Walk Lightly

My ears delight in the call of the wind
Which whispers and plays through the trees
I walk amongst those bare trees and see the heart of the forest
And give thanks

In all is the circle of all that is
And in listening to the wind
And to the heart of the forest
I have to wonder if anything listens back.

Yes, I think so.

In walking lightly and loving deeply

It is returned

And I give thanks

Photo:  The Elven Face in the Tree - Lake Sammamish, WA

Breathing Into Change

And so...
There are times we move on.  Times when we know that each experience has a beginning and an end and a beginning again.  There is that moment of being called towards something different, something new.  I hear it.  I am aware of it.  The wild call is strong in my ears and in my heart.

And yet...
I am not fully ready for this change.  There is a sense of knowing that a few more things must fall into place first.  Sometimes change happens whether we are ready or not - I know this.  But, sometimes, change happens only when we are ready.  Both are elements of grace.  Being tossed in because You know we are ready even if we do not.  Being supported and given time when we truly are not quite ready.

Thank You...
for all the ways life moves and changes and grows.  When I see it in nature, it is always so gentle, so graceful, so beautiful and, well, so natural.  It is the rhythm of life.  It is the rhythm of my life.  Remind me when I forget and resist or rush the natural dance of this movement, of this life.  Throw me in when I resist a change I am ready for and remind me to be gentle with myself when I am not yet ready.  Breathe in.  Breathe out.

Photo:  Geese in flight.  Lake Sammamish, WA

Birdwalking

Birdwalking is a word that I've used since I was a kid to describe meandering thoughts and conversations.  Unfocused talking.  It's like looking at bird footprints on the sand and wondering where they began and where they will end.  I've been noticing that this is what has been happening to a small degree on this blog.  "From One Who Almost Forgot" was intended to be a bit like easvesdropping on my talking to the Divine - questions, thoughts, meditations, dreams, prayers, etc.  And, while for the most part that has been happening, I've noticed a few entries that kind of don't quite have a home here - the focus is different.

So, I've just created a new blog called "Jade Wind" that I am inviting you to take a look at and follow if you like.  I have copied over three of the entries from here (entries will also stay here) and given my initial "What is this blog for?" post.  I will keep writing "From One Who Almost Forgot" but will do so with the original focus.  "Jade Wind" will house my other thoughts on creativity and following our hearts and dreaming into reality.

http://jadewind.blogspot.com/

I hope you find both blog sites to be of value and inspiration to you. :)

Photo:  Frozen bird footprints on the beach of Lake Sammamish in WA

Coffee Shop Dreaming

I am sitting in a coffee shop warming myself by the fire they so thoughtfully make available to us on a cold winter’s day. Above my head is a speaker that is providing all different types of music. What strikes me about this is that each song is from a completely different genre - Rock, Jazz, Classical, Country, Folk, World, and Alternative. Each piece has its own beauty and gift. I have to wonder about the musicians. What brought them to this place where they create in their own style this level of music in which you can hear their mastery? It’s an important question for me as I am in the middle of working on my own first CD and it applies also to the books I am writing.

I think many would tell me that it’s the hours of practice and study and training. You hear so many stories of the musicians who spend 6 hours a day in practice and several more studying theory and technique. However, I’m not sure that’s the truth. I spent a year studying music (voice) in college and watched many of these phenomenally talented musicians doing that very thing – they lived in the music hall, had no life outside of the practice rooms and classrooms. But, you hear nothing from them now. Some have completely disappeared, and most now teach rather than perform in the way they once dreamed of.

Many of the musicians you actually hear and love have been told at least once, if not more often, that they didn’t have what it takes to be successful. They could practice until their fingers fell off or they lost their voice completely and would never be anyone in the music world and yet they are.

