See the Moon
“Barns burnt down, now I can see the moon” – Mizuta Masahide, 17th century Japanese poet and samurai
Following last nights wonderful lunar eclipse with the “red moon”, it reminded me of this quote. Simple as it may sound, it certainly provides for much contemplation and can have several interpretations.
If negative events occur, there is something positive afterwards. Indeed, the positive may have been there all along- but never noticed. In todays world, the fast pace of life is such that often we do not appreciate the great positive aspects of our life. A real shame how we often get caught in “first world problems/situations” and don’t appreciate the simple things – such as, watching the sun rise, the beating of our hearts, hearing the birds sing at dawn or valuing the people in our lives. Another meaning to seeing the moon can also be God/Universe/Higher Power – it was and is always there, no matter what. Sometimes people can lose sight of that, especially in the hustle and bustle of life. Focus more on being a human “being” rather than a human “doing”. Take time to Just be– not just do, do,do all the time! The barn burning could be also a metaphor for any traumatic event in life, the loss of a person or a relationship. Whatever the situation, the mighty powers will not fail you- and they are always there- and always were.
Another interpretation could be that the barn, something seemingly valuable was then destroyed and allowed one to see that perhaps it was not so valuable after all – and something greater (the Moon) was revealed. Consider a “re-evaluation” of what’s important in life.
Or the barn could represent the ego– and its destruction leading to peace, harmony and a deeper connection to the Universe. After all, we are all made of stardust, are we not?
Whenever we face a problem, in all honesty, how big is it in the whole scheme of things? Take a different perspective- walk out of the situation and observe it for what it is. In many cases, it will be a relatively minor event that can be handled without much undue stress. Whatever it is, find the solution for it rather than dwell on the “problem”. This indeed is the ebb and flow of life. It is never “all good” and life cannot be without problems- otherwise, it just wouldn’t be life, of course!
As William Blake (English poet) so eloquently said:
“Man was made for joy and woe
Then when this we rightly know
Through the world we safely go
Joy and woe are woven fine
A clothing for the soul divine.”
Enjoy the moon in all its glory …
