Some people live closely guarded lives, fearful of encountering someone or something that might shatter their insecure spiritual foundation. This attitude, however, is not the fault of religion but of their own limited understanding. True Dharma leads in exactly the opposite direction. It enables one to integrate all the many diverse experiences of life into a meaningful and coherent whole, thereby banishing fear and insecurity completely.
-Lama Thubten Yeshe, "Wisdom Energy"
I am becoming more and more secure in my identity as a Buddhist. For the first time in my spiritual life I'm not afraid or insecure. I feel empowered by my spirituality. I'm working on being more open with this revelation. I'm still fearful of the judgment of others. There are some harsh views of difference here in the south. I want to believe that the ones I love and that love me aren't in that category. I'm working on it.
Showing posts with label Meditations. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Meditations. Show all posts
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
I bet he picked out his clothes the night before...
So today the Barack Obama was inaugurated as the 44th president of the United States. I've felt nervous for him all day. Listening to the coverage on NPR this morning didn't help. I felt like it was the first day of school. Did he lay out his clothes the night before? Did he wake up before his alarm went of and lay there and think about the day? Did he hold his schedule in his sweaty hands all day crossing off each event until he took the oath of office?
I just kept thinking about what it would have been like to be there in D.C. to witness such an event. Listening to the media countdown for the last couple of weeks and all of the MLK Jr. coverage yesterday really brought it home. Although this is an "historic inauguration", I don't remember ever being wrapped up in it like I was this year. That is probably because I've never cared enough or really participated in the process like I did for this election. I want Obama to prove all of the loud mouths wrong so I can walk tall in OKC. I want him to live up to the expectations that he has set for himself. I have faith that he can do it, but it still makes me nervous.
I do find the historical significance of this inauguration interesting. Think of all the different meaning it holds to the different generations. Many of the major players of the civil rights movement are in their late 70s early 80s...think of what this means for them, everything they have fought for and lived through. And in the opposite think of what it means to the people of that same vintage that were in opposition of equal rights.
Obama ran such a grass roots campaign, sweeping up the young vote in almost a cult like fashion. For many young voters this was the first time that they ever exercised their right to vote. And it really counted...it made a difference...it made history. I hope that the youth involvement and this outcome inspired this generation to stay involved and keep up with Obama's policy in the upcoming years. We do have the power to keep him honest on some of the promises that were made during his campaign. And we are the next generation of law makers. The college graduates of this decade will most likely include the next round of legislators for our children.
And then there are the children of 2009 who many of the upcoming policy changes and legislation will directly affect their lives as they grow up. Just like the children who were born and grew up during the years at the end of and after the Great Depression. They don't have a say, but we do and we have a responsibility to them and their future. Obama has made statements to this affect. He is directly responsible to his own daughters who fall into this category.
The times are a changin' people. I just hope that we are willing to embrace the change. The first day of school is always exciting and overwhelming. Maybe it would be a good idea for Obama to pick out his clothes for the next 100 days.
I just kept thinking about what it would have been like to be there in D.C. to witness such an event. Listening to the media countdown for the last couple of weeks and all of the MLK Jr. coverage yesterday really brought it home. Although this is an "historic inauguration", I don't remember ever being wrapped up in it like I was this year. That is probably because I've never cared enough or really participated in the process like I did for this election. I want Obama to prove all of the loud mouths wrong so I can walk tall in OKC. I want him to live up to the expectations that he has set for himself. I have faith that he can do it, but it still makes me nervous.
I do find the historical significance of this inauguration interesting. Think of all the different meaning it holds to the different generations. Many of the major players of the civil rights movement are in their late 70s early 80s...think of what this means for them, everything they have fought for and lived through. And in the opposite think of what it means to the people of that same vintage that were in opposition of equal rights.
Obama ran such a grass roots campaign, sweeping up the young vote in almost a cult like fashion. For many young voters this was the first time that they ever exercised their right to vote. And it really counted...it made a difference...it made history. I hope that the youth involvement and this outcome inspired this generation to stay involved and keep up with Obama's policy in the upcoming years. We do have the power to keep him honest on some of the promises that were made during his campaign. And we are the next generation of law makers. The college graduates of this decade will most likely include the next round of legislators for our children.
And then there are the children of 2009 who many of the upcoming policy changes and legislation will directly affect their lives as they grow up. Just like the children who were born and grew up during the years at the end of and after the Great Depression. They don't have a say, but we do and we have a responsibility to them and their future. Obama has made statements to this affect. He is directly responsible to his own daughters who fall into this category.