So, what’s the key? I think there are a couple of keys. One is found in the phrase “they once dreamed of.” What happened to that dream? In letting go of the dream, reality changed for them and we hear someone else instead of them. What we think on and what we dream of with our entire being ends up happening. One key at least, then, is never stop dreaming of those moments in which you are doing what you really love and being wonderfully successful at it.

Another key is in allowing that still small voice inside of you room to become loud enough to drown out those who would say “you can’t” or “you won’t.” There is a moment inside of us that chooses to listen or not listen. At some point, if we wish live who we really are, we must choose to no longer listen to those who would say “you can’t.” What I love is that the choice is always yours. There may have been a time, or many times, when you listened to the “you can’t” voices but you can always, ALWAYS make a different choice at any time. It’s one of the most beautiful things about being human.

Learn to listen to that part of you that simply aches with longing to do one thing or another – whatever that is. That is the voice. It’s soft at first, especially if we have buried it deeply, but it will grow louder as we nourish the sound of that dream - that knowing - until that still, small voice becomes delighted laughter and expression. Awaken to the moment of realization that “this is mine to do in this life,” and simply choose it – every moment of every day. Trust and believe that in this way we can best express our connection to That Which Is and our connection to ourselves – when we connect to one, we connect to the other. There is a point where we either walk away from what we dream of or we take a breath, stretch our hands out to the sides, close our eyes and step off. Though training and effort might be needed, no amount of training can make up for that moment.

Top Photo:  Campfire on the Peninsula, Collins Campground, WA

Bottom Photo:  by Patrick Corrigan - My hands playing the first time I was in the Opus4 recording studios

Frozen

Frozen…well, that’s been me. Most of this year has been one of loss in one way or another and through each of those losses I have felt a piece of me slow down and stop. Isa is a perfect word for this feeling or happening. It’s a Norse Celt word/ideogram from the runic alphabet that means “ice” and “standstill” – the place of silence and seemingly no movement. Its symbol is that of a vertical line drawn. It’s a tough place to be. I have so many things to accomplish, so many things to do and yet I am distracted by those losses, distracted by the things that wake me up in the middle of the night and then keep me awake until dawn. Body and soul exhausted - finally given no option but to be still.

Isa is coming to a stop but there is a blessing in it as well – rest and healing. Isa isn’t about a full stop though it might feel constrictive…restrictive…dead. Isa is winter – the stark beauty of snow and bare trees and frozen ground. Trees withdrawing sap, seeds cocooned under frozen earth and yet life continuing underground. Visibly stopped. Invisibly moving. All things gaining the nourishment they need to break through the earth, draw back up the trunk and burst into visible life again. Similar to the Native American concept of embracing bear or going into the cave, it is the time of winding down, resting, learning, healing, knowing self deeper within or, at least, it is the opportunity for that. Thought of this way, it’s a coming home, where all else drops away and I am left with quietness and connection to That Which Is.

And slowly, slowly tiny moments of, not only stillness, but rest occur. Peace and a sense of Grace in small quantities. And I am still, with my head cocked to the side as if listening deeply or sorting through these new sensations – giving space for them to grow and no longer fighting with it all (well, not as much anyway :o) ;) )

From here movement begins.

Photo:  Frost-etched leaf on the walking trail at Cedar River Park, Renton, WA

River Flow

I woke this morning hearing myself say in my fading dream:

“I am trying to flow with the river.”

And in return, I heard or, rather, felt the reply:

“How can you try to flow with the river? It is impossible. The river simply flows and either you are flowing with it or you are not. In flowing with rivers, there is only letting go.”

I came fully awake with the feeling of holding onto a log but longing to glide along with the sinuous, alive river and the tenuous beginnings of letting go with one hand.

Photo:  Snoqualmie River just below the falls.  Snoqualmie, WA

The Road

The road from 'What Was' to 'What Will Be' is journeyed by one simple word: "Yes."

Photo:  Walking/Biking trail, Cedar River Park, Renton, WA

I am Being Followed or Me and My Shadow

Wandering through the words of others, I found myself wanting to keep track of what they have to say and share. Incredible photographs, fun creativity, links and thoughts of life and laughter….

