The Mountain

Apex, Top, Peak, when we Summit a Mountain every step counts.  One foot in front of the other is the always mantra of the climber and seeker of higher things.  On the Summit of all treks of wonder the Seeker can see out in a 360 degree orbit to all things within his/her influence.  The Trekker, who travels to all new things becomes a Seeker of truth. Atop the Summit reveals all real things and Enlightens the Seer.

While standing at the Top the Seeker often forgets to continue to look up and instead looks down.  This is usually the first mistake before the Fall.  The Seer starts thinking to him/herself, "I'm it man, I'm the Thing, nothing is Higher than I Am."  Then a cloud catches the attention, or a bird poops on His head, what ever the cause a Wrong Step is taken and the Trekker, the Seeker of all High things, complete with His/Her mantra, falls to Earth is a Fiery Blaze of Shame.

We've all heard This Story before.  Seeker climbs to Top.  Seeker gets to Top.  Seeker think He Is Top.  It hits the fan.  Seeker Falls in a Fiery Blaze.  As the Climber Falls his/ her eyes gaze Heavenward and whilst Falling Sees what Should have been Seen in the First Place.  "Damnit!", He says.

The Mountain Obliges and Enlightens the Fallen Foe.  Forever He/ She is now left to Gaze at the Top from the Bottom, and the Mountain Remains Still.

Peace and Balance,

John

Back Flips of the Past

 

Today during class, I'm pretending to teach 14 year old freshman at our local high school, anyways during class one of the kids asked me to do a back flip.  My initial reaction was aghast, "Me?" I asked, "I'm an old man, you expect me to do a back flip?"  

"Of course and Why Not?" was the reply.

Then I explained that I was an old man and doing back flips had left my consciousness many moons ago.  I told him that I have reached the respectable age and those of the respectable ilk don't do back flips.  That the mechanism in the brain kicks in just before the thought catches up with the body, and asks a very important question, "Have you lost your mind?"

Then I started thinking about the prospect.  I indeed used to be able to do a back flip.  That was many years ago and several pants sizes hence.  At that time I was a healthy light heavy weight at about 180 pounds.  Strong as hell, and just about as bright.  My past occupation didn't lend to over thinking circumstances.  I would just "Flip."

Today, I tip the scale at about 250.  I'm a little more, "Massive" then I was then, and flipping isn't in the cards.  I will teach flipping and chuckle at almost flipping, but I have grown out of the need to flip.  It's much more fun to laugh at flippers.

So my answer to the young'un in class who so inpurtantly asked me to do a back flip was, "You First."  

Peace and Balance,

John

Spring

 

Spring has come.  The weather is turning and we in the North Country are beginning to get that familiar feeling that draws us out of doors.  For me Spring always brings with it a great yearning to go out and work on the yard, clean up stuff that needs cleaning up, and begin that process in the body when Vitamin D is produced.  Spring is the harbinger of Mother Nature's paint brush.  When the Sun rises higher and the temperatures go up we know it's time for the flora to bloom and paint our landscape with the colors of nature.  

Spring is also the time with the fauna awakens and creation is in the air.  Look into the woods and you might see a wobbly legged fawn or a baby bear rolling in the grass.  There will be insects buzzing, bees fliting from flower to flower pollinating the world, and warm breezes traveling through the valleys.  

There may be the threat of occasional snow.  The wind might get cold for a brief interlude and skies might darken, but then the Sun shines down upon the land chasing the snow away, and warming any cold air to a tolerable almost imperceptible version of it's former self.  This is the struggle at the beginning of Spring.

Mornings tell us to dawn our jacket, and afternoons ask us why we have it on.  We are confused by the transition and aren't quite sure what to do.  Eventually however this confusion wanes and we know that it is indeed Spring time, and it is time to put the coat away and replace it with the wind breaker.  

Spring is also the time of year when we all get that urge to fly.  Our creative juices begin to flow and we put pen to paper, bring out the scissors, the string, and a few sticks, and put together a wonder of modern man, the kite.  As the air warms the currents of this air rise creating the perfect up lift for flying our Kite, the Dragon Mark IV.  It's a wonderous sight.

Spring is the time for Creation, the time for Wonder, when the Imagination grows and integrates into our souls.  We are the painters of our own existence, we create Spring.  Just like an adolescent God, we have tantrums and the thunder rolls.  Then it quiets again, Sun rises high, and the Butterfly sings.

Peace and Balance,

John