The Priest of Anubis

I, Kamuzu, Priest of Anubis, here relate to you an old piece of wisdom that I learned at the feet of Hanbal, my old Master. I was but a young boy then, studying in the great school of Memphis, learning the ways of the priesthood. It was there that Hanbal taught me an important lesson that I will never forget. Listen well, for if understood, will bring much solace to your life.

In the land of the pyramids,

in an old forgotten tomb,

dust and cobwebs

decorate the home

of a four-thousand-year-old priest.

The thick layer of dust

is a carpet of comfort,

and the cobwebs

a fine tapestry

that even dog-faced Anubis

would be proud of.

The Well Of Your Mind

old books

collecting dust

gold coins

Wisdom is the well of your mind. Fill its waters with good books, and you will be rewarded a thousand times over. It is like Aladdin's lamp: reading the contents of a good book is like rubbing a magical lamp and making a wish. This new found knowledge that you discover will flow through you, enriching your mind and life in the process.

Perhaps you may be wondering what the great books of the world are. Often referred to as literature, these books will stimulate your mind and help you to grow as a person.  There are many lists available online and in print that identify the great books of the world. Take advantage of this and find a list. A good selection of classics should have titles from both Eastern and Western civilization. Here are two of my favorite online sites:

1. Project Gutenberg: https://www.gutenberg.org/
2. LibriVox: https://librivox.org/

These two sites will be a great introduction to the books available for you to read. Despite our nationalities, we are all human and share a common heritage. Knowledge should be free--to be grasped by anyone willing to pick up a book and read. Do not let these gold coins escape your grasp; for they are the friend of your mind, a life long tool for you to grow and develop as a person. Read, and become wise.

I See The Light

thunderstorm

a ray of light

from the clouds

Have you ever felt troubled by the circumstances in your life? These problems can feel like a thunderstorm: dark brooding clouds that pour one crisis after another on your head. In such a deluge, it is quite easy to feel overwhelmed.

But it does not have to be this way. Think about it: everything in this world comes in cycles: up or down, light or dark, sad or happy. Nothing lasts forever in a constant, changing world. The trick is to realize and understand these cycles for what they are: a temporary setback--nothing more. Once you understand this, you will begin to see things differently; no longer will you exaggerate your emotions. As the waves of the sea rise and fall, so will your troubles. For every storm in your life, there is a ray of light at the end. Remember this, and your troubles will never defeat you.

Bountiful Bread

the smell of wheat bread

baking in an old oven

a breath of fresh air

It is an ironic twist of fate that the simplest things in life are often the best. Take, for example, a loaf of wheat bread. It is made from whole wheat flour and grain. The ingredients are very basic, and yet when they are combined, create food that is life sustaining. This is one of the wonders of nature. What we take for granted and overlook is often the simplest things that would drastically change our lives if they were removed. 

Learn to appreciate the small and simple things in your life. They may not mean much to you, but they truly are bountiful and a blessing.

Are You Winning Or Wasting Time?

winding up

an old pocket watch

spring comes again

Have you ever complained about not having enough time? This is a problem that many of us have in our lives. Events rush by at lightning speed; everything seems to be one big blur. Time flies before our eyes. 

But it does not have to be this way. We can to a certain extent, control the speed of events in our lives. Our lifespan is an unknown variable: some people live to be a hundred years old, others die at childbirth. This we cannot control. But there is one factor that many people do not realize: everyone in this world has exactly twenty-four hours a day. The rich cannot buy extra hours, and the poor cannot be deprived of theirs--it is a great equalizer. By understanding how time works, you can use the following principle to enhance your life.

If we all have twenty-four hours in a day, how do we make the most of them? You do this by planning ahead. Try to organize a daily schedule. It does not have to be anything fancy. A few brief notes on what you plan to do for the day will help you get in an organizing mindset. You can write these plans on paper, or use a personal scheduler app on your mobile phone. If your daily schedule is simple enough, you can even memorize it. There are many options to choose from, and they are all good. The important thing is to be motivated and take action. Seize time!

