December 22, 2013

SEVENTY-SEVEN

How funny that I should find this Lao-tzu teaching a few days after writing theSacred Field post….. :)

Humanity grows more and more intelligent, yet there is clearly more trouble and less happiness daily.

How can this be so?

It is because intelligence is not the same thing as wisdom.

When a society misuses partial intelligence and ignores holistic wisdom, its people forget the benefits of a plain and natural life.

Seduced by their desires, emotions, and egos, they become slaves to bodily demands, to luxuries, to power and unbalanced religion and psychological excuses.

Then the reign of calamity and confusion begins.

Nonetheless, superior people can awaken during times of turmoil to lead others out of the mire.

But how can the one liberate the many?

By first liberating her own being.

She does this not by elevating herself, but by lowering herself.

She lowers herself to that which is simple, modest, true; integrating it into herself, she becomes a master of simplicity, modesty, truth.

Completely emancipated from her former false life, she discovers her original pure nature, which is the pure nature of the universe.

Freely and spontaneously releasing her divine energy, she constantly transcends complicated situations and draws everything around her back into  an integral oneness.

Because she is a living divinity, when she acts, the universe acts.

–Excerpt from Hua Hu Ching: The Unknown Teachings of Lao Tzu by Brian Walker (teaching no. seventy-seven)

Photo source: Seventy Seven by Marcello Paoli

December 20, 2013

SACRED FIELD

To the ordinary person, the body of humanity seems vast.

In truth, it is neither bigger nor smaller than anything else.

To the ordinary person, there are others whose awareness needs raising.

In truth, there is no self, and no other.

To the ordinary person, the temple is sacred and the field is not.

This, too, is dualism which runs counter to the truth.

Those who are highly evolved maintain an undiscriminating perception.

Seeing everything, labeling nothing, they maintain their awareness of the Great Oneness.

Thus they are supported by it.

-The teachings of Lao Tzu

——

This is a powerful teaching. I have to admit that everything hit home…except, “To the ordinary person, there are others whose awareness needs raising.” But amazingly, the next line, “In truth, there is no self, and no other” resonated with me. How could I believe on the one hand that there is no self, and no other…but find myself feeling that some (particularly those who harm others, especially children) need to raise their awareness?

I believe in the Great Oneness. And I find myself in others more and more. I find that others represent different parts of me. Even parts I don’t know (or would never want to) exist. And perhaps the point is that we are not meant to change those other parts of ourselves that are meant to be as they are.

I believe that everything is relative…and no one can really say what is right or wrong or what is good or bad. However, I think that there are those who are meant to help us raise our awareness of the Oneness our true Self knows is inside. Mandela reminded all that people are equal regardless of the color of their skin. Malala is reminding us that we are equal regardless of our gender.

From my perspective (which could be right…and could be wrong), I see it as a process of waking each other (and ourselves) up to what’s really real. To remind ourselves that the temple is as sacred as the field. To move past the illusions and tempting poisonous distractions to see true beauty. And true love. And then live life embracing it all :)

(With no labels ;)

Photo source: Harvest by Stefan Andronache

December 18, 2013

CRITICAL THINKING

I loved this song from the moment I heard it. I think each line is hugely important in it’s own right (full lyrics listed at the end)…but as I considered the topic of thinking critically, I connected one line in particular to some thoughts I was having and thought it worth adding this song to the post: “Take not what they feed…their poison is sweet.“

First, I think it’s important to note that the intention behind this website (or any observations I may make) was never to try to make everyone agree with me. I would only hope that my observations may inspire you to question the surface level and dig deeper on your journey.

While no one can really say what is truly right or wrong, I can say on a personal note that I deeply question all forms of media (more than ever!) and what is being portrayed. Here are a few moments with the media I had just today while traveling, and some of my associated thoughts:

  • I turned on the radio (something I typically don’t do) in my rental car and in the span of only ten minutes, I flipped through stations (pop, hip-hop, r&b) that had me absolutely convinced that the goal of mainstream music is to program girls to be strippers. And train boys to be abusers who objectify women. Drugs, violence, and materialism are prevalent themes. Pornography has been glorified, and perhaps accepted as commonplace. All of this with no regard to our children who unknowingly consume this filth. And recite lyrics and copy without truly understanding the programming that’s taking place. What is going on?!
  • I purchased the Times magazine special edition featuring Nelson Mandela, as I was happy to support such an edition. While it was not meant to be a comprehensive history, the more I read, the more I felt that critical points were missing. It was a reminder to me that history is always written in a certain way on purpose. Certain elements are downplayed or highlighted to achieve something in particular (though we don’t always know what that is). It all depends on the point of view of the person writing the history.
  • And finally, while I was in the hotel gym, I saw an extended news discussion on the television featuring a young African-American child. I had a bad feeling the news was not positive and decided to keep my headphones on and ignore. However, on my way out of the gym, I removed my headphones to thank the service professional restocking the towels and heard the story of how this child stole her mother’s car and got into a serious accident. I was disappointed to have been correct. In fact, I tend to avoid the news because I find it tends to reinforce so many negative stereotypes…especially from a racial perspective, which I deplore. The news can easily have you believe that 95% of the crime is committed by 10% of the population. Unfortunately, this so easily becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy and certain racial groups become categorized, and members of that group are assumed guilty…and end up occupying a disproportionate majority of jail cells.

