Sadie's Blog - One Fool's Journey

The Foul Weather Friend

2007-04-07T10:31:00.000-07:00

We're taught when we're young to beware the Fair Weather Friend. The friend who likes you when you get your allowance, but ignores you when it's gone. The "friend" who didn't know you existed 'til you got your first car, but then suddenly was in your orbit as tightly as any planet around the sun.

But there's someone more insidious. I've known this person before, but as I get older, this person vexes me more than ever.

That's the Foul Weather Friend. When your life is in the toilet, this person shows compassion, love, etc. So you're lulled into thinking that you have a support system. You are loved. Anyone who could love you when your life is shit must be a great friend indeed.

And you reach a breaking point. Those times in life when you realize that you must make major changes or accept your status as weak and lost. You choke down the self-pity and you get to work. You start fixing what's broken. It's hard.

At first it's all good. People smile and tell you how great you're doing. Then comes the realization that you might actually succeed. And many of those who you thought loved you start to do little things to sabotage your efforts. They try to undermine your determination.

I can only guess at the motivations in these people. Jealousy would be one. Perhaps the fear that you won't love them anymore if you succeed in fixing what's broken in you.

I do know for sure that you must beware these friends at least as diligently, if not more, than the Fair Weather variety. Fair Weather is easy to figure out: People want to hang out w/the popular, the affluent, the beautiful, etc.

So, when you find yourself on a journey, and the sun is starting to shine just a little more brightly than it did before, and someone who professes to love you mars that sunshine, remember the Foul Weather friend - an insipid evil creep who wants you to lose.

Do the journey, baby, and lose the creep.

Peace.

Freaks

2006-10-16T10:57:00.000-07:00

"Freaks was a thing I photographed a lot ... it had a terrific kind of excitement for me... Most people go through life dreading they'll have a traumatic experience. Freaks are born with their trauma. They've already passed it. They're aristocrats". -Diane Arbus

And They All Look Just the Same

2006-09-19T08:20:00.000-07:00

Little Boxes
by Malvina Reynolds

Little boxes on the hillside,
Little boxes made of ticky-tacky,
Little boxes, little boxes,
Little boxes, all the same.
There's a green one and a pink one
And a blue one and a yellow one
And they're all made out of ticky-tacky
And they all look just the same.

And the people in the houses
All go to the university,
And they all get put in boxes,
Little boxes, all the same.
And there's doctors and there's lawyers
And business executives,
And they're all made out of ticky-tacky
And they all look just the same.

And they all play on the golf-course,
And drink their Martini dry,
And they all have pretty children,
And the children go to school.
And the children go to summer camp
And then to the university,
And they all get put in boxes
And they all come out the same.

And the boys go into business,
And marry, and raise a family,
And they all get put in boxes,
Little boxes, all the same.
There's a green one and a pink one
And a blue one and a yellow one
And they're all made out of ticky-tacky
And they all look just the same.

Give Yourself a Present Every Day

2006-08-30T11:29:00.000-07:00

Over a decade ago, there was an awesome TV show called Twin Peaks.

Some sage advice from its main character Special Agent Dale Cooper:

"Harry, I'm gonna let you in on a little secret. Every day, once a day, give yourself a present. Don't plan it, don't wait for it, just let it happen. Could be a new shirt at the men's store, a catnap in your office chair, or two cups of good, hot, black coffee."

My favorite darkest roast bean ground to almost powder then made into coffee in my French Press is about the best coffee in the world to me.

Today, that's my gift to me.

It's a good idea.

Peace.

The wise don't strive to arrive.

2006-08-24T07:17:00.000-07:00

Zen Master Shunryu Suzuki says, "What is more important, to make a million dollars, or enjoy your effort, little by little, even though it is impossible to make that million? To be successful, or to find some meaning in your efforts to succeed?"

We should give up goal orientation and simply be. Life is not about getting somewhere in a hurry, but enjoying the journey to the full.

Source.

Maintaining Peace

2006-05-28T22:33:00.000-07:00

For Memorial Day

31. MAINTAINING PEACE

Weapons of war are instruments of fear,
and are abhorred by those who follow the Tao.
The leader who follows the natural way
does not abide them.
The warrior king leans to his right,
from whence there comes his generals' advice,
but the peaceful king looks to his left,
where sits his counsellor of peace.
When he looks to his left, it is a time of peace,
and when to the right, a time for sorrow.
Weapons of war are instruments of fear,
and are not favoured by the wise,
who use them only when there is no choice,
for peace and stillness are dear to their hearts,
and victory causes them no rejoicing.
To rejoice in victory is to delight in killing;
to delight in killing is to have no self-being.
The conduct of war is that of a funeral;
when people are killed, it is a time of mourning.
This is why even victorious battle
should be observed without rejoicing.

The Decay of Ethics

2006-05-14T18:18:00.000-07:00

18. THE DECAY OF ETHICS

When the way of the Tao is forgotten,
kindness and ethics need to be taught;
men learn to pretend to be wise and good.

All too often in the lives of men,
filial piety and devotion
arise only after conflict and strife,
just as loyal ministers all too often appear,
when the people are suppressed.

Leadership by Exception

2006-05-08T22:29:00.000-07:00

17. LEADERSHIP BY EXCEPTION

Man cannot comprehend the infinite;
only knowing that the best exists,
the second best is seen and praised,
and the next, despised and feared.

The sage does not expect that others
use his criteria as their own.

The existence of the leader who is wise
is barely known to those he leads.
He acts without unnecessary speech,
so that the people say,
"It happened of its own accord".

Returning to the Root

2006-05-02T15:53:00.000-07:00

16. RETURNING TO THE ROOT

It is only by means of being
that non-being may be found.

When society changes
from its natural state of flux,
to that which seems like chaos,
the inner world of the superior man
remains uncluttered and at peace.
By remaining still, his self detatched,
he aids society in its return
to the way of nature and of peace.
The value of his insight may be clearly seen
when chaos ceases.

Being one with the Tao is to be at peace,
and to be in conflict with it,
leads to chaos and dysfunction.

When the consistency of the Tao is known,
the mind is receptive to its states of change.

It is by being at one with the Tao,
that the sage holds no prejudice
against his fellow man.
If accepted as a leader of men,
he is held in high esteem.

Throughout his life,
both being and non-being,
the Tao protects him.

The Manifestation of the Tao in Man

2006-05-01T13:23:00.002-07:00

15. THE MANIFESTATION OF THE TAO IN MAN

The sage of old was profound and wise;
like a man at a ford, he took great care,
alert, perceptive and aware.

Desiring nothing for himself,
and having no desire
for change for its own sake,
his actions were difficult to understand.

Being watchful, he had no fear of danger;
being responsive, he had no need of fear.

He was courteous like a visiting guest,
and as yielding as the springtime ice.
Having no desires, he was untouched by craving.

Receptive and mysterious,
his knowledge was unfathomable,
causing others to think him hesitant.

Pure in heart, like uncut jade,
he cleared the muddy water
by leaving it alone.

By remaining calm and active,
the need for renewing is reduced.

Experiencing the Mystery

2006-04-28T23:25:00.000-07:00

14. EXPERIENCING THE MYSTERY

The Tao is abstract,
and therefore has no form,
it is neither bright in rising,
nor dark in sinking,
cannot be grasped, and makes no sound.

Without form or image, without existence,
the form of the formless, is beyond defining,
cannot be described,
and is beyond our understanding.
It cannot be called by any name.

Standing before it, it has no beginning;
even when followed, it has no end.
In the now, it exists; to the present apply it,
follow it well, and reach its beginning.

