Forgiveness

Life is an adventure in forgiveness. - Norman Cousins

Forgiveness is the greatest moment of letting go.

We let go of having things go the way we planned. Let go of the way we think people have failed us, hurt us, disappointed us. Let go of the wishing, hoping, and praying that is directed to the past.

Forgiveness brings us to the now. What are we holding on to? And why?

Refusal to forgive is the anchor we wrap around our necks as we wade into the deep end of some hoarded past transgression. This refusal to release is threatening our very survival; as we struggle to find the next breath, freedom is as immediate as the moment we let go.

Exhale into this moment. Exhale clearing the past. Exhale the stubborn tightness.

Exhale. Exhale. Exhale.

The inhale will take care of itself. (And what a relief it is.)

Breathing with you on this journey up the mountain...

Recognizing Enough

Too often I walk through the marketplace or store and find I own much of what is displayed there. But oh how my heart longs for just one more babble or doohickey.

During this season, I have committed to letting go of my need to buy stuff just because I want it, or think I neeeed it. It has proven a deeper challenge today. Not because I wanted to buy anything, but because as I look around my house I see so much that we already have even in the face of the urge to gather in more.

I'll not chide myself for the behaviors of the past, but instead shift into a more reasonable, useful way of being. I will focus on real needs and dreams. While I live amongst my stuff, I long to be a resource in this world - in my community. I have so much to share, and now even more since it is obvious my needs are completely met.

Kindness in words creates confidence.
Kindness in thinking creates profoundness.
Kindness in giving creates love.  - Lao-Tzu

Blessing on this journey of compassion and kindness.

Be Nice Anyway

Somehow the day has escaped me along with the note for the topic I planned to post. I have my grand-daughters in the afternoon and that is just one lmanic circus event complete with monkey antics and the accompanying mess. No sooner than I think I have one bit sorted than another turns over.

Thankfully, the girls went to bed and even to sleep peacefully. I had a few tasks to complete, then picked up my hook and yarn to complete a hat as a gift before the evening was through.

I love to crochet, to create and occasionally to design. The hat I made is one that I have perfected by following the pattern completely. To say I was excited to make the gift is an understatement. However, it was not received with any enthusiasm. A few nags. A nit pick, A carrying away of the gift.

I was bewildered at the unkindness. I still am.

This week's readings are on compassion and kindness.

The best portion of a good man's life: his little, nameless, unremembered acts of kindness and love.  William Wordworth

 Words welled up inside me as the gift left my home. I have them still. Here, I let go of the outcome, the fruit, the results.  I give because I love to give. It is the ego that was seeking a return in that moment. The promise is that when we give, it will be given back to us, good measure, pressed down and running over. I am free to allow this moment to pass in love.

As the car pulled away and I locked the door, I heard the mandate, "Be kind anyway." That reminded my of Mother Teresa's Poem -

Do It Anyway

People are often unreasonable,
illogical and self-centered;
Forgive them anyway.

If you are kind,
people may accuse you of selfish ulterior motives;
Be kind anyway.

If you are successful,
you will win some false friends and true enemies;
Succeed anyway.

If you are honest and frank,
people may cheat you;
Be honest anyway.

What you spend years building,
someone could destroy overnight;
Build anyway.

If you find serenity and happiness,
they may be jealous;
Be happy anyway.

The good you do today,
people will often forget tomorrow;
Do good anyway.

Give the world the best you have,
and it may never be enough;
Give the world the best you’ve got anyway.

You see, in the final analysis,
it is between you and God;
It was never between you and them anyway.

Blessings during this journey of reflection.

Challenge and Change

Reflection inherently means to look back - as in what presents in the mirror or pool. This morning, I took reflect as a moment to review, recount, peruse the past. In this moment I wonder why I thought that was useful.

I have adopted the season of Lent. It wasn't mine all along. I had to go get it.

I plan for my attendance to this season.  The giving up. The letting go. The moving on. I know my weaknesses, well, some of them, and am willing to open to change. Beyond the declarations of what we will give up for Lent, what will we take on?

I renew my commitment to daily pray and meditation.

I renew my commitment to give back to my community.

I renew my commitment to responsible financial stewardship.

During this season, I will offer a daily prayer and remember that we are all on the same journey - back to the One, regardless of our chosen paths.


Fill your mind with compassion. - Buddha

I let go of offering explanations. I am free and unlimited.

So are you...

What doesn't challenge you, doesn't change you. Blessed be.