I’m a Rat.
According to Chinese astrology, since I was born in 1948, that’s what I am. Here’s what it says and boy, is it true of me…the good, the bad and the ugly:
“Clever and quick-witted, This sign flaunts its style at every turn. Its natural charm and sharp, funny demeanor make it an appealing friend for almost anyone. The Rat likes to know who is on its side and will treat its most loyal friends with an extra measure of protection and generosity.
Behind that sweet smile, though, Rats are keen and unapologetic promoters of their own agendas. This sign is motivated by its own interests, which often include money; greed can become a problem if the Rat isn’t careful to keep its priorities straight.
This sign’s natural powers of charm and persuasion can definitely come in handy! Although they are often hoarders, Rats can be very generous to those in their pack, namely friends and family members who have proven their loyalty. Others might perceive them as quick-tempered and sharp-tongued, but never boorish. Verbal jousting is a great pleasure for the Rat, a sign that everyone around will quickly learn either to love or to hate.
A valuable lesson for Rats is to learn to consider others above themselves, at least sometimes. If they can develop their sense of self and realize it leaves room for others in their life as well, Rats could find true happiness.”
In another arena that’s of mild interest to me, Numerology, according to Glynis the Number’s Lady, I am a Nine:
“The natural leader. People assume we are in charge even if we are not. If in a department store, people think we work there. We take care of everyone else but need to learn to speak up when we need help, love, and hugs. 9s often feel unloved or abandoned by our mother or father, or we feel completely responsible for them. It’s hard for us to let go of the past.”
This stuff is fun and I don’t take it all that seriously, but my point is this: I practice something that lets me find peace within myself but there are lots of concepts about what that means. I still get caught in my own ideas of what a “peaceful person” is like and I hear that in others who also have misconceptions about what being in “peace” entails.
One thing it doesn’t make me is some kind of emotionless robot who never has a bad day, never gets upset and always sees the positive. That’s just not me, not my experience at all. What feeling peace within also does not do is make me a yogi with a blissful smile on my face all the time. (Just ask my daughter)
My god, who would want that anyway? How odd to even strive for something so unlike what we are meant to be. A human being is a “feeling machine.” We get to feel all kinds of things while we’re in this thing called “body.” Whatever you put in front of it, that’s what it will feel. I have a choice a large percentage of the time about what I would like that to be, but can I totally avoid pain, sadness, grief, fear, doubt, anger? Heck no.
Can I do something to keep a few of those less than joyful things at bay most of the time? Thankfully yes, that is what I’ve discovered, anyway.
Is it easy? What do you think? Does it sound easy? Hardest thing I’ve ever tried to do, hands down.
We think climbing Mt. Everest is a challenge; making a fortune; writing a best seller. Hey, try feeling that real peace inside every single day! Man oh man. See how accomplished you are at having that “heart of a child” every moment of your life, as scriptures and wise ones often recommend.
Are you kidding? I’d have more luck winning Dancing with the Stars or evolving as the next Segovia than to feel that childlike happiness inside every moment of my life.
Is staying with that heart simple though? Now, that’s a different story. Simple, yes. Easy? No way. Worth the effort? In my rarely humble opinion, it sure is…more than words can say.
So, back to my rathole here, I guess, which isn’t all that bad, really. Hopefully I’ve filled it with enough good stuff to make it enjoyable.
As the saying makes abundantly clear, “Even if you win the rat race, you’re still a rat.”
In my case, still a human being, as well; vulnerable, limited and flawed indeed, yet able to perceive and feel the ultimate beauty, despite those attributes.
As my friend Prem Rawat always says, “You may be just a speck of dust, but what an incredible speck…”
I can live with that.