Sentimental Lady

2006-04-22T07:44:00.000-07:00

Performed by Fleetwood Mac
Written by Bob Welch

You are here and warm
But I could look away and you’d be gone
Cause we live in a time
When meaning falls in splinters from our lives
And that’s why I’ve travelled far
Cause I come so together where you are

And all of the things that I said that I wanted
Come rushing by in my head when I’m with you
14 joys and a will to be merry
And all of the things that we say are very
Sentimental gentle wind
Blowing through my life again
Sentimental lady
Gentle one

Now you are here today
But easily you might just go away
Cause we live in a time
When paintings have no color, words don’t rhyme
And that’s why I’ve travelled far
Cause I come so together where you are

And all of the things that I said that I wanted
Come rushing by in my head when I’m with you
14 joys and a will to be merry
And all of the things that we say are very
Sentimental gentle wind
Blowing through my life again
Sentimental lady
Gentle one

You are here and warm
But I could look away and you’d be gone
Cause we live in a time
When meaning falls in splinters from our lives
And that’s why I’ve travelled far
Cause I come so together where you are

Yes and all of the things that I said that I wanted
Come rushing by in my head when I’m with you
14 joys and a will to be merry
And all of the things that we say are very
Sentimental gentle wind
Blowing through my life again
Sentimental lady
Gentle one

Sentimental gentle wind
Blowing through my life again
Sentimental lady
Gentle one

Sentimental gentle wind
Blowing through my life again
Sentimental lady
Gentle one

The Wheel

2006-04-21T10:38:00.000-07:00

We each set our own path, but are also subject to the larger cycles of which we are all part.

Great luck.

A vision or realization that strikes with great force.

A change that brings great joy.

Fate, cyclicity, destiny, turning points, movement, personal vision.

Peace.

The images shown are from the following Tarot decks: Hanson-Roberts, Cosmic Tarot, Vampire Tarot, Witches Tarot, Robin Wood Tarot, Morgan-Greer Taro, Hudes Tarot, Tarot of the Moon Garden, The Rider Tarot Deck, Fantastical Tarot, Secret Tarot, African Tarot, and the Tarot of the Trance.

Mindfulness

2006-04-18T14:20:00.000-07:00

Some thoughts on Mindfulness from around the web and from me.

From Mindful Mornings:

Mindfulness is an ancient Buddhist practice that has little to do with Buddhism or being a Buddhist. It is the simple practice of bringing awareness and acceptance to our moment to moment experience which can help us develop calmness, resiliency, and a quality of peacefulness.

"It has to do with examining who we are, with questioning our view of the world and our place in it, and with cultivating some appreciation for the fullness of each moment we are alive. Most of all, it has to do with being in touch."

Mindfulness is about holding still long enough to be able to notice what's going on around and within us. It is about being in the present, paying attention to the now instead of rehashing the past or worrying about the future. It is about really living the experiences we're having now because "now" is the only place true happiness and joy reside.

From http://www.mindfulness.com/ :

Mindfulness or being mindful is being aware of your present moment. You are not judging, reflecting or thinking. You are simply observing the moment in which you find yourself. Moments are like a breath. Each breath is replaced by the next breath. You're there with no other purpose than being awake and aware of that moment.

From Wikipedia:

Mindfulness is the practice whereby a person is intentionally aware of his or her thoughts and actions in the present moment, non-judgmentally. Mindfulness is applied to both bodily actions and the mind's own thoughts and feelings.

From me:

In some ways, Mindfulness is what your mother meant when she admonished, "Pay attention to what you're doing."

It is doing the thing that you are doing with your whole self.

This may sound easy, but in our world where the ability to multi-task is often a desirable trait, it can be difficult to learn to just be and do what you are doing in any moment in time.

Sit for ten minutes and while you breathe in and out, only concentrate on your breaths. For some type-A personalities, simply finding ten minutes in a day in which one does "nothing" can be difficult.

Being mindful is difficult for me and I'm often thinking about what I'm going to do next - especially if I'm doing something boring or unfun. But even though I don't necessarily assign a word to every action, I have found that trying to be mindful is a good thing when doing chores I often feel are "beneath me" or are dreary.

Each day I do the dishes (once again I find myself temporarily w/out a dishwasher). I used to dread this chore. Standing in one place, rubbing ick off dishes, often in front of a window in the afternoon with the sun shining in my eyes - there's not much to like about doing dishes. But I've learned to think about dishes (and all "thankless" housework) in a different light. Those of us that keep the home clean and neat are doing good work. We keep the home comfortable and healthy for ourselves and the ones we love. I think of this when I am doing the dishes and it makes the time seem better spent than when I used to let my mind wander to things I'd rather be doing. I haven't learned to love doing the dishes. And it's hard to be mindful when cleaning a toilet. But these tasks are no longer things I dread.

Learning to be mindful about what I'm doing is one of the better things I do with my life. When I practice this, the thing I'm doing is always accomplished in a way that shows care and diligence. In this way, both the task and the journey to accomplish that task have meaning.

Oh, and I've learned to think of the cat box as a Zen garden with lumps.

Peace.

Once upon a time

2006-04-17T13:58:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time, I thought, "The spirit of a warrior and the soul of a poet."

I guess there comes an age where still looking for that makes one a silly old woman.

Peace.

Unmoved and Unmoving

2006-04-14T16:12:00.000-07:00

13. UNMOVED AND UNMOVING

The ordinary man seeks honour, not dishonour,
cherishing success and abominating failure,
loving life, whilst fearing death.
The sage does not recognise these things,
so lives his life quite simply.

The ordinary man seeks to make himself
the centre of his universe;
the universe of the sage is at his centre.
He loves the world, and thus remains unmoved
by things with which others are concerned.
He acts with humility, is neither moved nor moving,
and can therefore be trusted in caring for all things.

Like a broken gong

2006-04-11T11:39:00.000-07:00

Today's Daily Zen.

Like a broken gong
Be still, be silent.
Know the stillness of freedom
Where there is no more striving.

- Buddha in the Dhammapada

The Repression of Desires

2006-04-10T20:17:00.000-07:00

12. THE REPRESSION OF DESIRES

Through sight, the colours may be seen,
but too much colour blinds us.
Apprehending the tones of sound,
too much sound might make us deaf,
and too much flavour deadens taste.
When hunting for sport, and chasing for pleasure,
the mind easily becomes perplexed.
He who collects treasures for himself
more easily becomes anxious.

The wise person fulfills his needs,
rather than sensory temptations.

The Utility of Non-Existence

2006-04-07T07:41:00.000-07:00

11. THE UTILITY OF NON-EXISTENCE

Though thirty spokes may form the wheel,
it is the hole within the hub
which gives the wheel utility.

It is not the clay the potter throws,
which gives the pot its usefulness,
but the space within the shape,
from which the pot is made.

Without a door, the room cannot be entered,
and without windows it is dark.

Such is the utility of non-existence.

Cleaning the Dark Mirror

2006-04-02T22:25:00.000-07:00

10. CLEANING THE DARK MIRROR

Maintaining unity is virtuous,
for the inner world of thought is one
with the external world
of action and of things.

The sage avoids their separation,
by breathing as the sleeping babe,
and thus maintaining harmony.

He cleans the dark mirror of his mind,
so that it reflects without intent.
He conducts himself without contriving,
loving the people, and not interfering.

He cultivates without possessing,
thus providing nourishment,
he remains receptive
to changing needs,
and creates without desire.

By leading from behind,
attending to that
which must be done,
he is said to have attained
the mystic state.

Gathering firewood I enter mountain depths

2006-03-31T07:36:00.000-08:00

Today's Daily Zen:

Gathering firewood I enter mountain depths,
Mountain depths rising creek beyond creek
Choked with the timbers of bridges in ruin.
Vines tumble low, tangled over cragged paths,
And at dusk, scarce people grow scarcer still.
Mountain wind sweeping through simple robes,
My chant steady, I shoulder a light bundle,
Watch smoke drift across open country home.

