It is one thing to be at peace when you live alongside Walden, but quite another when unexpectedly, you've landed in Metropolis. Or, is it? It is one thing to find calm at the feet of the masters, in far and distant romantic lands, yet quite another to find such rarified air in the midst of a protracted traffic jam in the evening commute. Or, is it?
Only weeks ago one woman fell asleep each night under a canopy of silver sparkling stars and moonlight shining through the forest outside her window, where neighborhood frogs loved to join in chorus. Most every morning, she awoke before dawn to the gold of a rising sun illuminating the left margin of every evergreen, oak and blade of grass in sight. That was then, this is now. One, or make that two, small moving vans later, that pastoral scene is a thing of "back there, then."
We never know what tomorrow brings. Today, this same "every woman" finds herself at her desk, reflecting on the scene below. Five stories down, a man bikes through the narrow street in the mist, a small white dog, on a red leash, running alongside his master. The pond at "Walden" has been replaced by glistening cement, reflecting the outlines of tall city buildings, on either side. Here and there, the city landscape dotted by trees of gold, crimson and chartreuse, indicating the autumnal change of costume is well underway.
As the trees shed their precious cargo, we do well to shed our own, when life requires that we move forward. Let's face it. No one likes to move much. Certainly, not I. No small wonder moving is something we avoid like the plague, whenever possible. It turns our lives upside down, forces us to sort out, like Goldilocks, which is the "just-right size" for what we need. Not what we think we need, but what we really require. Like her, we must identify, without sentiment, what is ours for today, and what belongs to yesterday, and let go what is no longer current. This includes thread-bare identities. Ouch, I know.
Here's the thing. No matter how beautiful yesterday may have been, it is not ours forever. Sooner or later, someone or something goes. Just ask the caterpillar. Sooner or later, what seemed a promise for the future is replaced by the requirement to pack lighter this time around. Sooner or later what seemed forever is short-shifted by the unexpected. Just last week, in one 24-hour period, three clients lost their jobs. Just last week, two others were diagnosed with major illness. Just last week, another lost his mother, and still another, his father. Another client from overseas was told he needed to pack his bags and return to his home country due to unrest in the streets.
These are the times in which we live. In the wake of systems that are crumbling around us, we are left to ask how, from this chaos, is it possible to "take back our lives"? How can we most efficiently return to moorings in the storm of change, to re-center, renew, and re-nourish our bodies, minds and souls?
As every good artist knows, nothing new comes forward without chaos that precedes it, and the tension of dealing with what appears to be opposites. As every good artist knows, impossible tension is the precursor to unexpected beauty and abundant expression. As every good artist knows, the trick is to hang on, stay focused, even in the mystery of it all, and set an intention for the desired breakthrough. As every good artist knows, without faith in creation, when it seems most unreasonable, there is no advancement of the dream of truth, beauty and wisdom shining through the shadowlands.
Blessedly, the greats who have gone ahead have left cliff notes for the rest of us, who are clear we wish to life more fully, with greater freedom, aliveness and joy. One of my favorites is Ralph Waldo Emerson. From one of his essays, we find an invaluable key to unlock the doors we wish to open.
Said Emerson: "... there is a possible right for you that precludes the need of balance and willful election. For you there is a reality, a fit place and congenial duties. Place yourself in the middle of the stream of power and wisdom which flows into you as life, place yourself in the full centre of that flood, then you are without effort impelled to truth, to right and a perfect contentment. ...Then you are the world, the measure of right, of truth, of beauty..." -- Emerson's Essays
There you have it. Of course, the key is how do you step into the power of the middle of the stream Emerson advises? More on this next week. Whether you are unpacking moving boxes or not, may we place ourselves in the very center of life, may we stand tall in the wisdom that wherever you are, a power greater than ego's monkey mind courses through your veins. May we discover that the river of life has not forgotten you if you are willing to step into the water, wash off the dust from your feet, from a long and tiring trek, and be refreshed in this strange new land. We only make ourselves crazy by insisting "this was not supposed to be my life." Life is what it is. Ours is to find contentment from what has been discarded, and regenerated from what remains to be lived in our own original way. Let's step in, be it into the caca, mud or shore.
On a personal note: While I was gone, I thought of you more than you might know, or believe. As I returned to my own "root cellar" that I've come to call "The Motherhouse," I received a very clear message to share with you. Here it is. Keep your candle shining in the darkness... no matter what.
Your turn. What would "taking back your life" mean to you? What have you learned from moving? What helps? Let me know your answers. I'm listening and learning from you, my teachers. As I unpack more boxes here, in the heart of Metropolis, I give you my heart.
