Giving

A Lesson in Listening.

There is an aspect of teaching, a ‘balance’ – if you will. Between sharing the excitement of a heart now awakened and waiting for listening ear.

We want all to know the expansiveness of freedom; to understand the true nature of an unimpeded soul. Yet, the moment we lean forward to offer ‘opinion’ – we’re met with bristling disregard.

Perhaps, in saying ‘you’re doing it all wrong’ – we’re missing that there might be another way?

Not all paths are so clearly defined. Likewise, there are many paths which lead to ‘home’.

As teachers, we must be willing to engage the energy of ‘always learning’ – to allow this discovery of awakening to unfold.

“One of the things you will find,” shares Ram Dass. “Is the ability to appreciate what is, as it is, in equanimity and compassion, and love that isn’t conditional.”

You see, when I answer ‘the gratitude is always mine’ – what I mean is, ‘thank you, for helping my heart to grow.’

We are teachers, yes. But, learners just as well. And, our greatest gift is our capacity to listen.

In peace, my loves…

Namaste ❤️

The Sweetness of Service.

Author John Holmes once wrote, “There is no exercise better for the heart than reaching down and lifting people up.”

And, we’re faced with this prospect nearly every day, aren’t we?  The dearest of souls simply requiring a helping hand. Yet, what is it that holds us back? What causes uncertainty to progress to hesitation, and ultimately to still another lost chance?

As many of you know, I’ve been feeling a bit down as of late. Nothing that I know won’t soon find its way, leaving lessons of life and resilience in its place. Though, for me? The greatest pain is being distracted in my capacity to serve.

Yesterday, carried with it the ‘sweetest’ of blessing – a couple whose kindness always welcomed us in. The first we met, I had just been diagnosed with Parkinson’s. Overwhelmed I stopped for a few treats in tow.

There’s something so inviting of a generous heart. You feel its presence immediately as it surrounds. And, as you leave your own smile carries this energy forward.

From that moment on, my darlings, I was hooked.

I love visiting a space that welcomes you in. There’s an ease of energy about it; no need to put on airs. Sweet Cascades was that place for me, a chocolatier and gracious host of all who passed by. Nestled in the historic centuries old town of Ellicott City, Sweet Cascades has served as a landmark for kindness, chocolate and sweetness of heart.

13412987_1470147268.505_funddescriptionSadly though, on July 30, 2016 – a one in a million rainstorm devastated the entirety of the community. Buildings were toppled like children’s blocks as the storm waters rose and raged through.

“It was insane” one woman commented. “It was a flash flood…All I can say is, I’m just happy to be alive.”

In the aftermath the shop owners were left with even more distressing news, as they learned their insurance wouldn’t cover the damage.

Today, my darlings – I’m reaching out to all of you; knowing already your generosity of heart and your ability to band together. Please help our friends, Sue and Rick Whary, who’ve always served their community with open heart and arms to surround.They’ve been an incredible support and it’s time for the kindness to be returned.

I know we all have a little extra in our pockets right now; why not use it to be of service to a community desperately in need? Don’t let this opportunity pass.

If you’re unable to donate, perhaps you might help with a ‘share’ – help me broaden these rings of kindness.

Click Here to Donate to Support our Community!

https://www.gofundme.com/2hm8cwws ECStrong

Thank you my dearest loves, and remember – sharing is caring!

In peace…

Namaste ❤️

 

What Makes This Garden Grow.

There was knock upon my door this morning. A little one wearing his ‘Sunday best’ shifting uncomfortably in his ‘don’t get ’em dirty’ shoes.

He had a small woven basket in his hands filled with only the loveliest of blooms.

“These are for you,” he beamed. “I did it all by myself!”

At just 3 years old, this little one recognized that which those much older often miss.

That the truer gift is in the sentiment.

He had worked all day, you see ~ running errands with his Mother. And in order to earn ‘just enough’ to buy a few pretty flowers for his neighbor.

“These are ‘for inside’ flowers,” he smiled. “So you can see them all the time.”

