Becoming Like a Consuming Fire
I believe in the power of revelry, and this has been a revelrous week for me.
I set goals, and I celebrate when I meet them. I create incentives and rewards to motivate myself to meet my goals, even beyond the satisfaction I get just from meeting them. As my goals grow, my revelry grows as well.
One of the incentives I created for a goal last year was that if I met it I would get a tattoo. I met my goal.
Some people questioned whether I was really serious about getting a tattoo, and other people questioned whether I was being a little crazy.
I thought about various possibilities before I settled on my final idea. I decided that the details of a labyrinth would probably hurt quite a bit. I do not mind a little suffering for my revelry, but did not want to go too far.
The idea I chose is from my favorite saying of the Desert Mothers and Fathers. These early monastics left cities as the Roman Empire was collapsing to be able to live without distractions in the wilderness. I value the clarity and depth of their sayings.
My saying is from Joseph, who said “You cannot be a monk unless you become like a consuming fire.” When someone else asked about the steps required to do that, Joseph stretched out his hands and the tips of his fingers were lit like candles. He replied, “If you will, you can become all flame.”
I told my story to a true artist, who listened and made a drawing on paper, then tattooed it on my arm.
As you can imagine, it is a very cool tattoo. It reminds me of the wisdom of the Desert Mothers and Fathers, and that being open is a very serious step forward.
I would be glad to show it to you.
What are you playing for this year?
[Image by robstephaustralia]
8 Comments
John Shenk
January 26, 2013Way to go Greg! I can’t wait to see the tattoo!
Strategic Monk
January 27, 2013Thank you, John! I can hardly wait to show you!
Dain Dunston
January 28, 2013Great story, brother monk. (I thought the story was going to be that you had a to-do list tattoed on your forearm, as in the picture — not so great, perhaps).
What am I playing for this year?
Two things:
1. To live every moment in the Zen of the present moment.
2. To recognize the spirit of my life instead of focusing on the form.
Strategic Monk
January 28, 2013Thank you, Dain.
Yes, my tattoo helps me remember not to have a checklist!
I like what you are playing for this year, and hope your entire year is a collection of amazing present moments.
Mickie
January 28, 2013You inspire me, my monk friend. I am trying to maintain the peaceful attitude I had during my vacation in Hawaii and when I get ruffled I think of two things now~ swimming with the beautiful fish and your calm demeanor when we chat. Keep on rockin’
Strategic Monk
January 28, 2013Thank you, Mickie!
Yes, there is a balance that includes breathing and resting as well as doing things we have never tried before.
Thank you for being my tattoo mentor and walking with me.
Suzy West
January 29, 2013Will you share the tattoo in your next blog post? Glad to know it’s NOT the checklist!
Strategic Monk
January 29, 2013Thank you, Suzy!
No, it is not the checklist. I am thinking about a post that would include a photo of the tattoo. I would like a little more definition in my upper arm; we will see!