Children Play

Recently, I was watching a YouTube presentation in which Osho, a spiritual teacher (1931 – 1990) shared some of his enlightening statements about life. Although Osho’s lifestyle and political beliefs were controversial, I believe that he, nevertheless, shared Truth. The subject of this article relates to the following short statement he made:

Adults play games; children play.”

I’m sure that many of you, if not all, will have intuited the point that caught my attention. It relates to the habitual unconscious need of persons (particularly in Western-style, driven societies) to be forever doing. Day after day after day we strive. We do; we go; we plan. The tragic issue, ignored by most, is that will all of our doing, we are never done. We are like spiders spinning webs in which we, ourselves, are caught by our nature. We become the prey of our own lives.

The point that Osho presented was that children, those glorious beacons who still shine with inner knowledge, still remember what it’s like to play for no sake other than to play. For them, the play isn’t the main point–it’s the only point! Conversely, our pseudo-wise adults almost always have some other goal in mind; which paradoxically robs us of the real prize.

It’s not too late: The spiritual child that is our true identity is waiting to be rediscovered. It is forever young; eternal, immortal. Given an opportunity it can still urge us to sing, to dance, to play. We own our Spirit that chance; for it has sustained us through the best of times and the worst of times. We may allow ourselves to take a break; watch a sunrise; sing for no other reason than to sing. What’s the best that could happen? We might step out of our tedious habits and into the glory of the present moment. We’ll close this article with the following lines from Osho:

Just be, total, alone in your absolute purity.

This is enlightenment.”

Dare to dream (and care for one another).

With heartfelt regards,

Art

Copyright © – 2020 – R. Arthur Russell

P.S. Please share this article if you enjoyed it. If you’d like to view my latest book (This Taste of Flesh and Bones), press here. My YouTube videos can be found at Think2wice@I-Am-Aware. May the content of either or both help you along your spiritual journey. Thank You” & “Note to Publishers 🙏🏻🧡

Into The Desert

I raise my hand and gesture to my friend (all of you) with a beckoning wave. “Come with me, my friend; we’re going to journey into the desert. There will be no turning back until we discover profound Truth. We’re going to leave everything behind, including water. On this journey into barrenness, we will have no need for canteens.”

Incredulous, my friend says, “But, surely we shall perish if we dare to travel into the desert heat without water.”

I look at my friend with utter compassion. His concern is understandable, given whom he believes himself to be. “In Truth–true knowing–there is no need for water,” I reply, “because we’re going to leave behind the person who drinks.” And so…we head into the desert:

***

Who would pretend to know what lead us into the heart of the desert. Suffering? Life circumstances? Beasts in the belly so painful that we are willing–even eager–to leave behind our person who cries in the night? Yes, no doubt. The cause may also just be what it is…when the time is right. In I Am That, Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj makes it clear that “the fruit falls from the tree when it is ripe.” If you, my friends, are ripe with earnest curiosity, we’ll walk into the desert and discover our essential nature.

Personhood–what a rush! Through it we get to run and play, build companies, climb mountains, forge rivers, get married and have children. We may travel the world, be fighter pilots, and take motorcycle trips that span thousands of kilometers! We can choose a career and give our life in service. Conversely, we may get lost in the greedy egoic dream and take this moment-to-moment journey in “time and space” as real–too real. If this be the case, our journey into personhood–the little Jane or John Doe that the majority of individuals still believe themselves to be–can be incredibly challenging. At such a point, we may need to travel within–to the heart of the desert–and rediscover our essential nature.

***

During our journey into the desert, my friend learned–directly–that the realness of this world is but a shimmering desert mirage. Every sandy step was a walking meditation into the stillness of our Being. He recognized (Latin: to know again) that What is truly Real is the transcendent place from whence we came. And when we emerged from the desert, walking together as spiritual children of God, we carried that knowing with us. We truly are in this world but not of it.

Dare to dream (and care for one another).

