There is a beautiful, peaceful meditation garden at my home of worship. Enclaved by a ficus hedge, the garden is a sanctuary of trees, flowering plants, waterfalls and fish ponds. Butterflies flutter, bees buzz to and fro from flower to flower and birds sing, in tune with the windchimes that are hung high up in the trees. It is a sanctuary for all who enter.
When my daughter Victoria was younger, she referred to it as the “medication garden”. Was this the innocent mispronunciation of a word by a child? Or was it the voice of infinite wisdom speaking?
I believe it is the latter. For meditation is truly medication for the soul. Going into a place of quiet and stillness, watching thoughts go by with no judgements, no attachments, no logic – simply watching, brings a peace and calm to the soul. All is well in the world when you meditate. All is well in your life in that place and time of “peace that passeth all understanding”. All is encompassed in the moment of meditation and your soul is at peace.
It is medication for the body as well. I observe that when I meditate, my breathing slows, tension slips from my body and I feel it coming to a state of rest. Every cell in my body is in a place of perfect peace. There is no stress, no tension, simply peace. And this is a place of perfect health – of no disease, pain or illness. It is a place of wholeness.
Oh that the moment of meditation would never end! I sometimes set a timer for a certain amount of minutes for my meditation. Increasingly I find that the time seems to fly too quickly, and I do not feel that I my meditation is complete. I do not want to leave that place. And I muse – why do I have to? For what if I live my life in constant meditation, where very moment is one of peace, presence and calm? Is that possible?
Yes, it is possible to live your life in constant meditation, where every moment is a prayer of gratitude for the moment. Whatever we are doing, we can do it in a state of peace and calm, in a state of letting go, of suspending judgement, of simply observing and being. This is a place of healing, of wholeness, of oneness. It is a place of perfect peace.
The wisdom of a child, to speak words that are pure and true.
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Monday, May 28, 2007
Calabash
Calabash is a literary festival held in Calabash Bay, Treasure Beach on the southern coast of Jamaica. Treasure Beach is aptly named – it is a sleepy, peaceful little village surrounded by the most industrious people in Jamaica and the most magnificent scenery. Blue sea, raised bluffs, the rolling Pedro Plains dotted with majestic lignum vitae trees and the backdrop of the mountains - all conspire to make this a most beautiful setting.
This year was my second time at Calabash. As I reflected on the experience, I wondered why I have fallen in love with this very special event. What occurred to me is that the reading of prose and poetry is the backdrop to what’s really important in my life.
I found that for the entire weekend, as had happened last year, I was simply present to every moment. I was present to the joy I felt in seeing my 14 year old daughter Victoria, after hearing one hour of reading, get totally excited about literature. I was present to the joy of connecting with Toby-Kay, whom I have known from her birth, and who has blossomed into a wonderful, talented young woman.
I was present to the joy of my brother and I searching for two cups of coffee, lovingly provided by Miss Emmy in the kitchen at Jakes, and enjoying it together – even as we “missed” the best reading of the day. Fair exchange in my estimation.
I was present to the joy of walking on a bluff and marvelling at the beauty of fossils of shells thousands of years old, and the magic of a universe that placed them there for me to view on that day, 15 feet above sea level.
I was present to the brunch we enjoyed at Diner’s Delight, and the vibrant discussion with people we had just met. I was present to Angus, who quickly gave up on trying to sell me calabash wine cups, and instead engaged me in a conversation about life. I was present to all the wonderful people I have met along the way, who were present at Calabash, and with whom I connected – for a moment, the only moment.
And it occurred to me that this thing of being in the moment is a doable, ecstatic thing. It takes your life to a totally different level. It enhances relationships, and makes every interaction a connection, a reminder of our oneness. There are no regrets in the moment – when the moment is over, one simply exists in the next moment. When I left Calabash, there were no regrets for poets and performers I had not seen, for things I had not done, for people I had not spoken with; there were no regrets for anything. There was total gratitude for the moment, for the experience, for the connections.
