Stalwart bastion of ancient wisdom
Edifice of human longing
For immortality
Adorning the square
Drawing life from the four directions
Still will anyone - stop to commune
With your timelessness?
Let alone each other!
Forged by an inferno of creation
The craftman's chisel
Aims to improve upon
The Master Artist of the cosmos.
Cold, hard granite
A superficial judgement
While at the core
Infinite energies in suspension
Where they can be animated
By the spark
Of an enlivening catalyst.
Your limitless all-knowing patience
Has out-lived countless generations
I pray that while I sit
That I can listen, as you speak.
Tuesday, 27 December 2016
Slovenia Serenade
Bravo Slovenia
Intricately
Woven
Upon my Heart
Just as love is foundational
To national moniker
Instantaneous
Transformation
From
Foreign
To
Familiar
I can no longer
Be the same
Deep and vast
Your embrace
Encircles my soul
How often
Have I sought
To avoid
A painful parting
Love left
Dangling to dry
Upon the vine
My heart
These lands
Those that inhabit them
Call for
And merit
So much more
As deep as the lakes
Is my love
As powerful as the rivers
I will let Slovenia
Open my heart
So that I
May love her
in
Return
I
Cannot
Nor
Will I
Leave my Heart
For
Slovenia
and I
are
Now One!
Hvala
Bog požegnaj!
Intricately
Woven
Upon my Heart
Just as love is foundational
To national moniker
Instantaneous
Transformation
From
Foreign
To
Familiar
I can no longer
Be the same
Deep and vast
Your embrace
Encircles my soul
How often
Have I sought
To avoid
A painful parting
Love left
Dangling to dry
Upon the vine
My heart
These lands
Those that inhabit them
Call for
And merit
So much more
As deep as the lakes
Is my love
As powerful as the rivers
I will let Slovenia
Open my heart
So that I
May love her
in
Return
I
Cannot
Nor
Will I
Leave my Heart
For
Slovenia
and I
are
Now One!
Hvala
Bog požegnaj!
Sunday, 25 December 2016
Timeless blessings - In Shapeless Tradition
Bells peal, reverberating throughout downtown Ljubljana. Whether a call to prayer or the announcement of the arrival of Christmas, these are no mere Jingle Bells.
I had in mind to experience the Midnight Mass at the Franciscan Church in the city centre. Interestingly, after having a peak experience, heart-centered day, the thought occurred to me, this "mass" might just pale in comparison.
"Low and behold"..... it did! (but apparently I needed to go and experience what I could have already known, had I chosen to "listen.")
First of all I had my own beautiful, connection healing experience; in that very church a couple days previous. I had decided I wanted to see it from the inside, as I had seen the outside innumerable times. When I entered there was a service going on - with just a small number of people in attendance.
I decided to sit. As the service was in Slovenian, I couldn't understand a word of it. This in itself allowed for me both to "listen" differently and ensured I could not be "triggered" by anything that was said. These distinctions in combination allowed me to be far more present.
I decided I could observe my own sacred silence and prayers, which could be directed with a focus on whatever came up for me. My hunch was that this was a Catholic service (based on all the sit down ... stand up..... sit down again..... etc.)
My youth included attendance at a Catholic school (despite my being "Anglican") so I determined right in the moment, that I was "here;" to heal and forgive the various trauma of that experience (mine is not the story of abuse suffered by many - just the same, I won't dismiss how I was impacted). I even went through the ritual of communion - believing my "communing" is with myself and the Creator of All that is (as I understand it). What does it matter if there is a different meaning assigned to this sacrament, by the church itself?
My time spent in the church on this occasion allowed for an experience that was "alive" personally significant and potent. I knew and acknowledged this within myself. A day later while walking with a friend (who lives in this city) my experience was more deeply affirmed, when she told me it is a "Franciscan church." I had seen a couple of "clergy" dressed in the traditional simplicity of the Franciscan order - but had not entirely, put it together. All I knew, was I was drawn to go inside.
Francis (the founder of this order) is a significant energy in my life. Not due to the "religious" association - I don't happen to believe that "his" energy, is exclusive and is accessible for anyone from any background - with or without "a spiritual belief system."
Christmas eve. night, same church, same recent past profound experience - but my attendance may have been more motivated by (for example) some sort of perceived need to "do" rather than just be, an old idea that I "should attend" consequently..... there was nothing there for me! The experience proved to be energetically flat... extremely crowded and not where I needed to be.
As I was leaving there was an older man still sitting in the outer entrance. He had been there when I first entered and was asking of all that passed through, for money. As I approached I reached in my pocket and found a five euro note. I handed it to him, removed my glove and offered to shake his hand. He took my hand and thanked me ... while I wished him to be blessed and Merry Christmas.
