Compassion, peace, and calm cannot be forced. One cannot demand that someone be compassionate. One cannot command peace and calm. Rather, one must model it, live it, and know that the path to peace in ourselves and others is a steady process of balancing ego and replacing envy and judgment with love and inspiration. And that is the hard work that we must individually choose to do.
No matter that anger laps at your feet,
No matter that fear and distrust appear to form walls around you,
No matter that hope feels smothered,
Spiral upwards, out of the ashes of perceived despair,
Fill the air with compassion.
As long as the flames of compassion dance,
We can know only peace and joy.
Why pursue happiness when you can just have it?
To know unconditionally is one thing.
To love unconditionally is another.
Spiraling upwards.
Energy lifting.
Feeling so blissful.
Finding my joy.
Sensing my balance.
Knowing my strength.
Freeing myself to be me.
Scattered thoughts or free thinking?
Procrastination or cultivation?
Anxiety or excitement?
It all depends on the filter you apply.
Whether perceived as negative or positive, when aligned with intention, all things meet in the middle, the filter dissolves, and in the valley of the heart, where labels and values are neutralized by the Self, the real work of joyfully being can begin.
Dance like sunlight on the grass…paint an ever-changing pattern that stirs delight and marvel…and cast your shadow without bending a single blade of grass.
Re-think…Re-see…Re-feel…the world around you.
Nothing is locked into its purpose, function, or place in your life.
Contrast arises in our experiences as a guide. Like bread crumbs scattered on the path, contrast draws attention, redirecting us back to the path, pointing out the direction in which we should head so that we can find our way back to what nurtures and restores us.
The art of happiness is to serve…not just those you choose to serve…not just at times that are convenient to serve…not just from the excess reserves…but to serve…all.
Monday Mindfulness 