tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53296404410182810062024-03-05T02:31:37.313-08:00Self discovering selfUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger148125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5329640441018281006.post-27806528960176305832019-05-11T14:54:00.000-07:002019-05-11T14:54:03.879-07:00Connected<br />
Connected to the roots of my being<br />
I am strong<br />
<br />
Now I can dance in the wind<br />
giving in to its playful caresses<br />
And when the rains pour<br />
I can let myself be drenched<br />
<br />
Now I can be the leaf that falls<br />
and the branch that withers<br />
And when spring rolls around<br />
I can let myself be reborn<br />
<br />
Knowing, being, what I am<br />
I am stable<br />
Now this body can be supple<br />
and sweet<br />
<br />
Stillness and movement as one<br />
<br />
Birthing and dying as one<br />
<br />
Knowing myself as the unknownUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5329640441018281006.post-46938535591874106362019-05-11T14:46:00.000-07:002019-05-11T14:46:15.290-07:00Sublime UnionAt the root of awakening <br />
is the yearning for reality<br />
to know itself as<br />
the formlessness it is<br />
<br />
At the root of manifestation <br />
is the yearning for reality <br />
to know itself as<br />
the formfullness it is <br />
<br />
Form arcs towards formlessness<br />
Formlessness arcs towards form<br />
<br />
Like lovers reaching out <br />
to each other<br />
arms outstretched <br />
they seek to know the other<br />
as themselves <br />
<br />
In their sublime union<br />
is the beginning and the end,<br />
and everything between;<br />
the eternal dance,<br />
always being always becoming <br />
<br />
As form awakens<br />
to its formlessness <br />
it grows in its capacity <br />
to express formlessness <br />
<br />
Simultaneously<br />
as formlessness awakens <br />
to its formfullness<br />
it grows in its capacity <br />
to be expressed in form<br />
<br />
Form and its formless ground<br />
evolve together<br />
The manifest and its unmanifest source<br />
grow together <br />
In the deep dark womb<br />
of the fathomless depths <br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5329640441018281006.post-42359618701160813742019-05-11T14:36:00.001-07:002019-05-11T14:41:32.414-07:00Goddess of the Dark<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
</div><br />
Goddess of the Dark,<br />
<br />
Who are you?<br />
why do you speak to me so?<br />
Stinging my eyes with unbidden tears<br />
Filling my heart with unnamed sensation<br />
Calling my whole being to pause<br />
<br />
I don't know you<br />
You are not a destination I aspired to<br />
nor do you fit any image I've ever known<br />
Yet when you appeared on my horizon<br />
I recognized you instantly<br />
In the soundless depths of me<br />
<br />
You give no direction yet<br />
But I can feel you anchoring me within<br />
Preparing void as womb<br />
Even as you lead me to lie there and die<br />
In your embrace<br />
<br />
Goddess of the Dark<br />
<br />
I feel your presence in me now<br />
And your strength and your power<br />
Perhaps now I will have the wherewithal <br />
to let everything go<br />
every last bit of it, good and bad<br />
<br />
My highest ideal and my biggest fear<br />
They are but two ends of one chain<br />
that binds me to this world, this existence<br />
I have to let them both go<br />
I have to be prepared to die fully<br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5329640441018281006.post-45592368356203696682017-03-19T07:50:00.000-07:002017-03-19T07:50:17.424-07:00Wake up dear fool<br />
Note to Readers:<br />
<br />
Hello! <br />
I'm back - with these words that really resonated in my consciousness at some point, words that were addressed from deep within to the 'me' I thought I was! <br />
<br />
They resonate again as I marvel at our arrogance as a human race, and what we are doing to ourselves, our mother planet and all her creations. And I see how lost we are, consumed by our arrogance, and how some part of us yearns to wake up from it too ....<br />
<br />
Join me and so many others, in praying for the wellbeing of all sentient beings. Deep bows to you all.<br />
------------------------------------------<br />
<br />
<br />
Wake up dear fool<br />
Wake up to what you know undeniably<br />
Wake up to the truth<br />
that won't go away<br />
no matter how hard<br />
you try to ignore it, cover it,<br />
sidestep it, philosophize it<br />
<br />
Wake up dear fool<br />
To your inescapable fate :<br />
As certainly as you were born<br />
you will die<br />
And not only that<br />
but you have no knowing<br />
when that will be<br />
<br />
Wake up dear fool<br />
and let that sink in<br />
and sober you up<br />
Let it soften your arrogance<br />
and open your hard heart<br />
Let it clear your blurred vision<br />
and burn your false dreams<br />
<br />
Let it strip away your complacency<br />
and shake you out of your narrow self<br />
So you may finally acknowledge<br />
this life you have been given<br />
Each moment in it<br />
Each thing in it<br />
Each one in it<br />
For it will not last forever<br />
And will all die with you<br />
<br />
Wake up and tremble<br />
with the rest of Mother's creations<br />
For not one of your great achievements<br />
can take death away from your destiny<br />
<br />
If you cannot let in the fact of death<br />
You cannot let in the fullness of this life <br />
For then each moment is more clinging<br />
from fear, and lining your prison cell<br />
with more gold to distract you<br />
from the truth<br />
<br />
A glorious bird in a gilded cage<br />