There were hundreds of people in that church.... imagine if everyone, gave him even one euro. It is not my intention to judge whether others gave or did not give. I will never miss that money. My life has provided me with wealth and riches beyond my wildest dreams and, that money can't buy. I am truly prosperous. I didn't "empty my pockets" - there still remained, enough for my needs. My return to the church may have been all about that simple exchange.... Influenced by (the question: what would Francis do?)
I have not renounced "wealth" or comfort. Traveling is a constant reminder to me of how much is enough and when and where I reach excesses; all, a work in progress. Let's face it, that I am, at this time, able to travel, assigns me a degree of privilege.
Earlier this same day, I had the opportunity to go with a friend (the same friend that gave me the expanded knowing of the church in the city) for a drive to the beautiful seaside coast of Slovenia. Now this journey was alive for me; with the love of soul-friendship, the spirit of generosity, which I was graced to be the recipient of and the fresh, revitalizing air and energy of the sea. Coffee at the marina, walks through the quaint sea side towns, moments of connection with a resident cat, for me, all brought embodiment of the joy, peace and bliss "associated" with Christmas - but that may remain hollow sentiments, when sought through mechanistic, "tradition."
We came to a small church my friend knew of, that was dedicated to Mary. An invitation to sit for awhile. To my soul, this is like asking my body, shall we still breathe? The silence in there was so penetrating - and I perceive limitless ..... what a grand "Christmas" gift. As I mentioned with regard to Francis, I hold the same to be true of Mary. Some religions have embraced them as "their own." I believe neither Francis nor Mary, carried such notions of exclusion or divisiveness. These are my beliefs personal and intimate to me - not in any way, shape or form, to make wrong the beliefs, of others.
As we were leaving the chapel.. my friend informed me that this too, was a church affiliated with the Franciscans.
We journeyed to another town, getting to a wondrous cliff top view point, as the sun was beginning to set. There were other friends in the area with which we had been in communication but that seemed to be walking parallel paths. With no concrete plan to meet - once we arrived at the lookout, they appeared from the other direction. Ironically this place was adorned with a "cross." If we were to remove for the moment, any other association with this symbol, perhaps it stood there announcing the crossing of two paths.
We chatted, laughed, took pictures and determined that this moment in time was indeed where we would both meet and determine; that our paths once again, were to become divergent.
After parting ways, my friend and I hiked down the trail to the beach, where we could directly experience the sea and the continued splendour of the sunset. I resurrected my "rock skipping" skills, more laughter, pictures and sea side healing.
As I indicated in a blog post before I left Victoria; the shoes I was, and am wearing on this trip, were immersed in the Salish sea back then. Now they were to be blessed in the waters of the Slovenian coast. As I walked into the waters edge, directly in front of me, in shallow water, a magnificent heart-shaped stone!
We had an amazing sea side dinner in another town which we deemed "Christmas dinner" and then drove the hour or so, back to Ljubljana.
I might have known that after a full day of "worship" and communing with heart, spirit and nature; there would be nothing further to experience, at a "Midnight Mass."
I guess I needed to experience.. that there was nothing more to experience... than the affirmation of a previous experience...
I'm sure this season ... I have received far more than I have given....
It may be true.... "you cannot out give the universe...."
I had in mind to experience the Midnight Mass at the Franciscan Church in the city centre. Interestingly, after having a peak experience, heart-centered day, the thought occurred to me, this "mass" might just pale in comparison.
"Low and behold"..... it did! (but apparently I needed to go and experience what I could have already known, had I chosen to "listen.")
First of all I had my own beautiful, connection healing experience; in that very church a couple days previous. I had decided I wanted to see it from the inside, as I had seen the outside innumerable times. When I entered there was a service going on - with just a small number of people in attendance.
I decided to sit. As the service was in Slovenian, I couldn't understand a word of it. This in itself allowed for me both to "listen" differently and ensured I could not be "triggered" by anything that was said. These distinctions in combination allowed me to be far more present.
I decided I could observe my own sacred silence and prayers, which could be directed with a focus on whatever came up for me. My hunch was that this was a Catholic service (based on all the sit down ... stand up..... sit down again..... etc.)
My youth included attendance at a Catholic school (despite my being "Anglican") so I determined right in the moment, that I was "here;" to heal and forgive the various trauma of that experience (mine is not the story of abuse suffered by many - just the same, I won't dismiss how I was impacted). I even went through the ritual of communion - believing my "communing" is with myself and the Creator of All that is (as I understand it). What does it matter if there is a different meaning assigned to this sacrament, by the church itself?
