“Happiness is a butterfly, which when pursued, is always just beyond your grasp, but which, if you sit down quietly, may alight upon you.” (N. Hawthorne)

We begin this quest with persistent efforts to stay alert, refusing to roam in the maze of associative, unchecked thinking. This initial (and necessary) stage of effort can be compared to the caterpillar stage of the butterfly. Without this initial struggle, there can be no stirring up of dormant inner powers.

Just as the butterfly breaks free of the shell and flies, so intelligent effort gradually gives way to understanding. In the beginning, to quote author Vernon Howard, “We work hard because we don’t yet know enough to work easy.” The transition from hard to easy, therefore, is from effort to listening — from movement to catch the butterfly to receptivity that invites the butterfly, and when it alights, to cherish it.

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Because of your life experiences, genetics and countless other factors, there is no duplicate to your life-puzzle, or one even similar. Your puzzle is truly unique!

We may investigate the viewpoints and discoveries of others to see what pieces of the jigsaw puzzle they may have found, that we can perhaps find within our own puzzle. However, thinking that any program or given teaching has all the pieces of the puzzle for you, closes off precious possibilities.

Many have found writing and journals to be a powerful piece of their puzzle; it is one that may work wonders for you also. Consider the immense benefits of having your own expanding row of journals on your bookshelf, teaming with insights and memories for your eyes only!

The aim is to grow keener in registering any internal magnetic attraction that brings two pieces of the vast puzzle together. Sometimes twenty pieces come together all at once! Why would one fail to take notice of this for future reference?

Membrane defined: “Biology: A thin, pliable layer of tissue covering surfaces or separating or connecting regions, structures, or organs of an animal or plant. Chemistry: A thin sheet of natural or synthetic material that is permeable to substances in solution.”

What is the self?  Big question. One way to perceive the self is as a membrane, with porous qualities allowing a two way exchange of energy from outer to inner, and from inner to outer.

The membrane has its concerns and quirks. Why be overly concerned with getting rid of them? Many have found that a direct frontal assault on imperfections does not work, and can in fact cause them to multiply.

Wholeness includes the eternal and the temporary. Touch the eternal, and the imperfections of the temporary membrane pose no concerns; however, to hunt down the quirks and imperfections is an indirect way to make a “god” out of them. It generates conflict that scars and solidifies the membrane, thus obstructing the touch of the eternal.

The membrane, no longer trying to perfect the temporary and “enlighten” it, turns instead to allowing more space and openness. The energy now flowing through has built in charm and lots of rejuvenating pep.

For the best quality grapes, wine makers know the environment cannot be lush and easy. You find flourishing wineries in somewhat dry looking, semi-desert areas. Without challenges, the best flavors of the grape stay dormant.

One great Sufi wrote he was concerned God had deserted him, since challenges and difficulties had disappeared from his outer life. What a diametrically opposed viewpoint to the mindset found in our modern times, where most students primarily seek comfort and ease under the guise of the “spiritual” search.

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Related Podcast on Literary Masterpiece ‘Message to Garcia’

Just as farmers allow a field to rest for a year after 6 or 7 cycles of planting, so a wise and intelligent cessation of all effort allows space for the dawning of something new.

It is a strange fact that students often get used to a tense state of struggle, and even feel “guilty” when they lay all effort aside for awhile. This is the same old tension patterns under a different coating.

J. Krishnamurti said it so well, “To be still after tilling and sowing, is to give birth to creation.” This Bible also teaches this by placing much importance on the Sabbath Day — the day of rest.

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