Remembrance Day November 11 2023

Today is Remembrance Day in Canada.  Today, I remember my great grandfather on my mother’s side, my grandfathers on both my mother’s and my father’s side, numerous great uncles, uncles, and cousins. Most of them are no longer here.  Most of them have fought several wars.  Some of them are now retired, and still doing what they can for others.

I am thankful that my Ancestors were very brave and that they had a strong sense of right, of truth, and a belief that no one man, no one country, and no one religion should rule the world.  I am thankful that they fought for what they believed in. Their actions have been a shiny example for me, of standing on one’s truth.  

I am thankful, too, for all the women in my family, who supported the men, and who acted as machinists, nurses, labourers,  and who made do with what was available.  These women taught me about necessity living. 

I am aware that the peace that I have in my life is because all of you stood for what you believed in.  Thank – you.

May all of you know that you are honoured and loved through time. 

Blessings,

Judy

Fox Play

 

Source of picture – unknown

Fox is now seen in towns and cities.  She has decided that since man is moving into her territory, she will use man’s space as a hunting ground.  She now births her pups in the wooded parks, and keeps them safe during their growing time.

Fox says:

• Fox knows how to adapt quickly to new environments. Humans, it seems, want to keep everything the same.  I say to you that change is now here and it will be rapid.  Look at the changing Nature around you.  Figure out how to adapt and enjoy the change.  Fighting against it will cause you to be ill.
• Going into another’s area or territory will give you a new perspective on life.  Simply sitting in your chair, in your territory, and criticizing what others do is not useful.  Go! Explore! And perhaps you will learn compassion along the way.  
• My pups are most precious and I will do anything to keep them safe. I teach them to read the land, and to listen to the animals.  I teach them to know what is good food and bad food.  I teach them to dig and to build a den.  I watch and listen to how your pups are treated.  You stick them in territories with fences around them and unnatural play things.  They do not know how to be in the woods or the grasslands.  They do not know how to fend for themselves and to be aware.  Are your children not precious to you?

Many blessings,

Judy

A Student Questions The Teacher

 

A STUDENT QUESTIONS HIS TEACHER

A new student approached the Zen master and asked how he should prepare himself for his training. "Think of me a bell," the master explained. "Give me a soft tap, and you will get a tiny ping. Strike hard, and you'll receive a loud, resounding peal."

Although this is a very short koan (koans are saying, phrases, or questions meant to be contemplated), it is profound in the depth of the teaching message.  

What are your thoughts on this story?

Many blessings,

Judy