My garden had fallen into such a state of disrepair. Once a point of pride, it was now marked with the overgrowth of this past year’s challenge. I felt saddened as I remembered how lovely it felt to watch the little ones marvel over each spectacular new bloom.

How amazing that this little one’s eyes could see straight through to the truer need.

“Do you know what would make me really happy,” I asked kneeling down to his 3 year old level. “If you’d get out of these silly clothes, and help me go digging in the garden.”

Truth be told, I’d have to say ~ I never saw a little one move so fast 😉

So often we talk of those angels amongst us, though often we disregard the smallest of hearts. Sure, Sunday clothes are nice, but – an afternoon of dirt under the nails?

Now, that is a forever kind of priceless! And, that which I presently can’t possibly do, is made possible through the love of another.

And that, my darlings – is the truer gift.

Because every time I look to those once impossible blooms – I’ll see the softer glow of this little one’s kindness.

And, hopefully he’ll think of the day he created a garden of ‘outside’ flowers.

In peace…

Namaste ❤️

This Lesson of ‘We.’

  1. The little ones seemed a bit bored today. They’d exhausted all variations of ‘chase ball’ and were sitting on the curb swishing sticks.

I grabbed my mason jar full of change and spent the next 10 minutes or so creating little piles against the trees.

“Oh, no!” I cried in an overly dramatic way. “Look, see there’s a hole in my pocket and I’ve lost ALL my change.”

After a few moments retracing steps, I said “Tell you what…if you find it, you can keep it.”

Over the next hour I watched as they scurried through wooded path, leaving no stone unturned. Finally, at the very end of their ‘quest’ – they sat around to divvy up their ‘treasure.’

And, “…each of them was better together than either of them could have been apart.”

That’s one of the greater lessons, you see – to know that we alone are never better than this, our collective ‘we.’

It was the best $22.63 I’ve ever spent in my life.

Oh, for a little silliness to keep our littlest planet dwellers entertained.

Namaste, my loves – wishing you eternal peace. ❤️

Helping Love to Grow.

I watched a little one nearest my garden today. She was crouched down and staring intently at the last of the daffodil blooms.

Curious, I wandered closer to ask, “Good morning, darling ~ is there something I can do to help you.”

Without breaking her gaze, this little pinafored beauty replied, “Mommy said flowers need love to bloom, so I’m giving all mine to it.”

What a precious statement of loving presence – no words to pass, rather simply honoring the space between.

We had a long talk, she and I, about ‘nurturing the bloom’ – about how the earth, the sky, the sun, and the water…all came together to help form its beauty.

“Even the worms?” she asked, with scrunched up nose.

“Yes, even the worms had a little something to share.”

“So, love is about everything all together?” she asked.

“Yes,” I smiled “all together to form the very best parts.”

With that she dusted off and started on her way, but not before a shortbread, of course.

“Ms. Lemieux,” she said, just before turning away “I think your flowers are happiest because you love them.”

How gracious to have been gifted this moment of zen, from the heart of another little loving ‘bloom.’

Namaste, my loves ~ ❤️

A Handful of Blessings.

“No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another.” ~ Charles Dickens

I had just returned home from shopping yesterday, when a familiar voice rang out through the darkness.

“Tara,” he shouted. “It’s me, your neighbor, Jude.”

Jude has been such a kind friend through the years – always, knowing “just the right thing to do” without ever having to be asked. In my darkest hours, his smile has been a source of comfort, and of promise – a reminder that hope exists even within the shadows.

I hadn’t seen him for quite a long while, and was curious to know why on earth he was walking home at such late hour.

“I had to get rid of a few things to help make ends meet,” he said. Among them was his only means of transportation.

In that moment, I realized I was standing before a man who would literally walk miles to feed his family – and in my hands, 3 satchels of groceries.

My goodness, there’s nothing like a little irony to help drive a point solidly home. My darlings, remember how we talked yesterday of the power of action? That we might allow action to serve as a conduit for compassion?

These words have never resonated with me more.

