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Goodness

In a city of concrete and cars, I walk far too few steps on the padded ground of fallen leaves.  Yesterday I went on a perfect fall adventure to the outskirts of Washington, where the trees are turning and the wine is flowing in Virginia's rolling countryside.  We hiked along a quiet river, ate fried chicken and cupcakes, drank wine, and discussed everything from the war on climate change to the merits (errr, demerits) of people who look curiously similar to one another.  I of course have opinions on both, but no need to go into those here.

We were 16 friends in a forest with no agenda but to enjoy one another and the quiet energy of the natural world.  And of course to celebrate the birthdays of three particularly awesome ladies.


As the woods and river refueled me, I was likewise cognizant of the transmission of easy joy emanating from our group.  Lacking a better term, it was pure goodness.  Goodness that runs deeps through the Being of each person, displayed not by intention but by default, and reinforced by the echoes of a similar spirits.

It reminds me of the Sufi and Buddhist belief that there is no "Self" or individual soul, but that we are all connected to a greater Soul.  Each of us is a manifestation of that Soul, so long as we choose to recognize and harness it.  Yesterday in the woods and vineyard, I felt that connection through these friends.  As one [new but treasured] friend put it, we are all part of the same tribe.

The Sufi mystic Pir-o-Murshid-Inayat-Khan said this:
True happiness is in love, which is the stream that springs from one's soul. He who will allow this stream to run continually in all conditions of life, in all situations, however difficult, will have a happiness which truly belongs to him.
Ignoring the urge to hum that song "Some say looooove is live a riiiiver..." I have to admit that I like the idea of love as a stream.  Rushing water does not stop; it only needs a place to go.  The destination does not have to be [should not be?] just one person, but instead the community that supports you; and while you're at it, why not send that stream to the universe at large.  Happiness is mine because I love you all!

Yay, the end.
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  1. UnknownNovember 8, 2010 at 10:39 AM

    All you need is Love....its a little more complicated when one tries to explain it, but it is the bedrock of peace and happiness.

    Thanks for being you and letting us in on your thoughts.
    Karen

    ReplyDelete

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