IT'S A WONDERFUL WORLD

I came across a story recently that I believe has great value for us all.

It is a story about four rabbi's who one night were visited by an angel. The angel took them to Heaven where they viewed all things sacred. Having experienced bliss first hand they then returned to earth, each responding in their own ways to what they had witnessed whilst in Heaven.

Here are the four responses:

• The first rabbi so enthralled by what he had seen went on and on about it; analyzing it, wondering what it all meant and totally obsessing about it to such an extent that in the end he lost the faith he had found.
• The second rabbi returned with cynicism in his heart. He told himself that it had all been a dream and that nothing had really happened. His life remained unchanged.
• The third rabbi, totally lost in rapture could not adapt again to life on earth. He lost his mind and wandered the rest of his life on earth in a dazed and confused state.
• The last rabbi, who was a poet, returned and immediately took hold of paper, pen and reed and began composing song after song praising the stars in the sky, his beautiful daughter asleep in her crib and the song of the evening doves. He went on to live his life better than he had before.

SO what can we learn from this story?

It is a simple lesson really.

No matter when, where or how we experience bliss it is a gift given to us to enhance our lives here on earth.

It is NOT something to analyse, to probe, to understand, nor is it something to hold onto too tightly or even something to preach about. Primarily it is something that awakens our capacity to be grateful, that deepens our appreciation of life and expands our sense of wonder and joy in living.

So today I am adopting this joyful attitude and I am rejoicing and giving thanks and praise for the good things I have been given; things such as the breath in my body, the gift of my senses, the quiet dark that supports my sleep and the morning light that wakes me, the first meal of the day, the song of the blackbird, small touches of kindness that come my way, the smile of a friend, the anticipation of what the day might bring....

I encourage you to join me and to make your own list; to revel in the feeling of joy that it brings you.

If you feel like sharing then I would love to hear from you. I believe joy is contagious so lets spread it where we can.

Namaste.

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