Dear Friend,
A favourite image of grace, is of a swan.
Above the water line. Elegance, power and grace.
Below the water, peddling like fury, churning.
A story, told by Paramahansa Yogananda, the author of ‘Autobiography of a Yogi.’
Two frogs fall into a pale of milk. The pale is full and its sides slippery and too tall for the frogs to climb out. All they can do is tread water. Their situation appears hopeless.
Nearing exhaustion one frog says to the other, “It’s just no good, I cannot continue a moment longer, our situation is beyond help.”
The poor disheartened, exhausted creature gives up. Slipping below the surface it meets its end.
The other frog, also nearing exhaustion summons the strength to keep paddling. Thinking no further than the next stroke of its aching legs.
Suddenly, something unexpected. Solid ground.
With its last ounce of strength the surviving frog hops out of the bucket. The churning of both frogs have turned the milk into butter.
Sometimes we’re like the swan. Afloat at least. Sometimes the frog, close to drowning.
Today be attentive to the good you find in yourself and in others. To the individuals and groups making our world a kinder, more inclusive place.
Something from my years serving learning communities is how the majority of people you meet are open and respectful, kind and considerate. A guess would be somewhere between eighty and ninety percent - possibly more are like this, most of the time, when you get to know them.
The malcontent minority amongst us make a lot of noise. Make themselves felt, sending shock waves, jarring the community.
Bearing pressure with grace, refusing to give up hope for better days we can keep moving towards higher ground. The desire to lash out is understandable, but it is like slipping, losing our footing. We can always recover. Reach out, whether for help or to give it, but reach out all the same.
In connection we thrive.
The malcontent and the power hungry would have us separate into bickering factions. Every ploy is enacted. Amplified by media. Like the swan or the frog, strive for what you know in your heart to be true.
You are the light of the world.
Your light cannot be extinguished. Keep that flame burning in your heart.
Better days are ahead.
Are here now.
Become fascinated with your breath.
Allow your mind to settle.
See what emerges.
Till tomorrow
Love
Mikey