Movement and Chaos

“In the midst of movement and chaos keep stillness inside of you.”
―Deepak Chopra
The wondrous thing about the human condition is our ability to be conscious of the stark uncertainties of our existence while not having to be controlled by our fear of them.
It’s worth noting that the phrase, “Do not be afraid,” is written 365 times in the bible. Although I’m not one to quote scripture, apparently someone counted them all up. God, whomever they or it is, wants us to know there’s no reason to be afraid every single day of the year. And yet, the religious and proud among us so often act in the absence of humility, with no care for forgiveness, equanimity, or justice.
A beautiful teacher of mine advised not to go running off in the wake of just any leader. “There is one thing a teacher must be,” she said, “it doesn’t matter what path they follow. What matters is that your teacher is kind. Kindness is everything.”
We cannot grow or thrive while immersed in the false trinity of shame, control, and judgment. Our hope resides in our too often dormant ability to recognize and celebrate the inherent beauty within ourselves and each other.
I’ve learned and become wiser through the teachings of Christians, Buddhists, Jews, Agnostics, Indigenous Elders, Muslims, Atheists, Vedics, and most of all from the many feathered and furry four-footeds whose impressions have found their way to this website.
I am fabulously flawed, inherently idiosyncratic, and subject to mistaken conclusions – just like you. Where there is acceptance and kindness, there is healing, wisdom, and the salve of stillness. Religion can be a beautiful container for a way of life that keeps us on the path of love and awakening, but always, always trust your own wise heart. It will never lead you astray in the midst of life’s never-ending chaos.
Do not be afraid, follow the movement of your own good heart.
Photo Credits: Cloud of Blackbirds by Susan J. Preston, Bosque del Apache, NM © 2019, all rights reserved
Technical: Fuji XT-3 | 400mm (XF 100-400MM F4.5-5.6 R ML OIS WR) | 1/800 | F5.6 | ISO 500
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