Tag: service

To Nurture What is Needed.

I once planted a peony bush against the back garden wall. I had high hopes for its heartiness, imagining blooms the size of dinner plates. And, the fragrance – yes! Upon a late summer’s eve, a whisper of sweetness creating a perfection of compliment to the midnight moon’s glow.

For days, then weeks into months I watched. Yet, nothing happened; no change occurred. I added fertilizer, then watered until the soils were soaked. Though, the blooms never came and the plant eventually died.

You see, I had assumed that all plants require the same things to grow. However, we must learn to nurture in the way that is needed.

So often we do, thinking ‘it must be this.’ We fail to respond within the context of true service.

In this space, we realize the courtesy of being human. Where unconditionality moves to the point of transcendence.

Though countless years have passed since that first peony failed to take root, trust the lesson has been learned and the garden now flourishes.

In peace..

Namaste ❤️

In Service to All.

“It’s their choice,” he said to me. “With all of the resources available, how could it be any other way?”

We’d been talking about the homeless population in a neighboring district and the sudden surge of those seemingly destitute.

I was offended, at first – as, who are we to qualify their need? And, who are we to justify the reasonability of their response?

The truth is, we don’t ever fully know the context of another’s story, nor can we dare to presume a ‘mile in their shoes’.

Each of us walks our own separate path, my loves. And, each of us must yield to the experiences of that journey.

Though, how easily we derive the essence of man through the aperture of a momentary glance.

Perhaps, we’re concealing an aspect of our own fear. That is to say, the resignation that we alone can’t possibly make a difference.

Oh, but we surely can, my loves. For in the course of a single passing moment, we can extend a hand and offer hope; we can alleviate the burden of our fellow man.

What we fail to realize it that a simple kindness can go a very long way. It can encourage those who are stuck in a desperately solitary space.

And, haven’t we all been ‘stuck’ at times? Trapped by the compilation of story and condition.

You see, we are not so different after all. Rather, our ‘prisons’ are forged by a multitude of other things.

And, for that matter, what makes their ‘walls’ any worse off than ours? In the end, don’t they cause the same sort of impact?

We are not here to judge, my darlings. We are here to offer our heart in service.

This is my simple belief. Together, we can and will make a difference.

In peace…

Namaste ❤️

The Power Within Ome Reaching Hand.

Oh, yes ~ my loves. How true indeed…can’t you see?

The inspiration for making this world brighter is right there within one glorious, reaching hand.

Remind yourself as you go about your day; take a moment to yield to another being’s vision.

Know that this life if far more than one fleeting frustration, and the world is made whole through symbiosis not separation.

In the end, it’s not so much the number of prayers given that defines our happiness, rather more so – it is the number we answer that matters most of all.

Let today mark the beginning of another’s answered prayers.

Namaste, my dearest loves ~ on this day, remember to ‘reach’.

❤️

In Service of Others.

I had the blessing of meeting a young woman once. Her smile bore the testimony of a life, fully lived; her eyes softened with peaceful glow.

She was the picture of health — vivacious and strong, with the heart’s will to overcome any challenge. And yet, I could tell there was something more; something as of yet, unsaid.

We had coffee together as we waited for the physicians to arrive. It was my first of many office visits to specialists considered to be the ‘best in their field.’ My temperament, normally centered, was worn with uncertainty as I anticipated yet another ‘best possible outcome.’

“Who are these people to know of our fate,” she began. She then shared her story, one infused with the passion of never having let a moment pass; one tempered with a deeper-heart sort of understanding.

“I was born with HIV,” she began. “My mother was addicted to crack cocaine. I doubt she even knew she was pregnant.”

She later described the agony of frequent hospitalizations; the subsequent brain fungus and pneumonia that nearly killed her. And, the nurses that politely declined their shifts.

“By the time I was 7, I was diagnosed with full blown AIDS.”

It was the height of the AIDS epidemic, and many were being turned away — relegated to park benches, by a hospital staff too fearful to engage.

“I was dying and they wouldn’t help,” she said. “Where was their willingness to step towards compassion?”

It was one of many conversations that ultimately moved me to action.

So often we’re fearful to engage our fellow man. We worry how our efforts may be received, or worse yet – that our efforts will hold no value. We never once consider their fundamental needs; we never once look into the heart of another.

It is, perhaps, the truest test of our capacity to ‘live our practice.’ Its essence formed within the roots of our gratitude.

As theologian Henri Nouwen once wrote in The Return of the Prodigal Son: “Gratitude goes beyond the ‘mine’ and ‘thine’ and claims the truth that all of life is a pure gift.”

