Aes ishk ne bade bade thag lae
You the difference between love and fire
Ishk da sek vadheraa
I say Love's heat is greater
Ag te saade katke kaane
Fire burns dried pieces of wood
Ishk saade tan meraa
This love has burned my body
Ag da daru mee te paani
Fire's medicine is rain and water
Ishk da daaru keda?
What is medicine for love?
Yaar farid uthe Kakh naa rehnda
Says Farid, nothing remains there
Kithe ishk me layaa deraa
where love has put its tent
Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan singing this poem (in the beginning):
"Cheerfulness strengthens the heart and makes us persevere in a good life; therefore the servant of God ought always to be in good spirits." - Saint Philip of Neri
When things go wrong, that’s the time to be more cheerful. When things go right, of course we are cheerful. When nerves are getting frayed, that’s the time to smile.
The practice of spiritual disciplines has a very useful purpose: they can make us so secure, so firmly rooted in our deepest Self that not only can we go and live in the midst of people who are difficult with cheerfulness and equanimity, we can even learn to change them for the better.
Even if you have a bad day in the office, or a very busy day on the campus, that’s no cause for your courtesy to fail, for your consideration to fail.
I knew a little girl of three or four who was usually very nice to me. Then suddenly one afternoon she was looking at me like a storm cloud. I asked, “What’s the matter?” and she replied, “You better watch out: I haven’t had my nap.”
Now imagine grown-up people coming home in the evening and telling everyone, “Don’t bother me. I haven’t had my nap.”
It is one of the hallmarks of the spiritually aware man or woman that they will always be cheerful, not because they don’t feel deeply, but because they do feel deeply.
Katrina Mayer
At eight or nine years of age, Katrina Mayer overheard someone say that it was important to write down all the goals you wish to accomplish in your life. Even at that young age she realized that this was something she wanted to do. So, on the last page of her diary, in the top left-hand corner, she printed in pencil the following list:
- Go to Europe - Live in a house in the woods - Write books - Speak on a big stage to lots of people - Be happy
When she was done, she closed the diary, locked it with a miniature key, and placed it in her secret hiding place. Occasionally she looked at the list, but after a while the list and the diary were forgotten as life moved on and she became more interested in the latest teen idol, getting pierced ears, and wearing the right brand of jeans.
At the age of seventeen, Katrina visited Europe with her family, and for a brief moment she remembered her list and was excited that she had accomplished one of her goals. But the rest of the list seemed harder to accomplish and once again was soon forgotten.
It wasn’t until 1996 that Katrina thought about her life goals again. That was the year when she almost died due to an ectopic pregnancy and her perspective shifted completely. Suddenly, what had seemed important no longer did. She decided that making a difference in the world was what touched her heart the deepest. So, she started reading every book, listening to every tape, and watching every video she could find on how to live a happier, healthier, and more abundant life. Throughout this process, she kept journals recording her journey from feeling lost and defeated to gradually finding her voice and making strides forward.
Many of those journal passages were woven together to create her first book, The Mustard Seed Way, which was published in 2000. This book has provided comfort and support to so many people over the years, and recently it was ranked in the top 20 success and motivation books on Amazon.com.
After the publication of her first book, Katrina continued on her spiritual quest. She became an ordained interfaith minister through the New Seminary in New York City, earned a Ph.D. in Metaphysics from the American Institute of Holistic Theology, and became certified in raw food nutrition at the Ann Wigmore Institute in Puerto Rico. All the while, she worked at a major bank in NY and climbed the corporate ladder to eventually become a First Vice President.
Then, in 2011, she decided to commit herself full-time to the pursuit of her dreams. She left her beautiful office and her corporate title, moved out of New York to a house deep in the woods of the Smoky Mountains, married a wonderful man, and published her second book, entitled Wholarian Vision: How to Remember Your Connection to Everything. Katrina now gets to speak to large audiences across the country, and through her Facebook page and website, shares her vision and insights with people around the world. Thousands of people are inspired to lead happier, healthier, and more abundant lives every day because Katrina chose to set her goals, pursue her dreams, and live with passion. And just wait to see what else she’s added to her goal list! More exciting things are on the way!
The more you know who you are & what you want, the less you allow anything to upset you
~ Stephanie Perkins
I'm trying to write in the style of Mary Oliver:
How To Know The Name Of Your Breath
- Shivpreet Singh
I went to the edge of the marsh
where the herons wade without apology.
