Our Man in Nirvana: Realizing Things Unseen

Today is The New Moon, the First of The New Year and therefore, The Lunar New Year: The Year of The Ox.

The Ox is the sign of prosperity through fortitude and hard work. This powerful sign is a born leader, being quite dependable and possessing an innate ability to achieve great things. As one might guess, such people are dependable, calm, and modest. Like their animal namesake, the Ox is unswervingly patient, tireless in their work, and capable of enduring any amount of hardship without complaint.

I encourage people I work with in Counseling/Life Coaching to set an intention on each New Moon. One thought, idea, Mantra/phrase or Aspiration. A chance to plant a seed for the coming 28 days until the Full Moon. A mini-resolution for each Lunar Cycle.

In the Zen Tradition, there is an Atonement Ceremony which occurs each New Moon and Full Moon. A chance to Reflect and set an intention for the following 2 weeks.

Check in with your Intention on a daily basis. Review again at the Full Moon on Valentine’s Day. How did the Intention do? How was your Resolve? Did you make the Change you wished to Become?

And, if you can, get thee to a Chinese Bakery to have a Moon Cake…. I was introduced to them a few Years ago by a Malaysian Friend in NYC. Eating them is Good Luck and sets Good Intentions for the New Year.

Best of Luck and Best Wishes for the New Year.

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All Of Us: The Fierce Urgency of Now / Make Real The Promises of Democracy

January 19, 2009

We have also come to this hallowed spot to remind America of the fierce urgency of Now. This is no time to engage in the luxury of cooling off or to take the tranquilizing drug of gradualism. Now is the time to make real the promises of democracy. Now is the time to rise from the dark and desolate valley of segregation to the sunlit path of racial justice. Now is the time to lift our nation from the quicksands of racial injustice to the solid rock of brotherhood. Now is the time to make justice a reality for all of God’s children. ~Martin Luther King, Jr. (January 15, 1929 – April 4, 1968) ”I Have A Dream” Speech, 28 August, 1963

1963: 45 years on: ”I Have A Dream”

1863: 145 years after: The Emancipation Proclamation

1776: 232 years after: The Declaration of Independence – “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

The UN Charter (1945) “reaffirmed faith in fundamental human rights, and dignity and worth of the human person” and committed all member states to promote ‘universal respect for, and observance of, human rights and fundamental freedoms for all without distinction as to race, sex, language or religion’”.

And, from The UN Declaration of Human Rights (1948) “Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration, without distiction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status.”

Today, we celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Tomorrow, we celebrate a partial fruition of his efforts, the Inauguration of Barack Obama, the First African-American President of the United States of America.

And now. Now it is up to all of us to “Make Real The Promises of Democracy”.

After the party and the excitement have worn off, it will be a New Day. With New Promise. And New Effort.

In the Zen Tradition, when one ordains, there is a chant which is recited:

In the drifting, wandering world,
It is very difficult to cut off our human ties.

Now we are going to cast them away and enter real activity.
This is the way to show our gratitude.

We vow with all sentient beings
That we will be detached from delusion
And dwell in tranquillity.

The Delusion of Separateness. The Delusion of Past and Future. The Tranquility of Now. Showing our Gratitude: a time when all will work for the Greater Good. For You as well as I, for Us as well as I, for Them as well as Us.

Now it is up to all of us.

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The Gospel According To Ethel

January 13, 2009

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The 12-day experience of the New Year has come to a close. As I mentioned in my most recent post, the first 12 days of the New Year symbolize the coming 12 months.

In the past 12 days, I have:

Had a date (with a mutual wish for a second)
Gotten a job
Not had caffeine (Well…OK, yerba maté…once….)
Gotten together with Friends & Family
Taken Photos
Written
Gone hiking
Helped a Friend move (Service)
Fasted
Done Yoga
Worked Out
Been gifted a Digital Camera
Experienced the most glorious Full Moon (a sign of completion)

The woman with whom I had the coffee date, said, “You should check your astrology to see what the stars are doing with all these things happening for you”.

Today, I received an e-mail from a brilliant Friend, one of the eminent Butoh dancers in the World. In a YouTube video celebrating the International Year of Butoh, in an interview, she used the phrase “Vibrational Interpretation Agreement” as a definition of Reality. She went on to discuss how those Vibrations equate with God/Spirit/Light.

