Consolations 19

Hold fast
love is alive
just take
a look around.
Deep within
beauty thrives.
With affection
life is crowned.

Inner Power

“Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.”
(Mahatma Ghandhi)

To accept with grace that what happens in this life is meant to be and to appreciate the difference between what one can control and what one can’t is key to savouring this one life we are blessed to have the good fortune to live.

As Ghandhi so perfectly encapsulates, having “an indomitable will” is central to having a positive mindset. We will all face setbacks, but how we recover from challenges – whatever shape they take – will determine our overall contentment in life. Small victories will flower when we resist and persist. The trick is to keep going and not get too downhearted, especially when the thorns of despair threaten to tear away the very foundations of our sense of wellbeing. Beyond the veil of sorrow, delight dances with whimsical intent.

How we approach the “Art of Living” is what ultimately defines us. No one can prevent us from realising our dreams and quest for fulfilment if we stay strong enough, have faith in the wonders of creativity, kindness, and imagination, and walk on with an open heart. Love is the answer.

The great American poet, Mary Oliver, once wrote “joy is not made to be a crumb”. This is a kernel of truth that every soul who embraces the magic of living knows with profound awareness. Grief is guaranteed in life, but so is joy, if we stay open, attentive, and grateful. Feast on this world, be daring, and thrive within and without.

Turning

In the eye of the cloud
there is a light
discard the chains
marvel in might

Thoughts are passing
sprung from the same well
be still, be soft
listen to the heart’s bell

Spirits will come
with gifts of gladness
unstitching the dark
soothing the sadness

Hug today
everything is change
root to flower
in a mellow exchange

Alive (After “The Laughing Heart” by Charles Bukowski)

Your mind is your mind
don’t let it be blunted by old fears
be magnificent.
There are pathways
to dance along.
There is beauty to savour
no matter how tired you get
beauty never fades
be magnificent.
The world is your friend
be a part of it
swim in it.
You can’t prevent the end but
you can prevent the end in life
and the more you master this skill
the more beauty will bloom.
Your mind is your mind
cradle its flame.
You are magical
the angels sing of the grace
you create.

Meditation 42: Timeless

The places you love
the people you love
the ideas you love
they remain
etched in your core
a timeless river
a fountain of light.