Seasons of the Soul

Books for Planting an Enlightened Garden

I collected books for the major planting we are about to embark on. Of the group, there are several titles I would like to pass on to you in case you are planning to do a little gardening of your own.

Perelandra Garden Workbook by Machaelle Small Wright, Perelandra Ltd.

This book teaches us how to work with nature spirits to plan and plant a garden that will be alive and vital.  The focus is on the importance of each stage of gardening from planning to harvesting for optimum results and greatest integrity with the eco-system.

The Findhorn Garden, by the Findhorn Community, Perennial Library. This timeless classic gives insight into the working of the nature kingdom and provides information about the planting of the Findhorn Community gardens in Scotland. It is an inspiring book for anyone seeking to work with nature, showing that indeed we can make a connection with earth and work in harmony together to create a spiritual garden.

The Feng Shui Garden, by Gill Hale,  Storey Books

This beautifully illustrated book presents garden designs, methods for planning and planting, and other information necessary for healthy gardens. It addresses the importance of  planetary and other influences that must be considered for optimum well-being and growth. Aside from the practical information, it has many valuable diagrams and pictures to help the reader visualize the results. I highly recommend this book for anyone who lives with a garden or patio.

The Healing Garden, by David Squire, Contemporary Books

This is another lushly illustrated book that allows the reader to visualize and design a consciously created garden. The book shows combinations of colors and explains how the use of scents can enhance moods and attract beneficial insects and birds to the garden. 

Herbs, Rodale’s Successful Organic Gardening Series, Rodale Press

A very thorough and richly illustrated book that will give you everything you need to know about herb gardening

When the World ceases to satisfy our soul’s need for beauty, there is always the Garden.

KJ

Old Cat, Young Kitten

Not long ago I babysat my daughter’s kitten. She and her husband went to New York for five days, and we took care of her “baby”. As the week progressed, the bond between my grand-kitty and I increased. She was adorable and in to everything. I had to watch constantly to make sure no one would open a door to the outdoors without making sure she did not get out. Scooting here and there, she was inquisitive and investigative. Her moments of calm and loving were slim. Everything was action oriented. The kids returned from their trip and took their precious treasure away. It was quieter without the kitty, and we missed her amusing antics. However, in thinking about her, I was reminded of another cat years ago who came to visit the bookstore I loved in Palo Alto.

Minerva Books was located in an old house next to a residential section, and the visiting kitty was an elder who was close to the end of its life. This very old orange cat would come to visit and sit on our porch where she could bask in the full glory of sun without the noise of cars or the rush of wind bothering her slumber. We used to look at her as she sat, seemingly so grateful for the rays of sunshine beaming down on her frail body. And there was a certain repose in her countenance – a dignity of age. This memory juxtaposed with the rampaging curiosity of the kitten brought home again the specialness of each age: None better or worse – each having its own gift. The young cat wanted to play. The old cat was grateful for a pat or a comment. The little one had no time to be still, and the old cat had all the time in the world. She was moving into the twilight of her life, filled with memories that sustained her, while the little kitten was busy making them.

KJ

Attach, Non-Attach

There are moments when my heart swells with an overwhelming sense of beauty.  I am touched by the garden, by a sunset, by the kindness of someone, or the miracle of human nature at its best - and I am able to bless the little animal dead on the road, bless the love that appears to go away, and the death that leaves the place of mother void.                                              

That place where love is deeply felt is ignited also by splendor, not merely sorrow - but they seem to be two halves of a whole, as Kahlil  Gibran said in The Prophet. While happiness is in your bed, sorrow is at the footboard, and visa versa.

Attach/non-attach...the accordion of one's heart strings....and perhaps those are the very combinations that create the symphony of life. We are not one dimensional. We are not one note. We are all of it.
KJ

That's all til next Wednesday

Tozan's Three Blows

The following Zen story represents our insatiable need for facts and figures, demonstrating how we get caught in shallow information loops rather than in the deeper opportunity and meaning behind a question.

