Tag: freedom

As We Take Flight.

There’s a spot by the wharf where the gulls like to land. And, allowing their wings to be warmed by the sun – they bend, twist and reach. As if the sun, alone, were their only source of joy.

This is the depth of their mindfulness and awareness. Through a single point, their world is ‘made whole.’ But, that’s not the end of their ‘single source’. For just as the wind shifts, they take to their – their wings, now sails, upon a new frontier.

I’ve often wondered if humans might experience the same? Moment to moment, a patch of sun…a grande leap of faith into the air. And that which is left behind, diminishing to a speck of dust as we scale new heights.

With a subtle shift of focus, might we be similarly liberated? Our fears becoming a hint within a distant memory – a leap from the nest, as we aspire to greater. Are we limited merely by our own desire?

And, as DaVinci once said: Once we have tasted flight, we will forever walk the earth with eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return.”

In peace, my sweet friends…

Namaste ❤️

The Path Which Makes Us Whole.

At some point in our lives we may question our ability to navigate the path ahead. We may feel overwhelmed, perhaps even fearful – that our choices have been in vain.

As the first light of day breaks through our window, do we bask in its warmth or recoil with dread? Each day we presented the challenge of our circumstances, but we are in no way bound by them. In fact, the only true ‘anchor’ is our reaction.

When His Holiness the Dalai Lama emerged from the mountains into Dharmsala, he did so with purity of heart – holding hope in the place of a harrowing tale.

In spite of the violent political uprising and his subsequent escape through the wind-whipped peaks of the 17,000 foot Himalayan pass – he was free.

“I’m just one human being,” he shares. “but I believe each one of us has a responsibility to contribute to a happier humanity.”

As I look out this morning into the surrounding fields, I think not of limits – rather, only expanse. I think of happiness in the aftermath of courage, autumn walks and the crisp chill in the morning breeze. I think of those who’ve shared their lessons to me; boundless in their affect of service.

And, of course, I think of those gathered here, beautiful souls enriched through connection.

Leaving only one question yet remaining: how can we be bound by that which ultimately makes us whole?

In peace, my sweet friends…

Namaste ❤️

The True Fruits of Our Labor.

There’s a story in the Buddhist texts about a young monkey who lived happily amongst the mountain trees. From his perch, he embraced the entirety of this earth – the oceans, the valleys, the dawn’s breaking light.

Though he valued his freedom, still he craved so much more. He’d heard stories of the plains below – wide open fields and plenty to explore.

At night he dreamt of greener pastures; during the day, he wrestled with discontent. Until finally, under the cover of darkness he crept through the thickened forest brush.

Many hours passed, as the sanctity of his former perch fell further from view. He knew the dangers, yes – in spite of which, he could not turn back.

The last of the trail opened to crystalline stream. “Freedom,” he cried as he raced to the thirst-quenching waters.

Sadly, and unbeknownst to him, a group of hunters had laid traps the night before. “Well, this is curious,” he thought reaching his hand deep into the tar where he became stuck.

Desperate to free himself, he tried to push away with the other hand. Then one foot, and another – until he was thoroughly ensnared. In that moment, he longed for the true freedom of his mountain perch.

In many ways, we are much like the monkey – our mind continuously reaching for the ‘lure’ of better things. We consider contentment as a reward for our labors, not once considering all that is within.

From the edge of this mountain perch, we see our own self reflected. Even the trees gentle, swaying motion speaks to our internal rhythm – it is both the earth which nourishes the root and the sun which sustains its life. Within her limbs, she holds the trust of each forest dweller; she is their shade, she is their shelter…becoming herself, a giver of life.

In peace, my sweet friends…

Namaste ❤

The Metamorphosis Into Glory.

I’ve always known this sense of belonging in my heart; not as one, nor two – but as a complete wholeness of all living beings.

Even as a young looking at a tree, I knew there was something far greater – something exceeding these divisions of label. I couldn’t see the world in terms of ‘us’ or ‘them’. Rather, I viewed this world in terms of energy – a symbiotic interbeing.

Though ironically, as I grew older – I felt the world around me change. Lines manifested and barriers grew where previously there were none. Was it human nature? An instinct to survive?

We are born malleable, and willing to explore those possibilities which presently escape explanation. But as with all things, we are not beyond change.

As time passes, the emotion of our experience constricts. We see the world not ‘as is’, but rather ‘as we perceive.’ And within that process, uncertainty further forces our disconnect. We become wary of that which we once so easily trusted. Our vision shifts, and we lose the filter of acceptance.

Yet, what has life consistently proven? That our experiences give as much as they take.

The caterpillar hardens its shell seeing only the journey. Is it faith, is it trust? In time, she’ll emerge newly transformed. And with wings, she’ll find her freedom again. She does not question, she simply flies – content with the metamorphosis of experience into glory.

A little something to consider, my friends…

In peace…

Namaste ❤

The Gate to Freedom.

I wish I could remember who it was that said, “It is possible to experience a true and endless freedom, though – we must first understand what freedom is.”

Ask anyone their interpretation of freedom, and the answers will be vast in their variance. Each reflecting in our own way, that which often evades explanation.

Just as the radiance of light breaking through the trees, we see ourselves in soft patterns of shadows against the pavements edge. Defining for us the magnitude of this simple joy – a deepening of gratitude through clarity of vision.

