Too long without meditation sends me into the hell of self-absorption, and thus separation, where resides the longing for death (not bodily, but the escape from acute soul misery). And why wouldn’t it? My world without the conscious presence of the peace that is the essence of the universe, even just the tiny bit I’m
In response to the recent obituary of a well-regarded public figure, published comments included, as you might expect, many effusive statements of praise for the deceased. A few went so far as to call him “a great man.” I’m sure I’ve seen or heard that remark countless times. In fact, I recall my sister using
What is life’s second most important question? The one that comes after “Who am I?” I play these games with myself as a way of exploring what’s going on at the deepest level I can think of. It’s a source of endless amusement. The thing is, I do have an answer. Whether it remains my
From my teens until I got sober at 45, no mantra defined my life more than “Nothing is too intense for me.” Ironically, it still does, though the meaning under it has changed quite a bit in 30 years, thank goodness. Back then it was a boast, an immature attempt to manage tremendous pain. What
It would seem that, quite possibly, the ultimate measure of health in any community might well reside in our ability to stand in awe at what folks have to carry rather than in judgment of how they carry it. Greg Boyle, Jesuit priest, founder of Homeboy Industries When I consider my life from this
Swami Rama is a kindred soul for those of us on the spiritual joyride. In one of his books, “Living With the Himalayan Masters,” he tells the story of a swami of his acquaintance. The swami’s disciples felt he was very ill, so much so that death might very well be imminent. They asked Swami
It sounds funny, but among the keys to true happiness is despair. By despair I mean experiencing deeply the pain of choices we make that are harmful to ourselves and others. Choices of belief. Choices of rationalization. Choices of denial. Choices of judgment. Any choice of us and them. When we touch the core disharmony
“To thine own self be true.” Now that’s useful advice, even if it is impossible to follow. At least it’s impossible for me, because I don’t know who my “own self” is. Fortunately, my lack of understanding doesn’t get in the way of a rewarding life. I can tell you all sorts of things