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A Pluff Mud Hug

New Year's Eve, 2010

It is the last day of a long year, equal parts glory and disaster. An even draw between Good (great) and Bad (terrible). Truth is, I had a feeling from Day One--364 sunsets ago--that it would be a Good Year. Sure, Team Bad got a few hits in. In fact, they straight up schooled me on several occasions. But turns out I'm still an optimist. Even in hindsight.

So here we are on this 365th day, just before sunset. Six wise women sit around a wooden table on a porch at a house in the middle of a marsh. The light is that special December grade of bright that makes everything sparkle. As if Mr. Clean has just whipped through this corner of God's creation and winked at us.

There's so much goodness in the air, I suddenly get the feeling that if the marsh had arms, it would reach out and hug me. Wrapped in soft grasses, pluff mud, and maybe a couple of oysters for good measure. I wouldn't mind. I love you too, Marsh.

After my mental pluff mud hug, I return to the conversation at hand, which pertains to Buddhist tarot cards (naturally). I've been longing for some prophesying recently. Shoulda known it would happen around this wooden table (with these ladies, no less). One by one, the cards are drawn (note: they are not dealt), and each wise woman takes her 'self' in.

Frankly, I think the cards misread some of my porch companions; but as for me, well, my message arrived right on time. An affirmation, reminder and challenge for the year ahead. Here is the Zen commentary that accompanied my card, 'the Source:'

When we speak of being 'grounded' or 'centered' it is this Source we are talking about. When we begin a creative project, it is this Source that we tune to. This card reminds us that there is a vast reservoir of of energy available to us. And that we tap into it not by thinking and planning but by getting grounded, centered, silent enough to be in contact with the Source. It is within each of us, like a personal, individual sun giving us life and nourishment. Pure energy, pulsating, available, it is ready to give us anything we need to accomplish something, and ready to welcome us back home when we want rest. So whether you are beginning something new and need inspiration right now, or you've just finished something and want to rest, go to the Source. It's always waiting for you, and you don't have to step out of your house to find it.

Ladies and gentlemen, I may be the first ever evangelical Buddhist/Episcopalian...but can I get an AMEN?! Yes, friends! The source is where it's AT!

So here's to 2011, celebrating the Good, learning from the Bad, and staying plugged into the Source at every moment in between.


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