 The next step in your time management program is to steal stolen moments. There are many times in our lives where we have to wait around for a person or event. Instead of twirling our thumbs and staring at the sky, why not put those waiting moments to good use? Read books, or do math problems, or work on crossword puzzles. It matters not as long as the activity you are doing is constructive in some way. That is the whole goal of your time management program: to fight the war on time on your terms. Steal back those stolen moments and learn something new.

So the next time you find yourself complaining that you do not have enough time, ask yourself: is this true? Or am I making excuses for myself? Chances are, you will discover the twenty-four-hour principle to be one of your best allies in life. Use this principle wisely, and you will find a sense of order and satisfaction in your life.

The Bell Tolls

the bell tolls

in a temple

thunderstorm

We all have thunderstorms in our lives. This is a fact of life and unavoidable. While we can not remove these thunderstorms entirely, we can take steps to be prepared. The trick is to plan ahead. Plan the events in your life as far as you can. By having a plan, you will reduce the surprises that are bound to spring upon you. A walk on a dirt path in the forest is still better than walking aimlessly around with no idea where to go. With this map in mind, you will better be able to navigate the storms of life.

Sweet Treats

As I wandered through my local bakery, my eyes fell upon a glass display of sweet treats.  My eyes lit up when I saw what was displayed: strawberry shortcake, chocolate cake, and red velvet cake. But that was not all--that was simply "icing" on the cake. Below these lovely cakes, I saw various slices of apple, cherry, and peach pie. My mouth watered and I smiled. As I admired all these wonderful desserts, a song popped into my head:

Chocolate and vanilla cake,

Served from the oven freshly baked;

Little cupcakes all soft and sweet,

With bowls of strawberries and cream,

Made from hand churned local ice cream;

Oatmeal raisin cookies to eat,

Rows and rows of chocolate candy,

With centers of liqueur brandy;

All the treats you could ever meet.

You Got Mail

new message

in my email

thunderstorm

the sting of your words

cuts me like a knife

Email can be a curse at times. Why? Because we receive notice immediately. At the click of a button, we can be notified of events that happen on the other side of the world. This fast communication has its downsides. Because the news happens so fast, we can be caught off guard. The bad news can feel like a knife in the heart-- it is so sudden and painful. But there are ways to reduce the pain of unexpected surprises.

The way to do this is to realize that bad events cause pain. When you realize something is painful, you can take steps to reduce it. Reduce the pain and seek improvement through inner harmony. Out with the bad, in with the good: that should be your mantra in life. By taking bad events calmly, you can do much to reduce the inner turmoil within you. Think of it as boiling water in a tea kettle. Do not wait for the water to boil and run over the sides; let yourself be at peace by reducing the pressure. The less pressure, the better. You always want to picture yourself sailing on a calm sea. The images of those tranquil waters will soothe you in your deepest distress.

So the next time you feel sad or angry, do not despair. No words or actions can hurt you if you promise yourself to let go of the inner turmoil within you. The storm will pass and you will be safe on the other side.

The Princess And The Dragon

The Princess And The Dragon

I, Albert, a humble monk of the Franciscan Order, discovered an old scroll in the dusty shelves of the monastery library. Sitting down at a wooden table, I unraveled the scroll and peered at the faded letters. By the look of the language, it seemed to be centuries old. Fascinated, I began to read. The language was in an archaic tongue, but after careful translating, I was able to discern that the scroll told a story about a princess and a dragon. 

I now relate to you what I learned. Listen closely, my friends, for it tells an important lesson worth remembering:

A red dragon defends its lair,

Keeping captive a maiden fair;

Her heavy heart set in grief,

As no knight rides to her relief.

