Namaste

(photo from the book "Be Here Now" by Ram Dass)

I just left work feeling rather under-the-weather and sped on my way home amidst battling hot flashes.... I was driving stupid fast (not even going to say how fast) and low and behold I zoom right past a copper. He spins around and follows behind me, the lights begin to flash and I pull over into a church parking lot.

First thing he says "You know why I pulled you over?"
Me: "Yes, I am so sorry. I am feeling very sick and trying to make it home." Officer: "Where do you live?"
Me: "Gay, just right up the road here" (knowing my license says Alabama)
Officer: "So, how long have you been living in Gay."
Me: "I just moved here."
Officer: "So, how long?"
Me: (knowing it's been almost two years) "A few months"
Officer: "You know you're supposed to get your license and tag renewed within 30 days."
Me: "Yes, I know. It's at the top of my to-do list."
Officer: "Ok, well stay here. I'll be back in a few minutes."
Me: *waiting* fanning myself because I feel like a 1,000 degrees.. .watching the officer radio someone in....
Officer: Steps out of car...stops and looks at my bumper stickers then returns to me "Alright now, have a nice day. Don't speed, the roads are wet and its dangerous."
Me: "Thank you! You have a nice day too."
Officer: "Namaste"
Me: *smiles* (hardly believing what I just heard) "Namaste!"

.... I rolled up my window and proceeded to cry on the way home... Happy tears, of course. Wow, t hat was beautiful. NAMASTE <3 div="">

The Doorway...

Of all my experiences in this life... the one that I continue to return to and enjoy more with each passing time is the most simple of all experiences. I love to lie on the ground.

I love to lie on the ground and stare at the vast open space that is the sky. I lie there watching the clouds and sometimes the sky becomes so bright that I can barely stand to open my eyes. Even when they are closed, I can still feel the powerful presence of this space that surrounds me in all directions... This vibrational and encompassing sacred space. 

Lying on the ground and watching the sky is a completely different experience from standing and looking up. Each time that I lie down to the bare ground I feel this overwhelming sensation of succumbing my entire being to the soil below me... of resting my bones and being cradled by my nurturing mother, the Earth.  I feel as though I am some vulnerable creature that is exposing myself to the elements and the wild nature of this world, yet rather than being fearful of what could approach me I am accepting of all possibilities. I feel safe in my mothers arms.

I've begun to feel that it is becoming more increasingly important to me to make an effort to spend some time each day watching the sky. I think what captures me the most is the constant change, every single second looks different than the last and every day provides a completely new scene and experience.  The sky will never again look exactly the same as it did yesterday and never again will it look exactly the same as it does today. It's always changing effortlessly and constantly. Sometimes I just lay there smiling with tears streaming down my face at the absolute beauty of it all. How wondrous and magical that I am blessed to exist in this amazing Universe. 

I couldn't say that I believe in miracles because every moment feels like a pure miracle. I honestly feel this way... just watching an anthill could make me feel as though every little living parting of that ant hill is a complete miracle. It's all just life and it all just is.  It is absolutely amazing and I refuse to ever take it for granted and get lost in the sorrows of my own little life.  Once we realize that we are all connected... not only to every human being, but to EVERY THING... that's when we begin to feel a lot less lonely and see that our personal problems aren't quite as immense as we once thought them to be. Sure, it's easy to get caught up in that game with the ego, in fact, it can be difficult not to... but I think that's why I am so enamored and in complete awe with the sky. When I look at every thing I see "God", but to me... when I look to the sky it's like looking into the eyes of God. The doorway... When I walk through that door I am reminded of my place in this Universe and that it is more significant, powerful and lasting than my ego ever would allow me to believe... let alone to know.

So this is my encouragement to you...
Look up to the sky and if you have a moment then lay down too.
Breathe it all in and Love it all out.
Every single moment is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. How will you spend it?

Life In A Day

Over the span of the last three days I have found the time to watch a film.  

I found the film by reading the blog on Prana's website, which usually has some interesting post.

The film is titled Life In A Day, and is a historic  hour and a half film capturing what it was like to be alive on the 24th of July, 2010. 

Executive produced by Ridley Scott and directed by Kevin Macdonald.

This film is available via YouTube.

I really like the song in the film, which is sung by three different people throughout. 

It goes something like this...

I want to drink from the clearest water...
I want to eat the things I ought to...
I'm... just one, I know... but, I... feel strong, you know...
I want to reach the greatest mountain...
climb if I want, without shouting
I'm just one, I know... but I, feel strong, you know...

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Many people are so wrapped up in their ego and what is going on in their life that they rarely consider what is happening in other peoples lives around the world.  Many of the people I know, even friends, go about pitying themselves all day long. And it really is a shame, because it isn't very difficult to realize that there is another human on earth, another human just like you, who is in a far worse situation.  When you begin to notice these things, your life becomes a lot better... because you begin to understand that your ego- your emotions- your self pity- aren't as big of a deal as what you thought they were.  When you can let go of your ego, you can become one with your surroundings.