Without This, Nothing

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                           It All Begins Here

​These flowers bloom out of a crack in the pavement near the entrance of the organic farmers market in Ajijic, Mexico - a bustling market of the smallest of small business owners. I don't think anyone invited these flowers, and I'm sure no one cares for them - but there they are, a delight to all who pass by, blossoming freely over long months of the year. They fall in their time, and for awhile there are just green leaves. Yet then there they are again suddenly, shining out as beauty so often does in Mexico - a joyful gift and surprise 

The farmers and merchants are like this too, and with some we've become friends. Hardy and unique, taking hold of the opportunity - and also like Mexico, ready to meet heart to heart

An important theme on our website, and one I wake up with often these days is this : the precious value of the individual human being. The importance of each of us to the world ; the need that this individual be nurtured, and free to find his or place. Without this, the world is very difficult ! 

To be nurtured is a blessing, a gift from beyond ourselves, to be appreciated and grateful for. But there's also self nurture : the need to be responsible for our own gifts and abilities. Without this, nothing is possible 

My first strong thoughts this morning - and message I could formulate to myself in my first minutes of waking - was this :

"Find in yourself your own inmost gifts and abilities, even if they're humble. Develop and exercise them, even if you start small. Grow beyond yourself ; make your own special contribution ; become that particular medicine the world needs you to be"

It all begins here !
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