The Breeze at dawn

has secrets to tell you

Don’t go back to sleep – Rumi 

I recently came across a story about a Native American grandfather who shared with his grandson how violence and cruelty emerged in the world. He used the metaphor of two wolves fighting in his heart. He shared that one wolf was angry and vengeful and the other wolf was understanding and kind. When the grandson asked his grandfather which wolf would win the fight in his heart, he replied that the one who wins will be the one I choose to feed.

How do we ensure that we feed the right wolf?

“When we begin our day of retreat prepared to open ourselves to whatever presents itself, we can never be sure what magic will unfold.” Shiva Rea

At times in our spiritual journey, we may feel like we are in the desert. We are not able to quench our spiritual thirst. There is only dryness and yet…

“Dryness promotes the formation of flower buds…flowering is, after all, not an aesthetic contribution, but a survival mechanism.” Ann Haymond Zwinger

We grow in our spirituality and we quench our thirst through both the sacred dance and the survival dance.

One of my favorite singer/songwriters Luka Bloom tells us:

“Don’t be afraid of the light that shines within you…”

Many of you are aware that I follow the teachings of Richard Rohr. I am especially fond of his writings on the breath and breathing….

Rest: Breathing Out

A person will suffocate if she just keeps breathing in! To breathe means to both breathe in and breathe out—to receive and to give. I’m afraid we are much more adept at receiving than giving. It takes some practice to come to know that infinite, abundant grace abides within, so there’s no need to be stingy with our forgiveness, generosity, and compassion. Perhaps practicing lengthening the outbound breath might teach us to let go even further. Slowing the exhale also lowers stress and relaxes the mind and body.

You’re already breathing as you read this, without thinking about it! Now turn your attention to observe your breath. Just notice the natural rhythm of breath for a few minutes, feeling the rise and fall of your abdomen and shoulders.

Count through your next natural inhalation. Pause, holding the fullness in your belly for just a moment. Then exhale slowly, counting twice as long as for your inhalation. (For example, inhale for four counts, pause for two counts, and exhale for eight counts.) Continue breathing in this slowed, gradual way as long as you wish. Then rest again in the uncontrived beauty of your instinctual breathing.

Spiritual Courage

Courage is connected with taking risks. Jumping the Grand Canyon on a motorbike, coming over Niagara Falls in a barrel, or crossing the ocean in a rowboat are called courageous acts because people risk their lives by doing these things. But none of these daredevil acts comes from the centre of our being. They all come from the desire to test our physical limits and to become famous and popular.

Spiritual courage is something completely different. It is following the deepest desires of our hearts at the risk of losing fame and popularity. 

Henri Nouwen

Be astonished!

….
It doesn’t have to be the blue iris,
It could be weeds in a vacant lot,
Or a few small stones;

Mary Oliver

Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.