"With stammering lips and insufficient sounds, I strive and struggle to deliver right the music of my nature... "

--Elizabeth Barrett Browning

In an old Gaelic poem called "The Poem of Trathel," there is a scene which pictures a mother playing a harp while her children gather around, entranced as they listen to the sweet strains which issue from a harp at her touch on the trembling strings.  She stops.  The music ceases, and she lays down the harp.  The children pick it up and finger the strings in an attempt to reproduce the music which had come from the harp at the touch of their mother's fingers. Their efforts are in vain. A confusion of harsh discordant sounds comes forth, but not the sweet music they longed to hear as a result of their own efforts. In bitter disappointment they cry out: "Oh Mother, why doesn't it answer us too?  Show us the strings where the music is." 

I look amongst the strings of my life for harmony, and expect to be able to just pluck away at it and make it all work.  The music and the harmony is there, but like any other skill I must study and practice in order to bring it out. Much like playing the harp, it takes determination, discipline, and constant practice. The strings I need to learn to play with skill are Wisdom - to discern that which is true - Strength - to choose the right - and appreciation of spiritual Beauty, in order to make my life harmonious.

A most valuable skill that will help me to find harmony among these strings is learning to relax and breathe deeply, that I may let go of my fears enough to feel as peaceful as I can. In a few moment's silence and quiet repose I can honestly see what is needed, right now at this moment, in my life. No other individual on the face of the earth is responsible for giving me what I need to care for myself. And no one knows better than I what is truly needed. 

If I am thinking that things in my life are out of control, then I need to relax and stop trying to control things, people and situations.  If I am not having fun, I need to take time to do that, now.  If I am neglecting my normal routine, I need to focus on one task at a time until I am back on track.  And if I can't do anything but worry about a problem, I must learn to really let it go - turn it over to the Universe, a Higher Power, Spirit, God or whatever - and let someone or something else help me carry that load. I may need to just set my difficulties aside for a time, so that when the timing is right for me, I will find what I need to deal with them effectively. 

Whatever it is that is needed, as far as self-care goes, I will not discover answers until I begin asking questions. Wisdom is not only knowing what to ask and when to ask it. It is learning to listen to my Spirit and trust what I hear. Having Strength is to be courageous in my choices, to strive to resist the error of the world and its pressures, and to trust my Inner Guide - that "still, small voice" within me. I must also acquire an appreciation of the Beauty of the created spirit within me by honoring and trusting myself enough to act and choose in accordance with what my spirit knows I need in my life. 

Once I begin to seek this interior balance in my life, by caring for myself and giving myself what I need, I will soon hear the sweet refrain of balance and harmony in all of the exterior aspects of my life. The strings are there, and the music is in them. I need only practice to play with skill. 

Peace and Light, Michael