The Promise of One Single Thread.

“A human being is part of the whole, called by us "universe," limited in time and space. He experiences himself, his thoughts and feelings as something separated from the rest - a kind of optical delusion of his consciousness.

Our task must be to free ourselves from our prison by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all humanity and the whole of nature in its beauty."

~Albert Einstein

The Hopi Indians have a most wonderful belief. You see, they believe that all of the world's religions each contain a single spiritual thread ~ whose ends are inexplicably drawn towards one another, in a desperate search for one human family.

And, when it is that these threads are finally joined together, it shall form a rope strong enough to pull all of humanity from even its darkest hour.


I like to think that we're all connected in just this way - bound by Compassion's spirit, and intricately woven into Hope's delicate tapestry.

My dears, have you ever simply wondered over our true purpose here? Or the many millions of moments that led these two paths into one?

And, did you not ever once to consider that all challenges are intended for a much higher purpose?

My dears, all that you are and might ever be is seamlessly integrated into this moment now. Your thoughts...your actions....your manner of being.

And, all that it takes is one single act of loving-kindness to resonate a much greater change.

So, what is your choice on this day? Will you sit idly back and watching from the side window...or, will you take a risk and engage the rest of humanity in your dream for a much better world? 

One moment...one choice....one single action...this is the promise of one single thread.

One Moment of Still.

“I loved the quiet places in Kyoto, the places that held the world within a windless moment. Inside the temples, Nature held her breath. All longing was put to sleep in the stillness, and all was distilled into a clean simplicity.” 

― Pico Iyer

What a most beautiful surprise, and one that found us in just that moment before the thoughts of the day had settled in...

You see, while out on our walk so very early this day - Nudnick and I were graced by the vision of two baby foxes looking back our way. 

And though, you might think the space to be filled with hesitation  - instead, curiosity laid claim where fear failed to tread.

I have always been most fascinated with those few fumbling moments before realization settles in....before thoughts are formed and reaction begins. 

I like to think that these are the moments when we are most able to *see* ~ uncluttered, unfettered...and most completely, unlimited....

Isn't it amazing what might fill the space when it is that we allow our thoughts one moment of stillness.

Namaste my most beautiful friends...as from my heart, thank you for the gift of your light on this brisk fall September morning.

The Magic of a Starry, Starry Night.

"I know nothing with any certainty, but the sight of the stars makes me dream." ~ Vincent Van Gogh

Last night I watched as the stars peeked out over the horizon, the sun making way for this...their vast and most glorious display.

Silently, and one by one, taking their place against the limitlessness of our heavens - these bright, shining faces, simply gleaming, as they made ready for their show.

As the world fell into the hushed stillness of anticipation... 

When I was a little girl, I believed the stars came only to grant wishes - I'd watch perched anxiously from my window, and waiting so very patiently for night to fall.

And though the years have since passed, the little girl in me still gazed upward with wonder... 

Contemplating the vastness of infinity, and the magic tucked inside a star.

Vincent (Starry, Starry Night)"

Starry, starry night
Paint your palette blue and grey
Look out on a summer's day
With eyes that know the darkness in my soul
Shadows on the hills
Sketch the trees and daffodils
Catch the breeze and the winter chills
In colours on the snowy linen land

Now I understand
What you tried to say to me
And how you suffered for your sanity
And how you tried to set them free
They would not listen
They did not know how
Perhaps they'll listen now

Starry, starry night
Flaming flowers that brightly blaze
Swirling clouds and violet haze
Reflect in Vincent's eyes of china blue
Colours changing hue
Morning fields of amber grain
Weathered faces lined in pain
Are soothed beneath the artists' loving hand

Now I understand
What you tried to say to me
And how you suffered for your sanity
And how you tried to set them free
They would not listen
They did not know how
Perhaps they'll listen now

For they could not love you
But still your love was true
And when no hope was left inside
On that starry, starry night
You took your life as lovers often do
But I could have told you Vincent
This world was never meant for one as beautiful as you

Like the strangers that you've met
The ragged men in ragged clothes
The silver thorn of bloody rose
Lie crushed and broken on the virgin snow

Now I think I know
What you tried to say to me
And how you suffered for your sanity
And how you tried to set them free
They would not listen
They're not listening still
Perhaps they never will...

How Much Can A Human Heart Hold?

 

“Small is the number of them that see with their own eyes and feel with their own hearts.”
~ Albert Einstein

When Barney Clark, the recipient of the world's first artificial heart, was being prepped and made ready for surgery ~ surgeons sat patiently with his wife, going over all of the possible risks and complications of this groundbreaking new procedure.

And when they finished, they paused to ask her if she had any questions of them. She had only just one, "Yes, will he still love me?"

You see, in all of the chaos and flurry of this most newsworthy event ~ love, was what mattered most of all.

Oh sure, some will argue the heart is merely a fluttering pump - intent on keeping this human form alive.

But, ask any dreamer what they might think, and they will tell you such things as...

"the heart has reasons, which reason knows not..."

Or, "when the heart speaks, the mind finds it indecent to object.”


And, if you ask me what I might think, I'll say, "My dears, always and forever follow your heart. Because, the heart knows the way, even when hope seems lost."

Or, perhaps in that moment, I might also add, "An open heart...sees love everywhere."

In this most beautiful video, renowned heart surgeon Dr. Kathy E. Magliato shared the true limitlessness of the human heart.

And, it's absolutely incredible.

This piece originally aired on the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN, check local listings) as part of a SoulPancake special on love.

A Little Something to Help You Smile.

 

 “Nothing is permanent in this wicked world. Not even our troubles.” ~ Charlie Chaplin

A friend stopped by to chat today. He had noticed over these past few days that I hadn’t quite been my usual, cheery-chirpy self.