With heartfelt regards,

Art

Copyright © – 2020 – R. Arthur Russell

P.S. Please share this article if you enjoyed it. If you’d like to view my latest book (This Taste of Flesh and Bones), press here. My YouTube videos can be found at Think2wice@I-Am-Aware. May the content of either or both help you along your spiritual journey. Thank You” & “Note to Publishers 🙏🏻🧡

All Our Petty Differences

How fervently humans hold their petty grudges, the offences we’ve deemed so important. How proudly we recount them through spiteful speech, like badges of woes pinned sharply to our lapel. How tightly we clutch to our “he-did-this” or “she-did-that” stories against us. I, too, have been guilty as charged. With that in mind, we’ll begin this article with a line from a book that a fellow blogger suggested that I might enjoy:

We differ from others

–from criminals, for example–

only in what we do or don’t do, not in what we are.”

Awareness. by Anthony De Mello

Do those words, and the power within them, not strike us in the breastbone of our Being? Is Mr. or Mrs. Ego staggering from the punch? This short line begs us to ask the following: “How am I seeing?” Am I seeing with understanding born of the heart–from Truth, or am I seeing through the eyes of the petty little ego; the guy or gal who’s often so quick to judge; or reluctant or, perhaps unwilling, to forgive?

It’s been stated that individuals who hurt us personally, or collectively in society, are actually the ones most in need of love. This is perfectly logical. Why? Because such individuals are so far removed from their own knowing of love for themselves. For what other reason would they hate as much? How can we possibly give to another that which we, ourselves, don’t possess? We must also remember to extend the same loving forgiveness to our own “self;” for until we do, the healing is not complete.

All waves are identical in nature as the One Ocean in which they are immersed. How could they ever truly be different? Each wave undoubtedly expresses itself differently in form–peaking here, like a saint; or crashing there, like a sinner; but each and every one is made of Ocean. We are THAT. When we see with the love of One Heart, we will know how to truly look upon this world and, thereby, raise It.

Dare to dream (and care for one another).

With deep love,

Art

Copyright © – 2020 – R. Arthur Russell

P.S. Please share this article if you enjoyed it. If you’d like to view my latest book (This Taste of Flesh and Bones), press here. My YouTube videos can be found at Think2wice@I-Am-Aware. May the content of either or both help you along your spiritual journey. Thank You” & “Note to Publishers 🙏🏻🧡

The Intersection of All That Is

Everyone with even a slight interest in the subject of spirituality will have heard our essential nature described as being here and now. Another term for That which is indefinable is Being. Much to our amazement, spiritual teachers inform us that all that truly exists–despite the finite mind’s adamant protest of “I have a past and a future!”–is here…now. To this transcendent intersection, I dedicate this article.

If we believe (as the majority of persons do) that the totality of our identity when we apparently awaken in the morning is our wonderful human body and mind, we have not yet knowingly recognized the hidden glory that is forever present at the Intersection of our Being. This is the dimensionless crossroads that is the alpha and omega of everything that is, was, and will be. I call it God. In truth, any word used to describe “It” will always fall short; for words are only representations for that to which they refer. Due to the limitations of our human mind, we cannot truthfully describe the Holiest of Holy. No matter how many times we utter the word “water,” the definition of it will never quench our thirst. The good news is that we are–already–an aspect of that Sacred Intersection which cannot be pointed to on a map or located physically.

What’s actually occurring at the intersection of here and now? The answer to that question involves the most mysterious paradox. Here and now, the Infinite Source of our Being is expressing Itself in, through, and as the finite forms of everyone and everything. Without The Infinite, our human body-minds could not apparently exist; and without us, Infinite Source would not have agents of consciousness through which to express Its works. This is the intersection–where the finite meets Infinite–to which this article refers. The following is unbeknownst to the majority: Wherever we are, we are treading upon Holy ground. We’ve long been told that our bodies are temples of a Living God; and those who’ve shared this truth weren’t kidding.

