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February 2007
Dear Reader,
Here we are in the 2nd month of the year and things are beginning to stir. Even though we began a New Year last month, we didn't really get a move on until about mid February. We pick up steam the remainder of this month and get into full action in March. This energy is apparent as the days grow lighter and longer in this part of the hemisphere. This is true in my personal life as I see bookings and events becoming more active.
The 2nd month also brings attention to "the other". As January was a "1" month, the first month of the year, February is a "2" month, the 2nd month and is focused on the "the other" rather than self. This is a good time to do things for others, be helpful and approach all situations with a desire for harmony. It is time for making new friends, for cooperation and the establishment of peaceful relationships. The slogan for February is to assist in making others happy.
The Oral Torah speaks of this in the Primacy of Deeds. It uses the metaphor of the "growing roots".
"When our learning exceeds our deeds, we are like trees whose branches are many but whose roots are few: the wind comes and uproots them . . . But when our deeds exceed our learning, we are like trees whose branches are few but whose roots are many, so that even if all the winds of the world were to come and blow against them, they would be unable to move them."
It is important to be aware in our daily lives of the danger of our learning exceeding our deeds. Many of us love the camaraderie of our groups and the entertainment from our workshops. Our tendency is to stay together in groups that agree with our thinking. We buy books, CD's and other bits of information, jump on the latest and greatest energy machine, try the latest elixir and focus on self-improvement. Nothing wrong here. It is wise, though, to be self-observant and to make sure that our learning is not exceeding our deeds. We entered this Aquarian Age with the desire to express our individuality as well as follow the herd. One of the greatest antidotes for depression and narcissistic behavior is to serve others and allow our deeds to enhance the knowledge and learning we have acquired.
So my theme for the month of February is the focus outside of you to the focus on the other. It is the month in which the "heart-felt energy" is emphasized. If we come more from the heart and less from the head and the ego, we can gain the growth that this "love" month has to give to us. It is about partnerships, peace and generosity. It is a measured pace this month, thoughtful, studious and directed towards the other. It is a month to not take your self so seriously.
Somewhere in the writings of Chuang Tzu on an aged Confucius, he writes: "In ancient times, people lived holistic lives. They didn't overemphasize the intellect, but integrated mind, body and spirit in all things. If you want to stop being confused, then emulate these ancient folk.
Join your body, mind and spirit in all you do.
Choose food, clothing and shelter that accords with nature.
Rely on your own body for transportation.
Allow your work and your recreation to be one and the same.
Do exercise that develops your whole being and not just your body.
Serve others and cultivate yourself simultaneously.
Understand that true growth comes from meeting and solving the problems of life in a way that is harmonizing to your self and to others. If you can follow these simple old ways, you will be continually renewed."
Well, that sounds pretty straightforward to me. "Serve others and cultivate yourself simultaneously." A good motto for the month of February.
Until next month,
Keep trusting yourself,
— Gail
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