When One or more people perceive the Vibrations and interpret them similarly, then there is Agreement.

I don’t need to check my Astrology chart to feel that things are falling into place. Energies aligning, me getting out of my own way and the shift into the New Year.

My Interpretation of the Vibrations shifted. After the New Year, things became possibility. The cup shifted from only half full to only half empty.

I was reminded that it is all good.

After months of transition, in the words of Irving Berlin (as sung by Ethel Merman),

“Starting Here, Starting Now
Everything’s Coming Up Roses”.

I read an account of an exchange between a Zen Teacher and a Student. The Student was whining about how difficult things were on a Meditation Retreat: the sitting, the fatigue, the food, and ‘other people’.

The Zen Master listened patiently, then replied:

“Can you not see that this is just the flower of your Life unfolding?”

It is always coming up Roses. Not easy, not difficult. Natural. Our Life unfolding just as it should. Beautiful, Perfect, Just-As-It-Is….

Roses, indeed.

January 13, 2009 at 5:06 pm

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awaken2sun

It’s wonderful sometimes to simply list all of the things we have accomplished (to focus on what is) rather than bemoan what we haven’t done (what is not). And it’s truly amazing how much that can change our perspective on how our life is…as Maya Angelou once said, “If you can’t change your circumstances, change the way you think about your circumstances.”

Rather than focusing on the fact that you didn’t make $1,000, focus on the fact that you made $500, etc., etc.

So this year, I have:

Woken up nearly every day to the brilliant smile of my daughter.

Spent two days with dear friends that I haven’t had the opportunity to spend quality time with for years.

Gone for a walk every day — and most recently amidst startlingly blue skies and warm temps.

Submitted a proposal for a project that I’d really like to work on…and had it positively received.

Gotten a check from a client before payment was due.

Seen some great art.

Had some great food with great friends.

Had the privilege of living in a beautiful home in a beautiful neighborhood.

Met some great new people.

Seriously…I could list all of the negatives. But why? There are so many things to be joyful about when you really take the time to think about it.

sheilarrose

January 18, 2009 at 8:22 am

I love the Zen Teacher & Student story. So true because in every moment (both the good and bad) our lives are unfolding.

A friend suggested I really focus on “Being Present” this week. I thought, “Dude, that’s easy I can do that…” I’m the type of girl who is always looking to do something, looking to be somebody, looking to find the answer that I often forget to really let go and BE.

Being present is a beautiful concept to talk about but to put into action is a whole other story.

So I’m practicing. And, throughout the day, I will find myself thinking too much. I stop and just listen, see and feel. You know what? It never fails me because it’s in those moments I can see my life unfolding like a flower… as you’d say, “a rose.”

I feel the energy and light in 2009 too. You’ve done a fabulous job with your 12 days, which only leads me to believe that the rest of the year will be better and better.

Happy New Year!

January 1, 2009

Be the Change you wish to see in the World ~ Mohandas K. Gandhi

I arrived back where I am staying at 1:11 a.m., after ushering in the New Year by attending Kirtan (call-and-response devotional chanting in the Hindu/Yogic tradition) in Venice.

Driving through the glorious fog, I was reminded of something.

In the Nahuatl (Aztec) Belief System, the first 12 Days of a New Year correspond with the 12 months of the New Year. Day One = January through Day Twelve symbolizing December.

So, whatever one does on the Day corresponding with a month, will become manifest in that month.

If one works on the first (or fifth) day of the New Year, then January (or May) will be a month of work. Starting a project, writing or relating with Family or Belovéds, may all Manifest in the corresponding Month. Working out tomorrow, can mean a shift into focusing on your Health and beginning to take better care of yourself, for example.

It is all about intention. Setting an intention for a day can facilitate something coming into being in the Future.

This can work nicely with the notion of New Year’s Resolutions.

I will spend tomorrow writing New Year’s cards. So for me, January will be a month of reconnecting with Friends & Family.

So, set some intentions for the coming Year. Be brave. Be reckless. Dream. Create. Envision your Life. Fearlessly.

Then make it so.

“What would you do if you knew you could not fail?” Robert H. Schuller

January 1, 2009 at 2:23 am

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whatif

I was at the same kirtan. I think I saw you there…My friend was playing the keyboards.

Peace,
Whatif

Hanging With Dr. Wilson….

