... two opposing ideas.
I was driving to work the other morning. I had awakened in a less-than-stellar mood, somewhat dismayed at returning to the chaos of a brutal week at work. I was just sort of off my game. I hadn't slept well, I was tired and I knew that the day would be busy and offered no respite.
When I got in the car, I tuned my ipod to a specific chant, one that I knew would soothe whatever was churning inside. The chant is about 12 minutes long, the perfect length for garage-to-parking-lot travel.
Here's a link to the chant: Shantala singing "Baba Hanuman"
There was average traffic on my usual route. I chanted along with the recording and noticed that I was navigating traffic without angst and my mood was settling as I drove.
Long ago, I had heard a quote (I know not where)... Serenity is the ability to hold two opposing ideas in the mind without conflict. The quote is sequestered in my desk on an elderly post it note. I had to find it (and the exact wording) when I got home.
I had been holding two ideas all along my short commute. The magic of bhakti and the navigation of traffic. Now to maintain that as I move thru the day. It became a grounding point. I didn't always feel serene, but the day did seem to move a bit better.
Sunday, February 3, 2013
Sunday, January 20, 2013
Lunch....
... with Buddha.
When I first opened Lunch with Buddha by Roland Merullo, I had the distinct and comforting sensation of being embraced by a loving family after a long absence. I blogged about my love affair with Breakfast with Buddha and have revisited the book several times while waiting for the sequel. I've read or listened to random snippets in the meantime... always finding new wisdom.
Lunch brings a similar scenario. Otto Ringling, our reluctant hero, and his brother-in-law, the Buddha-esque Volya Rinpoche, travel in a rumbling elderly pickup from the Pacific Northwest to Dickenson ND. Their adventures along the way serve as vehicles (pun intended) for Rinpoche to teach subtle but profound lessons. This journey has a strong undertone of grief (I won't spoil the plot here, suffice to say I sobbed through Chapter 8), yet, as the story reveals, the connections we form and cherish often transcend physical life.
I applaud the quiet humor that Mr. Merullo provides... these journeys take me from laughter to tears within a few pages.
After living in Spokane for several years, I could easily relate to the geography of this journey. The vast open landscapes of the northern plains often remind me of the landscape of the mind. At first, that which appears to be mundane and/or cluttered (whether it be with scrub trees or miscellaneous thoughts), hidden treasures can be found when we look closely.
I love how Mr. Merullo brings the stories to conclusions without closing the door. In Breakfast, we knew that Otto had made some deep decisions, even though we weren't told what they were. I knew. And now, Lunch concludes with a similar hook, one that made me smile and feel deep and abiding satisfaction. Even though we aren't told the next chapter, we know.
Mr. Merullo has a gift for character and story.... lyrical prose, quiet metaphors that speak loudly, and characters that truly come to life. The question remains: What time is Dinner?
When I first opened Lunch with Buddha by Roland Merullo, I had the distinct and comforting sensation of being embraced by a loving family after a long absence. I blogged about my love affair with Breakfast with Buddha and have revisited the book several times while waiting for the sequel. I've read or listened to random snippets in the meantime... always finding new wisdom.
Lunch brings a similar scenario. Otto Ringling, our reluctant hero, and his brother-in-law, the Buddha-esque Volya Rinpoche, travel in a rumbling elderly pickup from the Pacific Northwest to Dickenson ND. Their adventures along the way serve as vehicles (pun intended) for Rinpoche to teach subtle but profound lessons. This journey has a strong undertone of grief (I won't spoil the plot here, suffice to say I sobbed through Chapter 8), yet, as the story reveals, the connections we form and cherish often transcend physical life.
I applaud the quiet humor that Mr. Merullo provides... these journeys take me from laughter to tears within a few pages.
After living in Spokane for several years, I could easily relate to the geography of this journey. The vast open landscapes of the northern plains often remind me of the landscape of the mind. At first, that which appears to be mundane and/or cluttered (whether it be with scrub trees or miscellaneous thoughts), hidden treasures can be found when we look closely.
I love how Mr. Merullo brings the stories to conclusions without closing the door. In Breakfast, we knew that Otto had made some deep decisions, even though we weren't told what they were. I knew. And now, Lunch concludes with a similar hook, one that made me smile and feel deep and abiding satisfaction. Even though we aren't told the next chapter, we know.
Mr. Merullo has a gift for character and story.... lyrical prose, quiet metaphors that speak loudly, and characters that truly come to life. The question remains: What time is Dinner?
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Where were you....
...on Sept. 11, 2001?
Of course, that's the question on everyones lips today.
As I got up this morning, I thought back to that day. My son was active duty Air Force and stationed in Korea. My daughter in law was asleep in the guest room, and their roommate was asleep on the living room floor. I took my coffee to my studio to turn on local news and there was Matt Lauer with a pale face, talking about the first crash. I awakened the sleeping ones who rapdily decided to quickly leave for their home in Phoenix, knowing that my son would call his wife as soon as he could.