Her streaming tears are a sorry sight,

From a fair flower that shines so bright;

Alone and afraid, she yearns to be freed

From her cruel captor's lustful greed;

No gold or gems will ransom her release,

This perfect prize, this golden fleece.

Locked in a tower, she looks at the land,

Wishing for a knight to win her hand;

But who will fight so fearsome a foe,

A tragic end, this tale of woe.

Fly High

an eagle

soars in the air

rising sun

another day begins

on the path to perfection

We all dream. Inside all of us is the desire to do something with our lives. It is our power of imagination and creativity that sets us apart from the lower animals. Human thought has created all the wonders and conveniences in our lives. It is a gift we all must make use of, a spark inside of us just waiting to burst into flame. But first we must fuel the flames, we must believe in ourselves.

You are unique. In all the ages of the world, there will never be another person exactly like you. This is your gift: your unique perspective. Embrace this idea, make it part of you. The way you see the world is a blessing, not a curse. Never feel ashamed of who you are, but rather, believe in yourself. You will then be on the first step towards the realization of your goals. Stop wallowing the mud of self-pity; be an eagle and soar towards the sky.

The Fox And The Hen

The Fox And The Hen

There once lived a Mother Hen. A plump and conceited creature, she was the great Matriarch of the family farm. From dawn to dusk she looked over the chicklets under her care. Under her guidance, a great nest of eggs lay hidden in a corner of the barn. They were all collected into one great heap--the pride and joy of the Mother Hen.

One day, the Mother Hen, in her pride at her offspring's strength, decided to have a tally of her chicklets. Squawking and flapping her feathers, she led her horde into the sunlight to be counted.

As the chicklets were forming into ranks, a fox observed them from the shadows. His eyes narrowed to slits as he reasoned with himself:

"This Mother Hen is far too arrogant. She takes too much pride in her achievements. While she is basking in the glory of her leadership, I will take a look at this fabled nest of hers."

Licking his lips, the fox crept into the barn. For as they say:

The Mother Hen gathers her eggs

Into one big nest;

But the crafty fox sneaks inside

An uninvited guest.

Spring Dreams

Spring Dreams

As I sat by the shores of the sea, I gazed upon the waters. The sea shone like aquamarine, as the waves crashed upon the shore. The wind caressed my cheeks and I smiled as I looked at the fluffy clouds in the sky. As I daydreamed, a thought flashed through my mind:

clouds

over the ocean

spring dreams

my thoughts fly free

when I think of you

The Sundae Shop

The Sundae Shop

Feeling rather hungry, and in the mood for something cold on a hot summer day, I drive to the local sundae shop. Sitting down, I browse through the menu: I see root beer floats, milkshakes, ice creams of every color and flavor, and of course, sundaes. Being a "sweet tooth" fanatic, I order my favorite sundae. I rub my hands with glee as I wait for it to arrive.

It's not long before the waitress appears with my order. Smiling, she asks me if there is anything else I need. Being in love with my sundae, I can only mumble and shake my head. Smirking, the waitress returns to her duties. She knows an ice cream lover when she sees one.

There in front of me is the light of my life: two scoops of vanilla ice cream in a white bowl. The ice cream is drenched with a generous serving of hot fudge and shredded nuts. And the crowning glory is a maraschino cherry placed on top.

"A sweet treat indeed," I marvel as I pick up my spoon:

two scoops

of vanilla ice cream

in a bowl

winter never melts

with my spoon by my side

Sweet Sun

Sitting on the grass on a fine May morning, I look up into the sky. And I see the sun rising through the clouds in a glorious burst of light. My eyes shine when I feel this warmth on my body, and a thought races through my mind:

When the sweet sun rises from slumber,

Her tender touch lights the land

In waves of warmth that waken dreamers

From the deep darkness of dreary night.

When the sun smiles and comforts her children,

All the animals gather in groups:

Tiger and turtle, frog and falcon,

Side by side on the soft grass.

