For who ? For ourselves. Did we do something, some ritual that affirmed our faith today ? In what ? In ourselves. Our ability to connect with our inner selves. For if we do not, who is this person that is working, loving, talking etc. It’s certainly not you.
It’s an everyday search for me. For that something that can put me in touch with myself. My connection to consciousness. My connection to loving nature.
Of course many people have faith. Which is a wonderful ability. I don’t have blind faith. I am more of a searcher. Questioner. Good, bad ? I don’t know. No value judgements on any faith or the question of faith. Or on myself.
Some people do it with meditation first thing in the morning. I have never been able to do that. I have to connect to something, however small, however little, to loose my sense of individuality. That’s the daily struggle. Against my own exaggarated sense of myself. I am so used to it. I have relied on it for so many years. So tough to let go now. Not that I have never questioned it before. But now, it is really important for me to be truly ‘active’ rather than ‘reactive’, which is what I have done most of my life. And how do I know what that ‘true’ action is ? Unless I am constantly in touch with something larger, more immense, more universal than myself ?
Yes I know. By letting go. By allowing yourself not to be addicted to the result of your action. By allowing chaos to invade your life. Yes, I agree. All of that. I do allow chaos to prevade in my life. I am impeteous (spelling). But then the individual in me fights back hard.
It’s an everyday battle. This battle to let go of one’s addiction to one’s sense of individuality.
Yet, the smallest of things can provoke the sensing of my flowing into something much much larger. Something infinite.
This morning it was my 5 year old daughter waking me up with a loud ‘Peekaboo’ and the tinkling of an early morning laugh.
Sometimes it;s just getting up early enough to watch the first shades of dark blue brush across the sky. Something deeply stirring about that.
Sometimes it’s unexpected gestures of affection that were not sought. Or given so instinctually that you were not aware of them.
Sometimes, it’s writing a poem. But only if the words are coming from somewhere else. As if something is flowing through you, a river of emotion you can physically feel that flows through your being.
But it is always so unexpected. So much that I am constantly aware now. My senses hightened. Waiting for that unexpected moment.
When something deeper will reach out and engulf me, and give my life, and all my actions, however small, a deeper and all encompassing context. On a daily basis.
So say a prayer for me. And for yourself.
Shekhar
Amen Shekhar,
There is an inherrent need in every human being for expansion. When people want a Bigger house, a Bigger car, a Bigger bank balance they are not really looking for these things. They are looking for expansion. There is a deep rooted need in us to expand. All of us are like drops of water wanting and waiting to mingle with the ocean.
Cheers!
Navin
Sometimes it’s just getting up early enough
to watch the first shades of dark blue brush across the sky.
Something deeply stirring about that.
Sometimes it’s unexpected gestures of affection that were not sought… or given so instinctually that you were not aware of them.
Sometimes, it’s writing a poem ~
only if the words are coming from somewhere else…
As if something is flowing through you,
a river of emotion
you can physically feel
that flows through your being.
But it is always so unexpected.
So much that I am constantly aware now.
My senses hightened.
Waiting for that unexpected moment.
When something deeper will reach out and engulf me and give my life, and all my actions, however small, a deeper and all encompassing context
…on a daily basis.
So say a prayer for me. And for yourself.
~~~
How deep and thought fulfilling Shekharji…I hope you don’t mind I sort of presented your words in poerty motion…co~incidentally, it was a “free flow thought.”
To think, just this morning I was wondering if you had children, thank you for the answer 🙂
Sending you and your family loving prayers for finding a place of free flow.
I believe, I know these steps you travel. One of my learned friends told me that it is an art of walking the two paths at once…and it takes lots and lots of practice, unless the vision of clarity has be bestowed upon One by an Enlightened Being.
I am with you in prayer…namaste,
Cinda
Dear Shekharji…little by little, the battle will dissolve. Each day, as we remind ourselves and replace react with “act” then the choice of flow and making room for light begins. I know all too often, and this goes without a doubt…whenever I react a landslide will follow, I smile and tell myself it was the choice I made that got me that result. This is how it started off. Now, I am in a place where I tell myself, what has happened ~ happened for a purpose and there is a continuing journey that will eventually reveal what is to come. I do my best to “act” it is so much more fulfilling, especially when working in a Kindergarten class with lots and lots of 4,5,and 6 year olds. IT’S QUITE THE ADVENTURE!