And truth be told, though I try very hard to live each day fully and completely within every moment, there are times when this can feel a bit of a challenge.

I had been ‘locked away’ in my thoughts, playing over the words my doctor had said, “We just have to rule out—that there’s not something much bigger at play.”

It’s amazing how quickly our minds can get stuck inside of one small little sentence, and one simple moment in time.

“Oh, I guess you’re right,” I offered, hoping quickly to ‘make right’, “I suppose it is that we all have days just like these.”

You know, I have always believed that there are those special souls among us—who have this gift of finding ‘just the right words.’ And, as if by some divine higher purpose—these bright spirits find their way to us, and even on the darkest of nights, when it is that their words are needed the most.
Do you believe in angels? I think, perhaps, now I do.

Because, only an angel can see straight into our heart—and help us to make sense of it all.
And, as my friend leaned in with the softest of smiles in his eyes, he said,

“Just remember, Tara…the mind, is much like the moon at night; shining equally upon everything, yet clinging to nothing, at all.”

And so, there was my most beautiful message–and an important reminder for days ‘just like these’. I had allowed my mind to grip tightly to a thought, and in that ‘gripping’ I had forgotten how to let go.
Sometimes our minds can be quite tricky this way—in an effort to gain just a bit of our attention, these thoughts can end up stealing the show.

And when our thoughts succeed in pulling us so completely away—we end up blocking out the rest of this most amazing world.

And, in doing so, we end up missing the beauty of the moments that are still here and intended to lift our very spirits—like this one, from a friend who stopped to say, ‘hello.’

There’s a great power, and peace, in letting all of your thoughts just go.

It opens your heart and brings the mind back again to those things that matter most of all.

Like your son spending hours in the snow to create the most perfect Valentine’s day card ever, and on a day when everyone else had forgotten.

Or the sound of your daughter strumming your favorite song on her guitar, as she quietly hums and sings along.

Or, that most dearest friend, who upon hearing your greatest memory in life—used all of his gifts to bring that moment right back here to you.

And, even that pup, with all the mischief he may bring, even he finds a way to lighten the soul.
And, if we close off our hearts—rest assured, we might just end up missing it all.

So, tonight and instead of carrying the weight of these thoughts—I’ll be ‘letting go’ and smiling back at the moon.

I suggest that you let go, and smile, too.

“Light up your face with gladness
Hide every trace of sadness
Although a tear may be ever so near
That’s the time you must keep on trying
Smile, what’s the use of crying?
You’ll find that life is still worthwhile
If you just smile.
That’s the time you must keep on trying
Smile, what’s the use of crying?
You’ll find that life is still worthwhile
If you just smile.” ~ Charlie Chaplin

Bonus Video Guaranteed to Make You Smile:

 

Just How Far Might Kindness Go?

 "In the end, though, maybe we must all give up trying to pay back the people in this world who sustain our lives. In the end, maybe it's wiser to surrender before the miraculous scope of human generosity and to just keep saying thank you, forever and sincerely, for as long as we have voices."

~ Elizabeth Gilbert (Eat, Pray, Love: One Woman's Search for Everything Across Italy, India and Indonesia)

Have you ever simply wondered, just how very far your kindness might go?

How many lives it may touch along this way, or perhaps, what sort of 'forever changes' might come along?

My dears, there is within each of us, an irrepressible yearning to give. Our hearts seek out stories of kindness each day, drawn...just as a moth is to light...undeniably captivated.

We are desperate to share in it....and so very moved when we witness it...

Kindness has the capacity to completely transform every aspect of our being....from minutes onto moments, our lives are forever changed.

And, we can never really know, now can we? Just how very far our kindness reaches...

Perhaps that is the true magic of kindness...

My dears, over the next few weeks, I will be sharing with you these most beautiful stories of the true impact of Kindness.

And, beginning with a short film that has very much moved me. From TrueMove H, a message about giving without expectation, and how that energy might be returned.

I do hope you'll enjoy.

Much love, my most beautiful friends...and namaste.

This commercial, by Thai telecommunications provider TrueMove H, went viral within a few days of its release, and in less than a week, had close to 7 million views. Grab a box of tissues and be prepared to be moved by this 3 minute video on giving with no expectations of return. - See more at: http://www.karmatube.org/videos.php?id=4443#sthash.OMOCYBjC.dpuf

A Lesson in Empathy.

“I’m here. I love you. I don’t care if you need to stay up crying all night long, I will stay with you. There’s nothing you can ever do to lose my love. I will protect you until you die, and after your death I will still protect you. I am stronger than Depression and I am braver than Loneliness and nothing will ever exhaust me.” ~ Elizabeth Gilbert

I love this short film which was developed by the doctors and caregivers at The Cleveland Clinic. Its intention is to guide us to look past the many faces we see in each day, and so that we may see…really see…the human standing before us.

“Our lives intersect with others all day, everyday. Sometimes we know these other lives well; frequently, though, the points of connection are brief and transient. Who are these people? How might they tell their own stories? What thoughts preoccupy their minds? What joys and troubles are coursing through their feelings? This short film, produced by the Cleveland Clinic, reminds us that empathy is our tool for beginning to know these things. It asks the question: If we could catch a glimpse of others’ stories, would we treat them differently”

This film, in so many ways, resonated with me. It moved me, as I stopped to consider the many times I have felt lost in my own story—sitting in waiting rooms and watching those faces passing by.

We all have a story to share. And our stories are very much what define us.

My hope for this day is that we may all pause just long enough to consider life outside the confines of our own racing brains—so that we may, in some small way, embrace the stories of others.
I have learned well this past year, that in order to really heal—there needs to be an inseparable connection between body, mind and soul.

Namaste, and much love this day.

Video: CEO Toby Cosgrove, MD, shared this video, titled “Empathy,” with the Cleveland Clinic staff during his 2012 State of the Clinic address on Feb. 27, 2013.

