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Sharing the insights I discover as I explore and experience the mystery that is our reality. Join me in my journey and share yours.




Saturday, September 22, 2012

Sometimes I Wish







I always welcome the opportunity to  try something new so I decided to join 28 other bloggers in a "blog hop". The theme is "Sometimes I wish". I want to thank Janaki of Memoirs of a Homemaker for her wonderful introduction to my blog. Tomorrow please be sure to visit my fellow blogger Dave and his blog Mostly Sincere. He will be continuing the blog hop and I know you won't want to miss his post!

Here is my contribution to "Sometimes I Wish":


Sometimes I wish that there was nothing at all to wish. That all my heart desired was fulfilled and I could rest, contented, in the peace and presence of God my soul craves. That, like an instant download, my soul would be impregnated with a file that had access into the answers to the most profound mysteries of man.
 

Sometimes I wish the world, and my home in particular,  would hum in harmony continuously. Like a living St. Francis prayer where when one member experienced the seed of doubt planted in their hearts another would uproot it and carefully, hollowing out a small area of fertile soil, bury a seed of faith in its place. Where when there was injury and misunderstanding forgiveness would always be a natural response. Where when darkness would creep into the consciousness of one, the light from the others would dispel the icy shadows that steal peace and whisper lies. A place where love would bind the wounds that bleed out hope and compassion would be the poultice that cures the infections that cause bitterness to fester.

 

Sometimes as I come across those who judge me for what I believe or don't believe, what I drive or don't drive, where I live or don't live, what I wear or don't wear,  I wish that people would not allow the exteriors of life, sometimes simply beyond one's control, to define others. Instead I wish the whole world would take the words of Martin Luther King jr. to heart and judge others by the content of their characters.  


Sometimes I wish that more people would realize that within us all is the spark of God and together love has the potential to shine that much brighter. Together we could cure the madness that chokes this world. 

I think wishing is productive so far as it helps us realize our priorities and aspirations. But to wish for everything to be perfect is obviously impractical and an impossibility.  For life exists in opposites in this material world. There cannot be an up without a down, light without darkness, joy without sorrow. And it is in our moments of depravity in which we are prompted to dig deep within ourselves to find our greatest qualities and allow them to rise above the surface of our experience and act them out in this continual play called life. It is when darkness enters onto the stage that our souls recognize the need for light, it is when hope pirouettes into view to much applause that despair bids her adieu, when love descends from the rafters to illuminate every corner that the curtain closes on hate.

 
So, perhaps my final wish, is that my heart and mind would begin to live out the below verses in the Bhagavad Gita. That no matter what waves come crashing at my heart's shore I shall remain steadfast, my gaze and devotion, fixed on God. For then I can become an instrument of His peace and begin to not just have wishes but make some of them come true, at least in my own small corner of the world.


"That one is dear to me who runs not after the
pleasant or away from the painful, grieves not, lusts not,
but lets things come and go as they happen.

That devotee who looks upon friend and foe with
equal regard, who is not buoyed up by praise nor
cast down by blame, alike in heat and cold, pleasure
and pain, free from selfish attachments, the same
in honor and dishonor, quiet, ever full in harmony
everywhere, firm in faith-such a one is dear to me."
    Bhagavad Gita 12.17-19

Do you have any wishes? Or thoughts to mine? Please share!

59 comments:

  1. Wouldn’t it be a wonderful world if everyone were free from selfish attachments, if none were judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character, if we could rest content in the peace of God? The good news for us is that we can. Even in the midst of turmoil and strive, peace and love begin with us, one individual at a time.
    I wish I could live in a world free from political rancor, right now especially. The good news is that someday we will, when the government is upon His shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6). But it’s more than a wish. It’s a promise.

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    1. Thanks for stopping by Debra. We definitely have the future to look forward to. God is faithful.

