I am inspired this morning through the words of Master Huong Hai. In his poem, “Oceans of Fragrance” he writes:

“The wind whistles in the bamboo
and the bamboo dances.
When the wind stops
the bamboo grows still.”

It’s a poem about welcoming and acceptance; about sharing this space without expectation. When the wind blows, the bamboo rejoices – and, nothing more. When the wind ceases, the bamboo grows still. It’s a perfect synergy between belonging and being. There’s an interrelationship, but not a dependency.

The two exist, merely to exist.

There’s an interesting dynamic between acceptance and change. That is to say, the harder we try – the more inflexible we become. Our hearts become rooted in longing, and our ‘outcome’ tied to a goal. Though, true spiritual transformation can not be fixed to a single focal point.

In his book, “Call Me by My True Names” Thich Nhat Hanh writes:

“You are me, and I am you
Isn’t it obvious that we “inter-are”?
You cultivate the flower in yourself,
so that I will be beautiful.
I transform the garbage in myself,
so that you will not have to suffer.
I support you;
you support me.
I am in this world to offer you peace;
you are in this world to bring me joy.”

Indeed, for when all the murmurings of mind are gone … in the end, we are left with only joy; a joy which permeates all bingings of self.

In peace….

Namaste ❤️