Our One Most Essential Choice.

Water Lilies, by Claude Monet.

I was reading a passage this morning, from author Pema Chödrön and referenced in her book ,"Living Beautifully with Uncertainty and Change."

The phrase was quite simple and to summarize, "the moral ambiguity of human existence."

For some reason, this phrase spoke to me today, as I pondered over its many interpretations within the context of my own life. 

"The moral ambiguity of human existence," she continues, "(refers) to an essential choice that confronts us all: whether to cling to the false security of our own fixed ideas and tribal views, even though they may bring us only momentary satisfaction, or to overcome our fear and make the leap to living an authentic life."

In other words, how can we relax into this continuous unsettledness of being human?

To feel, to think, to believe...to act...are the very aspects of our existence that bring purpose, and passion to our lives.

And yet, these very same things may cause at any given moment indescribable heartache, uncertainty, sadness, and despair.

Being human isn't always so easy now, isn't it? But, it's this very aspect of being human that causes a simple sunrise to turn into "the promise of dawn." And, to an aged artist nearly blinded, it may bring eternal life to a pond of summer water lilies.

My dears, the paradigm, it seems, is the spark.

"But rather than being disheartened by the ambiguity, the uncertainty of life," Pema offers, "what if we accepted it and relaxed into it? What if we said, 'Yes, this is the way it is: this is what it means to be human,' and decided to sit down and enjoy the ride?"

I think, and this is just my most simple view....that we spend far too much time wincing and moaning, that we miss out on the magnificence of being human.

So, stop stressing so much, my friends...and settle into life instead.

I promise, you'll be much happier, in the end.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama on the Importance of Hope.

Photo: Steve McCurry

I find hope in the darkest of days, and focus in the brightest. I do not judge the universe. ~ Dalai Lama

Yes, easier said, than done.. I know.

And, especially on those days when life seems intent to drag on in its weariness ~ with wave after wave toppling us once again to that shore.

In those moments, even the most steadfast of hearts will feel a little rattle...

We wonder why, and question whether or not we've really the strength to endure....

And yet, time and time again...something deep within causes us to rise up once again.

Hope whispers when darkness calls...and with a gracious smile, she extends her hand. "Come on, my friend..." she says, and suddenly our faith is restored.

My dears, you see...when we have Hope, we are not ever alone.

And perhaps that is the reason for our being ~ that we may be reminded each day, that with Hope comes unconditional love....

A little something to consider, my friends... 

His Holiness the Dalai Lama speaks about the need for hope in our lives in this clip from his Keynote Address at Tulane University's 2013 Commencement held at the Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA on May 18, 2013.

The entire keynote address can be viewed at http://youtu.be/Edk6YRcrL6k

The Noble Eagle's Flight

 

“‎They are angry with me, because I know what I am," said the little eagle.

"How do you know that they are angry with you?"

"Because, they despise me for wanting to soar, they only want me to peck at the dirt, looking for ants, with them. But I can't do that. I don't have chicken feet, I have eagle wings."

"And what is so wrong with having eagle wings and no chicken feet?" asked the old owl.

"I'm not sure, that's what I'm trying to find out."

"They hate you because you know that you are an eagle and they want you to think you are a chicken so that you will peck at the ground looking for ants and worms, so that you will never know that you are an eagle and always think yourself a chicken. Let them hate you, they will always be chickens, and you will always be an eagle. You must fly. You must soar." said the old owl.”

― C. JoyBell C. 

Have you ever wondered what it might be like to soar with an eagle?

The footage, which is going viral, was allegedly shot on a GoPro camera. But who exactly is responsible for the footage isn't yet known. According to The Local, a French newspaper, "for now, the author of the video remains unknown, but until then we can only watch and admire.”

The Noble Eagle's Flight 

The Supreme Treasure of One Human Life.

 

"This supreme treasure of a human life,

So long awaited, now at last attained!

Reflecting always thus, maintain your mind

As steady as Sumeru, king of mountains."

~ Shantideva, “The Way of the Bodhisattva"

I love this passage, as it is quite possibly one of my favorites ~ it is a most beautiful reminder of the truest value of one human life, 'so long awaited, now at last attained.'


But, what does this really mean?

My dears, often we go through this life continuously grasping ~ grasping for that which we believe may bring happiness, or, at the very least, alleviate our pain.

And yet, we are confused when this suffering remains.

We humans are a tricky sort, now aren't we? n our desperate pursuit of happiness...we cling.

We cling to this body...as vanity drives us endlessly to perfection.

We cling to other people and things...feeling their presence may cause our hearts to be fulfilled.

And, when we have finally found our bliss...we cling to this, as well...fearful, that in one fell swoop even this might be taken away.  

In our pursuit of happiness, we reinforce the same silly habits that have caused us the most pain.

In our clinging to hope, we are robbed of the present moment. And, when we have finally found happiness...we spend all of our moments worried that it may soon be lost.

When does it stop?

"Reflecting always thus, maintain your mind as steady as Sumeru, king of mountains."

Sumeru, or Mt. Meru, is a most sacred mountain referenced in both Hindu and Buddhist teachings - it is long thought to stand at the intersection of all physical, metaphysical and spiritual universes. Can you imagine what it must be like to stand at Mt. Meru's peak?

But, my dears, no matter how loudly those winds may howl...nor how much bitterness the elements may reveal...know this, that the mountain never moves.

It's a reminder that when we are able to maintain a calmness of mind, much like Mt. Meru we will remain largely unaffected by our surroundings....nor, will any amount of chaos succeed at pulling us into its churn.

There is such a profound panic that comes by way of our clinging, I know. We grip so tightly to these last few threads, that we fail to notice the blood from our own fingers digging in..