We are all a gift to this world, my loves. A blessing with purpose to care for another, to immerse ourselves in the prospect of enabling Humanity’s reach. Our destiny exists right here in these moments; transcending all but the limitations of time and space.

“Remember,” she smiled, as she rose to walk away. “Never accept another’s reality as your own.”

And though she may never fully understand the extent of this brief interaction, it was her words that helped to form our space here.

Imagine had she not ever taken the time? Imagine had she simply turned away?

That’s the better miracle of this great and crazy life…we never truly know the impression our hearts may have upon another.

So, let me ask you – how alive is your practice, my loves? Does it encourage you to know your impact might be life lasting?

A little something to consider on this day ~

In peace, namaste ❤️

The Gift of Never Having to Walk Alone.

A young woman contacted me the other day.

She’d been experiencing what she described as an ‘unexpected life challenge’, and wanted to take a moment to express her gratitude. Something I said, it seems, found its way to her heart ~ compelling her to release a little pain.

Perhaps it was something in the words that she shared, a subtle energy – drawing me nearer. I asked if she might like to chat, and willingly provided my number. Within a few minutes, the phone rang ~ on the other end, a beautiful – though very broken – human soul.

We talked for hours, until nearly 3 in the morning ~ when she finally revealed the source of her pain.

“Her little hands were so cold,” she shared through her tears. She then went on to describe how she moved a small heater from the garage into her infant daughter’s room, never knowing the fault within the wiring. In the midst of the night, she was pulled from her bed. Within minutes, the house was consumed by fire.

“They couldn’t get to her,” she cried. “She was only 9 weeks old.”

For the next 6 years, she clung desperately to her pain – as if to offer penance for that which she believed to be unforgivable.

As a result, she never once shared her pain.

Can you imagine carrying this burden for that number of years? To never once find relief?

“You must be tired,” I asked – they were the only words I could find.

“Yes,” she whispered “so tired.”

I can’t begin to tell you how many messages I’ve received, nor the number of calls in the middle of the night. All from beautiful souls experiencing a crippling life pain; each with a magnificent story to share.

And, within each story, there is immeasurable wisdom. Within their hearts, the capacity for grace.

My darlings, how ironic each day you offer gratitude for my words – never knowing, that it is through you that I find my own heart-inspiration.

And though we may experience incredible hardship in our lives, through our connection we may find relief from that pain.

We are not intended to go through this life on our own, my loves. We are intended to walk together, as one.

This is my ‘religion’.

This is my purpose.

And, this is my belief.

Yesterday, I received devastating medical news ~ a change in the capacity of my body to function as it should. I had allowed myself a short while to grieve, knowing full well those who love me would certainly understand.

But for the grace of this young woman’s heart, I may have allowed my own to shelter inward. I may have chosen to carry this weight alone.

Surprising things happen when we allow others into our world. What was once a crippling pain can become great insight for another.

Likewise, lifelong bonds may forged from the slivered shards of our own broken hearts.

This is why we need one another, my loves.

To be a light when hope is felt to be lost; to offer strength where there is perceived to be none.

And so, to each of you, I offer my heart in service; knowing your happiness alone is what brings me joy.

A good portion of my life was spent wasted in worry; worried about what others may have thought or done to me. The blessing of my illness is that it has shared with me a divine understanding – that my care should be placed in what I might do for others.

“We are not intended to go through this life on our own, my loves. We are intended to walk together, as one.”

Namaste ❤️

The Power of Just Only One.

“I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something.” ― Edward Everett Hale

Oh, my darlings – haven’t we all felt just this way?

That we, alone, are far too limited in ‘stature’, to reach out and effect a much greater change.

We allow circumstance to dictate our actions, and doubt to keep the heart’s will at bay.

In doing so, we miss that one glorious and often fleeting opportunity- to break through to the heart of another human being.

Nelson Mandela was “just only one.” As was, Mother Teresa and the reverend, Dr. Martin Luther King. But, it is through them that this world has been changed – that compassion may be offered in fear’s desperately limiting place.

Indeed, we are “just only one” – though, we are united through this one shared humanity.

Just one heart…

Just one hand…

Just one simple you…

My darlings, never forget for one single moment – that it’s often “just you” who’ll make the difference.

Namaste, my loves – and blessings of peace through the light of this brand new day.

It’s the Doing That Makes the Difference.

I remember once, when my children were still very small.

It was an unforgivably hot summer evening—the sort that drives even the world to slow her pace. We had ventured off for ice cream – two scoops of mint chocolate chip (on waffle cones, no less).

As I buckled the children safely into their car seats, my toddler son cried out,

“Mommy, ouch!”

He was pointing to an old woman wandering aimlessly in the streets.

“Mommy, OUCH!” he pointed with urgency, once again.

