“Simple, not easy.”
This is a great note and a reminder for everything you could ever want to be, ever want to do, or ever want to have.
Small road.
Narrow gate.
Few find it.
Ashton.Gustafson
Pause by the orchid. Listen to the bluebird sing. Be love.
Tag Archives: wisdom
A Conversation with Mark Nepo
Mark Nepo moved and inspired readers and seekers all over the world with his #1 New York Times bestseller The Book of Awakening. Beloved as a poet, teacher, and storyteller, Mark has been called “one of the finest spiritual guides of our time,” “a consummate storyteller,” and “an eloquent spiritual teacher.” His work is widely accessible and used by many and his books have been translated into more than twenty languages. A bestselling author, he has published twenty books and recorded fourteen audio projects. In 2015, he was given a Life-Achievement Award by AgeNation. And in 2016, he was named by Watkins: Mind Body Spirit as one of the 100 Most Spiritually Influential Living People, and was also chosen as one of OWN’s SuperSoul 100, a group of inspired leaders using their gifts and voices to elevate humanity.
You can stream or download this episode in iTunes and at Sticher.com.
Window washing
I had the windows at my house cleaned recently. While no one else noticed, I sure did.
This small act made looking out from my home an entirely new experience.
I could feel the trees sway in a way I hadn’t before.
I could decode the message the flowers were there to convey.
And the sun entered the living spaces with golden benevolence.
In reality, though, nothing had changed. The trees had been like this all along. So were the flowers. And also the sun.
But what changed?
Just the removal of film and buildup on the windows and my view from the inside.
It reminds me of the moments I give myself some time to each morning to wash the windows of my eyes.
When I wash the repetitive thoughts and unnecessary angst away, I’m able to take in a whole new human experience.
As many have said before, we don’t see how things are…we see things as we are.
Yes, Windex for the soul comes in many forms: solitude, silence, stillness, & gratitude – just to name a few.
A table set for Wisdom
In March of 2015, we set the table for the exchange of wisdom and starting inviting numerous voices to come and help light our path.
Here are some of our guests thus far:
We’ve also prepared a seat just for you.
And, of course, your friends as well.
Come one.
Come all.
Don’t forget to pack these.
Intentions – They will be your map.
Set your intentions to create and acquire, to give and to receive, and to enjoy and to be. If you’re only intent is to get a job or obtain a college degree, expect frustration when that intention comes to fruition.
Values = They will be your compass.
We all need a North Star….A song to know and claim in the midst of the noise…Mantras to engage when the headwinds hit us. Align these values with the grain of love. This won’t fail you.
Wisdom = She will be your companion.
Never walk away from Wisdom—she guards your life;
love her—she keeps her eye on you.
Above all and before all, do this: Get Wisdom!
Write this at the top of your list: Get Understanding!
Throw your arms around her—believe me, you won’t regret it;
never let her go—she’ll make your life glorious.
She’ll garland your life with grace,
she’ll festoon your days with beauty. Proverbs 4:6-9
