MUFFINHEART
One never knows what "form" a teacher will take. For me, I've been blessed with a series of squirrel teachers. And through the 13 years of adopting these orphaned baby squirrels, rehabbing them, releasing most to the outdoors, and giving "forever" homes to the non-releasables, I've come to see them as TRUE BUDDHAS. And now, through their eyes, I can see, finally, my own "Buddha Nature".
Many times I would sit and stare into the eyes of one of my "rescues" and suddenly there would no longer be a subject and an object. Rather, there was only the dissolving into PURE LOVE... falling into the One Heart only to find out THAT'S ALL THERE IS! And "I" AM THAT!
One of the great things about squirrels is that they're not concerned with following some "leader". They don't require a "squirrel in charge" because they all tune inside to the "One Squirrel Heart"... which is one undivided whole. In fact, this is the very same "Heart" that resides in each of us; what some nondual teachers refer to as "The Absolute".
In the beginning, when I took in a motherless baby squirrel, I thought that I was helping her... but in time, I discovered that it was actually the other way 'round. That baby was Grace coming into my life to shower me with my own goodness! Wow-- What a gift!
Most recently, I was sitting with one of my new squirrels, Miss Nutleigh. At one point, I caught her gaze and a song of wisdom came through me from her and I recorded it. Much later, in listening to myself singing it again, I heard the words on another level. I realized in that moment that "consciousness" was singing to "consciousness" and being witnessed. In other words, the One Squirrel Heart spoke TO me THROUGH me, and LOVE was seen. I guess you could call that a "squirrel awakening"!
I want to acknowledge my profound love and appreciation to the late Mr.Nut. He crossed over on my 60th birthday last January. You can hear his amazing wisdom online: www.SatsangWithMrNut.com.
And I also bow in deep respect to my beloved Muffinheart who taught me true meditation. This dear boy recently passed at the end of August. You can find his meditation at: Eternal Love of Muffinheart
*Pranams is a deep bow of respect, usually seen in the East where devotees fall prostrate on the floor in front of their teacher.
Finally, I want to share the words of Nutleigh's Song:
NUTLEIGH'S SONG
When I was just a little baby squirrel
I would suckle at my mama's breast
She would give me everything
Yes, she would give me everything I need.
But now my mama's gone away from me
And so I suckle at another breast
And I am given everything
Yes, I am given everything I need.
The Way of Love is strange and harsh and kind
The Way of Love is strange and harsh and kind
It takes you to the very edge
It takes you to the very edge... of you.
And when you find there is no end of you
Then you shall see there is no end of love
And you are given everything
Yes, you are always given everything.
And so it seems I am a little squirrel
But truth be told, I am the same as you
And we can never lose this love
No, we can never lose this love .... we are.
And when all beings go away from me
And I am face to face with only this
I see that I was never born
I see that I can never die
I see that I was always everything
Yes, I was always everything.