These are only three examples in one day. On the surface, something may just be a song or an article or a news story; but beneath each is a mechanism for programming…for teaching…for providing sweet poison…that eventually leads to our undoing if we buy into it.

“Teach you fear/so you forget yourself/They want you stupid/so you obey”

It is SO important to dig deeper. To question magazine ads that make you fearful that you don’t fit in…so that you don’t love yourself…so that you buy whatever they are selling to make you feel better about yourself…even though contentment can only come from within.

Or to recognize that the songs on the radio and shows on the television aren’t encouraging you to educate yourself or think outside of the box. Media glorifies the uneducated…and reinforces obedience. Revolutionary thinking is not generally encouraged in any of these media outlets. Or if it’s discussed, the very steep price is highlighted (e.g. Mandela’s 27 years in prison). Therefore, acts of courage feel like they are only possible for a chosen few (who would really want to spend so much time in prison, and what are the odds that the story would end the same?) when this level of courage lives within us all.

Positivity is not promoted in the media…and often it is silenced or overshadowed by the negative. In my own small way, I hope to help provide some balance. I hope to help us wake up from this sleep…to help us move past some of the nightmarish transformations of our society. To help us get back to love. 

 

Lyrics: Danger by Amel Larrieux

Danger
Somebody’s near
They don’t want you
To know or to hear
Keep you silent
So you disappear
Teach you fear
So you forget yourself

Danger
Watch what you say
Don’t look at them
In the wrong way
They want you stupid
So you obey
Teach you hate
So you forget yourself
Never forget yourself

Close your eyes and
You will really see
All that you are handed
Comes from a thief
Take not what they feed
Their poison is sweet

Danger
Somebody’s near

December 17, 2013

MY JOY

This is one of my favorites…felt like posting because I had a vibe it might be what someone out there might need to hear :)

Naw naw naw…no way…you gon’ take away my joy, my peace, and my strength…naw aint no way!

This song is always a great reminder that we always have a choice to keep our joy and not allow others to others. Peace is really found through controlling our emotions and not allowing what others say or do disrupt that peace. Sometimes easier said than done, but always true :)

December 15, 2013

ALL ABOUT CONTENTMENT

The concept of contentment has been brewing in my mind.  This morning, a friend shared a phenomenal video that was simply beautiful and really helps to redefine the entire concept of what is considered beautiful (you can watch it here. I would only suggest that instead of the title, “Because Who Is Perfect?”, I would suggest, “Perfect As Is” :). The vid features an artist using dimensions and details of differently-abled persons (my new very much preferred term to “handicapped” or “disabled”) to create new mannequins. I had a flood of emotions when one woman participant said, “It is so special to see yourself like this…when usually you can’t look at yourself in the mirror…”

Those kinds of comments bring me to my knees. How did we become like this as a society? That there are so many in our world who do not feel special or beautiful because society does not promote their reality as beauty… That others could be unkind just because someone is different… We need more videos and outlets to promote the beauty that exists in us all. And then I found the photo featured on this post… :)

Honestly, I searched “Contentment” and this photo was the first I saw. How perfect! The awesome photographer, Sreekumar Mahadevan Pillai, beautifully describes his photo and provided me with my new preferred term “differently abled persons”: “This photo is a tribute to the most special show of talent I have seen on stage recently. This stage show was performed by – ‘Ability Unlimited’ – a voluntary, non-profit social service organization for differently abled persons. This organization works for recognizing, nurturing and enabling hidden potential and talents within differently abled youngsters.”

Mr Pillai explained that the show “evoked a sense of bewilderment, joy and contentment like any other artistic creation of excellence.” How wonderful! I was amazed by the shows on the Ability Unlimited website….and it is certainly on my list of things to see on my future (2015?) trip to India! :) What a beautiful program and how I would love to see the Sufi dance or Rumi or Martial Arts…all On Wheels!

—-

The beauty of this celebration for differently abled persons in fashion and the arts is beautiful and I can only hope that it inspires you and others to celebrate all forms of beauty. For we are all one.

And with all things related to the awesome topic of contentment, I am always reminded of one of my favorite Taoist parables:

There was once a man with one eye walking along the road, bemoaning his fate in life. But then he met a blind man along the way and was suddenly very happy and thankful, for he realized how lucky he was to have two eyes. He whistled merrily down the road…until he met the man with two beautiful eyes. Then he was once again depressed, and he cursed fate for only having one eye.

The lesson is that joy can never come from comparison. There will always be those who have more…and those who have less…of whatever you are comparing. The secret to joy is being content in what you have and loving yourself ‘as is’ in every moment. 