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  2. Wow, Jessica. These wishes, when they come true, sound like they would lead to a perfect world. How I wish that these wishes would become a reality. But when reality sets in, it is so beautiful to be reminded of the Bhagavad Gita verses you shared. Your beautiful post blessed me this Sunday morning, Jessica. Thank you so much for sharing your heart and your wisdom. God bless you always <3 :-)

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    1. Thank you so much Irene for stopping by. I'm really glad you enjoyed the verses I shared from the Gita. That is one book that has been a continual source of inspiration and direction for me in my spiritual journey.
      ~ many blessings

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  3. Lovely wish Jessica :)

    The only thing that comes to my mind after reading it is AMEN <3

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  4. Very nice post Jessica - You made an interesting observation that struck me. "I think wishing is productive so far as it helps us realize our priorities and aspirations." I hadn't thought about "wishes" like that before, but it does gie us some introspect on our priorities.

    Your wishes are for a better world, and I hope they do come true.

    Be well,
    Ron

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  5. Your wishes are so pure and they became a form of prayer today. I know how you strive hard to achieve this peace. Perhaps one day, you'll realize that it'll become you.

    Lots of love sis.

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    1. Thank you sis for stopping by.Lots of love to you as well. :)

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  6. Wow,

    Beautiful post, Jessica. You've captured everything about spiritual longing in these few words. I must reread the Gita...I've not done so for a while, and it's always been a comfort to me.

    Thank you for sharing,

    Casey

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    1. I find the Gita comforting too and very helpful spiritually as well. Definitely a book that one wants to read again and again...it's well worth it! :)

      Glad you enjoyed the post. Thanks for stopping by.

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  7. OMG, I have too many wishes. I'd go on and on and on with the longest blog post on earth.

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    1. I can relate...I could have gone on a lot longer but stopped myself! :)

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  8. I love your wishes, Jessica! Oh, that we might all realize the spark of the divine resides within us and act accordingly, loving others unconditionally, and letting our egos fade.
    Beautifully done!
    Blessings!

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    1. Yes...letting our egos go...If only we could all do that it would bring so much peace into the world. It's said that it is our mind that is our worst enemy and greatest friend. That's so true!

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  9. Jessica: How beautiful and Amen,I so agree. Thank you and bless you!

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    1. Thank you Kimly for stopping by. Blessings to you as well! :)

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  10. "Together we could cure the madness that chokes this world.
    That hope IS the madness that chokes this world...
    You want salvation without a Savior.... we are helpless and hopeless... without Him we are mad indeed!

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    1. God is within all of us, and working within us, we could do a lot to curb some of the madness that infects the world.We don't have to look outside of ourselves for miracles to happen but to dig deep within ourselves for the Divinity that lies within to manifest them, through that love and light, through the very sparks of heaven that reside within.

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    2. "Cure" or "curb"? big difference....
      "We don't have to look outside of ourselves for miracles to happen but to dig deep within ourselves for the Divinity that lies within to manifest them"
      Sigh..... this has been the root of every failed attempt at man centered reform since the beginning of man's independence from God.
      He is the only hope... and until men realize that and accept it, asking Him to save us, it will continue to fail as it has.

      Sorry this is under "anonymous"... I couldn't sign in as a person... go figure!! :-)
      Bruce

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    3. Well if we all miraculously lost hold of our egos and surrendered to God's love and allowed it to permeate our actions then I do think we could cure this world for the most part. But I guess "curb" is a better way to describe it. This world is too caught up in maya/illusion to ever truly wrestle free from suffering.

      We seem to live in an upside-down kind of world, if you know what I mean. Where we value the material, the things in life that in the end matter little, when really the only thing worth valuing is the eternal. As long as we put our focus in attempting to have the material provide us with the peace and satisfaction and happiness we long for we will put ourselves first, and not others, and stop short from really seeking or finding God. And suffering in this world will continue.

      I feel, though, instead of asking God for help to save us that God beckons us to reach within ourselves. If God is within us then all that we need is within us.

