Fog descends before me.
The way ahead, a foggy mist,
The path behind, a distant memory.
To fight the damp, swirling unknown is to
Move mountains with a mere command.
It is not for humans to play G-d, to enter
A dark and dangerous game
In which the winner is foretold.
Some things are meant to be,
Others wear a misty veil
Until such time as the sun
Appears, farther along the hidden road.
The unknown is part of G-d,
Its very nature clothed with wonder, permeating past,
Present, and future.
"I will be what I will be."*
The day proceeds, the fog lingers.
If I fight, to what avail?
To swat blindly a mist
That has no form, to
Challenge the very hand of G-d?
If I submit, for what purpose?
To wander blindly a road
That has no end,
To feel the damp cold of
An unknown future?
No, to submit is to be defeated, to
Fight a futile task.
To dance, to embrace the mist,
Caress the unknown, bless
The hand that gave me life,
This is to truly live.
The way ahead will never be clear,
The present often encased in fog and rain;
But in this mist,
In this existential pain,
Hope shines bright in the human soul.
For this we travel the unknown road,
For this we laugh despite the pain,
For this we embrace the mist as beautiful.
And every life that touches ours,
Every hand that holds our own,
Every soul that knows our name --
In these blessings, tangible yet
Of infinite value, G-d lives
In our world.
And in the love and hope we share,
We in turn embrace G-d.
And here, in this embrace,
We can move mountains...
* "Ehyeh-Asher-Ehyeh" (Shemot 3:14)
Monday, November 15, 2010
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
True Righteousness
Those who delight in pain
Have no place in this world.
The world of the pious, of the righteous,
This should not transcend that
Of the caring...or it means nothing.
A pious man, well-dressed, well-spoken,
Yet cruel in deed is not truly pious.
The external is important, the internal is essential.
Kindness and compassion towards a fellow human,
Refraining from harsh words,
Sharing love, not pain,
These are the ways of a tzaddik.
True righteousness is in the little things.
It is easy to play a part, to
Promenade for strangers and the many.
It is much harder to masquerade
Before a friend.
With piety comes responsibility, never the right
To bestow hurt,
To wound so deep
The soul of one who cares.
That is not piety,
That is not religion,
But only a broken shard of human weakness
That flies as an arrow
Straight to the heart.
My heart is broken, my soul cries:
Why?
Have no place in this world.
The world of the pious, of the righteous,
This should not transcend that
Of the caring...or it means nothing.
A pious man, well-dressed, well-spoken,
Yet cruel in deed is not truly pious.
The external is important, the internal is essential.
Kindness and compassion towards a fellow human,
Refraining from harsh words,
Sharing love, not pain,
These are the ways of a tzaddik.
True righteousness is in the little things.
It is easy to play a part, to
Promenade for strangers and the many.
It is much harder to masquerade
Before a friend.
With piety comes responsibility, never the right
To bestow hurt,
To wound so deep
The soul of one who cares.
That is not piety,
That is not religion,
But only a broken shard of human weakness
That flies as an arrow
Straight to the heart.
My heart is broken, my soul cries:
Why?
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Nectarines and You
Does a nectarine taste sweet because it is filled with nectar, or is nectar so called because it tastes like a nectarine?
Does it matter? Sweetness is good, no matter how it comes about. If you lose yourself too much in the details, you just might forget to enjoy what you have. Hmm, I honestly don't know where this came from, maybe I was just hungry for some nectarines ;) But anyway, remember kiddos, five servings a day of fruits and vegetables keeps a body happy. Or is it the soul that's happy? Maybe the tummy? Oh my gosh, I think I should call it a night, so layla tov from blogland!
Does it matter? Sweetness is good, no matter how it comes about. If you lose yourself too much in the details, you just might forget to enjoy what you have. Hmm, I honestly don't know where this came from, maybe I was just hungry for some nectarines ;) But anyway, remember kiddos, five servings a day of fruits and vegetables keeps a body happy. Or is it the soul that's happy? Maybe the tummy? Oh my gosh, I think I should call it a night, so layla tov from blogland!
Thursday, August 19, 2010
The cry of hunger
At night I hear their cries.
Sometimes by day as well they beg.
Whimpers, demands, supplications,
An endless hunger is what they know.
Padding softly on narrow frames, I wonder when they will disappear
Into the void from which they came.
Within there lies a heart, a soul, a wish to live and play.
Yet these hide within pure skin and bones, and soft eyes that beg without a sound;
My own eyes feel heavy, my heart cries.
Sometimes they will follow, asking their one question, all the way to my door.
If I feed them, they will return.