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The creator may or may not have used certain people as a sort of go-between to help people better themselves. One such person may have been Richard W. Wetherill, the person who identified the natural law of absolute right. If this person did in fact, have right intent, anyone should be able to borrow on that intent. Many times I've made mental requests, "Mr. Wetherill, please ask God to help me to have right intent."
If a person tries it as an experiment, I believe you will be amazed.
Your poetic words on moving ... downsizing ... are moving and hugely heartfelt. I'm reading your posts as I should be unpacking more boxes and attempting to figure out where oh where I will be putting everything in my humble abode. Home ... I AM home. Wherever I may be ... I AM home. I'm truly getting what all of this means.
Thank you, Cara. I've missed you.
xo,
Donna
Then I gradually started putting my roots in my new home. And I planted some bulbs in the fall and watched them flower in the spring.
Taking back my life would be for me to be more organized. There is nothing that keeps me from being organized except I am interested in everything. I have an inquiring mind and a computer takes me to almost anything I want to find out about. I think I will just get on the computer while I have my morning coffee, then I notice I have done it again, spent hours on the computer and a few minutes on real llife.
to give my body and mind a very big rest and hopefully rejuvenate myself
i've gone thru quite a few 'big stress' times in my life over the past 15 years (I won't go into them here) but now it's time to truly heal so i can begin the next chapter in my life
i am writing this post from my laptop after my first night sleep in baja
i can hear the ocean - it's still dark, but i look forward to my 1st view of the pacific ocean
body, mind and spirit are what we need to nurture and keep healthy
the 'stuff' is just that - 'stuff'
anywhere you lay your head down and are happy is home, and to paraphrase an old saying; "how very sweet home is"
You are surely off to a beautiful start with your baja trek. How smart you are to 'balance the scales' from a protracted period of stress. Make sure you give it at least 16 years + to catch up with yourself.
Your description of the ocean in the dark absolutely stirs my soul, and renews my Spirit. I must say that anyone who lives as you do is 'home' for me!
Many baja blessings and beyond,
Cara
Walk barefoot at the shore for me, won't you? Maybe sandcastle, too?
I love being home.
;-)
The scene you paint with your heartfelt words touch me deeply. How side your girls were in 'choosing' you as their mama. You know about the essence of containment, connecting, and creating a safe and beautiful place in which for the four of you to bloom.
Your words take me back to a place my daughter and I spent several summers in many years ago we dubbed 'Rose Cottage.' While my husband was off working in another locale, we caught up with ourselves at R.C., and life blossomed beautifully. Now she is a mama herself, and we still celebrate that time.
As one of your fans, know how grateful we are for you!
Cara
I am on a kind of web fast, so I will keep this short. Being on a web fast is part of “Taking back my life.”
Quote: “Today, this same "every woman" (Not) finds herself at her desk, reflecting on the scene below.”
And I look at my Cornstalk Dracaena who wants to go to the moon. Then out past my pond to the mighty pines and spruce grove with boulders bulging from the earth.
What would "taking back your life" mean to you?
In simple terms, stop buying what everybody is selling. I haven’t had a cell phone since they were the size of a quart of milk…!
The other measures I would take are too drastic to speak of; if had the power "Upheaval" would be my name. But that is a fantasy.
“In the wake of systems that are crumbling around us,” This is not a reality; it is a false belief that perpetuates discontent. Sorry, nobody gets it the way they want it…!
“What have you learned from moving/” I have lived in 7 apartments in Manhattan alone. I have learned that you are “ Taking your life back” when to leave most of it behind. (In the trash.)
Your Pal,
Eric aka Lyingtruth
First, I am so happy you included your name. It is one thing to write to a screen name, but I find the whole thing deepens for me when I know the other....Perhaps because in our world, intimacy is so often dodged.
Your Wisdom is howling, my friend. For moi, unless I leave behind what is behind, the chances of being present, finding the gold in the moment, are exponentially reduced. Fast away! Sounds like much good is coming from the Practice.
Know that my love is with you, as well as my admiration, Eric,
Cara
http://youtu.be/9o8PgJPUjfo
Love to you, dear,
Cara
William
Hugs & gratitude. Merrie Lynn
Let's hold that positive anticipation together!
How are you??????? Sounds like you are well on your way to completing this year with Wisdom and Truth that lives in your heart.
Hugs,
Cara
Thanks for approving my fb request.
Sweet moments your way, khanti,
Cara
The building in which I live suffered a fire which displaced me, and my belongings (boxed up and stored) for a month while I lived in a hotel. The annoyance of not having access to my usual belongings, and the massive effort in washing and cleaning the smoke smell from everything was a trial.