Then the law of life lingers in their hearts:

Brothers and sisters of one symphony,

Drawn together by the dance of Truth,

Holding hands as they stare at the sun.

The Snake And The Lamb

The Snake And The Lamb

There once lived a lamb. She was a pretty thing who loved to talk to the other animals about her fur. She would blab for hours about how lucky she was to have such good looks.

One summer morning, when the sun was rising in the sky, the lamb felt thirsty. So she wandered down to the stream to lap up the cold clear water. As she drank, she heard a slithering sound behind her. She turned and saw a snake about six feet long with gold and green coils. The snake's eyes sunk to slits as he regarded her. Then he bowed his head:

"Good morning, lamb." it hissed.

"Good morning, snake." the lamb replied. "What brings you here?"

"You are not the only that is thirsty." the snake said.

The lamb rolled her eyes and bleated. "Oh, you're quite right snake! I sometimes forget in all my excitement. It's hard to be a sheep, you know?"  the lamb giggled.

"I understand. When you have such beautiful fur, everyone should notice it."

The lamb's eyes widened and she nodded her head. "Yes! That's it. You know exactly how I feel. Why shouldn't I be proud of my fur? It's like all the animals ignore me out of jealousy."

"They do because they can not match your beauty." the snake said softly.

"Oho!" the lamb laughed. "Why, snake! I didn't know you were such a charmer. But don't stop now--tell me more." her eyes sparkled and she shifted her position to show the snake another part of her gorgeous fur.

"No charms, my dear." the snake replied. "I only speak the truth with what I see. You are a beauty, with fur so golden that it shines like the sun. Your eyes are stars and your bleating is the voice of sweet Spring..." he continued to compliment her in his dreamy voice as he circled closer and closer.

The lamb stood transfixed as she listened to the smooth voice of the snake. Charmed, she blushed red. Her heart fluttered and she rocked from side to side as her body trembled from the sweet words. With a smile, she sighed and closed her eyes.

And the watchful snake, his glittering golden eyes always on alert, gave a satisfying hiss as he sprang for the unsuspecting lamb.

For as they say:

Beware the snake with silver tongue

Who's words drip like honey;

Smiles and soft words are but a snare

To part you from your money.

Wise Words

Wise Words

In the month of May, in a meadow full of flowers, seven disciples gathered around Master Zhao Cong. They sat in a circle and adjusted their orange robes as they waited for their venerable master to speak.

Old Master Zhao Cong surveyed the group, his eyes darting like a wild fawn as it rested on each disciple. He noted their bright youthful eyes as they sat in the sun. He coughed and cleared his throat. Then he began to speak:

"My beloved disciples. You have come before me on this beautiful day to learn wisdom at my feet. Ask what you will."

One of the disciples, Wu Yang, a young boy of twelve, spoke:

"Master, teach us about happiness. How does one find it?"

The Master smiled at Wu Yang. Despite his youth, Wu Yang was a bright lad, full of wonder for the world around him. He had high hopes for this boy. Again he surveyed his disciples, studying their faces in the early morning sunlight. Satisfied, he grunted and resumed his speech.

"My disciples, if you seek the path to happiness, you must listen and reflect on my words. Listen closely..."

And he recited a poem to them:

rain falls

on the rice paddy

spring sunlight

With their eyes closed and their brows furrowed, the disciples meditated on the Master's words. Silence filled the air as they sank into deep thought.

Finally, after a suitable time of reflection, the Master called on them.

"Does anyone know the secret to this poem? Speak and share your thoughts with us."

A little squeak came from Wu Yang as he fidgeted on the grass.

"I think I do Master." he said. "The poem is a riddle. To find happiness in an imperfect world, we must look for the gifts from nature--and be content with them. That is true happiness."

The Master grunted and nodded his head in satisfaction. "Those are indeed wise words from one so young. You have learned well, Wu Yang." he smiled.