I was looking at one blog site and clicked on “follow” expecting that her site would be added to my list for me to keep up with only to find that I had clicked on a button that would mark me as a “follower” of my own blog site.

I’ve tried a couple of ways of removing myself from the follower list but, being somewhat new to blogging, I have not yet found that magical key and maybe I'm not meant to. Anyway, after turning a little red at the thought of following myself and having a good laugh over it I, typically, started looking for what it could mean.

For, surely, there’s a lesson in it somewhere – some Zen Koan to cover such an event or some Native or Celtic Shaman wisdom to find. Dogs chasing their own tails, shadows following you, how we come to the same place we’ve been many times and yet see it for the first time, how perhaps we should learn from our own words, or being okay with claiming and standing for our own words. I’m sure there’s something there. Or, it could just be the remembering of how to have the grace to laugh with yourself (Kerry, I am not laughing at you, I am laughing with you….).

Well, whatever the lesson may be or whether there is even a lesson to be found…

I am being followed…..by myself.

Photo:  Someone's footprints - Alki Beach, WA

A Meditation for the Night

As the day turns into night
May we release the day
And let go all it brought or didn’t bring

May laughter replace grief

And courage replace fear

May clarity replace confusion

And faith replace doubt

May trust replace walls

And forgiveness replace hurts

May we know oneness without words

And love without bounds

May we rest

And may all be well

Photo:  Maui beach at sunset, Hawaii

Sacred Ground

Daedelus
December 13, 2001 - November 11, 2009



In silence walks the heart when love abounds
The soft tender footsteps of knowing we are on sacred ground
No harsh words, no cruel actions – only love.
And love, when letting go, lets go just as softly
Even though the tears fall.

For the time he has been in my world, I have been honoured with that love so gentle and soft
For his passing I grieve with a heart that feels crushed and broken
For his sake I will let go softly bowing my head in gratitude and love
Knowing in the silence that he is here always – no matter what
For the ground he walked and the ground of his heart was sacred indeed

And the world he created was love.

Daedelus
Daed
Bear
Dude
Bright Eyes
Doodles
Doodlebug
Do
Bear in Pajamas
Little Boy
Love

A Simple Question

A piece of earth that has been ravaged by time, torn apart by wind and rain and storm, eroded to the very bones of scraggy trees and sun-burnt vistas. We look at this and nearly weep for its beauty and value. We stand in awe of its agelessness and its age. We travel great distances to walk through it all and camp amongst the vastness. We sing the praises of the stark loveliness and Oh! The stars at night! We long to spend time with the quietness of timelessness. We seek to know more and more of its story that we can only think of as glorious. We spend countless amounts of money protecting it and nourishing these grounds. And so we should. So we should.

A human walks by. We know nothing of the wars – personal and public – that have been fought on the plains of the soul. We do not know the storms weathered, the places torn apart by fierce winds and rain. We do not understand the places eroded to the bones. Nor do we have eyes to see the timeless, ageless, stark, wise loveliness of a person standing tall in front of us full of knowledge and heart and experiences - both beautiful and challenging - and tears and laughter and….worth. We do not seek to know more of this human’s story for we do not see the glory before us – we do not see the stars in their eyes. We see the clothes, the shoes, the piece of paper that says where this person went to school and what work experience is of value, we see the balance in the bank, the denomination they belong to, the car driven, the latest restaurant eaten in, and the judgments of others who have not stood in the shoes and life of this person. Should we? Should we?

 

Photo:  The Arches National Park, Utah

Tumbling

Threads upon threads
Rushing and flowing over all life
Strings of action and choices
Giving. Taking.
The darkness and light of words and silence
Heart going this direction. Mind going over there. Is there a place they both can meet?