We all have our remembrances of that day, that week. It was one of those life events where we each know where we were and who we were with when we heard. Like JFK's assassination and the Challenger explosion. Why is it that we don't remember the good days in the same manner? Oh we remember the births of our children, graduations, weddings, and the like. But we don't seem to be able to capture that almost cellular memory that we possess when tragedy strikes.
I wonder about all the news coverage that ran for days after these events. Is it necessary that we revisit the horror and allow ourselves to be re-traumatized with repeated viewings of a story that cannot possibilty have any other ending? Yet, we were all glued to the tube as replay after replay, viewing angle over viewing angle replayed with unrelenting frequency.
I'm sure they replayed it at some point today on some news channel somewhere. There were stories about survivors today. I didn't watch them. That may sound uncaring or even cynical. But I won't allow myself to re-imbed those images. I offer compassion for those who were lost and the families left behind. Re-living it would not be productive for me. Or for many others. We won't forget this day. We do not need to re-live it.
Of course, that's the question on everyones lips today.
As I got up this morning, I thought back to that day. My son was active duty Air Force and stationed in Korea. My daughter in law was asleep in the guest room, and their roommate was asleep on the living room floor. I took my coffee to my studio to turn on local news and there was Matt Lauer with a pale face, talking about the first crash. I awakened the sleeping ones who rapdily decided to quickly leave for their home in Phoenix, knowing that my son would call his wife as soon as he could.
We all have our remembrances of that day, that week. It was one of those life events where we each know where we were and who we were with when we heard. Like JFK's assassination and the Challenger explosion. Why is it that we don't remember the good days in the same manner? Oh we remember the births of our children, graduations, weddings, and the like. But we don't seem to be able to capture that almost cellular memory that we possess when tragedy strikes.
I wonder about all the news coverage that ran for days after these events. Is it necessary that we revisit the horror and allow ourselves to be re-traumatized with repeated viewings of a story that cannot possibilty have any other ending? Yet, we were all glued to the tube as replay after replay, viewing angle over viewing angle replayed with unrelenting frequency.
I'm sure they replayed it at some point today on some news channel somewhere. There were stories about survivors today. I didn't watch them. That may sound uncaring or even cynical. But I won't allow myself to re-imbed those images. I offer compassion for those who were lost and the families left behind. Re-living it would not be productive for me. Or for many others. We won't forget this day. We do not need to re-live it.
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Which way do I.....
I love this intersection. Look closely at the traffic lights. (Click on the photo for the bigger image) One points left, the other right, and there are enough arrows and directions to confuse the uninitiated. But it makes me smile every time I see it.
Every moment is a choice. That thought came to mind during my yoga practice tonight. Each pose, each breath became a choice to remain conscious and present. I sometimes wonder about the choices that others make (and that whole discussion could get pretty severe and depressing), but I'm reminded that I can only really consider the choices that are on my path.
I took the day off yesterday. After a weekend of county fair and other festivities, I needed a day to catch up and be nice to myself. I went to my favorite teacher's yoga class, ran errands, and ended with a lunch date with a friend. We talked a lot about meditation since we are both exploring it and delighting in the things that we are realizing through this practice. It's a choice to seek silence, to listen deeply, and to know that all the wisdom is contained within. I didn't believe that at first, but the more I meditate, the more I see that its true for me.
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Breakfast....
...with Buddha.
I am thoroughly and un-apologetically loving this book. Breakfast with Buddha came across my path thru my audio book service and I can't remember when I've been as enthralled with a book.
The story line is simple. Otto Ringling, your average middle aged American man, is hoodwinked by his sister to chauffeur a Rinpoche on a journey from the east coast to North Dakota, where Otto must decide what to do with his late parent's farm and estate. The two men travel across the base of the Great Lakes, and while Otto attempts to show the Rinpoche some "American Fun", Rinpoche is quietly modeling and teaching him the ways of Buddhism (altho it's never really stated as such).
The themes of mindfulness, choice, and kindness float thru the pages as the duo experiences "furniture" (miniature) golf (complete with a total know-it-all in their foursome), bowling, and a variety of non-chain eating establishments.
At one juncture, Otto asks about the "evil" in the world. Those who choose to rape, kill, break laws, hurt other humans, etc. And Rinpoche explains that those downtrodden souls are in practice for their next lives. That they are making choices on a moment to moment basis... Otto later ponders if there are teachers or angels among us... and asks what is the cost if we choose to ignore them
I think of my teacher, back after the illness-induced hiatus, and how well we once again fused in our lessons and picked up where we left off, going deeper with each week into that realm of spirit. What is the cost if I chose to ignore him and our discussion. My life is indeed richer since we've worked together and I knew in that moment that I choose to listen, to absorb, to practice all that he has taught me, and to willingly seek the depths of my soul.
I finished the audio book as I came home from work tonight. Tears streamed down my face as I listened to the final moments of the book. Tears for Otto who has found his teacher, and who has said Yes. And reaffirmed my quest, saying Yes as well.
I am thoroughly and un-apologetically loving this book. Breakfast with Buddha came across my path thru my audio book service and I can't remember when I've been as enthralled with a book.
