Wishcasting Wednesday

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What do you wish to share?

My light. I am learning bit by bit how important it is to be my true self, to offer that, to show up with an open heart. Chogyam Trungpa said that “Compassion is not having any hesitation to reflect your light on things.” I was reminded of this while at the store this morning. There was the sweetest man in line behind me, saying hello to everyone, helping arrange things on the counter, asking me about the things I was buying (“someone does a lot of writing, yeah?”–colored pens, I was buying birthday presents for my nieces), making things lighter for all of us with his kindness, so simple and yet so important, and not fake, not forced or pushy–you could tell he couldn’t help being nice, it was just his nature. Being genuine, trusting our kindness and our heart, following our basic wisdom and doing what is right and natural is what allows us to offer the precious gift we are to the world.

Do you cringe when I suggest that we are precious gifts, dear reader? I know, I do a bit too, think “who am I to say that about myself?” but I more often than not believe it, am trying. I believe it about you 100%.

We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory…that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others. ~Marianne Williamson.

My joy. Just like the man at the store, I know that the more often I can share my sense of wonder, my happiness, my curiosity and amazement, the better. Joy seems to be contagious.

My gratitude. The same as joy, sharing this sends out waves of kindness. Every time I write an open love letter or say thank you, hearts soften and suffering eases. Telling someone thank you reminds them of their worth, and we all need that from time to time. From that sense of worth, they do better, they say thank you, sharing their gratitude, and the good continues to ripple out and grow.

My wealth. I don’t mean just money. I mean the abundance that is my life. The time I give, the help I offer, the happiness I spread. Whatever I can generate or have that is of use, especially the places where I have excess, so much more than I need, I want to share. I wish to be able to feel full enough, safe enough that I can easily let go and share.

My practices. Writing/reading, walking/hiking, dog, yoga, meditation, art, and love have all been of such benefit to me, and I want to share these practices with others who might find them similarly helpful.

My love. There is always enough to share, and I’m happy to give it all away.

My story. I just know in my gut that there are others out there, struggling like I have, who need a kind word, a gentle conversation, a deep sigh and a good laugh, who need some relief and some support, who could be helped by what I have learned, and it’s my deepest wish to share that with them, to help, to ease their suffering as much as I can.

Three Truths and One Wish

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1. Truth: Vacation gives you an important break from your regular life. Especially if you go somewhere, anywhere. You don’t have to mow the lawn or go to work. You can ignore your email and the phone. You can get up when you want, take a nap when you want, eat when and what you want. Spend all day in your pajamas reading a book, or go for the longest walk, find someplace beautiful and quiet and stay there. You can relax and slow down, rest or play.

2. Truth: Taking a break will give you new perspective on your regular life. If you take a long enough break, everything will feel new and strange upon return. Has the trash always been on the left side? How long has it been since I really saw that picture? You might find yourself wandering the aisle of your favorite grocery store in amazement. You realize how fast your internet truly is, how comfortable your bed, how lucky you are to be able to recycle and compost. You remember what’s important, and know for sure that if that specific chore doesn’t get finished today, no one is going to die, and that you can get by and be happy with so much less.

3. Truth: In the first moments, those initial days after your return, there is a magic opportunity for transformation. You have remembered that you can be or do anything you want, remembered who you truly are without all the trying and obligation, and that you are already fundamentally f r e e. Your regular life will stretch out before you like the gift it is, and you’ll barely be able to contain your joy because you know that anything is possible.

One Wish: That you give yourself this gift of vacation, retreat, reflection and rest, even if you can only manage it for a single day. That through this you remember that you are basically good, fundamentally wise and kind, and that you have the power to change things.