The wind moved my hair but not my mind.
A snail traced its path across a stone—
slow, deliberate, without doubt.
I used to flinch at every ripple,
take every shadow personally.
But now I know the name of my breath,
the shape of my longing,
the weight I no longer carry.
Even the storm, when it comes,
sits beside me like an old friend
who no longer needs to speak.
Yesterday I was talking to someone about how all inclusive miracles are for the singers of life. And what better a singer to sing this than Walt Whitman:
MIRACLES
1WHAT shall I give? and which are my miracles?
2Realism is mine—my miracles—Take freely,
Take without end—I offer them to you wherever your feet can carry you, or your eyes reach.
3Why! who makes much of a miracle?
As to me, I know of nothing else but miracles,
Whether I walk the streets of Manhattan,
Or dart my sight over the roofs of houses toward the sky,
Or wade with naked feet along the beach, just in the edge of the water,
Or stand under trees in the woods,
Or talk by day with any one I love—or sleep in the bed at night with any one I love,
Or sit at the table at dinner with my mother,
Or look at strangers opposite me riding in the car,
Or watch honey-bees busy around the hive, of a sum- mer forenoon,
Or animals feeding in the fields,
Or birds—or the wonderfulness of insects in the air,
Or the wonderfulness of the sun-down—or of stars shining so quiet and bright,
Or the exquisite, delicate, thin curve of the new-moon in spring;
Or whether I go among those I like best, and that like me best—mechanics, boatmen, farmers,
Or among the savans—or to the soiree—or to the opera,
Or stand a long while looking at the movements of machinery,
Or behold children at their sports,
Or the admirable sight of the perfect old man, or the perfect old woman,
Or the sick in hospitals, or the dead carried to burial,
Or my own eyes and figure in the glass;
These, with the rest, one and all, are to me miracles,
The whole referring—yet each distinct and in its place.
4To me, every hour of the light and dark is a miracle,
Every inch of space is a miracle,
Every square yard of the surface of the earth is spread with the same,
Every cubic foot of the interior swarms with the same;
Every spear of grass—the frames, limbs, organs, of men and women, and all that concerns them,
All these to me are unspeakably perfect miracles.
5To me the sea is a continual miracle;
The fishes that swim—the rocks—the motion of the waves—the ships, with men in them,
What stranger miracles are there?
Nanak Gupas Maal: Nanak weaves a Garland
Springtime, the season of rejuvenation and exuberance, brings life back to the land after the long slumber of winter. With its gentle winds, blooming flowers, and warmer days, spring awakens the natural world from its dormant state, inviting everyone to join in nature's grand celebration. Through the words of renowned writers and poets, we can witness the joy and excitement that spring brings to people's hearts and minds. This essay delves into the essence of spring, exploring its transformative power, the symphony it orchestrates in the garden, its influence on human emotions, and the inspiration it offers to embrace life's uncertainties.
The Awakening of the Land
As Lewis Grizzard beautifully said, "Springtime is the land awakening." After months of cold and darkness, nature stirs with life as the first rays of the sun kiss the earth. The buds on trees begin to unfurl, and vibrant flowers start to bloom, painting the world in a riot of colors. Robin Williams aptly described spring as nature's way of saying, "Let's party!" Indeed, it is a festive occasion where life throws off its wintry cloak and rejoices in the promise of warmer days and new beginnings.
The Symphony of Spring
In spring, the gardener becomes a mere instrument in the grand symphony conducted by nature, as Geoffrey B. Charlesworth astutely observed. The gardener's efforts may contribute to the beauty of the garden, but the real composer behind this masterpiece is the season itself. Spring orchestrates the blooming flowers, the buzzing bees, the singing birds, and the rustling leaves, all blending harmoniously in a delightful composition.
Spring Fever: Embracing the Unseen
Mark Twain described the enchantment of spring fever, a name for the ineffable longing that overcomes us during this season. Spring casts a spell upon our hearts, making us yearn for something intangible and undefined. It's an intense desire for a change, for new experiences, and for a taste of life's wonders. Rainer Maria Rilke's words capture the fervor of spring, where the blooming colors seem like voices, unleashing an overwhelming shrieking into the heart of the night.