counting her treasures<br />
but unable to fly<br />
Wake up dear fool<br />
This is no way to live<br />
<br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5329640441018281006.post-54187087712050530692016-11-29T10:02:00.001-08:002016-11-29T10:02:15.526-08:00Tryst with Time<br />
<br />
The full green<br />
bounty of Summer<br />
lived a while<br />
and died into Autumn<br />
enabling the birth<br />
of spectacular Fall<br />
with its riotous display<br />
of unashamed color<br />
<br />
Now the Fall<br />
has begun its death also<br />
And the glorious leaves<br />
that adorned<br />
the maples and oaks<br />
are browning, shriveling<br />
and being prepared to return<br />
to the earth<br />
where they came from<br />
<br />
I love the Fall<br />
it is my great teacher<br />
It shows me <br />
the dignity in death<br />
It teaches me<br />
about the necessity of death<br />
for Life to continue<br />
to renew itself<br />
<br />
It is not worthwhile<br />
to fight that<br />
which is bigger than us<br />
and seeks to devour us<br />
for our own sake<br />
<br />
It is worthwhile<br />
only to fight that<br />
which is smaller than us<br />
and seeks to devour us<br />
for its own sake<br />
<br />
Watching the wind<br />
sweep in<br />
and stir up<br />
the trees<br />
Watching the leaves<br />
respond to<br />
wind's invitation<br />
and give up<br />
their attachment<br />
to the tree<br />
I weep silently<br />
and acknowledge<br />
the willingness<br />
of my own wise heart<br />
to die over and over again<br />
to shed over and over again<br />
to let go of that<br />
whose tryst with time<br />
is finally over<br />
<br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5329640441018281006.post-3445860905053831702016-02-14T09:43:00.000-08:002016-02-14T09:43:07.828-08:00Love's beloved<br />
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br />
<br />
I see a world<br />
that rejects love<br />
and gorges itself<br />
on a million flavors<br />
of hatred<br />
<br />
I see a world<br />
that longs for love<br />
but knows not<br />
how to let it in<br />
simply<br />
<br />
I see a world<br />
contorting in pain<br />
twisting in agony<br />
and so ripening<br />
for release<br />
<br />
This world<br />
is in me<br />
and I have known it<br />
for long <br />
intimately<br />
<br />
I cry for this world<br />
and its suffering<br />
I cry for its fragility<br />
and its coarseness <br />
both<br />
<br />
I cry long and hard<br />
without hope<br />
till I break down<br />
into nothing<br />
but tears <br />
<br />
And then quite unexpectedly<br />
from the tears<br />
drained of hope<br />
squeezed of self<br />
love comes upon itself!<br />
<br />
Love itself<br />
in my scant remains!<br />
A gift, a miracle<br />
a thousand blessings<br />
rolled into<br />
<br />
One face<br />
that I can no longer miss<br />
whispering sweet nothings<br />
into my ageless yearning<br />
Bliss <br />
<br />
fills the space<br />
that I was<br />
making new outlines,<br />
like a master<br />
painting his beloved<br />
<br />
Mixing fire and blood<br />
and tenderness<br />
into new colors<br />
that stain my bones<br />
and form my skin<br />
<br />
Love takes its time<br />
crafting me anew<br />
for some purpose<br />
it knows<br />
to be mine<br />
<br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5329640441018281006.post-80883010609910309022015-10-25T13:01:00.007-07:002015-10-25T13:01:59.921-07:00Heart's truth<br />
<br />
There is something here always<br />
that knows how to be<br />
with anything<br />
with everything<br />
<br />
It has always been here <br />
But I didn't know<br />
<br />
And then when I knew<br />
I turned a deaf ear<br />
<br />
And then when I heard<br />
I still didn't listen<br />
<br />
And then when I listened<br />
I didn't quite trust<br />
<br />
And then when I trusted<br />
I still kept slipping back<br />
into old ways<br />
that didn't work<br />
and don't work even now<br />
<br />
But this that knows how to be<br />
with anything<br />
with everything<br />
won't give up on me<br />
<br />
Relentlessly merciful<br />
it breaks into my body anyways<br />
and teaches me<br />
and teaches me <br />
until I don't need to learn anymore<br />
but just am it<br />
without compromise<br />
fearlessly free<br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5329640441018281006.post-53093047906033396272015-09-07T09:33:00.000-07:002015-09-07T09:33:05.887-07:00The yearning<br />
<br />
<br />
Throughout my life<br />
I experienced<br />
such a yearning<br />
for I knew not what<br />
<br />
It took the form<br />
of anxiety, fear<br />
unease, cravings<br />
passion, ambition,<br />
effort, struggle<br />
dissatisfaction<br />
dissatisfaction<br />
dissatisfaction<br />
<br />
I trod the beaten path<br />
following conventional wisdom<br />
as far as I could<br />
until it yielded<br />
its true wisdom <br />
and I realized<br />
that more of anything<br />
was not enough<br />
and would never be!<br />
<br />
No matter <br />
who I became<br />
or what I did<br />
or what I had<br />
it wasn't enough<br />
This yearning<br />
wouldn't let go<br />
<br />
I was stopped<br />
in my tracks<br />
<br />
Then the yearning<br />
took over<br />
and carved its own path<br />
to fulfillment<br />
showing me<br />
where it springs from<br />
and where it leads<br />
<br />
Much was lost<br />
on this journey<br />
and still more<br />
is leaving everyday<br />
<br />
And what remains<br />
is neither me<br />
nor mine<br />
just what is<br />
This Now.<br />
<br />
<br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5329640441018281006.post-76140003201579106642015-08-25T15:00:00.000-07:002015-08-25T15:02:00.975-07:00A whole new dimension of reality<br />
