Tag: Politics

The Only ‘Wall’ That Matters.

There’s a reverence for life that seems to have been lost. At least, that’s what the news would portray – world leaders effecting hate over Twitter as millions of acres burn away. Our priorities shift as the ego grows.

By all accounts, humanity’s ‘mirror’ has been shattered. Though, in actuality, it’s the actions we take – our role in moving forward – which serves to define the greater measure of man.

In Buddhism, we speak of apertures – the lens by which we view this world. Our reverence for life refines that focus, broadening to include all aspects of life.

We can be angry, we can be sad – but we mustn’t ever lose faith in the value of our place; as the bearer of strength in our time of need.

In the end, the only ‘wall’ truly of concern is the one which confines our heart.

In peace…

Namaste ❣️

Bridging the Gulf Between.

“One of the great tragedies of life is that men seldom bridge the gulf between practice and profession, between doing and saying.” the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once shared. “A persistent schizophrenia leaves so many of us tragically divided against ourselves.”

On one hand, we wish to preserve the integrity of our moral code…to raise the collective voice of faith, hope and reason. At heart, we know that we are one human family.

And, yet? How often our deeds may fail.

We hesitate in this space of fear, our hearts tightening as we struggle with the magnitude of the events and circumstances surrounding. Though we may wish for change, we question our ability to serve as a catalyst for it.
“How can one voice create a lasting impact?” we might ask.

In the end, the only way to know is to do. To stand for that which compels our purpose – to water the seeds of compassion and courage.

Even when the toxicity of another is great, we mustn’t allow their poison to confuse.

“The hope of a livable world,” he writes. “lies with disciplined nonconformists who are dedicated to justice, peace and brotherhood.”

A little something to consider, my loves…

In peace…

Namaste ❤️

That We May Awaken.

I’m often asked to provide comment on current events. More specifically, to provide assurance and context; to lend stability to an often overwhelming sense of groundlessness.

I’m humbled, always, to serve in this capacity. To stand in the presence of a heart awakening is, by far, my greatest blessing.

As Bodhisattvas, we are committed to our practice. We listen to the cries of this world with open-hearted determination. Though we may experience fear, we are unwavering in our purpose.

The world is suffering; and, we wish it to heal.

Meanwhile, all around us the chaos grows; as the shadows strike their edges against the outline of a growing polarization.

Buddhism encourages a middle ground, but what if that path isn’t readily apparent? How do we begin to navigate that which we fear can not be found?

My darlings, this is where our practice begins.

Yes, certainly – in this life, we may experience great hardship, suffering and grief. Yet, these are the moments in which the lesson of humanity is learned. Our understanding of our shared condition expands with each life-affirming breath.

We mustn’t lose faith, rather – we should bear witness to its unfolding.

And, that we may awaken…

In peace, my loves…

Namaste ❤️

To Those Empowered, a Message of Peace.

In 2011, the venerable Thich Nhat Hanh addressed members of the United States Congress. He was there to impart guidance and knowledge; to lay a foundation for this path to peace.

Members of the ‘political elite’, their spouses and families, and selected Congressional staffers (both current and former) were invited to participate. At first, they were hesitant to accept a ‘foreign’ wisdom. Though, perhaps more so – a bit fearful to lay down old habits.

Throughout history, empires have been built upon the backs of those willing to conquer and defeat. Subsequently, wars became a means to an end, while the battle within raged deeply. Villages were pillaged, and the very fabric of humanity, worn thin.

With each action, our understanding of morality, equanimity and justice was challenged. With each action, there was a ‘price’ to be paid.

Eventually, the energy of war bred an environment of mistrust – as world governments shifted resources to offset their fears.

Soon, the energy made its way through to each social class, as new policies were adopted to help control the change.

Even now, this battle extends to our day to day. We struggle with the hastiness of ‘view’; of seeing ourselves through another’s eyes.

“There is a lot that needs to be done in society”, he shared, “work against war, social injustice, and so on. But first we have to come back to our own territory and make sure that peace and harmony are reigning there. Until we do that, we cannot do anything for society. Let us begin immediately.”

You see…

The ‘true work’, my loves – begins with each day; a disentangling of prejudice built upon story. We have to begin the tedious (and often fear inducing) work of laying down labels; of allowing ourselves to be…

Just as we are.

As Brother Thay so simply put, “come back to ourselves and take care of the little boy or the little girl who inhabits the depths of our wounded souls.”

I think our world governments would benefit from such sound advice; to recognize and take action a perspective of humility.

Only then, can the ‘true work’ begin.

Though, this government was founded on the precept of separation; it was never intended to serve without being whole.

A little something to consider, my loves…

In peace…

Namaste ❤️

Copyright 2016, Tara Lemieux

Maintaining a Peaceful Heart in Troubled Times.

Albert Camus once wrote that we all carry within us, our places of exile – our crimes, our ravages. And, that our task is not to unleash them on this world, but rather to transform them within ourselves.

As I read through the current political commentaries and witness their impacts on an already unpredictable society – I am reminded of the opportunity we’ve been gifted, and the necessity to engage this sanctity within.

Each of us has experienced an unbearable suffering. And, each of us has known the grace of having found our ‘way’ again. Between the two, there exists a struggle – in which we either heal or become further entangled.

Though, how do we engage this energy of peace, as our emotions are invariably triggered? Do we respond with courage and fearlessness of heart, or – do we coalesce to the deafening cries? The Buddha taught that our world is, at best, a reflection; that true peace is possible only when the heart has healed. As we are bombarded with the imagery of a vastly unsettled world, we must find that delicate center of balance; that space where all exists without the ‘sway’.

Without the need to ‘bite the hook’…

Without the need to ‘settle the score’…

My darlings, can’t you see?

That when we permit the expansiveness of a boundless heart – we allow the possibility for ‘any future’ to unfold.

In peace, my loves…

Namaste ♥