How do we locate this placeless intersection? That, in itself, requires deeper inquiry; for the intersection of our essential nature cannot be discovered in or through a physical or mental process. We’re informed of this through Luke 17:21: “Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.” This is another way of telling us that if we search for the glorious intersection of our Being through the senses…we seek in vain. All is not lost, however; for we are also told the following, in Psalm 46:10: “Be still, and know that I am God.” The message can be informally expressed as this: relax, sit a spell, take a stroll in nature, meditate. The deeper dimension of our being can easily be discovered when we slow down and stop all of our doing–at least temporarily–and just be. There, in the gap between our thoughts, we may realize our true identity–AWARENESS. It shines self luminous like the sun.

What can be gained by discovering this intersection? A lot, not the least of which is the end of suffering. Suffering in all of its forms–either physical or mental–belongs to the false “i” that has been robbing our life of the natural joy that is our birthright. The false self with whom most people “i”-dentity is a conceptual self rendered by mind; our True Self is prior to mind. When we experientially arrive at the intersection of all that is, we realize a dimension of ourselves that is almost always overshadowed by our false self–the little guy or gal with all the problems. Through discovery of the Self which is the true Being of all selves, we realize that all of our fears and concerns do not belong to us. Why? Because we never were that false self; such only appeared to be the case.

When we discover the intersection of all that is, we can clearly see the insanity of attempting to live solely for the sake of pleasing the little “i.” The ego will never be satisfied. Through clear discernment into our essential nature, we can align with our true purpose–which is spirit based–and bring forth the ideals that we were intended to express for the good of all. To do so is to live abundantly and joyfully. And that’s what makes discovering the intersection of all that is so worthwhile.

Dare to dream (and care for one another).

With heartfelt regards,

Art

Copyright © – 2020 – R. Arthur Russell

P.S. Please share this article if you enjoyed it. If you’d like to view my latest book (This Taste of Flesh and Bones–released September 8, 2020), press here. May it help you in your spiritual journey. 🙏🙏

Thank You” & “Note to Publishers

The Power of Attention

There’s a common misconception associated with the Law of Attraction, which may be expressed thus: When I get this or achieve that, I will be happy. Due to this ill-conceived belief, many individuals spend their entire life striving to reach goals which–if and when achieved–bring little more than momentary happiness. When such occurs, most dreamers automatically reach for an even grander goal, in the futile hope that it will yield the happiness they seek. The error is believing that an object, achievement, or even a person can be the source of true joy.

How, then, can we experience the joy we desire? If objects, achievement, and persons can’t yield the happiness we desire, what can? The true answer: Our essential nature, which is joy, itself. There, in the transcendent beauty of Self, we may know firsthand the joy that’s already ours. If it has eluded us thus far, it’s only because we’ve been searching in the wrong direction–outward instead of inward. Toward this truth, I offer a quote by Paulo Coelho for contemplation:

You can become blind by seeing each day as a similar one. Each day is a different one, each day brings a miracle of its own. It’s just a matter of paying attention to this miracle.”

Attention is like a flashlight that we direct. Through it, we’re able to shine the light of consciousness in whatever direction we desire. We can shine it there–on war, famine, politics gone wrong, and crimes against humanity; or we can shine it here–on love, family, friends, food in our belly, and a roof over our head. What an amazing power we possess! In any given moment, we may direct our attention to whatever we choose. If we live consciously, the choice is ours.

Does this mean we must toss our dreams aside and leave them in the dust? Not at all. We may still proceed with our dreams–the new house or car, the great career, world travel, the loving relationship–but with a wise approach. The problem of dissatisfaction only arises when we mistake our dreams as the source of our happiness–not a complement to it! When we live the wiser way, we’re going to discover a mysterious paradox:

It’s when we’re most joyful within, that we manifest most successfully without.