Perhaps not the next day, but the one after.
And the problem still remains,
The hunger devouring them inside.
What can I do?
Today there are many, tomorrow there will be more.
Only the kittens are unaware, saved by their playmates from the constant ache.
But soon they will grow.
And some would say these are only cats.
If they were dogs, would you feel the same?
And if they were people, starving on the streets?
Hunger is not a pleasant thing, and a solution is not an easy task.
From my window I see them, walking, begging, searching...
One day, may they find what they need.
***And may we all spay and neuter our pets!!! Countless lives can be saved in this way, for each animal merits shelter, food, and drink. A cold life on the street is not the answer. So if they're not going to breed, then just do the deed. Sounds harsh, but it saves lives.
Sometimes by day as well they beg.
Whimpers, demands, supplications,
An endless hunger is what they know.
Padding softly on narrow frames, I wonder when they will disappear
Into the void from which they came.
Within there lies a heart, a soul, a wish to live and play.
Yet these hide within pure skin and bones, and soft eyes that beg without a sound;
My own eyes feel heavy, my heart cries.
Sometimes they will follow, asking their one question, all the way to my door.
If I feed them, they will return.
Perhaps not the next day, but the one after.
And the problem still remains,
The hunger devouring them inside.
What can I do?
Today there are many, tomorrow there will be more.
Only the kittens are unaware, saved by their playmates from the constant ache.
But soon they will grow.
And some would say these are only cats.
If they were dogs, would you feel the same?
And if they were people, starving on the streets?
Hunger is not a pleasant thing, and a solution is not an easy task.
From my window I see them, walking, begging, searching...
One day, may they find what they need.
***And may we all spay and neuter our pets!!! Countless lives can be saved in this way, for each animal merits shelter, food, and drink. A cold life on the street is not the answer. So if they're not going to breed, then just do the deed. Sounds harsh, but it saves lives.
Friday, July 23, 2010
Strawberries
Are strawberries really made out of straw? Or is that a really southern way to say 'strong berries'? You know, they do look rather strong... :P
Monday, July 19, 2010
A Bicycle Built for Two...Not a Bowl of Pasta!
Has anyone else noticed that in America, while our wallets may be shrinking, our portion sizes certainly aren't? At restaurants today, dinner for one usually means dinner for two (one real person, yes, and one imaginary friend), and dinner for two really does let you feed your souls...with their own portions, of course! Even a single serving of salad is often large enough for two people or at the very least, one and a half. Including the half a person you're going to grow once you eat all of this food. Hmmm...maybe they were just thinking ahead? ;)
But what happened to the days of just eating what our bodies intended for us to have? In the olden days, Coke came in a little bottle (eight ounces, or twelve tops) and water was a drink of choice, steak portions really were the size of your fist, and a bowl of soup was actually a bowl of soup (and not a man-made lake of soup). This may sound funny, but I'm completely serious: it's a major problem and restaurants, advertising, and societal "norms" today are not doing much to help.
Our instincts tell us that we need to eat food. And we've learned to be polite. So when Olive Garden puts a massive plate of Ravioli in front of us, we're going to dig in. And dig in. Until we've eaten half a day's worth of food in one sitting. Believe me, I've seen this happen more often than not. And you might think that eating all this food would make us happy, but it doesn't. Not really. Look at the obesity rates in America today, a combination of sedentary lifestyles and HUGE portion sizes. Something needs to be done, and I have a solution that's easy and filled with happiness. Ok, in my world it is, but in yours you are free to form your own opinion.
Spirit Wolf's Simple 3 Step Plan
Step 1: Reduce portion sizes.
We can do this ourselves at home, but if Yogurt Mountain still continues to provide those huge "small" cups for yogurt, then we don't have to fill them all the way up. It's cheaper, and still satisfying to eat less than a full cup, no matter what their advertisements might tell you. And when a restaurant puts the world's largest veggie burger in front of you, then just eat what you feel like, and take the rest home. Or share it. What you *feel* like is the key here, because often your body will give you signals that it is full, signals that don't have to include the sudden acrobatics of a button flying through the air, liberated from your newly-expanded pants.
Step 2: Stay Active or Become Active.
This is much much much easier than it sounds. Being active includes just walking every day, taking stairs, dancing around with friends, playing with your dog, playing chase with your cat (probably more like playing where is the cat), and just moving in some way.
So again, staying active can be as simple as JUST WALKING. Walking combined with smaller portions works wonders. Don't believe me? Try it! And for older adults (and others) for whom walking might be difficult, just moving in any way is good. No matter how small the movement, it most certainly counts. But for those who can handle it, WALK! I say this with love, not as a drill instructor.
