This quote from the Dalai Lama was part of my morning meditation today:
"I think when tragic things happen, it is on the surface. It's like the ocean. On the surface a wave comes, and sometimes the wave is very serious and strong. But it comes and goes, comes and goes, and underneath the ocean always remains calm."
As I was considering his words, I saw two things in my mind. The first (and immediate) was of the owls that live in the woods outside my apartment. They were sitting in the trees and the wind was blowing hard enough to significantly move the feathers on their respective breasts. The wind was so strong the trees were rocking back and forth. Yet, despite this disruption, the owls remained steadfast on their branches, eyes closed, patiently waiting for the wind to pass. The owls were at peace with the situation.
The second was a field of tall grass. Again the wind was blowing very hard, pushing the grass halfway to the ground. When the wind subsided the grass was upright again. Its roots held firm and kept the grass from being blown away.
From these I took the lesson that no matter what happens I will have peace, even in the worst of times, if I stay grounded.
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