Readings by Jody

"Before enlightenment; chop wood, carry water. After enlightenment; chop wood, carry water." ~ Zen Proverb

The Enso (Zen) circle.Enlightenment, strength, elegance, the Universe, the void…an expression of the moment…and a symbol of when the mind is free to let the body and spirit create.This has become a part of me, quite literally.And this has become a part of my being.  Perhaps it always has been…I'm drawn in by the word enlightenment.  What does that mean?  Really…mean.

"Enlightenment is the understanding that this is all, that this is perfect, that this is it. Enlightenment is not an achievement, it is an understanding that there is nothing to achieve, nowhere to go." ~ Osho

Back to that idea of what this means…to me.Awareness.  Awareness of the soul, of a deeper part of who we are.  The light.  The dark.   And I see this all as part of the journey.  Perhaps that's a journey inward first, a journey into the depths of who we are…who we really are.  Have you traveled there?  Is this a place you want to go?  In moments of conscious stillness, we can travel that inward journey.  In traveling down this path, we open ourselves to what is…what is us.We are.In this very moment, this one in which you are reading these words…this is it.  This is your life.  Just as this is my life, in this moment, as I type these words.  And this is perfect.Is this what you desire?Back down that inward path again…What are you creating?  In you.Our life is now.  And like the Zen circle created by a single brush stroke, our life is the brush stroke we create, in this moment.  Perfectly imperfect.  Imperfectly perfect.  No two moments completely alike.Back to the journey…It is one we all continue on.  Are you conscious of the path you are traveling?The Zen circle, to me, represents the moments of my life.  This is a path I choose to consciously travel down…continually seeking a deeper understanding of enlightenment, grace, and strength in my life.  Some days I soar.  Some days I fall.  And all are good and perfect…

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Note: The Zen circle above was created by a wonderful friend here at the Jungle of Life…Lori, from Jane be Nimble.  Lori, many thanks of gratitude to you, for the inspiration you bring to this world.