Life Lesson/s 101

Since I began my spiritual journey, many years ago, I have understood the importance of reading. So when I was trying to figure out which side was up after my husband left me and after my diagnosis of cancer I began reading every book I could get my hands on. I read then meditated and even fell asleep with the words and lessons running lose in my head. So for me it was natural to turn to others for help, guidance and even assistance.

To my amazement I discovered that there were lessons all around me, just waiting for me to take the time to see and understand them. Once such lesson I gained from nature was during yoga. As a visual conesouir (graphic artist, designer and advertising), I began collecting rocks and other goodies to focus on during some of the more difficult yoga poses. I focus on the stones or other items and it keeps me from actually getting disoriented.

One day I was trying to set my stones and accessories up in the most "meaningful/beautiful" way. I played with it for several minutes to no avail. How frustrating...me...a visual specialist and I cannot please myself with any of my formations. I decided to let them merely fall out of the bag I carry them in and see what happens. To my disbelief, each and every time I have done this it is as if...the magical had of God/Creator has touched them and made beauty out of chaos. That is pretty much what I realized. Beauty can be created in the oddest ways and places. My efforts at "controlling" the display were improved upon by just letting nature take its course.

How often, I find that I have trouble giving up that control! I want to believe the illusion that I might actually have more control over my life than I do. I work daily to give up my control and welcome the chaos that each day brings. The more I am able to let go - the more I am actually gaining.

The Life Lesson is that we can gain "lessons, wisdom, knowledge" in the most unusual way and out of unlikely situations. Nature, when we stop to listen really provides so many lessons -- without judgement, criticism or hatered. For me, I feel most alive when I am alone atop my hill doing yoga, reading a book, singing, or playing on my bongos! There is no one to impress. No one to gain approval from. I feel free for the first time in my life.

Next time you are wanting to gain a bit of wisdom, you can read a book or you can go sit outside and spend some time with yourself and your world!