Gratitude

What We See as New.

I’ve effected a major change in my life; walking away from old and into anew. And even though the storms have passed, the scent of earth invokes our care.

What once was, shall always be – now transformed.

From the mists of morning rain, the peonies dip in bold defiance – confident in the weight and fullness of their bloom. A metaphor, perhaps? That the sanctuary of our peace is never far from view?

If we’re lucky, we learn to bend and reach, just as riveluts of rain define new paths. What we see before us? Courage and heart.

In peace, my sweet friends…be bold, be joyful, be always new…

Namaste ❣

The Fields of Our Awareness.

At some point in our lives, we have to ask ourselves an important question – are we deriving from life as it was destined? A happiness beyond the limits of self.

And, not simply as it appears in this moment – a transitory feeling. But rather, something far more everlasting. A basis of gratitude beyond all measure.

It’s a pivotal point between action and intent; and the difference between a transient happiness and one that is fulfilling.

So often we lose ourselves in this cluster of weeds, meanwhile fields of lavender bend and dip under the weight of morning dew. Do we see what we believe, or that which is there?

As our focus shifts, we begin to explore the fundamental relationship of self witin the context of a much greater world. Are we enriched through this process? Does it fulfil?

And, believing the ‘good life’ to be well within reach; do we seize the moment or let is slip away?

A little something to consider, my friends.

In peace…

Namaste ❣

An Ode to Joy.

No matter what we have faced in our lives, my loves… joy is always there, waiting for our arrival.

From where we can, we must return – and this is our return to home,  effected through the sense of wonderment and courage.

Whether the sound of rustling leaves, or the scent of fresh biscuits rising for dinner – we are continuously reminded of this invitation to be made whole.

“Live in joy,” the Buddha teaches. And with this, we must learn to step away from our fear – however briefly – to honor the prospect of our own renewal.

Yes, we need to navigate with grace and dignity; to the self within, and the self that is world. This temple surrounds no matter our worry.

In the end, only our mantra – ‘we are, we are’.

In peace, my sweet friends – Happy Christmas and blessings to all.

Namaste ❣️

Life, Just As It Is.

Take a moment, my friends – tell me, what are you most grateful for today? Is it the way in which the twilight shifts, graciously offering this platform of sky? Or, the cadence by which the goslings alert their cry?

A new day has only just begun, and with it a cascading of limitless potential. Yet, how often do we pause to effect our notice?

In gratitude we offer our prayers – “Dear Lord, thank you for this day.” Inevitably, we acknowledge its goodness and favor.

But what if life offers an alternate plan? Can we realize its substance through the debilitating pain? As Jack Kornfield once wrote, “to awaken a joyful freedom, a benevolent and compassionate heart in spite of everything.”

We have so much to be grateful for, including that which helps to sustain an awakening of spirit. And without which we’d fail to deepen our confidence in life itself: that this aspect of our growth is never without reason.

Let yourself sit quietly today, opening to the benefit and subtlety of our our practice. And, knowing that with a restful heart, we shall always find our ease.

Be grateful for this day, yes. And also for those lessons guarded safely within it.

In peace, my sweet friends…

Namaste ❤️

After the Rain.

The pond is always clearest in the morning after a rain. As if the passing storms were somehow necessary to secure this amplitude of peace.

The ‘calm before the storm’, they always say. But, what of the moments following? The sound of nature breathing in, resigning itself to these patterns of earth. Knowing that our “infinite expectation of the dawn, does not forsake…even in our soundest sleep.”

Each day, we return to the sanctity of nature’s thriving beat; the sweet scented herb and the starry starry nights. Impervious to the threat of driving rains; just as in nature – we remain…

Our hearts ‘made better’ through this passing rain.

In peace…

Namaste ❤

Within All Things.

I discovered an old photograph of my mother having coffee in the sun; her softened smile lending its radiance to the earliest hours of morning.

She looked so happy in that space before day settled in – and, perfectly content watching the weight of the peonies bow beneath the morning rays.

In the background, a centuries old wagon wheel lay propped against the side of my grandmother’s magnolia tree.

To some, that decrepit old wheel proved an ‘eyesore’ to the casual passerby. But each of us remembers the pride beaming from my grandfather’s eyes, “Can you believe someone could throw this out?” My grandfather found beauty in all things; and so the wheel remained.

Perhaps, through our own eyes we might similarly find the treasure… within all things?

In peace…

Namaste ❤

Living Gently Upon This Earth.

Joan Chittister writes that it is our awareness of the sacred which holds this world together; that even the darkness deserves our gratitude.

Though how might we treat each day with equanimity, allowing the benefit of experience to light our way? And, how do we preserve the light of truth when the driving rains threaten its flame?

As humans, we tend to hold our heart in isolation, further divided by passing labels. In the throes of upset, the chest tightens and the breath draws in. And we may then pull away, ‘knowing’ our destiny before it’s revealed. Even though the energy of any moment quickly dissipated, still we fixate…we feel beholden.

Yet, ask yourself – what is it that you’re clinging to? The promise of passing or the reasonability of endurance?

And, stepping into the fullness of our role within this – that is to extent ‘the light of our own souls to the dim places around us’ and live gently upon this earth.

In peace…

Namaste ❤

To Be Transformed.

There’s a birch tree which stands along the path behind our home.

Year after year, I’ve watched her grow – through hurricanes and blizzards and devastating ice storms. Yet still, she persevered – oddly stronger than before.

And, with each new season her stiffened bark would break and curl revealing a tenderness within. How ironic – that this ‘cloak’ which once confined had sheared to paper thin.

I thought of myself in the context of her lesson. Are we not much the same? That is to say, even when greatly weathered – our tenderness remains, unchanged.

Though we may fear losing the subtlety of its essence, it’s important to remember-

That which we ‘are’ can never be forsaken. Rather, we are – much like the birch – transformed.

In peace…

Namaste ❤️

On These Wings of Surrender.

“The more you are motivated by love,” His Holiness the Dalai Lama writes, “the more fearless and free your actions will be.”

My sweet friends, today’s meditation serves as a reminder of the heart’s eternal need; and a measure of spirit’s ultimate endeavor.

For freedom is predicated on these wings of surrender. For who are we without these openings to joy?

Just as the climbing rose turns her face to sun; so, too, must we profess our gratitude.

In peace, my loves…

Namaste ❤

This Extension of Light.

They say we must praise those who labor this journey; that they, alone, have enriched our view.

And, serving to affirm our purpose; to align our hearts to greater good.

Yet, still – we curse their errant stumble; and to the benefit of whom?

Can you not yet see? That the application of our humanity extends through the supple grace of tempered hand.

For, even in darkness our light attends.

In peace, my loves…

Namaste ❤