Day 14, Thursday, November 14, 2024
Reflections
Inspiration
. . . As a writer or a reader, you go through the portal that carries you to the world of words and books. This world has the power to obliterate your worldview, crack you open, transform you, and then revive you, changed. There have been times when I have finished reading a book, closed its covers and uttered, “I can see now. I found myself. Wow!”
All my life I have searched for purpose and meaning. What I have discovered with each “wow” is for me to keep changing and wondering. The meaning of life depends on your purpose. What is your calling? When you “hear” the call, take it to your heart, don’t do it for the fruit or the award. Just “follow your heart” let allies help you to fight demons and dragons. Let the universe do what it must to help you on your way to the end. Immerse yourself completely in the task at hand. And when you return watch how utterly mesmerized you will be the manner in which the universe participated in your project.
Everything around is imbued with energy that connects us. Awe and wonder is in everything. In simple things such as the smell of freshly cut grass, soil after rain, the sight of fish in the waters of a crystal-clear lake, tree branches turned into icicles reflecting sunrays. And it is found in the most sophisticated and masterfully skilled artworks such as Michelangelo’s David or the image of Kali. They might make your heart ache; shed tears.
Which moments of wonderment have shaken your grounding, changed your habits? Has an experience filled you with deep awe? What wonderous sight dared you to disrupt a default pattern and transform yourself?
What has provided me with moments of wonderment, changed my habits, helped me disrupt default patterns and transform me? The books by Jon Kabat-Zinn! The following two and many more by him are amongst them.
Journal Prompt
Have you experienced awe? Where were you? What senses were activated? What changed?
Today’s Practice
Meditation: “Gratitude”
Read, reflect, and journal.
Lorraine
“Everything around is imbued with energy that connects us.” I’m saving this quote! Creating and connecting have been my theme this year. I followed my heart and put my energy out to the universe. I have transformed and grown and changed. ??
Madhu B. Wangu
Good morning Lorraine!
Not only have you grown and changed but are, in turn, transforming the world. We’re grateful for your mindfulness. ?
Jenn Diamond
Good afternoon, Madhu. Once, I got caught in the middle of a lake while on my stand-up paddle board during a summer storm. The air had been sweltering and still, but the storm blew with icy rain and hail. Strangely, I wasn’t scared, just in awe of the storm’s power. Then the clouds parted and the most brilliant, deeply colored rainbow appeared before us. I cried tears of joy and gave in to the urge to kneel in gratitude. I felt a freshened and raw thankfulness for life… it was only after the storm was over that the danger hit me. I was so grateful to be alive!
Madhu B. Wangu
What an awe-some experience, Jenn!