As we learn we
always change, and so our perception.
This changed
perception then becomes
a new Teacher inside
each of us.
-- Hyemeyohsts
Storm
Hyemeyohsts Storm's book, Seven Arrows, tells the
stories of one of the Indian tribes in
this country before most of its members were killed.
They believed that
change was important for growth.
Change is
sometimes frightening.
We usually prefer
the familiar, no matter how uncomfortable, over
taking a chance on the unknown.
When fear gets in
the way of making healthy changes, we talk to
fear, inviting it along with us on our course of
action.
Getting to know
fear allows us to ask it for a gift: the courage
to walk with fear by our side and learn from it as
we go.
It allows us to
learn which fear is blocking our progress and
which fear is healthy -- cautioning us against
actions that might be harmful.
The most
valuable thing we can do for the psyche,
occasionally,
is to let it rest, wander,
live
in the changing light of a room,
not to try to do or
be anything whatsoever.
-- May
Sarton
A
whole world can be seen through even the smallest
window.
Knowing this can
help us slow down and enjoy everyday events.
We can listen to
the regular rhythms of letter carriers and school
children, dogs and delivery trucks...
city buses and
song birds playing out a piece of their daily
lives outside the window.
We can greet the
letter carrier who comes up the walk, feed the
robin who lands on the sill...
wave to the kids
who've found a shortcut through our backyards on
their way home from school.
It is not
necessary, today, for us to fill our lives with
important meetings, gala parties, expensive
treats, toys, or outings to be happy.
There is a whole
world to be discovered just outside the nearest
window.
Let me fly, says
little birdie,
Mother, let me fly
away.
-- Alfred, Lord
Tennyson
Don't we all want to fly away? Isn't there a better
place out there away from home?
The boy
can't fly, but he can climb a tree and ride the
wind. The girl, high on imaginary wings, flies to
her own land of dreams.
Even mothers and
fathers, together and alone, need to fly -- away
from work, house, and the everyday same old
things. But we all need to return as well.
We need to know
that home is the one safe place to land, that
there we can rest, recover our strength, tell our
tales to family and friends.
Our home is safe
and comfortable, but if we never leave, even for a
short while, we will never take the action
necessary to bring our dreams to life.
What small comfort
might I give up for today in order to make a dream
come true?