The times are a changin' people. I just hope that we are willing to embrace the change. The first day of school is always exciting and overwhelming. Maybe it would be a good idea for Obama to pick out his clothes for the next 100 days.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Amen!
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=99311912 ~listen to me!
I don't know if anyone heard this interview on NPR on Tuesday with Gene Robinson, the Episcopal bishop that will give the invocation at the opening events of Obama's inauguration on Sunday, but it had me talking to the radio and nodding my head in agreement. I'm sure there are alot of "angry" religious types out there reacting to this interview and Bishop Robinson's selection. But to them I channel Yomama and say ~ GET OVER YOURSELF!
All public prayers should address "the God of our many understandings". I'm glad that Obama & his team are setting this precedent early. I will certainly make an effort to hear the invocation on Sunday.
And now a reflection from Mr. Lama~
Now, there are many, many people in the world, but relatively few with whom we interact, and even fewer who cause us problems. So, when you come across such a chance for practicing patience and tolerance, you should treat it with gratitude. It is rare. Just as having unexpectedly found a treasure in your own house, you should be happy and grateful to your enemy for providing that precious opportunity.-His Holiness the Dalai Lama
I don't know if anyone heard this interview on NPR on Tuesday with Gene Robinson, the Episcopal bishop that will give the invocation at the opening events of Obama's inauguration on Sunday, but it had me talking to the radio and nodding my head in agreement. I'm sure there are alot of "angry" religious types out there reacting to this interview and Bishop Robinson's selection. But to them I channel Yomama and say ~ GET OVER YOURSELF!
All public prayers should address "the God of our many understandings". I'm glad that Obama & his team are setting this precedent early. I will certainly make an effort to hear the invocation on Sunday.
And now a reflection from Mr. Lama~
Now, there are many, many people in the world, but relatively few with whom we interact, and even fewer who cause us problems. So, when you come across such a chance for practicing patience and tolerance, you should treat it with gratitude. It is rare. Just as having unexpectedly found a treasure in your own house, you should be happy and grateful to your enemy for providing that precious opportunity.-His Holiness the Dalai Lama
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Meditation
Happiness and suffering come from your own mind, not from outside. Your own mind is the cause of happiness; your own mind is the cause of suffering. To obtain happiness and pacify suffering, you have to work within your own mind.
-Lama Zopa Rinpoche, "The Door To Satisfaction
This is an interesting thought isn't it? I truly believe it though. Most of the "problems" we face in life are a series of poor reactions or poor decisions that we have made. We do it to ourselves and we are the only ones who can change it.
I wish that I could wear a saying like this on a shirt and wear that shirt all the time! The delusion that so many people live in is baffling. Truly. Not that I'm claiming to be above it all or anything. I have my days. But when I spend a day in Woe is Me Town I often look back at it and feel sad that I wasted that time being mopey. Every day is a gift. Why waste it being sad or mad? For Realz!
That's all the deep thinking I have for the day.
On a side note: I finished New Moon last night. MMMM...SO GOOD! On to Persig. From Fictional Vampire romance to Buddhist Philosophy. I'll call it eclectic.
-Lama Zopa Rinpoche, "The Door To Satisfaction
This is an interesting thought isn't it? I truly believe it though. Most of the "problems" we face in life are a series of poor reactions or poor decisions that we have made. We do it to ourselves and we are the only ones who can change it.
I wish that I could wear a saying like this on a shirt and wear that shirt all the time! The delusion that so many people live in is baffling. Truly. Not that I'm claiming to be above it all or anything. I have my days. But when I spend a day in Woe is Me Town I often look back at it and feel sad that I wasted that time being mopey. Every day is a gift. Why waste it being sad or mad? For Realz!
That's all the deep thinking I have for the day.
On a side note: I finished New Moon last night. MMMM...SO GOOD! On to Persig. From Fictional Vampire romance to Buddhist Philosophy. I'll call it eclectic.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
NaBloPoMo - Day 13 and #1 - Be faith filled
Sakka asked the Buddha: "Do different religious teachers head for the same goal or practice the same disciplines or aspire to the same thing?"
"No, Sakka, they do not. And why? This world is made up of myriad different states of being, and people adhere to one or another of these states and become tenaciously possessive of them, saying, 'This alone is true, everything else is false.' It is like a territory that they believe is theirs. So all religious teachers do not teach the same goal or the same discipline, nor do they aspire to the same thing."But if you find truth in any religion or philosophy, then accept that truth without prejudice."-Digha Nikaya
From "The Pocket Buddha Reader," edited by Anne Bancroft, 2000. Reprinted by arrangement with Shambhala Publications, Boston, http://www.shambhala.com/.
