Wheels within wheels

There is a saying in Japanese "Monogoto niwa taitei ura no ura ga aru mono da" (裏には裏がある) that literally translate to "Even the reverse side has a reverse side" . In a less direct translation it is taught "There are wheels within wheels". This usually said to remind us that there are many intricate details that the true state of things cannot be easily revealed.

Many times we get frustrated by not being able to learn something to the fullest, and we stay somewhat unclear. We may even get lost in the small details, and research for an answer - but to no avail. Some things, some fine-tune details remain hidden. I believe that it is good that this is so. It allows us to acknowledge the mystery that life is, as well as allowing us the surrender, and to stop the need to "know" and "control" everything.

The other night I witnessed the birth of my niece. Elah was born after close to 40 hours of labor, in which we were presented with many opportunities for surrender. Things did not progress as we wished for — again, and again and again... yet, at the end side of things, a healthy sweet baby girl was welcomed to our world. There was no way to ignore the fact that much of life's mystery is present everywhere, and that this very mystery provides much of life's joy.

The magic of life is being shown to us, at its own pace, in its own ways, and most of the time not in accordance to our plans and wishes. It is our task to be open and observing, alert and ready to learn as things unravel before us.




The birth of a child,
the rain,
life lessons —
have their own timing.



Elah Rose, born February 5, 2009, 8:05 pm, 8 lbs. 1 oz., 20 inches long