Spiritual Things Matter

The road of life twists and turns and no two directions are ever the same. Yet our lessons came from the journey, not the destination. ~Don Williams, Jr.

While visiting San Antonio last weekend, we also stopped to see the Missions. There were some incredible trees on the properties and I took pictures of some of them. The two photos below were taken by standing directly underneath one of those trees, looking up. The contrast of these two images were so startlingly obvious to me that it deserved a poem to go with it.

^{_{Photograph by Viola Jaynes}}

^{_{Photograph by Viola Jaynes}}

Twists And Turns Of Life

We are displayed with such beauty
as we begin this life -
pain and wounds had not yet mangled
the beginning of our time.
The innocence of existence
shines through so pure -
with a display of vibrant colors -
flickering with a dance of passion
for life that is brand new.

After a time, though,
the twists and turns began -
unrecognizable from its beginnings -
through strange entanglements.
Entwined and knotted with rejections,
coiled and bent with tears -
obsessions and fears marred its innocent beauty
we once had so revered.

Hands cover our face
as we desperately cry out for help -
all at once realizing
that the darkest of nights
brought us back to ourselves again.
Painful tears running uncontrollably,
like a wild river down our face…
only to realize we have come to an open space -
of acceptance and love
we thought we never had.

~Viola Jaynes

The best and most beautiful things cannot be seen, or even touched. They must be felt with the heart. ~Helen Keller

Some of you know that I have been working on writing a book that I would like to publish, first and foremost, as a gift to my children. As my editor and I are back and forth on my articles, I came across a few lines which really spoke to me today. I would like to share them with you:

Love is one of the greatest things we are able to give to others. It is free to give. It is free to receive. It is a healer of unfathomable strength. It liberates souls into a space of acceptance and peace as nothing else can do. It brings with it such joy and understanding, and it brings with it a sense of belonging as one is seen and acknowledged by someone.

Too often we busy ourselves with so much activity and we overlook what really matters in life. A kind word, a tender look, a phone call to simply let someone know that we are thinking of him or her. It can mean so much.

As an imperfect human being that I am, I have often agonized over my own limitations to give of myself to others and to love them simply for who they are. With much gentleness toward myself, I still strive to become a kind and loving human being as I trust a greater Source within the center of my life. Love is a free gift and it is in our power to simply give it away. Simply. Genuinely. Lovingly.

Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened. ~Anatole France

^{Photograph by K. Alan Lewis}

Kal, one of my cyberfriends, just lost his dear dog of nine years. Beau had prostate cancer which, when discovered, had already spread through much of his body. Kal loved his friend too much to allow him to suffer with pain any more than he already had. Therefore, he made the very painful decision to put him to sleep. Kal’s heart is hurting right now. He will miss his friend terribly. Please remember him in your thoughts and prayers. Anyone that is a pet owner knows how much a part of our lives these animals can be.

I was always so moved when Kal wrote about his four-legged child and friend on his site. It was clear just how much they meant to each other. I am glad that Beau had such a good home, such a loving parent to love him and care for him. My thoughts and love are with Kal and Beau as I dedicate this poem to them both.

Man’s Best Friend

Animals! Oh what friends -
if we want them to be;
touched by their innocence -
we are forever changed.
It is a gift indescribable,
so precious, and unforgettable
as they quietly see into our hearts
and somehow understand.

Spoken words of exchange
are impossible, they say -
between man and this lovely
wide-eyed creature.
Yet, love’s language is always present -
if we just listen…
of acceptance and devotion
they so generously give away.

A best friend,
a faithful consoler,
and a true companion -
is the presence of such a comforting
and trusted friend.
Mysteriously, such pure love is possible
between them and us -
for when tears are shed at their loss -
we grasp this truth again.

Lovingly dedicated to Alan and Beau in memory of Beau’s happy life on this earth.

~Viola Jaynes
August 19, 2008

^{Photograph by: R. Scott Jaynes}

This past weekend, we flew to Arizona to attend a seminar once more by Dr. David R. Hawkins. If you have not yet read his book, “Power vs. Force,” I would recommend it to you. It is controversial in some circles, but I am all for people investigating and making up their own minds. That is the beauty of having the ability to reason and think. It is also acceptable to change your mind about something you have supported or now disagree with. It is a part of growing and expanding yourself, and it can be very fun.

As before, it was a delight to see this 80 something little gentleman still lecturing. His sense of humor is priceless, and he is full of knowledge as he relates his many experiences with his patients in very practical terms. Time and again, he explains how a spiritual awareness so very often brings a profound change in peoples lives, as well as healing to so many of our human dilemmas and pain. Many of our world’s major religions teach this truth.

We flew out a day early because we wanted to see the Grand Canyon. Initially, our plans were to do some hiking but because I just had bladder surgery, I had to forgo such an outing. Instead, we signed up to take a helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon. Words fail to describe just how breathtakingly beautiful it was. I was awestruck at its magnificence! If you ever have the chance to see it for yourself, it would be well worth your time.