photo credit: flickrolf
Where are you now, my good friend? Are you out in the field, in
the forest, on the mountain, in a military camp, in a factory, at
your desk, in a hospital, in a prison? Regardless of where you
are, let us breathe in and out together, and let the Sun of
awareness enter. Let us begin with this breath and this
awareness. Whether life is an illusion, a dream, or a wondrous
reality depends on our insight and our mindfulness. Awakening is
a miracle. The darkness in a totally dark room will disappear
the moment the light is switched on. In the same way, life will
reveal itself as a miraculous reality the second the Sun of
Awareness begins to shine.
Our relationships with one another
are like the chance meeting
of two strangers in a parking lot.
They look at each other and smile.
That is all there is between them.
They leave and never see each other again.That is what life is -
just a moment, a meeting, a
passing, and then it is gone.If you understand this,
then there is no time to fight.
There is no time to argue.
There is no time to hurt one another.Whether you think about it in terms of humanity, nations,
communities or individuals —
there is no time for anything less
than truly appreciating the brief
interaction we have with one another.~ Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche
This is a beautiful poem, Lance, with so many insights I’m sure you’re readers will pick up on so much more than what I will comment on. But I think the first line of this is what struck me most today: Where are you now, my good friend?
I know that sometimes it is hard for me to be happy with the “where I am now” part of living, and maybe this is true for a lot of people. Most of us want to be on the mountain or in the forest or someplace in the sun, but we find it hard to grant as much pride of place to the desk, the factory job, the mall. Still, wherever we are, that is where we are. And it is beautiful in its own way. As your poem suggests, we see this beauty through the Sun of awareness.
I like knowing that darkness is the absence of light but that the definition (light is the absence of darkness) doesn’t work half as well the other way around. We are meant to live lives of light … and banish the darkness in as many ways as we can … for ourselves and for those around us.
Thank you, Lance, for the part you are doing in this process. Thank you for your Light. Love to you this Sunday! Namaste.
~Chania Girl
.-= Chania Girl´s Last Fabulous Post ..PJs, Obituaries, and Barbaric Yawps =-.
hi Lance,
Nice post with a picture which leave us curious. Where is he ? the photographer. Despite wherever he is, he sees beautiful flowers with vivid colors and sun shine. To me it interpret hopes and life. We all share the same sun from different corners of world. That make us friends, relatives or students in the same class. So why fighting, why arguments, why hating each other? Does sun give you more its light and less to me? Does flowers show you a one color and another to me? No they do not. We all are same and bounded by the strong bond of humanity. So we’ll walk this road together, hand in hand.
Have a great Sunday Lance !
.-= vikum´s Last Fabulous Post ..Learn to the grave =-.
Hi Lance,
I was reading Chania Girl’s comment about her loving the first line, and for me, it’s the last line. there is no time for anything less than truly appreciating the brief interaction we have with one another Maybe it’s because I have a few decades over some of the younger commenters here, but what I’ve found is no matter how long we live, life is very short. And as I get older, it feels like the days are going by faster. Or…maybe it’s because I’m moving slower and/or trying to do more.
That said, it is those interactions I have with others that truly bring me joy.
You nailed it again Lance. Have a happy day and week!
.-= Barbara Swafford´s Last Fabulous Post ..The Secret That Keeps Us Blogging =-.
Fabulous as always my friend
Blessings
I am smiling as always
Thanks for your sunshine and you
and all you post
.-= Jeanne´s Last Fabulous Post ..Spring Arrives Today =-.
This one was touching, Lance, thank you! It has a special meaning for me and as I read it to my wife, Cheryl, I could tell it had special meaning to her too. I think we both discovered an ‘awareness’ in the past year or so…
And, while we are quoting our favorite parts of this post, mine is “Whether life is an illusion, a dream, or a wondrous reality depends on our insight and our mindfulness.”
Thanks again,
Darren
.-= Darren Sproat´s Last Fabulous Post ..What Happened to Darren? =-.