The Master then turned to the other disciples. "Go now, and remember what you have learned today. Let this knowledge flow within you and become part of you. Only then will you find peace in your hearts."

With a blessing, he dismissed them.

Mercas The Mage

Mercas The Mage

I, Sir Hendrick, Knight of the Order of the Dove, came upon an ancient manuscript in the ruins of a broken tower. Listen closely my friends, for this tale brings much instruction upon reflection: 

In ancient times, in an age unknown,
There lived a little sage
That dwelled in a tower of dark stone.
His name was Mercas the mage.

Mercas was a mage of mighty magic,
Who stored secrets in his tower;
He studied the scrolls of lost lands
In his passion for total power.

One stormy night, as shadows covered
The moon with darkened gloom,
Mercas summoned a malevolent demon
From his reading room.

And the dreadful demon broke his bonds
To lunge at Mercas the mage;
His eyes burned with a blazing light
As he howled in hateful rage.

With frost and flame and spell and sword,
Mercas attacked his foe,
But the crafty demon caught Mercas,
And hurled him to his death below.

And so mighty Mercas met his fate
From his love of ancient lore;
His foolish fancy with fickle power
Led to doom at Death's door.

Under The Moon

Under The Moon

As I sit and stare at the moon, a sudden shiver dances down my spine. A flood of warmth rushes through my heart; I feel like I am flying through the air. My head is light; dreamy thoughts fill my mind like a movie.  As I watch these images, a smile creeps up my face. I burst into song:

Under the moon I dream of you;

Your eyes are stars that hold me at bay,

And your smile is like honeydew,

That turns my night into sweet day.

For when tears are turned into song,

And laughter replaces the wrong;

Then our burdens be cast aside,

To drown with the incoming tide. 

Crossroad Choices

One Spring day, I stood at a crossroad. Off to one side, I saw a wooden pole with two signs. One sign pointed East: as I looked in that direction, I saw a paved road that led to a city on a hill. The other sign pointed West: from that direction I could see a dirt road that led into a dreary and dark wood. And a great trembling overtook me. My body shook as I looked back and forth between the eastern and western path. A feeling of helplessness flooded me; I felt like a rat was gnawing my body. I bit my fingernails to steady my shaking hands. Each path seemed appealing to me, and yet I felt uncertain of my true destination. As I hesitated at the crossroad, black clouds gathered around me.

two wooden signs

at the crossroad

thunderstorm

my socks are soaked

standing in the rain

The Ladybug

spring clouds

a ladybug

on the leaf 

Look closely at the ladybug. It is such a small insect, and yet it is considered lucky. This little creature teaches us an important lesson: that lucky things do come in our lives, but we must be aware of them. All too often we take things for granted. We assume things are ours by right of demand. The sad truth is that nothing is guaranteed in our lives. We are all at the whims of fickle fortune. What is given to us, can easily be taken away.

Understand: we can not control fortune, but we can learn to be happy by appreciating the things we have. Even the smallest things in life are a blessing to us: food, water, and shelter--the earth, the sea, and the sky. Learn to appreciate all of them and you will be well on your way to discovering true fortune and happiness.

Dog Tales

Dog Tales

I have a blue heeler named Bluey. He is a medium sized dog, weighing about forty to fifty pounds. He has bluish-grey fur, with a big black spot on his back. Bluey is a friendly fellow--he loves to be rubbed. There have been many times when he would roll over on his back, his arms and legs all dangling like an overturned cockroach, as he waited for his belly to be rubbed.

Like all dogs, Bluey loves a good meal--especially scraps from his Master's table. Being a generous person by nature, I like to throw him something--usually a vegetable like green beans or sliced carrots. Bluey is an amazing acrobat--I casually throw a small chunk of potato at him and he will catch it in his mouth and consume it. The expression on his face is priceless--no sooner is the food in his mouth, and he is already looking for more. I can almost read in his eyes his silent message: "Is that all?"

