The smell of fresh yellow lilies lingering deliciously in my suite has remained with me until today, even though the flowers themselves have faded and wilted. They were a gift from a student of mine and it was one of the loveliest birthday presents I have ever received. Flowers are such a marvelous creation—so lovely to see, to touch, to smell. There were moments during my stay when I just set and watched them—lots better than watching the idiot box. They remind me of people whom I consider fortunate to call friend. I am filled with joy to see them, to talk with them, and to touch them. Yet, when they are silent—like flowers they still radiate their own warmth and kindness. We can see and appreciate the beauty in this world only when we still our hearts—by doing this we filter out all the incessant noise that clogs our thinking minds during most of our waking moments. We are so caught up with work, schedules, meetings, emails, blah blah blah—the only time when we begin to appreciate all this natural beauty is when we are lying incapacitated in bed, breathing our last breaths.
I am thankful for life—and the abundance of it. Not the material things (although we need them) but the things that are just present. Each morning when I wake up and open my sleepy eyes I marvel at seeing things around my room, thanking God and the universe for the sense of sight. Thanking my ophthalmologist for his exceptional skills in operating on my cataracts. Being so grateful that I can still move my ten fingers and toes (I need the former to play the piano). The sense of touch as my feet establish contact with the floor—and on and on. Blessings are all around us if we would only stop to look and wonder in amazement and gratitude.
I have learnt so much about this glorious present or Now after reading Eckhart Tolle’s The Power of Now, A New Earth, and Stillness Speaks. I was really too caught up with the problems and the noise of this world until the essence of these books became etched in my mind. I can’t quite remember but one day I just decided to order them—and I haven’t regretted it. Of course they are books on spiritual enlightenment. Of course they demand that you read them through very carefully and slowly (like learning to play the piano well and not just being a kitten or monkey on the keys) The nice thing about Tolle’s books is that while they are spiritual, they are certainly not religious. Tolle quotes from the parables of Jesus, Buddha, Rumi, Zen masters, etc. but these are all interwoven with precise care into his writings. I would recommend starting out with The Power of Now first, before reading A New Earth. Stillness Speaks is comprised of very short chapters and is simply great for refreshing the soul. I’m not kidding.
Nowadays, I wake up and thank God and the universe for another wonderful day. I tell the universe, “I expect great things to come my way!” Don’t get me wrong, I’m not asking for a windfall in the lottery or stuff like that. Just remember this—blessings come in so many shapes and forms. It could be the smile from a friend, or even a stranger. A check in the mail (thank you, PayPal, for giving me a full refund…yay!) Driving through a whole row of green lights. Finding the perfect parking spot. Reaching home just as the heavens start to pour. Getting a Facebook compliment. Opening the door for someone. Listening to your favorite song. Saying thank you. Getting a cheery text message from someone you love. Etcetera, etcetera.
We all need to take time to recharge, to rejuvenate. Going for a vacation is good (my birthday vacation was superb) but even spending 15 minutes in silence at home (turn off that darn TV) or walking in the garden, contemplating and admiring nature, listening to birds singing, the sound of raindrops falling on your head (ah, Burt Bacharach). Be still—and take in the good things the universe is wanting and waiting to give you.
