Living in Balance

 

One of the hardest things about living is that with all the good and enjoying life, every once in a while, we come face to face with death.  Death of a loved one, other family member, or friend.  For all the living that we did with them, now the time has come where life is no longer.

Most of us push back at the unfairness and bad timing that we feel when a person close to us dies.  We have to make arrangements to go to the funeral.  We may have to make travel arrangements.  We may have to leave our home which is our safe place or sanctuary.

Death seems disruptive and blows up the balance that we have been living in.  Yet Death is part of Nature.  It brings peace to those moving on.  If the person was ill and suffering before death, then Death brings some peace to the family.  

This week is about changes and with Death comes many changes.  May you all find ways to deal with the imbalance.

Blessings,

Judy

Beaver Traits

Beavers have been around for a very long time.  We see them from time to time at dusk in the Bow River.  I find them fascinating because they are caretakers of the Earth and water managers.

Beaver was sitting across the channel, on the bank, looking for some tender young trees and, keeping an eye on the dogs and on me.  Beaver has been in this channel for about four years.  She has created several good dams, and she has helped change the eco system of the channel and the river.  The channel now has young trout in it.

Beaver has some traits that humans can use.  They are:

• when you see water that is stagnant and mucky, find a way to clean it up.  You may have to get dirty to do it; it will be worth it. 
• being industrious leads you to discover new ways of doing things.  So, be busy when it is required – as when you need to fix your den, the dam, or gather food for winter.  When you are not busy, play and socialize. 
• when somebody says that “it can’t be done”, go ahead and do it anyway.  See the picture below of the world’s biggest beaver dam.

  

  

The dam is located on the southern edge of Wood Buffalo National Park in Northern Alberta, Canada Photo: BNPS 

 

 

• understand that there is a shortage of fresh water.  Beavers know how to maximize fresh water and aerate it to create a healthy environment for fish and wildlife.

Many blessings,

Judy

Understanding Patience

 

When you plant seeds in the garden, you don’t dig them up every day to see if they have sprouted yet. You simply water them and clear away the weeds; you know that the seeds will grow in time. Similarly, just do your daily practice and cultivate a kind heart. Abandon impatience and instead be content creating the causes for goodness; the results will come when they’re ready.  Bhikshuni Thubten Chodron, “Meditator’s Toolbox”

I watch people and I see their impatience.  I understand it because I was quite impatient in many things for a very long time.  I have come to understand that when I have no expectations of others, then, I have no impatience.

Many blessings,

Judy