The pursuit to serve...

The pursuit to serve transforms those on its journey. One learns excellence through countless lessons in humility; compassion through each difficult interaction; will to persist in each stormy situation; art in each solution and balance in every answer. A servant is transformed by  each moment's joy of work, all the while knowing the outcome cannot be hers to claim and that there will be other endeavors yet. 

A servant is not a slave. She is free and relentless in her cause and God-given purpose. With quiet faith overruling the noise of doubt, she persists and inspires. Those who serve who have fallen from exhaustion, she aids. She is clear that serving is no small matter. She is learning.

The pursuit to serve is the pursuit to lead.

(NMC)

Ganesh Chaturthi...

In the days of the season of Ganesh Chaturthi, my practice has taken on openness and obstacles at the same time. All these gates that open and close inspire and humble me. I remember my teacher once told me that Ganesh, the remover of obstacles, will sometimes be the obstacle. Sometimes, that is how the prayers are answered.

One day before Ganesh Chaturthi, He found me bearing Oms to hang from my ears, a premonition of where I am today in my practice and in my life. I often think I move one step forward only to take two steps back.

Now on these last days of His celebration and nearing Ananta Chaturadashi, I hope to regain whatever it is I have lost. 

Om shanti.