A Focus Point for A Meditation

This meditation focus comes from the book that I wrote, “Earth Wisdom Meditations: Contemplations For People Who Love The Earth”.  

I was sitting on the bench by the Bow River looking into the water.  A tree beside the river dropped a leaf into the water to my left.  I watched it float down past me.  I was just watching this leaf, and thinking, and I heard the words.  I wrote them down, and, eventually, they became a meditation for me that I use when I get stuck in my daily life.  Saying the words slowly and quietly, over and over, help me focus.

If you try this meditation, please let me know if it works for you.

Blessings,

Judy

You can see more about this book here.

Earth Wisdom Meditations: 111 Contemplations For People Who Love The Earth [Paperback]

Judith Hirst (Author)

Toad Plays “Who Do You Love?”

Picture from medium.com

Last night, as my dog and I walked out in the park at dusk, I could hear all the different frogs singing their songs.  And then it got quiet.  My dog and I heard this boom, boom, boom.  It sounded like a drum.  Then, there was a steady rock’n roll beat, and an image appeared.  It looked like “Toad” – the toad from Toad Hall – was going to sing.  He was standing over the water, and looked about six feet tall.

The words that he sang were “who do you love”, over and over in a deep, bass voice.  I know the song, so I was expecting to hear him begin to sing the whole version.  However, the words changed to “do you love you”, in the key of G, with a deep, 4/4 drum beat.  I was startled!  It seemed like all the animals (deer, dogs, ducks, geese) paused and looked up.

I thought I did love me.  Yet, when he sang those words, I felt this guilt flow through me as though I did not love myself enough.  Wow! That was something that I am going to work on.  I realized that Toad was singing about “angel love” or unconditional love, and that I had not gone far enough with me.

Then, Toad began to sing again, “who do you love?”, and the visions I saw were of all the important people in my life.  These were the people that I love.  My big surprise is that there were several people missing.  The missing people were in a screen called – “Like, don’t love even though you thought you did”.  Another surprise!

Toad now started singing, “Gotta work it out, baby!” And, he sang that over and over as his voice faded away.

Why did a cartoon or movie type image appear to me?  Well, at that moment, Spirit decided that this image was something that I would relate to, and therefore, understand the message more clearly.  The images that appear to us, or the words or smells or “knowings” that we get, are symbolic to us as individuals, and sometimes as archetypes of groups or tribes.  The symbols convey a message.

I got my message, loud and clear!

Blessings,

Judy

 

You are a Visitor Here

  

   "Lady Traveler" from Microsoft Clip Art....

 

                                                           I have been experiencing many different lessons of life over the past twenty years.  Early in this adventure, after each experience, I usually would say, "Wow!  That was intense! I am glad that I am through that!"  As I grew older and wiser, I realized that the lessons were the journey. And, as I traveled around the world, I realized that the lessons of life were very much paralleled by the challenges one faces traveling in different countries where we cannot communicate in a common language and thus revert to signing and engaging in a genuine exchange.  Words do limit how another interprets what one says. 

I had pretty much forgotten about my earlier discoveries as I am busy learning new things all the time.  Then, the other day, I found this passage when I was working through some Buddhist teachings.  I loved the phrasing!  It took me back to the earlier times when I was a visitor in so many countries and cities.  

May you enjoy this teaching as I did!

                                      Dhammavadaka

Remember always that you are just a visitor here, a traveler passing through. Your stay is but short and the moment of your departure unknown.

None can live without toil and a craft that provides your needs is a blessing indeed. But if you toil without rest, fatigue and weariness will overtake you, and you will denied the joy that comes from labour's end.

Speak quietly and kindly and be not forward with either opinions or advice. If you talk much, this will make you deaf to what others say, and you should know that there are few so wise that they cannot learn from others.

Be near when help is needed, but far when praise and thanks are being offered.

Take small account of might, wealth and fame, for they soon pass and are forgotten. Instead, nurture love within you and and strive to be a friend to all. Truly, compassion is a balm for many wounds.

Treasure silence when you find it, and while being mindful of your duties, set time aside, to be alone with yourself.  
Cast off pretense and self-deception and see yourself as you really are.

Despite all appearances, no one is really evil. They are led astray by ignorance. If you ponder this truth always you will offer more light, rather then blame and condemnation.  
You, no less than all beings have Buddha Nature within. Your essential Mind is pure. Therefore, when defilements cause you to stumble and fall, let not remorse nor dark foreboding cast you down. Be of good cheer and with this understanding, summon strength and walk on.  

Faith is like a lamp and wisdom makes the flame burn bright. Carry this lamp always and in good time the darkness will yield and you will abide in the Light. 

Note - I believe this was written by  Shravasti Dhammika ... I thank you for this writing.

Blessings,

Judy