Parental love is nothing like Romantic love. When we fall in love with a partner, we start by not knowing that person at all. Sometimes we are actually in love with the idea of being in love, or the potential person we think our partner could become. As time goes on, we often learn that reality scarcely resembles our fantasy, and we have to adjust our expectations. If we make it through that phase, we find that we have gotten to know our partners as they really are, and (ideally) we have become quite fond of them. Finally, we feel true, genuine, lasting love for this other person, and they finally know and love us back. We start apart and (hopefully) grow together.

Posted in family, love, present moment, serenity 3 Comments »

The difference between internal conflict and a sense of balance is acceptance. There was a time when I felt torn, conflicted and overwhelmed by the difference between my Yins and my Yangs. I was on an emotional roller coaster, as I struggled to get rid of my less desirable qualities, in favor of that image I had of my “best self”. Today I feel balanced, serene and at peace, even though nothing about my circumstances or me has changed–except my perspective. Now I am able to accept that both sides of me are, in fact, a vital part of my best self.

Posted in acceptance, balance, present moment, serenity Comments Off

I found this little youngling in my garden today. Right now she’s just a bulb and a couple of small leaves, some of them crinkled by untimely frost. She sits among a pile of withered grass, and brittle branches from autumns past.

But I can’t help wonder if this “young lady” knows that she is the most beautiful iris in my garden?

Everything needed to produce that perfect flower is already there. With the proper conditions: warmth, rain, nutrients, and patience, she will soon show us just how magnificent she truly is.

I know this, because I was fortunate enough to be around to witness the last life cycle for this bulb–but does she know it?

Posted in acceptance, balance, present moment, serenity 13 Comments »