Jan 10: Walk

I had no idea when I picked walking as my theme today that I would end up having so much to say about it.  After a brief time spent researching online, I have discovered over 40 expressions for walking, and references to walks for causes and cures and protests, the age babies usually begin walking (9-18 months, if you wanted to know), symbolism of walking, body language while walking, pilgrimages throughout history, religious references to miraculous walking, such as Christ walking on water, etc.  Who knew a topic like walking, a thing most of us do every day without a second thought, could be so thought provoking?

There are some things in my life that deep down I want to do, know I need to do, like writing, painting, exercising, getting out of bed... but it's really hard to get the initial motivation.  Once I start, however, I hit this groove and I just keep going and it's hard to stop. Today I wanted to take up walking again, something I used to do every day, and quite enjoyed, but for some reason left behind.  It wasn't until after dark that I finally started.  I thought to myself, "Hey, even if you only go to the end of the street and back, it's a start in the right direction."  Of course, once I got to the end of the street, I kept going, and going, and going.  I ended up taking a pretty long walk, got some fresh air and exercise, and along the way got some really good inspiration for my writing.  So get out there and pound that pavement, even if it's only to the end of your driveway at first.  After all, "the longest journey begins with a single step." ~ Lao Tsu

Jan 9: Let it Bee

So, another wonderful Sunday, here and gone.  Had so many ideas for my blog that I almost couldn't pick.  In the end, the one that stuck with me was an analogy I heard about a camel and a bee.  But let me start by asking, have you ever considered how complex and diverse nature is?  There are millions of plants and animals, and each has their role in the circle of life.
Now imagine a camel and bee (who are self-aware and like to think about things...). The camel thinks, "I hate being a camel. I am awkward and bland, I have to carry all this stuff around.  I wish I could be like that bee.  It can fly, it is bright and pretty, it makes honey..."  The bee thinks, "I hate being a bee.  I am so small and weak, I work all the time.I wish I could be like that camel.  It's big and strong, it can travel long distances..."  How often are we like that?  Always comparing ourselves to others and thinking that they've got it so great and have so much to offer, and not being grateful for our own unique gifts.
I've been reading a lot about enlightenment, how it can only be attained when we overcome our ego.  Our ego is constantly seeking attention, affection.  It is easily swayed by flattery, or insult.  But when we have become truly self-aware, we have put the ego aside and have an inner peace, a sense of individuality and constancy of spirit that cannot be diminished or increased by external influences.  So if we can focus more on our own good qualities, and seek to use them in making the world a better place, instead of always trying to be someone else, we can embrace who we are, flaws and all, and say "this is who I am, and I serve a purpose."

Jan 6: Let Some Light In

The best compliment I've ever gotten came from an adorable 4 yr. old boy named Gabriel.  As I helped him take off his shoes, he looked up at me, smiled, and said, "You have lights in your eyes." I'd been told that once before, and I'd noticed in others.  Some people, some times, have a sparkle from within.  Many faiths refer to light as a symbol for knowledge, truth, purity, and enlightenment.  Siddha Yogi recognize a ball of light at the center of the soul called the "blue pearl." Buddhists believe that all beings are inspired with their own divine light.  Christians refer to Christ as the "light of the world."  Themes of light and dark are common in literature, art, and movies.  One that comes to mind is the light of Elendil in The Lord of the Rings, a light to be used "when all other lights go out."
In my bedroom are some heavy curtains and these obnoxious rods that slide right out of their grooves when touched.  So we often keep them closed all the time.  In fact, when we go to bed at night, we take a moment to check that they are pulled tightly over the windows, so that a stray ray of light won't pierce our face in the morning.  But today, after making the bed and saying my morning prayer, but before I started meditating, I opened them.  As they usually do, they fell.  But I fixed them and pinned them to the side, letting in some natural light.  At first I thought the bedroom would have a stroke.  "What's going on here?" it must have been thinking.  But then it took a deep breath and we noticed it looked quite different in daylight, kinda beautiful.
In our lives we tend to cover up our own light, whether through fear, despair, or following dark paths.  So what can we do do let our "little light" shine?  Try meditating daily (with natural sunlight on you if possible) and focus on all the blessings in your life.  Then try to hold that gratitude inside you throughout the day.  Imagine a light in every cell of your body, shining out through your eyes, your smile, the tips of your fingers and toes.  Increase your own search for knowledge, truth, purity, and enlightenment.  Let in some light, and see what grows.