Strands upon strands
Weaving in and out of everything
Paths chosen and paths ignored
Firmness. Flexibility.
Shadows and highlights of beginnings and endings
Constant movement. A glance towards quiet peace. Can one not have both?

Teach me to see that I AM beneath that. That at the surface, all this flows and gathers and tumbles and creates its music of cacophony or of grace. Teach me to see what is under that so that I might flow in a more harmonious way with all that is and is not. I do not mind the river taking me along when I can breathe.

Teach me the within. Teach me the under. Teach me

Stillness…listening…resting…knowing…being…courage…love…life

Teach me to flow and move from there.

Photo:  Closeup of Cedar River, WA

Hallowe'en Valentine

When the night wind calls you
And the owl flies across the yellow moon
And you feel the mists surround you
I am there

Through the darkness
Where the illusions of fear are known
When you feel there is no one else but you
I am there

For no matter where you go
No matter what you think or who you feel you are
There is never a time when I am not there
For I love you

For the veil is always thin between my world and yours
For those who look within the veil is never there.

I do so love you.

Salmon's Dance

Having been offline for awhile due to internet technical gremlins, it has been far longer than I had ever planned between posts. It's been an interesting time not having solid access but I have continued to wander and watch and play. Here is a little something I wrote when I stopped by the river on my way to an appointment. The salmon were beginning their run and it's always a magical time - full of the mystery of life, passion and death. Try as I might, I could not get my camera to capture one of their leaps but this is the bend I sat at.

Salmon's Dance

In the old places I sit -
Just where the river bends and curves
Deep glacial colour letting me know the distance travelled -
Here in this bend, salmon mate
Each a full red as if blushing in shyness over the act
Unconscious of others watching
Eyes and movement only there for the other
Dancing only for one.
What matters if their lives spill out along with their fertility rites?
New lives begin from life's ending
In bold, brilliant, splashing, leaping, sensuous colour
Aware of only that other, that moment, that creation
Ancient rites in an ancient river.

I walk to the water and dipping my hands in
I become, for a moment, one with that dance of final ecstasy.
Giving all to create.
Dancing as if no one else were around.
My soul alive.
My spirit bold, brilliant, splashing, leaping, sensuous colour.
Dying to what I once was so that what I am to be may be born.
Aware.
Ancient rites by an ancient river
With its deep, glacial colour, bending and turning unendingly
Through the old places where I sit.

Photo:  Cedar River, WA

What I Heard While Looking at the Moon

Were I to say what I see in you it would be this
I see the light of a new day arising over the mountains
I see the uniqueness of an oriental poppy standing amidst a field of lavender
I see invisible wings made visible and miracle made clear

Were I to say what I hear when I listen to you it would be this
I hear the laughter of the leaves when the wind has tickled them
I hear the song of the sea after a storm has washed the shore clean
I hear the expression of All That Is in each sound you make

Were I to say what I feel when you pass by it would be this
I feel the strength of a thousand mountains
I feel the wonder of a thousand snowflakes
I feel the oneness of all of life in a simple sideways glance from your eyes

Were I to say what I love about you it would be this
Everything

Photo:  Moon - Snoqualmie, WA

Ritual for Change

This is a very powerful ritual when done with focus and intent. It "should" be performed 4 times a year at the Equinoxes and Solstices. This is for ease of memory rather than anything else. When the 1st day of the season is listed on your calendar it's the perfect time to think about change in your own life. It's a review of the previous three months (deciding what you didn't like or about yourself or your life), a cleansing out of all that isn't yours and isn't you. That's followed with a calling in of those things and ways that do match you for the next three months.

