What We Hope For

The Noble Journey From Fear to Fearlessness ♡ Pema Chödrön

Happy New Year for 2018: If you have time to listen to Pema Chodron's talk, then that's brilliant. If not, then consider what it is you hope for.

A few weeks ago I ended up talking with a woman who was also single. I mentioned that I was meeting a man for a coffee (through internet dating) and was pleased with how intelligently he texted. She immediately said "don't get your hopes up" and then followed this statement with "I'm a really positive person ... but ...".

Really? Are you?

I got what she meant of course and then replied

"What do you think my hopes are?"

She wasn't talking about my hopes was she? I smiled and said 

"what I hope for is that I will have a good cup of coffee with a person who I can have a conversation with. What I hope for, is that I will wake up and feel good about the day to come. I hope for time spent with people I love or like. I hope for a nice meal, for swimming in the sea ... for dancing, for reading a good book ..."

I place my hope in the pleasure of seeing the Pukeko bathing in the bowl of water I've put out for them. This is well-placed hope; I know they will drink it, get in it, wriggle around, duck their fine bird-faces beneath the cool surface and allow the water to roll down their shining blue backs. My whole chest feels like it expands in wonder when they spread out their wings to dry, their red claws contrasting against the grass.

I place my hope in the colour green, not just seeing it, but feeling it in the sea, in the coolness of a shading tree, in the presence of a person who is calm.

I visited Q's (see 'Stay for the Picnic) mum yesterday. I stayed far longer than intended and did a cleansing ritual with sage, lifting any negative energy. I was very honoured to do this. The smoke curled into the air, into the corners, the mirrors, sweet and purifying. Ritual can be very healing and helpful. 

I hope for your wellness. I hope for your healing. I hope for your life to have beauty and freedom from cynicism. That is my hope.

Happy new year to all. Love Candice xxx