Tag: love

A Buddhist Lesson in Love – How to Bring a Little Heaven to this Earth.

[blockquote source=”Khalil Gibran, The Prophet “]“You give but little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.” [/blockquote]
(proud Mommy alert)

I have wonderful children. No, really, they’re amazing.

Even from a very young age, they were always placing the needs of others before their own. And, I never had to force it either – no menacing glares from across the table, no idle threats to take away all of their toys…rather, this generosity of spirit seemed to permeate every aspect of their being.

My daughter was, and still very much is, the ‘peacekeeper’ of the family. Her pursuit of fairness and justice is unshakeable – and her beautiful heart, the very embodiment of equanimity.

While my son, on the other hand, seemed destined to let the whole world know it was loved.

I remember one Valentine’s Day, in particular. I spent the day making a beautiful dinner – with roasted vegetables braised in a winter’s stew, and hot bread just pulled from the oven. Oh, and the table was so perfectly adorned – with a checked gingham linen, and stemmed glasses which were double washed.

I put a lot of effort into that dinner, but more so – I had placed the value of my heart.

As the clock ticked away into the fading evening hours, I knew ‘he’ had forgotten. It wasn’t until the next day that he finally meandered in ~ the ‘remnants’ of the night before, still prominently displayed.

“Hey, what’s for dinner,” he chirped, without ever missing a beat.

Well, you can imagine the conversation that ensued. Suffice to say, it was my first glimpse into the ‘heart’ of a very cruel man.

“I’m glad it made you sad,” he said, “because, you don’t deserve a Valentine’s day.”

You know, at some point in his life, he learned that words could be used as a sharpened sword….instead of the means to carry compassion forward.

Needless to say, I was crushed in that moment. The very thought, that I wasn’t good enough…or, didn’t deserve the love…well, it was almost too much for this little heart to handle.

I fled to my bedroom, where – with face shoved to pillow – I cried for nearly 3 hours.

Around 6 o’clock that evening – there was a tiny tapping at my door.

“Mommy come look what I made for you!!”

There standing in the portal of my room, was a huffing, puffing, red-faced, snow-covered little boy. He took me by the hand and led me to the window, where I could see just as plain as day – a ‘hand written’ message carved in the snow.

“HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY MOMMY – I LOVE YOU!”

He must have spent all day moving those heavy piles of snow around. His legs were encased in a thick blanket of winter white, and his mittens were well beyond that ‘soggy mess’ stage.

It was truly a labor of love – something, far surpassing what any card or flowers might bring.

And, he did it for just one reason alone – he did for the purpose of love.

I don’t know why this story has come to mind recently – perhaps a dose of sentimentality, a rush of remembrance as the morning tea settles in.

But, what if it’s intended for a much greater reason? Something, as of yet – unseen? A manifestation of a ‘ripple’ started so many years ago?

I’m reminded of Buddhist prayer, if you wouldn’t mind indulging me:

“Let your love flow outward through the whole universe
To its full height, depth, and broad extent,
Then, as you stand or walk,
Sit or lie down,
As long as you are awake,
Strive for this with a one-pointed mind:
Your life will bring heaven to this earth.”
My dears, love doesn’t come to us by way of cards or flowers or other silly sentiments. Rather, it is born in that first glimmering moment of our existence – this divine light, with the capacity to bring a little heaven to this earth.
I learned something very important on that day; that is, the best kind of love is the one that from within.

Thirteen Simple Rules for Living.

I’ll never forget the day a friend said to me,

“I just don’t know what to do.”

We were having one of those conversations, the deep and soulful—and sometimes painful sort—that often serves as a catalyst to our own spiritual growth.

And though, we may not understand their value at the time—still, we know enough to tuck them away for those moments yet to be revealed.

I like to them of them as ‘forever moments’—these seemingly chance encounters which have the capacity to completely transform our state of being.

And though, these circumstances may seem difficult, at the time—they are never without their much deeper purpose.