Step 3: Don't give up.
Yes, there will be times when you eat too much, when you eat the whole tub of Chocolate Ice Cream (shout out to my gram, I love you ;) , and when you don't feel like walking or moving much. That's ok, but never give up. Every day can't be perfect, but most changes don't happen overnight. We change our lives in little ways, by not giving up and believing in ourselves. Then one day, we'll wake up and be a whole new person. In comparison to where we were a year ago. I'm striving for this myself, in many ways, so I know what I'm talking about.
So basically, the next time Papa John's brings you that lovely, scrumptious large pizza, have a slice. Or two. And a delicious, healthy salad on the side. Then save or share the rest and walk away. Ha, it sounds like a plan to get out of danger, but don't worry. There is no immediate danger, just a chance for you to know even more happiness and health than you ever have before. And cold pizza tastes amazing!
But what happened to the days of just eating what our bodies intended for us to have? In the olden days, Coke came in a little bottle (eight ounces, or twelve tops) and water was a drink of choice, steak portions really were the size of your fist, and a bowl of soup was actually a bowl of soup (and not a man-made lake of soup). This may sound funny, but I'm completely serious: it's a major problem and restaurants, advertising, and societal "norms" today are not doing much to help.
Our instincts tell us that we need to eat food. And we've learned to be polite. So when Olive Garden puts a massive plate of Ravioli in front of us, we're going to dig in. And dig in. Until we've eaten half a day's worth of food in one sitting. Believe me, I've seen this happen more often than not. And you might think that eating all this food would make us happy, but it doesn't. Not really. Look at the obesity rates in America today, a combination of sedentary lifestyles and HUGE portion sizes. Something needs to be done, and I have a solution that's easy and filled with happiness. Ok, in my world it is, but in yours you are free to form your own opinion.
Spirit Wolf's Simple 3 Step Plan
Step 1: Reduce portion sizes.
We can do this ourselves at home, but if Yogurt Mountain still continues to provide those huge "small" cups for yogurt, then we don't have to fill them all the way up. It's cheaper, and still satisfying to eat less than a full cup, no matter what their advertisements might tell you. And when a restaurant puts the world's largest veggie burger in front of you, then just eat what you feel like, and take the rest home. Or share it. What you *feel* like is the key here, because often your body will give you signals that it is full, signals that don't have to include the sudden acrobatics of a button flying through the air, liberated from your newly-expanded pants.
Step 2: Stay Active or Become Active.
This is much much much easier than it sounds. Being active includes just walking every day, taking stairs, dancing around with friends, playing with your dog, playing chase with your cat (probably more like playing where is the cat), and just moving in some way.
So again, staying active can be as simple as JUST WALKING. Walking combined with smaller portions works wonders. Don't believe me? Try it! And for older adults (and others) for whom walking might be difficult, just moving in any way is good. No matter how small the movement, it most certainly counts. But for those who can handle it, WALK! I say this with love, not as a drill instructor.
Step 3: Don't give up.
Yes, there will be times when you eat too much, when you eat the whole tub of Chocolate Ice Cream (shout out to my gram, I love you ;) , and when you don't feel like walking or moving much. That's ok, but never give up. Every day can't be perfect, but most changes don't happen overnight. We change our lives in little ways, by not giving up and believing in ourselves. Then one day, we'll wake up and be a whole new person. In comparison to where we were a year ago. I'm striving for this myself, in many ways, so I know what I'm talking about.
So basically, the next time Papa John's brings you that lovely, scrumptious large pizza, have a slice. Or two. And a delicious, healthy salad on the side. Then save or share the rest and walk away. Ha, it sounds like a plan to get out of danger, but don't worry. There is no immediate danger, just a chance for you to know even more happiness and health than you ever have before. And cold pizza tastes amazing!
Sunday, July 11, 2010
What is Love? (poem and *aside*)
Real love is a rare gift.
It is more than passion,
More than friendship,
Yet these are contained within it.
It is desire and affection,
Physical and spiritual,
Attraction to body and soul.
Real love knows no age, no limit, no expiration date.
It does not fade with time, but
Grows stronger with each shared moment.
Two souls in love need not fear the years, for
Passion is strong when hearts are connected.
Love is not infatuation, not a sickness of obsessive desire.
Real love takes time; it is built with care and tears.
Heart ache is part of love, as real life can hurt.
Fantasy is pressure free, a harmless dream,
But not real.
Many hide behind such fantasies,
To protect their heart and shield off hurt.
Real love takes courage,
Because here a soul must stand alone.