April's Green Traffic Light
In April, the world dons a green traffic light, and as Christopher Morley put it, the world thinks, "Go." Spring is the time for action and progress, much like the green signal urging us forward. Just as the world wakes up to the call of spring, humans also feel inspired to pursue their dreams, set new goals, and embark on new adventures.
The Contrast of Springtime
Charles Dickens eloquently depicted the paradox of a March day, where the sun's warmth clashes with the lingering winter chill. This contrast symbolizes the transitional nature of spring, mirroring life's own contrasts. Spring serves as a reminder that change is inevitable, and every season, like every phase in life, has its unique blend of light and shade.
Embracing the Uncertainty
George Herbert's quote reflects the fleeting nature of spring, reminding us not to take it for granted. Similarly, Charles Dudley Warner advises us to seize the opportunities presented by spring and embrace life's uncertainties. Just as spring may bring unexpected weather patterns, life may take unpredictable turns, but that should not deter us from savoring the beauty of the present moment and hoping for the best.
Nature's Grand Celebration
Spring is nature's grand celebration, awakening the land and filling it with colors and life. It conducts a symphony where every living being plays its part, harmonizing with the enchanting rhythm of the season. Spring fever ignites a desire for change and new experiences, pushing us forward like a green traffic light. However, spring also teaches us to appreciate life's contrasts and uncertainties, reminding us to enjoy the best anticipations and embrace whatever comes our way.
As we immerse ourselves in the delights of spring, let us not forget the profound lessons it imparts. Spring is not just a season; it's an experience that stirs our souls, invigorates our spirits, and encourages us to dance to nature's joyful tune. So, let's heed the call of spring and join in the celebration of life's endless possibilities.
Quotes and Poetry
Springtime is the land awakening. The March winds are the morning yawn. ~Quoted by Lewis Grizzard in Kathy Sue Loudermilk, I Love You
Spring is nature's way of saying, "Let's party!" ~Robin Williams
Spring makes its own statement, so loud and clear that the gardener seems to be only one of the instruments, not the composer. ~Geoffrey B. Charlesworth
April prepares her green traffic light and the world thinks Go. ~Christopher Morley, John Mistletoe
Hee that is in a towne in May loseth his spring. ~George Herbert
It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold: when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade. ~Charles Dickens, Great Expectations
Everything is blooming most recklessly; if it were voices instead of colors, there would be an unbelievable shrieking into the heart of the night. ~Rainer Maria Rilke, Letters of Rainer Maria Rilke
It's spring fever. That is what the name of it is. And when you've got it, you want - oh, you don't quite know what it is you do want, but it just fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so! ~Mark Twain
Hoe while it is spring, and enjoy the best anticipations. It is not much matter if things do not turn out well. ~Charles Dudley Warner
Awake, thou wintry earth - Fling off thy sadness! Fair vernal flowers, laugh forth Your ancient gladness! ~Thomas Blackburn, "An Easter Hymn"
I love spring anywhere, but if I could choose I would always greet it in a garden. ~Ruth Stout
No matter how long the winter, spring is sure to follow. ~Proverb
Spring is when you feel like whistling even with a shoe full of slush. ~Doug Larson
Science has never drummed up quite as effective a tranquilizing agent as a sunny spring day. ~W. Earl Hall
If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant; if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome. ~Anne Bradstreet
The year's at the spring And day's at the morn; Morning's at seven; The hillside's dew-pearled; The lark's on the wing; The snail's on the thorn; God's in His heaven - All's right with the world! ~Robert Browning
No winter lasts forever; no spring skips its turn. ~Hal Borland
Spring shows what God can do with a drab and dirty world. ~Virgil A. Kraft
April is a promise that May is bound to keep. ~Hal Borland
Where man sees but withered leaves, God sees sweet flowers growing. ~Albert Laighton
That God once loved a garden we learn in Holy writ. And seeing gardens in the Spring I well can credit it. ~Winifred Mary Letts
In June as many as a dozen species may burst their buds on a single day. No man can heed all of these anniversaries; no man can ignore all of them. ~Aldo Leopold
In the spring, at the end of the day, you should smell like dirt. ~Margaret Atwood