And yet, it's only when we are able to let go...that this pain will finally end, and even our deepest wounds may heal. 

You see, my dears, it's the clinging, not the chaos, that offers space for pain to enter in...

And that, my dears, is where the 'treasure' begins...

Namaste, and much love on this day... may peace touch softly your every step.

A Little Something on Perspective.

“You have to find what sparks a light in you so that you in your own way can illuminate the world.”  ~ Oprah Winfrey

There is a saying, that one may gaze at the same stretch of land for many, many years and largely without notice...

Or, travel that same dusted path winding ahead, without ever slowing once for a second glance.

Until one day, the light may shift...and suddenly, a whole new world is revealed.

Because, light, you see...carries always with it the potential for each new day...causing a single grain of sand to shimmer like a diamond, when the sun finally leans its way.

And, when the light sparks from boldly within?

My dears, everything which surrounds you, can change...

If only we might always use our very own light to see... we might just find that we've been always here, and just exactly where our hearts have most wished to be.

On This Path...

“The mind can go in a thousand directions, but on this beautiful path, I walk in peace. With each step, the wind blows. With each step, a flower blooms.” ~ Thích Nhất Hạnh

Today, my most beautiful friends, I am reminded...

Reminded that this path of grass beneath my feet, on this day, has not ever felt as 'green'...

Reminded, that this morning sky ablaze with such fire, shall not ever know these bold hues once more...

Reminded that these winds, carrying the ripened scent of fallen leaves, shall not ever blow this gently again..

And, will this cider ever taste as sweet?


My dears, all things are impermanent, at best...and, these moments we cling to, have already passed.

Meanwhile, the chattering mind takes us away...folding minutes into hours, and hours onto days. 

Unless, we make that choice to stay...and open our minds fully to the beauty of this day. 


Namaste, my most beautiful friends... and may we all walk this path in peace.

How Does the Dalai Lama Find Hope?

 “Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them, humanity cannot survive.”
― Dalai Lama XIV, The Art of Happiness

I was reading over the transcript from a recent interview with His Holiness, the Dalai Lama ~ and in which the following question was asked:

"How do you stay so optimistic and faithful when there is so much hate in the world?"

It's a question, I believe we all have, at times.

My dears, there is always something that will challenge even the strongest of our beliefs...mocking our faith, and giving space for doubt to settle in.

And, it doesn't help that we are surrounded by images of violence and destruction, a constant 'fuel' for our 24 hour news feed. Everywhere we turn we are asked to face the unimaginable ~ and with each new day, we are asked to receive yet another set of victims.

And, these once impenetrable walls of Community? Are now giving way under the weight of desperation.

How can we ever begin to find hope, when it seems that we are overwhelmed by helplessness?

I think His Holiness answered this question best:

"I always look at any event from a wider angle. There's always some problem, some killing, some murder or terrorist act or scandal everywhere, every day. But if you think the whole world is like that, you're wrong. Out of 6 billion humans, the troublemakers are just a handful."

I guess things are not as bad off as they are made to seem?

And, perhaps there's still hope for us 6 billion humans to effect the greatest of 'much needed' change?

Just a little something to consider.

Namaste, my most beautiful friends... 

A Letter to My Children.

“Hatred does not cease by hatred, but only by love; this is the eternal rule.”  ~ Gautama Buddha

Oh, my dears...

Today, was indeed a very sad day. For reasons I shall not ever understand, a young man entered an office building here in Washington and shot to death twelve most beautiful humans.

There are those who'll spend this night seeking motive and reason. And others, will desperately wish to understand... 

But, there is a time for reason...and a time for love. My dears, this is the time for love.

I had originally written this letter for my children, and following the terrible events in Newton, CT.

Perhaps tonight it would be appropriate to hear these words once again.

Much love, my most beautiful friends...and may we all send our healing thoughts to those in need this evening.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A Letter to My Children


To my most precious darlings, my love—my light…

I suppose that you’re wondering what it is that is going on in this great big crazy world. And, as with all things, you’re probably looking to me to provide you answers, insight… perhaps, even a little light. But the truth is, it’s not always easy being a parent and finding always just the very right thing to say. I suppose, when you were much younger, this job was much easier.

Why is the sky blue?

How many stars are in the sky, Mommy?

Where does all the toilet paper go when we flush?

But then, you’ve grown. And now, you are just a little older, and your view of this world has changed, as it always and forever will.

And you’re probably looking to me now to give you just the right words to make sense of all of these most recent and horrible catastrophes. But the bottom line is that, sometimes, I just don’t know these answers. I can’t always be there to help you to understand why it is that these things are happening.

But you are here now, seeking comfort—and as your Mom, I feel compelled to share with you my heart.

My darlings, sometimes there are no answers. And, sometimes, there are just no words to describe what it is that we should be thinking and feeling and believing as we move through to our next day.

All I know and I have ever known is that everything we have and will ever need is right here with us in this very moment.

You’re probably wondering what it is that we must do when faced with these often overwhelming life situations. My darlings, what you must do in these moments is breathe, because that is always the very first step.

Then, when you’ve found your breath again—’be love.’ With every breath of every moment and with all that you’ve got in your hearts— ‘be love’ again.

Because, my darlings, when these things happen in our world, you will find that love is what we all most need right now. You will serve this world well, if you are able to carry this forward in your hearts no matter what the darkness may bring.

Be love, my beautiful babies. And know, that we are much more than our bodies, that our inner light will shine on just like all those stars in the sky. Our spirits, and the energy that we share, will forge the path for our next generation.

Be love, my beautiful darlings. Because, in the end, you will always find that it’s true what they say: “love conquers all.”

Why has this been such a difficult year? Why did this happen? My darlings, in life you may find that sometimes there are just no answers and no words to describe.

