Hope is Essential

   During morning mantra today, lots of little anxieties came slipping through my mind. I apologized to the deity for thinking more of the future than of her and then wondered if a Goddess would tire of hearing numerous peoples little worries?

It got me to thinking about my mother, who always said not to pray to God for things. She has a"hope- ing man" she asks for things. I kind of prefer the hope-in' man as she pronounces it, to anxiety.

       I am not a big fan of request prayers, although I will admit to uttering a few, but I am a true believer in hope. His Holiness the Dalai Lama states "Our day-to-day existence is very much alive with hope, although there is no guarantee of our future. But still we are working for that purely on the basis of hope."

 

Although our whole life is spent in the present moment, in order to get things done we must set an intention that is future orientated. Intentions are the path, hope is the persistence to keep going and attainment is the goal. Little worries do not really fit into this plan, because essentially they are hamster wheel thinking. Still, I think they are reality for many, myself included.

      Next time my mantra goes off track, I will remind myself of the hope-in' man. Instead of rumination, I will allow my meditation to point me in the direction of an intention and hope. And if I can't stop the worries, I will notice them and let them pass, stepping off of the hamster wheel of hopelessness as I do.

      His Holiness says, "Without expectation and hope, without aspiration, there can be no progress. Some hope is essential." Time to replace worry with hope. My new mantra...hope is essential.  Little anxieties may creep in, but my intention will see me through and the Goddess will hear only hope in my meditation today.

       blissings, amberspiral 

Mid-week Mandala

6-7th century wool & linen tapestry of unknown European origin

Mid-week Mandala

Hindu

Blank mind? I am grateful.

    My mind seems to be blank this week and that is the point isn't it. Meditation is a practice to give your brain a break from the "noise" of everyday activity. A place of solitude and serenity that allows union with our true spirit and nature.

       The reason we have a daily practice of meditation is because those moments can be hard to access. During meditation as my mind wanders and chats on, I wonder, exasperated, if it is worth the effort, but I know it is, so I hang in there.

      When we take the time to meditate we are reinforcing our belief that there is something more to this life. We are participating in a personnel affirmation of our luminous connection to everything and everyone and we recharge our batteries.

       This is the aspect of meditation that has kept me at it all these years. Especially on the days when sitting feels like a swarm of buzzing gnats or a bed of nails.

       In the moment I notice the silence, when I suddenly know the answer to the question that has been hounding me, or I forget the pain...these are the rewards worth the struggle to let go of struggle.

        Meditation as a practice has been with us for a very long time, in many ancient and current cultures around the world. There is no right or wrong way to do it. All it takes is a bit of time and consistency.

        This week my mind is blank and my heart is full of gratitude. My diligence has paid off. Next week the noise may be back. Either way I will continue to meditate, grateful for it's blessing on my life.

          blissings, amberspiral

Mid-week Mandala

Man in the Maze

Based on Native American artwork

3 for 3

     I don't wait until December 31st to make my New Years resolutions. I do it when the air gets chilly, snow is on the horizon and the chair by the woodstove becomes a favorite...right about now. By the time New Year's Eve rolls around I am so burnt out from all the holidays, visitors, over indulgences and the cold keeping me in, that I cannot think straight. At Halloween, summer is a close memory and my spring inspirations still feel doable, so I set my resolutions now. This gives me some structure to cope with the the cabin fever I will be feeling as the winter drags on.

       I always choose 3 intentions, because I know I will be able to accomplish at least one of them. Three is the number of our perception of time moving from the past through this moment towards the future.  It is the number of life, 2 come together and in union create a third. And it is the number of perfect balance as well.

      Anytime can be a good moment to hit the refresh button. If we are feeling stale, stuck or perhaps even a bit blue, a revitalized intention can provide the oomph that we need. That is why I resolve now.

      I love this time of the year, perfect goldilocks weather and the trees reveal their true colors. The holidays and the quiet introspective time of winter is approaching. Making Halloween resolutions gives me a head start...just what I need to keep me positive and productive.

      This year I hope I am 3 for 3!

                 blissings, amberspiral

Mid-week Mandala

Rose window

St. Matthias, Richmond, UK