The story line is simple. Otto Ringling, your average middle aged American man, is hoodwinked by his sister to chauffeur a Rinpoche on a journey from the east coast to North Dakota, where Otto must decide what to do with his late parent's farm and estate. The two men travel across the base of the Great Lakes, and while Otto attempts to show the Rinpoche some "American Fun", Rinpoche is quietly modeling and teaching him the ways of Buddhism (altho it's never really stated as such).
The themes of mindfulness, choice, and kindness float thru the pages as the duo experiences "furniture" (miniature) golf (complete with a total know-it-all in their foursome), bowling, and a variety of non-chain eating establishments.
At one juncture, Otto asks about the "evil" in the world. Those who choose to rape, kill, break laws, hurt other humans, etc. And Rinpoche explains that those downtrodden souls are in practice for their next lives. That they are making choices on a moment to moment basis... Otto later ponders if there are teachers or angels among us... and asks what is the cost if we choose to ignore them
I think of my teacher, back after the illness-induced hiatus, and how well we once again fused in our lessons and picked up where we left off, going deeper with each week into that realm of spirit. What is the cost if I chose to ignore him and our discussion. My life is indeed richer since we've worked together and I knew in that moment that I choose to listen, to absorb, to practice all that he has taught me, and to willingly seek the depths of my soul.
I finished the audio book as I came home from work tonight. Tears streamed down my face as I listened to the final moments of the book. Tears for Otto who has found his teacher, and who has said Yes. And reaffirmed my quest, saying Yes as well.
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Puzzle...
...pieces.
As I was driving to work this morning, I noticed how there was a literal dance of cars on the main drag. There was a logging truck ahead of me, a mini cooper to the right, and the usual band of idiots trying to make left turns into traffic. One almost got clobbered and the oncoming traffic didn't stop.
It felt like a major jig saw puzzle to me. Each vehicle had its place And if they were attempting to fit into another slot, one in which they didn't belong, they wouldn't fit. And of course, then there would be consequences. I uttered a silent prayer that I would stay on my path and fit where I was destined to be... and not have some other piece of hardware try to occupy my space in that moment.
Vehicles (well, drivers) don't always appreciate the laws of physics or energy. While energy can merge and blend, isn't there a law of physics that says two solid objects can't occupy the same space at the same time?
I got past the icky part of the trip and headed to campus, blissfully aware of the thinner traffic now that spring break is in progress. It became a peaceful start to the day.
May we all find our place in the puzzle....
As I was driving to work this morning, I noticed how there was a literal dance of cars on the main drag. There was a logging truck ahead of me, a mini cooper to the right, and the usual band of idiots trying to make left turns into traffic. One almost got clobbered and the oncoming traffic didn't stop.
It felt like a major jig saw puzzle to me. Each vehicle had its place And if they were attempting to fit into another slot, one in which they didn't belong, they wouldn't fit. And of course, then there would be consequences. I uttered a silent prayer that I would stay on my path and fit where I was destined to be... and not have some other piece of hardware try to occupy my space in that moment.
Vehicles (well, drivers) don't always appreciate the laws of physics or energy. While energy can merge and blend, isn't there a law of physics that says two solid objects can't occupy the same space at the same time?
I got past the icky part of the trip and headed to campus, blissfully aware of the thinner traffic now that spring break is in progress. It became a peaceful start to the day.
May we all find our place in the puzzle....
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
A Glimmer....
...of light.
There was still a glimmer of daylight on the horizon when I left yoga practice tonight at 645. Spring is coming. It was almost 50 degrees outside and I could smell spring in the air. I had to pause for a deep breath of the fresh air.
It's been an easy winter as far as weather is concerned. We had only one major storm, only two really bad days for driving... the rest have been brief warm short-lasting bursts of snow. I'm so not a winter person, so this has been an easy one. But the short days always make me feel sort of down and blue and tired. Some of the energy is coming back.
Another darkness is resolving, as my primary Sivananda teacher will be headed back this week. He's been gone four months and I've missed him tremendously. We've talked a few times and emailed and texted, but so much has happened and changed within ... I've missed his amazing compassionate spirit and willing ear. We already have a session scheduled for the week he gets back...
A light at the end of the tunnel... spring is coming... again. Shanti Om.
There was still a glimmer of daylight on the horizon when I left yoga practice tonight at 645. Spring is coming. It was almost 50 degrees outside and I could smell spring in the air. I had to pause for a deep breath of the fresh air.
It's been an easy winter as far as weather is concerned. We had only one major storm, only two really bad days for driving... the rest have been brief warm short-lasting bursts of snow. I'm so not a winter person, so this has been an easy one. But the short days always make me feel sort of down and blue and tired. Some of the energy is coming back.
Another darkness is resolving, as my primary Sivananda teacher will be headed back this week. He's been gone four months and I've missed him tremendously. We've talked a few times and emailed and texted, but so much has happened and changed within ... I've missed his amazing compassionate spirit and willing ear. We already have a session scheduled for the week he gets back...
A light at the end of the tunnel... spring is coming... again. Shanti Om.
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