The question for us all is how do we remain present, in the moment. We must first know that this moment is the only moment there is. As you read this, there is nothing else in the world, except you reading my words. But you also know that this moment that I am writing the words is also the only moment. They are not two moments – only one.
For me, getting and staying in the moment is to get quiet, to breathe, and to gently allow all my attention and focus on what’s happening NOW. Thoughts of the past and future are simply that – thoughts – that we may choose to let go of. There is little thinking in the moment. There is simply being. And that being is joy.
What also helps is to recognise the indicators of being out of the moment. Our emotional state tells us everything. I felt such love and joy the entire weekend. That only comes when I am present. There is no joy in the past – it does not exist and is not real. There is no joy in the future – it does not exist and is not real. Negative emotions, feelings of fear, unrest, unease and dis-ease in our body tell us that we are living in the past or future which are unreal states. Breathing, and noticing our breathing, brings us right back to our present, our core. For breathing is life. And living in the moment is life.
The beauty of the moment is that it is forever. Forever is now. My memories of Calabash are real. My memories are not in the past, but very much present in the moment of joy and love, in the experience of Calabash, as if it were real, and happening right now – which it is.
This year was my second time at Calabash. As I reflected on the experience, I wondered why I have fallen in love with this very special event. What occurred to me is that the reading of prose and poetry is the backdrop to what’s really important in my life.
I found that for the entire weekend, as had happened last year, I was simply present to every moment. I was present to the joy I felt in seeing my 14 year old daughter Victoria, after hearing one hour of reading, get totally excited about literature. I was present to the joy of connecting with Toby-Kay, whom I have known from her birth, and who has blossomed into a wonderful, talented young woman.
I was present to the joy of my brother and I searching for two cups of coffee, lovingly provided by Miss Emmy in the kitchen at Jakes, and enjoying it together – even as we “missed” the best reading of the day. Fair exchange in my estimation.
I was present to the joy of walking on a bluff and marvelling at the beauty of fossils of shells thousands of years old, and the magic of a universe that placed them there for me to view on that day, 15 feet above sea level.
I was present to the brunch we enjoyed at Diner’s Delight, and the vibrant discussion with people we had just met. I was present to Angus, who quickly gave up on trying to sell me calabash wine cups, and instead engaged me in a conversation about life. I was present to all the wonderful people I have met along the way, who were present at Calabash, and with whom I connected – for a moment, the only moment.
And it occurred to me that this thing of being in the moment is a doable, ecstatic thing. It takes your life to a totally different level. It enhances relationships, and makes every interaction a connection, a reminder of our oneness. There are no regrets in the moment – when the moment is over, one simply exists in the next moment. When I left Calabash, there were no regrets for poets and performers I had not seen, for things I had not done, for people I had not spoken with; there were no regrets for anything. There was total gratitude for the moment, for the experience, for the connections.
The question for us all is how do we remain present, in the moment. We must first know that this moment is the only moment there is. As you read this, there is nothing else in the world, except you reading my words. But you also know that this moment that I am writing the words is also the only moment. They are not two moments – only one.
For me, getting and staying in the moment is to get quiet, to breathe, and to gently allow all my attention and focus on what’s happening NOW. Thoughts of the past and future are simply that – thoughts – that we may choose to let go of. There is little thinking in the moment. There is simply being. And that being is joy.
What also helps is to recognise the indicators of being out of the moment. Our emotional state tells us everything. I felt such love and joy the entire weekend. That only comes when I am present. There is no joy in the past – it does not exist and is not real. There is no joy in the future – it does not exist and is not real. Negative emotions, feelings of fear, unrest, unease and dis-ease in our body tell us that we are living in the past or future which are unreal states. Breathing, and noticing our breathing, brings us right back to our present, our core. For breathing is life. And living in the moment is life.
The beauty of the moment is that it is forever. Forever is now. My memories of Calabash are real. My memories are not in the past, but very much present in the moment of joy and love, in the experience of Calabash, as if it were real, and happening right now – which it is.