December 23, 2008

“We are Human Beings, not Human Doings” ~ Deepak Chopra

I spent Saturday hanging out with a Friend. He works at UCLA. I call him Dr. Wilson – his degree, name and a reference to a shared favorite TV show House. I helped him hang Christmas lights outside his house. I also had to try some of his homebrew Belgian ale. We then went to a Mexican restaurant, of which we have differing opinions; his being influenced by history & nostalgia (he grew up here in LA and has been going to this place for years; he told me the story of his Son, now 19, who Dr. Wilson and his then wife brought to the restaurant when he was a week old). “That table there”.

I have been languishing in Suburbia outside LA for almost 3 months, transitioning back to The States and looking for work. I lived in LA for 3 & 1/2 years. I ordained 12 years ago next week with two other people at a Zen Center in Wilshire Center. Ordaining is a serious step in Zen Practice and it is quite a connector to do with other people; all entering the stream together. We had traveled together in the past. Commemorated our ordination anniversaries. Wined & dined on many occasions over the years.

I made contact with this couple before I arrived. I heard from one of them in September. They were off to Mexico for a week. She would be in touch after they returned.

Then there was an annual week-long retreat which their group does at the beginning of December, during which they would be incommunicado.

I was CCd in a group e-mail from her two weeks ago with a link to a YouTube video of Stand By Me that is making the rounds.

I wrote to her after receiving the YouTube link, asking if they were free to meet up and said “it would be nice to see you both”.

During the hanging of the lights, Dr. Wilson asked me if I had heard from these two mutual Friends, a couple we both know from our Zen days. I said, “I have not”. And I thought, outloud, “It’s odd that people are too busy to spend time together”.

Dr. Wilson said, “No one just hangs out anymore”.

Why is that?

Especially at this time of year, when we naturally turn inward and reach outward to those with whom we are close?

I appreciate hanging out with Dr. Wilson. It has an “old-time” feeling about it. It has a timeless quality about it as well. It could have been 1960 or last Saturday. Two guys hanging out; chores, stories, laughter, beer, mediocre Mexican food.

I am grateful for it.

And, I encourage all of us to focus on hanging out. Reach out. Remain in contact. Be, don’t do.

Never get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life. ~ Anonymous

Happy Holidays!

April 30, 2009 at 3:55 pm

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awaken2sun

Daiken…odd, but I seem to have missed this post. And it’s so very right on…especially in these times, it’s important to hang out with friends and just enjoy each other’s company. Speaking of which…I’ll be in NY from 5/17 – 5/20 and we’ll be doing an event on 5/19. Please put it on your calendar and I’ll look forward to seeing you and catching up…perhaps we can meet up another time as well…

Long accustomed to groping for the Elephant, do not be suspicious of The True Dragon

December 10, 2008

Taken from The Fukanzazengi (The Universally Recommended instructions for Zazen) by Eihei Dogen, Japanese Zen Master (1200-1254).

A quiet room is suitable. Eat and drink moderately. Cast aside all involvements and cease all affairs. Do not think good or bad. Do not administer pros and cons. Cease all the movements of the conscious mind, the gauging of all thought and views. Have no designs on becoming a Buddha.

At the site of your regular sitting, spread out thick matting and place a cushion above it.
Sit either in the full-lotus or half-lotus position.

In the full-lotus position, you first place your right foot on your left thigh and your left foot on your right thigh. In the half-lotus, you simply press your left foot against your right thigh. Then place your right hand on you left leg and your left palm facing upwards on your right palm, thumb tips touching.
Thus sit upright in correct bodily posture, neither inclining to the left nor to the right, neither leaning forward nor backward. Be sure your ears are on a plane with your shoulders and your nose in line with your navel. Place your tongue against the front roof of your mouth, with teeth and lips both shut. Your eyes should always remain open, and you should breathe gently through your nose.

Once you have adjusted your posture, take a deep breath, inhale and exhale, rock your body right and left, and settle into a steady, immobile sitting position.

Think of notthinking.
How do you think of not-thinking?
Non-thinking.

Beginning Meditation Instruction.

Body Breath Mind.

Body
Arrange your Body comfortably. It is not about contorting yourself into a lotus position. Feel your body, find what works.
Sit on a zafu, if you have one. A pillow, folded in half will do. Or sit on the edge of a chair or your bed.

Straight back, from your pelvis through the top of your head. Sit bones should be rooted.