Here is the ritual:


You will need:
Two pieces of paper
One pen or pencil
One length of ribbon about 12-18" long
One candle
One stick of long-burning incense (the ones used for sitting Zazen for example)
A small bowl of sand or dirt
One glass of water with a rose quartz crystal soaking in it
A bathtub

• Fill bathtub with comfortably toasty water
• While it is filling take one of the sheets of paper and the pen/pencil. Write down everything that you would like to release from your life - everything from what you consider to be the most trivial to the most profound. Think back over the last three months and write it all down. Once you are sure you have that complete (use both sides if you need to), set that next to the tub.
• Take the other sheet of paper and write down everything you would like to draw into your life, everything you wish to see yourself become - again from what you consider to be the most trivial to the most profound. Think over the next three months and write it all down. Set that next to the tub.
• Set aside the pen/pencil.
• When the tub is filled to the right level for you to be immersed, turn off the water
• Light the candle and the incense - place on tub rim
• Place the small bowl of sand or dirt on tub rim
• Remove clothing
• Step into the water saying:
  "It is in this moment I change. I die to the past and I am born to myself. All things are cleansed away; all new beginnings are mine. Disappointments, perceived failures, hurts, and mistakes are no more. Dreams manifest into forms of light and love and reality. I call forth all beings of light to assist in this cleansing, to destroy the illusions and bring forth what is true"
• Soak in the water for about 15-20 minutes with the intent of washing away the "old" you to be born into the "new" you.
• At some point, be sure to dip your ears under the water and just listen to your heartbeat . Imagine this heartbeat being the heartbeat of the Earth and know yourself to be loved by her. Then imagine this heartbeat to be the heartbeat of the Universe and know yourself as loved by the Unending. Allow this heartbeat to be the heartbeat of the Divine in whatever form/name you are comfortable with. Know that you are truly loved.
• When you are ready, pick up the sheet of paper with the list of things you want to have cleansed from you. Read this list silently to become aware of each thing. Thoughts have energy and adding the actual voice to those thoughts increases that energy multifold. So, read this list silently to remind yourself of what is to no longer exist without giving these things too much energy - without letting them manifest.
  Once you have read this list to yourself, take that paper and place it in the water with you. Swirl it around until it becomes soaked and begins to fall apart. Watch the paper dissolve and see the words disappear.
• Say out-loud the following:
  "As this paper has disintegrated into the water, so, too have those things that no longer serve me disintegrated."
• Sit with this for awhile and truly feel that these things are going and are gone from your life. Water is a gentle way of cleansing so trust that whatever was on your list will be removed in ways that are also gentle.
• Then, take the paper with the list of things and ways you are choosing to become. Read this one out-loud. Add the vocal energy to the thought energy and read it out-loud in a strong voice. When you are finished reading it, say the following:
  "These thing I call into being. These things are now born into reality and speak the truth of who I am."
• Once this has been done, pass the paper over the flame (without burning it) and imagine the passion of fire infusing your intentions. Pass the paper over the incense and imagine the cool air of intellect giving you the step-by-step knowledge of how and see the air sending messages to others who will help you. Pass the paper over the water and see the truth of you being nurtured into being and your heart being woken for newness. Pass the paper over the sand or dirt and feel each thing on your list being formed into reality and see anything physically needed as yours. Read the page out-loud once more and set it outside the tub so that it does not get wet.
• While sitting in the tub, release the water and feel it drain away from you. Feel the old leaving and being sucked down the drain. When the tub is empty, there may be bits of pulp sticking to you. Rinse off in cool water. Leave any bits of pulp in the tub for the moment.
• Step out and dry off. Standing in front of the mirror, look at yourself as if you have never seen the person looking back at you before. In truth, you haven't seen this person - what was has been washed away and who stands before you now is newly born and light filled.
• Say the following to your reflection:
  "This day you have chosen to follow a new path of light and your dreams are yours. Blessed are you for you are deeply loved by all that is. And it is so."
• Drink the water (without swallowing the rose quartz). Blow out the candle and see your intentions being taken to the Universe to manifest into your life and being. If the incense is still going, allow it to end on its own. Get dressed.
• Gather the remaining pulp from the tub, take it outside and bury it all in the earth.
• Take the paper with your new self on it, roll it up around the rose quartz that was in the glass, tie the ribbon around the paper and crystal and place it in a safe place. You'll need it in 3 months to review for the next time you do this ritual at the solstice or equinox.
  