After dinner is over, it's not uncommon to see Bluey in the kitchen:

my dog sniffing

for scraps in the kitchen

a vacuum cleaner

For The Queen

For The Queen

"This is the worst day of my life." Arik thought as he marched in ranks with his fellow soldiers. His belly rumbled and his feet felt like lead as he dragged himself along.

"It just isn't fair." he moaned.

"Silence! There will be order in the ranks. Eyes forward and march!" Roared a big black ant at the head of his company.

Arik gulped, and his cheeks reddened. He clenched his fists and muttered something under his breath as he glared around him.

"Psst! Hey Arik!" whispered a voice next to him.

Arik glanced to his left. A black ant of medium height marched beside him.

"What?" he grumbled.

"Why are you always pissing off Marcus? Haven't you had enough of latrine duty?" the soldier ant grinned.

"Oh shut up, Louie. I'm tired of that loud mouthed oaf. He's always ordering me around. He's just a sergeant, but the way he struts about, you'd think he was a general of the colony."

"Yeah, but he's our superior you know? We're soldiers, and we got to obey orders. I'm not saying I like Marcus, but that's just the way it is." Louie said.

Arik felt a wave of heat rush through him. He rolled his eyes and glanced at his friend again.

"So if Sergeant Marcus ordered you to single-handily charge a bee hive, you would do it?"

"Well yeah, I guess. We all have a duty for Queen and colony."

"Then you'd be an idiot." Arik said. "You would get yourself killed. And for what? The glory of the Queen?"

Louie's eyes widened and he shuddered. "Hush, will you?" he looked around at the other soldiers before returning his gaze to Arik. "That kind of defeatist talk is treason. I don't want to be thrown in prison and die disgraced like some common thug. I love my Queen and colony and would gladly die for it. I'm not a rebel like some ants." he stared at Arik, and a hostile light shone in them for a second.

Arik fell silent under his friend's withering gaze and looked away. He forced his eyes on the path ahead of him as he marched with the other ants. But he felt a whirlwind of thoughts race through him, each more troubling than the next.

"Am I really a rebel at heart?" he thought. "Louie got me all wrong. I love my colony, but the Queen is cold and cruel. How can I love someone who wastes the youth of the colony in pointless wars? If it wasn't for this draft, I would still be at home with my family instead of wandering this forest looking for the red ant colony.

But am I right or wrong to think such things? Do we ants have a right to rebel against an unjust Queen? To dream of a better life without endless wars? Or am I just a traitor?" he sighed and shook his head.

Up ahead, the other ant formations ground to a halt. A grim silence filled the air as the ant general strode to the front of the army. He surveyed his soldiers with a sense of satisfaction as his eyes wandered among the troops. Then he roared in a booming voice:

"Soldiers of the colony! The Queen has tasked us with securing food for our home. Our task is simple: we will storm the red ant hill and take what they have. Show no mercy! Destroy all within. It is our right by might. Onward, soldiers! For the Queen!"

"For the Queen!" the cry rang out from ten thousand blood thirsty voices. Like a rumbling storm, the army surged forward.

And Arik charged with them.

tornado

an army

of black ants

Skin Deep

a smooth-head blobfish

sitting alone in the sand

college coffee shop

As humans, our first instinct is to judge by appearance: this person is tall, this person is short, someone is fat, someone is skinny. But this attitude is wrong because it closes our minds from learning about other people. We then become prejudiced, and associate only with people that meet our expected standards. In the most extreme form, this prejudice can lead to bullying and hate.

As a person, learn to stop judging people by their appearance. What you see on the outside is only skin deep. A beautiful person is lurking deep down just waiting to be discovered. All you have to do is treat them with kindness and respect. Let go of the hate, and embrace love.

So the next time you see some lonely person, take a moment to stop and say hi. Make them feel welcome. Who knows, this person might one day become a future friend. And we all could use a good friend in the college coffee shop.