I was tuned into the horrific financial news today, the Market falling, Lehman bankrupt, mortgage crisis, soaring deficits, and gas up 6 cents per gallon as a result of hurricane Ike. I was sucked into the bad news and couldn’t seem to break free from the spell it cast on me. Every channel was buzzing and even normally complacent commentators looked worried. I could feel anxiety and fear beginning to grip me. What was going to happen to my savings and investments? My life savings? My family?
I broke away from the television and stepped out onto the porch for some air. It took a few moments but sure enough…on the gentle Fall breeze came the sweet scent of the butterfly bush that planted itself in our yard a few years ago. It had been blooming all summer; but for some reason its scent was stronger now than anytime I could remember. I glanced over at it and there in all their beauty were the Monarchs; dozen of them, feeding on the purple florets of this glorious plant. These wonderful creatures were following ancient instincts and invisible currents of air, on their long migration odyssey to Mexico. No wonder the bushes’ scent was stronger than at any other time during the summer; now was the Monarch’s time of greatest need.
I began to come back to my heart. My mind needed to quiet from the noisy world of money and politics so that my soul could feel the invisible currents and breezes that are always offering themselves to me. In our times of most need their are scents to guide us, breezes to carry us, friends to comfort us. We need only let the ancient wisdom that is in each of us come forth. We need only close our eyes to find the way. Be silent to hear the sounds that guide us on the path.
In each of our lives the succulent and sweet sustenance of the butterfly bush is awaiting us. It calls to us through our senses. Let us travel together.
pete
