The Lion's Roar

Weekly wisdom to level up your creative life in 3 minutes.

A SHORT STORY

I’ve been reminded lately how important it is to constantly “tune in” to ourselves. In many ways, that’s the purpose of this newsletter—that for three minutes a week, you and I can give ourselves the gift of slowing down and listening inward.

Recently, I came across a story about the Buddha, who described his teachings as a Lion’s Roar—a response born of courage. There’s a story that when people insulted him, he simply listened without anger. When asked why he didn’t respond, he said, “If someone offers you a gift and you do not accept it, to whom does it belong?” 

That’s the kind of strength that comes from sitting with yourself, open and willing to face what feels like one insult after another: You’re not doing it right. You’re not enough.

This weekend, I sat for many hours listening to my thoughts—and something else emerged. A quiet, healing state. A gentle reminder to let go of what I’ve been holding. A sense of freedom in knowing that beneath the noisy hum of life, something steady is always there—something reassuring, something that whispers I’m on the right track.

And in that stillness, I found a quiet confidence- when I tune in and speak from that place, my voice can be as loud as a lion.

A POEM

“Storage” by Mary Oliver

When I moved from one house to another there were many things I had no room for. What does one do? I rented a storage space. And filled it. Years passed. Occasionally I went there and looked in, but nothing happened, not a single twinge of the heart.

As I grew older the things I cared about grew fewer, but were more important. So one day I undid the lock and called the trash man. He took everything.

I felt like the little donkey when his burden is finally lifted. Things! Burn them, burn them! Make a beautiful fire! More room in your heart for love, for the trees!

For the birds who own nothing--the reason they can fly.

Grateful,

Michael