It is only after the day, after
the rain, after the pain,
that we learn.
We only learn
after we listen. We only learn
after we have listened about
truth and injustice.
We only learn
after you believe it happened.
© 2021 j.g. lewis
j.g.lewis
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cloud songs
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this is the big picture
Estival Solstice, the longest day of our year, is a time when the sun stands still. Like the sun (if only for a moment) we should also simply be present.Whether counting clouds by day and stargazing at night, be mindful of the space between each; our space. This is time not for thinking of goals or objectives, but to consciously be in the now.
The mid-point of the year, with so much brightness on the horizon, should not be when we look back on what has happened during the dark cooler months. Look forward, instead, through the summer heat. We know, all too well, that the cold and the darkness will return. We know we should, perhaps, be encouraged to savour this time.
There is a certain equilibrium to this solstice. While we are each guided by certain stars — our place in the astrological jungle — this period is common to us all. In fact, it is a gift. This is the big picture.
We share the same Sun. We all share the same sky. Our views may be different, but we all call this amazing planet our home.
Summer solstice gives us a brief, but needed, period of gentle inspiration. Here we have the opportunity to find balance. There is no rush. Take your time.
Make what you will of the longer days, the intricacies of each season are reflected in how we adapt to an ever-changing society. It is not to ignore the difficulties or struggles we have encountered, or have been living through, but to take in what we have learned. Perhaps you will find the freedom to make the decisions you have been avoiding, or those which offered no resolution.
This period of balance is further emphasized should you be fortunate to take a break on either side of the solstice and reflect on where you are physically. emotionally, and realistically. Travel away from your usual day-to-day will allow you to look at your situation from a different angle. Always helpful. Always appreciated.
This is where we will find our determination to continue through the remainder of the year, and to do what we must to maintain balance.
Time is neither relative or subjective, but an element that enters each equation and becomes a part of every decision. We cannot hold back time, nor can we rush ahead.
There is a rhythm to each minute.
Count the seconds as you count your blessings; separately they are a treasure, cumulatively they make up our true wealth.
© 2017 j.g. lewis
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subtle details
It is just a moment.
It’s one of the many moments you will experience throughout the day, if you take the time to notice.
We move too fast, too often, in our daily life. The places we must go and tasks we must perform — or obligations we are committed to — tend to overwhelm us.
We are ever-conscious of our required duties, but less observant of life as it passes by.
Take a moment or two, here and there, throughout the day to observe the subtle details. Ignore the demands and observe a few of the little things that may seem unimportant at the time but bring about a small sense of self.
It is mindful meditation in the simplest form, but it will provide a small shred of balance to this busy life.
Stop, just for a moment, and look.
Feel the simple satisfaction that comes with knowing where you are.
© 2024 j.g. lewis
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gratitude’s profound connection
Gratitude flows two ways. It must.
For gratitude to be gratitude, it has to be given, as it is accepted; free of conditions; without demand; without expectations.
As an exchange, there needs be, at its most crucial point, equality. Both the giver and the receiver should, even if only for a moment, bask in the state of grace allowed, and furthered by, the humane act of giving.
Gratitude is ‘you are welcome’ as much as it is ‘thank you’.
Sadly, and often, in this give-and-take society, there is an imbalance of power. The provision of aid or assistance is viewed as strength, with the acceptance, or receiver, as weak. Charity — a worthy and necessary act — is boastfully promoted and endorsed. The ‘look at me’ or ‘look at us’ attitude removes the true shine from an otherwise generous act as it makes the giver more important than the need.
It’s pretty ugly out there. We, as humans, have continued to allow this to happen. Captains of industry, politicians, plumbers, and the powers that preach have continually deceived us. We have almost become pre-conditioned to accepting this conditioned eye-for-an-eye type of attitude of gratitude.
It should not be more difficult to understand, as it is to accept, gratitude.
We need to help each other, more. The spirit of giving should be fostered among us, but we end up asking too many questions. Even if just by questioning where any form of gratitude flows, we are suspicious. We look for ulterior motives and hidden reasons.
How do we get past the doubt, or the disingenuous, to not only show our thankfulness, but share the act and purpose bestowed upon us?
We, perhaps, need to be more thankful of what we’ve got and more gratified in how we share our place and purpose.
Indeed, as with the adage ‘the hand that gives is the hand that gathers meaning’, it must be more than exhibiting kindness towards others as a means of benefiting the self. We need to recognize the profound connection of the hand that gives and the hand that receives.
The benefits are shared, are equal, and are needed. There is a deeper meaning in not only accepting selflessly, but in giving graciously.
© 2019 j.g. lewis
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night thoughts 1:19
Beyond insomnia, no
longer imagination, and
still questions.
The Moon’s mystery
need not keep you awake,
not when there are so
many earthly concerns
to occupy your mind
at 1:18 a.m.
Full Moon illuminates
our world, even through
clouds, even days later,
a sacred glow that sheds
no light on the difficulties
or dilemmas we face
time and again.
Often there are no answers.
The mysteries of the Moon
need not keep you awake,
but they will keep you alive.© 2019 j.g. lewis
