just imagine

I am struck by how much dies because of a lack of imagination. I find myself uninspired. Looking for that next step and curiously lacking in creative ideas. I have planted the seed, and I guess now I need the patience to watch it take root and grow, and the faith, that everything is working together to create this future that I dream of.

I guess this is the crucial step. This letting go of my lack of imagination. It is not a quality that I had previously thought to let go of. But I guess that was my lack of imagination talking. I find that when I see myself as a failure, when my actions seem to be a waste of time, and when my dreams appear unclear and unachievable, that is my lack of imagination talking. That it is at that moment more than ever that I need to beleive in the power of my imagination.

And it is then that I need to nurture it and let it grow even as my dream grows along with it.

I read a piece today in Warrior of Light that made me feel so unaccomplished, that made my life and my experiences seem dull in comparison, but it just dawns on me, that what I have lacked is not excitement and experience, but a lack of imagination when describing it to myself.

I seem to be judging myself with a different scale, one that needs to be practical and measurable and I realise that I judge myself in the way that I experience my world judging me and yet, I have been so gentle in judging the world letting my imagination take wings and giving all the benefit of doubt. I need to bring this scale back to myself. To write my story anew. I am not what you tell me I am. I am not what you think I am. I am every grand and beautiful thing that I see in you. I am as intelligent as the most intelligent, as beautiful as the most beautiful, as loving as the most loving and am as deserving of the life of my dreams as the most deserving.

I am as able as the most able. And I can do anything I saw I will. Anything I choose. Anything I desire. And right now I am creating something beautiful.

You just watch.

" ... "

To meditate does not mean to fight with a problem.

To meditate means to observe.

Your smile proves it.

It proves that you are being gentle with yourself,

that the sun of awareness is shining in you,

that you have control of your situation.

You are yourself,

and you have acquired some peace.

~Thich Naht Hanh~

walking mediation

1] You have already arrived. So, feel pleasure at each step and do not worry about things that you still have to face. We have nothing before us, just a road to be traveled at each moment with joy. When we practice pilgrim meditation, we are always arriving, our home is the present moment, and nothing more.

2] For that reason, always smile while you walk. Even if you have to force it a bit and feel ridiculous. Get used to smiling and you will end up happy. Do not be afraid of displaying your contentment.

3] If you think that peace and joy always lie ahead, you will never manage to achieve them. Try to understand that they are both your traveling companions.

4] When you walk, you are massaging and honoring the earth. In the same way, the earth is trying to help you to balance your organism and mind. Understand this relationship and try to respect it – may your steps have the firmness of a lion, the elegance of a tiger and the dignity of an emperor.

5] Pay attention to what is going on around you. And concentrate on your breathing – this will help you to get rid of the problems and worries that try to accompany you on your journey.

6] When you walk, it is not just you that is moving, but all past and future generations. In the so-called “real” world, time is a measure, but in the true world nothing exists beyond the present moment. Be fully aware that everything that has happened and everything that will happen is in each step you take.

7] Enjoy yourself. Make pilgrim meditation a constant meeting with yourself, never a penance in search of reward. May flowers and fruit always grow in the places touched by your feet.

(Summary of the teachings of Thich Naht Hanh from the book 'The Long Road to Joy' from Warrior of the Light)

the difference is you

What a difference a day makes
Twenty-four little hours
Brought the sun and the flowers
Where there used to be rain

My yesterday was blue, dear
Today I'm a part of you, dear
My lonely nights are through, dear
Since you said you were mine

What a difference a day makes
There's a rainbow before me
Skies above can't be stormy
Since that moment of bliss, that thrilling kiss

It's heaven when you

find romance on your menu
What a difference a day made
And the difference is you

silent treatment

Somebody's giving me the silent treatment and I've decided to take it and give it to myself.

I guess the only reason for the silent treatment was too much noise. Too many words.

Being one who loves words, I like to play with them, move them around and create different images and ideas. Taking that from me is hard. It makes me want to fight. Find the perfect words to get the conversation flowing again. Trying this formula and that formula...

There is a magic in silence though. Once you stop trying to fight it and fill the empty space with words it shows itself to you and says things to you the words couldn't.

I realise that sometimes I am so in love with my words, that I may not always pay enough attention to those of another. I realise that sometimes I am so caught up in creating pictures with words that I do not see what is staring me in the face.

And maybe what I really need is some good old fashioned silent treatment. To help me develop a new sense of appreciation for words.

So that I may not be so quick to throw mine away, and so that I may see the beauty in the words of the other.