Eyes Open. Cast downward. As if you are looking at the space one arm’s length off the tip of your nose.

Shoulders relaxed. Shrug them upwards towards your ears, then allow them to fall. Hands in your lap, either place your right hand on you left leg and your left palm facing upwards on your right palm, thumb tips touching. Or palms on your thighs/knees. Palms facing down for grounding or palms facing upwards for energy.

Breath
Breathe gently-in & out through you nose. At the beginning, it may be helpful for focus to count the inhalations (1 to 10-then start over at 1), then allow the natural exhalation.

Mind
Thoughts will arise. Do not grab on to them. Acknowledge them. Allow them to pass through, unencumbered; like clouds crossing a blue sky. This is “non-thinking”. Thoughting, not thinking.

Invite everything in. Do not run towards pleasant sensations or thoughts. Do not run away from unpleasant sensations or thoughts.

Just be present to it all unfolding.

The title alludes to the parable of the six blind men and the elephant. Six blind men happened upon an Elephant. Each approached from a different part. Each had their own experience of the Elephant: tail, leg, trunk, ear, tusk, body. Each had his impression: rope, tree trunk, piece of leather, spear, wall.

Using our mind which is able to discriminate between objects, we name/assess objects and experiences.

Most often, we pick & choose, like & dislike; we judge. Try to place new experiences into familiar boxes, in order to make sense of our Life and The World around us.

By discriminating, judging and labeling, we miss the wholeness of the Elephant. We miss the True Dragon of our Life, This Life, This Wonderful Experience which is unfolding in the present moment.

Meditation can give us an opportunity to sample that present awareness. Then, get up to go out into The World with that perspective. Which, arguably, is the only True perspective.

Further guidance or questions, drop me a line.

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Will This Be On The Test?

November 26, 2008

Pointed threats, they bluff with scorn / Suicide remarks are torn / From the fool’s gold mouthpiece / The hollow horn plays wasted words / Proves to warn / That he not busy being born / Is busy dying. Bob Dylan, It’s Alright Ma (I’m Only Bleeding)

I was riding in a car with a new Friend on Sunday. We were talking. She was telling me about a multi-year relationship. Always chaotic, recently more so. Mostly over.

She asked me “Why are people like that”?

(In this case: distant, arrogant, controlling/bullying, wanting things his way – though he did not Love her, he demanded that she marry him. He rationalized it by commenting on how smart & attractive she was, they were in the same field, knew the same people, he was rich.)

I found myself responding, “Will This Be On The Test?”

My thinking was that most folks don’t change. Unless it is of personal relevance (“on the test”), new information doesn’t enter in. We “learn” a way to be in the World; one which at one point served us. Yet, we persist in that way, even in the face of negative consequences. We have found our way to be in the World, file data according to pre-exisiting pigeon holes and, as Thoreau said, “lead lives of quiet desperation.

Once upon a time, I worked as a Social Worker at a Rehab Center. I was sitting in on an assessment with the Staff Psychologist with a man who, in addition to being a chronic alcoholic, had a head injury.

Dr. Wilcox was administering a test involving cards with “sets” (color, number & shape).

The client was asked to arrange the card by number, color or shape. The Dr. would change the “rule”. Take three cards…now arrange them by color…several cards were sorted…now arrange them by shape.

Like this: (Shapes) square on square, circle on circle, star on star (Color) blue on blue, green on green, red on red, (Number) 1, 2, 3, 4.

When asked to change the “rule” (switch from color to number/number to shape/shape to color), the client could not make the shift. He would continue place a card by the previous “rule”. The Doctor would patiently say, “That is not correct”. The client would again place the card according to the previous “target”.

After the client left, Dr. Wilcox said, “Perseverative error”. In spite of feedback that he was incorrect, the patient would persevere in his idea that he was correct.

Frontal lobe brain damage notwithstanding, most of us perseverate in our thoughts & behaviours. Thoughts & behaviours which do not serve us. Or others. Or make us unhappy. And others.

Yet, every moment is new.

And, it will all be on the test.

Each moment is the “test”. To see if we can make the connexions of the heart and be Present to this moment as it unfolds in its Beauty & Perfection. One needs to invite everything in.

A test with no grades. Only Pass/Fail. Present/Not. Connected/Not. Happy/Not. Busy Being Born or busy Dying….

