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Published: April 2nd 2006
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I See You
Man and Nature comingling, one day at a time I'm at home, comfortable, within the western world; the western United States to be precise. A fire cackles. Spring clouds approach like sticky glue from a southern horizon, one dappled with the silhouettes of pines. Beside me; a dog on the left and two books to the right. One is by the Dalai Lama entitled
An Open Heart and the other a book of poetry by Rumi. In the background, the hum of a fully automated heater adds choir to a Johann Sebastian Bach suite (Mass in B minor), emitted from a speaker recessed in the ceiling. My belly is full with an array of proteins and vegetables and my body clean from a hot shower. Two hours prior I got off work, leaving with a full pocket of tips: one hundred twenty dollars in five hours worth of time and service. I’m rich in many countries around the world, and it only took me five hours, five sudden spontaneous hours from a warp of eternity to make approximately one hundred twenty dollars in
just tips. Oh, and by the way, I just used the bathroom. I sat down, spun a roll of quilted toilet paper hung off the wall, and
Refuge
...Loti's then pressed down on a little metal lever. Finished. Where the hell am I? And yeah, the seat was warm.
A job, an apartment lease that begins tomorrow with a contract for ten months, and distant dreams (and don’t forget the warm seat). Where am I, and what have I done?
Out there, beyond this settlement, beyond these secure methods of adaptation and survival (i.e. a home, job, income, cans of black beans in the pantry) lies a thought of exploration and adventure, of risks, chances, and interactions with uncertainty. Out there stirs my inner yearning to throw a knapsack upon this shoulder and venture with two feet, a rock solid determination, and a life given up into the hands of God. I ask again: What have I done?
The answer might seem esoteric, maybe a little eccentric, but it is clear:
One day at a time. One day today. There is no other day, only this day, this moment, filled with these abundant blessings of comfort, sustenance, possibility and opportunity. For ten months I have committed to take one day at a time. I have committed to set my anchor in the harbors of a protected
atoll for one day of the storm and the following two hundred and ninety-nine. And then…poof!
Today is one day at a time, and with my dream to help others, to bring others into a world of beyond, this is a large day. Recently I received a message, one that lifted my heart and gave me that illimitable contemplation of joy. Becky Stracener wrote, “Thanks for sharing the beauty of the world with us.” My heart melted, my dreams answered. That’s it.
Following is another message, words from another mate’s heart, a soul-brother by the name of Dennis Peyton:
Ahhh Cam. Salty heart, salty life, salty tears....all on many sides of your experience/life. Sweet vintage smile, sugar dimples, embracing LOVE. No Words. Creative Love describes how Constantine's Dove moves now....showing us, as an inspired Teacher, by example, how to sway and dance with our hands 'up', walk barefoot over perceived dangers, and weep openly. Ohhh Dear Dear Cameron. Thanks sooooo much for being part of my Family. Yours Forever; tears flowing.... I've so missed that. Thanks. You are an Alchemist and a wonderful reflection. Love and Deep Life to all those who see and touch your/our path.
West's Market
Hot on a winter's night The clouds, horizon and sky have now become one black veil of night. Daylight savings time nears and I wonder when the fire will silence and Bach will play in my soul for what’s left of eternity. I know I have already read Dalai Lama’s book before (we all have!), yet I feel disconnected and in need of further study. And somewhere in this body there lies a soul, one moving through the tips of these fingers to reach out to you and wrap our bodies to express, “We’re not as different as you might think.” One lonely soul to another, one chord of love shared with the whole choir of this soul’s song.
Bach switches to Jackson Browne’s
Running on Empty and memories of what use to be arise and then quickly dissolve. Sugar to warm water, my life is sweetened with this simple practice of expression. Like connecting the dots in the black sky of tonight’s 1st of April, I am reminded of this moment I have.
I recheck the fire. It burns. I touch the coat of my dog at my side and recognize the resources on the shelves to delve into at
my leisure. Saturday night, and in my solitude I am once more reminded, “We’re not as different as you might think.”
Together in this world we each take one day at a time, whether it is by my Brother Tashi, Gyathar, Shampa or Loti living their life around the world in India, whether it is by a family in Iran whom have no place to sleep after having their home torn down off the plates of Mother Earth, or whether its by our own family and friends just a few miles north up the road.
Today, with each and every one of you I have committed to take one day at a time and be here, NOW. My task is to anchor this vessel for the next ten months in one locale and breathe the fresh sea air with life’s gratitude filling my heart. With you, and you,
and you and you, I am here to learn and to heal. Ultimately, I am here with you to return to the domain of the soul, connecting to the energy of both man, woman, and creature in both the physical and the spiritual, and that beyond.
Out there, beyond
this settlement, I see you and me staring right back, smiling with the warmth of pure love. Thank you.
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Rosemary
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Cambo my Cambo
Oh dearheart.......you are on a journey here....right now....while spending time on this Island. Your feet may not be on ancient, dusty roads....but it is a journey all the same. Yes...committing to 10 months on this Island will be a journey of a different sort.......but an enlightening one all the same. Here you go.......and we all still have your back. Love you......always....xxxxxthe other Mama