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For some time I have wanted to paint a Texas Longhorn.  These majestic creatures are so authentic, so substantial and serene they beg to be captured in some art form.  The other day, my daughter and I were driving along route 46 on our way to New Braunfels, and good fortune struck!  Near the road in a small pasture was a small herd of these beautiful bovines.  We parked close, exited the car swiftly and took a variety of photos with our cell phones.  The longhorns hardly flicked their tails at us, so calm and confident.  There is something Buddha-like in these animals.

                So, yesterday, as I was creating my pastel painting from one of my photos I began to think about the nature of this creature.  It represents something whole, powerful and calm, something that truly is “enough” in its very existence.  I realized that there is a part of us, we humans, that has a hard time touching that state of being.  Yes, we have our great brains that drive us to build and create new and delightful (or no so!) realities, but sometimes that is not even “enough” and we remain unsatisfied, ever striving for more.  There is nothing wrong with that, I am convinced that we are created this way for a reason that helps us evolve into our purpose for being alive.  But, I do believe there is a place that we humans must discover in ourselves to help us truly enjoy the fruits of our labors and creations.  This place may be the longhorn state of being, where we experience being “enough”, no matter what other plans and ideas we may have for our own and society’s betterment. 

                So, maybe in the midst of our creative, goal oriented lives, we should plan for regular “longhorn meditation” moments.  Because, ultimately, all our activities and striving are about our desire for happiness and satisfaction in our lives and the lives of those we love, so why not slow down and experience it at a deep level.  For surely, the power and solidity of this animal are traits that when embraced by us will root us, ground us in our own souls and the life we have created for ourselves right here, right now. 

                I may be a little crazy, but lately I’ve been thinking all roads lead to Texas!  Keep creating, laughing, and loving, my friends!