Just Be!

This is the favorite line of my friend, TJ.  When I was shaking and panicking before an impromptu song number (a  requirement for a course), in his sweet and carefree tone, he prodded me saying, "Just be, Karen. Just be!".  When I was cramming to reach my goal during our intensive leadership program, he repeated this line again.  And again, when we partnered in a difficult project.  It seemed like this was his answer for everything, "Just be!".


What a simple yet powerful fix!  What he means is to tap into my inner resources.  Just be happy!  Just be free! Just be honest!  Just be me.  There's no need to put on a mask or a show.  No more pretenses.  I only need to bring out my strengths and my core qualities. 

 
Sometimes, what is exhausting is the extreme focus on the task or even the end result.  Often,  it is nerve wracking, hairsplitting, or simply stressful.  I realize that when I focus on the virtue or the inner power that a situation allows me to practice then there is value.


I remembered, what Sister Tims shared with me when we ran programs to celebrate the International Year of Youth .  She related,  "Sure, the events were successful but what's really important was your process.  How was your stage (how did you hold yourself) during and right after this?".


The end never justifies the means.  It's always about what I am becoming. 

I watched the rain today

I was in the garden of the retreat center when the foreboding signal of rain came- cold breeze and gloomy sky.  I was crossed between going back inside or staying on the sofa outside to watch the impending downpour.  I chose the latter.  While waiting, I realized that I haven't watched the rain for the longest time (probably around a decade).  Just as soon as the thought came, as if on cue, the rain  gently fell to the ground for a good 20 seconds.  Nothing spectacular happened.  The raindrops touched the ground in its usual linear pattern.

The garden I watered last week was different though (I volunteer in the center on my weekends).  The dry brownish grass with a splash of green had turned into a green carpet with a sprinkle of brown.  The plants looked happier in their more vibrant colors and the flowers were in bloom. (It's been raining for a week, I've heard.)

After scanning the garden, I couldn't help but look up to see where the rain came from.

I hope that I could be like the rain.  It's short presence (for a week) had made the garden more beautiful and made me remember to look up to the Source.

My wish is that you be the same as the rain too, connected to the One, a blessing for others and a reminder for them to look above.