Hi Lance,
This is such a wonderful reminder of all the wonderful people we have all around us and in our lives. All those connections that are truly a blessing.
And this line– “That is what life is –just a moment, a meeting, a passing, and then it is gone.“
It just speaks straight to my heart.…life is short …lets spend it being in love with life rather than live in negativity. So many people so much love so much life.….Oh so many blessings!
Thank you fro sharing this my friend!
Much Love,
Z~
That is why it is so important to show kindness to strangers whenever you chance to meet. It makes a lasting impression sometimes.
.-= Lynn´s Last Fabulous Post ..Canvas garden, stitched garden & history =-.
Ahhhh, so beautiful. There IS so much great stuff going on, to ever argue or hurt anyone ever again.
I LOVE Lynn’s comment about showing kindness to strangers, for there really are no strangers. We are all one.
Ah, what a great way to start my day as birds rejoice outside my window. Thanks, Lance!
xo
I love the idea of love flowing beyond location and time.
It is how I have always felt.…all is connected by love. Our whole job on this planet it to realize it and accept this embrace. It really does not matter what we are doing or where we are if we all continue to grow in our understanding that there is no division.
I am not sure why we protect ourselves from oneness. How does it benefit us to not be connected to each other or this very moment?
mmm…Lance. You just made my Sunday morning much more thoughtful and deep. Where am I? Dancing around the kitchen having just made “pink” pancakes (with beets in them!) and my kids loved them (hee hee hee!)
Wherever you are or any of us is.…enjoy today. We are all living our own today together,
Katie
Hi Lance,
I love this — truly beautiful. It reminds me of what Wayne Dyer says — he says he looks at EVERY meeting with EACH person he encounters — as he has something to learn from that person and is in gratitude. A beautiful way to look at life and your interactions with people.
Thanks for another beautiful quote to begin my Sunday with Lance.
Love and hugs, xo
Jenny
.-= Jenny Mannion´s Last Fabulous Post ..One Minute Shifts to Look at Life Differently =-.
Hi Lance
I love all of your Sunday posts, but there are some, that just resonate with me so strongly and this was one of them. Not to mention the photo is just gorgeous!
Every line spoke to me so much, but this part:
“If you understand this,
then there is no time to fight.
There is no time to argue.
There is no time to hurt one another.”
…just did it. Yes, there is only this beautiful moment in which we are given a chance to express whatever we want, and I choose love, and as much of it and always as possible
.-= Evita´s Last Fabulous Post ..Communication – The Cornerstone of All Relationships =-.
Lance,
Where am I? Back for CA! It was so much fun to meet Jay, Joy and Megan. Fleeting moments that went to fast…enjoyed to the fullest…don’t know if we’ll ever be all together again but sure hope we are. It was AWESOME! Love the poem. Printing it out for my journal! Have a great week. Has spring come to WI yet?
That was truly inspiring.
I started writing a short story last night and I couldn’t come up with an ending until I read this post, then it just came to me. It gave me the whole theme to the story and let me tell the tale. I just finished writing it now and don’t know if I could have without this inspiration. Thanks a lot!
.-= Chase March´s Last Fabulous Post ..Ya Down with O.P.P (not really) =-.
Hi Lance,
Chagdud Tylku Rinpoche was such a wonderful man and did so much to help spread Buddhist awareness in America. That piece you shared was just beautiful.
Life is a series of moments and each moment is precious. People waste so much time either dwelling on the past or worrying about the future, they forget the power of the present.
Each day is a gem and should be used to its best.
Thank you for the beautiful reminder!
So beautiful and I completely agree. We should not use our time here to fight with each other but to enjoy our time here together. We shouldn’t dwell but we should create and look towards the future. I love this. Happy Sunday!
.-= Caity´s Last Fabulous Post ..Mom’s 54th Birthday =-.
That is what life is -
just a moment, a meeting, a
passing, and then it is gone.
