This weekend I’m at the 38th annual Native American Elders Gathering at the Sunray Peace Village (You can join on line if you’re interested!) here in this sacred valley in Lincoln, Vermont. This event is led by my spiritual teacher, Venerable Dhyani Ywahoo.
The weekend’s event is hosted by the Sunray Meditation Society, founded by my teacher. I contribute as much as I can to the community. It’s not a huge contribution, considering how much I’m already giving to the Power of Love Ministry. One of the main things I’ve been working on for a number of years now is improving the gardens.
Gardening is one of the most humbling things a person can do. It’s so unpredictable. I’m continuously planting things and then wondering what happened to them. Other plants bloom and blossom and become spectacular. Years ago I planted about eight hydrangea because I just love them and they are so elegant and beautiful. They bloom all summer and are so uplifting. I planted them around the main temple building.
Well, for years they would only begin to bloom after the main summer events were done. I don’t know why. But this year, they’re blooming much earlier. I don’t know why. Maybe they just needed to reach a certain level of maturity. I have no idea.
It’s all a practice in non-attachment.
I have strong intention, without attachment, and this way I remain at Peace.
Working in the garden is a journey, it’s not a destination. The garden is never finished. Somethings do well for a couple of years and then they’re done.
Somethings flourish for decades and only improve.
I plant daffodils and the squirrels dig them up and plant them in the woods. Now, we have daffodils where I planted them, and daffodils where the squirrels planted them. It’s all delightful.
In my family, we’re all of service in various ways. We contribute to our community because we enjoy it and because we feel responsible for keeping things going so others can enjoy them too.
What I’ve learned about myself is that I truly enjoy being able to invest in community, in beauty, in people, in Love itself. I used to feel strongly that I wanted to be acknowledged, seen, recognized and praised, and that’s not how I feel anymore. It’s more important to me to feel how others are impacted than it is to be recognized by others.
Last night I was doing some planting, weeding and watering and the sun had gone down and I was basically working in the dark. You can still water in the dark and put away the tools, and tidy up, even if it’s too dark to weed anymore. Someone came by and recognized me. They were thanking me for my contributions. Which is noice, but I am content to do it whether anyone thanks me or not.
I think it’s because I really truly do feel that I work for God, Inc. So, everything I do, is part of that employment. I can work for God and be lighthearted. I can remember to laugh. I can stop and smell the roses and I can plant roses for others to stop and enjoy too.
There’s so much we can contribute to this life, and yet, we NEED do nothing. It’s all optional!
We’re offering the upcoming class on How to Create and Lead Workshops that Make a Difference.
Whether you’re interested in sharing your talent as a creative artist or a therapist, an aromatherapist or a realtor, there are many helpful tips to learn about leading an effective workshop. Knowing your topic is one thing, knowing how to offer it in a workshop is another thing completely! Would you like support to feel confident and qualified to share what you love? We’ve got it!