Simple example of understanding…when a child spills something and we get angry with them for doing so, most likely we are mirroring what had been done to us in the past. If we were to step back and understand from a child’s point of view, they are now learning how to balance, coordinate and move in their space, yet we as adults most would get upset or angry with them for spilling. However, if we were to spill the same thing in the same way, most likely, no one would yell at us! and we supposedly have had more time to learn balancing, coordianting and moving around in our own spaces. How silly of us!
This is just a small example of our lack of UNDERSTANDING and paying more attention to the needs of a situation. I feel it goes back to a sense of knowing one’s self and being in touch with the quietness of the flow of energy within that connects witht the energy externally.
Like you, I have also had many moments of connectedness with passing situations, a flicker of light shining off the lake, a breeze that caresses your face like a gentle kiss, and Ahahaha…this morning, my five year old son didn’t want to get up for school, I took off the blanket and folded it and left the room. I returned later to find him curled up in a ball inside the pillow sack. He took out the pillow and climbed into the sack to keep warm…it was sooooo funny, we both burst out in laughter when I pulled him across the bed while he was still in there!
Anyway, that’s my 2 cents for now…nice talking to you.
Oh, I just have to add one more thing, my 17 year old daughter, last year in high school, in English class…they were watching “Elizabeth” your movie. When she told me, I laughed…why? Because lately, she’s asking me why am I talking so much about you…I tell her you are on Deepak’s Blog site and how interesting your stories are! When I told her that you are the director of Elizabeth, she said…”No he’s not” and I said “Yes he is” we kept on doing this, until I said I will show her on the website. When we got home TaDa! there it was…She says OH!
…and so the connectedness continues,
Namaste,
Cinda
something to share…
“I like to walk alone on country paths, rice plants and wild grasses on both sides, putting each foot down on the earth in mindfulness, knowing that I walk on the wondrous earth. In such moments, existence is a miraculous and mysterious reality.
People usually consider walking on water or in thin air a miracle. But I think the real miracle is not to walk either on water or in thin air, but to walk on earth. Every day we are engaged in a miracle which we don’t even recognize: a blue sky, white clouds, green leaves, the black, curious eyes of a child–our own two eyes. All is a miracle.
-Thich Nhat Hanh, “Miracle of Mindfulness”
…it somehow reminded me of you, Shekharji!
Cinda
On some days, I remind myself to look at the sky just for once that day, and sadly, more often than not… i forget!
Wishing you a Merry Christ-mas in advance Shekhar
🙂
Living in absurdity is the highest level of consciousnesses. Because going beyond that a human has no end to discover being. What is being …but existence? What is existence.but living as all beings do…are all beings equal. Some beings think they are more equal then others, who is the judge…creator. Is the judge right.. First of all do all beings agree on the same creator to be the judge? Who knows………therefore live life like all other beings on this universe without assuming humans as the most superior beings otherwise one day you will become the underdogs
Dear Shekhar and Family,
This is to wish you a beautiful and peacefilled New Year.
May you find happiness and contentment in the coming year.
Namaste,
Cinda
So many people write so many sweet things to you.I suspect two things.One that they might be hired by you.Second they are trying to maro lot of makhan(butter), so that you ………..
I really like to read the repetetive comments, and I am forced to wonder if you ever reply.
Live a life.
Bye.
A prayer of “Thanks” for my sister and her four kids finally finding a place they can call home. The past year has been most difficult and painful for all of them, and we shared in this journey. From emotional and mental torture to a shelter to a noisy intrusive basement apartment…and finally now, a place they can call home.
…Thank you God. Cinda
I am thankful for this day…in continued prayers for my son to get well.
Namaste,
Cinda
I give thanks for the family I have, that we are able to sit around the table and ENJOY conversation about each others experiences…in laughter and sorrow, respecting opinions and thoughts that differ from our own.
