Today, like every other day, we wake up, empty
and afraid. Don’t open the door to the study
and begin reading. Take down a musical instrument.
Let the beauty we love be what we do.
There are hundreds of ways to kneel and kiss the Earth.
— Jelaluddin Rumi (translated by Coleman Barks)
Sometimes my mind gets ahead of me, thinking about this and that, wondering about plans and ideas, hopes and dreams. If I’m lucky, if I’m awake, I remember. I remember this poem by Rumi, or at least the spirit of this poem. I remember to love the mystery right now.
Even as my excellent brain makes plans, I want to sense and feel my life as it is actually happening, moment by moment. As I prepare for my Black Belt training in July, and all that it involves, I remember why I began the practice of Nia in the first place, on a rainy spring day in Portland in 1995: Joy of Movement. And I promise to bring that golden thread of Joy with me, as I venture forth into what is happening and what is to come.
2 responses so far ↓
1 Doris // Jan 24, 2008 at 9:27 pm
Hi Rachael,
Nice looking blog. I love these Rumi words and the reminder to remember what we love…
-Doris
2 Sheila C // Jan 27, 2008 at 4:13 pm
It’s snowing here today but last night was lovely. I went to the Monkfish/Faulty Intelligence concert and enjoyed it immensely. Richard is an excellent harmonica player. As I was talking to Ruth, a friend came up and asked where was Rachael? When Ruth responded you were in Portland, she was shocked. My response: One body can not be at 2 weddings at the same time. Enjoy as we’re enjoying your blog!!
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