The Face of the Friend

This morning, as has been true so many mornings, I watched the sun come up over the eastern skyline. The sun makes this remarkable yet ordinary journey each day, with exquisite penetrating energy. In the early dawn I let this light seep into me as I stand there in quiet reflection. This single moment in this herenow is all that matters – and it is a truly perfect moment. Where does this perfection come from? From where does this warmth radiate? My whole insides smile as I drop gently and effortlessly into the question, and become the answer.

Every evening this week just as we are finishing our dinner on the porch, we have noticed a doe amble by on a path she had made near our fence line. Following are her twin fawns, so endearing with their prancing steps and delicate young markings. The rhythm of their routine is comforting yet fresh; we never tire of noticing her near the field. As we observe her, the doe, alert and ever watchful, undoubtedly notices us. We are part of her routine, too. I love the circularity of this – the shared routine, the shared noticing. We are gathered in this cycle; there is so much perfection in this occurrence, so much blissful appreciation. Akilesh wrote, “Existence loves its creation, manifestation, and expression in all its various aspects.” How can it not? It is all so lovely – and I am struck over and over again with deep gratitude. Akilesh continued, “You are awake and being awake you are are filled with love for Self as it appears in all of its various forms.” Yes.

All outer things are reminders of Being itself; wherever you look is the face of the Friend. Eventually this process always becomes circular – Presence welling up inside us and moving outward, the outer world being consciously recognized and returned back to its source through our awareness. We live for spirit and spirit sustains us. And in that circle, encircled by our presence, is love. So very pure. Amazing love. Truly magical.