Soundtrack: If You're Happy - Clap Your Hands
Don’t ever lose your ability to see the funny side of things. . .
Relationship with Laughter
Now, you are mine
Bubbling up
Releasing outward
Can't hold you in
Must let you flow out
Oh, I CAN share you with others
But I don't need to share you
I can laugh out loud all by myself
And, NOW I can laugh with God
at myself . . . Divine Laughter
~ Deborah Saunders
Relationship with Laughter
Now, you are mine
Bubbling up
Releasing outward
Can't hold you in
Must let you flow out
Oh, I CAN share you with others
But I don't need to share you
I can laugh out loud all by myself
And, NOW I can laugh with God
at myself . . . Divine Laughter
~ Deborah Saunders
| Dawn Cove Abbey Garden -Lupins - July 2007 |
You need to realize that my grandmother was a lady. She’d been an executive secretary in
her working days, and there was a dignity about her that somehow hadn’t translated into
subsequent generations. Genteel, she was. Prim. Proper even.
That’s why the budgie picture is such a delight. If it is possible for my grandmother to
relax enough to tolerate a bird in her hair – and allow a photograph! -- then it is possible
for anyone to let go, let down and play. She knew what could happen. She knew what birds
do . . . and she yet, let it sit there, let this fragile little creature just be.
The approaching summer will bring opportunities, and if we’re not careful we’ll find
ourselves too busy . . . too tired . . . too dignified . . . too preoccupied . . . to step outside
the lives of our safe and comfortable everyday. We'll be too worried about being careful .
. . to concerned about acting our age . . . too busy thinking about tomorrow to pay attention
today.
And yet: When something knocks on your door and asks, “Can [your name] come out to
play?”, remember. You can’t know if this invitation is one of many or the last one that may
come your way. Life is like that.
I have a new bumper sticker that says, “Don’t Postpone Joy.” I think this is what Alice
Walker had in mind when she wrote, in The Color Purple, “I think it irritates God when you
walk by the color purple in a field somewhere and don’t notice it” (Those of you who
remember the book will realize I’ve tidied up the verb somewhat, although I admit the
sentiment was more effective written her way!)
Joy, playfulness, doing your version of letting a budgie sit on your head – these are our
human way of saying “thank you” to the Universe for the gift of life – long life, short life,
whatever weeks and days and years remain.
So, here’s my summer wish for you: Let the budgie of happiness sit on your head. Recognize
there are consequences, but live with it. Let your motto be, "Don't Postpone Joy."
Make room for happiness, make time for play. Every day.
May the Budgie of Happiness Sit on Your Head
- - - - - -
May the Budgie of Happiness Sit on Your Head
by Maureen Killoran, MA, DMin
her working days, and there was a dignity about her that somehow hadn’t translated into
subsequent generations. Genteel, she was. Prim. Proper even.
That’s why the budgie picture is such a delight. If it is possible for my grandmother to
relax enough to tolerate a bird in her hair – and allow a photograph! -- then it is possible
for anyone to let go, let down and play. She knew what could happen. She knew what birds
do . . . and she yet, let it sit there, let this fragile little creature just be.
The approaching summer will bring opportunities, and if we’re not careful we’ll find
ourselves too busy . . . too tired . . . too dignified . . . too preoccupied . . . to step outside
the lives of our safe and comfortable everyday. We'll be too worried about being careful .
. . to concerned about acting our age . . . too busy thinking about tomorrow to pay attention
today.
And yet: When something knocks on your door and asks, “Can [your name] come out to
play?”, remember. You can’t know if this invitation is one of many or the last one that may
come your way. Life is like that.
I have a new bumper sticker that says, “Don’t Postpone Joy.” I think this is what Alice
Walker had in mind when she wrote, in The Color Purple, “I think it irritates God when you
walk by the color purple in a field somewhere and don’t notice it” (Those of you who
remember the book will realize I’ve tidied up the verb somewhat, although I admit the
sentiment was more effective written her way!)
Joy, playfulness, doing your version of letting a budgie sit on your head – these are our
human way of saying “thank you” to the Universe for the gift of life – long life, short life,
whatever weeks and days and years remain.
So, here’s my summer wish for you: Let the budgie of happiness sit on your head. Recognize
there are consequences, but live with it. Let your motto be, "Don't Postpone Joy."
Make room for happiness, make time for play. Every day.
May the Budgie of Happiness Sit on Your Head
- - - - - -
May the Budgie of Happiness Sit on Your Head
by Maureen Killoran, MA, DMin
"Life, love, and laughter -- what priceless gifts to give our children." ~Phyllis Dryden
| The Budgie Of Happiness |
My grandmother, Mimi, was a great solitaire player. My
family legacy is mainly memories, so I especially cherish my
few tangible mementos. Especially a photograph of Mimi,
when she was in her mid-70’s, sitting at the kitchen table,
solitaire game in progress and a small green “budgie” (aka
parakeet in this country) atop her head.
family legacy is mainly memories, so I especially cherish my
few tangible mementos. Especially a photograph of Mimi,
when she was in her mid-70’s, sitting at the kitchen table,
solitaire game in progress and a small green “budgie” (aka
parakeet in this country) atop her head.
MorningStar for people
To submit comments, requests or materials,
contact me at outreach@dawncoveabbey.org
contact me at outreach@dawncoveabbey.org
For empowerment workshops, seminars and lectures, see: http://www.dawncoveabbey.org/healing-circle
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MorningStar Inspiration from Dawn Cove Abbey
Article, haiku, humour and poem contributions are welcomed, and gratefully received
Layout & Design by DawnStar
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MorningStar Inspiration from Dawn Cove Abbey
Article, haiku, humour and poem contributions are welcomed, and gratefully received
Layout & Design by DawnStar
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