The older I get the more the truth of this sinks in. Realising this does make it easier to let go of grudges and resentments when you truly get that life really is too short. And anyway, all challenges are lessons, opporunities to grow. Where we are in this moment is where we are meant to be. Whether we can see it or not, everything is in divine and perfect order. How cool!
.-= Hilda´s Last Fabulous Post ..Happy St Patrick’s Day! =-.
Lovely!
.-= Mama Zen´s Last Fabulous Post ..Notice Of Change =-.
Yes, where are you good friend? struck me too. I never used to believe it, but I do now, praying for people connects us in spirit, anytime and anywhere. We can always be with those we love and miss that way.
.-= Audra Krell´s Last Fabulous Post ..Found Art =-.
Touching and amazing… I especially like the part about “passing through”… the meeting, and then it is gone. It’s a great reminder to make the most of our current moments together, here on our beautiful planet.
.-= Nathalie Lussier´s Last Fabulous Post ..What I learned at SXSW 2010 =-.
@Chania Girl — Maybe it’s that “…the grass is always greener…” syndrome. And maybe we’ve all been there, at some point in our lives (I have). And in that — it can be so easy to not take in what we have, now, in this moment. (and that moments passes…) And, Carla, know that you too, shine amazing and beautiful light out into the world around you (and into my life). Peace and love always, to you, dear friend…
@Vikum — Hi Vikum. What I love about this picture is the idea of the sun of awareness entering into our soul…and how that’s the image I get very much, from this picture. And — lovely thought on how we share the sun…and it’s one of those ways in how we are all connected. Humanity, in its most basic form…is a oneness in each other. What a beautiful road to walk together…
@Barbara — Hi Barbara. As we grow older in years, one thing that I think many of us realize is how fleeting time here on earth is. And in that realization (especially the deeper we let that really settle into our soul), there’s also this realization of what truly matters (at a deeper level, as well). If my time is limited here on earth (as far as I know, it is) then how do I really want to spend those moments? Barbara, I appreciate YOU, and the joy you bring here always…
@Jeanne — And thank you, Jeanne, for bringing your sunshine here today, and always…
@Darren — Discovering that awareness…and into what really matters…is a very special place to move toward (and I say “move toward”, as I think we may never fully get there, although we can continue to transcend toward that place of an even deeper awareness). May you continue to beautiful insights…
@Zeenat — Hi Zeenat. In our day to day activity, we can very easily begin to take these beautiful people in our lives for granted. And really, they are a blessing, always. So…love…that is such a beautiful thing. And when we can bring more of that into the world, what a wonderful day. Zeenat, your beautiful spirit is a gift here. Love always, dear friend…
@Lynn — Hi Lynn. And we never know what that “stranger” might be going through, or how their day has been. And if we show even just a bit of kindness, what a gift we can give! And just think how that could spread, if everyone felt that love, and passed it on…
@Jannie — Life is great…and so, so short. How do we really want these days of ours to be? Lynn really touched upon something…this idea of the people we meet that me don’t know — and how we can offer our kindness. And it comes right back to your beautiful thought — we are all one. And when we think this way…how could we want to do anything else than be there for others… Jannie, we are connected. And that makes me smile today and always. Much love to you…
@Katie — Do you think that maybe there’s this fear, that if we open ourselves up to being love…there could be this fear that we’ll be rejected? Or that it somehow makes us vulnerable? I don’t know. Maybe this holds us back from that idea of oneness? That vulnerability, that idea of rejection…freezes us from what is in our hearts? And so we build barriers, to “protect” ourselves. Are we really, though? Or are we only limiting that love from flowing both ways, and that one-ness to be more complete? Katie, your thoughts are so, so good. when we can touch upon that deeper connection with others, and to the compassion that comes with that…what a wonderful place to “be”. Keep kitchen dancing, sweet friend. Love and pancakes (the choc chip variety) always…
@Jenny Mannion — Hi Jenny. I love what you’ve shared from Wayne Dyer. It’s like looking at each person with the eyes of seeking out that something in them that is truly special. And that IS beautiful! Jenny, much love to you, dear friend…
@Evita — Hi Evita. I have to share — this week was a challenge to find something that felt “right” for the Sunday Thought. That has always been important to me — that whatever I share is something that I connect with. And some weeks this is definitely harder than others. This week, that was the case. I had something picked out — and it was good…except it just didn’t touch me deep within. Still, I didn’t have anything else that was “working” for me. So, I resigned myself to “it” being okay. And then — by chance — last night I came upon this…and just knew it was the “right” message to share today. And then the picture just appeared…and again, I knew. The picture just feels so much like life…and then looking from within (with the boxed shape) — which I love for the idea of how this quote touches upon our own inner being. And — what you have highlighted is what just found it’s way so quickly into my heart. What a beautiful place to be…where there is a peace… Evita, beautiful friend…much love to you today and always.…
@Tess — What a wonderful moment to meet up with Jay, Joy, and Megan (I’ve seen a picture!!)! And that’s love in action, right there — bringing together a beautiful group of people, to celebrate that idea of LOVE! You too…have a great week! And…spring??? We had snow yesterday — although it mostly melted by today. I broke out the shorts this afternoon!