Monday, May 21, 2007
Presence
I co-facilitated a Prosperity seminar in Trinidad last Saturday. It was an amazing experience. I have always felt this special connection with Trinis – I so enjoy their humour, their joie de vivre, their ability to “make mas” wherever they are, their willingness to connect. In this spirit, the group on Saturday tuned in totally to their prosperity journey. It was an awesome day.
As I prepared for the day, I decided to simply be present. Yes, there was a work plan, with a certain flow of events, and exercises to be done. However, I decided to go with the flow of the day, connected to the other facilitator and to the participants, and to enjoy every moment of the journey. We had set a clear intention for the outcome of the day. That was all that mattered – how that outcome would be achieved would emerge. I found that the day evolved moment by moment. Each moment was perfect. There were a few times when I observed myself being a little antsy, when it seemed like time was running out and there were topics to be covered. I immediately calmed down and gave myself a gentle reminder to stay present. I found myself doing exercises I had not planned. I found myself not doing exercises I had planned. And it was perfect. As the participants filed out, profuse with their thanks, I was the one feeling totally grateful for the experience.
My best work has been done in a place of presence. These are the times when I am totally connected to where I am, what I am doing and who I am with. These are the times when I give totally of myself, totally of my Self. When I am present, one thing I notice is that I do not need anyone to tell me whether I am doing a good job or not – I know. For the Self always knows. Saturday was one of those days of knowing.
The other thing I noticed is how much the teaching is my learning; how as I give, I receive. One of the lessons that came home to me during the day is that holding on to something or someone is an indicator of a consciousness of lack. Our holding on to something or someone says “I must hold on to this that I now have for there is nothing better for me in the Universe, there is nothing else except this”. This thinking is in total contravention of a consciousness of prosperity which recognises that the Universe is all-abundant, constantly creating and ever-giving. Letting go of something or someone frees you to accept greater good! For the Universe knows only good. And so as I remained present in the day, I found myself in a place of peace and calm, letting go of things and people I have been holding on to, letting go of my fears, letting go of my thoughts of limitation.
Today I feel like a new person. I am a person committed to staying present, committed to staying in the flow of life, committed to staying in the flow of giving and receiving. It is a beautiful journey. It is the only journey. And it happens at only one time – NOW.
As I prepared for the day, I decided to simply be present. Yes, there was a work plan, with a certain flow of events, and exercises to be done. However, I decided to go with the flow of the day, connected to the other facilitator and to the participants, and to enjoy every moment of the journey. We had set a clear intention for the outcome of the day. That was all that mattered – how that outcome would be achieved would emerge. I found that the day evolved moment by moment. Each moment was perfect. There were a few times when I observed myself being a little antsy, when it seemed like time was running out and there were topics to be covered. I immediately calmed down and gave myself a gentle reminder to stay present. I found myself doing exercises I had not planned. I found myself not doing exercises I had planned. And it was perfect. As the participants filed out, profuse with their thanks, I was the one feeling totally grateful for the experience.
My best work has been done in a place of presence. These are the times when I am totally connected to where I am, what I am doing and who I am with. These are the times when I give totally of myself, totally of my Self. When I am present, one thing I notice is that I do not need anyone to tell me whether I am doing a good job or not – I know. For the Self always knows. Saturday was one of those days of knowing.
The other thing I noticed is how much the teaching is my learning; how as I give, I receive. One of the lessons that came home to me during the day is that holding on to something or someone is an indicator of a consciousness of lack. Our holding on to something or someone says “I must hold on to this that I now have for there is nothing better for me in the Universe, there is nothing else except this”. This thinking is in total contravention of a consciousness of prosperity which recognises that the Universe is all-abundant, constantly creating and ever-giving. Letting go of something or someone frees you to accept greater good! For the Universe knows only good. And so as I remained present in the day, I found myself in a place of peace and calm, letting go of things and people I have been holding on to, letting go of my fears, letting go of my thoughts of limitation.
Today I feel like a new person. I am a person committed to staying present, committed to staying in the flow of life, committed to staying in the flow of giving and receiving. It is a beautiful journey. It is the only journey. And it happens at only one time – NOW.
