Vow

 

I read this over at Momma Zen earlier this week, and immediately wrote it down.  Credited as a "Zen priest ordination precept", it is the simplicity of this statement that struck me.  I mean really, how simple and straightforward is that?  As much as I like to think too much explore complex ideas and questions, when I come across statements like this I realize my mind likely tangles things more than is necessary.

I woke up this morning feeling lighter.  At the end of last week it was all I could do not to jump out of my skin I was so eager to get back to work, but beyond accomplishing a few small tasks, this week turned out to be a bit of a bust thanks to a rocky patch on the personal front.  Or at least that was what I was getting ready to accept when I woke up this morning with a mind full of ideas and - shock of all shocks - the energy to do some serious work.  At first I didn't trust it - was I going to sit down at my desk and suddenly feel all the light drain from inside me as I had felt every other day this week?  I was far from being out of the woods with the struggles in my life - was I allowed to have a break from tears and the urge to crawl as far under my covers as possible?

I spent my entire day right here - on my blog - re-arranging, revising, updating, shifting, moving, adding and taking away.  Paving the way for some new directions, categories, ways of sharing and, hopefully, inspiring.  After coming to this space without a clear idea of what to say most of the time these past many weeks, I finally discovered a window that wasn't smeared, a window that offered a glimpse of a few things I hadn't thought of before.

Today I was given a reprieve, a break from the fog, a gift from my creative muses.  And I took it - almost gleefully - spending my day with no time to dwell on things that feel like they're not working, and all the time in the world to start scrubbing those windows, and letting the light in.

Comments

[Jill Nalette]

I have missed reading your thoughtful and thought provoking blog over here. Life has been keeping me busy and sometimes I enjoy it but there is a part of me that wants to slow down and enjoy life and create.
Think of you and hope I see you at Squam this fall!!!!
Love, BIG hugs and smiles~ Jill from N.H.
[email protected]

[ann]

I hope I might be one day behind you. I've been in the midst of that "personal front" and feelings of lack of accomplishment. I so desire a gift from the muse.

[Liz]

That phrase jumped out at me from her post, too. I'd heard it recently in a talk and it has so stuck with me. I guess it could be seen as passive, but I don't think that's exactly it. I think it's just realistic. Instead of fighting what you're being given, really taking what's being given opens it all up to transformation, at least a transformation of attitude. Anyway, great to see it here. I often get reminders from the universe on your blog. Thank you!

[TLC]

Is there anywhere in the UK that stocks Ordinary Sparkling Moments?

[Teresa McFayden]

yeah, yeah!! Nice phrase to write down, definitely a keeper!

[elizabeth ~ so wabi sabi]

I found your blog yesterday, and I absolutely love it!

That statement is so very Zen...clean and clear....it seems like it hit your defrost button.

I appreciate the page you added of selected entries, it is especially helpful for someone like me who just discovered your lovely words and art.

blessings~

[Ophelia Staton]

I found your blog today, and I absolutely love it. Your artwork is very inspiring, and I am heading over to your etsy site to check out your book!! I will check back often!!