I play the meditation on zither (also called a plucked psaltery or lap harp). Improvisation in the Lydian mode, for those who want to know. 🙂 More importantly, Ripply is the zither’s name, so it was the natural (read: only) choice for this meditation. Please feel free to download and share the mp3!

Rippling Cascade

Water ripples, water flows,
Though we can’t see where it goes.
From the hallowed hidden falls
Back into the Source of All.

Let your body be at ease.
Leave your manic mind in peace.
Safe from rushing here and there,
Now releasing every care.

Feel the rippling water soft,
Taking all the edges off.
Ragged-rough to round and smooth,
Let it cradle, let it soothe.

All the tension you have held
Fades away and gently melts.
You surrender every stress,
Giving thanks for needed rest.

In your mind you find a place
Where the water fills the space.
Deep, renewing, healing womb,
This is your creative room.

All your passions, dreams and play
Come alive again today.
They are not gone; they are not lost.
They are yours, Love pays the cost.

Let the water take your fears,
Loneliness and every tear.
Give your doubts and questions up,
Rippling Spirit fills your cup.

Water comes and water goes,
Urging things to die, or grow.
If there’s something you must leave,
Let it go, and then receive.

For unto you the water comes
To show you where you’re really from:
Made of Spirit more than bone,
Always with you, not alone.

And this body that you wear?
Water is its substance fair.
So let the rippling changes be;
Your Essence: Truth, Eternal, Free!

Water ripples, water flows,
Though we can’t see where it goes.
From the hallowed hidden falls
Back into the Source of All.

May the Force Be with You #Poem

Posted on May 4, 2020 by Dr. Crystal Grimes

May the Force be with you
That you can find the strength
To handle every circumstance
You meet throughout the day.

May the Force be with you
To ask for what you need
Believing in Its Power
For all that you receive.

May the Force be with you
That you can see the Light
And feel it shine within you
Creating in your life.

May the Force be with you
That you can feel the Love
Embrace your world and being
Around, below, above.

May the Force be with you
As soothing peace of mind
That looks beyond a problem
To where solutions lie.

May the Force be with you
For this is who you are!
And realizing will show you
The brilliance of your spark!

Bunessan/Morning Has Broken #Music #Mp3

Posted on May 3, 2020 by Dr. Crystal Grimes

Download Bunessan Mp3

“Bunessan” is a traditional Scottish Gaelic tune. In the United States at least, it is better known as the melody of the hymns “Morning Has Broken” and “Child in a Manger.” The 1931 lyrics of “Morning Has Broken” are still under copyright, but we’re free to play “Bunessan” to our hearts’ (and zither’s!) content. Enjoy!

Letting Learning Hold You Back

Posted on May 2, 2020 by Dr. Crystal Grimes

Learning is wonderful! They say that knowledge is power, and while this can be true if used positively, learning itself can hold you back from sharing what you already have.

I’ve experienced this in two ways. First, as someone who enjoys learning, it’s possible to get caught up in the quest for knowledge itself. This can show up as the following main objections:

“I don’t have a degree in that field.”

Assuming you need more education can be a pitfall. There’s nothing wrong with education! However, there are other ways to obtain knowledge, including experience, common sense, intuition, or even your lifestyle, self-imposed or not. These avenues are just as valid as educational degrees, and perhaps more practical and helpful.

For example, I’ve been totally blind all my life, except for light perception as a child. I don’t have a degree in social work or rehab counseling, but there are things I can share with other blind people, things that sighted counselors with degrees cannot teach them. If I can help someone, why shouldn’t I?

“I’m not qualified. I need more education.”

Once started on a degree path, it’s easy to keep climbing. Again, this is not a problem in itself. However, if it keeps you from using what you already have, any educational path can be a vicious cycle. Know what you truly need, and, more importantly, realize what you already have to offer. If you do need more education, obtain it, and keep sharing what you have at the same time.

The second way learning can hold a person back, is the sheer amount of options, programs, etc. For one who is always striving, it can feel like you’ll be good enough when… When I finish this program. When I have that skill set. When I get the certificate. And meanwhile, people are missing out on your uniqueness, your particular way of sharing or teaching, and the inspiration you give them, often unknowingly.

Learning comes easily to some people, but not to others. Whichever is true for you, let learning be an asset and a joy, not a hindrance or obligation. Be confident in your worth as a person, and in the value of what you yourself can give to others.

The most important learning, the most powerful knowledge, does not come from a degree program, but from the inner work we choose to do on a daily basis. To know yourself is the greatest knowledge anyone can have!