Our joy is neither a million dollars away, nor the highest mountain climbed away. It’s neither a mansion away, nor a perfect lover away. It’s not a sports car away, a rich stock portfolio away, or a great travel destination away. Our joy is here, in this very moment–todayAnd the key that unlocks it to experience is gratitude. By centering our mind in the peace of the present moment, we will be surprised at what we discover. With the aim of discovering your inner joy, please contemplate the following list with a grateful heart:

  • A breath exhaled slowly, followed by the miracle of another breath inhaled.
  • The warmth of summer sun on our back.
  • A hug from–or given to–a loved one; or the memory of such.
  • The first sip of coffee in the morning.
  • A barefoot walk across carpet or a sandy beach.
  • Bread and butter, for what it signifies: we have food.
  • Eyes closed, and then opened to reveal the miracle of sight.
  • The smell of crisp clean air.
  • Beethoven’s glorious “Ode to Joy,” or even more sublime, the words “I love you.”
  • A drink of cool water…and thirst quenched.

The doorway to our transcendent state of joy cannot be found in the future; it cannot be entered tomorrow or next week or next year. The threshold to our joy is here, in the ever-present, eternal Now. The moments of our life come but once, bearing gifts both big and small. The question is, Will we receive the best this life can offer by using our attention wisely?

Dare to dream (and care for one another).

With heartfelt regards,

Art

Copyright © – 2020 – R. Arthur Russell

P.S. Please share this article if you enjoyed it. If you’d like to view my latest book (This Taste of Flesh and Bones), press here. My YouTube videos can be found at Think2wice@I-Am-Aware. May the content of either or both help you along your spiritual journey. Thank You” & “Note to Publishers 🙏🏻🧡

My Sky is Blue

Chances are that most of us have heard the following question: What colour is the sky in your world? And chances are that whoever asked it (perhaps with a roll of the eyes) was implying that someone else was living in a delusional bubble for being happy and optimistic in the face of a negative reality. Whatever the reason, the expression usually carries a negative connotation.

I mention the question above to remind, or perhaps inform, that everyone’s experience of life is unique. It’s also important to understand that we attract experiences according to the habitual way we think and feel. Therefore, feeling good not only benefits us in the present moment but also sets the stage for future success. The fact is that the reality we experience can be very good even when everyone around us claims that the world is falling apart. This doesn’t make us foolish; quite the contrary, in fact. To be ruled by circumstance, or the predominant opinions of others, places us at the whims of the world. The opposite is true when we practice our right to govern our own perspective.

With this mindset, we may–despite hearing that we are beaten–think “I Am victorious!” With this mindset, we may–despite hearing that we look tired–think “I Am full of vitality!” With this mindset, we may–despite hearing that the state of the world is hopeless–think “goodness will triumph!” It’s this kind of optimism, combined with applied action, that actually creates a Blue Sky Reality. This doesn’t mean that we’re denying a negative situation; we’re simply choosing not to focus upon it.

Our evolution is up to us. In the same way that we challenge our muscles by lifting heavier weights, we can challenge our self growth by developing an attitude of greater kindness, courage, and optimism. Source will support our decision, whatever it may be.

This world can attempt to exert a negative effect, but it can’t without our permission. On any given day, we can see the news of terrible atrocities. We can listen to neighbours and hear them complain about politics, the weeds in their lawn, or the cost of a loaf of bread. Or, we may exercise our right to view the world through our own perspective. Through the use of deliberate focus and intention, we may turn our back to dark skies and face the light. And the next time someone asks “What colour is the sky in your world?” we may confidently and unapologetically reply My sky is blue.”

Dare to dream (and care for one another).

