Dearest Jem-u-lar,
Spring has sprung the grass is riz - wonder where the flowers is? Jems, I am really excited by this time of year here in OZ. The freshness of the air is tantalizing. Dead sticks bulging with hidden promises lay witness to a visual rebirth. It seems they've been hiding out in the grey limbs of desolation. Hibernation so grey it seems. I suppose it balances the magnificence of the garden vibrancy. In keeping with this time of year I've begun a wonderful collaborative relationship with my garden. Pansies are decorating the base of my Buddha in the Asian-influenced section of my garden. My resting Buddha has centre-stage within a triangle of three burgundy maples. I'm hoping that He will be pleased when surrounded by a colorful array of little faces.
As you are aware my father passed away in August and it's been a sad time filled with grief and emotional turmoil. In the last year of his life I was mindful of his physical pain and lack of mobility. It was obvious that his body was wearing out and his spirit was grinding down. It is difficult for us who have been left behind to make some sense with this next phase of his life. Of course we wanted him to be with us for ever and a day. I guess in some ways he is as I can feel his energy surrounding me on a daily basis. His thoughts, words and actions come into play in my daily musings or I hear something on the radio and think of him - a phrase or a news event also creates a memory encourages a beaming tearful smile.
You know when I was a small girl I thought he was indestructible. He taught me how to swim and put me on his shoulders. I would dive into the murky waters of Lane Cove River and he would applaud me as though I had just scored a perfect 10 in the Olympics. He was my greatest motivator and instigator for building a solid future for me and I know he was proud of me, I am certain.
I guess I move on with all of his words and memories filed in my heart and soul and try and make some sense of the grief. August was a tumultuous month of emotions but today just before I decided to write to you I had a moment when I recognized, 'serenity'. I was total bliss. I was looking out of my front window and not focused on anything in particular, I was aware that my inner world was calm and then I acknowledged 'serenity'. Jems I was most grateful for this splendid revelation. I feel that I took a deep and healing breath and connected with something quite gentle and healing.
Perhaps this sacred breath has been the result of joining Yoga this week. I had my first class on Wednesday evening and I am becoming more aware of my body and mind. I've also began a passionate relationship with Orchids. It seems I keep gravitating to them and surprisingly my colleagues splashed out and brought a