Sunday 18 March 2012

Wonder

Ask any older person about their life and they will all agree on one thing: that time goes by a lot quicker than you think. We were all born with dreams, desires, potential and secret gifts of genious. But when the practicality of life kicks in (paying rent, bills and taking responsiblity for yourself), those initial dreams and desires become a distant memory. We stop feeling a sense of wonder about the world, we stop being curious and excited, we stop loving ourselves and eachother, we stop trying new things. Khalil Gibran's quote comes to mind: 'The lust for comfort, kills the passions of the soul.'

So I personally make a little note to myself, a reminder to do the following: (just a few, the list could go on for a while...)

Stare up at the sky
Smell and touch a perfect rose
Feel a sense of luck when I find a penny
Take time out in the day to do something that I love
Love my pets
Calm myself and center myself when I feel stressed or overwhelmed
Be open to opportunities
Spend 5 mins a day actioning my goals
Appreciate diversity in the world, but align with my desires
Laugh whenever I can
 

Time moves faster than we can comprehend

How can I impress upon you the
delicateness of life?
Let this first weigh upon you.
Time moves it's moments quickly;
A kaleidoscope of memories,
Catch this brevity and let it still your
thoughts.
This passion -
You were born from the stars;
Embrace this mantle,
And scatter such delusions!
Especially the camaraderie of self
limitation.

LB

Sunday 4 March 2012

Weeping willow

I have always been drawn to the weeping willow tree. There are a couple of these trees in Hyde Park that hold my attention for a long while, sending me into a reverie of thought. They are a unique spring addition to the snowdrops and look both playful and doleful on the landscape. Symbolically, they are linked to the moon and water and everything feminine. They help us to get in touch with our emotions, intuition and inner wisdom and spending time around a willow,s moon energy helps us to express our emotions in an authentic way and shifts us to greater personal understandings.

Alongside hazel and birch, the willow draws water naturally and when a twig or branch is disconnected, it will easily grow into a new tree; highlighting that any loss or new direction can bring forth growth and healing.

I included part of one of my favourite verses on weeping willows by 'Apple Leong.'

Weeping willow

Facade, aura, irridescent green and gold,
Yet sad and forlorn story to be told.
How long as thy wept?
Pandora's box of secrets kept?
Oh weeping willow,
Do you persist in sorrow?
Wisdom stamped from bearded leaves,
Languid whisper in your swaying sleeves...


Weeping willow

How graceful the weeping willow weeps;
Tendrils - brushing gently the ground,
Head bowed and humbled,
And a gentle hushing and swishing sound.

Her voice whispers and urges;
Drawing forth to the surface our internal flow,
Crafted in the expressive arts,
A lifetime of mastery of such art and skill.

She reminds us of such roots;
In times long gone,
The heart of the heart,
Her enchantments and wisdom,
Live through us and on.

LB