pass" as we gaze upon the rose, knowing that it will wilt and die and be reborn into new life, is to achieve peace.

_______________

photo courtesy Australian Bush Flower Essences, all rights reserved

I am an Advanced Practitioner with flower essences, more info at HolistiCARE

Odds'n'Oops'n'Ends

A couple more notes and I'm off to walk the dogs, feed the cats, practice yoga, and focus on some Ayurvedic studying! LOL

First, while looking for info on Sarasvati, I came across a blogspot that's wonderful; Feringhee: The India Diaries and, in particular, loved the vid she posted of a dance called Manjushri Gita. I thought this was simply mesmerizing!

[oops! minor interruption to clean up a fresh hairball ... thank you, Demeter!]

Owls' Wings is a blogspot where, together, we are exploring our creativity and The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron. I've found it quite helpful and even inspiring to be part of a cyber study group.

Lastly, the Rick Steves' email newsletter I get mentioned that his DVD on Iran (the 1-hour public television special) is available to groups for group viewing for a nominal fee! I'll be getting a copy to show to small groups (have a couple currently in mind) so if you're interested in watching it (since Maine public TV didn't get it to broadcast although I told them about it a few months in advance), let me know!

To Be The Same

"I write not to be different, but to be the same."

That came out of my brain-drain* this morning and was a little bit of a revelation. I write because, okay, well first because it's just 'what I do' ... like breathing. But when I write to put it 'out there' it's not to receive praise for building up my Ego or to be better than someone else but rather because, at the core, it's my way of connecting, of becoming part of a greater whole. Julia Cameron (The Artist's Way) is right in that creativity is a spiritual practice.

"I write not to be different [unique, separate, better than],

but to be the same [connected, joined, part of the collective]."

I don't know that I read those exact words somewhere or whether it's my own spin, but what matters is that I suddenly realized its truth!

When I'm acknowledged for what I've created and brought into the world, I feel more joined with life. I'm seen. Is that because until now I haven't seen my Self and realized fully, deeply that my Self already is one with the collective of All? When I read someone else's words, I feel connected to the writer or even to a universal essence that unifies all of us. Is that, perhaps, what someone else feels when they read my words? So that the flow goes both ways like the symbol/energy of Infinity? Creativity flows through us from the Infinite and to others who view our works, maybe touching them with the Light so that they, too, feel our Unity with Source across the bounds of time or space?

The 6th verse of the Tao Te Ching says:

The spirit that never dies

is called the mysterious feminine.

Although she becomes the whole universe,

her immaculate purity is never lost.

Although she assumes countless forms,

her true identity remains intact.

The gateway to the mysterious female

is called the root of creation.

Listen to her voice,

hear it echo through creation.

Without fail, she reveals her presence.

Without fail, she brings us to our own perfection.

Although it is invisible, it endures;

it will never end.

(taken from Wayne Dyer's Change Your Thoughts, Change Your Life)

Dyer states in his commentary on that verse that "When you're in touch with the energy of your origin, you offer the world your authentic intelligence, talents, and behaviors. You're co-creating with the you that originated in the Tao, with the very measure of your essence."

No matter what we do in this world, we can allow the natural flow of creativity to come through us. There are many more ways of allowing creativity than just those ways considered 'art'. Many forms of holistic healing, such as Homeopathy and Ayurveda, are an art form rather than a strict, regimented application of rules. These are the healing arts. I've seen my husband bring amazing creativity to the resolution of technology/computer problems in the career he has chosen; he allows creativity to flow through him without resistance. And what about the inspiring gardens who were brought into form through the creativity of the gardener and the Mother Nature?

Pure crystalline pearls of water,

Wash away my pain and stress,

Drink my sorrows with your liquid velvet,

Draw forth my loving strokes with your buoyant caress.

As all longing sinks to your cold, icy depths,

And ripples again to the distant shore.

Oh earth tears, sky-born suffering gently descending,

Share my body's weight, and open the way

To time's becoming, the rhythm of breath;

And space, the mystery of pleasures unknown.

Your clean, bright spirit inspires me

To strive for new lengths, you have shown.

What fears once plagued my wandering mind,

Melt in your embrace, enwrapping my soul,

Until I surrender my spirit to find

The uniting of my body to spirit-whole.

(The Nixie of Fairy Lake by Gabriel from Goddess Meditations)

Creativity is a flow I welcome!

Sarasvati, originally referring to a river representing the flow of all life - to create, purify and nourish, as well as to enhance intellect - is also honored as a Goddess of knowledge, music and the arts. The ancient text, the Rig Veda, shares a hymn to Sarasvati:

May Sarasvati, the purifier

rich in wealth - the intellect

Her treasure - desire our sacrifice.

Inspirer of the truthful,

rouser of the noble minded, may

Sarasvati accept our worship.

Sarasvati, mighty ocean,

she rouses up with her light

And brightens all intellects.

(from The Vedas)

For me, the above is about honoring the Source of our creativity, the Source that brings the light that flows through us when we express ourselves through creative action. (I personally feel no conflict opening myself to the Truth in all spirituality, religions and belief systems, and I feel no desire to attach or identify myself with or to any particular theology as I believe they all point to the Divine.) There are many symbols and archetypes that we can use to visually remind us that the Source of our inspiration and creativity is everywhere - within and without. Or simply observe Gaia, Mother Nature, for the ultimate expression of creative energy!

May Goddess Sarasvati,

who is fair like the jasmine-colored moon,

and whose pure white garland is like frosty dew drops;

who is adorned in radiant white attire,

on whose beautiful arm rests the veena,

and whose throne is a white lotus;

who is surrounded and respect by the Gods, protect me.

