Sheer Joy Sheer joy! The image is of a carefree
young girl singing to herself while engaged in her work. Happiness
rising within, and spreading out into the world! Joy comes
into the world through gentle means, but springs from a solid
innera base.The power of great joy should not be underestimated.
True joy is a beacon in the world, and though
it is indeed rare, its presence is an indication of great good
fortune, both now and in the future. How could it be otherwise?
Living a life of quiet,
self-contained joy is the height of good fortune. Eat when
you are hungry, sleep when you are sleepy, take your pleasures
as you will. In the ebb and flow of events, there are always "low tides" --
times when sweeping action is impossible or inappropriate.
When the tide is rolling in, ride the wave; but when it has
receded, collect shells.
A deep chaos abides in nature, but by carefully
responding to the rhythms and cycles of the world around, one
can find peace in the natural world. One must adjust to the
natural cycles of the season; only through flexibility and
adjustment can order and growth be maintained.
Peace produces a time of flowering and prosperity;
the wise person channels this positive energy to all parts,
to each in proper proportion, just as a farmer waters his field.
The greatest ones reveal their true strength by attracting
people of excellent ability around them, and by allowing these
key people the freedom to exercise their own judgment.
The person able to give power away to those
who can effectively exercise it, gains much more power in return.
It is important to note that peace is not a vacuum, but a balance
-- a dynamic stasis between opposing forces. In such a state,
energy is high, the way clear, and the prospects favorable.
At a time such as this, the wise person calls
upon creative power. It's important to maintain a high level
of clarity and focus in order to avoid a loss of personal power.
Keep your attention from trivia or unimportant distractions.
The sheer joy of learning and discovery, for
example, has been the source of much material progress. Accordingly,
that which brings joy into the world is a source of considerable
power. If joyousness is supported by personal stability, it
will in time wear down the stoutest barrier and win over the
hardest of hearts.
Endurance is fostered when inner constancy
is coupled with external flexibility. Long-distance runners
must adapt readily to changing conditions, while maintaining
an inner determination and strength of purpose. True endurance
is not based on rigidity, for endurance implies movement, not
immobilization. Only by adapting to change can we can we stay
in the race; but only by deepening our sense of purpose can
we develop the fortitude to win it. Completion is merely a
pause in the cycle of creation and decay, a momentary stillpoint
for the swinging pendulum of life. Though completion does imply
a kind of restful pause -- one which has been earned -- it
is not the final end, merely a rather full and harmonious phase
in the constancy of movement.
Now is not the time to engage in conflicts
or criticize others. Recharge your creative batteries by getting
back on the highway and driving smoothly and steadily. Endurance
is fostered when inner constancy is coupled with external flexibility.
Long-distance runners must adapt readily to changing conditions,
while maintaining an inner determination and strength of purpose.
True endurance is not based on rigidity, for endurance implies
movement, not immobilization.
Completion is merely a pause in the cycle
of creation and decay, a momentary stillpoint for the swinging
pendulum of life. Though completion does imply a kind of restful
pause -- one which has been earned -- it is not the final end,
merely a rather full and harmonious phase in the constancy
of movement. Advancement is represented by the forces of growth
in springtime, when new plant life pushes upward through the
earth's crust.
Constant, flexible growth is the key attribute
of a plant pushing upwards. A wise person, in harmony with
fate, is sensitive but determined. Make a sincere effort to
apply resolute effort against the pressures of life, and good
fortune will follow.
By remaining tolerant and flexible, you are
able to retain the kind of conscious innocence which fuels
growth and advancement. Will-power and self-control are necessary
to manage this growth properly, but an inner enthusiasm for
life is what nurtures it.
For more information or to schedule a coaching session, please contact Jane: (206) 802-8280, or email: jvtillman@earthlink.net
