Ripeness

I had an opportunity to be Master of Ceremonies at an event commemorating the 1 year anniversary of the earthquake in West Sumatra that took so many lives, and damaged so many buildings.  Without thinking, I took the gig.  I really am craving the opportunity to "perform" in front of people.  So, albeit a bit of post agreeing apprehension, I knew I could do it.

The night before the event, I had some alone time, so I decided to consult my Osho Zen Tarot cards, and the card I chose was RIPENESS:

Commentary:

When the fruit is ripe, it drops from the tree by itself. One moment it hangs by a thread from the branches of the tree, bursting with juice. The next moment it falls--not because it has been forced to fall, or has made the effort to jump, but because the tree has recognized its ripeness and simply let it go. When this card appears in a reading it indicates that you are ready to share your inner riches, your 'juice'. All you need to do is relax right where you are, and be willing for it to happen. This sharing of yourself, this expression of your creativity, can come in many ways--in your work, your relationships, your everyday life experiences. No special preparation or effort on your part is required. It is simply the right time.

I definitely thought this was a great metaphor for where I'm at in life.  I'm 30!  I can do anything and everything!  I don't need to be scared or shy or innocent. I can own it and just let it all happen and come to me because the time is right, and I'm right here, right now - RIPE & READY!

So, the event was awesome.  H came too, and we got to meet some really wonderful folks, and we had the opportunity to network.  I had a great time guiding the day's event, and I was really lucky because the speaker's were all informative, which made my job easy for wrap-ups.  I had some good advice from my Mom and Anti, and a mate of mine, B who is an excellent speaker himself told me to get some anecdotes from the community to share. (Thanks Mom, Anti, B and also Mom's group for your good wishes!)

One of the most powerful things I learned from people in the community, is that when the big earthquake came, the fear made them panic, and they forgot all the good things they new to do (like look for clear space, protect their head, get out of the house).  They all just kind of froze.  The other disturbing thing I learned, was that in looking back at the earthquake, the people feel that people lost their humanity.  When the earthquake happened it was only about "survival of the fittest".  Hardly anyone helped the old lady or assisted the mother and child.  I think those are two of the saddest things I learned from listening to people.

It is a true metaphor though.  When fear grips you, you do panic, and it often takes some time to remember your humanity; because all you can focus on for the moment is yourself.

I've come to love two quotes over the years.  The first is from Ghandi and it is "be the change you want to see in the world" and the second, I think is from the Bible and it is "many hands make light work".

Thanks for checking in and apologies for the long pause in blogging.

Here are some photos from the event.

XO,
RIPE & READY Sara