Namaste,
Cinda
This breath that comes my way and your way interchanging its movements from inhale to exhale…where does it rest and remain…no where perhaps?
I give thanks for this breath that comes and goes to all living and non living entities…sharing itself, equally without giving uneven importance to any.
Cinda
I feel gratitude for the successful “move” of my sister and her four kids into their new home.
Sending them love and prayers for peace, happiness and safety.
Cinda
This blog (prayer) expresses my sense of the divine, which you articulated eloquently and beautifully!
I stumbled upon your website by chance a couple of days ago – a day when I was feeling very low spirited. I was at work and someone who had lived in Italy was talking about a funny Italian ad. I asked if he remembered an ad campaign for an ice cream that was based on the Seven Deadly Sins. As often happens with me when I try to tell a joke or describe something, I forgot most of the details – I couldn’t remember the name of the ice cream, and referred to you as “that director who made the film on Queen Elizabeth that starred [Gwyenth Palttrow]”. I wanted to remember your name, and did a google search for “Elizabeth” and found your blog. Incidentally, my high school year book quote was “Loose your dreams and you will loose your mind.” (Rolling Stones.)
There is such generosity in sharing your thoughts.
I forwarded your blog to an actor I know who was in the Italian Ice Cream Ad campaign you directed. Years ago, when I asked him what he thought a good title would be for an article, he quickly responded: Expanding Minds are Happening.
Sending a prayer to Pauline, her son Keith and their families and friends for comfort and peace during this time of mourning for the loss of their loved one…Keith Campbell.
Namaste,
Cinda
So did we say a prayer today ?
Prayer.
God has created us for a living and LOVING relationship with him.
The relationship is more or less like the one which lovers SHARE.
waiting and wanting for the LOVE and the lover.
Time intensive.
Yet will not make one dry at the end of the wait.
Neither one feels drained out of energy at the end of time spent together.
“I ought to pray before seeing any one. Often when I sleep long, or meet with others early, it is eleven or twelve o’clock before I begin secret prayer. This is a wretched system. It is unscriptural. Christ arose before day and went into a solitary place. David says: ‘Early will I seek thee’; ‘Thou shalt early hear my voice.’ Family prayer loses much of its power and sweetness, and I can do no good to those who come to seek from me. The conscience feels guilty, the soul unfed, the lamp not trimmed. Then when in secret prayer the soul is often out of tune, I feel it is far better to begin with God — to see his face first, to get my soul near him before it is near another.” – Robert Murray McCheyne
A prayer…of thanks.
thank you for this perfect moment…
I am thnakful for this day, I honour my parents…they have brought me into this life, that I may help myself to help others. For on this day, 43 years ago, my Mom gave birth to me.
Thank you Mom and Dad…I am grateful for what I have.
Cinda
bowing to the flow of…all there is and isn’t.
I am thankful for Ronald Morrish…and his teachings.
Cinda
I am thankful for Barry, who teaches CPR and First Aid so excellently and inspiring.
Cinda
A prayer, a thought…a moment of recognizing and bowing in honour to those whom I have been in awareness of and not, for the things I have learnt and shared with…together.
Cinda
A prayer for the gathering of family…thankful that we are able to come together and share in each others thoughts and concerns.
Paving a way for the younger ones who witness this act, that they may continue on for the betterment of others.
Cinda
Thankful for “little India town” and being able to experience some of what this beautiful culture is about.
Cinda
In Regard to Sutra #120
Look at me…then slowly
turn away.
Allow thoughts to fall in the
distance of your mind.
We are empty now…form caressed to the
absence of flesh, bone and
self.
Only space remains…
Ready to
receive.
~Eric P. McCarty
…for sunshine and little children who like to play in it, thank you.
Before
Who were we before this
touch?
Once traced to memory…will we hold
forever the lines of our
embrace?
Let my arms forget you.
Enter me new in every moment…merging in the
emptiness of before.
And only then remember.
~Eric P.McCarty
We Are This Burning
It’s the nature of the
flame to burn.
And for ash to long for the
distant taste of fire.