"No, Sakka, they do not. And why? This world is made up of myriad different states of being, and people adhere to one or another of these states and become tenaciously possessive of them, saying, 'This alone is true, everything else is false.' It is like a territory that they believe is theirs. So all religious teachers do not teach the same goal or the same discipline, nor do they aspire to the same thing."But if you find truth in any religion or philosophy, then accept that truth without prejudice."-Digha Nikaya
From "The Pocket Buddha Reader," edited by Anne Bancroft, 2000. Reprinted by arrangement with Shambhala Publications, Boston, http://www.shambhala.com/.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
NaBloPoMo Day 5
"No one saves us but ourselves. No one can and no one may. We ourselves must walk the path"
Buddha
So much has happened in the last 24 hours and I don't really want to talk about it. I'm tired of talking and listening to politics and what everyone thinks and accuses. It is over...or rather it has just begun. As proud as I am about the major decision that has been made I am sad and deeply offended by others. But I can only control my own actions, thoughts, and words. All I can do is rally the troops and provide love, support, and a non-judgemental ear for my loved ones. Because no matter what you believe, what you do, what "happens" to you I will not judge...I will only love.
All day today I have been praying for some guidance for my feelings. All I want to do is go work out. Get on the tread mill and turn into my thoughts and meditate. I have never wanted to do this in the past. I always wanted to talk it out and pass on my stress to others. I would get so worked up over things that I would get sick. But now I almost feel calmer in the face of these issues instead of anxious. It is amazing what a little enlightenment can do for a girl.
So here are some meditations from Buddha that have come to mind for the day:
"You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection"
"Three things can not be long hidden: the sun, the moon, and the truth."
"There is nothing more dreadful than the habit of doubt. Doubt separates people. It is a poison that disintegrates friendships and breaks up pleasant relations. It is a thorn that irritates and hurts; it is a sword that kills."
Buddha
So much has happened in the last 24 hours and I don't really want to talk about it. I'm tired of talking and listening to politics and what everyone thinks and accuses. It is over...or rather it has just begun. As proud as I am about the major decision that has been made I am sad and deeply offended by others. But I can only control my own actions, thoughts, and words. All I can do is rally the troops and provide love, support, and a non-judgemental ear for my loved ones. Because no matter what you believe, what you do, what "happens" to you I will not judge...I will only love.
All day today I have been praying for some guidance for my feelings. All I want to do is go work out. Get on the tread mill and turn into my thoughts and meditate. I have never wanted to do this in the past. I always wanted to talk it out and pass on my stress to others. I would get so worked up over things that I would get sick. But now I almost feel calmer in the face of these issues instead of anxious. It is amazing what a little enlightenment can do for a girl.
So here are some meditations from Buddha that have come to mind for the day:
"You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection"
"Three things can not be long hidden: the sun, the moon, and the truth."
"There is nothing more dreadful than the habit of doubt. Doubt separates people. It is a poison that disintegrates friendships and breaks up pleasant relations. It is a thorn that irritates and hurts; it is a sword that kills."
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
NaBloPoMo - Day 4, Daily Meditation
Never give up
No matter what is going on
Never give up
Develop the heart
Too much energy in your country is spent
Developing the mind instead of the heart.
Be compassionate not just to your friends but to everyone
Be compassionate.
Work for peace in your heart and in the world.
Work for peace and I say again
Never give up.
No matter what is happening,
No matter what is going on around you,
Never give up.
-His Holiness the Dalai Lama
No matter what is going on
Never give up
Develop the heart
Too much energy in your country is spent
Developing the mind instead of the heart.
Be compassionate not just to your friends but to everyone
Be compassionate.
Work for peace in your heart and in the world.
Work for peace and I say again
Never give up.
No matter what is happening,
No matter what is going on around you,
Never give up.
-His Holiness the Dalai Lama
Go Vote!
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
the best thing about...
The best thing about being a singer is having the songs I'm learning stuck in my head. Some people might be annoyed by it, but I really enjoy it. At any given point in the day I could be humming Carmina Burana or one of the 10 songs I'm rehearsing for my recital or, thanks to Canterbury, Christmas music. I'm not enjoying having a Musicological Journey through the 12 Days of Christmas running through my head. But I must admit it is one of the most clever (cleverist?) Christmas songs I've ever heard.