With heartfelt regards,

Art

Copyright © – 2020 – R. Arthur Russell

P.S. Please share this article if you enjoyed it. If you’d like to view my latest book (This Taste of Flesh and Bones), press here. My YouTube videos can be found at Think2wice@I-Am-Aware. May the content of either or both help you along your spiritual journey. Thank You” & “Note to Publishers 🙏🏻🧡

Dismantling Fences

There’s an old saying which states that “fences make good neighbours.” Although this may seem a logical way to deal with conflicts that invariably arise due to the human condition, it’s a shortsighted solution. On a larger scale, building fences–even mending fences–leaves us subject to judgmental behaviour that ignores our shared oneness. Relying on the fluctuating mentality of the masses only serves to separate us from the goodness that inherently unites us. Our only hope for lasting peace amongst neighbours and nations lies in dismantling our minds’ fences forever. Below, is an example of an event that occurred because we truly didn’t know one another:

December 1, 1955: On a bus in Montgomery, Alabama, the bus driver orders Rosa Parks and three other riders to give up their seats in the coloured section because the whites’-only section is filled. Rosa refuses to do so. As a result, she is arrested for civil disobedience and later fined ten dollars for violating segregation laws, plus an additional four dollars for court fees. A court case is launched and a bus boycott ensues for more than a year. The Supreme Court finally rules that segregation laws are unconstitutional. During this time, and for years afterward, Rosa and her family receive death threats...for standing up for rights and basic human dignities that should be–Must Be–afforded to All.

At what level do we do begin to dismantle fences? Nothing short of a spiritual approach can deliver the best results. However, there’s a common misconception that enlightenment (which may be defined as waking from the dream of apparent personhood) is something that’s done; a spiritual activity that adds a better dimension to our life and make us better persons. To be interested in matters spiritual might even be branded as being namby pamby; an interest shunned by those who have better ways to use their time. Nothing could be further from the truth.

To embark upon a spiritual quest is the bravest, and most significant, journey we will ever undertake. It’s a figurative journey that involves travelling from conditioned ignorance to the awareness of our true Self. Such is a courageous act because recognition of our essential nature involves surrendering the false self, with whom we’ve identified for the majority of our so-called personal life. Such can feel like a great loss; it requires that we surrender our pride, historical story, and every triumph that we may have held dear. In short, we realize that our personal trophies never belonged to us; for there is truly no one here to receive them.

True enlightenment is not freedom as the self; it is freedom from the self.

Until we see beyond our own mask, it’s literally impossible for us to see the true nature of “others.” Spiritual teachings may, at best, lead to more civilized and tolerant behaviour; but also create a smug piousness. The solution is to directly experience our shared oneness. When such is realized, our fences fall by their own accord.

The journey to Self, and a better world, requires that we engage a deep sense of earnest curiosity; a daringness to discover That which is beyond the egoic costume that’s masquerading as our identity. this journey holds unparalleled value; for when we discover the Truth within ourselves, we are, thus, enabled to see It shining as the glorious identity in everyone of varying class, colour, and nationality. With clear insight, we realize that persons on the opposite side of the fence are, indeed, ourselves.

Dare to dream (and care for one another).

With heartfelt regards,

Art

Copyright © – 2020 – R. Arthur Russell

P.S. Please share this article if you enjoyed it. If you’d like to view my latest book (This Taste of Flesh and Bones), press here. My YouTube videos can be found at Think2wice@I-Am-Aware. May the content of either or both help you along your spiritual journey. Thank You” & “Note to Publishers 🙏🏻🧡

Through The Times

Times change; they surely do. In fact, change is paradoxically one of the constants in this changeful realm. On a daily basis, all of us witness the perpetual changing–minute to hour; morning to evening, and year to yesteryear. We know with absolute certainty that’s what fashionable today–in science, medicine, politics, and culture–will surely go out of style. It’s just the way of expression here.

When I was a teenager, I wrote a poem about the subject of time. Curious then, as I still am, I expressed that I didn’t want to know what made the clock tick; I wanted to know what made the tick tick. I suppose I was searching for meaning in this clockwork mechanism in which we’re seemingly enmeshed.

Initially, we may be somewhat unaware of the flow of time’s river; for we, being swept along in it, barely notice its movement. From that perspective, our attention is almost always focused on objects of fancy along the riverbanks. One year, such may be a goal to achieve business success; the next year, a romantic relationship; and the following year, plans to travel the world. Change, change, change.

