No ocean less a gentle wave,
No desert without a speck of sand.
Would no wisp of root take hold,
No mighty oak could stand.
No storm deprived a drop of rain
No flame kindled without a spark.
Should not one moment pass us by,
Memory holds perpetual dark.
No symphony but for a single note.
No heaven wanting one distant star,
All of creation everlasting depends,
On just the You you are.
"The only time we waste is the time we spend thinking we're alone.” -Mitch Albom
p.s. I am wondering if being a writer is conducive to meditation? I cannot remain passive when insight reveals itself -I have to grab a pen and take note of it. I will keep trying, with a better understanding of the term 'practicing' meditation.
Monday, September 30, 2013
Monday, September 23, 2013
House of Cards
“It is a very inconvenient habit of kittens (Alice had once made the remark) that whatever you say to them, they always purr.” -Lewis Carroll, Through the Looking Glass...
I have a confession to make. Although I have frequently throughout this blog extolled the virtues of practicing meditation, I have not embraced its benefits for myself. I have this grand notion to meditate daily for at least twenty minutes. I imagine myself beginning every day in a peaceful setting, quieting my mind, connecting with my deepest inner being, and being transported to an elevated level of consciousness where I attain profound insight into the order and meaning of the universe. Certainly worth sitting down for a few minutes everyday, but the most I manage is 10-15 minutes about once a week. Alas, instead I make spider solitaire my morning routine. I spend anywhere from twenty minutes to an hour and a half trying to win a game. I admit with some chagrin, I do have a 35% win rate at the highest level of difficulty. It's an addiction to instant gratification that gives me some absurd sense of accomplishment? I can't bear to think of the colossal amount of time and energy I have wasted on this trivial pursuit. But, no more will I cry over spilt milk. With steeled resolve, I will refine my habits, eliminate futile endeavors and pave a way for spiritual enlightenment and mental well-being. Today, I will design a simple, yet beautiful meditation space. 7 a.m. will be an ideal time, and in addition to a regular appointment, let me promise to attempt a one hour session this week. I'll let you know how it goes. Namaste.
I have a confession to make. Although I have frequently throughout this blog extolled the virtues of practicing meditation, I have not embraced its benefits for myself. I have this grand notion to meditate daily for at least twenty minutes. I imagine myself beginning every day in a peaceful setting, quieting my mind, connecting with my deepest inner being, and being transported to an elevated level of consciousness where I attain profound insight into the order and meaning of the universe. Certainly worth sitting down for a few minutes everyday, but the most I manage is 10-15 minutes about once a week. Alas, instead I make spider solitaire my morning routine. I spend anywhere from twenty minutes to an hour and a half trying to win a game. I admit with some chagrin, I do have a 35% win rate at the highest level of difficulty. It's an addiction to instant gratification that gives me some absurd sense of accomplishment? I can't bear to think of the colossal amount of time and energy I have wasted on this trivial pursuit. But, no more will I cry over spilt milk. With steeled resolve, I will refine my habits, eliminate futile endeavors and pave a way for spiritual enlightenment and mental well-being. Today, I will design a simple, yet beautiful meditation space. 7 a.m. will be an ideal time, and in addition to a regular appointment, let me promise to attempt a one hour session this week. I'll let you know how it goes. Namaste.
Monday, September 16, 2013
Like I Know What I'm Doing
"Always kiss your children goodnight, even if they're already asleep." -H. Jackson Brown, Jr.
My babies are almost grown. In the eyes of society and most laws, they are responsible for themselves and the choices they make. At times, I have felt that it was all happening too fast, but there were certainly days when I longed for less responsibility and more time for myself. I am looking more and more forward to my empty nest, and I will be one of those parents who pesters my kids for grandchildren. I know I will always worry about my kids, and hope they make good choices so they can live happy lives. There are some things I would definitely do differently, like, establish a routine, and keep the television on PBS. (I would have also forced them to get up on water skis. -16 years living on the lake, and none of them would ever try it....shameful!) Mostly though, I am beyond proud. They are amazing, kind, smart and funny. So here's my advice, humbly offered to new parents:
My babies are almost grown. In the eyes of society and most laws, they are responsible for themselves and the choices they make. At times, I have felt that it was all happening too fast, but there were certainly days when I longed for less responsibility and more time for myself. I am looking more and more forward to my empty nest, and I will be one of those parents who pesters my kids for grandchildren. I know I will always worry about my kids, and hope they make good choices so they can live happy lives. There are some things I would definitely do differently, like, establish a routine, and keep the television on PBS. (I would have also forced them to get up on water skis. -16 years living on the lake, and none of them would ever try it....shameful!) Mostly though, I am beyond proud. They are amazing, kind, smart and funny. So here's my advice, humbly offered to new parents:
- Try not to worry so much. All that angst brings out the worst in us, and sends the wrong message, "always be afraid to try", and "mistakes are a bad thing."
- Go ahead and tell them "no". It's perfectly ok if they aren't happy with your decision, even if they are mad at you. They will learn they can overcome lack, and better yet, they'll learn how to make themselves happy.
