Theoretical Entirety

             What are our influences?  Who impacts our decisions?  Where do our compulsions and preferences come from?  Nature/Nurture is the forever question.

             Being spiritual people, we need to add that cosmic element as well.  We must factor in the physical alongside the esoteric.

             It’s impossible to dissect though, the debate of who we are and how we got this way.  Of course that doesn’t stop scholars, scientists, religious leaders from doing exactly that.  Do we need to?  Maybe just a peek.

             To examine this age-old issue, to gain some understanding, is precisely where the Universe has directed us.  But, by altering our perception, we are asked to focus on

the whole self.

             In other words, it may not be to anyone’s benefit to try and break this down.  Recognize and acknowledge, thank and honour?  Yes, absolutely!  But assign blame or take credit?  Nope, won’t really help.

             What will suit better, and where we can gather more insight, is to treasure our layers.  When we take notice of the combined bits and pieces of who and what brought us to this place, we appreciate the depth and the richness of our entire being.

             Blend in our past lives, add those who parented, mix with friends and greatly admired favorites.  It takes all of this, plus so very much more, to craft someone as unique and special as we are.

             There is no need to strip ourselves down, we’ll learn more and advance farther by seeing the entirety of us, the compilation of the ingredients.  It takes so much to assemble each complex individual, and every single component has value.

             We are not our list of disorganized inner compounds and outer impressions, we are a whole and complete being, made up of many parts, all of which have combined to bring us to this place, wearing this body, and experiencing these feelings.

             It’s intentional, deliberate, and full of purpose.  In our gratitude we can witness the gifts and lessons which have brought us to this point.

 

 

 

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Seeking, Finding, Being

             There is the thought, in zen belief systems, of all emotions and feelings being equal.  That all is balanced, in accordance.  That all is harmonized, united with all else.

             In my on-going quest to learn the Release Lesson (so I don’t have to fucking repeat it!), I very much strive to get there.  I practice calming, breathing, re-centering.  I look with kind eyes, and I hear with an open heart.

             At least, that’s the idea.  That’s where I want to be.  In reality, I stumble.  I falter.  I fall down.

             But see, that basic tenet, of all being in balance, says that my rough patches are exactly part of what keeps me engaged with the teachings.  In my failures, there are successes.  In my pain, there is growth.

             And truly, I love that aspect.  I so enjoy the knowledge that with each shard of stabbing grief, there is an equally intense draping of joy.  That when we are immersed in sorrow, we can then pass through it into happiness.

             Even as I question why this part of the journey took nearly 60 years, I also realize with full understanding that it HAD to take this amount of time.  Partly because time is meaningless.  But also, because this is where I’m supposed to be right now.

             During the course of this (and mostly any) life there have been painful years, ignorant years, rage-filled years, starvation years.  Were there opportunities missed, mistakes made?  Was I supposed to move through that piece of the road in that way, in order to fully appreciate what came after?

             There is no way for us to answer any questions like this here, wearing these bodies.  On days when the low is stronger than the high, in moments of pain and sorrow, it seems to not take quite as much effort as it previously did to find my path, to get back on course.

             As I sit with the feelings, both sides of them, I attempt to witness my balance.  To be present in the journey.  I come here, I go to work, I share what I have learned, what I am learning.

             The above is from Jack Kornfield, who first brought this concept to my attention.  If we can stop for one brief moment, each day, regaining our balance, we will have given ourselves the gift of intention.  What I’m finding is that, this present experience, this right now, has value.   Let’s treasure it.

Today’s Sharing:

is what I’m listening to.

 

 

 

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Involved

             Today I woke up with a big, huge, loud message screaming in my head.  (Some mornings are like that for me.)

             Sadly, it didn’t feel like turning into complete sentences.  So, we’re going with the list-type.  (No judging or questioning, we’re all just here to learn and share; none are better than any other.)

• Participation
• Living With Intention
• Being Present
• Taking Part
• Mindfulness
• Real Feelings
• Truthfulness and Honesty

             Which seems to be a fairly clear reminder.  When we skate along, on auto-pilot, not being present, we tend to miss a lot.  I think that’s the point right now.

             The more we participate, the more there is to participate in.

             Rotating around our card altar, a beautiful draw has appeared.  At exactly the correct time.  And with exactly the right validation.

“Tiger  ~

‘Passion and adventure beckon.’

Secure within her own sensuous, controlled power, Tiger stalks silently, invisibly, through the magic of the night, securing what her heart desires.  

Swimming languidly through ancient lakes she conjoins with the water’s adaptability, mystical energies, and intuitions.

As a messenger, Tiger brings you fresh adventures to change your path, new passions to awaken your heart, and endows you with her powers.

Take what she offers and you can transform your life.”

Today’s Deck:

Animal Messages by Susie Green

Today’s Personal Request:

is to ask for some help.  You guys did such an incredible job when I begged for book recommendations that I thought I’d extend it to movies/TV series.

             We are mourning the loss of video stores with a deep and traumatic hurt.  Netflix is not a replacement, nor is the library.  I don’t know what we’re looking for, and I can’t fondle any boxes.

             What have you seen lately that you felt was worth sharing?  I don’t care for “poignant” stories, nor dramatic upheaval.  If it’s something about pain or suffering or a kid dies or the boat sinks or children lose their parents, let’s pass.

             Most big-name film actors, I don’t find funny (the one I loved, died).  Anything sort of dark and morbid (Coen brothers-ish), but with a happy ending, I’m in.  Also, if it’s an “oldy but a goody” then I probably haven’t seen it and don’t need to.  (Although I do adore things set in other time periods, just not in made-up, future/fantasy time periods.)

             I enjoy, but have trouble finding: happy nature documentaries (nothing about the dying planet or lost habitats), educational (not competitive) cooking shows, home-improvement (but not the type where all they do is destroy antiques and smash shit up), fun and good-natured programs.

             Confused yet?  Yeah, so is everyone else.  I am über picky.  But, I’m also bordering on desperate.  Toss out some ideas, and I’ll be eternally grateful.

             (Examples of what I like: Alaska State Troopers, Arrested Development, Chopped, Fargo [the move, not the show], Burn After Reading, the Robert Downey Jr/Guy Ritchie Sherlock Holmes; anything with Jackie Chan, Jason Bateman, Sandra Bullock, Nathan Lane, Melissa McCarthy.)

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