Blind Devotion. Love in Action

The sweetest thing ever. Love in action.

True Love

“Love is a tremendous caring that arises in the wake of transcending the personal self. In the wake of this transcendence, something amazing arises. A deep love and caring arises from within emptiness, from nowhere. This love and caring seeks only the Truth in every moment and in all circumstances. True love is something far greater than anything that could be called personal. True love is a non-personal miracle. It is the nature of reality itself. It is the natural and spontaneous expression of the undivided Self.”

(Adyashanti)

What is Truly Important?

Mysore, India

“Remember that nobody is who you think. There is no person walking this Earth that you will ever fully know for you each have a different experience of each other based upon what it is in you that connects or does not connect with the other person. Know this. The truth is that the more you connect to your love and to who you are, the more clearly you will be seen by all. Some will not be able to see this. You will be invisible to them. Trust that. Allow them that. Just be you, unashamedly, and gloriously. You came here to experience being you; and the more you give yourself to the highest heights of that, the more you give change to the world.” 

(Lee Harris)

Throughout my journey in this life I have been forced to look honestly at my shortcomings, but sometimes our own shortcomings have a way of being projected onto what we may or may not think are the shortcomings of others. An easy trap to fall into. For when we look to the failings of others it only distracts us from our own work, our own growth. I find it interesting that even in the yoga community we can get stuck on viewing people as right or wrong. Duality consciousness. What I have gathered is it seems that the ego doesn't even care who is right or wrong just as long as we can label others as such and continue the ongoing belief of separation. An illusory comfort that inhibits us from going beyond the material world. 

With all this being said, I am in no way saying I have reached the apex of non-judgment thinking in my day to day life. I'm working on it.  However, whenever rubbed up against thinking this person is right and this person is wrong, as a practice I do my best to investigate further on what is really going on inside. Why do I have to compartmentalize right now? What am I afraid of? Why is this bringing up the need to make someone or something wrong?

The beautiful thing I have learned through this investigation is having the opportunity to have any judgement I held inside to be proven unjustified when I simply get to know someone further, beyond what I may "think" of them. Often I am pleasantly surprised that what I thought was portrayed on the outside or even through the gossip of others that it was usually way off base. 

Separation consciousness is alive and well and can happen anywhere in any community and is something I have had to continually be vigilant in regards to how I look at the outer world. Within myself when I feel the need to make others wrong it only points to the fact that I am disconnected. An unfortunate fact and one that I have to remain conscious of.  

Within all of this, within all the drama that can produce itself in the mind I am reminded by the question, what is truly important?  Beyond right and wrong? Beyond silly criticisms of yoga selfies and who is truly spiritual? Beyond who gets it and who doesn't? The things that deter us from what is important. Where there is judgement there is death. Where there is love there is life. Infinite love is where we are born and where we return to. Why not rest my consciousness in that? There is no force more accepting, more accommodating, more receptive, more forgiving, more healing and it sits in the heart of who we are at our very core. 

Love Liberates

It's the ONLY Thing Worth Doing

www.charterofcompassion.org

"I believe that we are here for each other, not against each other. Everything comes from understanding that you are a gift in my life - whoever you are, whatever our differences." 

(John Denver)

It's the ONLY thing worth doing. Radically simple. Radically effective. Practicing compassion or in other words living by the golden rule does more than heal others it heals our own heart when we practice it. As the well known author on religious thought, Karen Armstrong states after decades of research and study it seems to be the only thing that brings everlasting happiness. One reason why this concept fascinates me is because it isn't always the easiest thing to do from time to time. I guess that is why it is worth doing and yet makes our life more fulfilling. I can only speak for myself in that there are definitely moments where I default and pass judgement not consciously putting myself in another's shoes. These lapses never feel good and weigh me down giving good reason to focus on practicing compassion. Somehow, when focused on it things tend to challenge me to arise to it on a more radical level. Not always easy but always rewarding.