Go about your day or evening feeling the peace that comes from a deep letting go and a strong loving intention set. You have all you need and all is given.
Blessings and light.

Photo:  Some items in my meditation "cave"

Angel Wings

I am an angel unsure of my wings, unsure of choices and paths.

Knowing that with each step I do my best, believing in the best of outcomes.

And still I hear a voice say, “You do have wings.”

Photo:  Shell - Long Beach, WA

And all the While, Beauty

A Monet painted Sound

Brown water-silked seals popping up out of the water, staring at me with soft, curious, dark eyes and then diving back under the waves with a nod or two

Fish jumping out of the water and flashing silver in the morning sun

A man off to my left surrounded by feeding pigeons – he standing still with the birds landing on his raised arms, on his shoulders and even on his head. An enchanted dance between birds and human, wings like huge butterflies fluttering. It was like stepping outside of time to watch him and them.

A Seahawk flying low directly over my head from across the water

Seagulls waddling off in front of me as if accompanying me along the sand

Heart-shaped stones all over the beach

Prisms of colour and light seen through unexpected tears brought to my cheeks from the incredible flow and beauty of life

And all the while, a rainbow smiling its gift over one of the islands

To think there are those who would say there is no magic in this world

I thank You for the beauty that is Your world – a world that touches me so deeply in all its forms and ways and people and lives. I thank You for the mystery of all that is.

Photo:  Seagulls on Alki Beach, WA

On Namaste

I had a pretty wild dream the other night in which I was walking amongst the trees on the grounds of a lovely retreat center. I rounded a corner on the path and overheard the following conversation between the guru/master and a male student occurring on the other side of some bushes:

“But, she and I are friends. Well, I’ve never met her but we’ve talked through email and chat. She’s here. I saw her. I’d love to talk with her in person.”

“And, you can talk to her. I’m asking you to wait a bit before walking up to her. You may think you know her because you’ve had some good conversations but not really. Something happened that made both of you uncomfortable, didn’t it? You changed toward her after that. “

“I, uh…how did you…? Of course, you’re a guru. Yeah, that’s true.”

“That fact alone tells me you are not ready to walk up to her. What are you looking for? What are you hoping for? Here’s what I think. I think you should wait until you know inside of yourself in whose presence you are standing when you walk up to her. “

“She’s an adult. She makes her own choices. There was no damage done.”

“Ah, yes. She is. And, she does. Comfortable thought isn’t it? It is true that a human soul cannot really be damaged. But, these teachings are not given us to excuse choices that have a negative effect on another. They are given to allow us a greater awareness of life. They are given so that we do not add to another’s burden or illusory struggle and so that we do not add to our own. We do not truly damage another – that is impossible but it is possible to add to the mists shrouding their own understanding of who they are and our own understanding of who we really are.

“Namaste. That word. Do you know the meaning of it? The divine in me sees and responds to the divine in you. So, when you approach someone, you see that spark of divinity in them and treat them that way whether they can see that spark in themselves or not. But, you cannot do that for another unless you see that spark inside yourself first. You didn’t really see her and therefore you did not see yourself either and with that understanding you made a choice. Make a different one this time and see what happens."

“You mean don’t say hello or talk to her.”

“Hmmm…wouldn’t that only be continuing what you’ve been doing?”

“Ouch. Yeah, I guess so.”

“No ouch. No judgment. But, next time you see her truly look at her. She’s gone through more than most, though she would disagree, and is exhausted clean through. She’s here resting, letting go and healing. In spite of all that, or because of all that, she shines and there’s something in her that will touch many. There is definitely a divine spark, a divine flame in her though she doesn’t totally know that herself yet. She sees it but often doubts it. When you can see that spark and flame in her, you will know in whose presence you stand and you will know that presence within yourself. Then you can approach, say hello and talk. That is my suggestion. Ah - I hear the call to dinner. Let’s go eat.”

