“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing. To keep our faces toward change and behave like free spirits in the presence of fate is strength undefeatable.”
~ Helen Keller
The morning skies held alot of energy in them. I almost felt like Zeus -with his big thunderbolt – might appear out of the clouds at any second! Zeus, the strong and fearless …. Known by the Greeks as the god of justice and mercy, the protector of the weak, and the punisher of the wicked. His bird the eagle, his tree the oak.
As I think of Zeus, and the above quote by Helen Keller, which is one of my favorites, I am reminded that it takes courage, and a certain sense of fearlessness, to live a life of adventure. To pursue your dreams against all opposition, be it fate or not.
And it takes choice. This life I live, overlooking the sea, took a decision. A decision to walk away from a life in the corporate world many years ago. To walk away from a life of security. Yet was it really any more secure? Back then, it was as simple to me as buying an airline ticket, and packing up my small apartment. I’d figure the rest out when I got here. And life did work itself out. Fate maybe, in response to my brother’s unexpected passing.
I am so excited about going to hear his holiness, the Dalai Lama speak. Once again: Imagination, followed by choice. An adventure.
One gathering is a symposium entitled Change Your Mind: Change the World. Some of the planet’s most respected thought leaders will come together to discuss how neuroscience, environments, economics, and healthcare can combine to make the world a healthier, happier place. And they will be talking about how each one of us can contribute. I feel blessed to have been called to be a part of this and to share it with my young cousin and her roommate.
Another will be a talk entitled: In Praise to Dependent Origination, Lama Tsong Khapa’s poetic expression of praise to the Buddha. Dependent origination is considered to be the King of Reasonings to establish the ultimate nature of reality. It may sound pretty deep, but really, it’s the Buddha’s take on no-self and impermanence. That there is no permanent self, just a stream of being, arising from conditions. When we are in yoga, this concept becomes very clear. And very freeing.
Think about what I’ve mentioned above. Every second, I can make a choice. It does not have to be rooted in my past. It can be rooted in the now, in concert with the divine’s grand plan for me. It can be rooted in creating a better life for myself.
So watch yourself today, your stream of being. As choices come up, consider them. Be still to hear your inner voice, be courageous, and make the choice that is adventurous, and serves your purpose. Life is much more vibrant this way ♥
