I find myself in the middle of an eye,
watching myself in its blank stare.
The moment scatters. Motionless,
I stay and go: I am a pause.
~ Octavio Paz

I’m riding my bike into town, thinking of how the world looks through my own eyes. My view, my dream, my world. As if these perceptions, when stitched together, assume everyone’s reality; a bit like captured fireflies in a jar or a bottled terrarium.

When “I” die, this unique collection of experiences and expressions that I have creatively embodied dies with me. Like a snowflake, the tapestry I have woven, for better or for worse, can never be duplicated.

If each of us recognized we have that kind of power in the choices we make – could we, would we change the world in any significant way? Would we still get caught up in someone else’s dream because it somehow seems easier? Given that we possess amazing minds, does it really seem simpler not to exercise our own creative powers? Given the nature of dreams, how can it appear less discouraging to support another’s vision to the exclusion of our own? We all struggle at times, bearing ourselves false witness.

Therefore just today, I will pretend that what I do, think and say makes a difference. If I cannot summon the energy to actualize a dearly held dream or desire, I will simply contribute my intention to visualize a harmonious world. I will pray for the alleviation of suffering. I will still the voices of doubt and fear, replacing them with hope and kindness – just for today.

And then tomorrow, which is really just another today, maybe I will once again release the pause button and begin participating in Creation.

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