Sometimes it is good to remind ourselves not to take things too seriously.
Peace and light, E — Posted with WordPress for BlackBerry.
When feeling overwhelmed by the state of things, I’ve been trying to look for comfort not with the “old normal” methods, but in positive possibilities for the future–building community and sharing sustainable nourishment.
Last week I chose not to read details of the state of the environment, the financial markets, the wars, the budget, etc, etc. I knew from reading emails requesting political action and contributions general information, including what happened in the special elections, the actions in the Senate on financial regulatory reform, and the aftermath of the oil leak in the Gulf. Now it is Monday morning, and I am back.
As I saved for later the reference to this talk on derivatives, I thought about John Friend having said at a retreat several years ago that we should take the time to read the parts of the newspaper that do not directly interest us as yogis. He suggested that we should take the time to read news about finances, politics, and global affairs. I remember thinking at the time that since I already read that part of the news with engagement, I’d have to start reading the sections about sports, television, and cars. I actually try to do the latter on occasion, just to better understand those around me.
If we are to live in the world, we need to try and appreciate what motivates and impassions those around us, whether we agree with them on the surface or not. It is easy enough to say we should love everyone regardless of who they are and to do so at a very abstract level. The challenge is finding a loving space when we know the details, and we believe that the details point to a life that is not being lived in accordance with our ethics, our own surface wants, or how we envision the world. When we have a broader understanding of the details of why people believe and act a certain way, though, sometimes it is then easier to find compassion and commonality, because we start to understand that the different details come from the same elemental yearnings for worthiness, empowerment, and love.
Don’t underestimate the power of comfort.
Here, kimchee with a few bites already taken
Later this evening, before or I after I sit for meditation, I expect to do some restorative yoga.
Peace and light, E — Posted with WordPress for BlackBerry.
When these trucks first came into sight, they were driving side-by-side just below the speed limit, with a number of cars tailing close behind in both lanes. The voice of the monkey mind started down the “what the f**k?” path. But soon after, Johnny law parked in the median came into view. Another half mile down the road a second police car was lurking. As soon as the trucks passed the second police car, the truck in the left lane pulled over in front of his companion, and the passenger cars were able to move a little faster.
The trucks weren’t creating an annoying obstacle. They were graciously saving the cars following closely behind from getting speeding tickets.
One never can tell, either at first glance or in retrospective review of life choices, how what might have appeared as obstruction, failure, or missed opportunity in fact either opened new pathways or saved one from harm. Best then, neither to come to conclusions too quickly or to hold onto regrets.
Peace and light, E — Posted with WordPress for BlackBerry.
The other day I noticed this “do not disturb” warning on the sidewalk and today, when I was walking past it again with a friend, paused to photograph it. I cannot imagine that most people who walk over or past it even notice it or read it, much less contemplate or know how to disturb it. When I found myself being led to wonder how I could disturb it (or perhaps what is inside or underneath it), I thought about how as soon as someone asks whether you are happy or you ask yourself or notice that you have been perfectly still or at peace or in complete meditation, the state of perfect being without thinking dissolves.
Peace and light, E — Posted with WordPress for BlackBerry.