Brothers and Sisters

I've taken to calling men "brother" over the last few years- both male friends of mine and males that I simply come into contact with in day to day situations. But the cool part is- I really mean it. I really want them to know that I consider them my brother.

More recently, I have started calling the women I come into contact with "sister" and I mean that as well. I say it with complete reverence because I know how much grace and wisdom the feminine energy brings into this world. If humans are ever to find their way out of the gathering darkness of nationalism, militarism and financial inequity, it will be the sisters who lead us home.

Listen to Alexi Murdoch singing "Orange Sky". If you feel your heart breaking in a good way, you'll know what I mean. You'll know the joy that can come from calling both friends and strangers "brother" or "sister."

Night Night

"Hey Hon?"
"Yeah?"
"You awake?"
She smiles and turns over to face me "Yeah, I'm awake. What's going on?"
"Oh nothing...I just wanted to tell you that I love you"
And now her eyes do the smiling "Aww Hon. Thank you. I love you too."
And then she notices that I'm struggling a bit. "Are you sure there's nothing the matter?"
I start to tear up a bit "It's just that, well, sometimes it's hard"
"What's hard?"
"The heart thing. I've told you about it before. It's just hard sometimes"
"What's hard about it?"
"Well, sometimes it feels like it's not that open. Like it's behind a shell or a wall or something. Like it's still protected or defended or something. And I just want you to know that it's not you. I love you Hon. I just wish it would get unstuck."
"Aww Hon. You're doing great. And I know you love me"
"You do?"
"Yeah. You show me all the time"
"Well good 'cause I do." And now I'm smiling. "I do love you. And maybe over time this shell thing will fall away a bit and I can let your love in more."
"I hope so Hon. I love you too. And I'm not going anywhere" And she smiles again
"Thanks Hon"
"mmm k- night night Hon"
"Night night"

Perfect Timing

There was a man who didn't experience true love until he was in his eighties.

One day a younger man who had heard his story asked him if he regretted that it had taken so long.

The older man smiled and replied "No. No regrets at all." And then he looked at the younger man with a heart full of compassion and said "And because you asked, I see that that you are still looking."

Gassho

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We are not to blame for our conditioning nor is it our job to "fix" it.

There is what from our perspective looks like "healing" however, though this is not under our control.

And, of course, there is Love- the true healing force.

I am becoming convinced that there is not much we can really "do" in this Life. But that shouldn't stop us from believing in Love, remaining open to healing and living in awe of the Mystery which gives rise to them both.

Gassho

The Sound of Your Own Wheels

There is nothing "wrong" with getting fooled. There is nothing wrong with buying into the story that conditioning is selling. To even wish to see rightly is astonishing in its own right and eminently courageous. So be encouraged.

This may, in fact, all be a dream and the ego a mere fiction. But if the ego is a fiction, it is one spun by All There Is, making it inherently noble and worthy of your tender care.