 

Photo source: With Abilities Unlimited by Sreekumar Mahadevan Pillai

December 14, 2013

THE LAST TEN POUNDS

I saw this ad from the 1950’s a few weeks ago. Since then I’ve been writing a post in my mind about it. There are so many directions I could take this…how body image is dictated so much by media….how women have for so long been sexualized in the media (especially in America)…how many women reading this wish we could turn back time and have these standards of beauty today…and how it always seems to boil down to those illusive ‘last ten pounds.’ (Even for the man featured in the article above, the weight gain is geared to allowing him to ‘not be a scarecrow.’)

When I consider it deeply, it’s all an illusion. But if we stick to a surface discussion, the reality is troubling. While I will always believe in the wisdom of having a healthy lifestyle (who really wants to be unnecessarily sick?!), the amount of consideration for body image in our society is incredible. And it is unfortunate.

That we determine our beauty based on what we see in print and on television makes me want to raise children on a remote island without either! (Perhaps they would face the same realities if they even wanted to assimilate into society, but hopefully you get my point ;)  The images of ‘health’ girls see now is actually malnutrition. Many models have come forward and said they only looked that way because they were starving themselves to be thin. But the fact that women were taking pills to gain weight to fit the standard in the 50’s is still not a good thing.

We’ve still not reached a point in our society women (especially) are are truly valued for what’s inside (heart/mind/spirit)…the outer shell is always judged first. And, quite unfortunately, many women play into the model and find fame and fortune by sexualizing themselves.

The Mother Theresas and Malalas (and women doctors/healers/artists/engineers/activists, etc.) of the world may get a headline every now and then…but plastered on the cover of every magazine, highlighted on every website (and advertisement), dominating social media, and fiercely followed by young children are the images of women who have ‘made it’ through taking their clothes off. Yes, they might sing or dance or ‘act’ also…and it’s nice if these women give back in their spare time. But the point is that their wealth was derived from their sexuality first. The really unfortunate part of it all is that these women have become role models to younger generations and perpetuate this dangerous cycle. The message has been received by the younger generation that they must lose/gain those last 10 (or 25) pounds (and then bare it all) to matter.

We have to do better.

 

P.S. I thought this message was going to be about loving yourself as you are and not allowing the media to dictate beauty, but it took a different turn haha And I’m going to leave it as is ;)

Photo source: Women used to pay to gain weight? What? :)

December 12, 2013

OUTER ILLUSION

Recently, I have been searching for a new gym. Similar to walking into an expensive store (or even an inexpensive one!), I feel there is this process of assessment…the employees seem to look for contextual clues about your ability to afford what they are offering. The size up seems to often be an assessment of one’s clothing…does this person dress like they can afford to purchase here?

It is a horrible process that I hate…but it really goes on everywhere. Job interviews, the workplace…even church! Does your clothing suggest that you belong here? Are you “one of us”?

All of it reminds me of one of my favorite Zen stories:

Wealthy patrons invited Ikkyu to a banquet. Ikkyu arrived dressed in his beggar’s robes. The host, not recognizing him, chased him away. Ikkyu went home, changed into his ceremonial robe of purple brocade, and returned. With great respect, he was received into the banquet room.There, he put his robe on the cushion, saying, “I expect you invited the robe since you showed me away a little while ago,” and left.

——-

In reality, clothes, cars, shoes, and things are shiny illusions that cover the biggest illusion of all: our physical form. [I believe that these things can be enjoyed, the challenge is to not become attached. Everything transforms.]

Instead of seeking to compare how others differ, there is so much more to be gained by recognizing similarities. That is how we get to the oneness. I believe that is the essence of true love.

 

 

Photo source: Tibetan Woman and her Yak at Scorpion Lake by Nora de Angelli

Interesting note by photographer: “I photographed this nomad Tibetan woman and her traditionally ornated yak on the shores of The Scorpion Lake, Yamdrok Yumtso Lake. According to local mythology, the Scorpion Lake is the transformation of a goddess into a Sapphire Sea, being revered as a talisman in the life-spirit of the Tibetan nation.”

December 8, 2013

THE WALK TO FREEDOM CAN BE SHORT

What first drew me into Zen was the concept that enlightenment can be instant. Someone could be carrying a pail of water and then Zzzzzzzpt, enlightenment! Everything came together and made sudden sense through just living in the moment. (And understanding the beauty and miracles all around us and inside of us.)

Perhaps the greatest lesson I have learned from Nelson Mandela was that his journey to freedom ultimately culminated in the complex, yet amazingly simple decision to let it go. Had he decided to hold on to the pain, he could have become a broken man instead of the leader of a nation and shining light for the world.

I believe we are a decision away from freedom and a thought away from happiness.

May we learn from those before us who have taken the long route…so that we may utilize the short cuts they’ve shown us :)

 

Photo: Free to Be by Isac Goulart

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