365 Days, Day 202

I believe that imagination is stronger than knowledge-
That myth is more potent than history.
I believe that dreams are more powerful than facts-
That hope always triumphs over experience-
That laughter is the only cure for grief.
And I believe that love is stronger than death

(Robert Fulghum)

Old myths, old gods, old heroes have never died. They are only sleeping at the bottom of our mind, waiting for our call. We have need for them. They represent the wisdom of our race (Stanley Kunitz)

Myth is the hidden part of every story, the buried part, the region that is still unexplored because there are as yet no words to enable us to get there. Myth is nourished by silence as well as by words (Italo Calvino)

Myths. They are about allegory, personification about rituals. They are about explaining the wonders of this life that are beyond us.

Take Christmas, with its Angels and Wise men and the Virgin birth.

Angels: every one of has an angel in their life: someone who seems to possess some special quality [thanks Gill – don’t know what I did to deserve your kind angel-thought today].

Wise men: hahaha. Just joking. I have crossed paths with some wonderful men who have wisdom and depth. I think here of Peter (husband of my yoga teacher, Adele) who completely fascinated me with his words.

Virgin birth: I think every birth is a profound little miracle.

I am not trying to take anything away from the Wonder of Christmas; I am just trying to unravel the myth and make it believable for today. Christmas is a time to give gratitude for the wonders in our lives. Each of us can give birth to new feelings - when we are angry, we can give birth to our gentleness or forgiveness. When we are sad, we can give birth to happy memories.

“At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.” (Albert Schweitzer)

Now, on this train of thought: think with Love, and in silence reconnect with the source of Love that is already inside of you. As you begin to move toward what is intrinsically joyful and happy within you, you are linking with the myths of your culture. Embrace the myths and express yourself. Dance. Sing. Stretch. Laugh*. Be happy. And know you are loved. Tell someone that you love them now. And set the ball rolling. The myth lives on.

*Is this why some people think I am slightly weird???

Have a wonderful day.