Compassion

The Art of Giving Freely.

“We are all one.”

These are the words often shared through many countless teaching. They are the embodiment of authenticity and grace, demonstrating the interrelationship between all living beings.

Likewise, they mark the ‘boundaries’ of our own spiritual freedom. Meaning, only to the extent that we may love ourselves – to willingly accept all which comprises our being – may we truly love another.

But, there’s a fear often associated with this blind unconditionality. As humans, we’re hesitant to face that which we presume to be judged. From outermost shell to the heart of our inner presence, we modify, adapt and change that which we assume can not be loved.

Though, how can we possibly emit the radiance of mutuality, when we’re unwilling to commit that same light to self?

And, how may we enter this space of shared understanding, when we’re unwilling to share the true boundlessness of our being?

A little something to consider, my friends – what we share to this world is ultimately returned.

In peace…

Namaste ❤️

Of Heart Unto Hand.

I was locked in traffic when I happened upon a young man on a bicycle signing to an elderly homeless man.

I’ve watched him before, making his rounds – in the earliest hours of morning, before the traffic thickens. His mission? To be of service, to those at mercy’s end.

And, where others may hesitate to engage – this man assures extra measure. In his satchel, a clean towel, a shaving razor and a travel sized can of foam.

For the blessing of a smile, the benefit of a shave. But, now so – in the simplicity of this offering, he’s gifted the capacity to begin anew.

This is the choice extended each day; to stand within the grace of good intention – or, brave the extension of heart unto hand.

Choices, my loves…choices.

In peace…

Namaste ❤️

On This Day of Peace.

Nobel Laureate Shimon Peres once said that there are two things in this life which cannot be achieved unless your close your eyes just a little bit. The first is love, and the other is peace.

He was speaking to an aspect of equanimity and tolerance; a willingness to allow ourselves the grace of vulnerability even before our enemy. To establish the energy of trust through looking past; to seek perfection within the sanctity of connection.

So often we fail to embrace our inherent responsibility to all of mankind; that is – to stand as one against any and all adversity. Instead, our efforts are cautiously focused – eager to establish our borderlines.

Though true peace can only be established through our willingness to allow others to be just as they are: imperfect beings in an oft chaotic world.

It also requires that we must look deeply enough within ourselves to understand those before us.

“Peace in Oneself, Peace in the World” – in order to deal peacefully with others, we must deal peacefully with ourselves. To practice an engaged compassion, irrespective of past history or circumstances.

And…

It is only through our letting go, that we may extend a hand in peace.

My darlings, today as we remember the life of Nobel Laureate Shimon Peres – I pray that we may always remember his lesson.

Namaste, my loves…

On Being Human.

It’s difficult, sometimes, to be a human of this world.

Day after day we experience the tragedy of intolerance, abjectivity and political unrest. Those of us who are mindful may question the integrity of a system that does not view a man for that which he is — the entirety of a life’s path we can’t possibly know.

Often these events serve to remind us of the impermanent nature of our own lives, as we struggle to find that softness of breath within.

Knee-jerk reaction might compel us to ‘respond in force’. Though, in doing so, are we not losing the better part of our own humanity?

As I view the injustices from last evenings post, I can’t help but to think of a question once posed to the venerable Thich Nhat Hanh. Simply, “what is the most difficult aspect of a spiritual practice?”

He thought for a moment before answering simply; “Not to allow yourself to be overwhelmed by despair — that is the hardest thing. Because when you are overwhelmed by despair, that is the worst thing that can happen to you.”

Indeed, when we are overwhelmed, we lose our capacity to remain truly open. Our hearts shift under the burden of ‘not fully knowing’, as the mind struggles to find our peace within.

Immediately, we may feel angry, perhaps even outraged. Certainly, unwilling to offer space to any aspect of this unfolding.

But, space is where it begins, my loves. Likewise, maintaining the energy of equanimity and compassion, that is where our collective healing begins.

Healing for ourselves for having witnessed such pain.

Healing for those directly impacted.

Healing for those acting upon their own internal suffering.

And, we most respond to each with the integrity of a heart, undeterred.

“We can begin right now,” Thay said. “to practice calming our anger, looking deeply at the roots of hatred and violence in our society and in our world, and listening with compassion in order to hear and understand what we’ve not yet had the capacity to hear and understand…When we have listened and looked deeply, we may begin to develop the energy of brotherhood and sisterhood between all (beings).”

Though difficult, at times – my darlings, compassion is the only one true way.

In peace…

Namaste ❤️

 

A Blessing Through Handmade Paper Heart.

I saw a child today, so precious and small. In her hands, lovingly tucked, a parcel of handmade paper hearts.
 
“These are for my friends,” she gleamed.
 
Her father explained the ‘challenges’ she’d experienced, having been born with a rare genetic defect. “Downs Syndrome,” he said. “Can you believe they asked if we wanted to keep her?”
 
“Kids can be so cruel,” he said as his eyes began to tear. “We tried to explain that she was different, but…”
 
As if being different were a sin.
 
She began this process of creating paper hearts. Long into the night, she’d whittle and work in wonderment. And, then? She’d tuck the hearts into a drawstring bag only to return with it empty again.
 
“We don’t know why,” he said, smiling. “I suppose it’s just how she is.”
 
Never one to shy from curiosity, I scrunched down, leaned in and asked, “Darling, where do the hearts go each day?”
 
I already knew the answer.
 
“I give them to my friends,” she said. “Because all our hearts are the same.”
 