Tozan's Three Blows
Tozan went to Ummon. Ummon asked him where he had come from.
Tozan said: "From Sato village."
Ummon asked: "In what temple did you remain for the summer?"
Tozan replied: "The temple of Hoji, south of the lake."
"When did you leave there?" asked Ummon, wondering how long Tozan would
continue with such factual answers.
"The twenty-fifth of August," answered Tozan.
Ummon said: "I should give you three blows with a stick, but today I forgive
you."
The next day Tozan bowed to Ummon and asked: "Yesterday you forgave me three blows. I do not know why you thought me wrong."
Ummon, rebuking Tozan's spiritless responses, said: "You are good for nothing.
You simply wander from one monastery to another."
Before Ummon's words were ended Tozan was enlightened.

Move Into The Circle of Love

When we are bound by time, we unwittingly play into a mindset that creates a past and future. We look back or forward with expectation or reminiscence, but always with an attitude toward a frame of reference.. And in so doing, we are bound by limitation—for we project desires, fears, and historical memory to all that is now and yet to come. We know that spring is passing, so we expect certain things from summer and from fall, and on and on. Yet, we have seen many times how nature will surprise us with something other than what we expect or anticipate. Being bound by seasons or time only serves to limit our possibilities.

As we see time passing and relegate ourselves to an age— any age – we have an expectation about what that must mean. And yet, why should it? We are being held hostage to a historical context that feeds on itself, and blocks a bigger vision.

Love has no history, no desire, no projection of how we should be at a certain time in our lives. Love just is. Love boasts not, wants not, looks for naught, keeps no score, cares not about our age or position in life. Love does not project outcomes— it just  is. And when we move into the circle of Love, all things are possible because our hearts are open to the goodness of life without being hampered by a time frame. We move out of habit, out of expectancy, and into the arms of acceptance...the arms of transcendence...the heartbeat of Love.
KJ

Gifts From A Wounded Bird

Not only do plants provide us with incredible lessons, but all nature. My friend, Bea, shared something that happened to her when a bird flew into a plate glass window at her house. Here’s Bea’s description.

“The day it happened, the bird smashed into the big picture window, and he fell to the ground, his head all twisted and turned.  He looked as though his neck was broken and my husband also thought it had a broken neck.

I went outside and sat in front of the ground and prayed with him for a long time.  There was never a flicker of movement on the bird.  At one point, I went in and got my Lamsa bible and read some from the book.  I continued to talk and pray to him and there was no response.   

About 3 1/2 hours later it was getting dark and my husband wanted me to come in.  I said no.  He brought out a blanket and I sat on the blanket.  I started talking to the bird.  I told him I couldn't bring him in the house because I was afraid I would hurt him picking him up.  I told him there were a lot of cats around and he couldn't stay there all night.  Then I would say "come on, breathe, move those wings, etc."  I kept saying this. 

Over 4 hours went by and it was really damp and getting very dark. I told him about the time and that I could not stay there much longer.  All this talk was interspersed with prayer.  I thought I saw a little movement on the eye lid and I started encouraging him to breathe. He opened his eyes.  I started saying, "Move those wings, you can do it.  Come on move those wings. Breathe.  Stand up."  He just flapped his wings a couple of times, turned his head and looked at me,peep, and flew off.

It was shortly after that in the exact spot I had 7 asparagus plants.  I loved asparagus and was very excited about them.  I transplanted them in the garden.  The next year I got more asparagus.  The following year it was crocus, then it was a beautiful orange lily, one year a Veronica, then came the Star Gazer, this year it is a lovely, pink Flox.  My neighbor comes over to see what new gift I receive each year. It is quite amazing, and makes me realize how important it is for us to be conscious and communicate with nature.”

The story Bea tells illustrates the necessity of recognizing our inter-relatedness to all living things. As we deal honorably with other life forms, nature responds in kind. Perhaps our wild weather patterns, animal diseases, and other imbalances are all results of our collective attitudes of unconsciousness towards the earth on which we live. What might happen if we began to treat everything and everyone with equal respect and dignity? As we utilize the gifts of nature, might we experience some broader miracle if we were to show concern and pray for or with all that we take for granted?

