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A lifestyle blog by Daiken Nelson on The Whole 9

Buddhist Priest, Yoga Practitioner & Instructor, Mystic, Photographer, Writer, Web & Graphic Designer, Traveler, Beekeeper, Honorary South Bronx Puerto Rican, Citizen of The World. And now Bloggeur.

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The Gospel According To Ethel

January 13, 2009
2 Comments (see all)

The 12-day experience of the New Year has come to a close. As I mentioned in my most recent post, the first 12 days of the New Year symbolize the coming 12 months.

In the past 12 days, I have:

Had a date (with a mutual wish for a second)
Gotten a job
Not had caffeine (Well…OK, yerba maté…once….)
Gotten together with Friends & Family
Taken Photos
Written
Gone hiking
Helped a Friend move (Service)
Fasted
Done Yoga
Worked Out
Been gifted a Digital Camera
Experienced the most glorious Full Moon (a sign of completion)

The woman with whom I had the coffee date, said, “You should check your astrology to see what the stars are doing with all these things happening for you”.

Today, I received an e-mail from a brilliant Friend, one of the eminent Butoh dancers in the World. In a YouTube video celebrating the International Year of Butoh, in an interview, she used the phrase “Vibrational Interpretation Agreement” as a definition of Reality. She went on to discuss how those Vibrations equate with God/Spirit/Light.

When One or more people perceive the Vibrations and interpret them similarly, then there is Agreement. 

I don’t need to check my Astrology chart to feel that things are falling into place. Energies aligning, me getting out of my own way and the shift into the New Year.

My Interpretation of the Vibrations shifted. After the New Year, things became possibility. The cup shifted from only half full to only half empty.

I was reminded that it is all good.

After months of transition, in the words of Irving Berlin (as sung by Ethel Merman),

“Starting Here, Starting Now
Everything’s Coming Up Roses”.

I read an account of an exchange between a Zen Teacher and a Student. The Student was whining about how difficult things were on a Meditation Retreat: the sitting, the fatigue, the food, and ‘other people’.

The Zen Master listened patiently, then replied:

“Can you not see that this is just the flower of your Life unfolding?”

It is always coming up Roses. Not easy, not difficult. Natural. Our Life unfolding just as it should. Beautiful, Perfect, Just-As-It-Is….

Roses, indeed.

 

 

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  1. awaken2sun

    It’s wonderful sometimes to simply list all of the things we have accomplished (to focus on what is) rather than bemoan what we haven’t done (what is not). And it’s truly amazing how much that can change our perspective on how our life is…as Maya Angelou once said, “If you can’t change your circumstances, change the way you think about your circumstances.”

    Rather than focusing on the fact that you didn’t make $1,000, focus on the fact that you made $500, etc., etc.

    So this year, I have:

    Woken up nearly every day to the brilliant smile of my daughter.

    Spent two days with dear friends that I haven’t had the opportunity to spend quality time with for years.

    Gone for a walk every day — and most recently amidst startlingly blue skies and warm temps.

    Submitted a proposal for a project that I’d really like to work on…and had it positively received.

    Gotten a check from a client before payment was due.

    Seen some great art.

    Had some great food with great friends.

    Had the privilege of living in a beautiful home in a beautiful neighborhood.

    Met some great new people.

    Seriously…I could list all of the negatives. But why? There are so many things to be joyful about when you really take the time to think about it.

  2. sheilarrose

    I love the Zen Teacher & Student story. So true because in every moment (both the good and bad) our lives are unfolding.

    A friend suggested I really focus on “Being Present” this week. I thought, “Dude, that’s easy I can do that…” I’m the type of girl who is always looking to do something, looking to be somebody, looking to find the answer that I often forget to really let go and BE.

    Being present is a beautiful concept to talk about but to put into action is a whole other story.

    So I’m practicing. And, throughout the day, I will find myself thinking too much. I stop and just listen, see and feel. You know what? It never fails me because it’s in those moments I can see my life unfolding like a flower… as you’d say, “a rose.”

    I feel the energy and light in 2009 too. You’ve done a fabulous job with your 12 days, which only leads me to believe that the rest of the year will be better and better.

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