Monday, April 30, 2012

On Love: Deeds vs. Words

I saw the above image, and my
understanding differed. What
follows is my reflection.




Love can be conveyed in many ways. Deed and word are generally the two categories in to which all forms of its expression are arranged. Love is either felt or it isn't. It can be communicated effectively or ineffectively, recognized or overlooked, and appreciated or taken for granted. 

Sometimes it may be difficult for us to accept love from others. We may feel that we do not deserve it. Maybe we prefer it from one person rather than another. Sometimes we are unable to recognize that a particular gesture was performed out of love. Sometimes we simply fail to appreciate the love that is shown us. 


Despite life's challenges and disappointments, which may occasionally lead us to question the presence of love, there is quite a lot of it to be had. It is actually fairly abundant. Love is always around, like the air we breath. We inhale and exhale, taking deep or shallow breaths. We can hold our breath, in a stubborn attempt to deny it, only to find ourselves gasping for it at long last. How we are influenced by love corresponds to just how open and responsive we are to the deeds and words that convey it.

Thursday, April 26, 2012

A Minefield of Memes for the Mindful


 The Quality of Intent:

 
 

There is never a need to explain what's made a person who they are (meaning what they've done), unless the need has been another's or their own, in which case it is not really a need, but a self-centered desire to either know or make known. Live conscionably and unapologetically. That is my understanding. ~ A.O.




 

"If you keep doing what you’re doing, you’ll keep getting what you’re getting."


 





"The importance is in forgetting scheduled time, and being more in rhythm with what surrounds you."




 
"When you compare yourself to others, you’re comparing your inside to their outside."





Term of the Day: 'Quandary'  >>





"We are tied together in the single garment of destiny, caught in an inescapable network of mutuality. And whatever affects one directly affects all indirectly. For some strange reason I can never be what I ought to be until you are what you ought to be. And you can never be what you ought to be until I am what I ought to be. This is the way God’s universe is made; this is the way it is structured."



Student: "I am very discouraged.
What should I do?"
Master
: "Encourage others."
(Even despair serves a purpose)

Sunday, April 15, 2012

Poetry: 'Nothing to Do, Nowhere to Go'

You are all there is to learn.
You are all there is to achieve.
You are all there is to attain.
You are all there is to need.

You are your most valuable possession.
You are every wish that is granted.
You are the answer to your prayers.
You are the answer to your questions.

You are all that you seek.
You are all that you see.
You are all there ever was.
You are all there will ever be.

I AM all that You Are, You Are all All of me,
Life is I, and this I is far greater than we.


Wednesday, April 11, 2012

On a Form of Wakefulness: 'It's not Religion, It's You'

A collaborative piece by Albert & Madalyn Brion-Reed

Rarely shall we come across central tenets of one form of Religiosity that are not similarly conveyed in another. The religious or spiritual practices that most closely echo one another's tenets provide just enough familiarity to ease conversion from one to the other.  Sometimes people arrive at previously unrealized & impactful insights during their conversion from one belief system to some other (religious or otherwise). They may entirely ascribe their newfound illumination, optimism or good fortune to their current transition. But is it really so? We shouldn't be so quick to conflate any subsequent euphoria with wherever we are, whoever we're with or whatever we're doing at that very moment. Correlation does not imply causation.

Though I may want to attribute any
novel thoughts & feelings specifically to what's before me at present, if given time to reflect I might realize that it's what's behind me that got me there. Everything at present that I'd like to associate with my newfound illumination, optimism or good fortune may simply be a final nudge. Imagine that you set out on a long arduous trek. You have finally arrived at your destination. Your emotions fluctuate from anxiety to exhilaration to equanimity to relief and culminate with an intensified sense of  self-esteem which nudges you across the threshold. You have arrived. It is the end of one stage in your development that lends itself to the next. And though the accompanying circumstances were a necessary step on the path, they were not solely responsible for the illumination, optimism or good fortune that proceeded. The circumstances immediately preceding the illumination, optimism or good fortune are merely recent occurrences, in a series of events, leading up to what's happened—call it an awakening or maturation if you insist.

And so, what is important is that you have evolved and also how you will proceed with the experience, knowledge and wisdom obtained. Neither the instance nor arena in which this personal growth takes place need be accredited nor pondered. For some this tipping point may occur beneath a tree
[1], in a desert[2], or in a cave[3]. For others it may be found on a park bench[4], in a prison cell[5], or within any place really. The point is, that it was simply your time to arrive. This is not to say that such an instance is your final destination. Oftentimes an end is a beginning. Disciplines or belief systems can either hinder or facilitate our maturation. Our relationship to, understanding, and utilization of certain teachings that characterize the world's religions and spiritual practices will determine the extant to which they facilitate our personal growth.

Stop Breaking Your Children

Calling all 'Dads' (anyone really): Please read this powerful piece.

Mr. Pearce's insightful article resonated with me. I enjoy being a Dad, and I love my children and their spectacular mother. I've learned a great deal from being a family man and understand there is a great deal more to learn.

I recognize my shortcomings as a son, husband, father, and human and try my best to improve. I appreciate the challenges; however, I make many mistakes. Though I try not to dwell on them, articles like this serve as a poignant reminder of the times I've fallen short.

Every day presents new challenges and opportunities. Dan Pearce reminds us of the power we wield as fathers in strongly influencing the development of our children. He reminded me of how important it is to wisely and lovingly make the most of those challenges and opportunities for the benefit of our youth.