We are at once yesterdays flame and
the ash of tomorrow.
Yet always now…
We are this
burning.
~Eric P.McCarty
for {{{Golden Age}}}
for this day, thank you.
A prayer of awareness…a long time ago, something happened, a sacred thread was spun from the far reaches of this universe. It came to earth and was planted as a seed in the soil of thoughts and deeds, words followed to help them become expressed among pages in trees…telling of such stories of slavery and freedom…and of a man who walked on water. Both stories blossomed to its fullest beauty when truth and peace finally came to pass within the spaces of each word written.
Shalom,
Cinda
For her wisdom, curiosity, free spirited thinking and a deep love for cats, tigers, dogs, and birds, and eyes of the soul…I am thankful for Anjalee, my daughter.
The Breath of St. Farncis
As the almond tree touched by the
breath of Saint Francis…
I lie in your embrace.
“Speak to me of God…” He whispered to
the tree.
The tree spoke in flowers that
blossomed in the barren
scape of winter.
“Speak to me of God…”
Your fingers whispers as the
breath of Saint Francis.
And in the depth of a winter that
parts only to your touch…
I do.
~Eric P.Carty
…for the opportunity and experience of playing drums (tassa)again, this time, along side my brother Richard and his sons…on the eve of our Dad’s B-Day. Even though he was not there in person, he was there IN SPIRIT. Another drummer walked up to me after our first session and commented on how I held my sticks…”You hold your sticks exactly like your Dad” he said, for me, this was the highest honour (since my Dad passed on). I replied, it must of been him holding it…and laughed:)
What this man didn’t know was that almost every time I practiced with my Dad, he would always tell me about how I held the sticks and how I needed to relax and not hold it so tight.
My Dad was there! and I enjoyed every moment.
My Dad, today, April 15, he would have been 82. Happy Birthday, love you!
I am thankful for my Dad.
Namaste,
Cinda
~Dosti~
for music…and what it can do to move our spirits into another realm, thank you!
Lines
I am no more than subtle lines
drawn real beneath your
fingers.
I am formless.
Given form to know the grace of
your caress.
Far in the night…your eyes hold stars in
a grip of constellations.
From distant points of light they
gather to your gaze.
There is nothing that does
not become for you.
Ask the stars.
Or simply watch me rise to
form –
In the space beneath
your hands.
Eric P.McCarty
We Light The Temple Flames
The walls belong only
to the night –
Our music is the wind.
There is a hush, as it plays low
against the trees…passing through us
as we offer no resistance.
This is our communion.
We pray silence.
There is nothing to be said…it has all been
spoken of by the night, by the wind, by the grace
of our stillness.
Yet there is one last act.
We lay ourselves bare to the alter of one another.
This is our sacrifice to the night.
And with our touch…we light the temple flames.
~Eric P.McCarty
“pray I do not stumble in my journey too hard” …
~~~
on behalf of dear Shekhar.
what we are…
I free myself from all selfishness, envy, anger, and self-pity.
By rejecting these negative temptations, I am free to invoke this Name—thereby igniting the power of miracles in my life.
“TET YUD SAMECH”
72 name of GOD
~~~~~
from http://www.72.com http://www.kabbalah.com
A prayer for Dejon, who went missing today from school. May he be safe.
Dajon is safe…thank you.
Earth Day…everyday!
On April 22, Canada takes time to reflect and focus energies on helping to make a conscious effort towards the cleaning and nuturing of this beautiful earth…thank you!
Inspired by St. Francis of Assisi
I Am An Instrument Of Thy Peace
Love I will sow where I go
Pardon I will where there is injury
Faith I will have when there is doubt
Light I will be in darkness
Joy I will spread in times of sadness
O Divine Master
Now I know
It is in the giving that we receive
In the pardoning we are pardoned
It is in the surrendering to You…
Wherever I go…there I am
~Richard R.
I gather the ability to bring forth the powers of observation to see the truth . . . and the courage to handle it!
72 Name of God…
KAF YUD MEM
As Rav Ashlag, founder of The Kabbalah Centre said, “The gift is in front of all of us.” Please, I beseech you, use it.