My time spent in the church on this occasion allowed for an experience that was "alive" personally significant and potent. I knew and acknowledged this within myself. A day later while walking with a friend (who lives in this city) my experience was more deeply affirmed, when she told me it is a "Franciscan church." I had seen a couple of "clergy" dressed in the traditional simplicity of the Franciscan order - but had not entirely, put it together. All I knew, was I was drawn to go inside.
Francis (the founder of this order) is a significant energy in my life. Not due to the "religious" association - I don't happen to believe that "his" energy, is exclusive and is accessible for anyone from any background - with or without "a spiritual belief system."
Christmas eve. night, same church, same recent past profound experience - but my attendance may have been more motivated by (for example) some sort of perceived need to "do" rather than just be, an old idea that I "should attend" consequently..... there was nothing there for me! The experience proved to be energetically flat... extremely crowded and not where I needed to be.
As I was leaving there was an older man still sitting in the outer entrance. He had been there when I first entered and was asking of all that passed through, for money. As I approached I reached in my pocket and found a five euro note. I handed it to him, removed my glove and offered to shake his hand. He took my hand and thanked me ... while I wished him to be blessed and Merry Christmas.
There were hundreds of people in that church.... imagine if everyone, gave him even one euro. It is not my intention to judge whether others gave or did not give. I will never miss that money. My life has provided me with wealth and riches beyond my wildest dreams and, that money can't buy. I am truly prosperous. I didn't "empty my pockets" - there still remained, enough for my needs. My return to the church may have been all about that simple exchange.... Influenced by (the question: what would Francis do?)
I have not renounced "wealth" or comfort. Traveling is a constant reminder to me of how much is enough and when and where I reach excesses; all, a work in progress. Let's face it, that I am, at this time, able to travel, assigns me a degree of privilege.
Earlier this same day, I had the opportunity to go with a friend (the same friend that gave me the expanded knowing of the church in the city) for a drive to the beautiful seaside coast of Slovenia. Now this journey was alive for me; with the love of soul-friendship, the spirit of generosity, which I was graced to be the recipient of and the fresh, revitalizing air and energy of the sea. Coffee at the marina, walks through the quaint sea side towns, moments of connection with a resident cat, for me, all brought embodiment of the joy, peace and bliss "associated" with Christmas - but that may remain hollow sentiments, when sought through mechanistic, "tradition."
We came to a small church my friend knew of, that was dedicated to Mary. An invitation to sit for awhile. To my soul, this is like asking my body, shall we still breathe? The silence in there was so penetrating - and I perceive limitless ..... what a grand "Christmas" gift. As I mentioned with regard to Francis, I hold the same to be true of Mary. Some religions have embraced them as "their own." I believe neither Francis nor Mary, carried such notions of exclusion or divisiveness. These are my beliefs personal and intimate to me - not in any way, shape or form, to make wrong the beliefs, of others.
As we were leaving the chapel.. my friend informed me that this too, was a church affiliated with the Franciscans.
We journeyed to another town, getting to a wondrous cliff top view point, as the sun was beginning to set. There were other friends in the area with which we had been in communication but that seemed to be walking parallel paths. With no concrete plan to meet - once we arrived at the lookout, they appeared from the other direction. Ironically this place was adorned with a "cross." If we were to remove for the moment, any other association with this symbol, perhaps it stood there announcing the crossing of two paths.
We chatted, laughed, took pictures and determined that this moment in time was indeed where we would both meet and determine; that our paths once again, were to become divergent.
After parting ways, my friend and I hiked down the trail to the beach, where we could directly experience the sea and the continued splendour of the sunset. I resurrected my "rock skipping" skills, more laughter, pictures and sea side healing.
As I indicated in a blog post before I left Victoria; the shoes I was, and am wearing on this trip, were immersed in the Salish sea back then. Now they were to be blessed in the waters of the Slovenian coast. As I walked into the waters edge, directly in front of me, in shallow water, a magnificent heart-shaped stone!
We had an amazing sea side dinner in another town which we deemed "Christmas dinner" and then drove the hour or so, back to Ljubljana.
I might have known that after a full day of "worship" and communing with heart, spirit and nature; there would be nothing further to experience, at a "Midnight Mass."
I guess I needed to experience.. that there was nothing more to experience... than the affirmation of a previous experience...
I'm sure this season ... I have received far more than I have given....
It may be true.... "you cannot out give the universe...."
Saturday, 24 December 2016
Season with Heart
The "season"reached for its inevitable zenith
Electronic friends fall silent
Called to all forms of sacred observation
What then will I celebrate?
Heightened senses stumble in the void
Attuned to each nuance
Connection to community ebbs
Giving rise to questions of authenticity
But wait, there you are........