- Meng Hao-jan (689-740 C.E.)

Without Extremes

2006-03-27T15:28:00.000-08:00

9. WITHOUT EXTREMES

The cup is easier to hold
when not filled to overflowing.

The blade is more effective
if not tempered beyond its mettle.

Gold and jade are easier to protect
if possessed in moderation.

He who seeks titles,
invites his own downfall.

The sage works quietly,
seeking neither praise nor fame;
completing what he does with natural ease,
and then retiring.
This is the way and nature of Tao.

The Way of the Water

2006-03-26T01:09:00.000-08:00

8. THE WAY OF WATER

Great good is said to be like water,
sustaining life with no conscious striving,
flowing naturally, providing nourishment,
found even in places
which desiring man rejects.

In this way
it is like the Tao itself.

Like water, the sage abides in a humble place;
in meditation, without desire;
in thoughtfulness, he is profound,
and in his dealings, kind.
In speech, sincerity guides the man of Tao,
and as a leader, he is just.
In management, competence is his aim,
and he ensures the pacing is correct.

Because he does not act for his own ends,
nor cause unnecessary conflict,
he is held to be correct
in his actions towards his fellow man.

Do not believe anything on the mere authority of teachers or priests

2006-03-24T10:01:00.000-08:00

Today's Daily Zen.

Do not believe anything on the mere authority of teachers or priests. Accept as true and as the guide to your life only that which accords with your own reason and experience, after thorough investigation. Accept only that which contributes to the well-being of yourself and others.

- Buddha

Cease practice based on intellectual understanding

2006-03-20T00:07:00.000-08:00

Yesterday's Daily Zen.

Cease practice based on intellectual understanding,
Pursuing words and following after speech,
And learn the backward step
That turns your light inward
To illuminate yourself.
Body and mind of themselves
Will drop away and your original face
Will be manifest.

- Dogen (1200-1253)

Sheathing the Light

2006-03-18T20:44:00.000-08:00

7. SHEATHING THE LIGHT

When living by the Tao,
awareness of self is not required,
for in this way of life, the self exists,
and is also non-existent,
being conceived of, not as an existentiality,
nor as non-existent.

The sage does not contrive to find his self,
for he knows that all which may be found of it,
is that which it manifests to sense and thought,
which side by side with self itself, is nought.

It is by sheathing intellect's bright light
that the sage remains at one with his own self,
ceasing to be aware of it, by placing it behind.

Detached, he is unified with his external world,
by being selfless he is fulfilled;
thus his selfhood is assured.

Living in the world

2006-03-17T11:16:00.000-08:00

Today's Daily Zen.

Living in the world,
Yet not clinging to or forming
Attachments for the dust of the world,
Is the way of a true Zen student.
Witnessing the good actions of another person,
Encourage yourself to follow their example.
Hearing of the mistaken action of another person,
Advise yourself not to emulate it.
Even though you are alone in a dark room
Conduct yourself as though you were facing a noble guest.

- Zen-Getsu

Completion

2006-03-16T02:41:00.000-08:00

6. COMPLETION

Like the sheltered, fertile valley,
the meditative mind is still,
yet retains its energy.

Since both energy and stillness,
of themselves, do not have form,
it is not through the senses
that they may be found,
nor understood by intellect alone,
although, in nature, both abound.

In the meditative state,
the mind ceases to differentiate
between existences,
and that which may or may not be.
It leaves them well alone,
for they exist,
not differentiated, but as one,
within the meditative mind.

Without Intention

2006-03-14T16:02:00.000-08:00

5. WITHOUT INTENTION

Nature acts without intent,
so cannot be described
as acting with benevolence,
nor malevolence to any thing.

In this respect, the Tao is just the same,
though in reality it should be said
that nature follows the rule of Tao.

Therefore, even when he seems to act
in manner kind or benevolent,
the sage is not acting with such intent,
for in conscious matters such as these,
he is amoral and indifferent.

The sage retains tranquility,
and is not by speech or thought disturbed,
and even less by action which is contrived.
His actions are spontaneous,
as are his deeds towards his fellow men.

By this means he is empty of desire,
and his energy is not drained from him.

The Unfathomable Tao

2006-03-11T23:13:00.000-08:00

4. THE UNFATHOMABLE TAO

It is the nature of the Tao,
that even though used continuously,
it is replenished naturally,
never being emptied,
and never being over-filled,
as is a goblet
which spills its contents
upon the ground.

The Tao therefore cannot be said
to waste its charge,
but constantly remains
a source of nourishment
for those who are not so full of self
as to be unable to partake of it.
When tempered beyond its natural state,
the finest blade will lose its edge.
Even the hardest tempered sword,
against water, is of no avail,
and will shatter if struck against a rock.
When untangled by a cutting edge,
the cord in little pieces lies,
and is of little use.

Just as the finest swordsmith
tempers the finest blade
with his experience,
so the sage, with wisdom, tempers intellect.
With patience, tangled cord may be undone,
and problems which seem insoluble, resolved.

With wise administrators, all can exist in unity,
each with the other,
because no man need feel that he exists,
only as the shadow of his brilliant brother.

Through conduct not contrived for gain,
awareness of the Tao may be maintained.
This is how its mysteries may be found.

Without Seeking Acclaim

2006-03-09T15:52:00.000-08:00

3. WITHOUT SEEKING ACCLAIM

By retaining his humility,
the talented person who is also wise,
reduces rivalry.

The person who possesses many things,
but does not boast of his possessions,
reduces temptation, and reduces stealing.

Those who are jealous of the skills or things
possessed by others,
most easily themselves become possessed by envy.

Satisfied with his possessions,
the sage eliminates the need to steal;
at one with the Tao,
he remains free of envy,
and has no need of titles.

By being supple, he retains his energy.
He minimizes his desires,
and does not train himself in guile,
nor subtle words of praise.
By not contriving, he retains
the harmony of his inner world,
and so remains at peace within himself.

It is for reasons such as these,
that an administration
which (word missing) with the welfare of those it serves,
does not encourage status
and titles to be sought,
nor encourage rivalry.

Ensuring a sufficiency for all,
helps in reducing discontent.

Administrators who are wise
do not seek honours for themselves,
nor act (word missing) towards the ones they serve.

Letting Go of Comparisons

2006-03-08T04:02:00.000-08:00

2. LETTING GO OF COMPARISONS

We cannot know the Tao itself,
nor see its qualities direct,
but only see by differentiation,
that which it manifests.

Thus, that which is seen as beautiful
is beautiful compared with that
which is seen as lacking beauty;
an action considered skilled
is so considered in comparison
with another, which seems unskilled.

That which a person knows he has
is known to him by that which he does not have,
and that which he considers difficult
seems so because of that which he can do with ease.
One thing seems long by comparison with that
which is, comparatively, short.
One thing is high because another thing is low;
only when sound ceases is quietness known,
and that which leads
is seen to lead only by being followed.
In comparison, the sage,
in harmony with the Tao,
needs no comparisons,
and when he makes them, knows
that comparisons are judgements,
and just as relative to he who makes them,
and to the situation,
as they are to that on which
the judgement has been made.

Through his experience,
the sage becomes aware that all things change,
and that he who seems to lead,
might also, in another situation, follow.
So he does nothing; he neither leads nor follows.
That which he does is neither big nor small;
without intent, it is neither difficult,
nor donᇘŮwi�� e��e.��r ଯ> His task completed, he then lets go of it;
seeking no credit, he cannot be discredited.
Thus, his teaching lasts for ever,
and he is held in high esteem.