<br />
No need<br />
to take thoughts<br />
as indicators<br />
of our reality<br />
<br />
No need<br />
to take feelings<br />
as indicators<br />
of our reality<br />
<br />
Truth is<br />
there is always<br />
Awareness<br />
of thoughts<br />
<br />
Truth is<br />
there is always<br />
Awareness <br />
of feelings<br />
<br />
Truth is<br />
there is always<br />
Awareness<br />
of everything<br />
<br />
Truth is<br />
Awareness<br />
is the empty<br />
transparent<br />
non-substantial<br />
field<br />
within which<br />
everything appears<br />
<br />
Awareness<br />
is simultaneously<br />
inside and outside<br />
all experience <br />
<br />
Experience is simply<br />
Awareness <br />
taking shape<br />
momentarily<br />
<br />
One way<br />
in which<br />
Awareness<br />
is experienced<br />
is okness<br />
<br />
In experience<br />
there can be<br />
a continuous sense<br />
of okness<br />
through<br />
any and every<br />
experience<br />
<br />
All experience<br />
is simultaneously<br />
intensified and lightened<br />
by this pervasive<br />
sense of okness<br />
<br />
Initially<br />
the okness<br />
is far<br />
in the background<br />
of experience<br />
<br />
The okness<br />
is simultaneously<br />
non-moving,<br />
and moving<br />
towards,<br />
the foreground<br />
of experience<br />
<br />
More and more<br />
the okness<br />
is moving to<br />
the foreground<br />
of experience <br />
<br />
Closing the gap<br />
between<br />
Awareness and experience<br />
closing the gap<br />
between<br />
subject and object <br />
<br />
Absorbing self<br />
into emptiness<br />
Manifesting emptiness<br />
without intermediary<br />
without compromise<br />
<br />
Being in the world<br />
and not of the world<br />
<br />
A whole new realm<br />
of exploration<br />
A whole new dimension<br />
of reality<br />
<br />
Sent from my iPadUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5329640441018281006.post-46057991358146169732015-03-04T10:03:00.000-08:002015-03-04T10:03:17.368-08:00What you seek<br />
<br />
You say you seek<br />
unconditional love<br />
Yet you look for it<br />
in the arms of lovers<br />
<br />
But the arms of lovers<br />
come attached<br />
with demands <br />
<br />
You say you seek<br />
undying peace<br />
Yet you look for it<br />
in peaceful experiences<br />
<br />
But peaceful experiences<br />
come to life<br />
only to die<br />
<br />
You say you seek<br />
the unchanging <br />
Yet you look for it<br />
in the world of change<br />
<br />
But the world of change<br />
will not stop changing<br />
for you<br />
<br />
You say you want<br />
to find<br />
what you have lost<br />
in the dark<br />
Yet you look for it<br />
in bright places<br />
where seeking<br />
is easy<br />
but nothing is found<br />
<br />
If you really want<br />
what you say<br />
then let yourself <br />
be taken deep<br />
into the mines <br />
of your being<br />
where the diamonds are<br />
<br />
Even if the journey<br />
be dark and lonely<br />
<br />
For in the brilliance<br />
of the diamonds there<br />
that outshine<br />
a thousand suns<br />
everything else pales<br />
and bows<br />
into insignificance<br />
<br />
Seeker and seeking<br />
are burnt to ashes<br />
and what remains<br />
is the ever present<br />
the undying<br />
the unconditional<br />
You<br />
<br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5329640441018281006.post-6832490836752074392015-01-19T09:23:00.003-08:002015-01-19T09:23:32.392-08:00Here and Now<br />
<br />
Space is<br />
God's way<br />
of elongating<br />
Here<br />
<br />
Time is<br />
God's way<br />
of elongating<br />
Now<br />
<br />
In truth<br />
it is all<br />
Here and Now<br />
<br />
How jaw-dropping<br />
is the sheer<br />
Infinitude <br />
that just these two<br />
create<br />
<br />
Time and space<br />
dancing together<br />
unfolding Universes<br />
exploding<br />
into worlds<br />
of experience <br />
<br />
Lifetimes of reality<br />
woven from<br />
the intersections<br />
of time and space<br />
<br />
All journeys<br />
from Here and Now<br />
to Here and Now<br />
<br />
Only One<br />
timeless, space less<br />
Reality<br />
<br />
Call it God<br />
or any of <br />
ten thousand names<br />
It matters not a whit<br />
<br />
All one<br />
timeless space less<br />
Reality<br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5329640441018281006.post-46596571719737191272014-11-03T06:14:00.001-08:002014-11-03T06:14:23.782-08:00End and means<br />
<br />
Note to Readers:<br />
1. I want to differentiate between an end or an outcome on one hand, and an intention on the other. While we may have an intended goal in doing an action, I am calling that our intention. For the truth is that we cannot know with 100 percent certainty what the end or outcome to our actions will be.<br />
2. This distinction feels true and important to me - because it allows for more honesty, and thus more humility in our actions when we acknowledge that what we have is our intention, and what we don't have is certainty about the intended outcome. Then intention can be very powerful in fusing end and means.<br />
<br />
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------/<br />
<br />
End and means<br />
like<br />
the head and tail<br />
of a dog<br />
are inseparable<br />
<br />
Granted,<br />
head and tail <br />
appear<br />
to be separated<br />
by the body<br />
of the dog<br />
<br />
Likewise<br />
end and means<br />
appear<br />
to be separate<br />
in time and space<br />
<br />
But the means<br />
shape the end<br />
and the end<br />
shapes the means<br />
and each contributes<br />