@Chase — This is such a wonderfully crafted passage. And…thank you so much for sharing on how this piece helped you to finish your story. You are very welcome. And — the thing is — we are all one…and I am savoring in this moment with you, knowing you have made great progress on something from your heart…
@Nadia — Hi Nadia. I was not aware of Chagdud Tylku Rinpoche until I came upon this wonderful writing. What a gift this is, and what a gift he was to our world. What we have is NOW, right. And when we can be fully in that NOW moment.…this very one we are experiencing NOW…we are reaching a new level of awareness in our being. Nadia, thank you, as always, for your beautiful insight. Much love to you, dear friend…
@Caity — Hi Caity. Right! We have a limited amount of time here on earth. How do we really want to spend that time? When we touch more deeply upon that love that is within us…we live a life that is filled with beauty, wonder, and compassion. And that is such a beautiful thought! Thank you, Caity…and happy Sunday to YOU!
@Hilda — I have found that same thing, Hilda. The older I get, the more this idea of how fleeting life is really settles in. And if life is short (and if we really never know how short), how do we choose to use that time we have? Being really “in” the moments of our life brings that awareness of just how much that moment really means…and that touches right back on love. From our heart… Hilda, thank you so much for your wonderful and thoughtful words…
@Mama Zen — Thanks so much!
@Audra — Hi Audra. There is so much to our thoughts and prayers. I believe this very deeply. And that’s for ourselves, and for those we think and pray about. There is very much a connection. And that touches so deeply upon our oneness, and the interconnectedness of all of us. Audra, know that you bring so much love and goodness to the world. And, know also that you are a gift in my life. Peace and love…
@Nathalie — Hi Nathalie. We have moments, don’t we. And how are we living these moments? Are we awake to them? Or do they pass by in a haze? And maybe even deeper, is our relationships within those moments, and how we are truly present in all of this…
Lance,
These are very beautiful words. Thank you.
I wanted to let you know that I always enjoy what your post is about, but what I enjoy almost even more are your responses to the comments. I can feel your love and kindness flow right off the page. Thanks for being such a special person.
.-= Kimberley´s Last Fabulous Post ..My Week Challenge Update #1 and Week #12 Goals =-.
Right now Lance, I have rant after rant of Facebook updates. Talks of civil wars, and evil bills. It brings great heaviness to my heart. Is there no trust left? Is there no peace for the broken and weary? No room for agreements?
I am not one to discuss politics, but I do hear these negative hateful remarks resounding and spreading like a bad cold.
This poem brings me to that brief moment of hope that they can let go, move on, and seize these brief precious moments we have to treasure. To treasure LIFE before it’s gone.
I am taking that fleeting moment to kiss the bad, embrace the intolerant, and pray, just pray for a little more life to spring forth from those that are anguished.
The photograph is beautiful. As always, Thank you Lance. It does my heart good to come here and be uplifted.
