In the Heavens:
Staring out at the horizon over the ocean, I see dark clouds reorganizing and reshaping, weaving in and out of shadow and light. This tableau is reminding me that changing conditions are the only reality in life and our job is to keep afloat and move towards balance.
As the cacophony of hatred and separation grows louder, Sultanas must step into the light of truth and compassion and bring others along. The Way of Sultanas, fed by a lifetime of experiences, is the path of self-discovery and adventure, like the way of the pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago.
To keep the blood moving in Third and Fourth Act, we practice leaning into dynamic ease, grit and faith that we can handle whatever is in front of us. The questions of living fully before dying are sometimes answered by just doing the work in front of us, gathering the support we need, and letting go of expectations, imbibing the spirit of “Que será, será “.
Other times, it’s about reorganizing and reimagining, letting go of old habits that are no longer useful, and entering the sky of spaciousness with curiosity and creativity.
On the Earth:
This week my 7- month old grandson and his parents are visiting in REAL TIME, not face-time. I feel the energy of creation, marveling at his wide-eyed brightness, seeded by his Israeli-born mother.
Just lying beside him, I am immersed in drooling, gurgling sounds, smiles, rolling over, hands in mouth and kicking feet. His skin is as soft and loving as his heart. And when his nervous system gets overloaded, he screeches, signaling something is out of balance, and waits for comfort from his father. Sometimes I wish I could get away with that!
Ahhh. Playing my ukulele, I am singing “Puff, the Magic Dragon” to my grandson. He is cooing, I am quelling.
To be reminded of the innocence, complexity and responsibility of babies strengthens my resolve for right thought, right speech, right action in every encounter, in every relationship.
No grandchildren. Borrow mine! All Sultanas stand in the grandmother’s tent. It’s our job is to move things forward, to have difficult conversations, to keep things real and current so we can be more deeply connected to one another.