to the whole<br />
<br />
In other words<br />
how we do things<br />
matters enormously<br />
to the quality<br />
of what we do<br />
and to its sustainability<br />
and wider benefit<br />
<br />
We can look back<br />
into our own experience<br />
for evidence<br />
of this<br />
<br />
How we do things<br />
makes us<br />
who we are<br />
and who we become<br />
as much as<br />
what we do<br />
<br />
And what we bring<br />
to any endeavor<br />
above all<br />
is ourselves!<br />
<br />
The same tool<br />
can be very different<br />
in quality and impact<br />
based on who<br />
and what attitude<br />
is using it<br />
<br />
We see and talk about<br />
the big movements<br />
of life<br />
but we live and experience<br />
the small subtle <br />
undercurrents<br />
<br />
We measure and manage<br />
the tangible things<br />
in life<br />
but we are measured and managed<br />
by the intangible<br />
<br />
So to summarize,<br />
we are shaped<br />
by our every action<br />
and our every choice;<br />
each of them<br />
shapes<br />
who we are<br />
who we become<br />
<br />
And in turn,<br />
who we are<br />
shapes<br />
what choices<br />
open up to us<br />
<br />
And who we are<br />
shapes<br />
the nature and impact<br />
of the actions<br />
we take<br />
and the tools<br />
we use<br />
<br />
This is the<br />
indelible connection<br />
between<br />
end and means<br />
between<br />
tool and tool-user<br />
between<br />
action and doer<br />
between<br />
choice and chooser<br />
<br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5329640441018281006.post-25594480781383119522014-10-02T07:43:00.000-07:002014-10-02T07:43:35.142-07:00Always Grace<br />
Always<br />
there is the One<br />
always<br />
there is Grace<br />
<br />
In the beginning<br />
there is one<br />
in the beginning<br />
there is the storied one<br />
<br />
The storied one<br />
knows himself<br />
as his stories;<br />
the storied one<br />
knows herself<br />
through her stories<br />
<br />
Magically, stories,<br />
unknown to themselves,<br />
at some point<br />
in time and space,<br />
make room<br />
for Grace<br />
<br />
Now there are two;<br />
there is the storied one<br />
and there is Grace<br />
and these two dance<br />
<br />
How these two dance!<br />
Back and forth they go<br />
back and forth<br />
back and forth<br />
looking clumsy<br />
looking graceful<br />
<br />
Grace leads sometimes<br />
and sometimes<br />
the storied one,<br />
back and forth...<br />
<br />
And still they dance<br />
and dance some more<br />
seeming awkward<br />
seeming fluid<br />
back and forth<br />
back and forth <br />
<br />
Till the dance<br />
dances itself out<br />
till the storied one<br />
collapses into Grace<br />
and there is no more<br />
pulling away<br />
<br />
Now there is One<br />
and that one is Grace<br />
looking through<br />
the dancer's eyes<br />
<br />
Now Grace is dancing<br />
And it looks like him<br />
Now Grace is dancing<br />
and it looks like her<br />
Like you<br />
Like me<br />
Like them<br />
Like us!<br />
And all the while<br />
Grace is doing a solo<br />
for there is no second<br />
Only Grace<br />
<br />
No matter<br />
how many dancers<br />
only Grace<br />
is dancing<br />
<br />
Grace is one<br />
and Grace is many<br />
<br />
Always<br />
there is the One<br />
always<br />
there is Grace<br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5329640441018281006.post-2255257834585785512014-09-24T16:45:00.000-07:002014-09-24T16:46:32.436-07:00From Completeness to Completeness<br />
Who knew that there could be a <i>long winding journey</i> from completeness to completeness!<br />
<br />
We know this journey intimately. It is called human life.<br />
<br />
It is a journey as though from one thing called incompleteness to another thing called completeness.<br />
<br />
It is a journey as though from one place called source, to another place called destination.<br />
<br />
When in truth source is completeness, and destination is completeness, and every step along the way is completeness.<br />
<br />
There is only completeness.<br />
<br />
There is only completeness and it experiences itself as incompleteness; who knows why! <br />
<br />
Perhaps because it can?<br />
<br />
Perhaps from wonder and self-amazement?<br />
<br />
Perhaps to know itself? to know its infinite possibilities?<br />
<br />
It is a divine mystery inviting us to explore its endless depths.<br />
<br />
***<br />
<br />
From the Ishopanishad (an ancient Indian scriptural text), my most favorite verse, one that sung to my heart and showed me the light:<br />
<br />
Om purnamadah purnamidam<br />
Purnat purnam udachyate<br />
Purnasya purnamadaya<br />
Purnameva vashishyate<br />
Om shanti shanti shanti<br />
<br />
loosely translated as :<br />
<br />
Om<br />
That is wholeness, this is wholeness<br />
Wholeness arises from wholeness<br />
Add wholeness to wholeness<br />
or take wholeness from wholeness<br />
What remains is wholeness<br />
Peace, peace, peace. <br />
<br />
or as Buddhism reminds us (I am paraphrasing) :<br />
<br />
You are that<br />
in the beginning<br />
in the middle<br />
and in the end.<br />
<br />
***<br />
<br />
As seekers we tend to forget this, as we imagine that we are trying to complete ourselves by attaining something currently outside us.<br />
<br />
The momentous realization is neither an attainment, nor a reaching someplace else, but a recognition that we have always been that completeness, every step of the way. <br />
<br />
We are that completeness, irreversibly, undeniably, and regardless of what we appear as. <br />
<br />
