Yes, that’s right. Paying attention doesn’t mean being outraged by what you see. Outrage comes from not paying attention, from having the attention being distracted, whether by judgement, right/wrong thinking, or denial of things as they truly are. Many people notice their outrage when things are different than they want, prefer, or expect. Many people […]
In the book Start Where You Are, Pema Chodron describes the slogans called “The Five Strengths” or “The Condensed Heart Instructions” or “The Mahayana instruction for ejection of consciousness at death.” That last name sounds a little grim, yet it also sums up the seriousness. The basic message: we can connect with our happiness at […]
There’s an old story about a donkey equally between its hay and water, and unable to make a decision, stays stuck in the moment and dies equally from hunger and thirst. I don’t want to stay stuck like that. Man improves himself as he follows his path; if he stands still, waiting to improve before he makes […]
Breathing in. Coolness. The air of flowers and trees. Breathing out. Our pain.
“We’ve discovered that the continual search for something better does not work out.” Buddhist nun Pema Chödrön It seems there’s a paradox. We want to make the world a better place, to live comfortably and safely, and to be better people. Yet, here’s a well-regarded Buddhist nun pointing out that it doesn’t really lead to […]
For more love and connection, run from your friends and community Am I suggesting you run into the wind? Is this some reverse psychology? Could I be asking for trouble? I was in a group meeting the other night – a Buddhist Sangha – and I heard again the words I’ve heard in so many other […]
Listen carefully everyone Great is the matter of life and death Time passes swiftly and opportunity is lost Awaken! Awaken! Don’t waste your life. Soan Poor – International Zen Institute of Florida (IZIF) A friend of mine shared those words. He’s battling an agressive cancer and is well beyond being philosophical. He’s through acceptance and is […]
Simply slow down to enjoy life more fully, joyously, and completely.
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