“Instead of seeking liberation in some future moment, realize that the “limitations” you are experiencing right now are openings into presence…into space. When you surrender to that, you are rooted into the formless and deep peace.
Nothing in the world of form matters that much.”
Eckhart Tolle
I’m happy with the chameleon, but I think I’ll make a black cat with white details.
Jiddu Krishnamurti: “Do you know what my secret* is? I don’t mind what happens.”
By this, he did not mean blindly accept everything (oppression, violence, etc.) but to accept reality, and to not be “put off” by unforeseen circumstances. This is where you must start before exacting change or growth.
He lived by the tenet, “I don’t mind at all.” So I decided that would be my mantra today.
I sat down to paint. “Caroline, can you help me get my car to the garage for servicing?” I don’t mind at all.
And then I wanted to take a bath. “Honey, can you help me fix the window?” I don’t mind at all.
Throughout the day, I was called upon to do something unplanned and I thought, I don’t mind at all.
Saying it to myself in response to these events, I felt my body relax and my brain say, “This isn’t a big deal, I’m happy to help.”
I still managed to get my work done and I just completed a painting. I’m about to take a bath now…unless, of course, someone needs me.
*secret to complete inner peace
“If someone else can decide what will happen within you right now, isn’t that the ultimate slavery?”
Sadhguru
“He’s a narcissist and he’s dating that whore.”
This is something she said for over eight years. Eight years. She wore bitterness on her sleeves, she spoke of her ex-husband – their father – like this openly. In her desire to vent and let her ego shine, she cast a dark shadow on her sons.
What she didn’t realize was that she had no control over his actions, but she DID (and still does) have control over her own thoughts and actions. When we get angry about the words and actions of others, we have just placed manacles on our own words and actions. We have become slaves to others, allowing our moods to be swayed by them.
It doesn’t have to be that way. Kiss your ex goodbye, wish him well and move on.
Can this chameleon use anything else? Constructive criticism welcome! She is a character in my next children’s book and she might seem “bland” but she’s supposed to be.
One of my sixth graders told me, “I feel like the older I get, the faster time goes.”
All: I didn’t catch the beautiful essence of this woman. Anyone with tips – I welcome constructive criticism. 🙂
She is a porous entity
absorbing her surroundings entirely
and, reaching maximum capacity,
she overflows
About this poem: Once in awhile, my oldest daughter will reveal her thoughts out of the blue and surprise us with her insight. Judging by her actions, she appears to be the stereotypical self-centered teenager – concerned about social engagements and image. However, the other day, she expressed concern that her sister’s friend does not engage or commit as fully as her sister does. Plagued by thoughts and concerns because she is so sensitive and observant, she will reach maximum capacity and have a panic attack.
I love going to museums to see the art and be among people who are curious. I highly recommend the Seattle Art Museum:
Kismet 