'To love and be loved is to feel the sun from both sides' David Viscott

There aren't many nights I enjoy lying awake, but tonight is one of them as it is the sound of the gentlest of rain drops.

I made friendships that I am sure will stand the test of time; this makes me smile. I have seen places that I want to return to one day, and know that I will. I have to say, getting out of my dear home was for the month of May was a great decision and now that it is June, I am happy to be home, at peace and still smiling.

It's not easy being an ordinary human being, but we can all take the good with the bad, it just needs practice to find it. I'm sure it's in there.

When I read of the chance to walk the sacred paths and visit the sacred sites of Assisi on a 14 day pilgrimage, I knew I wanted to be a part of it.

I have a piano, it sits in my garden and I play it whenever I go out there just for fun. Goodness knows what the neighbours think, because believe me it is loud!

I was reading the Tao Te Ching, 81 Verses By Lao Tzu, Sacred Texts Translation and Commentary by Ralph Alan Dale 2002 and came across Verse 43 and felt inspired to share it with you. It has such relevance for today and yet it is believed to have been written around the 6th BCE, most likely by those devoted to his teachings (as he was known for the simplicity of being rather than instructing in words, or deeds I would suppose).

THE VALUE OF MINIMUMS

That which is most tender

can overcome that which is most rigid.

That which has least substance

can penetrate that which has least space

Acting without deliberate action

and teaching without uttering a word

are rarely practiced.

So few find their way

to the Great Integrity, (Tao)

Never are words such as these so true, as when you have children in your life. They hear every word, but is that what they follow? No, they are taught without words, and generally speaking their tantrums (rigid) are controlled by the gentlest of actions (tenderness).

Have you found people fear telling the truth for fear of hurting another? Misguided love I suppose. Many others fear telling the truth for fear of repercussions. Politicians around the globe seem to have made it into an art form, weird isn't it, as it's almost expected of them?

Well I am often inspired by the opposites in life and Verse 43 today has had me thinking, even the name of Verse 43 is interesting, as we don't always consider minimums to be of any value in these days of up-size.

Also I was aware of my actions and non verbal communication. I had the music on, then I realised the beautiful silence that had filled my room. I sat and listened to some friends who dropped by, and although I hardly spoke a word my body spoke for me. My day was filled with such moments of awareness; very entertaining.

Well that was my day! A mystical, ancient reflection on my thoroughly modern Friday. Now, what can I get up to tomorrow? And you?

Hope your weekend is a treat, lots of love

xxx WendyJoy xxx

It was precious, it was a moment I shall never forget. As a mum I have seen my kids do similar things, but as a grandma I have had the time and the grace that comes with time to really see it.

Today I am the butterfly, who knows where I'll go. I don't care really, its that kind of summer day.

When I think of you my loveWhere is it that I go?

All experience is good, it may not be seen as such, but they are like the furnace to the gold, they bring about the brilliance. Meditating on an issue or your experiences can bring clarity. But, saying 'they are all in the past now' may just be leading you up the garden path.