This is what I believe.

That I am I.

That my soul is a dark forest.

That my known self will never be more

than a little clearing in the forest.

That gods, strange gods come forth

into the clearing of my known self,

and then go back.

That I must have the courage

to let them come and go.

That I will never let mankind put anything over me,

but that I will try always to recognize

and submit to the gods in me

and the gods in other men and women.

…..D.H. Lawrence

we can’t really pretend that we’re blindly walking through this life….we have to let go of control, yet the weeds keep growing…..may we remember, and sit quietly there…..

Many traditional societies believe that the Four Rivers of Life- Inspiration, Challenge, Surprise, and Love- sustain and support us, and connect us to great gifts. They also believe that if we fail to stay connected to these rivers, we succumb to ‘walking the procession of the living dead’ and begin to experience soul loss, depression, stagnation, or other manifestations of acedia. The River of Inspiration reveals where we are in touch with our creative fire and our life dream. The River of Challenge calls us to stretch and grow beyond what is knowable or familiar. The River of Surprise keeps us fluid and flexible, and requires us to open to options and possibilities that we may not have considered. The River of Love shows us where we are touched and moved by life’s experience. How will we use our generative energies and stay connected to the Four Rivers of Life?……..Angeles Arrien

is it really all choice?

It is not by muscle, speed, or physical dexterity

that great things are achieved,

but by reflection, force of character, and judgment;

in these qualities old age is usually not only poorer,

but it is even richer.

……Cicero