Life symbolized by a hotel carpet of green...
There was room at this inn!
Within the warm embrace of this foreign refuge
A newly found apple tree wood pen (wand)
Conjures a heart's delight
Green polished apple wood
Weaving silken words
That glide across the page
Tethered to my heart
With gossamer threads.
Images stabbing upon the blank screen
Christmas' - Past, Present, Future?
No matter where you currently reside
Nor from placement upon time's illusory spectrum
Can you hide
From the limitless reach
Of my love drenched heart
Join me there in a mystical forest
Scattered beneath the windswept canopy
Are all forms of life's gifts....
I hold up agony's abyss
Soul-quaking ecstasy
Profound betrayal
The delirious delight
Of a heart
Newly kissed
Blinding rage
A shame so pervasive
It wants nothing more
Than to consume itself
Before it is seen.
Unbridled laughter
That shakes bones and marrow
Until they plead for arrest
So then;
I will celebrate......
From all my heart.....
I love you all
I cannot miss you
You were never gone.
Electronic friends fall silent
Called to all forms of sacred observation
What then will I celebrate?
Heightened senses stumble in the void
Attuned to each nuance
Connection to community ebbs
Giving rise to questions of authenticity
But wait, there you are........
Life symbolized by a hotel carpet of green...
There was room at this inn!
Within the warm embrace of this foreign refuge
A newly found apple tree wood pen (wand)
Conjures a heart's delight
Green polished apple wood
Weaving silken words
That glide across the page
Tethered to my heart
With gossamer threads.
Images stabbing upon the blank screen
Christmas' - Past, Present, Future?
No matter where you currently reside
Nor from placement upon time's illusory spectrum
Can you hide
From the limitless reach
Of my love drenched heart
Join me there in a mystical forest
Scattered beneath the windswept canopy
Are all forms of life's gifts....
I hold up agony's abyss
Soul-quaking ecstasy
Profound betrayal
The delirious delight
Of a heart
Newly kissed
Blinding rage
A shame so pervasive
It wants nothing more
Than to consume itself
Before it is seen.
Unbridled laughter
That shakes bones and marrow
Until they plead for arrest
So then;
I will celebrate......
From all my heart.....
I love you all
I cannot miss you
You were never gone.
Friday, 23 December 2016
Traveller's Stew
This may prove to be an interesting blog post. Not necessarily, because I have suddenly been imbued with the capacity to convey the realm of the profound. This is the first post since my arrival in Slovenia. I have now been nearly twenty four hours in the country. I'm a currently staying with a friend in Ljubljana. Upon logging into the blogging platform, I notice all the menu links and tabs are in Slovenian! I don't have a comprehensive knowledge of the system in general terms and I have never had occasion, to change the language. So far, this is the only language anomaly I have encounter (online) - which is fortunate, as I don't know why this particular technical transformation has occurred; nor do I know how to change it. I think I have enough recall of the position of some of the "buttons" I more commonly use, in order to function.
Just another example, albeit a rather benign one, of the experience expanding opportunities, of travel. Beginning tomorrow evening, I will be in a workshop for six days. Though no two are ever the same in terms of personal, nor collective experience; if some of my previous experience comes to pass, I likely won't be writing to the blog again until after the workshop is over. So then, assuming this post actually makes it online - the variance in visual appearance of the blog word processor, may be said to be, a non-issue.
While I appreciate the gift it is to be able to express in multiple languages, it is not currently my reality. That in combination with for example, though as I sit and write this now, it is 1:30 p.m. (local time) while meanwhile, "in a galaxy far ... far.... away" (Vancouver Island) it's 4:30 a.m. which is more in keeping with what my body is attuned to. I immediately adjusted my watch as I transitioned through various time zones. Once there, I would try and find a happy medium between what time a day it was and "listening to my body" so that I could generally get acclimatized. I suppose working the varying shift times back home, might make that process less abrupt. However, with respect to day/night here, I was still tired and energetic at will (not mine).
All these variances make for some interesting perceptual experiences. Those moving sidewalks in the airports are perceptually deceptive. For me it was like looking at one of those animated optical illusion youtube clips - it presented as challenging; making stepping on in correspondence to the visual of the moving track bed.
I just stayed put at the terminal (London South Gatwick) I had a hotel there, to conceivably relax before the next flight, which is less than 24 hours after my arrival. After checking in and freshening up, I sat at one of the airport lounges (Cafe Nero) that served coffee that at the time, was nectar of the Gods. While I sipped that, I indulged in some "fly on the wall" people watching (and listening). Certainly no one needed to be concerned about whether I was "eaves-dropping," as noted above in my spoken language disclosure. Meanwhile I was surrounded by this international cacophony.