There is risk of hurt, fear of pain,
But without courage there cannot be love.
Real love is a risk and life's most precious gift;
For if it is found, it is a light that lasts forever.
**As an aside:
Love can be wonderful and cruel. I've been in love myself, as many of you probably have as well. Twice, actually. And I've known heartbreak, deceit, thoughtlessness, and deep hurt. Ironically, I've never known what it feels like to have someone love you back. I mean truly love you back. But I'll share what I have learned. Real love cannot be one-sided, it cannot be rushed, but I believe it can be overlooked at first. Because in order to happen, both people need to be brave and recognize it. That's where time comes into play.
And love and insincerity do not mix. I know excessive flattery and flirty sweetness are usually meant in fun, not intending to hurt anyone. But what if the other person believes you? I speak from experience. Someone once wrote me that it was fate that brought us together, fate and music, and it scared the crap out of me. But then I chose to believe them and see them in a different way. I just wish that it had been sincere, as I later realized that it probably wasn't. Anyway, things happen, life goes on, yada yada yada.
And one more piece of advice. Please don't feel that you have to use beautiful words and over-the-top flattery or craziness to get people to like you. Don't get me wrong, craziness is cool, beautiful words are cool, and sincere flattery is great -- but you have a beautiful heart. People should like you for who you really are, and if they can't see that, then it's their problem. Just believe in yourself and be true to who you are...and if craziness ensues, then by all means go for it! Just remember that sometimes, it's ok to slow it down and put away the mask. You might even find new sides of yourself along the way.
It is more than passion,
More than friendship,
Yet these are contained within it.
It is desire and affection,
Physical and spiritual,
Attraction to body and soul.
Real love knows no age, no limit, no expiration date.
It does not fade with time, but
Grows stronger with each shared moment.
Two souls in love need not fear the years, for
Passion is strong when hearts are connected.
Love is not infatuation, not a sickness of obsessive desire.
Real love takes time; it is built with care and tears.
Heart ache is part of love, as real life can hurt.
Fantasy is pressure free, a harmless dream,
But not real.
Many hide behind such fantasies,
To protect their heart and shield off hurt.
Real love takes courage,
Because here a soul must stand alone.
There is risk of hurt, fear of pain,
But without courage there cannot be love.
Real love is a risk and life's most precious gift;
For if it is found, it is a light that lasts forever.
**As an aside:
Love can be wonderful and cruel. I've been in love myself, as many of you probably have as well. Twice, actually. And I've known heartbreak, deceit, thoughtlessness, and deep hurt. Ironically, I've never known what it feels like to have someone love you back. I mean truly love you back. But I'll share what I have learned. Real love cannot be one-sided, it cannot be rushed, but I believe it can be overlooked at first. Because in order to happen, both people need to be brave and recognize it. That's where time comes into play.
And love and insincerity do not mix. I know excessive flattery and flirty sweetness are usually meant in fun, not intending to hurt anyone. But what if the other person believes you? I speak from experience. Someone once wrote me that it was fate that brought us together, fate and music, and it scared the crap out of me. But then I chose to believe them and see them in a different way. I just wish that it had been sincere, as I later realized that it probably wasn't. Anyway, things happen, life goes on, yada yada yada.
And one more piece of advice. Please don't feel that you have to use beautiful words and over-the-top flattery or craziness to get people to like you. Don't get me wrong, craziness is cool, beautiful words are cool, and sincere flattery is great -- but you have a beautiful heart. People should like you for who you really are, and if they can't see that, then it's their problem. Just believe in yourself and be true to who you are...and if craziness ensues, then by all means go for it! Just remember that sometimes, it's ok to slow it down and put away the mask. You might even find new sides of yourself along the way.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
When Tomorrow Comes
When tomorrow comes,
Let it be for good.
No more hiding from the sun,
No more crying in the rain.
The seasons will pass,
The world will change,
And life will happen.
Be true to yourself,
Embrace the future.
Through the love and pain,
Listen to your heart,
Even when it aches.
Don't stop moving, and
If you fall, get back up.
Even if it takes many tomorrows.
Life is like a budding love,
Fragile, unsure, yet with limitless potential.
Embrace it, for each day
Is a chance to live once more.
It may not always be easy,
But the sun is that much more beautiful
After a cloudy sky.
When tomorrow comes,
Be ready.
Time is a gift and each day, a blessing.
Let it be for good.
No more hiding from the sun,
No more crying in the rain.
The seasons will pass,
The world will change,
And life will happen.
Be true to yourself,
Embrace the future.
Through the love and pain,
Listen to your heart,
Even when it aches.