When God Talks
Last Sunday, there was a flyer in the program at church for a talk by Dadi Janki, the spiritual leader of the Brahma Kumaris organization, a worldwide movement for enlightenment. I took the flyer out and placed it in my bag. On Monday morning, while packing for my trip to St. Lucia and Trinidad, for some reason unknown to me, I put the flyer in my travel bag. And so I travelled the week with the flyer. On Thursday, I glimpsed an article in the Trinidad newspaper that Dadi Janki would be giving an address on Saturday night in Trinidad. This meant, I quickly surmised, that Dadi would be on the flight to Jamaica with me.
Sure enough, upon my arrival at Piarco airport in Trinidad yesterday, there were Dadi’s followers awaiting her arrival. I got to talking with one of them and he said “You will know her when you see her”. I did not need him to point her out when she arrived. For I knew her instantly.
I boarded the plane, seat 14A. A beautiful Rastafarian woman, Sheba, is seated in 14B. Who appears and sits in 14C, but Dadi Janki’s interpreter, Jaymini. We connect, I immediately show her the flyer and we begin a conversation rooted in a recognition of our connectedness. She takes me to meet Dadi Janki. I feel the light of this beautiful soul. I know that I am on a blessed flight.
And as I recall this chain of events, it occurs to me how God talks to us. It is clear to me that God is sending me a message about my path. For Dadi’s interpreter handed me a brochure on meditation, which is in alignment with my recent commitment to a daily meditative practice. God is talking to me and supporting me in my new commitment. God is saying to me “Marguerite, I love you. Marguerite, I support you in whatever you desire. Marguerite, I am providing you with everything you need.” It is a wondrous thing to recognise when God is talking directly to you. When you know that a series of events are not just random, but carefully designed and orchestrated for your good.
It further occurs to me that God is always talking to me. The real issue is – am I listening? I am so grateful that I am listening to God. I feel a sense of joy, peace and happiness as I tune into the message from a place of my higher self. It is a place of oneness with all – with Dadi Janki, with Jaymini and Sheba, with everyone. It is a place of oneness with my Self.
I recognise that when I am in this place of oneness, I am open to listening to God. And that all that God has to say to me is good.
Sheba, Jaymini and Marguerite – we ended the flight, clutching each other’s hands, acknowledging with joy that we are all one. God talked, and we listened.
Sure enough, upon my arrival at Piarco airport in Trinidad yesterday, there were Dadi’s followers awaiting her arrival. I got to talking with one of them and he said “You will know her when you see her”. I did not need him to point her out when she arrived. For I knew her instantly.
I boarded the plane, seat 14A. A beautiful Rastafarian woman, Sheba, is seated in 14B. Who appears and sits in 14C, but Dadi Janki’s interpreter, Jaymini. We connect, I immediately show her the flyer and we begin a conversation rooted in a recognition of our connectedness. She takes me to meet Dadi Janki. I feel the light of this beautiful soul. I know that I am on a blessed flight.
And as I recall this chain of events, it occurs to me how God talks to us. It is clear to me that God is sending me a message about my path. For Dadi’s interpreter handed me a brochure on meditation, which is in alignment with my recent commitment to a daily meditative practice. God is talking to me and supporting me in my new commitment. God is saying to me “Marguerite, I love you. Marguerite, I support you in whatever you desire. Marguerite, I am providing you with everything you need.” It is a wondrous thing to recognise when God is talking directly to you. When you know that a series of events are not just random, but carefully designed and orchestrated for your good.
It further occurs to me that God is always talking to me. The real issue is – am I listening? I am so grateful that I am listening to God. I feel a sense of joy, peace and happiness as I tune into the message from a place of my higher self. It is a place of oneness with all – with Dadi Janki, with Jaymini and Sheba, with everyone. It is a place of oneness with my Self.
I recognise that when I am in this place of oneness, I am open to listening to God. And that all that God has to say to me is good.
Sheba, Jaymini and Marguerite – we ended the flight, clutching each other’s hands, acknowledging with joy that we are all one. God talked, and we listened.
Friday, May 11, 2007
Speaking THE truth
We are often asked to speak the truth.
