Imagine? Nearly the new year and the following came winging it’s way from Canada, via email. How fortunate we are to be alive, have good friends around the world and above all else – to know the limitless smile.
"Just as the sky is not disturbed by the moon, emotions: joy, fear, anger, sadness, love will not leave a mark on who we really are.
We don’t need to resolve.
We are the sky.
Happy New Year Rev. Mugo. May you be free from suffering as you move through the sky.
Michael"
We live between the act of awakening and the act of surrender. Each morning, we awaken to the light and the invitation to a new day in the world of time; each night, we surrender to the dark to be taken to play in the world of dreams where time is no more.
John O’Donohue
The shortest day
(of daylight)
has been and gone.Did I mention that
already.
I’m wondering.21st December
the depth of
winter months.
Rest and take your play in darkness. Harsh lights shine no more. Dwell in velvet-black.
Clarity? Who’s to tell?
I gave a talk on the theme of Surrender to the Leeds Meditation Group 19th December, 2015. We were all sitting in formal meditation and I’d recommend you listen while not doing anything else. I had it in mind before I started I’d publish it here for you all and hope you are able to listen OK.
Nearly the end of today, Christmas Day. And here at Throssel in Northumberland it started to snow in the afternoon. Hardly the lovely white fluffy stuff, more sopping wet grey blanket. It was a moment to see it though. Happy holidays to one and all. If the audio doesn’t work for you let me know via the contact page. Please.
How jolly! These trees get my vote out here in Lancashire where just down the road at St. Michaels the community suffered a major flooding. All here promises a fine day with sun showing. Shyly. What ever age holiday lights can’t fail to bring uplift. Can they?
Two children ran playing on the path as I stepped out into the brisk air to snap this photograph. Adding bounce and vitality. But as with the smile so too with the ‘bounce’. One does not need to skip and hop to convey a sense of liveliness. Not at all. Not preoccupied by what has been or what is yet to come let loose your eyes to let light in. Through each and every pore.
We are heading towards the shortest day (of daylight), that’s the 21st December. After that the turning of the year will slowly, slowly bring us into Spring and then Summer. There is a rhythm to our living is there not? However at this time of year living seems, for some, to come to a standstill. I supplement with extra light as I am prone to low mood or as it’s called, The Winter Blues. No shame in that and many people benefit from adding some extra sunshine into their lives when the real thing is hidden behind clouds, much of the time.
Continuing on the theme of humour, which brings on a smile, here are the words to a song surely all or most know. Sing along and bring a smile to your heart. One does not need to be grinning from ear to ear to show happy. The smile is on the inside after all and can be there what ever the weather, or time of the year. How so?
When the fears and troubles fade into the background of ones consciousness, as they surely will given half a chance, The inside smile will show through….because it never leaves us. There is Joy in living past and deeper than what we manufacture. Especially at this time of year with all the ho, ho, ho and jingling bells it’s time to find the smile that is always there.
Smile though your heart is aching
Smile even though it’s breaking
When there are clouds in the sky, you’ll get by
If you smile through your fear and sorrow
Smile and maybe tomorrow
You’ll see the sun come shining through for youLight 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 smileThat’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
Songwriters: CHARLES CHAPLIN
Smile lyrics © BOURNE CO.
Thanks to Mark for the photo of Durham Cathedral taken the other day and to Ian for posting the above song in the comments. Both photo and song have me now posting. Cumbria is getting back on track after the floods and damage to infrastructure which has impacted everybody. Merit to all those who have been caught up it the devastating effects of floods to their homes. Oh and light therapy is not the cure all for low mood, depression and or despair. These are debilitating conditions which go deep into ones being, professional help can help. The first step towards help can be the hardest, after that the steps are a little easier.