Life is just this way—playful in the way it holds onto these lessons, and unwavering in its insistence to be heard.

My dears, sometimes we don’t always know what to do.

Sometimes, there is nothing we can do.

And, sometimes…?

The things we are supposed to be doing get lost in the emotions of trying so desperately to understand. It’s in these cases, where it becomes most important to fall back to basics—and remember life’s simple rules for living.

It’s not a very long list, after all. But if you dig through the muck and the mud long enough, you might just find a little gem inside.

Life’s Simple Rules for Living

1. Upon waking up, and before your toes touch the floor…

…always remember to take a moment to do a mental count of all those things that make you smile, and all of those many reasons you are forever and so endlessly grateful. And then, when your toes do touch the floor… let it be a reminder to carry all these things in your heart as you move forward through your day. This is my process every morning. It works pretty well. Unless, I step on a Lego, in which case, I fall back to my bed and repeat that process all over again.

2. Coffee, first thing…coffeelove-250x187

…and before you even brush your teeth. Maybe also have it set on a timer so that when you wake up that beautiful aroma surrounds you, kind of like a “welcome mat” for your day. I do this too—only these days, I fill my cup with decaf. But that aroma remains the same.

3. Hot towels, right after a shower…

…for me are a Godsend. I know it seems frivolous and probably way too much of an indulgence, but if you don’t have one, get a towel warmer. Just for you. There’s nothing like being swallowed up by an oversized, super fluffy, hot towel. Hot towels are good for your soul—I’m convinced of it.

4. Read, everything…

…because good stories, particularly the farthest-fetchiest ones, are the ones that build hope and dreams, and set our hearts to believe that everything is a possibility. And good stories seem always to find their way to the “happily ever after” —no matter how difficult or complicated or twisty the story line.

5. Go for walks in the woods, long ones.

And don’t take anyone with you. Be alone if even just for 15 minutes. There’s a beauty and a magnificence in this solitude, as you’re surrounded by an entire world of nature. This world is oblivious to all the interference in our days—the problems, the issues, the upsets. In nature, there is no sense of urgency, no marking of time. It’s the only place that I have ever felt so completely still.

6. It doesn’t matter.

Don’t get me wrong, some things matter, but in general, most of this stuff that we experience is just the noise of this life that surrounds us. At the end of the day, and in a much bigger way—these things only serve to steal away the fullness of those more beautiful moments. In the end, it’s what we have experienced and the love that we have shared that matters most of all. The memories that we create will still stand firmly in our place when our bodies are long gone from this earth. Our legacy is everything.

7. Simplify everything.

The big stuff and the little stuff, too. Take the easiest route from point A to point B, and eliminate all those extra steps our chattering minds would love always to insert on our behalf. Simplicity allows us the space to breathe

.

8. Stop worrying.

Sometimes things are not always as they seem. Sometimes there are bits and pieces of the greater whole that are not always entirely visible in that moment when our minds begin the process of filling in the blanks. And sometimes the blanks are there for a very special purpose: adding to the mystery and magic of our lives and this great universe. Our energy is better spent in appreciating those little things that we can see fully. Like a tree bending in the wind, or a puppy sleeping on the edge of a couch. Or, in a friend saying to you, I’m here, now and I love you so fully and completely. It’s the worry that keeps us from being fully and completely here.

laugh-250x2179. Laugh until your belly hurts.

This comes only after the long walking and the simplifying and the non-worrying. Find that one thing in your day, or that one memory that will creep up on you as a small giggle, or ends up stopping you in your tracks as you struggle to catch your breath and wipe the tears from your eyes. Because laughing this hard tears down all of the made up bullshit that is around us. And laughing this hard can take away any pain (no matter what). Laughing this hard can bring together even the most farthest away of spirits. And, laughing this hard leaves a wake of silliness and joy in its place. So laugh until your belly hurts, or until you wet your pants—whichever it is that may come first. It doesn’t matter, just laugh.