      I was wondering who "anonymous" was...Thanks for letting me know Bruce. :) I always enjoy discussing things with you.
      ~ Jessica

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    4. I gracefully disagree with you, Bruce. I believe that the power is within us and that mankind's only salvation lies within itself. One can compare it to a person's own salvation. Ask a person who has survived a difficult life and found the light, and they will tell you that they did that mostly on their own. Of course, everyone needs help and without others we are fragile, but we can be saved and become brave only on our own. That's my opinion on the subject, anyway.

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    5. "I believe that the power is within us and that mankind's only salvation lies within itself."

      I believe that to be true also David. And it probably matters little whether one believes that source of strength, discernment and hope that is found within is one's own will or God, as long as it is tapped into and used to promote peace and overcome obstacles...that's the important thing.

      You are full of great thoughts Dave! Loving your participation on my threads. Thanks. :)

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  11. Such a simple wish that would be a wondrous blessing if it could be possible. But, then again, if it was a possibility what would we have left to strive for?
    Thank you for sharing this post. It was a beautiful read :)

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    1. "But, then again, if it was a possibility what would we have left to strive for?"

      That's kind of why I wrote:



      "I think wishing is productive so far as it helps us realize our priorities and aspirations. But to wish for everything to be perfect is obviously impractical and an impossibility. For life exists in opposites in this material world. There cannot be an up without a down, light without darkness, joy without sorrow. And it is in our moments of depravity in which we are prompted to dig deep within ourselves to find our greatest qualities and allow them to rise above the surface of our experience and act them out in this continual play called life."

      Thanks for stopping by. I'm glad you enjoyed it. :)

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  12. Awww, what a thoughtful wish that you wish for. And if it ever happens, it would be the most splendid blessing ever.

    Mary so echoes my thoughts.

    Thanks for this wish. It reflects your heart and mind.

    Joy always,
    Susan

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    1. Thank you so much Susan for stopping by. I'm glad you enjoyed it. :)

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  13. Hi, Jessica! ~

    Mostly I don't really believe in 'wishes' and I was concerned about my ability to participate in this Blog Tag event as a result. You came up with a similar stance as I did, in my own mind: "I think wishing is productive so far as it helps us realize our priorities and aspirations."

    I love your passion and open-mindedness concerning spiritual matters! Reading this post has inspired me to share something with you -- I will P/M you! XOXOX

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  14. Linda, thanks so much for your comment. It's great that someone else can relate to my perspective. I feel blessed that you would be open to share with me and look forward to hearing what you'd like to share.
    ~ many blessings

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  15. So serene, so pure, those line can easily sit in the The New Testament!

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    1. Thank you umashankar...I'm so glad you enjoyed it. :)

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  16. I guess somewhere hidden in the confines of my heart is a believer that wishes come true... those of the impractical variety.


    ....but let things come and go as they happen! What wonderful words to live by!

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    1. Amy, I think of all of us would desire such a reality to be true! You never know...:)

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  17. Beautiful wish Jessica and beautiful post. Loved the lines from the Bhagavad Gita. St Francis of Assisi's prayer is also a beautiful one. Someday you will be an instrument of His peace. Namaste and Blessings to you.

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    1. That is my prayer..to be His instrument of peace and compassion. Thank you for stopping by Suzy. ~ namaste~

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  18. Hi, Jessica! I have only now gotten around to fully reading your post, I apologise for being late to the party. I agree with many points you made in your post, such as that "Together we could cure the madness that chokes this world.". I too wish that one day everyone in the world would let go of all the hate, greed and general negativity that surrounds and plagues us. It may take centuries or millenniums, but I hope that at least in the year of 12,345 people will find peace.

    Wonderful post, very thought- and comment-provoking.

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    1. Dave...I really have hope that much of the hate and unrest in this world will someday be uprooted. As the world's collective consciousness begins to be elevated more and more people are beginning to reach higher states of awareness of compassion...So far, it's the minority, but someday as time unfolds itself, it will become the majority. Maybe not all, but most will see themselves as being interconnected with not only those in their community but globally as well as their environment. And this will lead them to see the similarities and honor the differences and realize by hurting others they are only hurting themselves as well.

