It’s easy to let things slip away, through lack of attention and care. I became so absorbed in the chaos of my own change-making that I forgot the importance of the other areas of my life… but then, one cannot deal with everything at once.
While I have ignored this blog for the past five months – through a blustery and fire smoke-filled spring/summer in Santa Fe and a move back to San Miguel de Allende – I hope you will rejoin me as I renew my commitment to sharing words and images of the people, places, thoughts and challenges that are in-forming my life… because we’re all in this world together.
As ever, I welcome your comments below and hope you will share any posts you feel are worth passing along. I look forward to renewing our connection through this medium.
A NEW UNDERSTANDING OF “SPOILED” – I don’t know much about astrology but I enjoy the clever writings of Rob Brezsney and his “Free Will Astrology,” as it invariably gives me something interesting to consider. This week, for my sign (Aquarius), his admonition is to “work on what has been spoiled”.
I think of “spoiled,” in reference to people (especially children) as having been given too much, too easily, and thereby acquiring a sense of entitlement. But when something spoils (like produce or meat), it is usually because it is left to rot; unused as intended, or unappreciated and uncared for. It is neglected, forgotten, abandoned, unloved. Clearly, this applies to parts of self and relationship to others that also needing love and appreciation.
Once something is spoiled, rotten, it must be disposed of because it stinks and contaminates other things. But there are options to the garbage dump. If there is a pit or seed, it can be germinated and grow a whole new tree or plant from it. Or it can be composted, decomposed, to create fertilizer for future growth. But both of these regenerative forms take time, patience and tending to recycle and make useful again what seemed worthless and beyond redemption.
I admit that I am often impulsive in my throwing away, impatient for quick results, and do not permit the gradual and necessary states of germination and growth to happen organically. I act like a spoiled child, expecting Life to be easy and the Universe (and other people) to respond to my immediate desires.
But I am learning that while change is inevitable – whether we think we choose it or it is thrust upon us – we never can know for sure “what next” until the future arrives and we can see, if we choose to look, how the “spoils” of our past might be wisely recycled to generate something new. So, for now, I am considering the value of adversity, mindful of appreciating all the gifts Life bestows upon me, and seeking to make use of that which I have let spoil.
Do you know what I mean?
Thank you Aysha for continuing to share on your blog. Your words help me to dive deep and are appreciated. I experience “throwing away” differently, as my Cancer self ….holds on to things for a long time…yet I have recently found a way to appreciate that about me because I value beautiful things, …like clothes, I hand wash them so they last. Loving the memories always come up when see their form, color and the different fabrics. I have recently enjoyed recirculating my clothes at Uchechi’s Swap and Bitch event where we exchange clothes….It is so fun to see friends in clothes that were just not right for me, but look perfect on them.
Thanks Aysha, Karen
Aysha,
Adversity does have a value (under-appreciated while it’s actually happening!)–it makes us more resilient, and much more appreciative of the good times. I didn’t know you were back in San Miguel! Wonderful! Look forward to seeing what you’re up to via your blog..xxjann
Nice piece Aysha. Glad to hear you posting again. oddly, I was just reading one of my own poems titled, Renewal then I saw your post. : ) Funny how those things work . . .
Aysha, your blog post is poignant and lovely in its honesty. I imagine many people will totally relate, and putting your words to it will help them move through their own grief and sense of loss. I look forward to reading your blog again!
Jann, Thank you for tuning in to my blog, as I continue to enjoy, be inspired by, and recommend yours: http://www.BaroqueSicily.com
Karen, I appreciate not only your deep commitment to friendship and personal responsibility, but your powerful creation and nurturance of beauty in the world!
Hi Cheryl, I’d love to read your poem if you feel like sharing it. It seems “coincidences” are all around us, and it is delightful when we notice them! Thanks for keeping in touch!