I remember when I was much younger, my mother was pulling together a box of my older belongings – slightly worn clothes, and a few of my most favorite toys. Oh, how I cried at the thought of ‘losing’ these possessions. And when I asked, my mother said simply, “Because, someone else needs it more.” It was a hard lesson to learn, though – in fairness, I was just 7 years-old and not quite ready to understand the ways of this world.

The Buddha taught that when we give to others, it is without expectation of reward. To give without clinging to either the gift or to the recipient. Theravadin monk and scholar Bhikkhu Bodhi once said,

“The practice of giving is universally recognized as one of the most basic human virtues, a quality that testifies to the depth of one’s humanity.”

My darlings, to give, we must give without condition – to offer to others that which may be dearest to our heart.

Why? Because, someone else needs it more.

I’d like to honor the sentiment of my dear mother, today ~ and, offer in kindness that which has been so graciously shared to me. If we might take one step to alleviate the burden of another – my darlings, what a wonderful world this might be.

And so, on this day ~ I would like to offer this kind man the benefit of my ‘coffee fund.’ Though, first to ask permission of you, my dears ~ as, it is through your generosity that this site has been able to continue. And, perhaps to ask if you’ve a few extra coins in your pocket – that they might be shared with a dear man named, Jude.

For those who would like to make a donation today, all proceeds will be used to help a family in need.

Here is the link- >

https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=G5CNL8HAFVDWE

Or, alternately through here ->


Namaste, my loves ~ how wonderful it is that we needn’t wait a single moment before starting to improve this world.

Wishing hope, love and peace filled blessings to all.

The Power of Belief.

I am inspired today by the words of Mahatma Gandhi, revered the world over for his philosophy of non violence.

“The difference between what we do,” he once offered. “and what we are capable of doing would solve most the world’s problems.”

Indeed, and such a vital distinction. That is to say, in life – within each moment – we are presented with the means to make a change.

“You must not lose faith in humanity,” he urged. Bit by bit, and drop by drop – our life becomes our message.

And what a lovely message it has the potential to be.

Through our actions, my darlings – we can help to reshape this world. We can bring care to those who are lacking, and love to those most in need.

Our hearts can most certainly make a difference, my loves – and, all we ever really need to do is believe. Belief has the capacity to release us from ‘smallness’; to transcend hopelessness…and help us to become a guardian for peace.

The image below is that of an impoverished child in sub-Saharan Africa, enjoying the ‘miracle’ of clean water for the very first time. It was a project organized and funded primarily by middle school children.

And showing, so very clearly, the collective power of conviction.

My darlings, when we belief – we take action; and, when we take action, we can save this world.

Namaste, and much love on this day ~ <3

When Service is the Reward.

“Once there was a tree, and she loved a little boy.” ― Shel Silverstein, The Giving Tree

Do you remember the story of the giving tree?

Written by author, Shel Silverstein, it offers a wondrous glimpse into the heart of selfless giving. More specifically, it invites children to explore what it really means to love.

“… and she loved a boy very, very much– even more than she loved herself.”

So often, we set out on our ‘loving path’ with expectation in hand. We want our love to be recognized, cherished and acknowledged – a spiritual ‘quid pro quo’, so to speak.

And, when we’re left with ‘nothing’ in return – our heart begins to break.

But, have we ever stopped to consider what giving really means?

Growing up, I was always encouraged to look for the sentiment beyond the gift; to understand, and appreciate, that the heart is intrinsically tied to the gesture.

In fact, the two are inseparable.

And yet, time after time we offer our ‘gifts’ – with an expectation that something must be returned.

No wonder so many feel somewhat bankrupted by this process. As, in their minds, they have given all that is left to give.

But, it’s not about keeping score.

I mean, after all, isn’t service is its own indisputable reward?

“I am sorry,” sighed the tree.
“I wish that I could give you something….
but I have nothing left.
I am just an old stump.
I am sorry….”

“I don’t need very much now,” said the boy.
“just a quiet place to sit and rest.
I am very tired.”

“Well,” said the tree, straightening
herself up as much as she could,
“well, an old stump is good for sitting and resting
Come, Boy, sit down. Sit down and rest.”
And the boy did.

And the tree was happy.”