.-= Angelia Sims´s Last Fabulous Post ..Thank you YouTube – Car Dancing Part Two =-.
It is so very true Lance. I met a lot of strangers the other day when I was out hiking on Bowen Island. There is something of a kindred connection between hikers and I noticed it even more yesterday. 90% of the people who passed made a point of making eye connection and saying hello, as if we were family. It makes the whole experience even better. And friendly chit-chat… I see less of the “keeping up with the Jones’s attitude in this atmosphere.
.-= Davina´s Last Fabulous Post ..On the First Day of Spring =-.
Hi Lance .. so many wonderful phrases and words — a real mix to draw us all to think seriously about life — and to love more, appreciate everyone and nature around us .. connect and remember we are all who we are — each other .. humanity: this earth: this whole. Thank you for posting these words this weekend .. have a good week — Hilary
.-= Hilary´s Last Fabulous Post ..Spring Cleaning and Passion .… =-.
Lance,
Yup, in the immensity of time, our lives are just a breath, a flicker of light. We are hear for some years but in eternity it’s just a drop that makes the ocean with all the other drops. So all our lives make up eternity and life. I like that. And it’s all about life being too short to linger on the bad, the negative. Smile and that too shall pass.
I’m glad your drop met mine in the wide open ocean
M
.-= Mindful Mimi´s Last Fabulous Post ..Sunday laugh =-.
@Kimberly — Hi Kimberly. I find so much value in the comments. Everyone’s thoughts and ideas all add so much to each of the posts. And in that, I also find that there is much I get from responding to comments, as well. So, know that it warms my heart to know that this is very much a two-way street. You are a sweet and caring person, and it is an honor to have you here.
@Angelia — Hi Angelia. There are moments, when we have disagreements. And that’s all good and okay — it helps each person to better understand. Still, there are ways to do this that are positive and insightful…and ways that are much more negative and hurtful. When we have these moments, which we all do — being in that spot of compassion and love — while working through all of this — is a place that very much works toward understanding instead of “I’m right, you’re wrong”. Angelia, thanks so much for sharing this — it’s a good reminder for me, in how I approach those spots in my life that are not necessarily always shining love.…and how I can still focus on that, on love.
@Davina — And that just sounds like a lovely day of hiking! When we take moments to acknowledge those we “meet” on our path through life, we DO touch upon that oneness that is part of who we are. And in that…we can all draw a deeper connection to this idea of interconnectedness.
@Hilary — Hi Hilary. Humanity. I love that word here. It takes me to this idea that we are all human…that none of us are perfect. And in really “being” in that spot, I touch upon this idea of oneness, and how if we can all be there for each other, in all moments…what a beautiful place this would be. Thanks so much, Hilary, this is touching me deeply.
@Mimi — Oh, Miranda. This ocean reference is one I love! Eternity is a long time. Yet, our time on earth is but only a mere tiny slice of that (as far as I know). And how shall we spend those days — the ones here on earth? It is too short to not touch upon the peace that is within our being.
And, Miranda…know that I too am so grateful for our drops having met out there in that great big ocean full of drops. You shine beautiful light and love into the world, and into MY world. Peace and love to you, dear friend…
Will I call my relationships a chance meeting? I find it hard to. Because I know that for times previous to this life, I have touched the same soul and he or she mine. We meet once again not by coincidence but the desire to continue the deepening of a love once felt before. Indeed, it is not to fight or argue but to reconnect in joy and peace.
.-= Evelyn Lim´s Last Fabulous Post ..Use The Pink Bubble Technique for Creative Visualization =-.
Life is just a brief moment, but people seem to waste it all on fighting with each other. So sad. Why can’t people just live and let live and just try to be happy? I guess that’s a retorical question…
.-= Elena´s Last Fabulous Post ..Kremlin Pill Promises Eternal Youth By Zapping Your Guts =-.
“a moment, a meeting, a passing” … I like that.
