Tag: Ram Dass

Our Collective Human Concern.

I’ve noticed recently a shifting of paradigm; that which once divided is beginning to right its course.

For in the midst of this now grave human crisis, one things stands undeterred – our ability to empathize with those in need.

Irrespective of our political leanings or the caveats of our social circumstance, the heart always retains its capacity to remain open.

When our eyes are visited with the suffering of another, we feel its expanse as the awareness once locked within self suddenly shifts. In this moment, the boundaries of our existence transition and our understanding of ‘I’ begins to grow.

Some may argue that we survive only through ruthless posturing and the actions which place us in a superior position. Though, I would contend the contrary to be true.

I believe the heart craves human connection. Even with all its messiness and complexity, that connection is imperative to the continuance of life on this plane of existence.

Because a heart absent emotion can not thrive; and a spirit absent service will surely die.

Ram Dass once wrote that love is a tall order for those oppressed by dark shadows. Having said that, how else might we effect a more kind and loving society if we are unwilling to tackle this darkness in others?

I believe there to be just one answer – we can’t. Though, what do you think my loves?

In peace…

Namaste ❤

To Stand as Witness.

“Everything changes,” writes Ram Dass, “once we identify with being the witness to the story, instead of the actor in it.”

Yet, true observation can prove a difficult task as mind taxes spirit with the need to understand. We may a muse a bit with wonderment, though inevitably we’ll contemplate our place amongst this greater order of things.

But for a few fleeting moments where we find ourselves captivated by the depth of blue in an endless sky. Or, a child’s laughter lifting the burdens of day. Only then, may we finally begin to understand – the joy of standing witness to our own story’s unfolding.

Is it the need to explore which drives us? As a child, I’d spend hours looking for the perfect patch of ‘boot crunching’ ice – about a quarter inch over shallow puddle. But when I found it? Oh – that was bliss! The sound it delivered as the top crumpled in.

As children, we understand what it means to be enriched by observation. So much so, it compels our daily focus.

So, what has changed, my loves outside this passing of time? Are we not the same bundling of effervescent light? Radiating this blessing of Divine-gifted right? Bound by only role – to be inspired by greatness.

And, when we finally realize – my darlings, everything changes.

In peace…

Namaste ❤️

Loving What Remains.

I believe it was Ram Dass who once said that in order to know true freedom, we must never avert our eyes from our own humanity.

For, in looking to others, we recognize an aspect of self once presumed ‘healed’. We see our failings, and we see our glory; though, mostly we see what’s ‘real’.

We see the struggle of soul against an unrelenting fear.

We see our past transgressions in a growing wake of shame.

And, when our knees buckle under unbearable suffering – do we see our weakness, or our resilience?

Is there any wonder why most will look away? Too timid to face the story time has created.

But, that’s the good stuff – isn’t it? To embrace with equanimity all these aspects within?

For within each fear, our resilience grows. And, these tests of morality? A deepened compassion.

So easily inclined to coax the loss, though – what has been gained? Do we avert our eyes before seeing what remains?

For that which remains is always the ‘much greater still’; an understanding that we must break in order to be revealed.

In peace…

Namaste ❤️

This Space Between.

Ram Dass once spoke of two types of fear associated with change.

The first is that of clinging. Like a climber ascending the face of a mountain – reaching for, and having faith, in that very next hold. We must let go in order to rise. Though all too often, there is a sense of urgency – to grasp that which is already known.

The second is that of longing; of leaving behind the expansiveness of ‘view.’ As the climber descends, he or she may experience a sense of loss and limitation; reinforced through their self-made fortifications.

It’s a perfect analogy to describe our own ‘ascension’. As we drift between these planes of consciousness, we begin to discover our own self-truth.

And in that process, we may experience fear, sadness and regret – as the boundaries of this human form are shattered to accommodate this knowing of who we might come to be.

Though, we alone must make that choice; to sit idly by or reach for freedom.

A little something to consider, my loves ~

In peace…

Namaste ❤️