Tag: reminders

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Reminded of long-forgotten memories

Of course I remember that I used to play saxophone (baritone and then alto), but it was a vague, abstract kind of remembering.

I had completely forgotten about competing at this jazz band festival, but seeing these photos brought it all back in a visceral sort of way.

It’s also interesting to remember the full context. This was my senior year but I had spent five weeks of the previous summer traveling throughout Europe with the Blue Saints Honor Jazz Band.

I’m pretty sure I was in a bit of an existential crisis being back at my small high school after having had such bigger and broader experiences.

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Wisdom from Seva

I love the powerful simplicity of these reminders written by one of Ananda’s most beloved and long term members, who passed away last year.

Love God more each day.
Focus in meditation on Master, keeping the mind from wandering.
Help others and love them with God’s love.
Trust in Master to guide your life.

Truly words to live by. Thank you, Seva. 💖

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Thoughts on sitting and being

A violinist friend from my classical music days responded to Saturday’s blog post (in which I describe enjoying some “serious R&R” time) with the following quote:

“We have a tendency to think in terms of doing and not in terms of being. We think that when we are not doing anything, we are wasting our time. But that is not true. Our time is first of all for us to be. To be what? To be alive, to be peaceful, to be joyful, to be loving. And that is what the world needs most.”
— Thich Nhat Nanh

So many of us need to read reminders like this regularly.

In fact, while I was sitting and simply staring off into space that day, I found myself remembering another quote which I love; I heard it many years ago, but have no idea who originally said it): “Sometimes I sits and thinks, and sometimes I just sits.”

Bottom line is we need to spend more and more of our time remembering that “Spirit is the journey; the body is the bus.” And that we’re human beings not human doings.

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Coming into focus

I can feel things beginning to settle, at least a little bit.

I finally know who’s singing for the Christmas concert, for starters. We’ve actually had one rehearsal and the music binders are mostly complete.

Key tasks and important reminders are surfacing in my consciousness, helping me feel like “Oh yeah, I can do this!”

I just hope this flow continues and that the feeling lasts throughout the holiday season!

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Having a hard day

The one I resonate with the most right now?

“The only way out is through. DARN IT.”

I kind of hate that right now and yet it totally makes me laugh! 😂