◄ by Andrew Shier – Hancock, NH ►
“Let there be Discipline.”
“Disciple” is contained in the word, discipline. It could be said that we each are a disciple of Source, the Creator, Universal energy, God, the Tao, Something Larger, or whatever term that is appropriate for you. Being such, we are held and contained in a web of safety and coordination that we cannot even imagine. This allows for a feeling of deep relaxation, confidence, and peace as we move about the tasks of our day.
For me, a simple translation of this awareness is, “why hurry?” While shoveling horse manure on this snow covered morning in the quietness of the early hours, I realized that I rush through this task; I guess in order to get to the next, and then the next. And so it goes. I slowed down and felt the beauty and rhythm of the way my body moved as it lifted each shovel-full. Each motion, contained within a backdrop of the early morning rays of sun licking the tree tops – these many sentinels that surround our home and the horse’s paddock, was delightful.
What awaits us as we slow down is the experience of the pure delicious essences of Life contained in the simple tasks of our daily flow. There is so much more going on and revealing of the sublime essences of Life than I had seen heretofore. In this sense, discipline is not a means of accomplishing more, but a stance of patience and curiosity to witness more of the faces of God in which we are already contained and cared for.
Andrew, your article reminded me of many elements of being alive on the planet we call Earth. One reminder in particular is the truth that the older I get, the less I know about anything… yes, even shoveling whatever it is. Extending this truth out using mathematical terms, it boils down to the fact that if I live long enough, I will eventually come to know nothing about everything. Hmmmmm.
I’ve been blessed since early childhood being reminded now and then that the only thing anyone can ever do… is to trust God in all things and circumstances. He/She’s the only one who truly knows anything about everything. So how come it’s taken me (and seemingly others, based on your article and those responding to it) so long to slow down and truly witness what it is that the ‘Great Spirit’ is seeking to bring forth through us in any given moment. When I rush through things, I tend to feel very small in the grand scheme of things… and when I live meditatively with daily things, I tend to feel larger than Life itself. I personally like the latter. It’s evidence I’ve been finally paying close attention to the Reality of each moment… and letting the consequent experiences accumulate within me. So thank you for the wonderful reminder(s), Andrew. Leon
Andrew, your words are so eloquently stated and yet so simple to digest and reap the benefit from slowing down. I too lived in the country as a child and certainly shoveled tons of horse manure. I loved that time spent in the barn making a fresh clean bed of straw for the horses. Life seemed so much simpler then. I actually felt myself breathe a bit slower just reading your words. Thank you.
Andrew…your words and spirit are just lovely and so powerful. I am starting to experience even more of this “not hurrying”….we can miss so much of the power and strength and guidence in anything and everything that comes to us. Thank you so very much.
Andrew – I greatly enjoyed your story of shoveling manure. I was raised on a farm where I had many opportunities to participate in the care and maintenance of the barnyard and animals. I can’t say that the aroma of ammonia is pleasurable but it does convey to oneself what kind of work you are doing! My father repeatedly told me that if I was going to do a job (like shoveling manure) to do right, with respect, and to be completely focused on the job at hand. If I did so, I would know a blessing. His words were true as are your thoughts about living in the moment. Thank you.
Andrew, Thank you for the reminder to live in the moment. After the busy holidays it is great to remember that every moment is important, not the end destination.