May you fully remove my lethargy, sluggishness, and ignorance.

(a prayer; from Feringhee: The India Diaries)

All I have to do to free my creativity is to open to Self - and then I am the same - whole - One.

Powerful forces of nature within,

Pulling and drawing my soul

To begin.

_________________

* brain-drain is a term used in Julia Cameron's book The Artist's Way to refer to the 'morning pages' which are three pages of stream of consciousness writing

Creativity

If you google or go to Wikipedia, you'll find all sorts of discussion on what defines "art" as well as the topic of creativity vs. art and whether they are synonymous. Is it simply that creativity comes from within and art is the result of that? Or have we made it more complex? Is what we create only art if others deem it so? My grandmother created beautiful embroidered tea-towels, but were they art? I treasure a quilt that she hand-made, tiny stitches, every piece sewn together with care, the work intricate - is that art? Because these items have a function, does that mean they are not art? And what of the so-called merit of a work of art? Our entire culture is obsessed with comparison and competition which permeates our appreciation of the products of an individual's creativity. Because most people dislike or disapprove of the end result, does that make it not a work of art? Or is all of it art and society simply categorizes it and evaluates it based upon perceived levels of quality?

Things that make you go ... hmmmm ...

Litter Box Antics

Cats are crazy

with their litter box antics

Sometimes they share

at other times they're frantic

With boxes galore

They each want their own space

Or one box adored

And all poop in one place!

(Can you tell I just finished Litter Box Duty? LOL)

Goodness

Remember when you'd go off and Mom would say "Be good!" and you'd laugh or wink or maybe even just say "okay" wanting to please? This morning, when I did my random search for a poem or phrase that would catch my eye, I read:

"He who wants to do good knocks at the gate; he who loves finds the gate open." ~ Tagore

We find this profundity everywhere. For example, the 38th verse of the Tao Te Ching says (there are many translations, interpretations and presentations of the Tao):

"A truly good man is not aware of his goodness

and is therefore good.

A foolish man tries to be good

and is therefore not good."

(excerpt from Wayne Dyer's presentation of the Tao in Change Your Thoughts, Change Your Life)

Witter Bynner in his presentation in 1944 of the Tao Te Ching (The Way of Life According to Lao Tzu) states:

"The man of sure fitness never makes an act of it

Nor considers what it may profit him;

The man of unsure fitness makes an act of it

And considers what it may profit him.

However a man with a kind heart proceed

he forgets what it may profit him;

However a man with a just mind proceed,

He remembers what it may profit him;"

I felt particularly drawn to this message today because I had been pondering my own inner compass. Does my call to be of service come from heart or head?

Karma Yoga is that of selfless action in the service of others. In fact, in a presentation of the Bhagavad Gita, Eknath Easwaran's introduction specifically mentions "forgetting the finite self in the service of others" and he shares Mahatma Gandhi's experience-driven words "By detachment I mean that you must not worry whether the desired result follows from your action or not, so long as your motive is pure, your means correct. Really, it means that things will come right in the end if you take care of the means and leave the rest to Him." The Gita is an ancient guide to living and acting from love.

Doing good work is wonderful, of course. But is that good work coming from the Egoic desire to show others, saying "Hey, look at me and what I'm doing. Aren't I great?" Or is the good work stemming from love? What kind of energy are we bringing to our actions? We can't force ourselves to love, but we can cultivate love within - loving our divinity within ourselves and loving the Infinite Source of all life - and that love will be reflected outward without any direction from our minds or egos.

So, lets BE LOVE and thus truly BE good instead of "trying to be/do good"!

(((BIG HUG)))

True to Self

"The little flower lies in the dust. It sought the path of the butterfly." ~ Rabindranath Tagore

How many times do we seek to be something that we're not? To be the person that a parent or partner wish us to be? How much of our lives do we spend trying to please someone else? Or wanting to be "successful" because that's what the society we live in deems appropriate and our Egoic self is eager to drive us toward that "success" no matter what? What of our dreams? What of our gifts?

Be true to your Self and I will be true to my Self.

Dad and Me

On August 3^rd, as he lay in a deep sleep from which he would not awaken, I wrote about Dad and me … Dad and me, we are the trees, single and alone, tall within a forest of moving, lively creatures. All around us, the social beings gather and laugh and build community amongst the world. But these busy lives mill around our bare trunks, scurry here and there, yet do not touch the quiet inside each of us. What goes on in our minds – our heads? Not what are we thinking, but what are we? Who am I? Who is he? What is our place as trees standing while the rivers flow and the air whips around or the fiery passions flare to show their colors and their movements? Do we have a purpose? Are we here to Be the Sentinels? Do we provide a place holder in the movement of the forest?

I dreamed last night of Dad dying (he actually died August 9, 2008). He lay there, unresponsive, while I was being accused by 'others' of attempting suicide. This odd dream lingered with me for hours after getting up this morning. I'm not yet sure what this dream means but it did motivate me to complete Dad's memorial page on my web site and to further ponder our relationship...

If the dream was not about Dad but rather a portrayal of me in all the 'characters' involved (as many people believe this to be true of dreams and their messages), I wonder if it has to do with my recent decision to focus more upon and commit to my writing? Dad's dying could be, in Eckhart Tolle's terminology, my Pain Body 'dying' as that relates to the hurt and fear I've often felt about taking my writing to the next level. Or it could be those strong left-brain traits that I've shared with my Dad fading as I encourage my right-brain creativity. Those 'others' could easily be my Egoic self accusing me of attempting suicide should I try to leave behind the practicalities, the structures, the safety of my current life to explore creative writing in more depth. I've certainly been tapping into my creative writing - and, thus, touching upon all my insecurities related to it - for the past several days! Hmmm...