Gift of Tranquility

One by one,

Branch to branch,

Leaves topple.

ZigZag

Through motionless October,

Struggle,

Founder –

Golden Birds

With broken wings

-by Melville Cane 1879-1980

*The snow sparkled with tender ease as if to invite the very existence of happiness. The atmosphere of heavy silence let peace linger in every space and crevice, while the trees preached of freedom. Everything was free to move, yet freedom was the pleasure of stillness. All lay peacefully and undisturbed in never-ending tranquility – with love in their hearts. All alone in the world, yet friends close at hand.

The scene moved my soul and let ‘hard reality’ drift by. The contentment cleansed my being of all impurities no-matter how large or small. Slowly, very slowly, I began to feel natural.

I wanted to run and run, kissing every snowflake and tree as I passed – thanking each one for being what they are. For living as they do and teaching me the facts of life. The beauty life has to offer and the gift of no knowledge beyond happiness.

Deep inside I felt a stirring – something I’d never felt before. Something beautiful and unique. I started to wonder how they grow. How all nature’s children of the forest and fields alike live – how great it would be to discover the secret… The secret of life! *

Then, I stopped all concentration and again let all problems dissolve, like meringue on my tongue - for the thought itself tastes good! I sat and relished it, drinking in the beauty! To describe it, can I? Oh God, I will try – but it’s impossible. Words don’t do it justice. It is much too beautiful for words. But it is something to share. I will try.

P-l-e-a-s-e listen… *The snow sparkled with tender ease…*

-by Sylvia Lada 2-11-1972

Quiet tranquility

Motionless Water

Sun awakening

Tiny breeze

Greeting dawn

Spring assenting

Winter remnants

Search shore

Tinkle gently

Shards of ice

Build crescendo

Magnificent Melody

“There’s a Zen story in which a man is enjoying himself on a river at dusk. He sees another boat coming down the river toward him. At first it seems so nice to him that someone else is also enjoying the river on a nice summer evening. Then he realizes that the boat is coming right toward him, faster and faster. He begins to get upset and starts to yell, “Hey, hey watch out! For Pete’s sake, turn aside!” But the boat just comes faster and faster, right toward him. By this time he’s standing up in his boat, screaming and shaking his fist, and then the boat smashes right into him. He sees that it’s an empty boat.

This is the classic story of our whole life situation.”

-by Pema Chodron, “Start Where You Are”

True tranquility is like the butterfly

The more you pursue it,

The more it will elude you.

But if you are patient, and still

It will come softly

To land on your shoulder

"Don't disturb the ladybug,
   Sleeping by the spider's web
And if you see a butterfly,
   Don't try to catch it in your net.

It's taken such a long, long time
   To make this very special place
Open up your soul and mind,
   To all it has to say...

Be still... take it in awhile
Feel the sunshine -

     warm upon your face.

You'll see... when it makes you smile
That you're welcome -

  to the human race."

- Captain & Tenille