Enjoying the Moments

We cannot escape the eternal NOW, so it is wise to learn to enjoy the moments. We can do this by choosing to focus on that which is good, beautiful and unique in each one. I have found that it helps to enjoy the summer for its heat and the winter for its cold. Notice how some are always longing for a different season and others find happiness in all seasons by seeing the unique nature of each one. For some who encounter a hot day in the desert, it is hardship. They feel the heat and feel oppressed. When they sit in the shade of the cottonwood, they do not feel that the shade is cooler than the heat that dances on the cactus in the sun; they can only feel the general heat so the shade holds no respite for them. But others can feel the heat of these days and are not oppressed because they remember the cold winter's wind slapping them with a bitter whip, they feel the heat and let go of the desire for the cool that is not there. When they sit in the shade and there is a mild breeze or no breeze at all, they do not feel oppressed because they focus on the difference between the shade and the sun filled space.
The bitter winter is quite the same in many ways as the heat of the desert day. We must only learn to treasure the heat that is within our breath and in those places where we are warmer than the blowing cold that encompasses the landscape and we will be free of pain. Let us all be as beacons to others, showing them that all places and times can be filled with love and joy. Hold out your hand, take their hand in yours, give them your love and show them the strength that beats within your heart. Great Spirit flows through all things all the time. Our unity with Great Spirit is constant, it is only our perspective that ever separates us from God.