Dandelions Part 2 - Journey of a Seed

Not long after writing my first blog about my love for dandelions, I began to contemplate the actual "seed puff". That's my technical term--I'm sure you know what I mean! I noticed a picture one day of the seeds being blown off the puff and what struck me was the ability to see, close-up, what a single seed looks like.

Here's a little brown seed attached to it's own little white puff. I know I alluded to this in my initial writing, but how symbolic of life this became to me. The brown seed representing our physical body and the white puff, our connection to God, spirit, divine, great mystery, universe--whatever your word for it is. Floating through the air, wherever the wind takes it--we are never actually in control, as much as we'd like to believe or "play" like we are. Through our connection to God, we are led along this journey of life in very capable hands. We may rise up and fly high, only to dip down low upon the currents of the breeze, but always with the love of God supporting us.

The Space Between

"The space between the tears we cry is the laughter that keeps us coming back for more." One of my favorite Dave Matthews Band lyrics. I think there was this great tea at Borders at one point too--the sky between the branches--or something like that. You get what I mean. And recently, a lot of my reading has focused on the space between our thoughts-finding peace in the moments between the constant chatter in our heads.

As I've become aware of this space, I'm able to create some distance between the true essence of who I am and the sometimes controlling and limiting thoughts racing around in my head. I recognize that I am not my thoughts, but the being that is aware of my thoughts. Not that I'm trying to regurgitate Eckhart Tolle--it's just that this "space between" fascinates me; when I can become more aware of the space that gives rise to form (because without space nothing could exist) than my focus on the form itself...

And I've been in the process of writing this blog entry for 3 weeks now and just haven't been able to pull it all together...So you're getting my half-thoughts because maybe this will peek your curiosity a bit too. As much as I love to write, it's the conversations that make it worth it!

Dandelions

On my walk today, I was admiring all the beautiful dandelions growing everywhere--scattered through luscious green lawns, like bursts of sunshine in a sea of green; popping up in the gravel lining the sides of the road; finding their place admidst the tulips in someone's flower beds. I have loved dandelions since I was a kid. There's a field next to where I work-deep green grass with tons of dandelions-it brings a smile to my face each day I pass it.

It was said to me recently that it is my need to be different or unique that makes me say the dandelion is my favorite flower. Maybe, in some way, that's true, but it's not like I'm lying about it just to get a rise out of people! I love how the dandelion simply grows, even in the face of adversity. People are constantly trying to get rid of them-spraying chemicals on them or on their lawns to kill those horrible "weeds". And they just keep popping up-ha!

Let me admire the dandelion for you: It rises in the spring, gently stretching from wherever fate has placed it's home. The vibrant, bright yellow flower instantly brings color to the area. Yet it's non-assuming look creates a softness and it's lack of a strong smell is a treat for my sensitive nose. Dandelion greens are delicious, a bit bitter, yet nutritious all the same; and don't forget the cleansing properties of the root. Then the shift, from beautiful bright flower to soft downy seeds-just waiting for a gust of wind or the breath of a child (or me!) making a wish to scatter them across the land. Simplicity and acceptance at it's best.

The Voice of God

This reminder to listen to the voice of God has come up recently in my life. I pray, I send distance Reiki, positive thoughts, etc. But when do I stop DOING long enough to actually listen? What is happening in the spaces between my doing? How do I listen to the voice of God? Because it doesn't seem to come as some deep voice actually speaking to me; nor from some mysterious burning bush--which I'm afraid if I came across I would probably call the fire department to put out yet another brush fire!

I should have titled this post "driving in my car" because I think most my inspiration comes when I'm doing just that. The other day I was driving to a meeting, which I was feeling a little apprehensive about--what would I say, how to act, and all that stuff that comes up when I'm concerned about what someone else is going to think of me. To my left I saw this truck come up and I had this sense that I should read the side of it. Noticing it was a Garelick milk truck, I figured there wouldn't be anything of value on it. But there it was--as part of their slogan it read "Act Natural". Yes, I do believe God speaks to me from the side of a truck on the highway because that was exactly what I needed to remember at that moment!

Later, a friend sent me this article http://www.beliefnet.com/gallery/coincidence.html
Although I don't believe in coinicidences, I do believe that God speaks to us in many different ways--we just need to slow down and pay attention to the signs. God can speak to us from billboard signs, in the words of a stranger, the lyrics of a song, the animal that continuously seems to be crossing your path, the book that you suddenly feel inspired to read, the embrace of a loved one, the simple wisdom of a child...I think what I'm trying to say is that when you're aware, the voice of God is everywhere. How mysterious and exciting this dance can be!