Don't stop moving, and
If you fall, get back up.
Even if it takes many tomorrows.
Life is like a budding love,
Fragile, unsure, yet with limitless potential.
Embrace it, for each day
Is a chance to live once more.
It may not always be easy,
But the sun is that much more beautiful
After a cloudy sky.
When tomorrow comes,
Be ready.
Time is a gift and each day, a blessing.
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Invisible walls
Invisible walls stand tall, impenetrable.
I should know.
At first glance, I may seem open, defenses down,
But come too close and I'll shut you out.
Every time.
As friends, there are no fixed boundaries, my heart is always open,
My life an open book.
But go too far, and you will hit solid glass.
So unexpected that I don't always know it's there...until I find myself hiding behind it once more.
A heart will do many things to protect itself,
Often bypassing even conscious thought.
I've seen the tears that come with "love", the abuse of power, the loss of oneself.
My heart is wary, my defenses strong.
So much so that no one has ever broken through,
Even when I first believe it otherwise.
Deep down,
I'm stuck in a fortress all my own,
Hoping for the day I can let it go,
My heart free to trust completely.
But until that day, I'll stay here,
Behind my last defenses: safe and whole.
At least as much as any one person can be.
I should know.
At first glance, I may seem open, defenses down,
But come too close and I'll shut you out.
Every time.
As friends, there are no fixed boundaries, my heart is always open,
My life an open book.
But go too far, and you will hit solid glass.
So unexpected that I don't always know it's there...until I find myself hiding behind it once more.
A heart will do many things to protect itself,
Often bypassing even conscious thought.
I've seen the tears that come with "love", the abuse of power, the loss of oneself.
My heart is wary, my defenses strong.
So much so that no one has ever broken through,
Even when I first believe it otherwise.
Deep down,
I'm stuck in a fortress all my own,
Hoping for the day I can let it go,
My heart free to trust completely.
But until that day, I'll stay here,
Behind my last defenses: safe and whole.
At least as much as any one person can be.
Monday, June 7, 2010
Character
What is character?
Sure, Phineas and Ferb, Chip and Dale, and any Disney Princess would count, but is being a character the same thing as having it?
True, every person has their own character, the set of qualities and characteristics that define them as an individual...but is there something specific we're looking for when we say, "That person has character"?
Something that sets them apart,
Something inherently good...but can you learn to "have character", or at least obtain more of it?
I believe you can.
There seems to be a moral aspect to character,
A quality of caring for others and respecting differences.
A boy takes time out for his friends in need, helps them by his presence and unconditional support; we'd say, "Oh, that boy has character."
A girl realizes that it is easier to run away from problems and challenges than to face them...yet she faces them anyway.
That is character.
Perhaps character is a heart full of pride, courage, compassion, honesty, love, action, self-control, respect, responsibility, and moderation: qualities fit for a superhero, yet unmistakably real.
None of us have all these qualities in the amounts we might prefer, but it is up to us to find the balance.
Life is about taking what we have, nurturing it, and finding our own balance.
Too much pride, love, or honesty, when forced unceasingly on others and allowed to dominate our lives and actions, is not helpful.
Likewise, an extreme lack of moderation or compassion helps no one.
Balance is life, change a gift, and life a quest to use change to find balance.
And it is along the way, when we least expect it, that we may just develop true character.
Sure, Phineas and Ferb, Chip and Dale, and any Disney Princess would count, but is being a character the same thing as having it?
True, every person has their own character, the set of qualities and characteristics that define them as an individual...but is there something specific we're looking for when we say, "That person has character"?
Something that sets them apart,
Something inherently good...but can you learn to "have character", or at least obtain more of it?
I believe you can.
There seems to be a moral aspect to character,
A quality of caring for others and respecting differences.
A boy takes time out for his friends in need, helps them by his presence and unconditional support; we'd say, "Oh, that boy has character."
A girl realizes that it is easier to run away from problems and challenges than to face them...yet she faces them anyway.
That is character.
Perhaps character is a heart full of pride, courage, compassion, honesty, love, action, self-control, respect, responsibility, and moderation: qualities fit for a superhero, yet unmistakably real.
None of us have all these qualities in the amounts we might prefer, but it is up to us to find the balance.
Life is about taking what we have, nurturing it, and finding our own balance.
Too much pride, love, or honesty, when forced unceasingly on others and allowed to dominate our lives and actions, is not helpful.
Likewise, an extreme lack of moderation or compassion helps no one.
Balance is life, change a gift, and life a quest to use change to find balance.
And it is along the way, when we least expect it, that we may just develop true character.
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