And yet there can be the experience of seeking, of a journey, culminating in the experience of a recognition.<br />
<br />
And from this recognition perhaps another journey can begin, not of seeking, but of self-discovery; of the divine mystery exploring the divine mystery in, through, and as, its infinite expressions.<br />
<br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5329640441018281006.post-18587787552694485272014-09-02T16:44:00.003-07:002014-09-02T16:44:49.763-07:00From fulfillment<br />
What if<br />
you could see<br />
that you are not here<br />
to get anything<br />
from life?<br />
<br />
What if<br />
you could know<br />
that you are not here<br />
to get anything<br />
from anyone?<br />
<br />
What if<br />
you could trust<br />
that you are not here<br />
to get anything<br />
from this world?<br />
<br />
Not because<br />
you should be<br />
so independent<br />
or self-reliant<br />
that you disconnect<br />
from everything<br />
and everyone<br />
<br />
but because<br />
that independence<br />
is your reality<br />
<br />
What if<br />
you could experience<br />
this life<br />
this world<br />
its people<br />
its situations<br />
without<br />
needing anything<br />
from it<br />
or them?<br />
<br />
Wouldn't that<br />
make this life<br />
a real trip?<br />
an exciting adventure?<br />
to be enjoyed<br />
to its fullest?<br />
<br />
Not by seeking<br />
to add<br />
things or deeds<br />
or experiences<br />
unto oneself<br />
<br />
but by being<br />
present to every<br />
experience<br />
good and bad<br />
as it arises<br />
<br />
What freedom<br />
to know<br />
that you,<br />
as you truly are,<br />
could never be<br />
destroyed<br />
or diminished<br />
by anything<br />
<br />
What freedom<br />
to live this life<br />
not for fulfillment<br />
but from it?<br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5329640441018281006.post-24346165492574338722014-08-23T09:56:00.000-07:002014-08-23T09:56:36.626-07:00I am<br />
We live<br />
so much<br />
of this precious life<br />
in <i>I should</i><br />
rather than<br />
<i>I am</i><br />
<br />
I should be there<br />
but instead<br />
I am here<br />
<br />
I should<br />
be doing that<br />
but instead<br />
I am<br />
doing this<br />
<br />
I should<br />
be feeling that way<br />
yet I am<br />
feeling this way<br />
<br />
I should<br />
be that person<br />
yet I am<br />
this person<br />
<br />
We may not<br />
be saying or thinking<br />
I should<br />
but we may<br />
be driven by <br />
its energy<br />
inside us<br />
<br />
I look<br />
at this tendency<br />
here in myself<br />
and learn much<br />
<br />
Actually it takes<br />
so much effort<br />
to deny<br />
this moment<br />
and go into<br />
the past or future<br />
<br />
The mind<br />
has to keep producing<br />
I shoulds<br />
to keep us away<br />
from reality<br />
It is hard work!<br />
<br />
What reality<br />
does <i>I should</i> have?<br />
Look at it<br />
for yourself<br />
Is there<br />
anything solid<br />
about <i>I should</i>?<br />
Is it not<br />
wispy,<br />
imagined,<br />
ideated?<br />
<br />
I am not talking<br />
philosophy or<br />
theology<br />
but rather<br />
what is most practical<br />
and can be<br />
observed<br />
within oneself<br />
<br />
What is<br />
I should<br />
except a thought<br />
in the face<br />
of I am<br />
<br />
<i>I am</i><br />
by contrast<br />
is real and solid<br />
I am here<br />
I am doing this<br />
I am feeling this<br />
I am <br />
<br />
We insist<br />
we are<br />
not happy<br />
with <i>I am</i><br />
and we say<br />
we know<br />
what I should be<br />
instead<br />
<br />
I ask you<br />
are you<br />
truly satisfied<br />
with <i>I should</i>?<br />
Is anyone?<br />
Is it not true<br />
that we just keep<br />
replacing<br />
one kind of<br />
I should<br />
with another<br />
in order<br />
to avoid<br />
the <i>I am</i>?<br />
<br />
I say to you<br />
I am<br />
is not static<br />
or inactive<br />
as we fear;<br />
those are our untested ideas<br />
about I am<br />
The truth is<br />
quite the contrary<br />
<br />
In my experience<br />
I am<br />
is centered<br />
restful<br />
dynamic<br />
alive<br />
perfectly ok<br />
with what is<br />
in each moment<br />
<br />
In my experience<br />
I am<br />
is driven to act<br />
not for perfection<br />
but from it<br />
<br />
Give yourself a break<br />
and everyone else<br />
around you too! :)<br />
Rest in I am<br />
Discover its truth<br />
and its power<br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5329640441018281006.post-43601287244598921872014-08-15T07:43:00.004-07:002014-08-15T07:43:46.698-07:00Death and dancing<br />
When we have<br />
eyes to see it<br />
we realize<br />
that we are given<br />
everything<br />
so we may<br />
open deeper<br />
into living,<br />
not an imagined life,<br />
but true life<br />
<br />
True life<br />
that does not<br />
begin with birth<br />
nor end<br />
with death<br />
<br />
True life<br />
that does not<br />
skim the surface<br />
but plumbs <br />
the depths<br />
<br />
of its oceanic self<br />
to discover<br />
that most precious pearl<br />
- our humanness<br />
our tenuous existence<br />
<br />
for what can be <br />
truly alive<br />
that does not die?<br />
<br />
And when we <br />
put our arms<br />
around dying<br />
a million small deaths<br />
everyday<br />
we are dancing<br />
in the lap<br />
of life!<br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5329640441018281006.post-85284222443375478402014-08-13T15:09:00.001-07:002014-08-13T15:09:07.094-07:00Living Silence<br />
How to be in silence<br />
somebody asks<br />
<br />
and the response arises:<br />
it is simple<br />
<br />