Here are some samples of what I'm humming this week...
http://http://favtape.com/artist/the+journey+through/play/UNi_Varsity_Men%27s_Glee_Club/Musicological_Journey_through_the_Twelve_Days_of_Christmas
Rene sings Beau Soir...although not my favorite version I think the slide show is funny.
Enjoy!
Here are some samples of what I'm humming this week...
http://http://favtape.com/artist/the+journey+through/play/UNi_Varsity_Men%27s_Glee_Club/Musicological_Journey_through_the_Twelve_Days_of_Christmas
Rene sings Beau Soir...although not my favorite version I think the slide show is funny.
Enjoy!
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Because ME told me to...
Overcome your uncertainties and free yourself from dwelling on sorrow. If you delight in existence, you will become a guide to those who need you, revealing the path to many.
-Sutta Nipata
The phase of life that comes after undergrad is really hard. People deal with it in different ways. Some go straight into graduate programs, some get married, some bum around with non-career oriented jobs, some move back home, some start a career that they have wanted to do for their whole lives and it turns out to be nothing like they expected. No matter what, people in this age group are usually just a clueless about what they want to do as they were when they were choosing which college to go to when they were seniors in high school. I still think it is ridiculous that we are forced to choose a degree/career plan when we are a mere 19 or 20 years old. I find that a lot of people work or have made careers in field unrelated to their degrees. I chose to get a business degree because it was so broad…but that’s a problem too now isn’t it. I’m 25 and I still change my mind every month. Although now I’m down to the same one or two options instead of the idea that I can do anything I want. Why can’t someone just tell me what to do?!?!
And then yesterday someone did tell me what to do. That person was ME! I’ve decided that I will not be afraid and I will just go for it. I’m just going to pick one and go. I love my accidental job that I’m doing now. It is wonderful how it has all just happened with little to no effort on my part to control everything around me. I am so grateful that I am where I am because if I hadn’t ended up here, working with the people I’m working with, I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to realize that I am much smarter and capable that I ever gave myself credit for. If I hadn’t taken these 2 ½ years to work I might have rushed into something that would have led me in circles. SO, big change ahead people! I’m sure you are wondering “what big change?! Tell me, tell me!” But Me told me something else yesterday, don’t tell anyone (except Tim) what the plan is. I tend to talk and talk and talk about what I want to do. Often leading to unrealistic expectations about my plans and doubt cast on me from others that think I’m just talking again. So I’m sorry I won’t be revealing anything just yet. Although I will be keeping track of my progress here so maybe in a couple of months you will be able to guess. And no we are not having a baby.
Thanks for all your love and support, all 3 of you that read this blog.
I couldn’t have stood up to myself with out you!
-Sutta Nipata
The phase of life that comes after undergrad is really hard. People deal with it in different ways. Some go straight into graduate programs, some get married, some bum around with non-career oriented jobs, some move back home, some start a career that they have wanted to do for their whole lives and it turns out to be nothing like they expected. No matter what, people in this age group are usually just a clueless about what they want to do as they were when they were choosing which college to go to when they were seniors in high school. I still think it is ridiculous that we are forced to choose a degree/career plan when we are a mere 19 or 20 years old. I find that a lot of people work or have made careers in field unrelated to their degrees. I chose to get a business degree because it was so broad…but that’s a problem too now isn’t it. I’m 25 and I still change my mind every month. Although now I’m down to the same one or two options instead of the idea that I can do anything I want. Why can’t someone just tell me what to do?!?!
And then yesterday someone did tell me what to do. That person was ME! I’ve decided that I will not be afraid and I will just go for it. I’m just going to pick one and go. I love my accidental job that I’m doing now. It is wonderful how it has all just happened with little to no effort on my part to control everything around me. I am so grateful that I am where I am because if I hadn’t ended up here, working with the people I’m working with, I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to realize that I am much smarter and capable that I ever gave myself credit for. If I hadn’t taken these 2 ½ years to work I might have rushed into something that would have led me in circles. SO, big change ahead people! I’m sure you are wondering “what big change?! Tell me, tell me!” But Me told me something else yesterday, don’t tell anyone (except Tim) what the plan is. I tend to talk and talk and talk about what I want to do. Often leading to unrealistic expectations about my plans and doubt cast on me from others that think I’m just talking again. So I’m sorry I won’t be revealing anything just yet. Although I will be keeping track of my progress here so maybe in a couple of months you will be able to guess. And no we are not having a baby.
Thanks for all your love and support, all 3 of you that read this blog.
I couldn’t have stood up to myself with out you!
Friday, October 3, 2008
If only...
