There is an oft-quoted question, "If a tree falls in a forest, and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound?" (George Berkeley) There are those who would say that if there is no one to witness the fall, the tree falling down doesn't make a sound. Others would argue that, of course, a tree falling makes a sound; whether someone hears it is moot. We will never know for sure. The heart of the matter is whether something exists without a witness.
For me, on this day, this is a poignant question. For over a month, I've been keeping my commitment to write a daily post to this blog, exploring the spiritual questions and bits of wisdom I encounter on my path. It has been rich for me. It is a spiritual practice.
Today it has been 10 days since anyone has read my blog. Without witnesses, like the tree falling in the forest, I wonder if my Voice has been muted. Is my exercise a vain one? There are really two answers to this question. Both start with "no."
Answer One: No; it is not a vain exercise. Spiritual teacher Carolyn Myss has talked about having a "prayer chakra," something like a prayer bank account. If we faithfully make deposits every day, someday when we really need it and call on God for help, we will have a well-tuned connection. I am faithfully showing up, and will continue to faithfully show up, to make deposits. Think of writing this blog as not only developing my writing muscle, but making deposits to my spiritual bank account.
Answer Two: No; it is not a vain exercise. My soul has been greatly enriched. Each day I learn, or more often remember, things I didn't know or had forgotten. I am becoming truer to myself. I have been awakened from my autopilot existence. If no one ever reads it, writing the blog is doing the three things that Helen in The Game Called Life said that life was really about. It is helping me to develop my gifts, in this case for writing. It is helping me to grow spiritually and learn spiritual lessons. It is available to be of service to the evolution of the Universe when the time is right. Writing this blog is why I am here...in this life. That is real.
I have no idea about that tree falling in the forest, but I do know that whatever we do to help ourselves be more whole is enough. The very act of writing and becoming more whole is having an impact on the world. So, I will keep writing....
Showing posts with label develop gifts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label develop gifts. Show all posts
Friday, October 18, 2013
Monday, September 23, 2013
The cycle of nature begins again
The first full day of fall hit Washington with a very chilly morning and a late afternoon sun that bathed me with its warmth as I left the office at the end of the day. I just stood and drank in its wonder. As just a few leaves drifted gently to the ground, I was reminded that this is the beginning of the year. Seeds fall, nestled into the soft ground and germinate for the next season...just like me.
While some make resolutions in January, for me the cycle begins with the transition of season into the fall. As this transition began to dawn upon me this weekend, I was drawn to commit to who I am...who I have always been...a writer. And, I've sacrificed the writer inside me over the last few years on the altar of earning a living. I've been longing for the integrity of putting words to the page, so even if no one reads this, I become more whole by doing it.
As I was halfway through writing my first book Leading from the Heart, I can remember thinking that I didn't care if anyone ever read it, I was learning so much from writing it that was all that mattered. (Thank you for all who did read it. ) What I know in my heart is that if I do nothing else, I must find time for writing.
A few years ago I had an astounding meditation one day when just flowing from me were the words of why we are here in this world.
Writing is clearly a gift that it is time for me to develop again. Today, I write for the second day in a row. I am planting seeds which will sprout in the spring and yield fruit in the summer. Today, I begin the cycle of nature...again.
While some make resolutions in January, for me the cycle begins with the transition of season into the fall. As this transition began to dawn upon me this weekend, I was drawn to commit to who I am...who I have always been...a writer. And, I've sacrificed the writer inside me over the last few years on the altar of earning a living. I've been longing for the integrity of putting words to the page, so even if no one reads this, I become more whole by doing it.
As I was halfway through writing my first book Leading from the Heart, I can remember thinking that I didn't care if anyone ever read it, I was learning so much from writing it that was all that mattered. (Thank you for all who did read it. ) What I know in my heart is that if I do nothing else, I must find time for writing.
A few years ago I had an astounding meditation one day when just flowing from me were the words of why we are here in this world.
- We came to deliver a service that is needed at this point in time.
- We have certain lessons our soul needs to learn.
- We are here to develop our unique gifts and talents.
Writing is clearly a gift that it is time for me to develop again. Today, I write for the second day in a row. I am planting seeds which will sprout in the spring and yield fruit in the summer. Today, I begin the cycle of nature...again.
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