don't say anything<br />
that you are not<br />
100% certain about<br />
<br />
if you take that<br />
to heart<br />
and follow it<br />
rigorously<br />
why then<br />
silence will be<br />
all that is left<br />
<br />
Everything around you<br />
may be noisy<br />
as ever<br />
but silence<br />
will be<br />
your experience<br />
amidst the noise<br />
<br />
Then how can one function<br />
somebody asks<br />
<br />
and the response arises:<br />
it is simple<br />
<br />
contact the silence<br />
deep within yourself<br />
and recognize incontrovertibly<br />
that you don't know<br />
anything<br />
with certainty<br />
<br />
then whatever is said<br />
let it come<br />
from this deep knowing<br />
of not-knowing<br />
<br />
then whatever is done<br />
let it come<br />
from this deep knowing<br />
of not-knowing<br />
<br />
then whatever is known<br />
let it come<br />
from this deep knowing<br />
of not-knowing<br />
<br />
this is how<br />
silence functions<br />
<br />
this is how<br />
silence functioned<br />
before knowing<br />
was born<br />
in your mind<br />
and mine<br />
<br />
Open to<br />
the silence of<br />
not-knowing<br />
<br />
Open to<br />
the love<br />
of silence<br />
<br />
Open to<br />
the works<br />
of love<br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5329640441018281006.post-50303077652963106392014-08-07T12:23:00.000-07:002014-08-07T12:23:33.667-07:00Spirituality and Life<br />
There is<br />
no such thing<br />
as spirituality<br />
separate<br />
from life<br />
<br />
But we do<br />
like to<br />
compartmentalize them<br />
neatly<br />
into their own spaces<br />
don't we?<br />
<br />
It's nice,<br />
is it not,<br />
to go about one's life<br />
as one wishes<br />
doing what one wishes<br />
and then<br />
have that<br />
meditation mat<br />
or sacred space<br />
to visit<br />
for feeling cleansed?<br />
<br />
We tell ourselves<br />
we have<br />
a nice balance<br />
between life<br />
and spirituality!<br />
<br />
But this is<br />
a travesty<br />
for in this way<br />
we sacrifice<br />
something big and high<br />
to something small and low<br />
<br />
There is<br />
no such thing<br />
as spirituality<br />
separate<br />
from life<br />
<br />
Any spiritual teaching<br />
worth its salt<br />
tells us this<br />
over and over again<br />
<br />
We listen<br />
and perhaps marvel<br />
at the wise words<br />
but it doesn't register<br />
that they are speaking<br />
directly to you and me<br />
So we continue<br />
in our unconscious ways<br />
dividing reality<br />
into life<br />
and spirituality<br />
<br />
What humbles us<br />
completely<br />
what brings us<br />
to our knees<br />
inevitably<br />
is seeing that<br />
in any and every moment<br />
life is touching life<br />
spirit is touching spirit<br />
<br />
In this touching<br />
is the sacredness<br />
that satiates<br />
our deepest yearning<br />
so that this moment<br />
met fully<br />
is the embodiment<br />
of the whole sacredness<br />
<br />
There is<br />
no such thing<br />
as spirituality<br />
separate<br />
from life<br />
<br />
Life is<br />
Spirit manifest<br />
Life is<br />
Spirit's magnificent offering<br />
to itself<br />
<br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5329640441018281006.post-20331448613824028872014-07-23T08:44:00.000-07:002014-07-23T08:44:09.803-07:00Unchanging presence<br />
What is given to us<br />
can be taken from us<br />
<br />
What we find<br />
can be lost<br />
<br />
What we create<br />
can be destroyed<br />
<br />
What is allowed us<br />
can be refused us<br />
<br />
But that which is<br />
neither given<br />
nor allowed<br />
can be neither taken<br />
nor refused<br />
<br />
That which is<br />
neither found<br />
nor created<br />
can be neither lost<br />
nor destroyed<br />
<br />
That which is<br />
here<br />
already and always<br />
is here<br />
through everything<br />
<br />
through sickness<br />
and through health<br />
through joy<br />
and through sorrow<br />
through life<br />
and through death<br />
this prevails<br />
which we truly are<br />
<br />
Like the center of an earthquake<br />
like the eye of a storm<br />
we are<br />
solid unchanging presence<br />
right in the lap<br />
of everything<br />
that unfolds<br />
<br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5329640441018281006.post-67549302768839858502014-07-16T05:42:00.000-07:002014-07-16T05:42:32.274-07:00Victim, abuser and freedom<b>Note to Readers:<i></i></b><br />
<br />
1.We tend to exclude ourselves from the old human pattern of abuser-victim, since we feel that those strong terms are best reserved for the big scenarios of life, such as the holocaust or genocide or even domestic violence. However my experience, both within myself, and working with many others, has been that the abuser-victim pattern is an ancient, widespread human phenomenon, and need not refer only to violence at the gross physical level. It can and does, equally manifest in subtle ways within us all. <br />
2. When we turn on the news we see ample evidence of the gross physical manifestation of this human pattern. And for many of us it is disturbing, and brings great sadness and despair over our collective fate.<br />
3. My response in such a situation is to turn within, with a simple question. - How am I participating to sustain this pattern at this time? Consciously or unconsciously, greatly or in a small way, obviously or not so obviously. Over the years I have found that this approach not only dissolves the despair and fear but also opens up radical new possibilities for life within and without. For in the end we are each different, but not separate. So with deep love I share my experience and offer a suggestion in this poem. <br />
