Blossom into Peace...

In a recent Green Mountain Monastery news letter Sr. Gail and Sr. Bernadette were sharing about a workshop experience entitled "Living Ahimsa-The Power of Peace". "A-Him-Sa is a Sanskrit word which means, "absence of the desire to hurt". Their Vedic teacher, Mother Maya is going around the world urging the human community to take this vow in a collective effort to heal and transform systems of power from the inside out.

Sr. Gayle also said, "In a time when we are experiencing the "disappearance of the subject" at so many levels,  taking the vow of Ahimsa is an immediate and deeply personal way to link us to an emerging consciousness that recognizes Earth and all beings as a "Communion of Subjects" not a collection of objects.

We have taken the vow of Ahimsa ourselves and have invited others to do the same using the following words:

I take the vow of Ahimsa. I make inner harmony my first priority I take the vow of Ahimsa in my thoughts, speech and actions.

Sr. Gayle and Bernadette invite each one of us to join them in taking this vow. If you choose to do so you can let them know by sending an e-mail to greenmountainmonastery@together.net

I have chosen to take this vow and pray that "together" we can become a "Communion of Subjects"

What is your dream for our World?

beautifulfreepictures.com
As we ponder our dream for our world, let's first and foremost choose to know that it is possible!  We first have to choose it.. and then act on it.. moment by moment.. step by step. 

For me, understanding  and honoring our place in the Web Of Life.. is primary. I want our children to know the beauty of a sunset, the joy of playing in crystal clean waters, the ability to breathe clean fresh air.  I want our children to know the unique gifts shared by all Beings for the benefit of All Beings.  I want all Beings to have safe and healthy habitats and homes.  This is my dream.. and I don't think I am alone!

Now that I finally understand what he meant, I can't stop reminding us of Chief Seattle's words:  "What we do to Mother Earth we do to ourselves."

 Let's give ourselves and our world family what will bring us "Fullness of Life, joy and peace". 
 And before we say...it will never happen.. let's say: Yes.. We.. Can.. with each of our thoughts, words and actions!

Vibrant color..

beautifulfreepictures.com

On a gray day I needed to see this rich and deep color.  I love the gentle presence of each drop of dew!  Gray days are good reminders of the power of color in the Web of Life.

Who decides?

I have mixed feelings about what this image shows!  Giraffe seems content..but..would she/he rather be in a different space?  With such long legs and his/her slender neck..wouldn't she/he rather be in a wide open space to run freely and pick food from tall tree branches?

Space is a critical issue for so many..and for many the decisions about their space are out of their hands!

A zoo can bring much joy and awareness of many unique creatures...but...if the beings in the zoo had a choice, would they choose the often tight closed in spaces they are given? 
Years ago as I was preparing for a study trip to Mexico, with other Sisters of Mercy, to explore how local and global issues are connected, we were presented with this question:  "Who decides, Who gets, How much, Of what?  

I think that question is as valid today as it was then not only with regard to those who are made poor in the human family but for all of our sisters and brothers in the natural world who can not speak on their own behalf.
"Do unto others as you want done unto you"...does this not include the issue of space, dwelling and habitat for those who give their lives for our needs on a daily basis?

Taste and See...

"Taste and  See the goodness of our God"

How many times I have heard those words in my life.  Yesterday at a day of prayer I heard them again in a whole new way.. Taste.. and See.. every day we have the opportunity to do both..but do we?

Look at the beauty of this fruit.. the design, the shading..the inner pattern created by the core and seeds,
the rich deep color and the sparkle created by light on juice..!  Smell the aroma!  Thank you orange for giving us the best of you!

Each day as we are tasting all the gifts that are given to us;  Each day as we see sun, sky, clouds, children, puppies, oranges.. and are reminded once more of all  that is given to us.

Will we choose to really taste..? Will we choose to really see.?