The next thing I observed was a couple members of airport security? They had "Police" on the back of their shirts - I don't know whether they were part of the regular force - assigned to the airport or specifically airport security. They were just strolling along "shooting the breeze." I wasn't inclined to approach them with my transplanted curiosity. After a double take on my part, I realized these two were each carrying, a rather menacing looking, submachine-gun. This was in addition to, amply equipped "utility belts" - they looked a little like Star Wars "storm-troopers" - except for the fact that this was real. I'm not dismissing the courage and responsibility, potential risk or dedication these individuals carry - just recognizing that for me, this imagery is atypical and therefore surreal.
As I pick up on the blog post, as I had speculated earlier, multiple days have elapsed since beginning this writing. The workshop has completed which is to say I and we, no longer physically occupy the seats of the circle. Participants have dispersed and I imagine, for each (through what is true for me) the "workshop" is in no way "over."
Now back in Ljubljana (after 6 days in Murska Sobota) I now have expanded opportunity, to both experience my current environment through a self in flux and have a self reflected through my surroundings.
"Love is in the air," I cannot dismiss my own contribution to this, as I embrace the splendour of my own heart, enthralled in the shear delight of exploration. As much or more, it is the people of Slovenia that I perceive, provide the foundational experience of this love. Warm hearted, passionate giving people; I am held in awe, humility and a state of unending inspiration. The vibrance of the city feeds my own appetite for adventure. Of course I have the present luxury of being "foot loose and fancy free" but even still, the contrast between the sleepy hamlet I call home and my current surroundings is stark. This is not about good or bad. I'm not about the creation of "10 best cities..... for ......... lists) it's just not my lens. More so, I am expressing a recognition that I am in the midst of making real, a more personal sense of "home" as not being defined by my address. I'm not talking about "Hallmark" sentiments about homes and hearts.... those are great, as far as they go (probably more so, for some bottom line somewhere).
I'm talking about my actual heart.... and the living, breathing, real time experience, of residing there! I'm not sure that I'm the one to divulge any groundbreaking revelations about the heart. However, I'm infinitely qualified to attempt to describe the experience of the evolution and revolution of my own heart. If my life journey is a kiln, learning institution and training ground, for the expansion of my heart; then Slovenia, is a full immersion transformational incubator of love, that is the catalyst for quantum leaps of healing and nourishment for the soul.
I would count my blessings to have the good fortune to be here, except I may not be able to count that high and I'd rather be out there continuing the experience.
My sense is I enjoy to be written through. I am offered through time spent honouring this connection a particular path to contentment. While I believe in upholding the sanctity of my sacred practices; I now must consider a need to observe the furtherance of the ceremony of diversity.
Which is to say - my butt must leave the comfort of this chair and once again venture out. Any moment now, there is an exchange of blessings about to occur. I have my part to play & I don't want to miss out!!
Just another example, albeit a rather benign one, of the experience expanding opportunities, of travel. Beginning tomorrow evening, I will be in a workshop for six days. Though no two are ever the same in terms of personal, nor collective experience; if some of my previous experience comes to pass, I likely won't be writing to the blog again until after the workshop is over. So then, assuming this post actually makes it online - the variance in visual appearance of the blog word processor, may be said to be, a non-issue.
While I appreciate the gift it is to be able to express in multiple languages, it is not currently my reality. That in combination with for example, though as I sit and write this now, it is 1:30 p.m. (local time) while meanwhile, "in a galaxy far ... far.... away" (Vancouver Island) it's 4:30 a.m. which is more in keeping with what my body is attuned to. I immediately adjusted my watch as I transitioned through various time zones. Once there, I would try and find a happy medium between what time a day it was and "listening to my body" so that I could generally get acclimatized. I suppose working the varying shift times back home, might make that process less abrupt. However, with respect to day/night here, I was still tired and energetic at will (not mine).
All these variances make for some interesting perceptual experiences. Those moving sidewalks in the airports are perceptually deceptive. For me it was like looking at one of those animated optical illusion youtube clips - it presented as challenging; making stepping on in correspondence to the visual of the moving track bed.
I just stayed put at the terminal (London South Gatwick) I had a hotel there, to conceivably relax before the next flight, which is less than 24 hours after my arrival. After checking in and freshening up, I sat at one of the airport lounges (Cafe Nero) that served coffee that at the time, was nectar of the Gods. While I sipped that, I indulged in some "fly on the wall" people watching (and listening). Certainly no one needed to be concerned about whether I was "eaves-dropping," as noted above in my spoken language disclosure. Meanwhile I was surrounded by this international cacophony.