What is the truth? By using “the”, we imply that there is only one truth. However, we find that as we try to express “the” truth, we bring our own experiences and perception into play, so that “the” truth becomes MY truth. When that happens, then we have many truths – we have the truth from MY perspective, as I have spoken it, and we have the truth as the listener has heard it. The truth from MY point of view is my interpretation of a particular situation and is loaded with all the learning, baggage, experiences, knowledge that I have accumulated over my lifetime. When I speak what I believe to be THE truth, the listener also brings his or her learning, baggage, experiences and knowledge to make “sense” of THE truth – as I have spoken it, and he/she has heard it.
I sometimes do an exercise in my workshops on meanings of commonly used words. I ask participants to put a number between 0% to 100% that represents what a particular word means. For example, the word ALWAYS. To me, coming from my truth, ALWAYS is 100%. I am always (!?!) amazed at the amount of people who interpret ALWAYS as 90%, 80%, 60% and so on. So, when I speak my truth and say I will ALWAYS do something, I mean 100% of the time. However, someone who hears me and has ALWAYS as 80% will believe that there is 20% of the time when I will not do what I say. For me, the truth is that ALWAYS is always 100%. For the other person, the truth is 80%. In this case, what IS “the” truth? Is it 100%? 80%? Or let’s just compromise and call it 90%? Or is it none of those?
As we choose words, which is basically what we do when we speak, we want to be very careful. Words have numerous meanings and are very powerful. Perhaps in trying to speak the truth, the less said the better – for the more words we use, the more we get into our own world, and bring confusion and lack of clarity as we speak and others hear. It further occurs to me that speaking THE truth is almost impossible, for once we put it into words, by our choice of words we have begun a process of selection and bias based on our own individual perspective.
Perhaps the only way to speak the truth is to not speak at all, but simply to be the truth. It is to get in tune with our higher selves and “speak” from that place of oneness. This does not involve words, it means being the truth. When we are in such a place, then we do not have to choose to say words or do deeds. We will simply know that we are being THE truth.
What is the truth? By using “the”, we imply that there is only one truth. However, we find that as we try to express “the” truth, we bring our own experiences and perception into play, so that “the” truth becomes MY truth. When that happens, then we have many truths – we have the truth from MY perspective, as I have spoken it, and we have the truth as the listener has heard it. The truth from MY point of view is my interpretation of a particular situation and is loaded with all the learning, baggage, experiences, knowledge that I have accumulated over my lifetime. When I speak what I believe to be THE truth, the listener also brings his or her learning, baggage, experiences and knowledge to make “sense” of THE truth – as I have spoken it, and he/she has heard it.
I sometimes do an exercise in my workshops on meanings of commonly used words. I ask participants to put a number between 0% to 100% that represents what a particular word means. For example, the word ALWAYS. To me, coming from my truth, ALWAYS is 100%. I am always (!?!) amazed at the amount of people who interpret ALWAYS as 90%, 80%, 60% and so on. So, when I speak my truth and say I will ALWAYS do something, I mean 100% of the time. However, someone who hears me and has ALWAYS as 80% will believe that there is 20% of the time when I will not do what I say. For me, the truth is that ALWAYS is always 100%. For the other person, the truth is 80%. In this case, what IS “the” truth? Is it 100%? 80%? Or let’s just compromise and call it 90%? Or is it none of those?
As we choose words, which is basically what we do when we speak, we want to be very careful. Words have numerous meanings and are very powerful. Perhaps in trying to speak the truth, the less said the better – for the more words we use, the more we get into our own world, and bring confusion and lack of clarity as we speak and others hear. It further occurs to me that speaking THE truth is almost impossible, for once we put it into words, by our choice of words we have begun a process of selection and bias based on our own individual perspective.
Perhaps the only way to speak the truth is to not speak at all, but simply to be the truth. It is to get in tune with our higher selves and “speak” from that place of oneness. This does not involve words, it means being the truth. When we are in such a place, then we do not have to choose to say words or do deeds. We will simply know that we are being THE truth.
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