10. Memories are like little time capsules.

We choose what it is that gets so neatly locked into place for “discovery” so many moments further into our future. This time capsule has no limit—no capacity, no fill line. It’s endless, and waiting for you to fully embrace that moment and fill it with everything you’ve got. That’s why, when we can hear a song, or smell a faint scent wafting through the air…it instantly carries us back to that special place. And it’s also why, when I hold a peanut in my hand I think of that most unfortunate squirrel, who in spite of his best attempts still ended up taking one straight to the noggin. Myself? I’m a memory pack rat. I stuff it all in. Because I want to remember all of it, every moment.

11. It’s okay to dig out all of the pecans from the inside of your favorite butter pecan ice cream.

If it’s what you want, and what will make your heart smile, then baby, grab your spoon (or fork, if you prefer to limit the trail of pecan destruction evidence). Whatever it is that rocks your world, go out and get it. And don’t ever apologize or try to justify. Just do it. Embrace it. Life is way too short to be stuck in that silly endless process of wondering whether we should, or should not. Whether we ought to, or ought not. If it’s in your heart, and what matters most, then do it. And do it with the greatest flourish, and flair that you can possibly pack into that experience of finally having what it is that you’ve wished for all your life.

12. Boundaries and limits: they’re not always set in stone.

Sometimes you’ll meet someone with a crazy sense of adventure and spirit (like me) who’ll not rest until those limits and boundaries are pushed, and nudged, and finally nudged again. Some people, like me, are born into this space and role of continuously testing those limits. It will piss you off and probably make you crazy, but rest assured, there’s a little reason in all of that unsettled upset. It’s because, at heart, the person who is most testing your limits is usually the one that can see beyond potential and far into possibility. She’s the one who can stare at worthless, unworked patch of land and see a lifetime of exploration and adventure. And though sometimes this message can be lost inside the awkwardness of the pushing and the nudging, rest assured, it is always there for you to see. “Be limitless, and be in your limitlessness. Everything is possible.”

13. Love is the “takeaway.”

No matter where we are, and no matter where our paths may take us…no matter if we walk our paths together, or stumble along on our way alone, love is always the takeaway. And we should carry it in only the most special of ways, tucked closely and forever to our hearts, and look to it in these sometimes seemingly impossible situations, because…love is what carries us, and love is what gets carried on long after we are gone.

 

The Power of One Single Ripple.

“The most treasured and sacred moments of our lives are those filled with the spirit of love.” ― Joseph B Wirthlin

I started a tradition not too long ago, of having coffee ‘together’ with my friends.

A virtual ‘gathering spot’ of sorts, intended to encourage the spirit of community, no matter how very far away. Every Sunday we ‘met’ in my garden – sharing cherished stories with every cup of tea. Though the internet brought us closer, it was this energy of sharing which connected our hearts.

Finally, the power of social media might be harnessed for the purpose of a much greater good.

And, as silly as this may seem, I rather looked forward to these morning meetings – as, inevitably they offered the joy-filled gifts of gratitude…reflection…and, love.

One morning, a neighbor poked his head over the fence. He had heard our laughter from several yards away, and couldn’t help but to be drawn in. I think, at first, he may have been a little put off by the idea. I mean, imagine having morning tea with those who were half a world away?

And then, one day he joined us – bringing a box of scones to share. How delightful that my silly tradition had now grown by a factor of one ~ 🙂

Kindness ripples, my darlings…and, those rings of compassion connect us all.

Well, imagine my surprise this morning as I watched my neighbor smile from across the away,

“I’m taking them scones,” he shouted, “sharing the love, you know!”

His father had recently passed away, after a long battle with Hodgkins Lymphoma. He once described the loss of his father as a ‘deep hole that could never be filled.’ There was a dark emptiness to his eyes, a desperate longing to make things right.