4. This is meant only for those with whom it resonates. It is not a suggestion to explore something that you are uncomfortable exploring.<br />
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br />
<br />
the unresolved victim<br />
is the abuser<br />
and the un-admitted abuser<br />
remains a victim<br />
<br />
in this realm<br />
of recognition<br />
things are not linear<br />
but elemental<br />
<br />
in this realm<br />
of recognition<br />
there is no time<br />
and there is no space<br />
<br />
one relationship<br />
here and now<br />
is not separate from<br />
another relationship<br />
there or then<br />
<br />
in this realm<br />
of recognition<br />
degree matters not<br />
only deed;<br />
the smallest <br />
act of aggression<br />
is not separate from<br />
the biggest <br />
damage done<br />
<br />
in this realm<br />
of recognition<br />
gross matters as much<br />
as the very subtle;<br />
the slightest<br />
act of aggression<br />
is not separate from<br />
the most obvious<br />
damage done<br />
<br />
when we let<br />
this in fully<br />
we can stop<br />
fracturing ourselves<br />
into little pieces<br />
across time and space<br />
abuser here<br />
victim there<br />
abuser then<br />
victim now<br />
<br />
when we let<br />
this in fully<br />
we can see<br />
the extent<br />
of our participation<br />
in everything<br />
good and bad<br />
at all times<br />
then judgement<br />
can let go of us<br />
and what remains<br />
is love<br />
love for our humanness<br />
love for all humanness<br />
love for frailty<br />
love for strength<br />
love for everything<br />
pure unadulterated love<br />
<br />
when we let go<br />
into this love<br />
we are transformed<br />
and so is our world<br />
<br />
sanity is restored<br />
clarity regained<br />
joy rediscovered<br />
well-being reborn<br />
<br />
see if this resonates:<br />
allow the abuser<br />
and the victim<br />
to be seen<br />
within your own being<br />
no judgment required,<br />
fall into love,<br />
and free us all<br />
that much more<br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5329640441018281006.post-5244077323867549752014-07-06T19:13:00.000-07:002014-07-06T19:13:21.342-07:00Intellect and Consciousness<br />
Intellect is but a tool<br />
in the hands<br />
of the consciousness<br />
that uses it<br />
<br />
History is replete<br />
with examples<br />
of very intelligent<br />
criminals and aggressors<br />
<br />
We celebrate intellect<br />
without regard<br />
for its impact<br />
in our world<br />
<br />
We worship intellect<br />
without attention<br />
to its potential<br />
for harm<br />
<br />
Now I am not even<br />
speaking of<br />
the glaringly obvious<br />
transgressions<br />
<br />
Now I am speaking<br />
of errors of omission<br />
rather than<br />
commission<br />
<br />
Apparently intellect<br />
does not always<br />
care to<br />
examine itself;<br />
its motives<br />
and its agendas<br />
<br />
Apparently intellect<br />
is too afraid<br />
to encounter<br />
its own limitations<br />
too smug<br />
to conceive<br />
of their possibility<br />
<br />
There is no dearth<br />
of intellect<br />
on our great planet<br />
right now<br />
<br />
Yet we have not<br />
solved the most basic<br />
of our problems<br />
with any consistency<br />
<br />
Sure things have changed<br />
here and there<br />
Sure we can<br />
ascend to great heights<br />
then descend to<br />
great depths<br />
Sure we have eradicated<br />
one disease here<br />
only to find another there<br />
Sure we have stalled<br />
poverty here<br />
while transferring it there<br />
Sure we have abolished<br />
slavery here<br />
while introducing bondage there!<br />
<br />
The greatest Intellect<br />
can still come<br />
from tribal consciousness<br />
that seeks<br />
to maximize the interests<br />
of one group<br />
without any regard<br />
for another<br />
<br />
The greatest intellect<br />
can still miss<br />
the indelible connection<br />
between each group<br />
and each one<br />
<br />
Our planet<br />
at this time<br />
stands testimony<br />
to our tribal consciousness<br />
<br />
Clearly I am not<br />
speaking only<br />
of tribes of yore<br />
but modern ones;<br />
tribes that come together<br />
around an idea<br />
a cause, a purpose<br />
an interest, a mission<br />
tribes that come together<br />
as one group<br />
while putting themselves<br />
outside another<br />
<br />
For a while<br />
it works<br />
as tribes transcend<br />
personal egos<br />
to care for another<br />
within their tribe<br />
<br />
For a while<br />
it works<br />
as tribal consciousness<br />
evolves from<br />
individual ego consciousness<br />
as a step<br />
towards the more inclusive<br />
<br />
But we have<br />
too much uncomfortable<br />
evidence now<br />
that its days are done<br />
for us individually<br />
and collectively<br />
<br />
And yet<br />
tribal consciousness<br />
cannot exit<br />
tribal consciousness<br />
on its own;<br />
it does not have<br />
so much power<br />
<br />
Something larger<br />
must intervene<br />
to break us out<br />
of our orbital looping;<br />
Something beyond<br />
our limited selves<br />
something I call Grace<br />
<br />
As it does with<br />
individual ego consciousness<br />
so it does with<br />
tribal consciousness<br />
Grace takes us beyond<br />
an obsolete paradigm<br />
and opens us<br />
to something new<br />
<br />
We can join<br />
the movement of Grace<br />
We can choose<br />
to be opened<br />
to its wisdom<br />
inside us<br />
<br />
We can join<br />
the movement of Grace<br />