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Attention, Attention, Attention

November 18, 2008

“Pay attention. It’s all about paying attention. Attention is vitality. It connects you with others. It makes you eager. Stay eager.” -Susan Sontag

What phase is the Moon in tonight? At what time did it rise?

When did it last rain? What time of day was it?

There is a Zen story where the Disciples approach their Master and ask, “What is the Secret of Awakening”.
The Monk took his brush and wrote on the paper, “Attention”.
The Disciples said that they did not understand so the Monk again wrote, “Attention”.
Still the Disciples said that they did not understand and so the Monk took the brush and wrote “Attention, Attention, Attention”.

With last week’s election, we are at a place which could become a pivotal point in human history.

And where do we put our Attention? Michelle Obama’s dress? What breed of dog will become the next First Puppy? Who will be the Republican candidate in 2012?

And, even with last week’s events, with many disenfranchised people feeling empowered, people continue to be hurt & marginalized by ideas. Human Rights continue to be violated for the sake of convictions/beliefs. Money & Time wasted.

Slow down. Literally, stop to smell the roses. See the Moon. Notice the rain.

By paying Attention, we have the opportunity to observe Life as it floats by; much like sitting on the bank watching a river flow. We don’t grasp on to anything. Everything just flows of its own accord.

Attention requires effort, being distracted by things or our thoughts is too easy. And, for some, abdicates us from responsibility for our life.

By attending to our own thoughts & feelings, we can be aware of them. We acknowledge them, let them go, then attend to the next one which arises, as it inevitably will arise.

By just allowing it to flow, we can act in this moment. Not at whim to our emotions (elation, anger, justification) or thoughts/ideas (Redemipublicrats, Straight/Gay, Liberal/Conservative, “Marriage”).

Just watching it all flow by with Amusement & Gratitude.

November 18, 2008 at 7:50 pm

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maitriquest

Thank you for this blog! I admit to getting caught up a bit with the Obama’s choice of dog, but I’m also using the election of this President to remind myself that this really can be a time to choose to grow up. We will now have quite a young man in office, but still a very grown up man. We can choose to pay attention to silly details or important ones, all we have to do is be here now.

The Natural Order of Things

November 4, 2008

It is a wholesome and necessary thing for us to turn again to the Earth and in the contemplation of her beauties to know of wonder and humility. – Rachel Carson

I was watching Nature on Public TV last night; a break from politics. Two great episodes on wolves, one set on Ellesmere Island in Canada and the other in Yellowstone National Park.

Wolves and Coyotes, Elk and Bears, Foxes and Voles, Mice and Lemmings, Bison and Musk Oxen, Falcons and Hares.

Flowers and Ice, Trees and Rocks, Rain and Snow, Sunlight and Clouds, Summer and Winter and Spring.

Life and Death.

Living in Southern California for a month has been interesting. An hyper-urban landscape supplants the natural one.

It rained on Saturday. And there was a return, an intimation of that Natural World. The rain itself, the humidity, Lightning & Thunder and the smell of wet earth & plants.

And, in light of seeing a totally wild ecosystem, I am thinking of what is our “natural” state.

We are no longer hunter and gatherers. No longer roaming the Plains, living on & off the Land. No longer subject to predation or the elements.

We have created artificial environments, ideas, beliefs and philosophies. We have added culture & civilization & technology to the natural world. Buildings, factories, planes, trains and cars. Televisions, computers, cell phones. Rather than “dominion” (the original definition of which derived from “making bridges”), we have opted for domination. Rather than stewardship over Nature and its flora & fauna, we have chosen control and exploitation/utilitarianism.

And, what about our inner world? What is our “natural” state of Mind/Heart? Who are we? How are we before “we acquire the burdensome armor of ego”, (as Writer Peter Mattheissen put it)?

In a Zen chant, intoned at each meal, those eating say:

as we aspire to the mind free from clinging, we must be free from desire.

The Wolves played and mated and gave birth. Hunted and killed and ate. Starved, fought, got sick. Lived and died.

Though radically different than our conditioned, acculturated way, we can also live and function in this manner. Our “natural” state.

Eat when we are hungry, sleep when we are tired, do the next thing–whatever is right in front of us.

Dispell Ideas & Beliefs. Eliminate desire, anger, ignorance and routine.

We can do no harm, do good, do good for others.

We can live a Life of Service. We can live by Wisdom and Compassion.

