Sacred Masculine

I mentioned in the 11-6 post (People Don't Learn) that a "gratitude course" was starting up and provided a link to enroll. Yesterday was day 9 of the course and the question was; "what is the greatest compliment you have ever received." My answer came immediately to mind. That produced an avalanche of events resulting in today's post. In a small way, you are going to meet the first girl I ever dated. She wrote me two poems. (how cool is that?) The one containing the compliment isn't going to be shared. I view it as "too personal--too intimate." After reading the poem I AM going to share, (with her permission) you may develop a sense of appreciation for my reluctance.

        Mountain Dream

Alone this mountain morning
I went for a walk, a climb
Beside a silent stream of melted
First snowfall
(first love, you are a splashing brook inside)
Not even dawn, fading stars
Were strewn across the sky
A mist of cold blue air swirling
Disguising the tall evergreens
(your face, I see it, focus, out of focus,
gone, leaving only your eyes, stars)
Slowly the forest awoke
Twitching brown chipmunks
Scampered up trees, startled
By my intrusion into their
Morning breakfast world
Stopping to watch, I leaned
Against a green feathered pine
And suddenly the sun broke
Through the mist, setting fire
To the treetops with its touch
(Now the limbs encircle and take hold,
surrounding, your arms, your arms so close
as we entwine until the sun touches me too)

For those interested, the February 1st post was written to her.

A For Effort

While growing up I often heard the adage; "well, you get an A for effort." The crux of the message was the situation hadn't turned out as you had hoped, but it was obvious you had done your very best. I wonder where that saying went? I ask because of an article my second cousin (and devoted mother) posted on Facebook this morning.

http://nymag.com/news/features/27840/?imw=Y

It is an interesting, insightful article that is well researched. It is also l-o-n-g! And I was struck by the fact that what takes 15 minutes to read is encapsulated by The Last Enchanted Forest in a stanza that takes all of 10 seconds. (Dwarves will convey persistence--Strength and inner pride--Acceptance of just what they are--Not something that they hide)

The context in which this is shared is Willie's (a leprechaun) reaction to the assistance the "big one's" are obviously in need of. After visiting our world, he returns home and explains to his forest family that they have to go and help out. Part of his rational is how different groups (elves, pixies, dwarves) can share traits beneficial to the big folk.

To be clear, Willie isn't a psychologist or child behaviorist. He didn't conduct any experiments. He just KNEW. Like I know your child (grandchild, nephew or niece) will benefit from you sharing The Last Enchanted Forest with them. It is a delightful fantasy that can be taken at face value. As a bonus, it provides teachable moments--if you are so inclined. Either way, the value of the book will pay dividends for a lifetime.

You can view the first two pages by clicking on the tab (Book) at the top of the page and then on the book cover itself. Enjoy.

Wherefore Art Thou

While we can never prove the Presence exists to others, we do know it when we've experienced it. And once experienced, there's no turning back. Once we recognize the Presence is within and all around us, there's no reason to revere rituals and ceremonies...

"Are you looking for me? I am in the next seat. My shoulder is against yours. You will not find me in stupas, not in Indian shrine rooms, nor in synagogues, nor in cathedrals: not in masses, nor kirtans, not in legs winding around your neck, nor in eating nothing but vegetables. When you really look for me, you will see me instantly." ~Kabir Indian poet (translated by Robert Bly)

Once we get away from our beliefs of what is sacred and religious, we finally grasp the meaning of this wondrous journey: to experience the Presence and awaken to our real identity. We experience this Presence by surrendering, by relentless honesty, by not knowing.

~J. K. Bailey Already on Holy Ground

Enthusiasm

Did you know the etymology (origin; root) of enthusiasm is: "possessed by a god, inspire." [en-, in + theos, god] (New World Dictionary) That fascinates me. The literal definition of enthusiasm is to be   possessed by (a) God. Looking at it a different way, consider the antonyms (opposites) of the word; apathy, indifference, half-hearted, listlessness. Is it just me, or doesn't that provide a clue as to how we could conduct ourselves?

Okay, I can hear you now--"Dude! give it a rest, already. You talk about God too much." Fair enough. Even though I've said I don't care if you believe in God or not, (and I don't) lets look at it from a different point of view. Watch this 2 minute and 57 second link;

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tx5IX3Nwu_M

No word about God was there? Just a practical approach to improving your life. The emphasis of what she is promoting is a gratitude list to be thankful for. From a LIFE COACH no less! And what Sarah suggests will increase your enthusiasm (possessed by a god) is to be grateful. (see life as gift) Where we differ is that I contend that an ASPECT of God is revealed in the process. If we take the literal definition of enthusiasm, we are privy to an aspect(s) of God (energetic, vigorous, passionate, warmth).

Application: For one week, try the following. When you get up in the morning repeat: 1) I will greet this day with love in my heart. [~Og Mandino The Greatest Salesman in the World] 2) Sing (or what passes as singing for you) Oh what a beautiful morning-Oh what a beautiful day-I've got a beautiful feeling-Everything's going my way. [~Oklahoma! Rodgers and Hammerstein] 3) Do your best to believe it. 4) See what happens.

Sacred Feminine

                  Francis Dee

Little boy looking in a candy store
Shoe's scuffle rhythm on a hardwood floor
But what can you tell him, what can you do
Little boy's dream can't ever come true

Pennies in his pocket he ain't got
"Just look, don't touch!" is his poor lot
But what can you tell him, what can you do
Little boy's dream can't ever come true

Eye's grow wide and heart beats fast
He knows how long that sucker would last
But he'll never taste it, he'll never know
Candies out of reach and his heart aches so

Oh! for a bite from that caramel bar
Or just a few of those chocolate stars
But he'll never taste them, he'll never know
Candies out of reach and his heart aches so

This story is over save one sad fact
Just a single change in this whole act
The little boy's me and I feel the same
As the kid in the store when I hear your name

~WPG