We can choose<br />
to see clearly<br />
to examine deeply<br />
what is still<br />
unseen and un-examined<br />
within us<br />
<br />
We can join<br />
the movement of Grace<br />
and allow it<br />
to guide our intellect<br />
and coax it<br />
out of its<br />
self-imposed captivity<br />
<br />
We can join<br />
the movement of Grace<br />
and say yes<br />
not to change<br />
here and there<br />
but transformation<br />
that leaves<br />
nothing and no-one out<br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5329640441018281006.post-86607960720916007672014-07-01T17:35:00.000-07:002014-07-01T17:35:44.164-07:00Giving and Receiving - Part 2<br />
What we give may be material or immaterial<br />
What we give may be in kind, word or deed<br />
<br />
We don't simply give what we are giving<br />
We also give <i>how</i> we are giving<br />
<br />
We don't simply give what we are giving<br />
We also give the attitude with which we are giving<br />
<br />
We don' simply give what we are giving<br />
We also withhold what we are withholding<br />
<br />
Externally we may be giving one thing<br />
Internally we may be giving its opposite<br />
<br />
When we give with our whole being<br />
we receive simultaneously in full measure<br />
<br />
Be aware if your giving<br />
separates you from the receiver<br />
Be aware if your giving<br />
comes from pity or disdain<br />
<br />
Be aware if your giving<br />
reinforces your position<br />
vis-a-vis the receiver's<br />
aggrandizing the giving<br />
lessening the receiving<br />
<br />
Ask yourself also:<br />
Would you like to be<br />
on the giving end<br />
of what you receive?<br />
<br />
Ask yourself also<br />
<i>Could</i> you be<br />
on the giving end<br />
of what you receive?<br />
<br />
In receiving<br />
there is gratitude<br />
in giving<br />
there is joy<br />
<br />
Each one of us<br />
gives and receives<br />
This is simply<br />
the sacred way of life<br />
<br />
As human beings<br />
it is our great good fortune<br />
to be able<br />
to see<br />
to realize<br />
to know<br />
and to be<br />
the one movement<br />
that is both<br />
giving and receiving<br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5329640441018281006.post-83514968869996226902014-06-30T07:48:00.003-07:002014-06-30T07:48:54.699-07:00Giving and Receiving - Part 1<br />
Here's a powerful question<br />
that transformed<br />
my life<br />
ever since<br />
it began<br />
asking itself<br />
inside me<br />
<br />
Would you like<br />
to be<br />
on the receiving end<br />
of what you give?<br />
<br />
Not a new question<br />
but still radical<br />
always relevant<br />
and profoundly revealing<br />
<br />
Too simple for you?<br />
look again<br />
perhaps you might<br />
tap its potential<br />
this time<br />
<br />
Would you like<br />
to be<br />
on the receiving end<br />
of what you give?<br />
<br />
Would you like<br />
to be<br />
on the receiving end<br />
of how you give<br />
how much you give<br />
when you give<br />
why you give<br />
and to whom you give?<br />
<br />
This question inside<br />
has been relentless<br />
not permitting me<br />
to rest on<br />
a single rosy instance<br />
when my answer<br />
might be yes<br />
<br />
For it is not interested<br />
in yes<br />
It is more concerned<br />
with no<br />
when the truth is no<br />
even if<br />
we find one no<br />
for a hundred yesses<br />
<br />
When this question<br />
falls on fertile ground<br />
it is seen to be<br />
completely non-judgmental<br />
driven by love<br />
love of truth and freedom<br />
<br />
For we are never<br />
more empowered<br />
or empowering<br />
than when we are<br />
in truth<br />
<br />
So thanks to a courage<br />
from grace beyond<br />
when we can be honest enough<br />
to come upon that no<br />
and explore it<br />
without fear<br />
and with curiosity<br />
the question opens us<br />
to depths<br />
unimaginable<br />
<br />
What we see<br />
with eyes thus opened<br />
humbles us<br />
and brings us to our knees<br />
<br />
And yet the question<br />
may stay<br />
and keep asking itself<br />
till mind opens<br />
and heart explodes<br />
and time and space<br />
collapse<br />
so that giving<br />
is not other than receiving<br />
and giver<br />
is not other than receiver<br />
<br />
And still the question<br />
may stay<br />
as a loving reminder<br />
of our truth<br />
transforming us<br />
inside and out<br />
one instance at a time.<br />
<br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5329640441018281006.post-49589410233446784682013-10-31T07:52:00.001-07:002013-10-31T07:52:23.450-07:00Essence<br />
What is it<br />
about air<br />
that can both<br />
caress as breeze<br />
and flatten as storm?<br />
<br />
What is it<br />
about water<br />
that can both<br />
flow as stream<br />
and rage as tsunami?<br />
<br />
What is it<br />
about fire<br />
that can both<br />
illuminate as flame<br />
and devour as inferno?<br />
<br />
The essence <br />
of everything<br />
is free<br />
to take any form,<br />
all form<br />
<br />
The essence<br />
of everything<br />
is free,<br />
not defined<br />
by the form it takes<br />
<br />
Forms are many<br />
yet not one<br />
can be separated<br />
from its essence<br />
<br />
What are<br />
breeze and storm<br />
but air itself?<br />
<br />
What are<br />
stream and tsunami<br />
but water itself?<br />
<br />
What are<br />
flame and inferno<br />
but fire itself?<br />
<br />
What is it<br />
about Life<br />
that can appear as both<br />
you there<br />
and me here?<br />
<br />
What are<br />
you and I<br />
but Life itself?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1