.-= J.D. Meier´s Last Fabulous Post ..Microsoft Competencies for Skilled Effectiveness =-.
Hi Lance:
This quote is great and really focuses on what a lot of us, as bloggers, are all about (IMHO). I especially like the first paragraph where the breath is emphasized. I’ve read so much about the breath and it is the focuses of one of my favorite books on mindfulness, Wherever You Go, There You Are. I also love the photo you included with this post — once again it really connects with me in some deep way. Thanks for getting the week off to such a great start!
@Evelyn — Evelyn, I am deeply grateful for your thoughts. This thought of a “chance meeting”…what is that, really? Hmmm… I do love very much what you are saying…and that this meeting is something that has been set in motion. And perhaps it has. Or maybe not. (as you can maybe tell, this is a very grey area for me) And I’m okay with that — and I just find joy in the connections that I have — whether they are by chance, or not. And when I hold onto those connections, while making the realization that life in this earthly form I’m at now is limited…it helps so much to bring more clearly into that moment. Thank you, dear Evelyn, for your wonderful and thoughtful comments.
@Elena — If we truly realize how brief our time on earth is…why fight? And that’s not to say we can’t have disagreements…and indeed, those can be very good. When we do this in a civilized way…we touch upon the deeper humanity in us all… Elena, thank you so much for your visit today.
@J.D. Meier — I like that too…it helps me to be more “in” each moment.
@Tim — Hi Tim. The photo, for me — it just feels very much like that sun of awareness is entering into my soul..as I view the picture. And — tied to the quote, this picture really does take me more within myself. And — thank you, Tim, for mentioning the “breath”. Right now, as I focus on my own breathing…I feel this deeper focus on that very moment. What a joy, really, to fully experience the breath of life going in…coming out…going in… So, so good. Again, thank you for sharing these words, and for helping me to really focus more upon these moments…moments that move on quickly.…
Gosh, I just love that, Lance. Life sure feels like it’s long sometimes in these human bodies, especially when we’re in a state of “wanting,” but truly it’s all a flash — and then it’s over.
I can see that with little trips, visits or special occasions I look forward to. I spend lots of time anticipating them, and then it’s as if I blink and they’re over. My trip to CA was like that — I can’t believe I’m home already. Makes me really embrace mindfulness in a new way — like a security blanket.
Lance, you do so much to make this short stay on earth infinitely more wonderful; thank you for that.
Love & joy always,
Megan
.-= Megan “JoyGirl!” Bord´s Last Fabulous Post ..Being Open To The Moments =-.
You’re always full of inspiring, uplifting feelings.
I love my neighbors!
.-= lisaschaos´s Last Fabulous Post ..In a fog =-.
My wife and I both appreciate your writings and sharing your thoughts and feelings — Tom and Ellen.
@Megan — Your comment reminds me of a video I really enjoy: “The Days Are Long, And The Years Are Short”…all about how, in the moment — we can get caught up in whatever. And in that, things can sometimes seem to drag. Yet, looking back — wow! How quickly the last year has went. It is all a flash. Special trips are a great example of this — and how quickly they come and go. And so — it becomes about really being in those moments, when they are happening. It is so good to have you here, Megan. And, welcome home, dear friend…
@Lisa — Hey neighbor!! Thanks so much for stopping by today.
@Tom Garrand — Tom and Ellen, thank you, both of you, for reading here. Your words are touching…
I love the focus in that photo with the glint of sunlight. To me, it speaks of hope amidst all that beauty and growth.
.-= Sagan´s Last Fabulous Post ..Re-Cap of a Weekend Getaway and Thoughts on Cheese =-.
Dear Lance,
It is wonderful to be acquainted with you and your blog for the first time.
That beautiful sentiment is true in the way that it shows that every moment is precious and should be truly appreciated as it is.
Wonderful photograph to accompany such an exquisite sharing.
Thank you.
.-= Ana Goncalves´s Last Fabulous Post ..Inner Guide =-.