It’s in these moments that we must most hold dear to our hearts faith and hope and lovingkindness, because without these there is no hope.

Hope is what will always bring up the sun on a brand new day. Hope will forever toss those stars high and deep into the dark sky. Hope is what will carry us through those nights when we feel that we have lost it all.

In those moments when you feel your hope is most challenged, those are the moments you hold hope most dear to your hearts. Because, in the end, and no matter what, hope is what will always and forever carry you through even your most darkest hour.

Sometimes, there are no answers. But in the end, we always have hope.

In love and light, forever and always,

Mommy

P.S. Hope is what makes the sky so blue.

The Soundtrack of our Heads.

“You can be the most beautiful person in the world and everybody sees light and rainbows when they look at you, but if you yourself don't know it, all of that doesn't even matter. Every second that you spend on doubting your worth, every moment that you use to criticize yourself; is a second of your life wasted, is a moment of your life thrown away.”

~ C. JoyBell C.

"You're not good enough....it's too hard...or, you'll never get ahead."

Oh, my dears...my most beautiful friends, how do we allow such awful thoughts to enter in?


And these, are just a very few of those 'soundtracks' in our heads -

They bobble about, and tug us away from that which matters more, instead...

Begging to be heard, incessantly tugging at the fabric of self-doubt's 'skirt'..

Like jagged shards, they rip straight through...causing irreparable pain and hurt.

We are our own worst critics, our minds continuously weaving stories of blame and self-denigration...

Oh, my dears...but could you just imagine if we might be given the gift of those moments once again?

Those many minutes wheeling away in worry....?

Those days spent lost in despair...?

And, those many weeks overwhelmed by the worsts that might happen?


What might you do with all of those moments once again?

My dears, if I may please share this one little secret with you...

That the only moments that matter, are the ones right here...and right now... with you.

And, all of those feelings of grief and of anger and doubt?

My dears, they are simply just signs of your awakening heart...

Namaste, my most beautiful friends... and try to be mindful of that soundtrack in your heads.

A Little Something About "Keeping" Time.

“Try to imagine a life without timekeeping. You probably can’t. You know the month, the year, the day of the week. There is a clock on your wall or the dashboard of your car. You have a schedule, a calendar, a time for dinner or a movie. 

Yet all around you, timekeeping is ignored. Birds are not late. A dog does not check its watch. Deer do not fret over passing birthdays. 

Man alone measures time. 

Man alone chimes the hour. 

And, because of this, man alone suffers a paralyzing fear that no other creature endures. A fear of time running out.” 

― Mitch Albom, The Time Keeper

I was thinking about time this morning, and as I was watched the hurried pace of a neighbor's car quickly zipping away. 

Every morning, it's the same thing, you see...always in the same frantic, panicked rush to another time and place of being.

Leaving me, right here...sipping tea...and wondering what song this morning might bring.

“In our rushing, bulls in china shops, we break our own lives.”

I used to live in much the same way...marking minutes, not moments as I rushed through my day.

Oh, and how many did I let slip away? Too mindful the clock to allow them their place.

But then, something just changed...as I suddenly became aware of all this beauty that was surrounding me.

It was as if my senses had only just come alive...the newness was nearly overwhelming.

My dears, it was that day - that I tucked my watch back away...

Oh, and I know this must sound quite silly, of course...but, I simply haven't worn that watch since. 

You see, I don't need a watch to know when 'awakening' begins... 

Much love, my most beautiful friends...may this day mark moments that your heart has always wished. 

 

The Power of a Single Point of Light.

Photo credit Paige Maricich

“Any patch of sunlight in a wood will show you something about the sun which you could never get from reading books on astronomy. These pure and spontaneous pleasures are ‘patches of Godlight’ in the woods of our experience.” ~ C.S. Lewis

I have always believed that we might spend a lifetime looking at things, only to see them, each day, entirely the same way...

And then, one day the sun might shift...just a bit...and suddenly, we are amazed.

A single ray of light has the capacity to completely shift our perspective, offering insight into this, the as of yet, previously undiscovered.

What is this power that draws us each day? Ousting us from even the most restful of slumbers, to gain a simple peek just outside our window ~ to watch the sunlight dance against the morning dew. 

The light shall always reveal something miraculous. And, this light is simply begging to set your very soul on fire....

Open your eyes, my dears...watch this world dazzle from each and every angle.

Watch as the light breaks through even the darkest of days... and, brilliance breaks through the haze...

Shining the 'pale light of tomorrow'...and its hope for a brand new day.

Namaste, my most beautiful friends... 

The Lesson of the Orchid.

“The old orchid hunter lay back on his pillow, his body limp... 'You'll curse the insects,' he said at least, 'and you'll curse the natives... The sun will burn you by day and the cold will shrivel you by night. You'll be racked by fever and tormented by a hundred discomforts, but you'll go on. For when a man falls in love with orchids, he'll do anything to possess the one he wants.” ~ Susan Orlean

I had the most amazing meditation this morning.

The room was buzzing with this zen-filled energy, as my mind settled into a place where my heart has always dreamed to be.

There is an indescribable calmness that finds us when we are finally able to break through the chitter chatter of thinking mind. It follows our form, wrapping around and through these most delicate pieces of our soul...effortlessly permeating, and forever changing our most fixed state of being.

It moves us, as it moves through us...

And, we may practice meditation for many, many years without much result ~ until one day, it unexpectedly appears...right here...catching us in this moment of 'so completely off guard'.

Calmness is the orchid at the peak of our 'mountain top.'

Breathlessly, we lean into it... knowing its magnificence may be found...only here.


And though our bodies may be bloodied and worn from this climb, know this...that we are not ever weakened...

Because, the orchid's bloom that shall always carry us nearer.

A "Little Something" to Help You Smile.

