Heart Talk: Changing the Vibrations

Reflecting on some medicines

The image that starts this piece is of a sturdy palm tree in front of the shore. To the left is a part of a wooden structure and a fence. To the right of the tree is an expanse of sand leading to the sea. Behind the tree is the sky. The sun filters through the branches of palm fronds and the rays faintly circle the tree in the center bouncing off the camera lens. In the distance are tiny figures of people enjoying a bright sunny day. I love this image for this reflection below becasue it is all about perspective. The viewer can choose the palm, the sky, the sand, the fence, the tiny human figures in the distance to look at-they are all captured in the frame.

In order to bring peace into my life and to bring peace with me into my everyday interactions, I am trying the medicine of drumming. 

I’m using the drum beats today. My hands are tentative at first but gather speed and confidence as I concentrate on the repetition. It’s my job to keep the time while the other two players layer their tones on top of mine in a more complicated conversation. In deep concentration, I cannot let my thoughts lead me away from this present moment. It’s better that way. The discipline makes it easier not to hear an insult in every interaction and to find ways to make room in the moments for understanding and peace before the arrows of dissension fly. 

I’ve been stumbling around because of the conflicts; the tension makes me prone to trips and falls. I’m tired of the constant battles for energy and attention that tear down our gatherings, communities, families and interactions.

We disagree. We do not see the picture from the same direction and instead of stopping and rebuilding the frame, we walk away each of us with our own calculations-the wall stays blank and unadorned. What could have been beautiful, fades. 

I know you are out there mulching with my name, feeding a poisonous bloom. The problem is that there is not enough time to slow down the moment when we see the difference of opinion start to seed in order to cut off the growth before it roots and rots. Then others have their say. Now the nutrient vegetables and the fragrant flowers have been choked out by a confusing and fire feeding dry brush and tinder. The flames leave everything in ashes before we can stop them.