Reflection for July 28, 2010

I remember taking up meditation in a formal way when I found I was unable to watch a sunset. Looking out over the interminable blue and gold interior of Queensland with the last parrots sweeping home, I could assess, comment, have opinions, but was unable to let the landscape and the vanishing light simply act upon me; my disorderly awareness deprived me in the midst of plenty...Meditation then is a fasting of the heart in which, for a time we do not go with our wanting and our fear. We cease to attach so strongly to the things of our lives. This is not because they lack worth, but because, when we are full of them, there is too little of us; we cannot discriminate between things, or love them enough.

The Light Inside the Dark--Zen, Soul, and the Spiritual Life
by John Tarrant

Reflection for July 21, 2010

I AM that I AM

Reflection for July 14, 2010

Reflection for July 7, 2010

LESSONS FROM GEESE - BY MILTON OLSON

1. As each bird flaps its wings, it creates an "uplift" for the bird following. By flying in "V" formation, the whole flock adds 7% greater flying range than if the bird flew alone.

LESSON: People who share a common direction and sense of community can get where they are going quicker and easier because they are traveling on the thrust of one another.

2. Whenever a goose falls out of formation it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of trying to fly alone and quickly gets back into formation to take advantage of the "lifting power" of the bird immediately in front.

LESSON: If we have as much sense as a goose, we will stay in formation with those who are headed where we want to go and be willing to accept their help as well as give ours to others.

3. When the lead goose gets tired, it rotates back into the formation and another goose flies at the point position.

LESSON: It pays to take turns doing the hard tasks and sharing leadership. With people, as well as geese. we are interdependent on each other.

4. The geese in formation honk from behind to encourage those up front to keep up their speed.

LESSON: We need to make sure our honking from behind is encouraging and not something else.

5. When a goose gets sick or wounded or shot down, two geese drop out of formation and follow it down to help and protect it. They stay with it until it is able to fly again or dies.

LESSON: If we have as much sense as geese, we too will stand by each other in difficult times as well as when we are strong.

Reflection for June 30, 2010