The next thing I observed was a couple members of airport security? They had "Police" on the back of their shirts - I don't know whether they were part of the regular force - assigned to the airport or specifically airport security. They were just strolling along "shooting the breeze." I wasn't inclined to approach them with my transplanted curiosity. After a double take on my part, I realized these two were each carrying, a rather menacing looking, submachine-gun. This was in addition to, amply equipped "utility belts" - they looked a little like Star Wars "storm-troopers" - except for the fact that this was real. I'm not dismissing the courage and responsibility, potential risk or dedication these individuals carry - just recognizing that for me, this imagery is atypical and therefore surreal.
As I pick up on the blog post, as I had speculated earlier, multiple days have elapsed since beginning this writing. The workshop has completed which is to say I and we, no longer physically occupy the seats of the circle. Participants have dispersed and I imagine, for each (through what is true for me) the "workshop" is in no way "over."
Now back in Ljubljana (after 6 days in Murska Sobota) I now have expanded opportunity, to both experience my current environment through a self in flux and have a self reflected through my surroundings.
"Love is in the air," I cannot dismiss my own contribution to this, as I embrace the splendour of my own heart, enthralled in the shear delight of exploration. As much or more, it is the people of Slovenia that I perceive, provide the foundational experience of this love. Warm hearted, passionate giving people; I am held in awe, humility and a state of unending inspiration. The vibrance of the city feeds my own appetite for adventure. Of course I have the present luxury of being "foot loose and fancy free" but even still, the contrast between the sleepy hamlet I call home and my current surroundings is stark. This is not about good or bad. I'm not about the creation of "10 best cities..... for ......... lists) it's just not my lens. More so, I am expressing a recognition that I am in the midst of making real, a more personal sense of "home" as not being defined by my address. I'm not talking about "Hallmark" sentiments about homes and hearts.... those are great, as far as they go (probably more so, for some bottom line somewhere).
I'm talking about my actual heart.... and the living, breathing, real time experience, of residing there! I'm not sure that I'm the one to divulge any groundbreaking revelations about the heart. However, I'm infinitely qualified to attempt to describe the experience of the evolution and revolution of my own heart. If my life journey is a kiln, learning institution and training ground, for the expansion of my heart; then Slovenia, is a full immersion transformational incubator of love, that is the catalyst for quantum leaps of healing and nourishment for the soul.
I would count my blessings to have the good fortune to be here, except I may not be able to count that high and I'd rather be out there continuing the experience.
My sense is I enjoy to be written through. I am offered through time spent honouring this connection a particular path to contentment. While I believe in upholding the sanctity of my sacred practices; I now must consider a need to observe the furtherance of the ceremony of diversity.
Which is to say - my butt must leave the comfort of this chair and once again venture out. Any moment now, there is an exchange of blessings about to occur. I have my part to play & I don't want to miss out!!
Monday, 12 December 2016
Can I Help You? (Many thanks, why yes you can!!)
Well.. the journey has begun. Of course when hasn't the journey been in progress? I was given a ride to the ferry by my friend and former wife and her partner. The beauty of this (besides one less bus ride) was I got dog blessings all the way to the ferry terminal. There was the Irish Wheaton Terrier (Sadie) that I use to co-habitate with and The Labra-doodle (Belle). Sadie seemed to believe I needed a head clearing as she kept sticking her nose on the back of my neck; while Belle was doing some "paws" on healing giving me alternatively one, then the other front paw to hold on to.
The ferry ride was relaxing - I had already eaten while waiting to board. I had some stuff to finish up from my fridge. I sat near a young women that was engrossed in her electronics; so no conversation, but we traded off baggage security favours. I shared some of my mini mandarin oranges with her and then got back into my book.
When the arrival announcement was sounded I made a bee-line for the lower deck. I was given a tip to do so rather than disembark at the foot passenger ramp to save time getting to the bus to begin the transport/connection process of getting into Richmond. Apparently those that have been on board with their pets gather and walk off; so I was to "join" them. I was the first to arrive down there and began to think I look a little conspicuous - what with having "no dog." Besides that, I was standing right in front of the two rows of motor vehicles that would soon be keen to disembark. At the beginning of the cue were all the buses.
I was relieved that I was soon joined with more people and there pets! Which you guessed it, meant more dog blessings!! We docked that ramp was lowered and the gate was released for us to leave. We were steered toward a pathway that both got us out of the road and was solid asphalt versus the metal grating of the main road way. The ferry workers warned people to not have their dogs walk across as their legs could slip through.
