When I first met M.R.Bawa Muhaiyadeen, He asked  me my name.

I answered.”Locke.”

He said “Locke  -  unlock your heart, unlock your mind, unlock your life. Unlock it all and you will be able to look inside and make it clear. Open the door and look inside”.

I hope I have finally learned that it is fruitless to try to force people into my way of thinking.

Greeting others with love and compassion creates a bond and makes people more receptive.

When we surrender to God’s will and step over the line between just talking about faith and genuinely believing that everything is in God’s hands, trying to control others ceases to be an issue.

Surrender draws people closer.

There is unity.

Then, anything is possible.

She sat, dressed in white, on a raised dais.

She was over 70 but looked much younger. She had virtually no lines in her face. She had a beautiful smile, and her eyes were very dark, deep and wise. She spoke no English.

I sat down below her and looked up into her eyes.

“What is your question?” asked the interpreter.

“How do I love?” I answered in a tremulous voice.

She looked down at me knowingly and with a slight, yet firm voice answered gently “Love is service to others – you may serve others.”

I was perplexed.

I thought she hadn’t understood my question. “But, how do I serve others?”

“With your body. Do you have any other questions?”

When I said no, I was gently ushered out of her room.

I was disappointed. The answer was not what I had expected or wanted.

Little did I know, until years later how accurate her words would prove. She had given me, not what I wanted, but exactly what I had needed.

    You can taste
        the difference
            a pinch of salt makes

    The hidden flavors
        in the food
            emerge

    My father
        gave me a word of
            praise once

    It still lies within;
        When I taste it
            I try to do better

    Give a horse
        a lump of sugar
            he’ll jump through hoops

    Think of the power
        of a kind word;
            it can change
                a life