Ask a Higher Power

      A few days ago, I was walking in our little patch of woods after a lovely snowfall (if you ever can't find me, go look in South Fork Park by the creek. I'm probably in my favorite place).  Over the years that we have lived in our house, the wild areas have slowly been carved away, becoming condos, nail salons and ice cream parlors, but one last stretch by the creek remains.  It is a great place to go to just be (and sometimes meet your neighbors and their dogs).
     As I walked along enjoying the crunch of the snow and the occasional branch dumping snow on my head,  I noticed the tracks in the snow in front of me. The human tracks strode ahead straight and strong, but the dog's went go straight along for a while, but then wandered from side to side. Did a dog just lack the moral fiber to push forward?  I didn't think so.  There seemed to be a rhythm.
     It became clearer the longer I looked. The dog's tracks would waver as he looked up at his master's face just to check in.  They had walked this path many times before, but he would do whatever it takes to please, so he had to keep looking at his master's face to check in.
      We have so much to learn from dogs.  When we are unsure, or even just walking along, why not ask a higher power for advice and guidance?

     In the middle of this revelation, I stood on the bridge feeling alone. I've been putting together a blog for my friend who sits down with pen and paper (and sometimes a question) and writes what the Lord speaks.  Lets just say I've been a bit envious.  My prayer was like a toddler stamping her foot and saying "Me, too!"  (or "Hey, where's my divine revelation, Buddy?")  My answer was immediate.  In the middle of the snowstorm, when nothing else was moving in the forest, a cardinal flew onto the branch, right beside the creek.
       I have always seen the Divine revealed in nature and in those around me.  I seek answers in my time at the creek and in being alone in the physical world.  When I sit down, my brain never stops. (It's why I am such a good meditation teacher, I've made (or am making) every mistake in the book.  You learn a lot of work-arounds.)
       Here I had it. Two answers.  What to do with them?  Here are a few things I came up with:

1. Define your Higher Power- define it if just for today, it can change tomorrow or even in the next moment. Pick your favorite name- God, Jesus Christ, Ascended Masters, Great Celestial Beings of Light-  there is help waiting to be called on, don't go it alone.
2. Release Expectations- You can't be the question and the answer at the same time (drat!).  So define your question and let it go.
3. Listen-  For me, this is the hardest part.  The good thing is that if we manage even a few moments, God manages to slip in.
4. Get some help- Find a meditation or yoga class, find some prayers that you like, take a walk in the woods.  There are so many ways, just try something new each day.

     On the way back home, I noticed this rose bush.  It was cold and snowy outside and the wind was blowing hard, but there it was, full of possibility.  There are buds along the stem for next spring and at the very tip, the first leaves had unfurled.  Now, these leaves may not make it to the spring, we have harsh weather here in Kentucky, one day it is 65 degrees, the next only 7.  Those first leaves and the buds behind them reminded me of all the attempts I have made over the years to listen.  One is working for me now, but when it stops, there are many more behind it to nourish me in the future.
     An interesting thing happens when I ask for help.  Life doesn't alter, but my feelings about it change.  Usually I feel clearer thinking and less attached to the outcome of my decisions.  It's like suddenly I get the "long view" and realize that it's all just 'stuff.'  I embrace my inner Buddha nature easily. As an added side benefit, my posture improves and I breathe better- who could ask for more?