One morning, I shared with him the story of Dan the Coffee Man. He, too, watched as his father battled this devastating disease – and, through each chemotherapy session, Dan never left his father’s side.

Having felt so powerless, one day Dan asked himself, “How can I make this better for others?” That was the beginning of the now famous, “Dan’s Coffee Run” And though, Dan has never once been connected to a chemotherapy infusion machine – nevertheless, he knew from his Dad’s experience just how difficult it was to sit in that chair. So, he began delivering coffee and treats twice weekly – just to put a little smile on the faces of the patients. It’s not about the money, he’d say – this is an act of love.

So, on this day, I watch with heart-felt smile – as I watch my neighbor carry on the tradition of caring. Like Dan, he’s off to visit the patients – for the purpose of sharing his love.

How magnificent the changes we can effect when we put our whole hearts into it!

Imagine what might be accomplished when we are able to put compassion first. <3

 

The True Meaning of Friendship.

[blockquote source=”Robert Louis Stevenson”]“We are all travelers in the wilderness of this world, and the best we can find in our travels is an honest friend.”[/blockquote]

I had words with a friend the other day.

It was over a matter rather inconsequential, yet found its way through emotions at their peak.

And though, I knew they were spoken from a genuine place of love, still… they left such a swell of uncertainty in their wake.

Uncertainty can be a maddening beast. And, feelings have such a way of charging up our words.

I couldn’t believe that there could be such silliness between us. But, as is the case when uncertainty creeps my instinct was to cling.

And cling to, I did – to every juicy subtlety of every single word. Even the ones we don’t fully believe, can still have a bit of ‘staying power.’

Sometimes, we can become so lost in the dense ‘fog’ of our emotions – that we fail to see that distant light, beckoning us safely back to shore.

And, we forget that it’s only our truest friends who’ll often ask of us those things we’re too afraid to explore.

In that regard, perhaps they are the ones most willing to push us from our proverbial ‘cliffs’ – but, only when they’ve determined it be the very best thing for us.

They force us from the static of our self-imposed status quo.

They teach us that a great life, involves greater risk – but that, we are never too far from the security of their safety net.

They offer us hope, when all seems lost; and caring words, where others have none.

But, more important than anything else, they help us to find the fullness in this, our life’s journey.

Wasn’t it Buddha’s faithful attendant, Ananda, who once asked whether having noble friends wasn’t half of the holy life. To which the Buddha replied, “My dearest, Ananda – do not say such a thing, they are the whole of the holy life.”

I took a little editorial liberty with that translation, but, you get the picture – right? Whatever our life experience, it is a bold reflection of our most cherished friends. And, how gracious to have the gift of their light on a path that seems often overwhelming.

“They are the whole of the holy life.” 

Indeed, for even in the mess of these muddled up words, there is still cause to give rise to celebration.

As, it’s often their light that helps us find our way to it.

The Greatest Hope for Tomorrow’s Promise.

[blockquote source=”Elizabeth Gilbert”]“In the end, though, maybe we must all give up trying to pay back the people in this world who sustain our lives. In the end, maybe it’s wiser to surrender before the miraculous scope of human generosity and to just keep saying thank you, forever and sincerely, for as long as we have voices.” [/blockquote]

When I was just 8-years-old, I had occasion to care for a newborn raccoon.

His mother had been killed crossing one of our busiest streets, leaving her little one all alone in a world that was still very new.

Not wishing to leave the only comfort he had ever known, he stayed all night next to her lifeless body – until he was finally rescued the following morning.

Imagine having to learn such a monumental lesson at such a young age?

But, he adapted so gracefully to these changes – and welcomed, with open heart, the love we all had to share.

My father was gracious enough to provide him safe quarters in the shed across the creek, but Rocky was never one to stay where he was told. And, there was just no keeping him from the family he adored.

From the first moment I held him in my arms, I could sense his gratitude – alive and coursing with the fullness of, ‘oh, thank goodness you’re here!’ It was the energy he carried from the day we first rescued him…the day he learned the true joy in Tomorrow’s promise.