I awoke later but remembered that incredibly straight-forward lucid dream and I’ve been thinking about it since. It would’ve been easy to dismiss this dream as nothing more than what it seemed – an interesting dream in which I played the eavesdropper on an incredibly private conversation that I didn’t really want to be privy to. Underneath it all I felt there was more, though, so I haven’t been able to let it go.

I’m not sure I have it all yet but I’ve come to realize that I am the woman they are speaking of – knowing she’s a part of the divine but not fully getting it yet and exhausted from the illusion of struggle.

But, I’m also the man on the bench who has acted in the past as if I did not have the divine spark in me, clouding that awareness of the spark for myself and possibly for others but wanting to see and know now. I’m also the guru/teacher showing myself the divinity, the spark/flame – teaching me to drop illusion and look more deeply with more clarity at myself and others. And, I am also the observer in the woods – outside of the experience but watching it all and learning.

It could also be said that the man in the dream was each character and the guru in the dream was each character and even the observer was each one.

I have much to think about and, apparently, much thinking to drop.

Photo:  Trees along the Timpanogos River, UT

Heart's Ease

It has been a rough week, Heart of the Universe. I realize ‘rough’ is a perception but, still, I am tired from stumbling around in what feels like the dark. In the dark places, you are there as much as you are in the light places. I know this. I know this. So, how about I just turn out the lights on this day and on this week and sit here in the dark with you, breathing, resting, letting go? I think that sounds good. There are also two children, a few adults and a dog I ask you to be with tonight. Rest them, too, in the safe places of your heart. May all be well.

Photo:  Lavender seller's display - Sequim, WA

Evening

I have walked this day through and it is done. I release everything from this day whether I have decided that it was good or bad. It simply was and is not now. I let go all things so that my body and spirit can rest and recover. I let go all things so that my dreams speak clearly. I let go all things so that tomorrow is new and fresh. I end this day in peace and will begin tomorrow the same.

I let go of all things and breathe. All is well.

Photo:  Long Beach, WA

Morning

As each new day dawns so, too, does each new chance and each new beginning. There is never a time when dreams are out of reach. There is never a time when a beginning or a beginning again cannot be had. In all things are all things and in each moment any moment is possible.


It is for this reason the morning sings and the mists dance in joy.

Photo:  Long Beach, WA

Beyond Thought

Closing my eyes, I watch my thoughts float by like clouds
I let them
And breathe into the blue sky space between the clouds
Silence

Photo:  The sky reflected in the water.  Clark Lake, WA

Harmony in Chaos

In the chaos of life there is a need for harmony. Out of chaos, creativity but so, too, destruction. With my back against a softly aged piece of driftwood nestled in the dunes and my face soaking in the late afternoon sun, I watch the ordered chaos of the ocean and note its breathing and rhythm -this is harmony. The crashing of the waves powerfully moving to shore becomes a warm caress for the sand. How? What tamed the might of the wave? It is the action of pulling back and under timed perfectly that takes the destruction out of the wave and gives the caress. And in each pulling back the water takes what it has learned from the sand out to sea to mingle and change the very source. There is also a moment in which the wave is absolutely still for a breathtaking eternity of a second or two as it approaches the sand and then again as it leaves the sand. It's like a pause of acceptance or pleasure in the process. There is no fight against the chaos, there is only a letting go into the weaving dance of water and sand, movement and stillness. And, each time the water leaves the shore, there is a new creation born.

Harmony, according to the ocean then, is full on movement forward, a moment of perfect stillness, relaxing into the softness of creation, another moment of absolute stillness and a pulling back while integrating the entire experience in time for the next wave.

Photo:  Driftwood Stump and Log.  Longbeach, WA