So I'm leader of the pack now, once all the dog owners peeled off to the left (as they weren't catching a bus). Only problem with heading the procession is, it's of no particular advantage, when you don't know where you are going. I slowed down some and let another women catch up - I asked her, "where am I going, for the bus. She explained I could go the way she is about to go, or she's seen others going a slightly different route (which she didn't know the reason for or outcome of) so I chose the tried and true!
I asked her some questions re: fares etc. she says, "oh I don't know, I'm not catching the bus." Nevertheless angel number one got me fourth from the front of that cue. While I'm standing there I'm sorting some change as I know from reading online it's one of two cost and "exact change" is required. I'm nattering to the couple behind me and then angel number two pipes up, if you go in over there and buy a single trip ticket - it will get you on this bus and then the skytrain after (had I paid the driver I would have still needed to purchase something at the next terminal). Life I maintain (in fact God) is in the details. Of course this might be partly due to my seeing the world through a Virgo lens. Remember that next time I'm spinning a story that has you on the verge of a comma. Simple things - but they make a difference in the flow - that's one very crowed bus on which I got a seat!
Budda bing ... budda bong.... we're at the next terminal.... "I'm asking ... now I have to swipe to leave to?? Yup... then through various gates... tap and the gates open unto you!!
The skytrain terminus was directly across from a mall that had right in front of me a branch of one of the credit unions I "bank" at - so in for some quick cash. Found the facilities and then "customer service" found me my hotel.
I refreshing walk there - revealed that on the opposite corner was Ceilidhs "Irish Pub" (and I thought I was just booking this hotel because it was close to the airport!!) Soon there after I learned there is a Celtic cross in town (I'm sure the ancestors would not want me to miss that). This led to another brisk walk to the cross and then back to the pub for a delicious Veggie burger and yam fries, complemented with a "kick-ass" Virgin Caesar.
When I returned I took care of my a.m. airport shuttle booking and clarified my morning exit strategy. When I showed up at the breakfast area - I stood perplexed at the cereal canisters. Two of three had a knob at the bottom that you spun to fill your bowl. The canister of the one I wanted was "knob-less."
As I studied this a moment looking for some secret latch - a hotel employee observed me and came over. "It's broken, just a minute please." She left and came back with a large ladle to scoop cereal from the top. While she was there she refreshed my memory on those "complimentary breakfast - waffle irons." Alright - got it!! Thank you!!
Today - I got to the airport really early!! I was checking through with people for the flight ahead of mine!! I toasted the fellow behind me as I drank my water, before getting to security. I then joked with him, "just so I don't become, "that guy" and then you're behind me - would you mind giving me a few clarifications while were way back here in the line?" He laughed and happily gave me the info.
The fact of the matter is - there's a very good chance I will be - "that guy," however I am delighted to re-experience just how helpful people can, want and are helpful.
I don't know about anyone else - but I can read the guidelines until I'm blue in the face and it's not as impactful as some simple in the moment guidance (delivered from a live being!!)
Makes me wonder how much value there is in reading things like "scriptures" - it just might be, that the live version of those is indeed God, as delivered through the presence of all those earth-bound angels along the way!!
Post script - written very quickly while waiting for a plane (no time to edit - I'm going to see about some food) - so I'm not that guy!! (last to board the plane).
The ferry ride was relaxing - I had already eaten while waiting to board. I had some stuff to finish up from my fridge. I sat near a young women that was engrossed in her electronics; so no conversation, but we traded off baggage security favours. I shared some of my mini mandarin oranges with her and then got back into my book.
When the arrival announcement was sounded I made a bee-line for the lower deck. I was given a tip to do so rather than disembark at the foot passenger ramp to save time getting to the bus to begin the transport/connection process of getting into Richmond. Apparently those that have been on board with their pets gather and walk off; so I was to "join" them. I was the first to arrive down there and began to think I look a little conspicuous - what with having "no dog." Besides that, I was standing right in front of the two rows of motor vehicles that would soon be keen to disembark. At the beginning of the cue were all the buses.
I was relieved that I was soon joined with more people and there pets! Which you guessed it, meant more dog blessings!! We docked that ramp was lowered and the gate was released for us to leave. We were steered toward a pathway that both got us out of the road and was solid asphalt versus the metal grating of the main road way. The ferry workers warned people to not have their dogs walk across as their legs could slip through.
So I'm leader of the pack now, once all the dog owners peeled off to the left (as they weren't catching a bus). Only problem with heading the procession is, it's of no particular advantage, when you don't know where you are going. I slowed down some and let another women catch up - I asked her, "where am I going, for the bus. She explained I could go the way she is about to go, or she's seen others going a slightly different route (which she didn't know the reason for or outcome of) so I chose the tried and true!