The Embodiment of the Tao

2006-03-06T20:45:00.000-08:00

1. THE EMBODIMENT OF TAO

Even the finest teaching is not the Tao itself.
Even the finest name is insufficient to define it.
Without words, the Tao can be experienced,
and without a name, it can be known.

To conduct one's life according to the Tao,
is to conduct one's life without regrets;
to realize that potential within oneself
which is of benefit to all.

Though words or names are not required
to live one's life this way,
to describe it, words and names are used,
that we might better clarify
the way of which we speak,
without confusing it with other ways
in which an individual might choose to live.

Through knowledge, intellectual thought and words,
the manifestations of the Tao are known,
but without such intellectual intent
we might experience the Tao itself.

Both knowledge and experience are real,
but reality has many forms,
which seem to cause complexity.

By using the means appropriate,
we extend ourselves beyond
the barriers of such complexity,
and so experience the Tao.

The mind

2006-02-19T06:12:00.000-08:00

The mind,
What shall we call it?
It is the sound of the breeze
That blows through the pines
In the Indian-ink pictures.

- Ikkyu (1394-1481)

When buddhas don’t appear

2006-02-18T06:11:00.000-08:00

When buddhas don’t appear
And their followers are gone,
The wisdom of awakening
Bursts forth by itself

- Nagarjuna (2nd century)

Do not sit with a mind fixed on emptiness.

2006-02-16T05:59:00.000-08:00

Do not sit with a mind fixed on emptiness.
If you do, you will fall into a neutral kind of emptiness.
Emptiness includes the sun, moon, stars and planets,
The great earth, mountains and rivers,
All trees and grasses,
Bad people and good people,
Bad things and good things,
Heaven and hell;
They are all in the midst of emptiness.

- Hui-neng (638-713)

From the Daily Zen.

By chance I knocked at his Zen hut

2006-02-14T08:48:00.000-08:00

By chance I knocked at his Zen hut,
Sat among the slopes
And knew that these monastery dusty dreams
Are all unreal.
Water flowing mindfully; what trace does it leave?
Idle clouds pursuing their whim; they lean on nothing.
The novice hoes the garden, greens at their best now;
Monkeys wail in the ravine where chestnuts
Have grown plump.
Reluctantly I start down the path among the pines;
The white moon in its beauty comes to see me home.

- Ichkawa Kanasai (1749-1820)

Tens

2006-01-11T23:39:00.000-08:00

Read like Aces (ones), but also represent a cyclical rebeginning that signals a major change from one thing or place to another.

Relate to the Wheel of Fortune.

Bending, but not breaking under a burden that may very well be of your own design.

Emotional fulfillment through love; home and hearth; abundance.

Reaching bottom; a time to rebuild your life.

Lasting prosperity and affluence.

The element of the suit complete - different from the nines in that this completion transcends the physical.

Peace.

The images shown are from the following Tarot decks: Hanson-Roberts, Cosmic Tarot, Vampire Tarot, Witches Tarot, Robin Wood Tarot, Morgan-Greer Taro, Hudes Tarot, Tarot of the Moon Garden, and the Tarot of the Trance.

Without Sickness

2006-01-08T17:48:00.000-08:00

To acknowledge one's ignorance
shows strength of personality,
but to ignore wisdom is a sign of weakness.
To be sick of sickness is a sign of good health,
therefore the wise man grows sick of sickness,
and sick of being sick of sickness,
'til he is sick no more.

Source.

the weaker may still win

2006-01-07T07:36:00.000-08:00

Arguments may be won by waiting,
rather than making an aggresive move;
by withdrawing rather than advancing.
By moving without appearing to move,
by not making a show of strength,
but by conserving it well;
by capturing without attacking,
by being armed, but with no weapons,
great battles may be won.
Do not underestimate
those you enjoin in battle,
for this can result in losing
what is of greatest value.
When a battle is enjoined,
by remembering this,
the weaker may still win.

Source.

Nature's Beauty

2006-01-04T22:06:00.000-08:00

A priest was in charge of the garden within a famous Zen temple. He had been given the job because he loved the flowers, shrubs, and trees. Next to the temple there was another, smaller temple where there lived a very old Zen master.

One day, when the priest was expecting some special guests, he took extra care in tending to the garden. He pulled the weeds, trimmed the shrubs, combed the moss, and spent a long time meticulously raking up and carefully arranging all the dry autumn leaves. As he worked, the old master watched him with interest from across the wall that separated the temples.

When he had finished, the priest stood back to admire his work. "Isn't it beautiful," he called out to the old master. "Yes," replied the old man, "but there is something missing. Help me over this wall and I'll put it right for you."

The priest lifted the old fellow over and set him down. Slowly, the master walked to the tree near the center of the garden, grabbed it by the trunk, and shook it. Leaves showered down all over the garden. "There," said the old man, "you can put me back now."

Source.

The world really could be a better place

2006-01-03T10:14:00.000-08:00

If only we stopped letting asshats become leaders.

Those who follow the natural way
are different from others in three respects.
They have great mercy and economy,
and the courage not to compete.
From mercy there comes courage;
from economy, generosity;
and from humility, willingness to lead from behind.
It is the way of sickness to shun the merciful,
and to acclaim only heroic deeds,
to abandon economy, and to be selfish.
They are sick, who are not humble,
but try always to be first.
Only he who is compassionate
can show true bravery,
and in defending, show great strength.
Compassion is the means by which
mankind may be guarded and saved,
for heaven arms with compassion,
those whom it would not see destroyed.

Source.

Be aware

2006-01-02T23:17:00.000-08:00

The aim of life is to live and to live means to be aware, joyously, drunkenly, serenely, divinely aware.

- Henry Miller

Keeping with the Metaphor

2006-01-01T15:20:00.000-08:00

The New Year is like a first date. Perhaps not as exciting to me as first dates were 25 years ago, but it's certainly more exciting than the last date of any relationship in any year. Which is not to diminish the exhilaration of break-up sex. But I digress.

Where I live, there is usually snow on the ground on the first of the year. And on this day, this first date, so full of possibilities, I smile when I look at the snow, knowing that it provides a blanket for the sleeping earth. I even see the nurturing of spring in that snow.

By next month, I will most likely perceive snow to be something that makes driving dangerous. Ah, but by next month, 2006 and I will have had many dates and I will start seeing its flaws.

But today, I view 2006 with what I can best describe as a detached optimism. In other words, I almost believe that 2006 could be practically perfect, and I'll even give it the chance to do so, but I won't be too very disappointed if it isn't.

Just like those first dates. At 25, I believed that the new year (or new man) could be perfect, and I was very disappointed when it (or he) wasn't. And I'll grant that the rush of youthful optimism was a bit more intoxicating than the one of my now detached optimism.

But come December 2006, if the year hasn't lived up to my hopes and dreams, rather than crying in my soup over the loss, I'll be expectantly waiting for 2007.

So that I can do it all over again.

Peace.

Dear 2005

2005-12-31T19:26:00.000-08:00

Dear 2005,

Though I realize some may think that doing this by letter rather than in person is a bit cowardly, I'm afraid that a letter is how I've chosen to bring this thing we have between us to an end.

As years go, we've had some good moments, but nothing so amazing that you'll have a prominent place in the scrapbook of my psyche. I mean, you had 365 days, you had a full moon every month, and all the holidays that every other year has always had, but something was missing - you could feel it, too, couldn't you?

Take May. That was an awful month wasn't it? I won't go into it now, but you know what I mean, and I hope I never have to deal with that much negativity ever again. I take responsibility for that time, but unfortunately for you, 2005, it happened in your year, so it's forever a part of my memories of you.