- Every age and every stage comes with its own unique set of challenges. Parenting is hard. It won't get easier, but -it's all good. This is where faith comes in, God's got this!
- Just love them. As trite as that sounds, it will get you through your darkest moments. Your children will be foolish, oblivious, and cruel. When they figure out that you love them unconditionally, they will start to listen, and your voice will be with them even when you are not.
- Give in once in a while. They will learn it's ok to admit you were wrong and do the same for you.
Monday, September 9, 2013
Bring It On
"Tomorrow's another day, and I'm thirsty anyway...-so bring on the rain."- Jo Dee Messina
Well, it's been one hell of a week. I try not to dwell on negativity, but karma has seen fit to push me down, kick me in the gut, and turn its back with a chuckle. I haven't the energy to recount the angst filled saga that has hog-tied me these past 168 or so hours, but I will say this: no one died. It's been a minor setback here, a slight stumbling block there, interspersed with trivial obstacles and petty misfortune. I'm not going to lie, my determination and confidence level have wavered. I must keep reminding myself of a lesson from the past two classes I took at church. That is, when we attempt to change, Ego jumps in with a desperate attempt to preserve the 'old way'. We will encounter barriers and Ego will perch itself in our ear, telling us "you see, this will never work. It just isn't meant to be. You can't do this because you're not good enough, and furthermore, you don't deserve it." The trick is shrugging that noise off, ignoring it and pressing onward. Listen closely for the voices that are supporting you, cheering you on, especially the ones that come from within. Really, the only one who has to believe in me is me. I am so thankful for the support of family and friends, but faith in myself is all I require to keep going. God put the desire, the dream, -the passion in my heart. He planned for me to succeed. That gives me all the faith I need.
Well, it's been one hell of a week. I try not to dwell on negativity, but karma has seen fit to push me down, kick me in the gut, and turn its back with a chuckle. I haven't the energy to recount the angst filled saga that has hog-tied me these past 168 or so hours, but I will say this: no one died. It's been a minor setback here, a slight stumbling block there, interspersed with trivial obstacles and petty misfortune. I'm not going to lie, my determination and confidence level have wavered. I must keep reminding myself of a lesson from the past two classes I took at church. That is, when we attempt to change, Ego jumps in with a desperate attempt to preserve the 'old way'. We will encounter barriers and Ego will perch itself in our ear, telling us "you see, this will never work. It just isn't meant to be. You can't do this because you're not good enough, and furthermore, you don't deserve it." The trick is shrugging that noise off, ignoring it and pressing onward. Listen closely for the voices that are supporting you, cheering you on, especially the ones that come from within. Really, the only one who has to believe in me is me. I am so thankful for the support of family and friends, but faith in myself is all I require to keep going. God put the desire, the dream, -the passion in my heart. He planned for me to succeed. That gives me all the faith I need.
Monday, September 2, 2013
What Do I Know?
“We're all pretty bizarre. Some of us are just better at hiding it, that's all.” -Andrew Clark, The Breakfast Club, (John Hughes)
I don't understand the gay marriage issue. In fact, I don't understand any gay issues. The plain truth is, I am not gay, so how can I understand it? How does any intelligent person, regardless of their level of education, presume to argue something that she does not understand? You also will not hear me debate quantum physics or differential calculus functions. (I don't even know if anyone debates those things, -I'm just saying.)Those who 'oppose' homosexuality will quote scripture and forecast an eternity in hell for the stricken. This makes me ever so grateful for my God. My God loves me unconditionally and would never, ever, ever condemn me for all eternity based on my decisions or behavior in this speck of an earthly existence. What loving mother or father would punish their baby for an entire lifetime because he spit up, or cried out? Our sins, be they voluntary or involuntary, are committed without the advantage of Divine Omniscience. I will say it again and again. We are here, as children of God, to love and to learn. It's somewhat of a relief not to be responsible for passing judgment on anyone's values or beliefs. I leave that to my Creator, as I have plenty of other things to worry about.
I don't understand the gay marriage issue. In fact, I don't understand any gay issues. The plain truth is, I am not gay, so how can I understand it? How does any intelligent person, regardless of their level of education, presume to argue something that she does not understand? You also will not hear me debate quantum physics or differential calculus functions. (I don't even know if anyone debates those things, -I'm just saying.)Those who 'oppose' homosexuality will quote scripture and forecast an eternity in hell for the stricken. This makes me ever so grateful for my God. My God loves me unconditionally and would never, ever, ever condemn me for all eternity based on my decisions or behavior in this speck of an earthly existence. What loving mother or father would punish their baby for an entire lifetime because he spit up, or cried out? Our sins, be they voluntary or involuntary, are committed without the advantage of Divine Omniscience. I will say it again and again. We are here, as children of God, to love and to learn. It's somewhat of a relief not to be responsible for passing judgment on anyone's values or beliefs. I leave that to my Creator, as I have plenty of other things to worry about.
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