He ‘repaid’ the kindness by sharing his lessons with me. In one summer, I learned…

How to wander, unafraid, through the many acres of woods;

How to find the best resting spot amongst the branches of our tallest oak;

And, how to sit still just long enough for the butterflies to find me.

As Rocky grew older, he would venture further from the house – always returning in time to for his favorite treat (egg on toast, with a side of grapes).

Though, one night he didn’t return, at all. My mother tried to comfort me, “He’s grown up now, it’s time for him to move away.” Every day, I watched from the window – in my heart, I knew, he’d come back again.

One day, as I was sitting on the front porch – I heard his distressed cry. His leg had been badly mangled by a hunter’s steel trap, and his front paws were bloodied trying to free himself.

With limb literally dangling, he dragged himself up the front steps and into my arms; back to the comfort once lost, but found again.

My mother snapped this picture on our way to see Dr. Schwartz – the local vet. I was the only one he would allow to hold him, and I held him until his leg was healed again. She was amazed that an animal in such pain would know to seek comfort.

Though, in time I realized – he was there to comfort me.

Even though I loved him dearly, I knew the very best ‘gift’ I could give, was the one he first shared with me:

To love something, is to allow it to be free.

I found refuge for Rocky at a nearby nature preservation – where he could spend the rest of his life exploring, without the fear of a hunter’s trained weapon.

Too often, when we love – we live in fear of losing it. But, it’s only when we step away – that we realize, how much a part of us they have become.

In this way, can we ever really lose them at all? Or, does their energy manifest in quite another form?

And though, I miss Rocky still to this day – I know, in the end, the final lesson he shared was that of unconditional love.

Can you imagine learning this monumental lesson at such a very young age?

My dears, this energy we share each day? It becomes the greatest hope for Tomorrow’s promise.

The Gift These Gardens Bring.

[blockquote source=”Greg Livington”]”Shall we compare our hearts to a garden—with beautiful blooms, straggling weeds, swooping birds and sunshine and rain—and most importantly, seeds?“[/blockquote]

My darlings, I have always believed that when one shares a flower from their garden ~ they are not just giving of the bloom itself.

They are giving of the earth, which has been so carefully tilled and nourished…

They are giving of the sun, which has so diligently attended to even the smallest of bloom…

They are giving of their spirit, the very essence which secured the petals growth…

But mostly, they are giving of their love, the love infused throughout every living cell and which continues to share, again, with this world.

Feel the softness of the Peonies petals, and you will know instantly the extent of that care.

Look beyond where the wild lavender grows, and you’ll see the endless adventures all beginning at the tip of one little puppy dog’s nose.

My dears, a garden is comprised of so much more than its blooms. It is a representation of the delicate balance between the earth and the divine.

In looking out to this garden, there is never one flower I favor more than the other. To do so, would cause imbalance and suffering. For, as one single flower flourished, the rest would soon decline.

In Buddhism, this is referred to as ‘upeksha’ – meaning, a love which is shared with equanimity and non-attachment of spirit. Within it, there resides this seed of wisdom, which removes “all boundaries, discrimination and prejudices while leading to the sublime unity where there is no self and no other; without Upeksha, love becomes possessive.”

This is the foundation of true source love. One that transcends the limitations of desire, and offers the space for the heart to grow.

My dears, the moment our love becomes possessive, it begins to imprison us. And, what we first held as joy, may soon become our deepest pain.

But, when we are able to express love without limitation, my dears…just look at what is shared in return!

The Buddha once said that no matter what ‘poisons’ may befall this great earth – it will love us equally and without discrimination.

I like to view these gardens as a representation of that spirit – unwavering in its capacity to transcend.

In The Gaps Between the Leaves, We Find the Divine.

[blockquote source=”Emily Dickinson”]I’ll tell you how the sun rose a ribbon at a time.[/blockquote]

I love the look of sunlight breaking through the trees; its delicate patterns weaving closer this space between the heart and all that is divine.