Car horns blared, as passersby swerved impatiently left to right – not one of them stopping to help this beautiful human soul.

At just two-years-old my dearest son had more sense than the rest of them pulled together.

I’m always shocked at these passages of indifference. What causes some to stop, while others continue on their way?

Oh, and how we’ve all been guilty on occasion.

We walk past with eyes averted, hoping our hearts will soon follow suit. But, the mind is forever haunted by these images of suffering.

And yet, is guilt enough to change behavior?

Anton Chekhov once wrote, that ‘indifference is a paralysis of the soul.’ And, I could think of no better way to describe this ‘condition’ of moving past when others clearly need us.

I was once asked if I felt detachment was an excuse for indifference – that is to say, does mind create the conditions by which we choose to look away?

I’ve always believe that ours is a path of service – that we learn compassion for ourselves through our interactions with others. In doing so, perhaps we might ‘see’ that we are not so separate from those before us? That we are all connected in this fabric of being?

My darlings, it doesn’t really matter how great or how small the effort – it’s the doing that makes the difference.

For this elderly woman, it was simply a matter of helping her to the curb – offering a bit of shade, and the benefit of a listening ear.

As Elizabeth Barrett Browning once wrote, “Let me count the ways.”

And so, on this day, my dearest darlings – let us count the ways in which we may be of service to others.

Namaste <3

In Appreciation of Life’s Much Simpler Things.

“The kingdom is now or never. Enlightenment is now or never. Life is now or never. Don’t run. Stop. Touch life deeply. Everything you are looking for is right there. What you want to become, you are already. That is Apranihita, Aimlessness, a very strong teaching of the Buddha.” – Thich Nhat Hanh

My darlings, did you know that it’s my birthday today?

Now, I don’t typically celebrate these sorts of things, save for a dutiful counting of blessings. Likewise, it inspires a much needed sharing of heart in return.

And, though it may seem a rather odd practice – I literally bow to each blessing received.

Whether by way of a morning sun salutation or a simple nod in return, I welcome the energy of a gracious heart, as it helps to humble the soul.

But, more so – it is a time to ‘begin anew’.

To begin anew, is to look deeply within ourselves; to consider our past actions, our thoughts, our deeds. And, with this insight – create a new path of understanding moving forward.

This can be a difficult practice, particularly for us ‘wandering souls.’
However, I think it to be one of the most important yet – as, it helps to cultivate a soul-filling sense of appreciation.

So today, I lieu of presents and gifts – I shall be offering my day in service. As, there’s no greater gift in this world – than the smile of another precious human soul.

Namaste, and much love, my dears ~ and, on this day I pray that we may continue to share our love with this world.

Oh yes, and remember to ‘make room’ for all of life’s much simpler things.

Me, I’ll be off climbing a couple of trees

<3

Gratitude…Pass it Along.

My darlings, have I mentioned to you lately – how grateful I am for for your love? That I might share in the joy of your graces, and shepherd these growing embers of heart?

They say that a person needs just three things to be happy: “someone to love, something to do, and something to hope for.” How wonderful that I am afforded the blessing of all three – knowing that you are my light, my life, and my reason for carrying on.

Gratitude manifests in infinite ways – through the gentle arc of the Willow trees, and the way in which the wind stirs its leaves. The tiniest of ripples to carry all troubles away…

“On with the dance!” writes, Lord Byron. “Let joy be unconfined!”

Indeed, that we might “chase the glowing hours with flying feet” and share our joy with this world.

So, on this day, my darlings – my one simple wish: that we might find the means to brighten someone else’s day.

Let love be our most cherished, unconditional gift. Give fully, and with all of your heart. Let this Universe shine on with your joy.

Can you feel that warmth building, my loves?

That is the growing glow of gratitude – and, it’s high time we passed it along.

 

Choosing the Path of Purpose.

My darlings, a beautiful passage this morning from the venerable, Thich Nhat Hanh. It is a reminder of the inexhaustible joy realized through a path of service.

“To bring joy to one person in the morning,” he begins “and to ease the pain of one person in the afternoon. We know that the happiness of others is our own happiness…We know that every word, every look, every action, and every smile can bring happiness to others. We know that if we practice wholeheartedly, we ourselves may become an inexhaustible source of peace and joy for our loved ones and for all species.”

I’ve always been drawn to a path of service. Even as a young child I remember feeling this ‘need’ to reach out to others. To share with them, my love – to help alleviate their pain.

At times, that need was quite nearly unbearable – alleviated only by the smile of another human soul.

Indeed, to bring joy to another – to practice with wholehearted compassion; is to become a source of unmitigated love.

So, my darlings, if I might ask – which path do you choose today?

For me, I choose this path of purpose.

<3