As I was waiting to have some blood work done in the lab today (just an annual check-up), John Lennon’s song Imagine started playing on the sound system. I’ve been pondering The Beatles in general lately. I think they were so cool. Not particularly because of the men that they were, but because of the truth that many of their songs point to.
Their music appeals to such a large audience and depending on where you are at on your journey, the songs might have very different meanings for you. John, Paul, George, and Ringo were definitely on the spiritual path. They were sharing higher truth. I can see that now. In my youth, the Beatles’ songs I loved were appreciated at a simple (material) level. Now, I appreciate them for their deeper (spiritual) truths and I am grateful for The Beatles’ astounding contribution. Just before I left the lab, the technician shared with me that her favourite Beatles song is Let It Be. I love that song too. It can be a useful mantra in times of uncertainty.
I love the symbolism in this beautiful Russian animation. The fear and despair that accompanies being lost in the fog (unconsciousness) compared to the elation of sharing a simple cup of tea beneath the stars with a cherished companion.
My favourite scene is when the little hedgehog falls into the river. He is forced into surrender and decides to go with the flow. It’s the lowest point of the film until a mysterious “Someone” comes to his aid. “Don’t mention it” is all the Someone says in response to Hedgehog’s words of gratitude for saving him.
*Note: The owl in this film might be frightening to young children. Please do not view before bedtime!
There Lived a Tree by Vladimir Petkevich is another animation that I could not resist sharing. It’s rich with symbolism on the certainty of change. Nature being our greatest teacher of this truth. The theme of loss and death in this film (not to mention another freaky owl!) will not be lost on small children. I erred in showing this film to my five-year-old before bedtime. She was quite tearful about it. After much discussion, she gave me a kiss on the cheek and said, “If you die before I grow up, this is so you know I love you.”
This little guy appeared in a slice of organic white cheddar cheese. Our own mini Jesus-in-the-Pancake, so to speak. ;) So, do you think this Man-in-the-Cheese resembles anyone?
“Are unicorns real, Mama?” With all seriousness, Hope searches my face for the truth to this question. Not wanting to break her heart (she loves unicorns!), I answer as honestly as possible, “Well, I’ve never seen a unicorn, so I don’t really know...”
I do know that magic exists in the everyday moments of our lives, especially in the beautiful faces of young children. Magic in the form of hugs, laughter, and genuine sweetness.
The most precious moment yesterday though was when Hope blew out her candles. She wished aloud, “To always have good friends and for us to be kind to each other.”♥
“I See Colours of the
Sky” by Hope Arden,
watercolour on paper towel
My four-year-old daughter asked recently, “Am I a real artist?” To which I thoughtfully replied, “Yes, yes you are.” Picasso once said, “Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once [s]he grows up.” As adults we often feel uninspired. As though all creativity has left us, but that is never true. Creativity is just a breath away. We need only be still for it to arise. The key is to get out of your head and let your heart guide you.
Sometimes I wake up with a
song running around my mind like a mantra. This morning I woke up with The
Beatles’ “Strawberry Fields Forever”
in my head. Ben Harper does a cool cover of that song, which I’ve included
for your listening pleasure. Enjoy!
Living is easy with eyes closed,
misunderstanding all you see.
It’s getting hard to be someone,
but it all works out;
it doesn’t matter much to me.
Let me take you down,
’cause I’m going to Strawberry Fields.
Nothing is real,
and nothing to get hung about.
Strawberry Fields forever.
