I am grateful for the peace and quiet of mornings… when I can read and ponder the scriptures and practice a little qi gong.
This morning I started the chapter in the Book of Mormon where Lehi sees the tree of life. First of all, did you know that nearly every culture in the world has a tree of life myth?
Many civilizations have stories of trees. In ancient Egypt the tree of life represented how things came to be. This ancient Egyptian tree stood on the threshold of life and death, connecting two different worlds. In ancient China the tree of life story has fruit that hangs low and nourishes the people. In the Norse legends the fruit of the tree of life brings eternal life. A tree of life appears in the Quran is the tree of immortality. I found the tree of life mentioned in the Baha’i faith to be very interesting. From the Hidden Words of Baha’u’llah, “Have ye forgotten that true and radiant morn, when in those hallowed and blessed surroundings ye were all gathered in My presence beneath the shade of the tree of life, which is planted in the all-glorious paradise? Awestruck ye listened as I gave utterance to these three most holy words: O friends! Prefer not your will to Mine, never desire that which I have not desired for you, and approach Me not with lifeless hearts, defiled with worldly desires and cravings. Would ye but sanctify your souls, ye would at this present hour recall that place and those surroundings, and the truth of My utterance should be made evident unto all of you.” This is so much like what I believe and love!
Lehi dreamed of a life giving tree. People made their way down a path through a great mist of darkness – through storms of life. They pass people who mock them because they have hope… because they have faith… because they are on the path. Eventually, they reach the tree. They taste the fruit of the tree and they know the love of God. As long as they stay with the tree they have protection; they are sheltered. As long as they stay near the tree they are fed and they are nourished. As long as they stay near the tree they are filled with power and wonder. As they stay with the tree they wish others to join them.
What am I doing to stay with the tree? Am I inviting family and friend effectively to the tree? so much to think about… I only made it 15 verse in 80 minutes…
I am grateful for the Qi Gong challenge I started. I love how Lee Holden explains the process. Maybe someday I will work at being a qi gong master. For now, I will work at making it a daily practice.
I am grateful my day went fairly smoothly.
Resigning as the General Manager of the Universe 