      Thanks so much for leaving your thoughtful reflections.

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  19. Beautiful wishes, hopes, and dreams. Thank you for sharing.

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  20. I think some of us (i.e. me) have to keep wishing for that perfect world, although we know it will never happen, just to balance out the major pessimists of the world.

    Loved the post and the verses. Live and let live...

    Smiles. :)

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    1. It's always great to stay positive and look forward to better things to come. Our thoughts help create our reality.
      Thanks for stopping by Rachel. :)

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  21. Oh how I wish we didnt have wishes and let each day come and go with us being grateful for all that we have. Beautiful wish Jessica. Loved the verse from the Bhagwad Gita.

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    1. So glad you loved the verses Rimly! I would love to daily live those verses out! Then, I know , I would truly know peace. We all could. :)

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  22. What a beautiful post.. to let go of our egos..to see without judgement..to love all unconditionally ....ahhhhh what a beautiful world it could be..... As always...XOXOXOXOXOXO

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    1. Yes, it would be! At least we can make the small corners of our world as much that way as we can. :)
      Thanks for stopping by Bonnie. Lots of love and light your way..as always. :)

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  23. Thank you for giving me a glimpse into your wishes Jessica!The world would be such a wonderful place when people stop judging each other. I enjoyed reading this....a lot!

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    1. So glad you enjoyed this Nelieta! Thanks for stopping by. :)

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  24. lovely post. last weekend we went to a benefit. it was held in a resturaratn attached to a bar. we went to the bar afterwards. drinks were $1! not one person in that whole place cared what our zip code was or what kind of car we drove..they were singing paradise by the dashboard lights with the juke box, and asked us to join. it was a wonderful place.
    I am your newest follower..pls follow back if you can.

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  25. Thanks momto8blog...What a great experience you had last weekend, thanks for sharing it! We could all use more times with others like that. :)Headed over to check out your blog now...Thanks for following! :)

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  26. With all the madness that's been going around in the last few weeks your wish strikes so deep: Sometimes I wish that more people would realize that within us all is the spark of God and together love has the potential to shine that much brighter.
    If only we would allow God to be God and know that He didn't need us to be His advocates and fight on 'his behalf' senseless wars! If only we would focus on being more human every day.
    May your wishes comes true, sweet sister.

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  27. "If only we would allow God to be God and know that He didn't need us to be His advocates and fight on 'his behalf' senseless wars! If only we would focus on being more human every day."

    I couldn't say it any better. Thank you Corinne. :)

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  28. Phew! That's a wish for us all to wish. Let me be me - you can be you, we can be together and respect our respective choices. I wish for your wish to be one for all to embrace.

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  29. I wish ALL your wishes would come true :(

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  30. While reading your post, Jessica, I was filled with the certainty that what you were describing as you wrote is what I call "Home" ... that place we all come from before life and will return to henceforth.
    Beautifully written and discussed, thank you.
    With Respect, Pat.

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  31. I'm late to this post, but enjoyed the stream of consciousness you shared. Your first paragraph of wishing there were no things to wish for, that we could be happy with what is....that struck a chord.

    I wrestle with that concept as well, wishing that I could be one of those people who is content within a very defined, controlled existence. Organized religion would be an example, and I am not using it to criticize. I just haven't ever been able to comfortably fit into that world, and this is for very specific reasons (I had 2 near death experiences as a child that shaped my outlook on Life).

    Sometimes, though, I think it would be so much easier to embrace a very strictly defined mindset of that nature, rather than be me who looks at the world in a manner that simply does not fit within those controlled parameters. At the end of the day, I've worked my whole life to be Me, and to stand true on my own Life Path. It's where I am meant to be, and for the most part, aside from the occasional "sometimes I wish" moment, I'm good where I am. I like the choices I've made, the growth I've experienced, and the Life Stripes I've achieved. I couldn't have accomplished any of those had I embraced a different set of parameters.

    Great mental exercise, this "sometimes I wish" thing! :)

    Namaste',

    Dawn

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