Living Traditional

“Into every Life there comes a door; a time when we must change. You make the choice as best as you can, your Life to rearrange.”

The challenge and the opportunity for me to change my behavior and attitude towards Life have been many. I remember the many times I resisted, stubborn as a mule stuck in the mud. I remember my attitude, “How dare you try to change me!” It was as if my core was being threatened, attacked. Yet, in hindsight, it was not the external circumstance that was to blame or the enemy. It was me, uncertain and insecure, my failure to address the internal mechanisms that were triggering the ole mule I have become. Today, I forgive myself for resisting, understanding I did not have the humbleness to say Yes to the door Life was offering me. Today, I surrender to Life, and welcome that hidden rearrangement being offered, as I wander into the Mystery.

“Our ability to display stability is our greatest testimony in this trouble world.”

During the course of my life I have encountered different episodes and events that have rattled my cage. Some have been small and some have had the appearance of being unbearable. Yet, when I take that deep breath and allow the situation to unfold itself, much like the silken pond, Life has its’ ability to create some sense of order. Life, for myself, is much like the ocean. There are big waves, small waves and at times the ocean is a silken sheen. I have taught myself to be less reactive and more quiet, allowing things to unfold, while observing the shifts in circumstance. What seems most important to me is understanding that Life is a teacher and each moment, situation or circumstance allows me the opportunity to respond with an open heart and learn how to be a better person during this short visit here on Earth.

“Not with thoughts of your mind, but in the believing of the sweetness of your Heart, you snap the cock and open the golden door and disappear into the bright room, the everlasting ecstasy, the eternal now.”

Oh, the many times I acted from what my mind was dictating and abandoned my heart. I don’t know if it was my younger days of influences and experiences or maybe something even more ancient. What I do know is that when I follow my Heart, in spite of the mindless chatter, I am moving with Nature’s rhythm. Her laws and movement maybe contrary to my expectations, but I trust Her more than I trust myself. It is a sort of surrender to the unknown, knowing you are being led somewhere. Some say it is God’s will, not mine. May I be filled with Her grace in all that I do.

“May you be blessed with all things good. May your joys, like the stars at night, be too numerous to count.” I sit here today and think about the too numerous times I have fallen into the trap of despair. Whatever the circumstance, tragedy or conflict, there lives a trap door we all fall into. The Deities of Misery love company. It is important to acknowledge the emotional turmoil we experience here down in the dark side of the valley, but be cautious. This is not the place to pitch a tent and set up camp. A short visit will do. Return to that sweet spot, called Life, pay homage to the sunrise and give the sunset a moment of gratitude for all that you have, regardless of how small it may seem.

“Work with Joy…Live with Joy…Dream form your Heart…Share what you have…Care deeply…Be thankful always”

I am pondering how many of  us live a life in Joy, or as if we are some kind of robotic mechanism enslaves us, a victim of the modern ego-centric culture we are living in. Slaves or victims to what?  A culture built on isolation, dog eat dog, and the big dog gets it all,bottom-line, profit and greed? A life of some sense of survival, knowing if you do not get our bills paid in time, they will cut you off. This is our current culture, the mega-corporations, whether it be PG&E, water utilities, garbage, mortgage or rent due to the landlord, not to mention Obama’s drone attack on USA citizens without due cause.

Do we not need to find our life purpose, a place where we belong? indeed, my dear ones, let us reclaim our souls and our original purpose for being here, as short as it is. Dream from your heart, share what you have, and care deeply for humanity.

David Kukkola