Two Pieces of Chocolate Cake
In my many journeys within the Tree of Life, I have become aware of infinite capability. In seeing potential, I am also aware of where I am restricting myself. Lately, I have been re-visiting where I do things out of obligation, and other people's firm beliefs have influenced what is possible for me. The lesson, it would seem, is to establish what is true. Where am I compelled to act out of a commitment to earn money or have an obligation to be of a certain status? Am I living my life as an expression of sacred service?
The last time this occurred, I was teaching a group in the Tree of Life, and their self-exploration inspired me to take my journey deeper, fuller. This act led me to accept an offer from a dear friend and Grandmother to explore myself in her sweat lodge. So, I bought two face cords of wood and sat alone in silence for four days. Three months later, another trusted friend and Grandmother said very little yet trusted me with a vision of what was true for me, trusting I would ultimately do the right thing. In both cases, I felt they knew I would find the answer I was seeking. The response I received came as a question, "Am I living my life as an expression of my infinite capability?" Ultimately, the only answer that mattered was, "I am the only one who can answer that question, and I must do so honestly."
Today I find myself contemplating a vision received in my morning's musings. In it, I attend a bakery table in the farmers market of a small village. On this table are various desserts and pastries. As I am feeling a little frisky, two pieces of chocolate cake catch my eye. One is almost pristine in presentation, the other a little messy. I am told that all items in the pristine piece are grown and hand-milled by the baker, the banana flour, the cocoa, the coconuts, everything. Further, this dessert comes from a vegan family business that has handed down the teachings over the decades. The second piece is made from a store-bought package.
I find myself considering the apparent difference between the two. Will the price influence my choice, or does that matter? Do I act instinctively out of health concerns and choose the healthier one, and if so, why? As I stand there considering my options, I listen to the comments of others, judging the two pieces. I feel the energy behind their words, where they are indifferent to the so-called lesser piece or project judgments. Behind the table, I see a little girl sitting on a crate, withering from their comments. In my mind's eye, I purchase the less than perfect cake. My body may not appreciate the cake as much as my spirit does. Somehow, I know this cake is made with hope by seeing this young girl and filling in the blanks.
This brings up my following observation. Where am I expecting the world to meet me where I am? I can tell you that every time I find compassion, I feel whole. That full feeling transcends any act of obligation or need for me to be of certain status. In it, I feel complete unto myself. Yet today, as I write to you, I am also aware that I am witnessing how many people are rushing to be back out into the world. I wonder where they are placing their importance. Where are the acts of service, and where are there obligations to earn money? Here in Costa Rica, they were doing so well during the Covid lockdowns. Yet the country relaxed its stringent distancing protocols at the start of June because it had only 800 cases, eight passings. Today some six weeks later, Costa Rica has 10,550 patients, 54 passings.
So, where am I judging, and where am I standing empowered? I find I am being reminded that, as a guide, I am to let go of the need for perfection, for self and others. The Tree of Life has taught me that even though I have concerns for the world around me, there are no victims, just people living to the best of their abilities. The Tree has also revealed to me my greatest gift, and my greatest strength is love. It always has been. The rest of what I do is just icing. I feel it comes down to this, where am I aware of my infinite capability, and where am I caught in the story?
This morning the Tree of Life is showing me where I am the observer, witnessing the subtleties of life, and where I can let go of old beliefs. Either way, today is a good day.
Be well.