In order to affect major change, it is said that only a meaningful minority is required. Through perceptual adjustment, we can be that, and as such...just imagine! If concern for one little bird brought the gift of so many different flowers year after year, what might our concern for the water, mountains, air, and our food chain bring?... Just imagine!
KJ

Ten Ways to Feel Happier

1. Focus on the beauty in the  moment. . look with eyes that make you feel uplifted.
2. Be grateful. Count your blessings every day and say thank you for the least of what you have/are.
3. Think beyond yourself. Make someone else feel good.
4. Laugh. Believe it or not, a sense of humor can actually be practiced and developed.
5. Connect with others. Social involvement is a great mood lifter because you get out of yourself.
6. Feed your soul. Inspirational quotes, prayers or thoughts can be soothing. Nourish your inner life.
7. Be creative. Paint, draw, take photos or even just doodle—whatever makes you feel good!
8. Reread and enjoy a special card or letter you have saved that affirms who you are.
9. De-stress and decompress regularly. Be good to yourself and your body.
10. Make time for rest. It is essential to a positive outlook and restoration to your energy levels.

Thought for the Day

When we make music we don't do it in order to reach a certain point, such as the end of the composition. If that were the purpose of music then obviously the fastest players would be the best. Also, when we are dancing we are not aiming to arrive at a particular place on the floor as in a journey. When we dance, the journey itself is the point, as when we play music the playing itself is the point. And exactly the same thing is true in meditation. Meditation is the discovery that the point of life is always arrived at in the immediate moment. --Alan Watts

Justice

In the Babemba tribe of South Africa, when a person acts irresponsibly or unjustly, they are placed in the center of the village, alone and unfettered. All work ceases, and every man, woman and child in the village gathers in a large circle around the accused individual.

Then each person in the tribe, regardless of age, begins to talk out loud to the accused, one at a time, about all the good things the person in the center of the circle has done in their lifetime.

Every incident, every experience that can be recalled with any detail and accuracy is recounted. All the positive attributes, good deeds, strengths and kindnesses are recited carefully and at length. No one is permitted to fabricate, exaggerate or be facetious about the person’s accomplishments or the positive aspects of their personality.

The tribal ceremony often lasts several days and does not cease until everyone is drained of every positive comment they can muster about the person in question.

At the end, the tribal circle is broken, a joyous celebration takes place, and the person is symbolically and literally welcomed back into the tribe.

Walking Meditation

       by Stanley Peele

Many people feel they cannot meditate because their homes are too hectic, or because they have too many things on their mind, or are in a hospital, nursing home or prison, or they are handicapped.  Yet, in truth, each of these things is more of a reason to meditate. The more restricted you are, the more reason to meditate.  Try this.

    Get centered; that is, go inside to a still place.  There is a place of stillness inside each of us.  If there are interruptions, bless each one.  Notice your body; notice your feelings in each part of your body. Breathe.  Breathe.  Breathe evenly and naturally.  If you are able to stand, do so.  If you are in a wheelchair, sit up in the wheelchair with your back straight.

     Now, feel your feet on the floor.  (If you are in a wheelchair, this meditation is easier, not harder.  Feel your hands on the wheels.) Breath again.  Stand (sit) straight, eyes straight ahead, alert, aware of all feelings and sounds.  Relax.   Feel yourself fully on the earth.

     Next say a short prayer to your Beloved, a prayer of thanks, fully desiring to follow the guidance of your Higher Power:  "Thy will be done."  Now begin to walk (roll), feeling each step.  Notice the feeling as you foot meets the floor (notice each bump or movement of the wheel).  If there is an interruption, notice the interruption, make the interruption a part of the meditation, no matter how loud or noisy the interruption is.  Inside, you are calm.  At peace.  See the peace reach out and surround the noise.  Bless the noise.  Then ignore it.

     It is best to walk in a circle.  Outside is best.  If this is not possible, a short walk, back and forth. A cell is excellent.  Walk at the speed at which you are fully present in your body.  As you walk, visualize your body functioning, each organ working, every part of the body happily doing its assigned task, each part of the body away of all the other parts of the body.  If extraneous worries come into your mind, notice them, recognize them, bless them, say, "I know you, you are a thought." -- Then allow the thought to disappear, like a cloud in the sky.  When there are interruptions, do not become frazzled or angry.  Learn not only to deal with interruptions, but to bless them.  The walking meditation can last for 20 minutes, or whatever is possible.

     You can meditate upon waking, going to sleep, eating, listening to someone who is angry. When you do work, or chores, you can consider that an unpleasant thing -- or you can use repetitive work as a meditation.  If you learn to meditate, you can do it while in the dentist's chair.  And as you learn this, people will come to you, look at you, and wonder how you stay so peaceful.   They will come up to you just to be in your presence.

     All life can become a meditation.