It's Not What You Look For

"It's not what you look for but what is there ready to be revealed."

This sure has me pondering what it is I'm looking for

AND what is there ready to be revealed.

At this, (some would say late) stage in my growing,

I'm embarking on a learning adventure with art 

that has me caught in its playful grip like a giant magnet 

drawing me into a web where I am blissfully captured

and eagerly stumbling around in a confusion of wandering,

allowing myself to savor the journey no matter how lost I feel.

I trust it is softening me.

"But the sun keeps nudging us, with beauty its calling card,

and if we can bear the softening 

she will change our gaze to see what's true."

I'm reminding myself that beauty is mine to define;

as is what's true for me unsettling as this feels...

This odyssey isn't about "commercial success";

I like to think its more about priceless contribution.

Namaste'

 

We're Fascinated By the Words

I had to ask myself, is this true?

It took me a bit to realize it is.

It is always a rush when I read something that dazzles me,

 with how someone has woven words together

so beautifully it takes my breath away.

Yet, upon reflection, it is the silence inside

that hears and resonates and connects.

Like when a soft wind, you don't notice

moves something nearby and catches your attention.

It might be the silence behind the words is

where we recognize the mutual respect and dignity

existing between us? 

Namaste'

 

Art Can Enter

I believe any creative act can act as a shaman for your soul,

taking you on a journey "to places you didn't know you have."

To see this journey as a deepening relationship with yourself

and the world around you,

every incident can serve as fodder.

A way to emphasize beauty, and the gift of being alive.

Namaste'

 

The Truth Is

Can you imagine living in this kind of society?

Is it just me or is ours more of an anxiety prone, 

constantly striving, "never enough" kind of civilization? 

What is civil about living like that?

It's about balance, I'm thinking...equal measures of hard work,

vigorous play and peaceful rest and silence.

I'm also thinking there might be a majority of us

on our way to making this our reality.

Namaste'

Perhaps You Want To Do Something

This crossed my path as I was looking and listening for answers.

The guilty feeling rooted in my bones was strong

even with my determination to squelch its destructive utterances.

Interestingly enough, this echoes the quieter voice of

trust and calm I'm coming to rely on as I grow.

"if you start with the small, the particular, the individual,

the tiniest of gestures can make the biggest difference."

I believe many of us are already well on our way in doing this.  

This is an invitation to magnify who we are...

to amplify what is in our heart and soul.

To let the mantle of fear slip from our shoulders.

To stand firm in the face of potential ridicule and threats.

To always remember we are not alone.

We have a river of others traveling with us.

Namaste'

 

We All Have Important Work

First, I'd like to say whatever work you do

that brings you joy, is important, essential even.

Second of all, what if the work you do is necessary, 

but sometimes not enjoyable?

How does one find ways to shift the mood?

Folding clothes can be a meditation...so can doing dishes.

Both of these can also be a dance given the proper music.

Finding delight in the mundane can be a fun game.

If you've discovered work you love,

no matter what it is, embrace it with everything you are!

Never, never let the gloomers and doomers, 

the critics and complainers,

 the bullies and tyrants,

 rob you of your joy.

That's the way you prove them wrong.

Namaste'

 

Never, Never Be Afraid

"...especially if the well-being 

of a person or an animal is at stake."

 (I would add the well-being of our planet to this list.)

"Society's punishment's are small compared to the wounds

we inflict on our soul when we look the other way."

This is when doing something is called for.

I am pondering the best way to "do something" 

when so many things are amiss.

It requires discernment and common sense, doesn't it?

It is overwhelming to encounter what is needed.  

It seems each of us must narrow our focus to right where we are.

Beginning inside our own body in our current landscape,

at the center of our being with compassion and encouragement.

If we listen closely, we will hear our unique call to action.

We are in this together.  We can do this!

We can keep growing in dignity, true justice and mutual respect.

Namaste'