It is February 1st and a powerful cross-quarter day where we are now looking forward once again toward the sprouting of a new season.
While we may still be buried in snow we have journeyed through the deepest cold and find that our preparations have once again brought us to this moment where we can now rise from our darkness and feel the Light.
This quote by Nagarjuna reminded me not of my Celtic ancestry but of the similarity between our seasonal calendar and our emotional calendar. So too, the picture of the Apple tree blossoming is in contrast to the deep snow outside my home right now.
There is a Promise in all of our dealings that can only be fulfilled through practicing. Whether it be to physically practice visioning the return of Spring or deeper within us to practice that which cannot be seen without the aid of our hearts.
Alas I have returned now from the depths of the dark season to embrace both the heart and the mind with more focus on my heart. To now plant the seeds that will sprout Love, Compassion,Joy and Equanimity for all of life, the true Light that cannot be contained within the darkness but only hidden temporarily.
Practicing the Immeasurable Mind of Love extinguishes anger in the hearts of living beings.
Practicing the Immeasurable Mind of Compassion extinguishes all sorrows and anxieties in the hearts of living beings.
Practicing the Immeasurable Mind of Joy extinguishes sadness and joylessness in the hearts of living beings.
Practicing the Immeasurable Mind of Equanimity extinguishes hatred, aversion, and attachment in the hearts of living beings.
~ Nagarjuna
I thank you Brighid, my beloved muse on this day in which I honor you, and in which you have again spoken to my heart.
Reflections of Riverman 