If there is one thing India teaches a person, it is how little control one has over life. In India, the gods laugh at people who make plans. And I have to admit, I’m one of those people. I have an ongoing love affair with the illusion of control, and planning plays a large role […]
The Best Laid Plans Read More »
There I was through unexpected circumstances sitting in a small airport in India facing a security policeman. He had a rifle strapped across his chest and a contented, welcoming smile. In broken English (much more advanced than my three words of Hindi) he was trying to find out why I was there. After that got
A Rifle, A Smile, and some Words Read More »
It is the day before the auspicious dip into the Ganges River. Allahabad is electric with excitement. More people than the human mind can comprehend are gathered to participate. It is a cacophony of sound; loud speakers everywhere amplifying chants to the divine. It is the sound of hope and anticipation. It is an acknowledgement
In less than a week I will begin my two month stay in India. I will be one of 100 million people who gather for the largest religious festival known, the Kumbha Mela. What is it that draws that many people to one place at a certain time? Is it hope, hunger, curiosity, adventure… Who
As the New Year approaches, I have found myself captivated by a phrase from the poet Rilke. It goes like this: You, sent out beyond your recall, go to the limits of your longing. Embody me. Flare up like flame and make big shadows I can move in. It is too easy to approach the
Fourth in a 4-part series. Divine: At some point in our meditation practice – maybe today, maybe another life time- we will climb fully into the arms of the divine and take up permanent residence there. Until that time we will get momentary glimpses of this divine light whose very essence is love- whose very
Meditation and Rabbit Holes; Part 4: Divine Read More »
Third in a 4-part series. Dragons: Somewhere between our ego self and our divine self sits a vast field of unpleasantness. This unpleasantness is made up of our grief, shame, regrets, resentments, lack….you name it; it is probably there. I used to call these crud bubbles, but I think of them more as fiery dragons.
Meditation and Rabbit Holes; Part 3: Dragons Read More »
Second in a 4-part series. Delight: Along the way of our practice stillness finds us. We feel it descend like a cool breeze on a hot sunny day. Our body relaxes, our mind and emotions take a time out, and to our own surprise, we are experiencing the sweet taste of stillness. I find this
Meditation and Rabbit Holes; Part 2: Delight Read More »
