Christmas Tree Farm

Hello, folks.  

I am speechless.

I feel hugely impacted by the events
in Washington
this past week. 

The images haunt me.

So many feelings rumble in me, 
feelings without words 
or 
context.

The challenges we face 
As a country
feel 
staggering
and
foreign
and 
unreal.  

Yet,
As always, 
reality wins, 

Reality,
always
in its relentless 
invitation 
to presence.  

Let us go slowly, 
safely, 
as ease-fully 
as possible
forward,
just one day
one thing,
one breath
at a time.

Let’s keep focused 
right here, 
right now,
as best we can.

We are equipped.
We are able.
We will find our way.
We are finding our way.
More will be revealed.
More is being revealed.
And that is the truth of it.

Annie Lamott 
Says it:

 

~~~

Inspiration

How do we keep inspired, connected to ourselves, to our hearts, to each other?

How do we keep connected to each other’s hearts?

This New Year Prayer, 2021, touched me greatly.  By Roshi Joan Halifax from Upaya Zen Center in New Mexico, says it all:

~~~

 

May we realize that this earth is sacred and live accordingly.

May the suffering arising from oppression, hatred, and fear be righted and remedied.

May all those in the grips of insecurity be released to the safety of understanding.

May those weighed down by grief be given over to compassion.

May those lost in delusion find relief in the path of wisdom.

May all wounds to forests, rivers, deserts, oceans, all wounds to the earth be witnessed and healed through our right action.

May we work for the ending of suffering from consumerism, the climate catastrophe, war, economic disparity, racism, sexual violence, and the abuse of children. 

May those in refugee camps and prisons find their way home, with our support. 

May those who are alone or abandoned by friends and family, and those who are unsheltered find a safe and loving harbor in community. 

May we have deep time in practice with each other and in the solitudes, to be taught by sangha and by silence, so that we have the courage and equanimity to be a source of love and wisdom for all beings.

May we all have the health, wisdom, and energy to serve in the years ahead. 

May all awaken and awaken others.

—Roshi Joan Halifax

~~~

Is there one line that grabs your heart?

Perhaps consider one.  

Or two.
That draws you.
I am most touched by the final sentence, May all awaken and awaken others.
How can I live into that intention, for this upcoming week?
How can you?
~~~

On another note—forgive me, I am old.  I look backward to music for solace.  These guys brought me some this week.  I’m laughing to myself.  This is a revealing choice for me to show you: