A Change in Attitude

Before I begin, please let me explain the choice of graphic. I mean no disrespect to the initial content of this Post but I did feel it offered a humorous illustration of the point I was hoping to make. Sometimes it is only humor which eases the course of our days.

I recently came across a line in one of my readings that called to mind a twist on a lesson that I was particularly fond of when I was teaching full-time. It involved the Sermon on the Mount and the directives that Jesus gave to guide us in the behaviours that would allow for a more compassionate understanding as to how we should ideally relate in all our social encounters. In the traditional form these were called The Beatitudes but I chose a slightly different emphasis on the word and called them The Be-Attitudes. By examining the scripture and looking at it with a more current "take" I hoped my students would see how we could adapt Jesus' words in our day to day lives. It proved quite successful and I was always most impressed with the insight that these young people were able to bring to lessons in such a way that the "attitudes" were doable in their own lives.

That said, the twist that caused me to stop and ponder, offered this:" Blessed are the flexible, for they shall not get bent out of shape". Now, there is one to emulate. So much of the conflict and chaos that we encounter or create comes about because we are so set in our ways.I cannot think of any area in our lives that would not benefit from increased flexibility. That is all I wish to say. I am going to ask that if you can think of any other" attitude" that we could "be" that would result in a happier and more open approach to others, please leave it as a comment. I will wait meekly with a mercifully pure and peaceful heart for your response. Thank-you.

A Revolution in our Resolution

Ernest Hemingway once said, "Not everything that appears to be broken needs to be fixed. In fact, some of us are strong at the broken places!" We strive so hard to BE or to APPEAR perfect when, in reality, our human weaknesses and foibles are what allows us to feel compassion and connection to all the souls we encounter. We try so hard to smooth over the cracks that we perceive in our physical and spiritual beings that we fail to consider or realize that it is through the cracks that light, and maybe life-giving water, emanates.

A character( Grandma Rose) whom I encountered in a recent novel used a wonderful analogy to clarify this concept. The farm area in which the story was set was undergoing a rather severe drought and the soil was extremely dry. There were the usual assortment of tins and buckets outside the house. There was a really beautiful painted container that had been a valued gift, and then there were the usual dented and broken pots, most with an assortment of little holes. When the rain finally arrived, Grandma Rose took her two granddaughters out behind the farmhouse and asked them to look at the pots and the area around them. The beautiful container still looked good from a distance but the soil around it was dry and lifeless. Now, the broken and dented pots also looked the same BUT the soil around the was sprouting new life, thanks to the accumulated water that had seeped though the holes! Leave the striving for perfection. It's a waste of time and energy. Look at our cracks and let the light and water through.

As we begin a new year with its regulation resolutions to lose weight, exercise, stop spending foolishly, clean our abodes (and our commodes) with greater diligence, why not resolve to simply Be Kind to ourselves and everyone we encounter on this journey we call Life. Embrace the holes and recognize how truly "holy" they maybe. What do you think?

A Christmas Thought

I recently came across a tidbit of information that caused me to stop and think. It was found in Mark Nepo's Book of Awakening. It describes the first form of pencil as simply a ball of lead. Now it became evident that if this ball was scratched upon a surface, it would leave a mark. The effect was good; the process was not.
Gradually, as this tool was whittled to conform to the shape of the human hand, the ability to write and communicate became much easier. So it is with each of us as we move through this world and the people we encounter along the way. Imagine we are each like a ball of lead. We try to leave a mark that indicates to the other our intentions of love and connection. The cumbersome shape, though, does not allow for very clear communication. As we whittle this ball of lead through our trials, tribulations, challenges, acts of forgiveness, and moments of grace, we realize that the "point" of this work is to create a sacred tool that touches each one with the knowledge that we have finally come to a genuine understanding of what our love means.
I feel as we enter this Blessed Season that the message that The Child brought through His willingness to enter a human life is that what we craft from the raw material of our lives, like the pencil from the ball of lead, is precious and the gift we give to the world. The tool may be sharp but the message is hopefully soft and compassionate.
May you all know the deep and abiding joy and peace that is the essence of this Christmas time. May we all continue to strive for the lasting closeness which gives this life its meaning and encourages us to continue to leave our mark.
Blessings to you and all you love.

What changes our lives

I remember hearing a very sage comment many years ago and at the time I wasn't really sure how accurate it was. As the years have sped by, I can truly say that it was eminently true. It was expressed that we learn from the people we meet and the books we read. That said, I have been blessed to have people in my life who have introduced me to books which have had a dramatic effect on my life, thereby, effectively combining the two.

