Letting Go

I worked with several families today, long and exhausting, but also very fulfilling.  As usual it was made clear to me during my early morning meditation, what approach to take with each family.  I took the approach that seemed right and let go of the outcome, much as I described yesterday.  I did not waste my energy by deciding what should happen and trying to force it.  Not surprisingly, everything worked out well, much better than anticipated.

Existing in Peace

Today I met with three men of a substantial range of ages, from very young adult to close to my own age.  With each of them I was struck by how much of their actions were determined by some sort of fear.  Fear and avoidance of some sort determined most of their behaviors.  The same used to be true of me.  I existed within a constant state of anxiety and fear.  Since then I have come to rely on the guidance of God, realized that I am not in charge and come to realize that the universe is unfolding just fine.

Prayer & Meditation

We had our monthly men’s meeting tonight and, as usual, there was a very strong feeling of connection.  We talked about a variety of our fears, some serious, some almost laughable, but real at the time..  We also spoke of our spiritual connections, prayer and meditation.  The part that I took note of and what has certainly been true with me is that when doing or focusing on the prayer and meditation, the fears dissolve & go away.

The Holistic Approach

Today I went to the hands on, medical intuitive healer that I go to once a month and we had a very energetically intense session.  He is disappointed that my speech, balance and coordination continue to be a problem for me despite his efforts, and I must admit that I would like them to be better too.  However, as I pointed out today, my physical condition is showing gradual progress and is a great deal better than the medical profession predicted.  The medical profession is beginning to acknowledge that the meditative, mind-body activities that I have been using for years, actually work.  Those techniques also have limits.

The God Seed

I was talking today to a person about some comments from a Zen Buddhist about the “Buddha nature” in each one of us, that part that is very loving and connected with God and the eternal.  I have also heard that part of each of us called the “higher self”, “internal guru”, or simply “that small quiet voice”.  I call that part of us the “God seed”.  The fact is that it is always there and that people have been referring to it for centuries.  I choose to nurture and act on that seed and have a wonderful life as the result.

Finding Joy

As I commented during the Friend’s meeting today, staying focused on the divine and love is easy when I get up in the middle of the night to pray and meditate.  That focus is a bit harder in the presence of daily distractions or when doing things like the dishes or weeding the yard.  However, it is still quite possible to stay focused on love, gratitude and the divine while performing mundane activities, a joyful experience.  That focus is harder still when experiencing pain or a body that, like mine, does not cooperate, but it is still possible and it brings a strong sense of joy, in the midst of pain.

Empty Fullness

There are times, like today, when a large part of me wishes that I was living in a monastery or some place insulated from worldly events or worries, where I could live a simple, devotional life, devoid of complexities and focused solely on spiritual matters.  However, the fact is that would not be useful to me or others.  I would miss out on what I call the “empty fullness” of life, the idea that each moment is both empty and full.  Empty in that it really doesn't mean much in the  overall picture and can appear tragic. Full in terms of each moment being an invitation to recognize the mystery, to know and express love.