To the best of my knowledge and understanding, there’s only one thing (not a thing) that holds eternal value. The knowing of it, at least to me, is what makes the tick tick. Through all of the changing times and seasons of our lives, I believe the only tick that gives meaning to our lives is this: to share, express, and exemplify the qualities of our true Self, which is LOVE.

Dare to dream (and care for one another).

With heartfelt regards,

Art

Copyright © – 2020 – R. Arthur Russell

P.S. Please share this article if you enjoyed it. If you’d like to view my latest book (This Taste of Flesh and Bones), press here. My YouTube videos can be found at Think2wice@I-Am-Aware. May the content of either or both help you along your spiritual journey. Thank You” & “Note to Publishers 🙏🏻🧡

Tale of a Coffee Maker

Once upon a time, in a kingdom far far away, there lived a wealthy king. He owned many great possessions–castles, prized stallions, and land as far as the eye could see. Of all of his possessions, however, the fairest of all was his coffee maker. For years, the coffee maker had brewed countless cups of coffee to the king’s delight. He happily anticipated his first cup each and every day.

One morning, however, a pall fell over the servants working in the kitchen. Bernard, the king’s most senior servant, delivered the news: “Dear Sire,” said Bernard, “I have something of great bearing to share with thee.”

“Speak,” said the king. “What have thee to tell?”

Nervously Bernard shifted before the king. “Thy prized coffee maker, Sire; it has stopped working. A descaler symbol is present. We know not what to do.”

A grave expression fell upon the king’s face. Several moments passed in silence before he spoke. “We shall fix it. Surely there must be a way!”

“I have heard rumour,” said Bernard, “of desclaling tablets that can be added to the water to reverse the accumulation of lime.”

“Do tell,” said the king. He scratched his chin as he contemplated the situation. “Then go forthwith and fetch these descaling tablets and fixeth the problem!”

“Yes, my Sire,” said Bernard. He bowed, departed, and then mounted the king’s fastest steed. For two full days, he desperately searched the neighbouring kingdoms for the fabled tablets. After great effort–with the steed nearly dead–he located the tablets. They were as gold to him; he guarded them with his life. When he returned to the castle, he directed his fellow servants to follow the instructions carefully. Accordingly, they added one tablet to a full tank of water and cycled the mixture through the coffee maker. Eagerly Bernard waited. And waited some more. Alas, when the tank of solution had run through, the descaling symbol was still present.

The following day, the king summoned Bernard to his great chamber. “How fare thee with my prized coffee maker?”

“Dear Sire,” said Bernard with great trepidation, “I bear news that is not fair. Thy coffee maker still does not work! I fear we shall have to throw it out and get another!”

“Get another!” bellowed the king. “But I don’t desire another coffee maker! I want my coffee maker fixed, for it is the fairest in the land! Return, thee, to the kitchen and attend to the problem!”

“But, but…” stammered Bernard.

“There shall be no buts about it! Fix the problem!”

Bernard departed and conferred with the other servants. On the second attempt, they placed two descaling tablets in the water. The result was the same: the descaling symbol still remained. A great fear befell the servants, for the situation appeared hopeless. The following day, Bernard was again summoned by the king.

“How fare thee?” asked the king.

Bernard’s mournful expression told it all. “I fear, dear Sire, that the problem cannot be fixed.” He shrugged his shoulders and said, “We know not what to do.”

The king directed Bernard to sit before him. “I want you to listen well,” said the king. I have a story to tell you about my good friend Henry Ford, inventor of the automobile.”

Before he could control himself, Bernard spoke out of turn. “But, Sire,” said Bernard, obviously perplexed, “how can that be?! Henry Ford is from a future era and cannot possibly be related to this tale.”

The king’s countenance became stern; his voice gruff. “Dost thou pretend to doubt my word?” he said.

“Nay, please forgive me,” said Bernard, slumping back into his chair.

