learning to stand upright

Assuming the Theory of Evolution exists, and following all the postulates and rules within, one could come to an understanding that humans are a descendant of single cell water creatures.

Starting out as the simplest of forms, we evolved to become the upright land creatures of today. Intelligence has increased in direct proportion to brain size. Humankind is considered, by humans, to be the most evolved creatures on the planet earth. 

But I think we aren't as evolved as we think we are. In fact, I don't even consider us as "upright", rather more slouched over and bending. Our eyes are to the ground, hoping for the sky.  We are in our minds rather than in that present time.

Our shoulders are getting stronger from baring such a heavy load. Our brows, over-sized and furrowed from grimacing through the pain. "It doesn't hurt.... that bad," we say to ourselves. 

As we become more top heavy, our backs begin to weaken and bend, like a willow tree burdened after a heavy snow.

And from a different perspective, one may be able to see their invisible burden keeping them brow-beaten all these years.

Stand upright. Stand Up RIGHT!

And the view will be different. 
People will change.   
Each moment moves from this to the next. 
There is always a next. 
The next is defined by the intent with which it is born. 
The intent is now. 
You choose your intent. 
Tomorrow is my choice. 
I choose to evolve. 



Copyright 2002 Yvonne Ramage

no need for weak knees

Marathon turned into "why-cant-I-a-thon". Found out that I'm just a bit too weak in the knees to continue the charade, as it applies to my physical, mental and spiritual shape. Drive and ambition have led me to a place where I can no longer see my own image.   How cliche.

Yes, you can push yourself too hard. Just as weak knees bow to strained tendons, spirit bows to stress. And even if you push through the sore muscles, you cannot push through injury. I am injured and need to heal. This physical journey has given me more than a physical change. It has brought me, not closer to my spirit, but closer to the understanding of just how injured my spirit is.

For too long, I sat ready, willing, yet unable. For too long, I waited. My body now injures easily. But it is my spirit that took the brunt of my actions. And it is the spirit that takes longer to heal.

There is no need for week knees.



(PS... I'm fine.. I wrote this years ago)Copyright 2002 Yvonne Ramage

rain

The showers outside draw my attention. Rain sounds of cleansing breath, blanketing everything within its decibels.

There is a cozy warmth in the chaotic drone. Soft, smooth, captured. 

The absence of our day melts into existence, drenching us.

lightly raining in the galapagos

"It was lightly raining in the Galapagos, when ... ", started the older gentleman's story, as a group of us were waiting in the sitting room.  We were waiting for the B & B restaurant to open for their breakfast serving.

As I listened to the group compare stories of elaborate vacations, I began to feel invisible. I am a no body. This was idle conversation to them. It wasn't about the weather, nor about their grandchildren or their pets. It's about how their bodies react to malaria medication. Galapagos, South Africa, Mexico, Mayan country. Mostly it's the well traveled folks talking. The non-well-traveled sit quietly in the corner, away from the group, listening. I can only imagine what they may be thinking. Maybe it's something similar to me.... I am a no body.

Listening to the group, I heard narrow mind after narrow mind, followed by competition and judgment. One-upping games to show importance; but only to those that are playing. To the rest it is just bragging.

But one man who was clearly not well traveled, was sitting quietly away from the rest. Something about him, his humble stance and excited eyes, made me realize that he is the only person in the room I would WANT to talk to, even though I am well traveled myself and could rival any story in the conversation.

He didn't add much to the conversation with rivaling stories. Instead he commented on the most inane things with such joy, carrying passion with an infectious smile, "I just love those bison," pointing outside to the bison in the neighboring field. His comment stops the elaborate stories in their tracks and makes everyone chuckle. Even the proudest world traveler in the room took at moment to look at those bison. That one man spoke about things that are equally relatable... to everyone. He made me appreciate the things I have in this moment, a view of such an incredible creature like bison, not longing for the things that I haven't seen, done, or experienced.

To humbly bring to light experiences that are within everyone’s reach... that is GRACE.  Joy is infectious. A smile is a beacon. And humility is the platform from which everything can be heard.


Copyright 2010 Yvonne Ramage