Tag: inner peace

The Inherent Blessing.

I thought today about a young woman I once knew. In college, she was my mentor – someone who knew the grace in our connection to all living beings. An ‘old soul’, as my mother would say – meaning, she held a warmth of light now centuries old.

Those in her presence felt an instant gratification, as if their emptiness of heart were suddenly made whole.

It reminded me of our responsibility to others, the mystery of these unspoken encouragements – a softened smile inviting the traveler’s tale.

We are not only what we do, but think – the manner in which we hold our own spirit an indicator of how deeply we may touch another. When we are able to take care of our own life, as Osho once shared, we begin to see the celebration taking place in the existence before us.

It is the alchemy between mind and spirit, our silent truth and inherent blessing.

In peace…

Namaste ❣️

Letting the Lesson Unfold.

I watched a young man once by the water’s edge; his heart seemed weighted by the troubles of ‘world’ as he slunk further still into unrest.

Looking up, he sighed and said, “It’s the only place I can feel at home.” As if I’d dare to judge another wooded path soul.

He went on to explain his most recent trouble — the loss of job, the wounded heart and a spouse who ‘just didn’t understand.’ All leading him to this moment, right here.

I could see it in his eyes; a forever sort of searching – desperate to know the sanctity of inner peace.

“It’s not out there,” I smiled. Even though he was looking outward, I knew – his focus was locked within.

So often we view our lives in terms of an unwavering absolute –“If not this, then I could never be happy.” We lock in, unwilling to allow the heart’s expanse. We forget the greater aspect of being human.

Alexander Graham Bell once wrote that when one door closes, another opens. But that we often spend so much time looking regrettably upon the closed, that we fail to see the blessing of a new path, eager to unfold.

In these moments, we are pulled from the luxury of gratitude into a space where we are unwilling to forgive even ourselves. We harden our hearts just as its true growth begins.

“‘If we want there to be peace in the world,” shares Pema Chodron. “we have to be brave enough to soften what is rigid in our hearts, to find the soft spot and stay with it. We have to have that kind of courage and take that kind of responsibility. That’s the true practice of peace.”

We talked, he and I, for just over an hour. By the end, I could feel his energy softening – malleable to the lesson as it needed to be shared.

In peace…

Namaste ❤️

That One Sacred Risk.

How do we tend to our moments, my loves?

With the intention and capacity to offer joy from our heart? With cherished reverence for this life and our purpose?

Or, do we allow the current of ‘busyness’ to sweep us away?

All too often, we rush through our paces — we forget to rest within the gentle pauses, to embrace the simplicity of this day. It’s this simplicity that helps to clear our vision, to free us from the burden of a restless heart — and, to demonstrate the greater beauty in our lives.

Much like the simplicity of a Zen master’s painting – the brush stroke can never be forced; rather, it must embody the fluidity of an effortless grace.

Just as the candle risks to illuminate the darkness; and the heron risks to grace the dawn.

We, too, must ‘risk’ for peace of mind.

And, this simplification is, in and of itself, it’s own practice, my loves — engaged in those moments when we most fear we’ll lose our center. Quite often, the noise of our modern life makes it difficult to ‘hear’ — that inner voice, crying out for the comfort of heart.

“Our life is frittered away by detail,” shares Thoreau. “What lies behind us and what lies ahead of us are tiny matters compared to what lives within us.”

Indeed, that we might ensure these ‘distractions of heart’ — are displaced by the rhythm of a life, fully lived.

In peace, my loves…

And, on this day I wish you the blessing of an effortless inner peace.

Namaste

The Miracle of Being.

Author Henry David Thoreau once remarked, that every morning was an invitation to make life of equal simplicity, “and I dare say innocence”, with Nature, herself.

“Birds do not sing in caves,” he urged. “Nor do doves cherish their innocence in dovecots.”

And, as I sit watching the cardinal’s colors pop through frosted window pane – my darlings, I couldn’t agree more.

As children, we spend hours selflessly nourishing curiosity and wonder; but, as we grow older…we lose sight of what it means to believe.

To believe in the simplicity and wonder of nature; and know, that it is the richest, most indomitable aspect of our own inner being.