Author: themillethouse

Returning to Center

themillethouse

by Kim de Beus

We hear the encouragement “live from the inside, the center.” Yes, it sounds wonderful, and even resonates with my Being, but in the reality of life living from the center can get lost in translation. With this in mind I actually had the experience of seeing centered-living happen right before my eyes in a most unlikely event.

I took my horse into the round pen to work him. There he was trotting round and round, stretching muscles and kicking up a bit of dust. After a few laps at trot I asked him for more energy, encouraged him to pick up the pace and then it happened, he began to cantor and there before my eyes I saw a transformed horse. His form became an exquisite expression of natural beauty, a magnificent beast with head and tail held high and elongated, beautiful leg placement moving at a hypnotic pace.

As I watched I could also sense there was something more going on. I realized then that what was actually informing the exterior beauty was his internal Spirit and while the external form was lovely you could sense the inner wellspring of life flowing out of him. That moment was a beautiful experience of life, of knowing, and all that was needed seemed simple; the freedom to allow the internal light inform every movement and attitude.

A wonderful lesson encouraging me to return to center, over and over, as many times as it takes, thus strengthening my freedom, which allows my internal light to inform the external world around me with life.

 

When is Enough, Enough?

themillethouse

Israel - 5th Century Mosaic

Image: 5th century mosaic from the Church of the Multiplication of the Loaves and Fishes in Tabgha, Israel

I recently had the privilege of participating in a pilgrimage to Israel. Our journey began on the Sea of Galilee with visits to various holy sites, one being the Church of the Multiplication of the Loaves and Fishes in Tabgha, believed to be the place where Jesus fed 5000 followers with five loaves and two fish. I found myself reflecting on what this might have been like for those feeling compelled to hear Jesus, and how their hunger for something they could not define kept them long enough to feel a gnawing in their belly, but so transfixed they could not leave for the nearest McDonald’s.

One thought kept surfacing during my quiet times – when is enough, enough? What does enough feel like? I sat with this long enough to find myself connecting with the hunger I was feeling, hunger in my body and hunger in my soul. The following is the answer I received. I share this with you as an invitation to ask yourself – when is enough, enough.

I Am the Banquet of Your Life

I have spread before you all things essential for your wellbeing. Each course contains all the ingredients you need to prepare a meal that will nourish you and others.

The morning meal breaks the fast of night and is a welcoming time of mutual love.

At noon I ask you to pause, take time to reflect on the morning and prepare for the rest of the day. Through you, I touch the lives of all you turn your attention to.

At the end of the day, I call you to step away from all the sensations of the day. Leave them with me, knowing I will hold them in my loving care, as I hold you. Take off the day and put on relaxation. Take time outdoors and notice how I have prepared a sensual feast for your pleasure.

As you prepare for your night’s rest, may your last awareness be of gratitude, for I am grateful for you my child.

Continue to seek me with the banquet of your love, all your days and nights, for I am in you, delighting in you, loving you, and calling you to a deeper relationship with me.

Do not be afraid of what the future holds, for I am there, as I am here, preparing the banquet of your life.
Joyce Vidal-Thornburg, July 2018