Shifting Realities
Where to begin? The Lunar New Year has brought us the Year of the Tiger, beckoning our courage and fearlessness. The approach of Valentine’s day encourages us to express our love. Days are getting longer and somewhere in the future, Spring approaches. Simultaneously winter storms are a fierce reminder to stay in the present.
Outer events across the planet toss us one way or another. Is a situation right or wrong? Do we have a right to judge? Do we know all the facts? What’s the rest of the story? How do we measure our well established opinions against a world changing and transforming before our eyes? Are we called to speak or called to prayer?
I am reminded once again of the old Sufi story which I am sure I have mentioned before:
A farmer led a fairly pleasant life but became tired of being so poor. He decided to buy a horse and hopefullylearn to train him and other horses. Upon finally having a bucking stallion in his small corral, his neighbors expressed great joy and admiration for his achievement and perhaps jealously predicted his income would increase. He shrugged his shoulders and said, “Good thing, bad thing, who knows?” As he and his son worked to train the rambunctious horse, his son was kicked in the shins and his leg was broken. Now the neighbors bemoaned the farmer’s fate and doubted he could ever succeed, and he said, “Good thing, bad thing, who knows?” Next the king of the empire declared war and conscripted all the young men to military service. Families all around were crying for the loss of their sons and saw with some resentment that the son of the farmer was exempted for his broken leg. Once again the farmer said, “Good thing, bad thing, who knows.” And as time went on his stallion attracted a herd of wild horses leading to great riches for the farmer. And the farmer said, …..
This is my version of the never-sending story, borrowing the farmer’s response from transformation leader, Srikumar Rao.
As time and reality attempts to shift us back and forth, speed ahead and slow us into the present, lead us to conclusions and then have them shattered completely, just what is it that we hold on to?
Could it be that: It is the truth and reality of our hearts’ understanding. It is our trust in what we know to be real. It is our inner knowing and ability to transcend time and space. It is our ability to be here and at once across the country or the planet when tragedy or events of importance ensue. It is the power of the universe within. It is joy, the motor of life, and our ability to express it to others.
As I ponder these thoughts, I would love to hear your comments.
Yes, it is a purity of heart that enables us, like the farmer, to remain free of the inevitable unconscious pettiness around us, thereby continuing in the flow, down the river as we respond to the changing conditions. In some circles, it would be called “God’s will.” This Will is the opposite of autocracy, as it is unique for every co-creator with God.
Thank you, Tatiana, for your insight. Co-creators are we!
What is the universe doing FOR me (not TO me)? How can everything that happens be the best possible thing no matter what it looks like or even feels like at the time? Maybe faith is a benevolent universe is the beginning of wisdom.
Indeed, Kathleen. In fact, Gregg Braden recently stated that it’s been scientifically proven that the universe is not only just friendly but is a whole and responsive being. And that all of the elements of that universe are also within us.
Beckoning courage and fearlessness……A true call of the hour.
This is a lovely story. A man truly at peace with himself. The farmer, in his heart’s desire, made a courageous change, expanded his ~universe~ for the better, all the while non-attached to the outcome and non-attached to the energy spiraling round about him from his neighbors.
✨💞✨Thank you all for your inspirational thoughts. ✨💞✨ They reminded me of moments when I do ponder the universe(s). I am in awe. All one (beyond the beyond) magnanimous fireball of energy, at peace in its core, yet always growing, pulsating, expanding, recreating itself, always in motion, giving and giving. I think of the saying: “I’m not only a drop in the ocean, I AM the Ocean.”
Thank you Emily for your insight and inspiration!
Pondering your thoughts, as I contemplate the coming of the morning……always you offer some ‘newness’ to enjoy. Thanks, Susan….
It’s new and unexpected every day. You’re most welcome, Kathleen!
To me the big lesson seems to be: keep an open mind. Don’t think you got it all figured out. And pray for guidance. This is what I feel inspired to do. In other words, stay humble.
Oh, so well said, Magdalena!