“Every heart sings a song, incomplete, until another heart whispers back. Those who wish to sing always find a song.” ~ Plato

Oh, sure...a bit of a 'cheat'...but, we writers sometimes need just a wee bit of rest.

And, my goodness ~ isn't she just all the things we might imagine 'most beautiful' to be? 

I challenge you to watch this without breaking into the biggest of 'from the inside out' sort of smiles..

Five-year old Rowan's rendition of Caitlin Rose's, "Own Side Now."

Own Side Now

I'm goin' out on the town
Said I'm tired of
Chasin' you down
And it's not my right
To always push you around
I'm on my own side now

Who's gonna take me home?
Cause I don't wanna go it alone
Who's gonna want me when
I'm just somewhere you've been
Who's gonna want me now?
And who's gonna take me home?

I'm gonna find me true love
Said I'm trough asking you if you knew, love
How much it meant to me?
How it was meant to be?
And how it all feels empty?

Who's gonna take me home?
Cause I don't wanna go it alone
Who's gonna want me when
I'm just somewhere you've been
Who's gonna want me now?
And who's gonna take me home?

Who's gonna take me home?
Cause I don't wanna go it alone
Who's gonna want me when
I'm just somewhere you've been
Who's gonna want me now?

Who's gonna take me home?
Cause I don't wanna go it alone
Who's gonna want me when
I'm just somewhere you've been
Who's gonna want me now?
And who's gonna take me home?

I'm goin' out on the town
Said I'm tired of
Chasin' you down
And it's not my right
To always push you around
I'm on my own side now
Own side now....

If Kindness Were a River.

“Guard well within yourself that treasure, kindness. Know how to give without hesitation, how to lose without regret, how to acquire without meanness.” ~ George Sand

If kindness were a river, how might it truly flow?

Gently, over even the sharpest of rocks and until they are worn nearly smooth?

Would it yield its course to those greatest in need, forging new paths where previously there were none...?

Could it then give comfort to even the most insatiable of thirsts, offering sustenance to all those nearest its shores?

And, if kindness were a river?

Might its waters one day blanket this great earth ~ giving rise for blossoms of humanity to bloom?

Namaste, my most beautiful friends ~ and may we always remember, that this river of kindness flows through us all.

And, my dears ~ today, I wish to leave you with these most wonderful words, from poet, Naomi Shihab Nye.

Kindness

Before you know what kindness really is
you must lose things,
feel the future dissolve in a moment
like salt in a weakened broth.
What you held in your hand,
what you counted and carefully saved,
all this must go so you know
how desolate the landscape can be
between the regions of kindness.
How you ride and ride
thinking the bus will never stop,
the passengers eating maize and chicken
will stare out the window forever.

Before you learn the tender gravity of kindness,
you must travel where the Indian in a white poncho
lies dead by the side of the road.
You must see how this could be you,
how he too was someone
who journeyed through the night with plans
and the simple breath that kept him alive.

Before you know kindness as the deepest thing
inside,
you must know sorrow as the other deepest thing.
You must wake up with sorrow.
You must speak to it till your voice
catches the thread of all sorrows
and you see the size of the cloth.

Then it is only kindness that makes sense anymore,
only kindness that ties your shoes
and sends you out into the day to mail letters and
purchase bread,
only kindness that raises its head
from the crowd of the world to say
It is I you have been looking for,
and then goes with you everywhere
like a shadow or a friend.

 ~ Naomi Shihab Nye, Words Under the Words: Selected Poems

A Reminder for this Day: Muhammad Ali Speaks From His Heart About Love.

“There is a saying in Tibetan, 'Tragedy should be utilized as a source of strength. No matter what sort of difficulties, how painful experience is, if we lose our hope, that's our real disaster.”
~ Dalai Lama XIV

 
A most beautiful reminder on this September 11th day...from "The Greatest", Muhammad Ali...and speaking from his heart on what it means to be Muslim, and a reflection on humanity and love.

Many blessings, and much love... to all of my most beautiful friends. 

The Magic of Metaphors.

"The best spiritual instruction is when you wake up in the morning and say, 'I wonder what's going to happen today?'" ~ Pema Chodron

Exactly...what if something wonderful might just happen this day?

What if in one swift moment all of your troubles might melt away?

And each of those wishes from all of those years before?

What if they were just right here, simply waiting... for you to greet them at life's door?

My dears.. imagine, just for one moment, if you will... that the spark of potentiality might bring life to all metaphors...

To have our hearts really smile...or, to be so completely filled with love..

Oh, and wouldn't it be wonderful if the trees truly whispered when we walked?

And, what if all moonbeams indisputably danced beneath our feet?

Would it cause you to ponder a moment, when first pulling back those sheets?

My dears, what if all of these things were just right here for you to see...

Would life then hold the promise of a million and one stars?

And would you wake up each day simply marveling at all that you are?

My dears...curiosity and wonder are the great 'cosmic glue'...

That holds our hearts open to all that we may see...be...and do.

Namaste, my most beautiful friends... and may we all embrace the wonderment that greets us each day.

Your Most Amazing Quote of the Day.

“There is no difficulty that enough love will not conquer. There is no disease that enough love will not heal. No door that enough love will not open. No gulf that enough love will not bridge. No wall that enough love will not throw down. And no sin that enough love will not redeem. It makes no difference how deeply seated may be the trouble. How hopeless the outlook. How muddled the tangle. How great the mistake.

A sufficient realization of love will dissolve it all.

And if you could love enough you would be the happiest and most powerful person in the world.”

Namaste, my most beautiful friends ~ and here's proof positive that love, indeed, conquers all...

Across the Universe.

“In the depth of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer.”
― Albert Camus

One of my most favorite songs, for you today, my dears…and so very appropriate on a day like today, and given the path which lies ahead.