It is a beautiful poem!! The end truly sums it up by saying “there is no time for anything less than truly appreciating the brief interaction we have with one another.” And that photo is amazing! Great post, Lance!! You should join in on Sunday Citar sometime, our Sunday posts are much like this.
Love it!
~Tabitha
.-= Tabitha Blue´s Last Fabulous Post ..Wordless Wednesday + Contest =-.
Really thought provoking and just what I needed to read.
.-= Jess (Fit Chick in the City)´s Last Fabulous Post ..The People in My Neighborhood =-.
@Sagan — I love that photo because of the box that the light feels like it is shining into. So, seeing how you look at it is a different perspective…and a great one. The focus on the light is pretty special…
@Ana — Hi Ana. It’s great having you here! Our life is made up of these moments, and it is up to us on how truly into those moments we are. When we are…what a beautiful place to be fully alive!
@Tabitha Blue — When we really look at what matters, this really does become about our interactions and connections with others. And I think that’s because of love. A love that comes from deep in our soul, and yearns to be touched by another. Thanks so much for being here today.
@Jess — Hi Jess. This really is a reminder about what is truly important…
The picture already speaks a thousand words. The poem reminds me of the stupidity of office politics. What for spend so much time backstabbing each other when our lives are so short?
.-= scheng1´s Last Fabulous Post ..Reflection on how the rich thinks =-.
Oh my! Forgot to get here Sunday!!! OH NO! This was beautiful along with the pic!
Interesting comment from scheng1.. I saw that since it is right by mine. I left the Corporate world a while back. The politics & back stabbing! I am definitely broke but my mental well being is better!
.-= Jody — Fit at 52´s Last Fabulous Post ..Are You Too “Weight” Comfortable =-.
Isn’t that amazing Lance when things just come together so well. But most importantly I think is to always follow those “feelings” — our intuition is an amazing tool!
Well, it couldn’t have worked out better!
.-= Evita´s Last Fabulous Post ..Communication – The Cornerstone of All Relationships =-.
@scheng1 — For me, the picture is like a light shining into the soul. And — to the idea of office politics and backstabbing: when office politics turn ugly (and I don’t think they always do), that is very much not an environment that is conducive to truly appreciating the moments of our day and the interactions with others. Still, even in those moments — we can still choose how we will respond. Maybe that means leaving that position or company. And maybe it also means just trying to show compassion, even in a less than ideal environment. Could it come back to hurt you? Possibly. But then, it could also be just what someone else needs… In any rate, good point, and thanks for sharing.
@Jody — Hi Jody. And maybe you are not “rich” in the sense of $$$ in your bank account, or new fancy cars. The thing is, though, those are really secondary to that deeper part of us — that connection with our soul. And the mental well-being is so worth having aligned with who you are. So, Jody — reading this puts a smile on my face…knowing you truly are in a good place.…
@Evita — Hey Evita! It really did work out so well. And this was definitely a case of following my feelings…and just going with what felt “right”.
I love this poem, especially the ending: “there is no time for anything less than truly appreciating the brief
interaction we have with one another.” Even people who we might think are “difficult” or “misguided” have so much to teach us and we can be grateful for our encounters with them.
.-= Diane AZ´s Last Fabulous Post ..Spring is in the air =-.
Diane,
That’s a great point. It can be easy for us to “steer clear” of those who appear difficult to us. And yet, maybe part of that is our way of thinking, or how we limit ourselves. Every interaction has something for us to glean from it, and when we really think about how precious life is…they really are to be appreciated. And I appreciate YOU being here today…
Oh my dear Lance, this just leaves me with tears in my eyes and love in my heart and SO much respect of you. What a beautiful, compassionate and awakening poem. I have never heard of this writer. This is gut-wrenching-ly beautiful. I teared up right from the start over this:
“Where are you now, my good friend? Are you out in the field, in the forest, on the mountain, in a military camp, in a factory, at your desk, in a hospital, in a prison?”
