Who am I?
Another question which came up during heart mapping. As it was a group of women the usual answers came up... wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, sister, daughter, friend, employee, for me the addition of photographer and writer... some other labels for some of the other ladies...
But is that truly the sum total of what I am?
There is a quote I love "Life is made of 2 dates and a dash... make the most of the dash". Never a truer statement in my opinion. However I don't want my 'dash' to be made up of just wife, mother, step-mom, daughter, sister, friend, employee and I even add writer and photographer that combination.
Yes all those roles are important and make up a large part of who I am but right now something is missing. I know in my heart something is missing. The challenge is finding that something. Life doesn't offer me the luxury of packing up to go find myself. I have to face the responsibilities of all those labels and some days they are so numerous I even forget that there is an "I Am" in there somewhere. But she is starting to demand that I listen to her.
My writing and photography are blessings that have been given to me to start exploring that dash more. They are pathways on my journey to uncovering the "I am" buried inside me. I need to open myself to the experiences heart and soul... take every opportunity to learn more of my passions and in turn of myself.
So who am I?
A .....
complicated, beautiful, sometimes funny, sometimes sad, emotional, loving, sarcastic, dependable, sensitive, elegant, compassionate, friendly, nurturing, responsible, kind, capable, generous, passionate, independent, sensual, thoughtful....
unique, blessed human being. And best I damned well remember that I'm a lot more than just a 'dash'.
"Ramana's Song" by Kirtana ~ (....turn toward the Self... ")
Why do you seek the path that leads away
Deeper into the woods
When home is your aim
Why do you pitch your tent on foreign land
Turn toward the Self
Go back the way you came
Enter with love the temple of the heart
Heart is the holy sanctum where I reside
Offer to me the ruby of your mind
That is the sweetest offering
A mind that has died
Be still and know that I AM
I AM that I AM
Be still and know that I AM
I AM that I AM
Knowing the world of form to be a dream
Fashioned from consciousness
Mind is quelled
Everything that is
Is only Self
How can you be attracted or repelled?
Give up for good tomorrow which is false
Immerse yourself and dwell in the heart instead
And in the presence of that holiness
Do not even raise your head
Be still, know that I AM
I AM that I AM
Be still, know that I AM
I AM that I AM
Though you may run to the end of the earth
In an effort to find the Self
Your search is in vain
Like looking for the necklace that never left your neck
Why not end this ceaseless strain
Enter with love the temple of the heart
Heart is the holy sanctum where I reside
Offer to me the ruby of your mind
That is the sweetest offering
A mind that has died
Be still, know that I AM
I AM that I AM
Be still, know that I AM
I AM that I AM
Why do you seek the path that leads away
Deeper into the woods
When home is your aim
Why do you pitch your tent on foreign land
Turn toward the Self
Go back the way you came
Enter with love the temple of the heart
Heart is the holy sanctum where I reside
Offer to me the ruby of your mind
That is the sweetest offering
A mind that has died
Be still and know that I AM
I AM that I AM
Be still and know that I AM
I AM that I AM
Knowing the world of form to be a dream
Fashioned from consciousness
Mind is quelled
Everything that is
Is only Self
How can you be attracted or repelled?
Give up for good tomorrow which is false
Immerse yourself and dwell in the heart instead
And in the presence of that holiness
Do not even raise your head
Be still, know that I AM
I AM that I AM
Be still, know that I AM
I AM that I AM
Though you may run to the end of the earth
In an effort to find the Self
Your search is in vain
Like looking for the necklace that never left your neck
Why not end this ceaseless strain
Enter with love the temple of the heart
Heart is the holy sanctum where I reside
Offer to me the ruby of your mind
That is the sweetest offering
A mind that has died
Be still, know that I AM
I AM that I AM
Be still, know that I AM
I AM that I AM