You see, for me, the truest joy in this life is to step boldly into it ~ to experience all of its greatest depths and glory ~ even at times, when I feel most like tucking away.

And though, the path ahead may seem uncertain and rocky ~ perhaps, it’s those very broken pieces that may help to ‘tenderize’ our being?

To provide us this most beautiful experience, so that we…may, in time, soften towards others.

So, with each new step, I shall boldly affirm, “Jai Guru Deva OM” as I know Compassion’s hand will help me to carry on.

My dears, nothing shall ever change this most beautiful Universe ~ only, perhaps, my place within it.

And isn’t that the way it’s most meant to be? These moments when love becomes our legacy?

“Limitless undying love which shines around me like a million suns…it calls me on and on…”

That’s the way I have always wished to be…in some way, shining on…like a million suns.

My dears, these challenges…they don’t really change us, at all….rather, it’s just these experiences that help to open our hearts…

To reveal the truest essence of who we really are…

Namaste, and much love my most beautiful friends ~

"Across the Universe"

Words are flowing out like endless rain into a paper cup
They slither wildly as they slip away across the universe
Pools of sorrow, waves of joy are drifting through my open mind
Possessing and caressing me
Jai Guru Deva OM

Nothing's gonna change my world
Nothing's gonna change my world
Nothing's gonna change my world
Nothing's gonna change my world

Images of broken light which dance before me like a million eyes
They call me on and on across the universe
Thoughts meander like a restless wind inside a letter box
They tumble blindly as they make their way across the universe
Jai Guru Deva OM

Nothing's gonna change my world
Nothing's gonna change my world
Nothing's gonna change my world
Nothing's gonna change my world

Sounds of laughter shades of live are ringing through my open ears
Inciting and inviting me
Limitless undying love which shines around me like a million suns
It calls me on and on, across the universe
Jai Guru Deva OM

Nothing's gonna change my world
Nothing's gonna change my world
Nothing's gonna change my world
Nothing's gonna change my world

Jai Guru Deva
Jai Guru Deva
Jai Guru Deva
Jai Guru Deva
Jai Guru Deva [fade out]
 

A Thank You to You.

“She says nothing at all, but simply stares upward into the dark sky and watches, with sad eyes, the slow dance of the infinite stars.” - Stardust by Neil Gaiman.

It's been just over a year, that I have been sharing right here... my simple musings ponder-wandering their way out into this Universe. 

And tonight, as I sit reading over these most brilliant of messages and comments that make their way to me each day, I feel...quite literally, the luckiest girl in this world. 

For who else has a gift such as this ~ this tucked away space, in the farthest corner of space... brimming over with a love that is endless?

You are all so very amazing ~ unique amplifications of spiritual light...dazzling and dancing your way each day, and into my heart.

I love you all ~ and each night I send only the greatest of blessings. 

 

May we always have our space here ~ to gather... to experience... to love... and to share.

Namaste, my most beautiful friends... and thank you for the gift of your light.

The Limitlessness of Morning.

“A garden to walk in and immensity to dream in--what more could he ask? A few flowers at his feet and above him the stars.” ~ Victor Hugo, Les Misérables

There is nothing quite so wondrous, as these first few moments of my day...

As I settle into my most favorite worn, weathered chair...feeling the cold slate puzzle pieces at my feet.

And to admire the last of the honeysuckle, cascading forward and down...bidding farewell, from the highest point of my stone garden wall... 

I prefer to sit nearest my favorite birch tree, the one whose barks peels gently backwards and up... like the fine shavings of chocolate on a frosted white cake.

To watch these gardens change, through each...even these harshest of seasons...is magnificence, personified.

Withering, at first, back into this Earth...only to soon flourish, once again.

I can myself in these, most delicate of changes...weaving glorious patterns through the splintered fence boards, and peeking back through the bursts of morning glory 'faces.'

To sit quietly amongst this serenade of trees, is to understand the true limitlessness of Morning.

Much love, and namaste my dear friends... and may we always breathe in the magnificence of morning.

Through Our Human Hearts, This Universe is Born.

“Through our eyes, the universe is perceiving itself. Through our ears, the universe is listening to its harmonies. We are the witnesses through which the universe becomes conscious of its glory, of its magnificence.” ~ Alan Wilson Watts

Have you ever listened to the music of Johann Sebastian Bach?

And, by that, I mean...really listened. To sit quietly in this space of deep appreciation, thinking only of the sounds that have graced these many ages.

That someone, somewhere out there in time... had all of this brilliant light within their heart...as they sat, just as you and I, looking out and into this great world.

And just like that, and through this one human heart...the symphony of this Universe was born.

It's in these moments, I believe, he knew all at once—the truest form of love that humanity has ever dared to know.

My dears, we are all stardust here...but, it's only through our very human hearts that this Universe can be heard.

And, 'somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known.'

Namaste, my most beautiful friends ~ and may you all pause just long enough this day, to listen to the sounds of the Universe speaking through you.

Letting Go of Our Stories.

“There are people in the world so hungry, that God cannot appear to them except in the form of bread.” ― Mahatma Gandhi 

There is a Buddhist story, I very much love...about an older woman, left destitute with her two starving children.

She had no shelter from the driving rains, and no comforts to bring her family the 'warmth' they so very much deserved.

Each day, she cried out for the simple scraps left to be thrown away, "Please...please help me to feed my beautiful children. They are dying...please, won't anyone help us?"

And each night, she returned to that same sad story ~ of two children dying, with not even a morsel to comfort them.

And with each new moon, she begged...and pleaded...that someone, please, might come to save them.

And then, one day, a Monk approached her, seeing such sadness in her eyes. He knelt before this impoverished woman, taking her hand, and promising ~ that she and her family would never again want for anything. That they should always be well-cared for, and loved each day, unconditionally ~ enjoying, as equals, a most bountiful 'harvest.'