About three years ago I met a young (Grade 10) student in a religion class at a local high school. He was reading a book which had captured his attention and he graciously shared his thoughts with me. One of the joys of supplying in the high schools is the opportunity to listen to the thoughts of so many extraordinary young people. The book in question was" The Disappearance of the Universe" by Gary R. Renard.To say that this treatise has had an impact is a massive understatement. Both Max and I have a copy and we have read it twice to date. I will be returning to it in the new year. Its message is so simple but so unlike the standard dogmas of organized religions. Enough said. If this intrigues, you can read the introductory pages online.

The other author who has been a constant in my morning meditations, Iyanla Vanzant, has written another book, "Until Today", which was given to me by a very dear friend and which has come to be a reflection of the challenges and issues which continue to plague me. Her words often seem to be directed specifically to me which offers the added comfort of knowing I am not alone.

The last book which I will mention is "The Book of Awakening" by Mark Nepo. The author is a poet and that will be abundantly clear as you read and absorb the ethereal and mystical observations he makes on the human condition and the journey we all must travel. This book will truly take your breath away.

It has been such a long time since I felt the urge to communicate through this Blog but I hope these musings will encourage you to explore some books that I believe will enrich your life and give you pause to consider how interconnected we all are.

May this Blessed Season and the coming New Year bring you peace, joy, friendship, and knowledge to know and to share.

The "Other" Help

I recently heard that coincidence is God's way of remaining anonymous. With this in mind,two situations occurred a few days ago that caused me to think that this might be a train of thought worth pursuing,
I came across a quote in one of my daily readings that touched a chord: "Teachers arise from somewhere within me that is beyond me, the way the dark soil that is not the root holds and feeds the flower." Later that same day, Max and I were walking in Hamilton and a group of young people were interviewing passersby about their feelings regarding the place of mentorship. I wondered if the action of established individuals in assisting those just beginning their professional lives might not be like the soil that supports the root and allows it to take valuable nutrition (information) which in turn enables the plant (person) to grow effectively.
Apart from the idea of mentorship and teaching only being in the prescribed confines of a classroom or a boardroom, what about the daily opportunities we have to share valuable insights without even being aware. We can engage in any number of personal interactions which may have a positive effect beyond what may be immediately evident: a smile, a courteous word or action, a thoughtful gesture to a stranger may make a difference beyond anything we might imagine or even intend. Often what we remember is the fact that someone cared to notice and act.
There was a catch phrase a few years ago which is still very true today: every day contains innumerable opportunities for random acts of selfless kindness. I can think of no better way to mentor the world. Do you agree?

Planted or potted?

Having just passed the traditional garden planting weekend, I would like to offer a thought for your consideration. Are you planted or potted? I came across this distinction in one of my favourite meditation tomes by Iylana Vanzant and it struck a chord.

Potted plants can be knocked over or turned over and very easily uprooted. A strong wind or careless movement may destroy a potted plant. They may be very beautiful to look at, but they are fragile. They require intensive care and they die easily under adverse conditions.

Things which are planted have strong roots. They are usually outdoors and able to withstand the winds and the storms. When something is planted, it makes the best of adverse conditions by grabbing on to whatever is available until things get better. When something is planted, it may be nibbled on by varmints; it may be stepped on by the careless; it will be pushed and prodded, but never uprooted. Planting requires reliance on God. Potting is subject to the whims of humans.

I suppose that I would wish for all who read this to have the strong roots of the planted and the glorious foliage of the potted. What do you think?

Let's put the FUN in funky

I recently came across a quote by cultural anthropologist Angeles Arrien which tickled my fancy. She mused that her grandmother told her, " Never hide your green hair-they can see it anyway. "

Serendipity struck almost immediately when I found myself dutifully doing my time on the treadmill at the gym in front of the TV. I looked up and what should I see but book editor Sandra Martin discussing her latest effort while sporting brilliant green hair! Now this is not a trendy young woman but a lady of "a certain age". No hiding here, just a joyous acceptance of a very personal style. Right on sister!

Maybe it is time, as the lighthearted season of spring is upon us, to look at how we can express ourselves in a new way and celebrate our own unique style. Now I am not advocating anything as daring as green hair but I am sure we could all benefit from taking a few well chosen chances. Let your imagination go. What would you suggest to make your statement? I leave this one up to you. Let me know. I, for one, am hunting down a wildly floral dress, and yes, I hope it helps me break out of the overly cautious choices I tend to make. Be on the lookout!