If there is ever a time when I feel lost, overwhelmed or confused by the voices of mind and emotions, I need only to take a deep breath. Like a giant bright-colored arrow, my breath points me right back to the space of my heart. Each inhale reminds me of the limitlessness of my self knowing. With each exhale I find the power to trust the truth in my heart, to fearlessly and squarely face whatever lies before me, inside or out. There I find true courage.
How often we feel that we live on our own, independently and in control.
There is however a subtle thread, an undeniable connection, a need for us to be together.
Yes, we are all interwoven, creating together this thing called life.
Where is it that one begins and the other ends? It doesn’t matter. With keen awareness we come to realize that each makes a vital contribution – whether as the catalyst of our evolution or a keeper of safe space.
Each with a special purpose…part of the greater existence.
Alone we are ordinary.
Together we are unique, complete and whole.
There is a peacefulness that emanates from even the feistiest cat, a sense of equanimity. Cats are so good at freeing themselves from attachment and aversion.
Cats have a beautiful way of expressing exactly what works for them and what doesn’t. They hold an exceptional space of balance, calm and confidence.
I think this week I will conduct myself more like a cat. Cultivating my awareness with a keen focus on fostering tranquility, truly knowing what is best for me, and not going outside of boundaries that might upset the tender balance of peace within and all around me.
That is not to say that I won’t hunt and play just like the best of them. But, when I do it will be with full energy, enthusiasm, power, and contentment.
And I might also work in some extra time to stretch out and nap in the sun.
ME WOW…
My mind says the work shows my value.
My emotions say the work provides purpose.
But my body say the work is tiring.
When out of balance, my body knows suffering, strain and illness.
It goes along with the plan for quite some time until systems become so taxed that it begins to breakdown, accelerating the natural limitlessness of this container.
And still I push on, the ego shouting louder about value and emotions crying for purpose.
Desperate for ease and repair the body collapses.
Foolishly, I believe that this is the only way.
Until I start to listen.
I hear my body’s call for balance now long before exhaustion.
I put down the baton and slow the doing.
I rest.
And I rest.
And I rest.
Sometimes it’s hard to turn off the voices of the doing, the voices of the wanting.
But it is in the space of rest where the tiny voice inside of me reminds me that greater value and purpose is born of nurturing.
Of nurturing this body, this mind, this heart.
Not just feeding, but honoring and loving, all of these aspects of me equally.
In this space, the desire to do and be something blends with the peace and stillness and then it becomes crystal clear that I need nothing more.
It is in the quiet space of rest where I am most powerful, most beautiful, and undeniably most complete.
There is an artistry to the life we live. The patterns and colors that emerge as a result of our presence here in this space are unique. No two of us the same, yet all of us connected, we weave together the tapestry of this existence. The fabric of each moment carries the design of what we choose to contribute and what we choose to leave behind — spaces forever colored by our presence…long after we have left the room.
How is it this cut flower, detached from its roots, has the capacity to re-grow itself, to expand in a new form, and when it seems to be at the end of its existence is capable of new life?
Resilience.
I keep joy by my bedside
Nestled in shells that sing the song of freedom
And the flickering light of grace in my heart
To remind me that I am love
To remind me that all is love.