Today it was 59 degrees when I walked out of my apartment to go to work. Standing outside my door trying to lock it i realized how stuffy the air in our apartment is. I started dreaming right then and there about what I would do today if I didn't have to go to work.
I would stay home with all the windows open wrapped up in my new comforter and read or sleep till lunch. Then I would make a wonderful black bean and chicken stew with organic/gluten free cornbread and eat till I was full. Then I would watch a couple of hours of DVR television, play with the bunny, then when it has warmed up to a delicious 85 degrees around 3pm I would drive to the lake and run until I could no longer move my legs. I would go home and take a long shower and await my wonderful husband's return from work.
And just as I was opening the door to greet Tim at the end of the day...I pulled into the parking lot at work. So here I am remembering the glorious day that I wish I were having...
I would stay home with all the windows open wrapped up in my new comforter and read or sleep till lunch. Then I would make a wonderful black bean and chicken stew with organic/gluten free cornbread and eat till I was full. Then I would watch a couple of hours of DVR television, play with the bunny, then when it has warmed up to a delicious 85 degrees around 3pm I would drive to the lake and run until I could no longer move my legs. I would go home and take a long shower and await my wonderful husband's return from work.
And just as I was opening the door to greet Tim at the end of the day...I pulled into the parking lot at work. So here I am remembering the glorious day that I wish I were having...
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Daily Meditation
If we divide into two camps--even into violent and the nonviolent--and stand in one camp while attacking the other, the world will never have peace. We will always blame and condemn those we feel are responsible for wars and social injustice, without recognizing the degree of violence within ourselves. We must work on ourselves and also with those we condemn if we want to have a real impact.
-Ayya Khema, "Be An Island"
I blog…I’m a blogger…I am blogging…
This is my 4th attempt at maintaining a blog. But this time it is really different. I actually think about it all the time. When I am driving, walking, sitting, breathing, I am so much more aware of my surroundings because you never know when something interesting or hilarious might happen that you can write about. As silly as it sounds trying to really keep up with this blog has forced me to be aware, to be present. This is partly inspired by my new found spirituality and the book I’m reading. Being aware of myself and my surroundings at all times has cut down on my negative “stinky thinking” and calmed down that internal monologue that we all have. I feel like I’m really living my life. Enjoying it. The mind is such a powerful thing and just like all powerful things it needs some controls. Exercise and sleep and journaling have become my controls. I acknowledge what is happening or what I’m feeling and then let it go. Like a balloon into the sky. The real trick is getting the balloons off the chair they are tied to...geez these knots are small...
-Ayya Khema, "Be An Island"
I blog…I’m a blogger…I am blogging…
This is my 4th attempt at maintaining a blog. But this time it is really different. I actually think about it all the time. When I am driving, walking, sitting, breathing, I am so much more aware of my surroundings because you never know when something interesting or hilarious might happen that you can write about. As silly as it sounds trying to really keep up with this blog has forced me to be aware, to be present. This is partly inspired by my new found spirituality and the book I’m reading. Being aware of myself and my surroundings at all times has cut down on my negative “stinky thinking” and calmed down that internal monologue that we all have. I feel like I’m really living my life. Enjoying it. The mind is such a powerful thing and just like all powerful things it needs some controls. Exercise and sleep and journaling have become my controls. I acknowledge what is happening or what I’m feeling and then let it go. Like a balloon into the sky. The real trick is getting the balloons off the chair they are tied to...geez these knots are small...
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Daily Meditation
Let your love flow outward through the universe, To its height, its depth, its broad extent, A limitless love, without hatred or enmity. Then as you stand or walk, Sit or lie down, As long as you are awake, Strive for this with a one-pointed mind; Your life will bring heaven to earth. - Sutta Nipata
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Meditation
Materialistic knowledge can only provide a type of happiness that is dependent upon physical conditions. It cannot provide happiness that springs from inner development. -His Holiness the Dalai Lama
Does that mean I shouldn't go rescue those fab peep toed platform slingbacks from Nine West?
I think if I rescue them it would kind of be like community service...that would lead to inner development. In that case...off to the mall I go!
::EDIT::
Went to the mall to buy these and they didn't have my size...of course. I'll just have to order them online. boo!
So I went to Victoria's Secret and bought undies instead.
Does that mean I shouldn't go rescue those fab peep toed platform slingbacks from Nine West?
I think if I rescue them it would kind of be like community service...that would lead to inner development. In that case...off to the mall I go!
::EDIT::
Went to the mall to buy these and they didn't have my size...of course. I'll just have to order them online. boo!
So I went to Victoria's Secret and bought undies instead.
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