Beyond Capitalism

"Love is the merchandise which all the world demands; if you store it in your heart,
every soul will become your customer." (Hazrat Inayat Khan)

Two planets must be influencing my being this morning. One that deals with money, roles and work; the other, the pull to freedom, away from appointments,scheduling, classes, meetings is strong as well. I'm often thankful I'm not a Libra, or a duel astrological sun sign. They tend to tussle back and forth on numerous issues. Today's state is only occasional for me, and curiously it is arising when my checking account is more than solvent (I made sure to check it this morning) and I have an almost "free" day, only one appointment. That's why it must be the planets' fault that I am pre-occupied with the calculator, and less-than-creative.

Sometimes I look at our huge lawn, which requires a LOT of mowing, raking, and water, and I see a crop of some kind. Maybe garlic or ginseng (too long term an investment), or comfrey (an easy grower, but never eradicated). Or last week I discovered red clover blossoms sell for $1.06 an ounce. Well! I love to pick red clover, and so do my granddaughters;I could pick it all over the valley. Or homemade tinctures! Now there's a product: elderberry, valarian, comfrey, Oregon grape root; I could see my table set up at the Farmer's Market.

Sometimes I search the net for writing opportunities, or buy magazines to figure out what would fit their needs as an article or interview. I can see my name in print!

But who am I serving? Bodies, minds or Souls? I have long lived by the question: How may I best serve my people? This arose during my native American phase, when I started thinking of the greater circle. Through the years I've come to define who "my people" are in various ways, and now settle with close family and friends first, and greater community second. And just what my "service" is has evolved through the years from literally serving and cooking food to social worker services.

Then Unity taught me "Your presence is enough." That was a radical moment. My presence is enough! when I can't figure out why I'm at a meeting, I remember. When I can't come up with an opener to visit with my grandson in the morning, I remember. Just sit nearby with your coffee! Or when someone has told me his frustrating story and waits for me to give a solution, I remember. My job is presence, and sometimes acknowledgement, and rarely more!

So the above quote brings me to another level about work, creativity and community. We are souls in longing. I mustn't forget. Beyond all busy-ness, employment, bills, commerce, plans, regrets and shopping, we are souls longing for union. And I am blessed and privileged to live in a land and a time that allows me to manifest that remembrance everyday in my own way. God's grace has spared me worrying about shelter, safety and clean water; I can concentrate on the survival of souls, on the presence of divine love. Then my life truly becomes a gift, to myself and to the world.

How may I best serve my people? All of the above, and none of the above. By truly being in every moment, with or without a product, a service or advice. By diving into Union...then the merchandise serves beyond measure.