All told, you've been a below average year. On the other hand, the last four months of you have been almost terrific. This makes you like a lot of relationships I've had. Everything seems to get all wonderful once I know the end is near.

I hope we can still be friends. After all, you are part of the whole that is my life, so I don't want to pretend that you never existed.

And I hope we can part with no acrimony and simply wish each other the best for the future - well if you had a future, that is.

In a few hours, our time together will be over. Your time will be over completely.

Please remember me fondly,
Sadie

To anyone reading this: 2005 was really a rather inadequate year, but you know how sensitive years are even when they act all macho and tough. I'm really very happy to see it end. And while my letter above isn't altogether truthful, I just can't bring myself to hurt 2005's feelings.

Simplification

2005-12-30T19:56:00.000-08:00

As this year winds down, this seems particularly fitting.

With natural justice, people must be ruled,
and if war be waged, strategy and tactics used.

To master one's self,
one must act without cunning.

The greater the number of laws and restrictions,
the poorer the people who inhabit the land.

The sharper the weapons of battle and war,
the greater the troubles besetting the land.

The greater the cunning with which people are ruled,
the stranger the things which occur in the land.

The harder the rules and regulations,
the greater the number of those who will steal.

The sage therefore does not contrive,
in order to bring about reform,
but teaches the people peace of mind,
in order that they might enjoy their lives.
Having no desires, all he does is natural.
Since he teaches self-sufficiency,
the people who follow him return
to a good, uncomplicated life.

Source.

That which is firmly rooted

2005-12-29T08:56:00.000-08:00

That which is firmly rooted,
is not easily torn from the ground;
just as that which is firmly grasped,
does not slip easily from the hand.

Source.

Einstein on Ethical Behavior

2005-12-28T23:20:00.000-08:00

A man's ethical behavior should be based effectually on sympathy, education, and social ties; no religious basis is necessary.
Man would indeed be in a poor way if he had to be restrained by fear of punishment and hope of reward after death.

--Albert Einstein

Nines

2005-12-27T15:25:00.000-08:00

Ruled by the Hermit. A journey of spirit. Completion.

Receiving the rewards of a hard battle.

Contentment, self-indulgence, wish fulfillment.

Worry and anguish. Calmly approach your problems with rational, workable solutions.

Financial abundance. Creating a beautiful, soul-nurturing retreat for yourself.

Peace.

Time

2005-12-26T08:30:00.000-08:00

In Europe, the hotel rooms mostly don't have clocks.

Peace.

Returning to the Source

2005-12-25T08:31:00.000-08:00

The virtue of Tao governs its natural way.
Thus, he who is at one with it,
is one with everything which lives,
having freedom from the fear of death.

Boasting, and hurrying hither and thither,
destroy the enjoyment of a peace filled life.

Life is more fulfilled by far,
for he who does not have desire,
for he who does not have desire,
has no need of boasting.

Learn to see the insignificant and small,
grow in wisdom and develop insight,
that which is irrevocable,
do not try to fight,
and so be saved from harm.

Source.

This Joyous Holiday

2005-12-24T19:59:00.000-08:00

Peace on Earth
to those of Goodwill.

Tending my garden

2005-12-22T18:41:00.000-08:00

Every morning I tend my garden - my garden being my home.

On rare occasions, something comes up that keeps me from doing the menial chores that keep my world orderly and comfortable.

When this happens I feel disconnected, and the best fix is to put on my (psychic) gardening gloves, pull weeds (wash dishes), and water (dust and declutter) my precious garden.

The tendency of the culture is to trivialize these daily chores, but I've learned to appreciate their importance.

And at the end of each day, when the house is warm because the fire has been tended diligently, when a delicious aroma of a meal carefully prepared fills the air, and when I finally settle in against fluffy pillows, eating ice cream and watching TV, I feel a sense of peace and satisfaction that no job with wages has ever given me.

Be mindful and tend your garden.

Peace.

Once you suddenly smash through

2005-12-21T20:03:00.000-08:00

Once you suddenly smash through,
and go on to make the leap beyond,
you will find that everything
around you and all that you do,
whether active or at rest,
is the scenery of the
fundamental ground,
the original Mind.
There will be not a hairsbreadth
of difference between you
and other things;
there will be no other thing.

- Daito (1282-1334)

We, the unwilling

2005-12-20T17:48:00.000-08:00

We, the unwilling, led by the unknowing, are doing the impossible for the ungrateful. We have done so much, for so long, with so little, we are now qualified to do anything with nothing. - Mother Theresa

Do not seek to follow

2005-12-18T19:21:00.000-08:00

Do not seek to follow in the footsteps of the old; seek what they sought.

- Basho.

Another round of "if you ain't with us, then you're not patriotic."

2005-12-18T09:52:00.000-08:00

Personally, I'm tired of hearing this from Pukeboy and his cronies.

I put forth that disagreeing with authority and not blindly accepting the idea of random wire taps makes me more patriotic than those who bleet and drool in agreement with the powers that be.

I have to wonder what has weakened the bloodlines of this country so much. Too much marrying of cousins? Too much complacency? An education system that gets worse and worse w/each passing year?

Being a citizen of this country is hard work. You have to think. If you blindly follow, maybe you're the one that doesn't deserve to be called a patriot.

I really want to love my fellow countrymen. But more often than not, I really want to slap the snot out of them.

Oh yeah: Peace.

Desire and Ambition

2005-12-16T03:46:00.000-08:00

When the way of nature is observed,
all things serve their function;
horses drawing carts, and pulling at the plough.
But when the natural way is not observed,
horses are bred for battle and for war.
Desire and wanting cause discontent,
whilst he who knows sufficiency
more easily has what he requires.

Source.

Eights

2005-12-14T17:58:00.000-08:00

Ruled by the Strength card.

Do and move.

Weariness and endings.

Having the courage to escape the traps in your life.

Work, focus, detail, commitment, success.

Peace.

The images shown are from the following Tarot decks: Hanson-Roberts, Cosmic Tarot, Vampire Tarot, Witches Tarot, Robin Wood Tarot, Morgan-Greer Taro, Hudes Tarot, Tarot of the Moon Garden, and the Tarot of the Trance.

The Concerns of the Great

2005-12-12T11:27:00.000-08:00

A truly good man is unaware
of the good deeds he performs.
Conversely, a foolish man must try
continuously to be good.
A good man seems to do little or nought,
yet he leaves nothing undone.
A foolish man must always strive,
whilst leaving much undone.
The man who is truly wise and kind
leaves nothing to be done,
but he who only acts
according to his nation's law
leaves many things undone.

Source

Water birds

2005-12-09T21:55:00.000-08:00

Water birds
going and coming
their traces disappear
but they never
forget their path.

-Dogen

Defining Moments Large and Small

2005-12-09T15:03:00.000-08:00

A beautiful blond young man looks through a pizzaria window and the sight of him takes your breath away. You end up together for seven years.
Lesson: Trust your gut.

Twenty-five years later, you hear of his death and the loss of him hits you like a very hard slap and sends you on a quest to regain the spirit and courage you had as a young woman.
Lesson: Stay vigilant or you become old on the inside.

Seeing the Dean's signature on your petition for your degree.
Lesson: You can complete objectives.

Getting a job with a major accounting firm.
Lesson: You can hide the hippie within under a business suit and the right hair.

Walking away in disgust from Corporate America five short years after graduation.
Lesson: You can't hide the hippie within from yourself for very long.

The first time you experience the death of a loved one and the world goes on even though you can't imagine how it possibly can do so.
Lesson: You can survive much more than you ever thought you could.