I asked her some questions re: fares etc. she says, "oh I don't know, I'm not catching the bus." Nevertheless angel number one got me fourth from the front of that cue. While I'm standing there I'm sorting some change as I know from reading online it's one of two cost and "exact change" is required. I'm nattering to the couple behind me and then angel number two pipes up, if you go in over there and buy a single trip ticket - it will get you on this bus and then the skytrain after (had I paid the driver I would have still needed to purchase something at the next terminal). Life I maintain (in fact God) is in the details. Of course this might be partly due to my seeing the world through a Virgo lens. Remember that next time I'm spinning a story that has you on the verge of a comma. Simple things - but they make a difference in the flow - that's one very crowed bus on which I got a seat!
Budda bing ... budda bong.... we're at the next terminal.... "I'm asking ... now I have to swipe to leave to?? Yup... then through various gates... tap and the gates open unto you!!
The skytrain terminus was directly across from a mall that had right in front of me a branch of one of the credit unions I "bank" at - so in for some quick cash. Found the facilities and then "customer service" found me my hotel.
I refreshing walk there - revealed that on the opposite corner was Ceilidhs "Irish Pub" (and I thought I was just booking this hotel because it was close to the airport!!) Soon there after I learned there is a Celtic cross in town (I'm sure the ancestors would not want me to miss that). This led to another brisk walk to the cross and then back to the pub for a delicious Veggie burger and yam fries, complemented with a "kick-ass" Virgin Caesar.
When I returned I took care of my a.m. airport shuttle booking and clarified my morning exit strategy. When I showed up at the breakfast area - I stood perplexed at the cereal canisters. Two of three had a knob at the bottom that you spun to fill your bowl. The canister of the one I wanted was "knob-less."
As I studied this a moment looking for some secret latch - a hotel employee observed me and came over. "It's broken, just a minute please." She left and came back with a large ladle to scoop cereal from the top. While she was there she refreshed my memory on those "complimentary breakfast - waffle irons." Alright - got it!! Thank you!!
Today - I got to the airport really early!! I was checking through with people for the flight ahead of mine!! I toasted the fellow behind me as I drank my water, before getting to security. I then joked with him, "just so I don't become, "that guy" and then you're behind me - would you mind giving me a few clarifications while were way back here in the line?" He laughed and happily gave me the info.
The fact of the matter is - there's a very good chance I will be - "that guy," however I am delighted to re-experience just how helpful people can, want and are helpful.
I don't know about anyone else - but I can read the guidelines until I'm blue in the face and it's not as impactful as some simple in the moment guidance (delivered from a live being!!)
Makes me wonder how much value there is in reading things like "scriptures" - it just might be, that the live version of those is indeed God, as delivered through the presence of all those earth-bound angels along the way!!
Post script - written very quickly while waiting for a plane (no time to edit - I'm going to see about some food) - so I'm not that guy!! (last to board the plane).
Saturday, 10 December 2016
Now Boarding
Poised on the brink of departure
Creative energies employed
To allow for "minimalist" encumbrance
Mindful preparation bestowing
An appreciation for each article
Illuminated along the way
Inner "baggage"
May correlate
With a back's burden
"Google-Maps"
Unable to reveal
My uncharted geography
A pilgrimage unfolds
Guided by a gossamer thread
Spanning eons
Though timeless in origin
Unique while universal
Hearkening the call
To re-member
To re-unite
Echoing through the glens
Animating the dance of the trees
Heard in the song of the wind
Held in the stones
Released by the fire
A respond (ability)
Required to get me to here
Though I have been the beneficiary of change
I no longer claim it was, "my idea"
The call enlivens each foot fall
To a destination unknown
Arrival guaranteed
Mysts unfurl
To reveal
Fresh steps yield ancient knowing
While worn paths
Can still yield - untold treasure.
Creative energies employed
To allow for "minimalist" encumbrance
Mindful preparation bestowing
An appreciation for each article
Illuminated along the way
Inner "baggage"
May correlate
With a back's burden
"Google-Maps"
Unable to reveal
My uncharted geography
A pilgrimage unfolds
Guided by a gossamer thread
Spanning eons
Though timeless in origin
Unique while universal
Hearkening the call
To re-member
To re-unite
Echoing through the glens
Animating the dance of the trees
Heard in the song of the wind
Held in the stones
Released by the fire
A respond (ability)
Required to get me to here
Though I have been the beneficiary of change
I no longer claim it was, "my idea"
The call enlivens each foot fall
To a destination unknown
Arrival guaranteed
Mysts unfurl
To reveal
Fresh steps yield ancient knowing
While worn paths
Can still yield - untold treasure.
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