Indoors or out, no one relaxes in March, that month of wind and taxes, the wind will presently disappear, the taxes last us all the year. ~Ogden Nash
And Spring arose on the garden fair, Like the Spirit of Love felt everywhere; And each flower and herb on Earth's dark breast rose from the dreams of its wintry rest. ~Percy Bysshe Shelley, "The Sensitive Plant"
Every spring is the only spring - a perpetual astonishment. ~Ellis Peters
Spring is sooner recognized by plants than by men. ~Chinese Proverb
The naked earth is warm with Spring, And with green grass and bursting trees Leans to the sun's kiss glorying, And quivers in the sunny breeze. ~Julian Grenfell
In the spring I have counted one hundred and thirty-six different kinds of weather inside of four and twenty hours. ~Mark Twain
Our spring has come at last with the soft laughter of April suns and shadow of April showers. ~Byron Caldwell Smith, letter to Kate Stephens
Every April, God rewrites the Book of Genesis. ~Author Unknown
Under the giving snow blossoms a daring spring. ~Terri Guillemets
O, wind, if winter comes, can spring be far behind? ~Percy Bysshe Shelley
You can cut all the flowers but you cannot keep spring from coming. ~Pablo Neruda
[W]ell-apparell'd April on the heel Of limping winter treads... ~William Shakespeare
I think that no matter how old or infirm I may become, I will always plant a large garden in the spring. Who can resist the feelings of hope and joy that one gets from participating in nature's rebirth? ~Edward Giobbi
Spring has returned. The Earth is like a child that knows poems. ~Rainer Maria Rilke
The sun was warm but the wind was chill. You know how it is with an April day. ~Robert Frost
To be interested in the changing seasons is a happier state of mind than to be hopelessly in love with spring. ~George Santayana
The first day of spring is one thing, and the first spring day is another. The difference between them is sometimes as great as a month. ~Henry Van Dyke
Spring is not the best of seasons. Cold and flu are two good reasons; wind and rain and other sorrow, warm today and cold tomorrow. ~Author Unknown
The sun has come out... and the air is vivid with spring light. ~Byron Caldwell Smith, letter to Kate Stephens
I want to do to you what spring does with the cherry trees. ~Pablo Neruda
April hath put a spirit of youth in everything. ~William Shakespeare
Out with the cold, in with the woo. ~E. Marshall, "Spring Thought"
A little madness in the Spring Is wholesome even for the King. ~Emily Dickinson
The day the Lord created hope was probably the same day he created Spring. ~Bern Williams
Yesterday the twig was brown and bare; To-day the glint of green is there; Tomorrow will be leaflets spare; I know no thing so wondrous fair, No miracle so strangely rare. I wonder what will next be there! ~L.H. Bailey
If I had my life to live over, I would start barefoot earlier in the spring and stay that way later in the fall. ~Nadine Stair
Poor, dear, silly Spring, preparing her annual surprise! ~Wallace Stevens
Hark! the hours are softly calling Bidding Spring arise To listen to the rain-drops falling From the cloudy skies To listen to Earth's weary voices Louder every day Bidding her no longer linger On her charm'd way But hasten to her task of beauty Scarcely yet begun. ~Adelaide Anne Procter
The front door to springtime is a photographer's best friend. ~Terri Guillemets
The first day of spring was once the time for taking the young virgins into the fields, there in dalliance to set an example in fertility for nature to follow. Now we just set the clocks an hour ahead and change the oil in the crankcase. ~E.B. White, "Hot Weather," One Man's Meat, 1944
Now every field is clothed with grass, and every tree with leaves; now the woods put forth their blossoms, and the year assumes its gay attire. ~Virgil
First a howling blizzard woke us, Then the rain came down to soak us, And now before the eye can focus — Crocus. ~Lilja Rogers
If spring betrays summer, would autumn never arrive? ~Terri Guillemets
May is a pious fraud of the almanac. ~James R. Lowell
You can't see Canada across lake Erie, but you know it's there. It's the same with spring. You have to have faith, especially in Cleveland. ~Paul Fleischman
It's spring! Farewell To chills and colds! The blushing, girlish World unfolds Each flower, leaf And blade of sod— Small letters sent To her from God. ~John Updike, "April," A Child’s Calendar, 1965
People ask me what I do in winter when there's no baseball. I'll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring. ~Rogers Hornsby
The seasons are what a symphony ought to be: four perfect movements in harmony with each other. ~Arthur Rubenstein
There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.
Singing oneness!
