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

Get With The Program

We have all heard all the sayings - “march to the sound of your own drummer”, and “every one marches to a different beat”.  Or, “everyone’s marching one way, and you need to get with the program”.  

Well, the Angels are saying that it is time for you to remember why you asked to come to Earth to walk “your talk”.  YOU did not come here to beat someone else’s drum, you came here to pound out your own tune.  Your music, what ever that might be, is what helps keep the world in balance.  

Remember the chorus from the song, “I’d Like To Teach The World To Sing”?  It goes like this….

Chorus:  
I'd like to teach the world to sing  
In perfect harmony  
I'd like to hold it in my arms  
And keep it company  
(That's the song I hear)  
I'd like to see the world for once  
(Let the world sing today)  
All standing hand in hand  
And hear them echo through the hills  
For peace throughout the land  
That's the song I hear  
(That's the song I hear)  
Let the world sing today  
(Let the whole wide world keep singing)  
A song of peace that echoes on  
And never goes away  

~~(R. Cook/R. Greenway/B. Backer/B. Davis)

The Angels remind you that coming to Earth to get rich or to be poor or to be sick, or to be in a dead end job, was never part of the plan.  They tell you that each person was to break free from the constraints of the world created by their parents, and that each person was to live in a way that made that person absolutely happy.  Living a life based on “you should”, and “you’d better”, and someone else’s agenda is making people sick – sick to death.  

So, sit down on a couch or a log or where ever you are comfortable, and find out what makes you happy, and find out where you want to be.  Then, get with your program.

Blessings,

Judy