It was the fact that the author included those in prison (and called all the people, “my good friend”). I SO relate to that. It is sooooooo beautiful and profoundly compassionate. Yes, we must include them all, dear Lance, if only in our prayers and love. Once even the prisoner was a beautiful new born baby, who was led astray, abused or not seen and we must include ALL in our prayers. When we don’t, we exclude part of ourselves along with those we exclude.
I also just LOVE this part: “… there is no time to fight. There is no time to argue. There is no time to hurt one another.” I cannot even begin to express how important this is. I am blessed to live with a husband who also knows this and we both live it. Like I told someone today, “There is little that is important, most things have no importance at all. But the very few things that ARE important are crucial. And Love, compassion, non-judgment and forgiveness are a few of the truly important things.”
Oh Lance, you are SO beautiful. It’s as if this poem speaks your own heart. I always cry or laugh when I come here and I just LOVE that about you. You are just so REAL. Deeply warm and FILLED with intense goodness. Thank you me precious friend. I just adore you. Love, Robin
.-= Robin Easton´s Last Fabulous Post ..Down to the Bone =-.
Robin,
As I mentioned to Evita, I had something else planned for this post…except it just didn’t really jump out and grab me. I had resigned to go with it, though…it was still really good…just not the message that felt completely “right” last Sunday. And then…I just happened to stumble upon this. And I knew instantly that it was “right”.
And I love what you have highlighted in this. Everyone, indeed, does start life as a baby…and we have no way of fully knowing what leads anyone to where they are today (and so, we have no right to judge another…).
Peace. What a beautiful thing, Robin. And that is something I see so deeply in you. I just get this real feeling that your life is focused around seeing the good, and the possibility in others and in our world. And that’s all coated with a love that you share which is so deep and true.
Robin, thank you for being here, and for just sharing your beautiful love with the world. You are a dear friend, and it is an honor, always, to have you here… Peace and love to you, sweet friend…
Lance, thank you for visiting and commenting on my blog. Are your fingers still growing? I know that your energy is certainly flowing.
Thank you for sharing these beautiful words. It is a Sunday in Japan today, and I accept this poem with gratitude. Thank you, Lance.
I look forward to visiting your blog again and sharing perspectives from this part of the world. I hope you will see me as one more kindred spirit in your life. Greetings from the mountains in Japan — Catrien Ross.
.-= Catrien Ross´s Last Fabulous Post ..Catrien Ross on Stretching Your Potential Through the Real Power of Intention to Direct Your Energy Flow =-.
What a beautiful sentiment! and a beautiful picture to go along with it!! I found your blog through my friend over at Blogging Without A Blog.
I will come back for more inspiration! Happy Monday!
.-= JeanneP ~ bermudabluez´s Last Fabulous Post ..Computer RANT! =-.
@Catrien — You have a wonderful blog, Catrien. (smiling)…yes, my fingers ARE still growing! It is wonderful to have you here and joining in the conversation. I very much look forward to our continued and growing friendship.
@JeanneP — I love Barbara and her Blogging Without A Blog site…so, so wonderful! It’s great to have you here whenever you can make it!
Wow! Remarkable post. Your offerings are so beautiful and uplifting!
I just recently did a post called Waiting For The Train. It is about just this. That we wait for this train of life and fuss and fight and then the train arrives and it is gone. Our life is over.
The point is to appreciate life and embrace all the wonders that are at our fingertips. I like to say love is always present awaiting our arrival.
Your gems are simply wonderful!
.-= Lauren´s Last Fabulous Post ..Controlling Others: Not A Strategy That Makes For The Best Relationships Ever =-.
Lauren,
Thanks so much for being here today! Right…so maybe we are waiting for what we think is the “right” train…and that perfect train never arrives. All the meanwhile…we have been missing out.…waiting for that one perfect train.…and life…is over. What we have is now. This moment. And that’s a beautiful place to be… Lauren, thank you for your insight.
That is beautiful poetry from someone who knows who they truly are at a deep level. All we have is now. When has life not ever been this moment and what does that mean for you?