Thankyou for your “Peace of H-Art”
A Tribute to Michael Leunig , one of my favourite Poets & Great Teacher of Yoga & Mindfulness in another form. Michael Leunig passed away today, to honour his passing I’d like to share Four of my Favourite Poems & the answer he gave to this important question…..
“What helps us keep the faith”?
One of the most profound answers to this question, when spending the day with Michael Leunig has stayed etched into my heart.
I heard of Michaels passing today. Strangely enough I had a candle burning most of the day next to an original art work Michael drew and gave to me during a day long discussion back in August 23 here on the Sunshine Coast. The art work showed a little bird, a fish, stars and the moon & Mr Curly holding a vase of flowers on his head. I remembered being so surprised, given I often use listening to the birds as a way into practice meditation of a morning with my tea. As for the fish – well let’s just say it’s symbolic of The Undercover Yogi.
His words and his “Peaces” of Art as I like to call them have been medicine for the mind and healing for the heart when ever it’s contracting a bit. His words always have a way of making what the mind makes complex , into simple, refreshing, yet profound, practical common sense.I have often shared many over the years during Yoga and Mindfulness Teacher Trainings and with those during The Mindful Mentoring Program. His words and art have provided a cushioning and voice of simple heart felt care , a soft place to land for people after going through Traumatic or challenging experiences in life.
Michaels answer to that great question:
“What helps us keep the faith”
Michael took a moment and said quietly :
“Perhaps the question is, what is it that caused you to lose it in the first place” ?
This echos one of the most useful Self Inquiry / Contemplations in Yoga when it comes to looking at Samkara – impressions caused by key events (They can be pleasant and unpleasant) They are often the root cause of our triggers.
I am forever grateful to have many of Michaels “Peaces of H-Art” where I can see them , at my bedside, mantle ‘Peace’ & Yoga Studio to help bring perspective, acceptance & love. So below are some of those reminders
I purchased this post card a few Xmas’s ago as a Xmas card to myself and I have had it stuck where I could see it ever since. I had only just shared this one last week given this time of year there seems to be a rush to “keep up”
The Plodder :
“You’ll get left behind” – HOW WONDERFUL
“You’ll miss out” – HOW LOVELY
“You won’t achieve your personal best” – HOW ENJOYABLE
“You won’t be influential” – HOW TRUE
“You won’t be attractive! You won’t be clever – HOW DIVINE
“You won’t know what’s happening” – HOW PEACEFUL
Another Card of Michaels I have leaning against my “Love” mantle “peace;” . (I had got this one as it reminded me of my Grandad, I remember him telling me to look up at the Moon as a little girl, just before I had to run in the dark from Gran & Grandads place to our house (not that far really) – He’d say look up there Tam, see the moon, I think to take my mind off fearing the dark (a great Metaphor for life)
All my father left me was the moon
“When I’m dead, it’s yours” he said
And all too soon his will was read
But he continued speaking from the grave
“It will not save you, this moon I gave you from sadness, human madness, life and death. But step outside into the night and take a breath,
And while you do, for what it’s worth
That happy man up there who got away from earth will smile at you”
I think that’s why Michael touched the hearts of many because he managed to connect them to the reality of life, and most of all LOVE
Another of his simple pearls of wisdom when it comes to feeling emotions, and how we respond :
There are only two feelings,
love and fear:
There are only two languages,
love and fear:
There are only two activities,
love and fear:
There are only two motives, two procedures,
Two frameworks, two results,
love and fear,
Love and fear.
Lastly I will leave you with this , a beautiful Prayer – thank you for your wisdom Michael & your Care:
Care is the Cure
At the end of the longest journey you will make is a door that welcomes you.
But it is tiny, and it is going to take the smallest simplest prayer, to get you through.
Don’t take to much
Go lightly and be free
Become the little child you use to be
Don’t be to big for heaven
Just be True
Then the tiny door will open
You’ll go through
Care is the Cure
It is slow it is raw
It is pure
Is is simple and bare
It is real
It is bold
It is there
Nothing is newer
Or older
Or wiser
Or truer
Care is the Cure.
Namaste
Rest in all the Peace you gave to so many in this lifetime
Thankyou for your “Peace of H-Art”
Tammy xox