Looking in the mirror and seeing the light back in your eyes.
Lesson: No matter how much you lose, if your spirit is strong, you can't lose everything.

You start your day with coffee. Because it's in an air-tight carafe, it kind of splashes a little when you pour it, leaving little droplets on the counter. To stop the little splashes, you take the lid off the carafe. Now as you now pour, instead of small little droplets, a huge puddle of coffee collects on the counter as the coffee streams down the side of the carafe.
Lesson: Life is hilarious!

Peace.

25 years ago today

2005-12-08T10:51:00.000-08:00

John Lennon Oct 9, 1940 - Dec 8, 1980

Imagine there's no Heaven
It's easy if you try
No hell below us
Above us only sky
Imagine all the people
Living for today

Imagine there's no countries
It isn't hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for
And no religion too
Imagine all the people
Living life in peace

You may say that I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will be as one

Imagine no possessions
I wonder if you can
No need for greed or hunger
A brotherhood of man
Imagine all the people
Sharing all the world

You may say that I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will live as one

Wild Roses

2005-12-07T20:28:00.000-08:00

Wild roses,
Plucked from fields
Full of croaking frogs:
Float them in your wine
And enjoy every minute!

-Ryokan

Sevens

2005-12-07T20:17:00.000-08:00

Ruled by the Chariot.

Taking control and learning how to direct forces once you have them in hand.

Faith in things that can't be seen.

Observation, investigation, discovery.

Meditation, knowledge, wisdom.

The Collective IQ

2005-12-06T14:16:00.000-08:00

There have been times in my life when my mind's jaw dropped at the collective IQ of this country, and sometimes of the world, taking big dips downward.

Some of those times (in no particular chronology) include:

-Disco becoming popular.

-Reagan getting elected twice. Once, I understand, but twice? Did everyone get drugged before they went in to vote?

-Everyone wearing those big bows on blouses that were worn under suit jackets. How was emulating some cutesy six year old supposed to be a professional look?

-The swelling numbers of superstitious people who believe in a big white guy named God.

-The re-election of the last boob. 51% of registered voters obviously banged bricks on their heads daily for four years in order to accomplish that.

-Country Western music becoming popular.

-Belief in the Moral Majority. I believe that the "Majority" is too lazy to be either moral or immoral. Most people just float through life never giving a thought to anything more important than who's getting voted off the island.

Peace.

A Fisherman

2005-12-05T15:38:00.000-08:00

Studying texts and stiff meditation can make you lose your Original Mind.
A solitary tune by a fisherman, though, can be an invaluable treasure.
Dusk rain on the river, the moon peeking in and out of the clouds;
Elegant beyond words, he chants his songs night after night.
-Ikkyu

Of these mountains, which shall be my home?

2005-12-04T19:58:00.000-08:00

Unfettered at last, a traveling monk,
I pass the old Zen barrier.
Mine is a traceless stream-and-cloud life,
Of these mountains, which shall be my home?

- Manan (1591-1654)

Home Sweet Home (Priorities)

2005-12-04T19:43:00.000-08:00

On one of the boards I read everyday, the question was posted: Can you teach an old dog new tricks? During the ensuing conversation, one poster noted that though he'd like a thinner body and a cleaner house, if those were the major issues that were keeping him from being happy, then his priorities would be all wrong.

Something about that seemed off to me and I realize what it is.

I totally disagree with him!

I wonder how many things could be more important than a body that functions the way you want it to (which a very fat body can not do) and a home that is welcoming and wonderful.

First let me say that I'm not a skinny freak. I certainly don't believe that everyone needs to be model thin to be happy. I'm just talking about not getting so heavy that it restricts movement, or keeps you from doing what you want to do. I knew a jazz dancer in college who was probably about 35 pounds "overweight." But, she was flexible and she was a helluva dancer - so to me, she wasn't overweight at all; she just wasn't thin.

I also don't think that anyone's home needs to look like a photo out of Good Housekeeping in order for any of us to be happy. But I do think that for most of us, our home is our sanctuary.

If you haven't washed laundry in so long that you must now decide whether or not to do laundry or buy panties, or the dirty dishes have piled so high that you have to order take-out, or you're afraid to open that plastic container in the fridge because you have no idea what was in it, but you're sure it wasn't blue and fuzzy, or the only place to walk is a single clear path in each room, I figure that you're probably not getting the succor that you should be from your home/sanctuary. In essence you've created just another space on the planet that makes you feel stressed out and uneasy.

I know that there are some people who honestly thrive in clutter. But I believe for most of us it's just a bad excuse.

Now my mind goes to what we've been taught is important.

Beauty over health. So we try to be ridiculously thin and feel like failures if we're not, or we're thin enough, but we groan like centenarians doing even the simplest of movements like getting up and down from the couch.

Wealth over knowledge. "Go to college so you can get a good job." How many of our parents said, "Go to college so you won't be a dumbass?" Not many.

I guess it's not any big surprise then, that even the most intelligent people can lose sight of what's really important. And to me, on the material plane, anyway, that's a healthy, strong body and a welcoming, comforting home.

Peace.

One who conquers himself

2005-12-03T18:45:00.000-08:00

One who conquers himself is greater than another who conquers a thousand times a thousand on the battlefield.

- The Buddha

We have the key

2005-12-03T18:35:00.000-08:00

Well I know it wasn’t you who held me down
Heaven knows it wasn’t you who set me free
So often times it happens that we live our lives in chains
And we never even know we have the key

-from Already Gone by The Eagles

Happiness

2005-12-02T14:39:00.000-08:00

I cannot tell if what the world considers 'happiness' is happiness or not. All I know is that when I consider the way they go about attaining it, I see them carried away headlong, grim and obsessed, in the general onrush of the human herd, unable to stop themselves or to change their direction. All the while they claim to be just on the point of attaining happiness.

-Chuang-tzu.

Sixes

2005-12-02T14:25:00.000-08:00

Equilibrium.

Balance and harmony.

For this moment in time, everything is stable.

Symmetry.

Ruled by The Lovers.

The images shown are from the following Tarot decks: Hanson-Roberts, Cosmic Tarot, Vampire Tarot, Witches Tarot, Robin Wood Tarot, Morgan-Greer Taro, Hudes Tarot, Tarot of the Moon Garden, and the Tarot of the Trance.

Searching for the Dharma

2005-12-01T19:01:00.000-08:00

You've traveled up ten thousand steps in search of the Dharma.
So many long days in the archives, copying, copying.
The gravity of the Tang and the profundity of the Sung
make heavy baggage.
Here! I've picked you a bunch of wildflowers.
Their meaning is the same
but they're much easier to carry.

-Master Hsu Yun

Blowin' in the Wind

2005-11-30T20:49:00.000-08:00

Blowin' in the Wind
by Bob Dylan

How many roads must a man walk down
Before you call him a man?
Yes, 'n' how many seas must a white dove sail
Before she sleeps in the sand?
Yes, 'n' how many times must the cannon balls fly
Before they're forever banned?
The answer, my friend, is blowin' in the wind,
The answer is blowin' in the wind.

How many times must a man look up
Before he can see the sky?
Yes, 'n' how many ears must one man have
Before he can hear people cry?
Yes, 'n' how many deaths will it take till he knows
That too many people have died?
The answer, my friend, is blowin' in the wind,
The answer is blowin' in the wind.

How many years can a mountain exist
Before it's washed to the sea?
Yes, 'n' how many years can some people exist
Before they're allowed to be free?
Yes, 'n' how many times can a man turn his head,
Pretending he just doesn't see?
The answer, my friend, is blowin' in the wind,
The answer is blowin' in the wind.

As of yesterday, 2110 Americans have died in Iraq.

