Hunt and Gather for Serenity

Knock on the sky and listen to the sound. - Zen proverb

Sometimes we need to distract ourselves from the funkiness of daily happenings that stir up frustrations and anger. As Robert adams says, "The only freedom we've got is not to react to anything, but to turn within and know the truth."

"As a bee gathering nectar does not harm or disturb the color and fragrance of the flower, so do the wise move through the world."  - Buddha

Search for quotations that have a positive effect.  Let them transport you to a place of wonder and encourage expression of insights instead of reactivity.

Place them on your computer screen or in a box near your work space.

When the mind monsters scatter your beneficial thoughts, read them and take a few deep breaths.

Imagine yourself in a natural place of tranquility.

Write to ward off the onslaughts of frustration and defuse anger.

Hunt and gather words for serenity. Develop your own word mantras discovered in nature's tranquility.  

R E L A X with Words

Within you there is a stillness and a sanctuary to which 

you can retreat at any time.  

- Hermann Hesse

If R-E-L-A-X-A-T-I-O-N appears more difficult in the frenzy and daze of life, take a moment to breathe with determination and cadence. Then, use words to assist with ways to calm and balance the mind.  

Develop a collection of words to use as mantras.  

Begin by breathing in four breaths and out five. Stay in the moment.

Turn abstract words into those with images that settle and focus.  

Pick favorite colors with a rhythm of syllables.

Begin with letters of the alphabet to ease into the idea. Breathe in and out with azure, beige, crimson, all the way through magenta to tangerine.

Let your mind collect apples, bananas, coconuts and the notions that arise.

Switch to sounds like trickle, whistle, trill.

Add the varied tastes of honey, licorice, vanilla.

After you have delved through the senses, notice how the mind halts its chatter.

Words will reveal ways into relaxation.

Mine for Mysteries

“The answer is never the answer. What's really interesting is the mystery. If you seek the mystery instead of the answer, you'll always be seeking. I've never seen anybody really find the answer. They think they have, so they stop thinking. But the job is to seek mystery, evoke mystery, plant a garden in which strange plants grow and mysteries bloom. The need for mystery is greater than the need for an answer.” 
- Ken Kesey

A Chinese poem reveals the true measure of a mountain's greatness is not its height but whether it is charming enough to attract dragons.

Life gathers joy with mystery and fabulous.

What if you planted a garden in which strange plants grow?  How would you describe them by colors, textures, scents, and sounds they make? 

Imagine an orchestra or a wild concert of blooms. Discover magicians within the petals. Discover ways to choreograph the dance.

Place yourself into an encounter of strange and delve into the wonder and magic. 

Move from the actual into fun and fantasy with words.

Flavor your writing with mystery and see where it leads.