And, this Monk was so very taken by her status ~ that he promised, even upon his death, that her care would be continued with great loving-kindness, by those Monks who would carry on in his place.

But, there was just this one condition..

You see, the Monk asked this woman just one simple thing... that before each meal, each bite of food...that she might pause to reflect, and just long enough to say,

"I really don't need this, after all."

Only then, would she and her most beautiful children finally realize the true miracle of these most gracious gifts.

Sadly, though?

This woman, and in spite of her greatest needs, just couldn't bring herself to do just this... to say these few simple words, "I really don't need this, after all."

You see, she had become far too attached to her own story of poverty ~ that she simply couldn't see things any other way.

Poverty was all that she knew, and would ever know ~ because, it was the only story she was ever willing to tell.

My dears, sometimes, we can become so caught up in our own spinning thoughts ~ that we lose sight of the kindness that is right before us.

So, perhaps, just for today ~ we might find a way, to 'unstick' ourselves from the lines of these stories... just long enough to see the true beauty of this most magnficent world.

Namaste, and much love my dears...

What Does Mindfulness Mean?

Someone asked me just the other day, "Tara....what does 'mindfulness' truly mean?"

You see, they like others, had been struggling with so many books filled with definitions ~ nebulous and imprecise in their meaning.

So many gurus, and gurus-to-be...spiritual leaders, and those who'll argue that their view is best.

"Be still," one may offer, "and ignore all distractions." But, shouldn't mindfulness create an equal, yet unclinging, awareness of all things... including those that have the capacity to shake us to our core?

"Let the thoughts simply travel through," another suggests. But, isn't mindfulness also about examination of these such events?

Here is, in my humble opinion, the issue my dears ~ as, there really isn't just one view, you see... as so much relies upon our own personal experience in the context of these such greater things.

Though, if I, a most simple writer indeed, were to take my attempts at what it all means...

I might say, just this,

"To know the stillness of water, while understanding that our simple being is continuously shifting the shore. This is what mindfulness means to me."

But, of course, my dears ~ this thing we call mindfulness...is something you must decide for you.

Namaste, and much love on this day.

To The Author of the Anonymous Note (reprinted from Huffington Post)

This was such a beautifully passionate reminder, that our worlds are not always so black and white. That in this space of gray, there are often much deeper stories still...stories that might often change our view of this world.

If we allow a space for a little 'gray'...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

For the original source: To the Author of the Anonymous Note

I think I recognize you... I do. Before becoming a Mom, I used to live in your world of black and white, with everything in order, in its place. I had a plan, a schedule, a list of finished projects to check off, checklist and all. How wonderful for you that your life is so structured, so dependable and predictable that you cling to that line dividing right and wrong, black and white, and that you feel compelled to comment when you think someone is coloring outside the lines.

This time, though, in your hurry to keep things neat and orderly, you didn't see the whole picture. I guess you didn't see the accessible permit hanging from my car mirror, giving me permission to park close to the entrance. You didn't see the wheelchair lift permanently installed into the back of my SUV, and you didn't see me unload my little girl's pink manual wheelchair that we use for "quick" trips. Maybe from your view, you only saw my older daughter and me, and not Zoe's little girl bubble gum pink wheelchair.

But forget all that, it could have only been my older daughter with me that day, parked in that same spot and -- depending on her health at that moment -- in your eyes, we would have appeared to be at fault, even though her doctor almost nags me, reminding me often to use the medically-authorized permit to conserve her energy when needed. But looking at her, you wouldn't know she has the same progressive metabolic disorder as her younger sister. She doesn't have a wheelchair, but she has the same rights -- all invisible to YOU from the perspective of your world.

I recognize where you are from. I used to live there, too. I used to have checked-off lists, awards touting my accomplishments, perfect hair, great skin, sparkly eyes, a quick wit, a clean car, a social life, a large social network, an organized calendar, vacation plans set in stone and no overdue library books. But then I became a mom. And unexpectedly, a mom of a special needs child. A child with no life-long guarantee, no definitive prognosis and no detailed treatment plans. Now my family has good doctors, a good attitude and a good family life.

My life is good, but not so easily structured. My skin is not so healthy, my hair often flyaway, my eyes most often tired. I am up multiple times throughout the night, I rise at 5 and go full speed until 9 at night, still stymied and determined to do more each and every day. I miss the friendships I used to have, the once-so-easy-to-achieve professional accomplishments, but I don't miss the world you live in.

I am a kinder woman who lives in a world that is no longer black and white. Sometimes gray is good, a salvation, a retreat from something that could be much worse. My priorities were reshuffled for me, and now I would never think to judge another.

I am always in motion and I am grateful. Grateful for the touch of my child who needs my hands to steady her, grateful for my child who craves my words to calm her, my child who needs my hugs to soothe her. I am even grateful, that I no longer live in your black-and-white world.

What Motivates Kindness?

"In the end, maybe it's wiser to surrender before the miraculous scope of human generosity and to just keep saying thank you, forever and sincerely, for as long as we have voices.”  ~ Elizabeth Gilbert

What is our motivation for being so very kind?

To offer Compassion's hand when time...circumstance...or our own misgivings.... might otherwise pull us away?

What moves us from that single moment of hesitation to a potential life altering change for others?

Mark Twain once said, "Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see."

Myself? I have always believed that a single act of kindness has the capacity to transcend all...

All of these, our preconceived notions of tolerance and terror....

And directly through past hurts and horrors....

To forge a new understanding of Humanity's truest potential...

That is, of finally healing this world.

It's true what they say, you know...'kindness ripples'...

Though, this ripple extends in ways one might never know.


My dears, may we always allow a space for Kindness at our spiritual 'table'...

Namaste, and much love this day...