I like this Bill Harris’ writings and I think his message here is one of the true keys to living happily as a human being.

A couple of concepts he mentions, which are recurring themes in my life: the beauty of the rainbow is in gazing up at whatever sliver of it you are lucky enough to see, not in trying to find the pot of gold; and, as Dorothy found out, seeking and grasping for what we think is the perfect reality (Oz) is just illusion distracting us from the real reality, the only thing that really matters, the fully experiencing of the here and now of this moment.

I like that he acknowledges that on this plane of material reality it impossible to escape cause and effect and impermanence so there is no point in trying. It is also impossible to stay detached and not strive. We are human. The difference, though, is that we can do it all with AWARENESS. That’s the key that opens every door and we all have one. It’s no secret, it just requires a lifetime of learning, and trying, and practicing, and being open and present. The more I do all that, the more I get out of my own way, the more it all makes sense and the more worthwhile I realize it is.

The point is, this is a learning process, this is life evolution.  The thing which makes me saddest (besides humans hurting other humans, creatures, and the planet) is life and opportunities squandered.  It’s OK to lose your balance, even to fall down.  Quicksand is rare and less dangerous than it sounds.  Sometimes taking a load off your feet and just being, right there on the side of the road, is what’s needed.  Other times, a walking partner provides needed companionship; someone to share the road for awhile.  You can learn a lot from what other people are experiencing.  Sometimes the steps are heavy, the weather is stormy, and the path is rough.  Other days are sunny and you are running or skipping down easy street.  Remember to stop and smell the flowers, or marvel at the power of storm clouds and rain.  Don’t let fear (of failure, of the unknown) stop you in your tracks.  And don’t get caught longing for the end of the rainbow or you miss the beauty and illumination it is offering Right Now.

Baron Baptiste says, “we are either now here, or we are no where.”  That has been an important teaching for me for several years now, but only recently did I slow down enough to realise that “now here” and “no where” are two variations of the same reality.  What a perfect illustration of The Power of Choice.