Close your eyes, and you can feel the depth amidst the leaves; holding true their essence in this ever shifting world.

The Japanese refer to this phenomenon as ‘komorebi‘ – or, the precise moment when sunlight passes through the gaps in trees. It’s a ‘morning walk through the woods’ sort of experience; one that graces our presence only when the inner dialogue has been suspended.

We are transfixed without prejudice; captivated without concern. In this space, we learn the truth of our existence.

There is no beginning, there is no end…there is only now.

We sink so deeply into our distractions – a morning walk is never without the discursive ramblings.

I’ve so much to do…how will it ever get done?

We are never quite still enough, are we? To embrace the richness of this moment, now…

But, what if we might approach each day with the curiosity of “I wonder what will happen next?”

My dears, there are so many treasures waiting for your discovery ~ yet, sadly muted by these predetermined labels. We affix them with such confidence, such knowing – that we fail to ever really see ~ that the Divine shall always greet us in the gaps between the leaves.

Komorebi – such a beautiful word, don’t you think? As is, ‘samidare,’ – or, early summer rain; and ‘nagokaze‘ – the first breeze of Spring.

You know, I’ve often felt confounded by the limitations of language. But these days, I am most grateful – as I’ve come to understand that some things must be experienced in order to be learned.

Much love, and namaste my dearest friends…

 

The Greatest Miracle of This Being Human.

[blockquote source=”Jodi Picoult”]“It was possible that a miracle was not something that happened to you, but rather something that didn’t.”[/blockquote]

I watched a butterfly visit our garden the other day – his brightly splashed wings a perfect compliment against the multicolored petals.

When I was a little girl, I was so fascinated by the butterfly – who transformed the very essence of his being in the span of just a few, very short weeks. I suppose, in a sense, I fancied a new pair of wings for myself ~ checking periodically in the mirror for the stubbings of new growth.

We are so desperate for a quick fix…enlightenment in 30 minutes or less. And yet, when presented the ‘tools’ to engage our very souls, we immediately rush to turn them away.

We crave serenity, but are maddened by the stillness.

We desire intimacy, yet recoil when our hearts are first exposed.

We wish for unity, yet are separated by something as innocuous as the color of our skin.

And, so…we suffer. We suffer these wounds of desire.

The Buddha referred to this as our three poisons. That is to say, at the root of our suffering resides three destructive impulses – that of, greed, anger, and ignorance.

There’s a profundity to this human existence, and we’ve barely yet to touch it…to feel, and experience its many layers and depths, to know it in the most intimate of ways.

Like mixed media upon unpainted canvas, we allow our colors to build in textured patterns – a slivered glimpse into this masterpiece we call the divine.

And, just as the shadows may foretell of a foreboding darkness, know that they can never exist without this brilliant light.

The Buddha taught that must never accept his teachings out of devotion, rather, we should accept them by way of our own experience. But, what is it that we may learn from the experience of suffering?

We learn that the ‘way out’ is never to deny them, but to recognize if you turn them around, you will in time embrace the very opposite.

In the place of greed, you will find generosity….

In the place of anger, compassion…

And, where once existed a stubborn ignorance, you will find a new found understanding.

My loves, we find ourselves through our transformation.

This turning around of our suffering requires a tremendous leap of faith – one that causes us to break free of the hardened shell of our hardened chrysalis.

And that, my dears, is where the truest miracle begins.

His Holiness, the Dalai Lama once asked, “What is the meaning of ‘miracle?” To which he replied, “A miracle is simply something that is unexpected.”

My dears, it is only through these great leaps of faith – that we invite those miracles in.

Namaste, my loves ~ and here’s to all the magic that surrounds us.

On This Day You Will Smile.