For some, freedom represents the song within our heart; a harmony which balances all that surrounds. While to others, freedom cautions a more pragmatic view; securing only that which fulfills a need.

Either way, we know it when it’s lost; feeling its absence through the starker contrasts of pain.

And though, at times, we may feel despair; the resonance of faith is always there.

Reaffirming that which we’ve long known to be true; the gates of freedom are always within you.

In peace…

Namaste ❤️

“Love, serve…Remember“.

“Love, serve…remember.”

These are the words of the first spiritual teaching that actually made sense to me; nothing hypothetical, nor too far beyond reach – rather, a simple sentiment to be carried forward each day. Something to help us in the creation of choice. Which path to take, which energy to engage – and, how might we exist within it?

These are the tenets of any spiritual philosophy. As we break through the patterns of prior disillusionment, we discover a strengthening of personal liberation. Likewise, we experience a lessening of ego.

The opportunity for happiness exists within every single moment. As we begin to love and serve others, we subsequently deepen self-compassion. In time, learning to exist ‘without the mask’.

We surrender to the ‘self’ that has always been; boundless in form and unique by any measure.

“Love, serve…remember” – remember, it is impossible to serve others while you, yourself, are still ‘bound.’

In peace, my loves…

Namaste <3

A Blessing of Faith Through Fiery Glory

I was looking through an album this morning; photos capturing moments now long since past. Among which, a faded image – a sunny day joyously spent along the black sand beaches of Kilauea, Hawaii.

The sands there were a silken grey; from molten lava, to hardened stone – and returned to ash once again. Beneath the feet, this fine powder warmed – a return to center through humbled journey.

In the twilight, she cast her glow; as reflections danced upon a bed of polished stone. To each, his own perfection begs – a blessing of faith through fiery glory.

In peace, my loves…

Namaste ❤️

This True and Boundless Heart.

There’s such a great focus to define who we are. Even from the youngest of age, we’re begged for our reply, “Who do you want to be when you finally grow up?”

I’d always felt such pressure to answer. I mean, how could I possibly assign all that I aspire into a singular label of one?

And, yet – society expects nothing less. Every day, through a variety of means, we feel a sense of obligation; an obligation to ‘lock it in.’

When I look at ‘tree’, I’m not limited by label. Why then must we limit our own sense of self?

Author and Amercian Spiritualist, Ram Dass, referred to this as the ‘confusion of somebody-ness’; that it was the means by which we sought clarify and reassurance from this world.

Though, therein lies the paradigm, my loves. As the joy of happiness can only occur within a true and boundless heart.

In peace…

Namaste ❤️

 

Life Between Two Rocks.

Fear is such a debilitating habit. On one hand, it keeps us tethered to past – mired in the regret of circumstance.

Though, on the other, we sit paralyzed by the unknown – incapable of ever moving forward.

And yet, when we take a moment to truly reflect we see that these fears are merely fabrications of mind.

It reminded me of a time when I was a much younger girl, with feet balanced precariously upon shifting rock. I’d wanted so desperately to move past the stream’s rushing waters – though, that moment of imbalance brought my awareness immediately to present.

In that moment, I could feel the slickened moss beneath my feet, and the water’s misting against my cheek. I could smell the ‘heaviness’ of dampened wood, and the willfulness of stream to keep me ‘here’.

In fact…

Were it not for that horrifying misstep, I wonder if I’d ever really ‘known’ the trees?

In his book, “Fear: Essential Wisdom for Getting Through the Storm”, Thich Nhat Hanh writes,

“Fear keeps us focused on the past or worried about the future. If we can acknowledge our fear, we can realize that right now we are okay. Right now, today, we are still alive, and our bodies are working marvelously. Our eyes can still see the beautiful sky. Our ears can still hear the voices of our loved ones.”

My darlings, this moment offers such infinite possibilities, serving as an invitation to the limitlessness of heart. But, we must be willing to balance precariously between those rocks in order to appreciate the fullness of being.

And in that space, we connect with the truest glory – that of finally knowing the capacity of our own human spirit.

Letting go provides an immeasurable freedom, yes…oh, but so much more…

Letting go grants us the exquisite
permission to be.

Just as we are…

In peace, my loves…

Namaste ❤️

Letting Go of Worry.

My mother used to say, “Don’t let worry steal your moments away.”

In other words, when caught in the flurry of cascading emotion, ask yourself – is it really worth it? To lose your touch with the serenity of ‘now’ for a matter that has already passed, or potentially may never manifest.

I’ve always believed it to be one of the most fundamental practices – that is, to allow our worries to drift away. But, it’s often so difficult isn’t it, my loves? We feel compelled to fix the unsettledness – though, are we mistaking ‘clinging’ for mastering control?

Perhaps, we are concluding that control will lend us peace – when, in reality it erodes the very ‘ground’ upon which we stand. And forcing a spiritual paralysis, of sorts – keeping us tethered to the very thing we wish to disengage.

And it’s always a matter of choice, my loves. What we think, we create; what we believe, we become.

Is it your wish to remain a tired, tethered soul?

It’s certainly something to consider, my darlings – to never allow worry to steal our moments.

Namaste…