Enlightenment is like a paintbrush
placed in the hand of a mannequin
who has fully captured your attention
while the child behind you
dances wildly with paint stained hands
soaking the world with expression
Prove your devotion to love and truth
through right action and discernment
and you will be surprised to find
an even finer instrument in your breast pocket
while those who sit idly before the storefront window
become dreamers frozen in time
Seek then, balance
in the stillness of eternity
creativity in the well spring of your soul
and moral fortitude in honest endeavors
but never forsake that untamed child
who twirls with perfect passion
So that as you receive the gift
you may create timeless masterpieces
that stir the souls of drifters
toward reflection and awesome illustration
of their own inspired potential
For unto them as is given to you
a personalized map will be unearthed
from the catacombs of imagination
to guide them through dark and lonely nights
where the heavens dance on silky swells
toward the ineffable shore
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I love the reminder to not forget the soul child who holds the passion, the vitality, the elan vital, the juiciness of life :
but never forsake that untamed child
who twirls with perfect passion
I’m glad you like that part. I feel that many people misunderstand the idea forwarded by Buddhism, for example, that desires and passion lead to suffering. While desires and passions outside the context of a pure and true love may do so, those found in purity do not, or rather if they do, it is a kind of beautiful sacrifice that is balanced by even greater yields of joy. This is because love brings new energy into the field of creation, rather than redirecting it for self attainment. I also feel that many can become more and more restrictive in their spiritual pursuits, relying on some kind of system that locks them into a specific “way” to go about achieving some kind of attainment. There is always the danger when that happens, that they will forget about the child within themselves and will become a “dreamer frozen in time”, preoccupied with this goal and/or placing a teacher on a pedestal because they want his/her paintbrush, when all along they have a more suitable tool for creation and attainment within their own heart. This is about always remembering the constant reintegration of that child. If one can apply wisdom while retaining that beautifully improvised and creative passion embodied in a child, then their potential for co-creation and helping to build a foundation for a better future for themselves and others becomes boundless.