[blockquote source=”Sharon Salzberg”]“Whatever takes us to our edge, to our outer limits, leads us to the heart of life’s mystery, and there we find faith.”[/blockquote]

When I first began to experience health issues, I remember thinking to myself, “Oh, just what am I going to do?”

I had just settled into a pattern of existence that seemed so comfortable and perfectly paced. On my wall, and still hanging there to this day, was a handwritten note to myself,

“Over the next year I will….”

It was a wish list of sorts, carefully annotated with each of my wildest dreams…and, posted where I might see it each day. I had hoped in writing it that it might help me to secure my focus and intention. Oh, but I had no idea at the time that the universe was planning something else.

There is great emotion that follows in the wake of change – most derived from a sense of losing control.

In my own aftermath, I felt great fear and sadness – that I might in time become a lesser version of myself.

And, I suffered many sleepless nights – thinking about the potential manifestations of this change. What would I do? How would I provide? With each racing thought, my mind branched into a hundred more. Like an overbearing neighbor intruding upon a restful night – fear had quickly become my unwanted guest.

Until one day, I realized – I wasn’t so much afraid of the change, I was afraid of the fear of losing myself.

And, when I surrendered to the natural flow of things – that’s when a beautiful new universe opened up.

But more importantly, I found my voice to this world.

I still have that handwritten note posted to my wall, though it’s been updated to say,

“On this day, Tara, you will smile.”

The Lesson of the Bonsai Tree.

[dropcap background=”yes” color=”#333333″ size=”50px”]I[/dropcap] was really moved by a passage I read yesterday, from the short story, “Soft Sculpture” by science fiction writer Theodore Sturgeon.

The story is of a young woman,who in the midst of a spiritual crisis, happens upon a lonely older man performing scientific experiments in his orchard. She has arrived there completely by happenstance, and in her wanderings she finds the irrefutable power of love.

At first glance, you might think the story to be limited to just these two characters – but, upon deeper examination and you’ll find the story is one of humanity.

On one hand, you have the heart of a woman who takes it upon blind faith that within all of us there is some measure of light. And that this light, serves to carry us through even our most difficult times.

And, on the other hand, you have that of another man, whose heart has become hardened by the challenges he has faced.

In this story, I suppose we might all identify with both characters – as, it’s never fully one or another. Quite the opposite, in fact – as a deepening of our spiritual roots often requires a great bit of digging…

And, a little “fertilizer” now and then – if you know what I mean.

Interestingly enough, the story is one of balance. To the rigid scientist, this balance occurs at a molecular level and for the young girl, balance is a matter of faith and spirit.

At first, you might think these to be the only two characters of the story…but, look again and you’ll see that a bonsai tree carefully tended through the years is the third.

For, in its twisted branches the scientist poured his love. And though not explicitly stated, I sense the scientist felt it was the only life he could save.

Bonsai is such an art, you see – and, the trees selected for the honor are never the ones we might expect. Rather, they are typically those tossed aside by the nurseries – deemed not worthy for prominent display.

And yet, it’s within these twisted, gnarled branches that true perfection is born.

The story ends with the following passage, too brilliant to be limited by summary, in which the young girl offers to the soured old man,

“People are living, growing things too. I don’t know a hundredth part of what you do about bonsai, but I do know this: when you start one, it isn’t often the strong straight healthy ones you take. It’s the twisted sick ones that can be made most beautiful. When you get to shaping humanity, you might remember that. You do that by watering one side, or turning it just so in the sun. You handle it as if it were a living thing, like a species or a woman or a bonsai. It will be what you want it to be if you let it be itself and take the time and care.”

Indeed, if only we might learn to handle humanity with the same care as that of a living being – we might find our faith would be restored.

The final question she asks of the old man is brilliantly poignant,

“Do you think two sick twisted trees ever made bonsai out of one another?”

What do you think, my dears? Is it possible that two broken spirits might make something beautiful together?

Oh, and p.s. – spoiler alert: The bonsai is humanity.

Much love, and many blessings, my dears ~