Horse’s World Compared To Ours

One of the universal symbols of freedom is the horse.  It has strength, speed, intelligence, and a nobility that touches peoples’ hearts. Some of the best stories and legends are about horses.

When I saw this picture, I quickly went to a place of wondering what this Earth would look like if Horse was in the place of dominance that Man is currently in.

Would Horse have let the planet get to the state that we are in now?

I believe that under Horse rule, the following would never have occurred:

• fast food – they have grass and dried grass 
• cars – in fact, I don’t think they would have even invented the wheel 
• shopping malls 
• open pit mining 
• gas and oil drilling and spills and the death of many water creatures 
• logging 
• urban development and sprawls 
• tobacco/cigarettes and cigars 
• paint 

I am sure there is a whole list of things to be added here.  Go ahead and suggest things to add to the list.  I will update this blog later with all your ideas.

Blessings,

Judy

Silence and Meditation

Over the last twenty years, we have been lucky enough to have a friend named Al who lives far away from us but who visits when he can.  We three enjoy one another’s company, and the lively discussions we have on enlightenment, choice, healing tools, and the books that we are reading. 

Our time together also has moments of silence when we contemplate the words that have just been spoken. There is a courtesy and thoughtfulness that goes with our “silences”. 

In light of many of our conversations, I found this little Zen teaching on silence very funny.

Sounds of Silence

Four monks decided to meditate silently without speaking for two weeks. By nightfall on the first day, the candle began to flicker and then went out. The first monk said, "Oh, no! The candle is out." The second monk said, "Aren't we not suppose to talk?" The third monk said, "Why must you two break the silence?" The fourth monk laughed and said, "Ha! I'm the only one who didn't speak."

The teaching around this little story varies. Generally, the story reflects the challenges of sitting in meditation. Each of the monks experiences a block that affects their practice.

I was thinking about this and realized that this little story is also a reflection of our lives and the situations that block us from attaining our true goals.

What are your thoughts?

Blessings,

Judy

A Visit From Mink

 

Mink picture from Wikipedia

From time to time, animals pop into my dreams because they want humans to know about them.  The animals have messages.  Mink recently showed up.

Mink is an animal that we know of from all the fur coats that we see.  Man is one of the worst predators for Mink.  Other predators include Great Horned Owls, bobcat, and fox. Never-the-less, Mink thrives on fish and other aquatic life, small mammals (rabbits especially), and birds, particularly water fowl. (Predator and food info from Wikipedia.)  Mink is very territorial, and maps out its territory around a river, stream or lake.  

Mink has these thoughts to share with you.

1. It is hard to retake your territory.  Mark your boundaries well, and allow no encroachment on your space, values or projects.
2. We all have predators who want something from us.  Learn who has you in their sites, and what their agenda is.  Figure out what you can do to move out of their range of attention.  Sometimes making noise is not a good thing.
3. Mink do nap, with one eye open.  Take short breaks to renew your energy, and always know where your “safe” place is.
4. Pay attention to your diet.  Eat only what agrees with you, and eat only what you need.

Blessings,

Judy