"39. O OFFSPRING OF DUST!
Be not content with the ease of a passing day, and deprive not thyself of everlasting rest. Barter not the garden of eternal delight for the dust-heap of a mortal world. Up from thy prison ascend unto the glorious meads above, and from thy mortal cage wing thy flight unto the paradise of the Placeless.
40. O MY SERVANT!
Free thyself from the fetters of this world, and loose thy soul from the prison of self. Seize thy chance, for it will come to thee no more."
From the Writings of Abdu'l-Baha:
"When one is released from the prison of self, that is indeed freedom, for self is the greater prison."
These two quotes have been on my mind the past few days. October has been flying by, but I must say that no day has been easy ;). It's been exciting and wonderful and busy. I'm still working really really hard on school work, but finally by the middle of this past week, I felt almost on top of things, able to accomplish everything I needed to, and able to actually sleep at night. It's a wonderful feeling. After two months, I finally feel somewhat settled in. It's been a whirlwind of new people, new challenges, new ideas, new ways to study, new places to adjust to, and new insights about myself. Overall, I'm so happy that I'm here, but I know it's not going to be an easy six years. But in the end, I cannot wait to be a math professor, as crazy as that sounds to most ;). Again and again, I'm reminded of the importance of good education and caring educators, ones who want the students to learn, not just hear themselves speak. It makes such a difference when you actually enjoy lectures. (Why can I not underline in this silly blog?)
Last night was the commemoration of the Birth of the Bab, my first Holy Day here in Ithaca, and it was lovely. Definitely nothing like what I had planned for, but still wonderful. I got to meet new people and see old faces, and I got to help set up which I loved. I really enjoy trying to make a room pleasing to the eye and heart. I like that comfort.
Today was a wonderful day. It began with catching up on life, and making fudge (sadly without the family), then visiting an incredible waterfall (I think it's called Ithaca Falls) which was overflowing because of the all the rain we have had over the past few days. Even 30ish yards away we were getting sprayed with water (see me getting wet, it doesn't look so fantastic in this picture, but it was amazing). I wanted to just stand there and enjoy it, but I was getting wet and starting to get cold, so I had to keep moving. I wanted to take pictures to show to people, to share this amazing sight, but John Mayer's 3x5 kept running through my head, so I tried to limit my pictures and actually enjoy what was in front of me. After that was the math grad student bake off, card playing, and Halloween decoration party, which was fun and yummy and laughter-filled :). Afterwards followed by a delicious dinner before the Cornell Symphonic Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, and Jazz Ensemble concert :). Yes, I voluntarily went to a band/orchestra concert on a Saturday night, and it was marvelous. It made me want to come straight home and play my horn. I miss being directed and being a part of a group and playing music. The horns were pretty good, though they did like to really blast which does horrible things to sound. But overall it was a pretty good concert, and it turned out that 2 of my classmates and one of my students were performing. Small world. And then the 3 concert attendees got to play Hoopla and cards :) which was delightful as well. Overall it was a lovely day filled with people and nature and music and food, what more could you want?
I realized tonight at the concert that I really do need music in my life. I have missed it greatly, and I need to make sure to keep it as a part of my home for the rest of my life. Not just listening to recorded music, but actually playing music and having my friends and family play for me. I love live music, it's wonderful.