And with impish grin, she shared one with me, too.
 
Indeed, our hearts bridge where the eyes deceive. We are all one – precious, beautiful, imperfect human beings.
 
And though I’ve received many hearts in my day, this one – I believe this to be one of my most loved.
 
In peace, my darlings – and with cherished blessings, that we might all know the boundlessness these littlest of hearts may bring.
 
Namaste <3
 

This Privilege of Seeing.

I was thinking this morning about a dear friend’s pain. He’d been unjustly attacked, injured through another’s words.

In the aftermath, we talked. Though, mind shared the blessing of logic — heart hadn’t yet fully yielded to understanding. It reminded me of a passage from 8th century Buddhist master, Padmasambhava.

Reading simply;

“I am present in front in front of anyone who has faith in me. Just as the moon casts its reflection effortlessly in any vessel filled with water.”

As I look out into this world, I am inspired — and often overwhelmed by the miracles manifested before me. I see the canopy of centuries-old trees, bowing before me. And the heron’s fluid ascent, graceful – yet, powerful. And the willows whispering their blessings of day.

Difficulty is often our path, my loves.

Though painful, at times — it serves to enrich; to widen our hearts through an aspect of vulnerability. In doing so, we are granted the divine privilege of seeing this world through empathetic eyes; of recognizing the perfection of imperfection. Only then, may we truly connect to another’s heart.

When another is unkind, I remember this lesson: that the outline of the moon in encouraged through the depths of our own experiences.

In peace, my loves…

Namaste <3

The Lessons We Learn.

Today I am inspired through the words of poet, Maya Angelou who shared through delicate lines the importance of being human.

So often we forget this aspect of self; we refuse our own vulnerability – the same vulnerability which forges compassion.

Are we afraid to know these blessings of heart? To hear the voice that cries from within?

And, how do we know, my loves – that which is ‘right’ and ‘good’? Isn’t the better path one that is allowed to unfold?

Myself? I’ve learned a few lessons or two. Most prominently – that where heart is lacking, will shall carry us through. And, that peace is restored through humbled step.

Likewise, and in spite of what we might wish to believe – the unexpected is a blessing, not something to be feared.

My darlings, I hope that I’ve left you feeling absolutely loved.

In peace…

Namaste ❤️

From Maya Angelou, “I’ve Learned.”

“I’ve learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.

I’ve learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights.

I’ve learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you’ll miss them when they’re gone from your life.

I’ve learned that making a “living” is not the same thing as making a “life.”

I’ve learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance.

I’ve learned that you shouldn’t go through life with a catcher’s mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw something back.

I’ve learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision.

I’ve learned that even when I have pains, I don’t have to be one.

I’ve learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back.

I’ve learned that I still have a lot to learn.

I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

This Gift of Love.

I received very distressing news this morning; imposing within context a much needed change.

The Buddhist in me wants to believe that all is not without purpose. However, vulnerability often suggests its unwavering protest.

Change is not without difficulty, my loves. As we transition to this higher life plane, our insecurities become unapologetically exposed. In feeling the weight of one heavy moment, we may assume the sting to be everlasting.

Though, just as this new change thrust us tumbling forward; so too will it soon come to pass.

Life is not without cause, my loves. And, you and I?

We are destined for a far greater good.

I may lose my job, but I shall never lose heart. Not whilst all of you are ‘here’ and gifting me this blessing of your unconditional love.

In peace, my dearest loves…

Namaste ❤️

A Morning Welcome.

I woke up to the sound of ‘mewing’ this morning. A neighborhood stray had secured a space in my garden, the perfect setting to shepherd new life.

Against the stone wall, just beneath the Juniper’s bow, she rested; a proud new mom eager to share this new ‘light’.

She called to me, hesitant at first. Though through an offering of milk, all reluctance was sorted – and five darling bundles found their place amongst this world.

Ah, the blessings we find even through half-asleep, narrowed eyes.

Namaste, and welcome to these – the newest ‘members’ of our community ❤️

What Does Love Truly Mean?

I once met a man many years ago; his smile exuded that of a tempered patience and a willingness to ‘always look past.’

No matter the circumstances, nor dire the condition – he’s simply nod and say, “this too shall pass.”

To him, all of life was an exercise in impermanence. “Why should I worry,” he’d ask “when it’s already changing.”

One day he joined me as I was sitting alone on a garden bench. The smoke from his pipe trailed circles in the air, reminding me of my father’s favorite tobacco. “You know, my father smoked a pipe,” I smiled and leaned forward, drawing a breath big enough to fill my lungs.

“Ms. Tara,” he winked, chewing his pipe. “That feeling right there, should be with you every moment.”

It was my first exposure to the ease of being fully present – a simple memory predicated upon a tobacco’s sweetened leaf. From that moment on, whenever feeling overwhelmed – I let memory fall back to that single moment in time.

When my father passed away, I was asked which items I most wanted – only one, a tinder box filled with each of his old pipes. Now I have the memory to hold in hand, though – the one carried in heart is far better still.

Following his passing, I came across an old letter penned just after this meeting with my friend. I had cried on the phone explaining how much I missed him, to which he said – you can’t miss what’s always there.

Love – love is the gift my father always shared with me; unconditionally and without expectation.

The signature from that letter is now penned to my wrist, viewable each and every time I write.

True story, my loves – and one I wish to share with you today. A little something to consider throughout your day.

Love transcends all barriers, my darlings. And love is what ultimately heals all.

In peace…

Namaste ❤️