Two things stuck with me during that time, both of which I have managed to integrate into my daily living: do not assign self-identity to things that can be lost in an instant and, almost everything in life is transient in one way or another, find and hold those things from within as dear, they will endure.
Otherwise, another day another chapter written in the next novel for me... {grin}
Miles "Want To Make God Laugh? Tell Her Your Plans." Long
xxooo
Cara
I did do a 'double take' with your first sentence, but see what you mean! Sounds like you are on your way to a great chapter for that 'book' of yours!
Your story reminds me of a time I was in Africa and my luggage did not join me for nine days. Turns out it went to Japan for a bit of sight-seeing. What I had with me was my toothbrush, my journal, and what was in my purse, which was not much. By the end of that time, my clothes could have walked without me to the trash heap/or washing machine. It was around 110 degrees outside, so you can imagine not a pretty picture was I in that hut. All that said, it was one of the richest times of my life in cultivating more compassion for those who are in this predicament as a pretty steady diet. Also learned about what is really important. You are on that list.
So many blessings out to you while 'livin' the dream!
Cara
Welcome back, I hope your move went as smoothly as possible.
As I quickly approach the half century mark, I am energized to continue my current goals and also to make a wholesale change in how I care for my self, body and spirit. I am focusing on trusting my instincts. So often when things have gone awry, I think back and realize that I felt that the very difficulty I was experiencing was sensed but ignored in the name of hope and kindness. I guess I need to take off the rose colored glasses and look at things the way they are rather than the way I'd like them to be. It seems like I'm going to lose a bit of innocence. But I owe it to myself to still feel able to trust people, but not to need them for any validation of my worth. As for my body, I'm starting by cutting down on sodas and those oh so delicious dairy products that I love so much; ice cream, chip dip, sour cream and cheeses. Well maybe just sodas for now.
Whole Lotta Luv
little brother
The move had hiccoughs, and soft spots, dragon fights and angels. All part of the alchemy of moving forward, and finding peace in 'chaos.' All part of the soup.
I love your intention, and its clarity, mike. Taking off those glasses was not my favorite of chores some time back, but absolutely liberating. I salute your courage. As for the food, oh, how brave you are! I do love my ice cream, and it is a true discipline for me to discern the 'when' and 'how much.'
Much love and gratitude your way. I have surely missed you,
Cara
As every good artist knows, the trick is to hang on, stay focused, even in the mystery of it all, and set an intention for the desired breakthrough.
Loving you, Kathleen, and your Beautiful, Wise process and Wisdom Way.
Sweet dreams,
Cara
Thanks for the reminder!
Cheers!
Kathleen
Pause.
One who would walk the city, only looking down at the ground.
Would lift up his eyes when entering the forest, eyeing only the tree,
With the sky hanging on its branches, one would once in a while gaze at the sky,
Would enter the forest like a spider, and know how to first observe the ground,
He knows how to lean his body, on a stone almost burried in the earth,
Only its bald head peeking out, or the pine leaves that will fall,
And soon return to earth,
Now let`s look at the sky sometimes.
By Chung Dong-muk.
Sleep well. Rest deeply. You have been on quite the journey. What a Light.
What brought you to Korea?
Love,
Cara
Interestingly in the West so many are turning to Buddhism, and in a Buddhist Nation , younger generation are into Christianity. Visited the Buddhist Temple in the middle of the business area, so serene and sat there watch people pray, awesome. Loving back...Gypsy
As I ponder your questions over coffee, I wonder how they apply to me. I don't feel a need to "take back my life". Nourish my body, mind, and soul, but "re-nourish?" The question reflects a break I've not experienced. When I was perhaps 5, one of my father's friends - and indeed my own friend - taught me about paradox and as an example, he cited that in life, the only constant is change and, indeed, life is all about change. I took it to heart. So I have always reflected on what change I want to see, and I love the expression, "be the change you want to see in the world".
If there is any "taking back my life" for me, it would be for my lioness to "take back her life" as she intended it all those years ago, including manifesting with me in daily living the connection we share in our souls. The only physicality to this pertains to her and I living together; I care not where. But while I pine quietly, deep inside, for this change to come, I am contented with knowing that all life is a series of struggles, and that what the struggles are doesn't matter so much as that we face them with open realization of the many dualities and the one-ness beyond them.
--- Moving? We can adapt ourselves to most anything if we wish: To strive, to yearn, and not to yield.
Love,
Lion
I read your second paragraph with an aloud 'Ahhhhhhhhhh.' I feel your heart.
As for moving: the gold comes through moving through the resistance. This last one has been a doozy for me, and so the treasure is beyond compare.
So many blessings, so much love your way, Richard,
Cara
...Now, off to a long, hard day's work! -smile-
Cara
Cara