Atheism and the Inner Peace of Adulthood

2005-11-30T20:12:00.000-08:00

Though as children, many of us are taught that saying, "I'm sorry," makes it all okay, it's only logical that what we do makes a difference - that we can't wreak havoc and simply be absolved because we are truly sorry. To the best of our abilities, we must always make amends for the damage we cause.

We understand this on the physical and material planes. If we tend, water, and feed our gardens, they thrive and return to us food that is wholesome and nourishing, or flowers that bring us beauty and joy. If we neglect our gardens or feed them poison, we end up with flowers strangled by weeds, or plants that look like wholesome food, but in the long run leave us starved for nourishment.

By believing in a sentient creator, we are always betting on a future that never comes. It leaves us empty in the here and now - trying to live up to a model of perfection that doesn't make sense. It's like the child who brings home the straight-A report card, only to have the parent ask why s/he didn't get A-plusses.

By believing in a sentient creator, we neither take full responsibility for the harm we cause, nor do we take full credit and joy for the good we accomplish. It all becomes part of God's Will. If we aren't fully responsible for our actions, we live our lives as perpetual children - in a confusing state of adolescent angst. It's no wonder that as a culture, our moral compass is in the toilet, and so many of our citizens take prescription feel-good drugs.

Believing in and loving a sentient creator eventually causes cognitive dissonance. We are taught that God is our loving Father, but that same god allows horrible things to happen to innocent people. We are told to love this creator of horror, when we know in the center of us that is right and pure that there should be never any love for a being that is in essence a supernatural Hitler.

To step back and realize that there is no bearded Creator is to become an adult. It's about becoming fully responsible for all of our actions. It's about accepting the present, and working or striving to make it beautiful.

I don't purport to have all the answers about self-awareness, the soul, etc. I only know that accepting one's self as "God's child," has never brought anyone I know any real peace. It never brought me any real peace.

I believe that peace and enlightenment can only be attained by being a fully responsible, accountable adult. And that means believing in one's self above all else.

Peace.

Mountains are mountains

2005-11-29T07:42:00.000-08:00

Before a man studies Zen, to him mountains are mountains and waters are waters; after he gets an insight into the truth of Zen through the instruction of a good master, mountains to him are not mountains and waters are not waters; but after this when he really attains to the abode of rest, mountains are once more mountains and waters are waters.

Peace.

Night Sitting

2005-11-28T19:47:00.000-08:00

The hermit doesn’t sleep at night
In love with the blue of the vacant moon.
The cool of the breeze
That rustles the trees
Rustles her too.

- Ching An (1851-1912)

Freedom

2005-11-27T10:27:00.000-08:00

Only through discipline can you attain freedom.

Fives

2005-11-26T13:43:00.000-08:00

Ruled by the Hierophant.
Looking to both the material and the spiritual realm to extract truth.

Change. Challenge. Expansion.

Curiosity. Spirituality.

Material prosperity, but perhaps at the expense of inner peace. Magnetism. Good Fortune. Adventure.

Lucky and unlucky fluctuations.

The Fives pose both a problem and an answer.

The images shown are from the following Tarot decks: Hanson-Roberts, Cosmic Tarot, Vampire Tarot, Witches Tarot, Robin Wood Tarot, Morgan-Greer Taro, Hudes Tarot, Tarot of the Moon Garden, and the Tarot of the Trance.

who can share solitude

2005-11-25T00:07:00.000-08:00

Once in a while
I just let time wear on
Leaning against a solitary pine
Standing speechless,
As does the whole universe!
Ah, who can share
This solitude with me?

- Ryokan

Giving Thanks

2005-11-24T23:48:00.000-08:00

I have a lot to be thankful for. One of the things I'm not thankful for is my need to want to rewrite that first sentence so that it doesn't end w/a preposition. But I am thankful for the fact that I'm not going to do it because if I do, it will sound pretentious and stupid.

I'm thankful that I'm neither a leader nor a follower. My ideas about right and wrong are too weird and I care far too little for me to ever be a leader, and I'm too stubborn and contrary to ever be a good follower. I think it was in the movie American President that one of the characters said something about people being so starved for leadership that in the absence of it, they'll follow a mirage. You only have to look at the last five years to know how true that is.

Once upon a time, there were four generations of women alive in my family. I had a great-grandmother until I was 19, and was fortunate enough to have my grandmother until I was almost 40. I'm very thankful for that.

I'm thankful that I never had any children. Considering the way I love and the dangers that face children, I think I'd have lived in constant fear if I'd have had any.

I'm thankful that I'm a woman. For one thing, being XX instead of XY may very well have allowed me to live a longer life. For another, I just love everything about being a woman.

This list could continue for a very long time because I'm really thankful for so many things.

I'm thankful that I like to be alone, but rarely feel lonely. (Although to be honest, I do sometimes wish I like people more.)

I realize that each thing for which I'm thankful comes with an opposite. All joy comes with a piece of sadness. It can't be any other way. How can you know happiness if you've never known sadness? I'm thankful that I understand that.

I'm thankful that I'm still crazy after all these years.

Peace.

across the sky

2005-11-23T23:52:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I go about in pity for myself, and all the while
A great wind is bearing me across the sky.
- Ojibwa saying

A Memorable Thanksgiving

2005-11-23T21:23:00.000-08:00

A long time ago, when dinosaurs roamed the earth, I was a college student. I lived far from family, and mostly holidays were for earning overtime or more, while working hours that no one else wanted.

Anyway, that Wednesday, we'd all been sitting at a table in the student union and talking about our plans for the following day. A few of us were flying home, or having a meal with lovers or relatives; the usual stuff. I was working the 8am-5pm shift. My friend Holly quietly said that she was having dinner at her aunt's.

I usually suck when it comes to telling that someone is lying, but for some reason, I had a feeling that Holly wasn't being truthful.

After I got home from work Thanksgiving night, I telephoned her. "You're not really having supper with your aunt, are you?" She admitted that she was alone, but hadn't wanted to appear pathetic.

We went out for Chinese food. It was awesome. The restaurant was almost empty except for us and the family who owned the restaurant, and we were all having a great time.

Splurging, we tried things we'd never tried before, rather than trying to have a whole meal for $5 or less like we normally did. Afterward, we went to a bar and partied until the wee hours. Though I've had other wonderful Thanksgivings with family that I love and miss, that one stands out in my mind as very special.

So you see, sometimes we do the Woe is Me thing, when in reality, there's a fun time or a new adventure waiting for us if only we'd reach out our hand for it.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Hellen Keller & Zen

2005-11-22T10:28:00.000-08:00

I long to accomplish a great and noble task; but it is my chief duty to accomplish small tasks as if they were great and noble.

- Hellen Keller

Silly Wisdom

2005-11-21T20:47:00.000-08:00

If you tell the truth, you don't have to remember anything.

Peace.

Fours

2005-11-21T12:31:00.000-08:00

Ruled by the Emperor.

Manifestation.

The results of a well built foundation and proper application.

Fruition. Established.

Stability. Rooted.

Peace.

The images shown are from the following Tarot decks: Hanson-Roberts, Cosmic Tarot, Vampire Tarot, Witches Tarot, Robin Wood Tarot, Morgan-Greer Taro, Hudes Tarot, Tarot of the Moon Garden, and the Tarot of the Trance.

Peace on Earth

2005-11-20T11:19:00.000-08:00

One Tin Soldier
by Lambert-Potter

Listen children to a story that was written long ago
'bout a kingdom on a mountain and the valley folk below.
On the mountain was a treasure buried deep beneath a stone,
and the valley people swore they'd have it for their very own.