And we can live in Gratitude.

This is a state of simple, pure Being. Fully present in this moment. Without a thought of past or future. Only fully experiencing whatever is unfolding now (!). Without a thought of gain or loss, desire or aversion, Life or Death.

H.H., The Dalai Lama says, “My religion is kindness”. He sees this as our natural state of mind.

Again, from the Meal Chant:

…we eat this food with everyone.
We eat to end all suffering;
to practice good;
to save all beings;
and to realize our Enlightened Way.

Our Way. No one else’s. No “right” Way to do it. Just our Life.

Now, turn off the computer. Walk outside. See the crescent moon, the clouds, the stars. Notice the dark silhouettes of the palm trees against the bluish-orange sky. Breathe. Listen for the howling coyotes….

November 4, 2008 at 5:09 pm

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outofbounds

This is a beautiful reminder that, no matter the outcome of today’s election, we will all be the same tomorrow. And in each minute we are perfect…and life is perfect.

Thank you for reminding me.

Magical Mystery Tour

October 13, 2008

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“What we need are 6 billion spiritualities” –Terrence McKenna

If we are lucky, each of us comes to a moment where we catch a glimpse of The Infinite. The Magical. The Mystical. It could be experiencing a sunset, the birth of a child, the death of a Loved One or something as simple as the feeling of wind. Some experience of deep connection; where Time and Self & Other disappear. Total Presence.

And each of us comes to this moment with our experiences. Our conditioning, culture, beliefs, ideas, likes/dislikes. All of our “history”. Which can often cloud our ability to be fully present.

A friend of mine is an Artist– A Painter, Illustrator, Print Maker. And a Body Worker.

At one time, she was struggling with maintaining a Meditation Practice. She felt bad about missing sessions, or being unable to attend every day.

She went to her Teacher, tears in her eyes and heart in her hand to explain her unease.

After patiently listening, the Teacher said, ”Why don’t you make Art your Practice?”.

Wendy was floored. She had not seen the simple connection between her Life and Spiritual Practice.

To be on a Path is to take on a daily practice, whatever it may be, in order to bring some discipline to our lives. With discipline, we can begin to sift through our acquired conditioning–experiencing it and evaluating it to see if it is True and serves us.

And by discipline, I am not advocating that we shave our heads and wander off to a monastery. Each of us has our individual lives.

We are or may be: Animals, Human Beings, Spouses, Lovers, Children, Parents, Employees, Employers, Citizens, Residents.

We have children, parents, spouses, family and ourself to care for.

We are “tinker, tailor, soldier, sailor, rich-one, poor-one, beggar-man, thief, doctor, lawyer, Indian chief”. We have houses, cars, iPods, cell phones and the associated mortgages, rents and contracts. We have storage facilities for all our stuff.

So, as much as we may wish to do so, we can’t just chuck it all.

As Rumi sang: “Let the beauty you love be what you do. There are a thousand ways to kneel and kiss the earth.”

Easier said than done, but not as difficult as it might appear. It may be a challenge is to find our Practice–To find The Way within the ways. We are not encouraged to begin the search or to maintain it.

And yet, a Path comes from our ordinary life. It must, if it is going to have any relevance. It is extra-ordinary in its ordinariness. “Just this Life”. One does not need to look very far for the key.

For those not yet on a Path, I encourage you to find a way into beginning to use the circumstances of your Life to express a deep connection between you and The Infinite.

For those of you on a Path, I encourage you to continue. Find new ways to deepen your Presence and Understanding.

I leave you with a Gospel according to Saints John & Paul (Lennon & McCartney):

Roll up, roll up for the mystery tour,
Roll up, roll up for the mystery tour,
Roll up, (And that’s an invitation) roll up for the mystery tour,
Roll up, (To make a reservation) roll up for the mystery tour,
The magical mystery tour is waiting to take you away,
Waiting to take you away.

Roll up, roll up for the mystery tour,
Roll up, roll up for the mystery tour,
Roll up, (We’ve got ev’rything you need) roll up for the mystery tour,
Roll up, ( Satisfaction guaranteed ) roll up for the mystery tour,
The magical mystery tour is hoping to take you away,
Hoping to take you away.

The magical mystery tour is coming to take you away,
Coming to take you away.
The magical mystery tour is trying to take you away,
Trying to take you away,
Take you today.