'For no apparent reason'

I like simple answers.  I think most people do.  But we don’t always get simple answers in life, which can be a right pain in the rear.

Why are Mum and Dad divorced?  

Because they don’t feel they can continue to live with each other?

Why not?

Because they want different things in life and they feel they won't be able to have them while they are together.

In that case, can my little brother and I get divorced?

Eh, well no.

Why not?

Because you aren’t married.

But I don’t think we can continue to live with each other either.  And I want different things to what he wants.

Yes, but you’re not married to your little brother so it would not be possible to divorce him.

Well then, can we not live together anyway?

What’s the simple answer to that?  No?  If so, why not?  Yes?  If so, really? 

I wish we had simple answers to all questions.  

I suppose you might be wondering: What’s a ‘simple’ answer?  What’s the definition of ‘simple’?  And why is ‘simple’ attractive or desirable?

All good questions and, sadly, no simple answers!

The Free Online Dictionary offers several definitions, one of which is: 

having or composed of only one thing, element or part

When an answer is simple, it either speaks to only one part of a multifaceted whole or speaks to all of the whole equally.

Both of these may be adequate sometimes, though not always.

Any answer that satisfies a need is appealing.  An answer that does not require much or any additional information or processing than has already been expended is highly desirable.  And it is simple.

However, a short answer like Yes, No, I don’t know or Maybe, while brief and apparently simple may in fact pose, mask or invite great complexity.  

For instance,

How are you feeling?

I don’t know.

Why don’t you know?

Hmm…how does one answer that?

Or

How are you feeling?

I don’t know.

Are you feeling sad?

Maybe.

Are you feeling confused?

Maybe.

Are you feeling comfortable?

Yes.

What is one to make of that???

Or again:

Can you explain yourself?

No.

Hmm…I wonder why…

So why am I interested in simple answers?  Because I find myself asking difficult questions like

What is this feeling I’m feeling where I’m despondent for no apparent reason?

How can I get out of it?

Why does this feeling feel sweet yet melancholic?  And,

Why am I afraid of it?

‘For no apparent reason’ is the least simple of all answers, come to think of it.

Why meditate? And other realizations...

 

The composite image above is made up of two photographs that I took, one in Brisbane, the other in Melbourne. 

At various times today, in between the reading Ive been doing, I started writing what I thought might be blog posts.  But I wasn't drawn to finish them.  It's only since I've been playing with these images this evening that I felt I had something I wanted to share. 

And then there are some thoughts/reflections/insights that I've had and have been noting down.  These too I'd like to share.  The asterisked ones are those I know I've heard or read somewhere other than in my conscious mind.  Perhaps you've thought of them too.  I'd love to read your thoughts on them and other things that are on your mind, as always :)

When one door shuts, you have {Infinity-1} doors to choose to walk through to you next excitement and adventure.
 
Whatever you believe, you are right *
 
You are naturally free, limitless, powerful and abundant, nothing less.  
 
What do you want right now?  What is the next excitement, joy or delight you wish to feel?
 
Focus on what you want.  Dream bigger and bigger and bigger still.
 
You can never fail.  You have never failed.  You have merely experienced something you did not intend.  That is not failure.  That is a treasure trove of insights, understandings and opportunities for refinement.
 
You don’t have to believe everything you think. *
 
Who are you?  Who are you?  Who are you?  You are nothing short of Extraordinary, Remarkable, Magical, Undeniably Magnificent, Awesomely good.
 
The path to financial abundance is an emotional one. * Abraham of Esther and Jerry Hicks
 
You cannot convince yourself of who you are.  You can only recognize and accept it – your greatness, joy, peace, abundance and limitlessness – recognize and accept all of it.
 
Recover your attention from the limited perception you have of yourself and cast it back on infinite and eternal power, presence and possibility.
 
Hurrying is a reflection of a lack of faith, of complete knowing, that all is well and has only ever been well and will only ever be well.
 
Hurrying is a reflection of a lack of faith that the All-Power that expresses itself through you is not capable of bringing to you exactly that which you desire and at exactly when you are ready for it.
 
Here is a powerful realization – everything you do is an expression of habit, especially the habits of the mind.  
 
When you realize that most thoughts, feelings, words and actions are habits, nothing more, you will be ready to diffuse the power they seem to have on you and replace them with new habits that empower and honor you.
 
Be a god addressing other gods. * Wallace D Wattle

When old dreams die

Spring has appeared like a new mural in the street gallery.  Leaves are falling like rain and while that may seem typical of autumn, here in Brisbane, it’s what spring does.  

The dried leaves of winter have decided to reconnect with mother earth.  I just swept some up from my little courtyard.

Uncharacteristically, there’s a cold wind blustering through and it's caught many of us unawares.  It's understandable. 

You look out your cozy dwelling and delight at the new leaves almost iridescent with golden sunlight while the sky beams a remarkable blue.  But step outside and the cold wind bites you with little hesitation.  Ouch!

I’ve never felt this way about spring before but I am feeling restless.  And yes, it is about spring for even though it is new and fresh and promising, I find myself standing still with a heart full of dying dreams.  

This spring is making me feel anxious.  No, I am not blaming it at all or holding it responsible.  I’m just saying that while it is offering me so much, I feel like I’ve been turned over like the page of winter in a book of seasons.  

I’m looking strangely wistfully at this new season and smelling the stale odor of these dying dreams of mine.  Why, I wonder, a little bewildered.

I think I know.  (Oh, don’t I love the process of writing for it brings to light what can hide in the shadows of familiar thoughts!)

I think they aren’t big enough anymore.  They no longer inspire me for they do not see enough of the largeness and grandeur of my spirit.  And that being so, I am now happy to let them die peacefully.

They’ve served their purpose.  They've kept me company through winter and like perfect gentlemen, they’re departing without overstaying their welcome.  

Thank you my gorgeous dreams of winter.  Thank you for keeping me warm and dancing with me throughout that season.  Thank you for walking me home.  And thank you for leaving so gracefully.

So, here I am spring, emboldened by your vibrant colors and unexpectedly cold winds.  Your candor is not wasted on me.  I shall rise to the occasion and fill your presence with mine. 

Like you, I’ll wear my bright colors and tease the air with fresh perfumes.  Like your new birds, I’ll sing and speak with enthusiasm and boldness.  And like the jacaranda that spreads its purple flowers softly across its branches and over the ground, I’ll spread my intentions and dreams softly across the universe.