Contemplating Openness

I consider myself predominantly open-minded and willing to try new things, as well as accept experiences for whatever I encounter, sensing that I will understand it all eventually. Often it is the case.

But sometimes fear stops me like a cork. Sometimes insecurity challenges my confidence and I withdraw or doubt my own capacity or true essence. I become a sealed vessel rather than an wide-lipped bowl.

Years ago, I read A Parenthesis in Eternity, by Joel Goldsmith, who established "The Infinite Way" in 1951. There was one simple statement he made about Grace that has not left me since the day my eyes absorbed the letters on the page. The premise revealed to me that we need not search for Grace like a lost wallet, we need not earn grace like a prize for being best student. Grace is the natural state of being and we are the vessels for it, if we simply open ourselves to receive. It is for this reason that, since then, my prayer is for the highest good for all involved and to be ever open to recognize the Grace that surrounds me always. This practice takes many reminders in my humanness.

I am typing this essay and, to my left, as a reminder of just how big this universe is, I am streaming the view from the International Space Station. I have started doing my best to watch it pass when the orbit allows it to fly over my house. I always wave. It is magical.

I am also reading Commander Chris Hadfield's book, An Astronaut's Guide to Life on Earth. I have been singing "Space Oddity" and wondering if I could ever face the fear  go into space. I am pretty certain I am quite comfortable right here in my livingroom command chair.

I was thinking of the tin can of a transatlantic jet that carried the Hendricks Chapel entourage to Turkey and delivered them safely. All ten are there to embrace the history of human spirit in expression of the divine in so many different languages and traditions. They are open to newness, tol confirmation, and to truth. They will share their discoveries with anyone who cares to follow their steps on line.

I will gain by their actions. I already have. All of this and more is how Grace displays its presence. We just have to be wide-eyed, ears attuned, fingers exploring always. Today is what we have and what we are. Knowing this, we reach for our highest good.

 

     

New Beginnings...Every Day!

In one of my many self-examining discussions with my dear friend, Jill Ouikahilo (@jill44hearts), she asked why enlightenment was not instantaneous? I was rather flip when I responded that we would not get the lessons that way. But I watch Jill with amazement as she manifests her highest good, and some astounding opportunities, while I sit fretting too often about everything. I think I may be a tad bit wrong, but I may also be a tad bit right, in my assumption that we incarnated for the lessons, for the karmic experience.

So Jill is off to Turkey today with a team from Syracuse University's Hendricks Chapel, for a cultural/spiritual exchange that is called "10-Day Journey of the Heart." As she was describing her role and the trip as we spent the evening together this weekend (and I was already missing my friend...like she was never coming back! DUH!), I shared with her one of my new poems. She responded in the manner I hoped the poem would elicit from a reader. Then, as we talked further, the poem not only suited the content of her messaging about the trip, but she invited me to be the digital poet-in-residence.

The trip is intended to present the lenses that we, as armchair travelers, could apply to our own daily navigation of the world and reflect upon as a contemplative practice. This is exactly the intention of the course I teach every spring in the Renee Crown Honors Program at Syracuse University, "Viewing the World through Changing Lenses." So now the assignment is mine, just as my students must meet my expectations in class. I will reflect and respond in language and verse, while gleaning the experience and resultant lessons that the travelers, as emissaries, send back to us.

I encourage you all to join me in following the tour and making it a part of your worldview as well. We learn about the world through the voices and eyes of others. We can all grow together and now I am, in my heart, at the threshold of a new beginning, as my friend Jill, heads to the airport.   

Just Keep Doing the Good Work...

Late fall, I received a phone call from the offices of Syracuse University's Hendricks Chapel that I had been selected to receive one of four awards of the Unsung Heroes honor bestowed to members of the Central NY community and campus at the annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration held at the Carrier Dome. This is the largest campus observation of Dr. King Day in the nation and, for 29 years, always starts the year in our region with inspiration and recognition of the tenets of Dr. King and how peace, diversity, acceptance, and perseverance better life for us all. It is also a reminder of both the victories since Dr. King walked among us and how far we still need to go.
 
My fellow honorees, Joseph Bryant, Deborah Person, and Dorothy Russell, are remarkable members of our community, each taking much of their time, energy, and likely income, to be of service to others. I am  in exalted company and humbled by their commitment.

As we were waiting to take the stage for our part of the evening's offerings, I was moved to tears to think that I was considered to be one of those carrying the torch of Dr. King's mission. I am one who says yes often and take entirely too many meetings to brainstorm, plan, strategize, coordinate with friends and colleagues with brilliant vision, in an effort to be supportive and create opportunities for those who live in this community. I have dedicated my life to being of service in ways that are not always obvious, or so I thought. But as news got out that I was to be so honored, I have received hundreds of messages in my inbox, text messages, and on social media from people in my region and throughout the nation that this award is well deserved. I am so flattered and to be seen as valuable, as a change agent, as a mentor, a contributor is a blessing. But I am also just one poet moving through the world doing my best to honor others and amplify their abilities to be true to themselves, to speak, to have voice. I have signed petitions, I have been in some marches in my time, I have been bold and outspoken. But my sacrifice is small compared to so many others.

I thank my beloved friend, Jill Ouikahilo, for thinking so highly of me that she would submit my name in nomination. I am grateful to the committee that looked at my efforts in such a way that they believed I was worthy. I will cherish this award, this touching recognition as a treasure always, and will do my best to remember that there is so much more to do.

As a society, we are mired in confusion and distrust as a nation, as a globe, as humanity. Bigotry is rampant, poverty cripples us. I believe many are tired and feeling hopeless. We have a broken system in both houses of our Congress and the class war is at appalling proportions. The media fuel the differences, and fan the fires of fear, more than serve to inform and educate. 

We must all be strong. We are all capable of making change. Perhaps not in huge ways, but we have the ability to object to statements of bigotry, sexism, hatred, disdain every day. We have the ability to look other humans straight in the eye with a smile and say, "Have a good day." We can send a note of encouragement to those who do good work or who are struggling. We can make small contributions that add up. We can each be an example of what it takes to be a human being in good stead. We can be bold in gentle ways. It is up to each of us to take a stand. In so doing, we build our numbers and we are not alone. We are all heroes, if just for one day, according to Bowie.

Proceed and be bold.

And as I have been advised on countless occasions by my dear friend, Sue Stonecash, just keep doing the good work. Don't be concerned with drawing attention to it. It will happen of its own accord. Darn, Sue...you were right. Of course you were right. Now to keep doing what I do. Onward...