“That’s better, said the king. “Well, when my dear friend Henry Ford–who invented the assembly line and automobile–directed his engineers to design and build a V-8 engine that could be fashioned in a single casting, his engineers insisted that it couldn’t be done! They said it was impossible, but Henry decreed that it would be done! Again and again his engineers faced failure, but Henry stood his ground. Ultimately, his belief won out; and as a result his company outsold all of his competitors. I am decreeing no less a task from you. Fix my coffee maker…now! It is because we “believe” that it can be done that it “will be” done!

“Yes, my Sire,” said Bernard. He shrank away, bowing, and hastened to the kitchen.

After much deliberation with the other servants, Bernard decided that this time they would dissolve three descaling tablets in the water. He cycled the solution through the coffee maker and waited desperately, hoping for the best. This was his day to rise and shine–he must! Ten minutes passed. Twenty minutes. Thirty…until the last drop of solution had finally flowed through the king’s prized coffee maker. And…lo?

The descaling symbol had disappeared–the solution had worked! All of the servants rejoiced and there was great merriment in the kitchen. Without delay, Bernard directed a fellow servant to make the king a cup of his favourite coffee, which he delivered to the king post haste.

This time it was the king’s look that told it all. He lifted the cup of coffee from the silver tray that Bernard was holding before him. “Ahh,” said the king, as he savoured his first sip of coffee. “Now, do you see the importance of continuing to believe and persist?”

“Yes, Sire,” said Bernard. Yes, indeed.”

* * *

And of our real dreams–of improved health, greater wealth, better relationships–that add meaning to our days and hold the promise of a greater future? Hold on, hold on, hold on! Their achievement may be much closer than you realize. One more faithful attempt may make all of the difference. So often it does.

Dare to dream (and care for one another).

With heartfelt regards,

Art

Copyright © – 2020 – R. Arthur Russell

P.S. Please share this article if you enjoyed it. If you’d like to view my latest book (This Taste of Flesh and Bones–released September 8, 2020), press here. May it help you in your spiritual journey. 🙏🙏

Thank You” & “Note to Publishers

Let Your Kite Soar

Although times change, the theme of life remains more or less consistent: It challenges us to grow. We also learn the importance of focusing on solutions, rather than problems; for that upon which we focus determines what shows up in our reality. When we sow Strength, Faith, and Courage in our daily life, we eventually harvest results that reflect those attributes.

This short article is intended to offer a spark to help inspire you to keep reaching for, and attaining, your goals. With that in mind, I offer a short poem I wrote in my thirties:

Flying Kites

Once upon a grey September day,

I strolled into a park in which

A young boy was flying his kite–

So high I thought he’d surely run out of string.

Time swept me away as I watched him.

With muscles taut, and arms pumping,

He skillfully weaved his kite across the sky,

Slicing it through clouds that fell apart in its wake.

The wind was gusting like an angry billow,

But this young boy, undaunted,

Let his kite fly higher, and higher still.

He was fearless!

He reminded me

Of my lost, kite-flying days

When I’d tried to fly my kite

And failed.

My kite always seemed to catch the trees

Or slam headfirst into the ground.

When dusk was falling,

I walked to this young, gifted pilot

As he was reeling in his kite.

When I looked more closely

I could see that his kite was different

Than the kite I’d crashed so many times.

His kite was homemade, shaped somewhat like a box,

With parts that had been taped and glued and mended.

I asked the boy his name and age

And complimented him on his kite and his skill.

“Ah, heck,” replied this boy of nine,

“My kites wouldn’t fly at all last year.

I crashed six of my favourites,

But I just dragged them home,

Fixed them,

And tried again.”

We talked awhile longer,

But when we departed to go our separate ways,

I took his lesson with me.

– R. Arthur Russell –

***

Dare to dream (and care for one another).

With heartfelt regards,

Art

Copyright © – 2020 – R. Arthur Russell

P.S. Please share this article if you enjoyed it. If you’d like to view my latest book (This Taste of Flesh and Bones), press here. My YouTube videos can be found at Think2wice@I-Am-Aware. May the content of either or both help you along your spiritual journey. Thank You” & “Note to Publishers 🙏🏻🧡