Go ahead and hate your neighbor, go ahead and cheat a friend.
Do it in the name of heaven, you can justify it in the end.
There won't be any trumpets blowin' come the judgment day
on the bloody morning after one tin soldier rides away.

So the people of the valley sent a message up the hill
asking for the buried treasure, tons of gold for which they'd kill.
Came an answer from the kingdom: "With our brothers we will share
all the secrets of our mountain, all the riches buried there."

Go ahead and hate your neighbor, go ahead and cheat a friend.
Do it in the name of heaven, you can justify it in the end.
There won't be any trumpets blowin' come the judgment day
on the bloody morning after one tin soldier rides away.

Now the valley cried with anger; mount your horses, draw your sword,
and they killed the mountain people, so they won their just reward.
Now they stood beside the treasure on the mountain, dark and red,
turned the stone and looked beneath it.

"Peace on earth" was all it said.

Go ahead and hate your neighbor, go ahead and cheat a friend.
Do it in the name of heaven, you can justify it in the end.
There won't be any trumpets blowin' come the judgment day
on the bloody morning after one tin soldier rides away.

I wonder if they'd have been friends

2005-11-19T22:49:00.000-08:00

Enlightened Being

One of master Gasan's monks visited the university in Tokyo. When he returned, he asked the master if he had ever read the Christian Bible. "No," Gasan replied, "Please read some of it to me."

The monk opened the Bible to the Sermon on the Mount in St. Matthew, and began reading. After reading Christ's words about the lilies in the field, he paused.

Master Gasan was silent for a long time. "Yes," he finally said, "Whoever uttered these words is an enlightened being. What you have read to me is the essence of everything I have been trying to teach you here!"

Comfort Food

2005-11-19T22:24:00.000-08:00

My friend Katie makes home-made soups. I often do also.

But sometimes, I just open a can. For some reason, it's been awhile since I had just a plain old bowl of Campbell's tomato soup. I loved this as a kid. Put it next to a grilled cheese sandwich, and I'm transported back to talks with my young mother and my (often) annoying baby brother.

I guess like a lot of people, I've been lured away by Knorr's (a very nice product), Progresso (yum), Snow's (still the definitive New England clam chowder from a can), various "hearty" soups, and by the effort to be healthier and so, make my own soups.

I'm happy to report that Campbell's (plain old) tomato soup is still yummy. Mmmm mmm good!

Peace.

Nature

2005-11-18T19:52:00.000-08:00

If you decide to hang out with known snakes, perhaps you shouldn't be surprised when they bite you.

-Me

Threes

2005-11-17T11:38:00.000-08:00

Creation.

Power through words. Group activities. Sharing. Friendship.

Aces desire it. Twos envision it.

Threes create it.

Peace.

The images shown are from the following Tarot decks: Hanson-Roberts, Cosmic Tarot, Vampire Tarot, Witches Tarot, Robin Wood Tarot, Morgan-Greer Taro, Hudes Tarot, Tarot of the Moon Garden, and the Tarot of the Trance.

Approval

2005-11-15T08:33:00.000-08:00

Chase after money and security and your heart will never unclench. Care about people's approval and you will be their prisoner.

-Tao Te Ching

Two things I thought about today that have nothing to do with each other

2005-11-14T21:26:00.000-08:00

From the Hudes Tarot Deck

I was contemplating this card today and it reminded me of someone that I only know online. She impresses me. She has the ability to be detail oriented and to still be a big picture person. I can never do both at the same time - I either get bogged down in the details (sometimes even forgetting the goal at times) or I'm so busy looking at the forest that I bump into a tree. There aren't many people that I know online that I'd like to meet in real life, but I'd like to meet her.
=================================

There are things that happen in life that when they're happening seem cute or endearing, but later when you remember them, you think, "Damn, I should have gotten the heck out right then and there." These are two of those things.

1. When I first bought my home here in Smalltown, the first thing I wanted to do was to sand my bedroom floor. The conversation with the local, very spaced-out (the 60s were so good to him) hardware store proprietor:

Me: Hi, do you rent sanders?

Him: Yes, but it's broken.

2. We do a few yearly festivals and celebrations around these parts. One year, I was reading the local weekly newspaper and there was an ad relating to the festivities: Fashions by Farm and Home.

I should have run far and fast!

Me to me

2005-11-12T08:38:00.000-08:00

Student says
I am very discouraged
what should I do?
Master says
encourage others.

Zen proverb

The Decay of Ethics

2005-11-11T22:01:00.000-08:00

When the way of the Tao is forgotten,
kindness and ethics need to be taught;
men learn to pretend to be wise and good.

All too often in the lives of men,
filial piety and devotion
arise only after conflict and strife,
just as loyal ministers all too often appear,
when the people are suppressed.

Source.

I'm tired of God

2005-11-10T13:40:00.000-08:00

I didn't used to be tired of God. I used to think God was this big, gentle, magical man-like god that watched over me and took care of me.

As I grew older and experienced more, I evolved into an atheist. And still I wasn't tired of God. The bible (Old and New Testament) is kind of interesting. Jesus is kind of interesting. Talking to intelligent people about different belief systems is interesting. Heck, if there was ever a lull in the conversation, we could always talk about God.

But now, those ever so boring, ever so pedantic, NeoChristians have recreated God in their images and have made him plain old boring. They've put him into politics, and now they're including him in their curriculum as science. I'd be laughing hysterically if it weren't so sad.

Those dear goofballs of the non-thinking right, have lowered their god in everyone's eyes. Christianity is all about faith. Faith is about belief and exaltation in something so divine that words just scratch the surface as to its meaning.

But today's Neo-Christians are so small and so far away from anything even approaching exaltation, that they've condensed their very God into something that can be taught in a science class and included in a chapter in a text book. They've made him small and boring and definable. If they weren't so obnoxious, I'd almost feel sorry for them.

Because, though I don't believe in a sentient creator, there are times when my soul soars - moments in time that are so clear and so beautiful that they bring tears to my eyes. These are moments of joyous exaltation - or I'm having some kind of a fit - but either way, these periods of almost pure joy feel so amazing that I don't have the words to adequately describe them.

And I've got a clue for all the fools applauding the Kansas School Board's decision - ain't nothing moving nor soul lifting in a classroom. Nothing. Nada. Zip. Public schools, by being for everyone, are by definition mundane. They've plunked their boring god right into the blackest hole of spirituality - a government bureaucracy.

God is boring. I'm thoroughly tired of him/it/whatever. They win - he belongs in a classroom - right there with the mystical magic of algebra and home-ec.

Peace.

The Utility of Non-Existence

2005-11-08T09:08:00.000-08:00

Though thirty spokes may form the wheel,
it is the hole within the hub
which gives the wheel utility.

It is not the clay the potter throws,
which gives the pot its usefulness,
but the space within the shape,
from which the pot is made.

Without a door, the room cannot be entered,
and without windows it is dark.

Such is the utility of non-existence.

Text Source.

Sensible

2005-11-07T02:03:00.000-08:00

The only man who behaved sensibly was my tailor; he took my measurement anew every time he saw me, while all the rest went on with their old measurements and expected them to fit me.

-George Bernard Shaw

Twos

2005-11-06T20:17:00.000-08:00

In the Tarot, twos are related to the High Priestess. They indicate instinctual knowledge, imagination, intellect directed. They can also be about reconciliations, reunions, and unexpected surprises.

They are the cooperator whose success is not gained by force, but by patience.

I've tried to include one fairly traditional and one fairly non-traditional rendering of each the High Priestess, and the twos of Wands, Cups, Swords, and Pentacles.

The images shown are from the following Tarot decks: Hanson-Roberts, Cosmic Tarot, Vampire Tarot, Witches Tarot, Robin Wood Tarot, and the Tarot of the Trance.