One thing I've realized is that it is truly a practice. One that brings conscious effort in the beginning just like anything and one I have failed on many occasions. So much seems to stem from simply being conscious. When we ride on selfish behavior it usually originates from the mind not the heart. I write about this not because I am there, but because I'd like to better live in the heart of compassion in my day to day life. Like Karen Armstrong states, it is the only thing worth doing. I guess personally I would add yoga practice to that or any practice that brings us inward, consciously watching and observing the patterns of the mind acting as a gateway to our center, into our hearts. Unblocking ourselves daily is an important part of the process I can attest to. Writing has also helped in this regard to cleanse what inhibits my heart and weighs on my shoulders, especially if I am filled with thoughts and worry. It's a daily effort. An effort worth making.

Another thing I have come to realize is right and wrong doesn't seem to matter so much anymore. We will always have our differences with one another. There will always be various points of view but at the end of the day honestly looking to one another in truth that we are connected holds more value. I truly believe every human being deserves dignity and respect and above all compassion. We all have experienced grief and sadness as well as joy and triumph, this we share and can honor in one another. One person's triumph and success is our own! We never have to think as if we are less because of it. At the same time when those around us suffer we can share in it too and find understanding that sometimes in life there is a hard battle to be had. We are never above or below it. Extending a hand of understanding is sometimes all someone needs in the most challenging of moments and life experiences. It becomes tiring to find fault with others when instead I can find the thread that connects us all.

It is not only a new year but a new age. If we don't stand together we will fall.

Friday Quote: On Love

“Love is not selective, just as the light of the sun is not selective. It does not make one person special. It is not exclusive. Exclusivity is not the love of God but the “love” of ego. However, the intensity with which true love is felt can vary. There may be one person who reflects your love back to you more clearly and more intensely than others, and if that person feels the same toward you, it can be said that you are in a love relationship with him or her. The bond that connects you with that person is the same bond that connects you with the person sitting next to you on a bus, or with a bird, a tree, a flower. Only the degree of intensity with which it is felt differs.” 

(Ekhart Tolle)

“There are several kinds of love. One is a selfish, mean, grasping, egotistical thing which uses love for self-importance. This is the ugly and crippling kind. The other is an outpouring of everything good in you—of kindness and consideration and respect—not only the social respect of manners but the greater respect which is recognition of another person as unique and valuable. The first kind can make you sick and small and weak but the second can release in you strength, and courage and goodness and even wisdom you didn’t know you had…” 

(John Steinbeck)

Monday Inspiration: Patience

Patience and Love agreed o meet at a set time and place; beneath the twenty-third tree in the olive orchard. Patience arrived promptly and waited. She checked her watch every so often but still, there was no sign of Love.  

Was it the twenty-third tree or the fifty-sixth? She wondered and decided to check, just in case. As she made her way over to the fifty-six tree, Love arrived at tree twenty-three where Patience was noticeably absent.  

Love waited and waited before deciding he must have the wrong tree and perhaps it was another where they were supposed to meet. 

Meanwhile, Patience had arrived at the fifty-sixth tree where Love was still nowhere to be seen.  

Both begin to drift aimlessly around the olive orchard, almost meeting but never do.  

Finally, Patience who was lost and feeling quite resigned, found herself beneath the same tree where she began. She stood there for barely a minute when there was a tap on her shoulder. It was  Love. 

..................................

"Where are you?" She asked. "I have been searching all my life."  

"Stop looking for me," Love replied, 'and I will find you."

Amor

Spread it . . . 

My Yogini

I'm in love. My niece! She could spin on her toes and I would think it's the greatest thing ever! Truth. 

Gamble Everything for Love

Taken in Mysore, India

Gamble everything for love,
if you’re a true human being.
If not, leave this gathering.

Half-heartedness doesn’t reach
into majesty. You set out
to find God, but then you keep
stopping for long periods
at mean-spirited roadhouses.

The sun is Love. The Lover,
a speck circling the sun.
A Spring wind moves to dance
any branch that isn’t dead.

Something opens our wings. Something
makes boredom and hurt disappear.
Someone fills the cup in front of us.
We taste only sacredness.

I have lived on the lip
of insanity, wanting to know the reasons,
knocking on a door. It opens.
I’ve been knocking from the inside!

Dance, when you are broken open.
Dance, when you’ve torn the bandage off.
Dance in the middle of the fighting.
Dance in your blood.
Dance, when you’re perfectly free.

Let the lover be disgraceful, crazy
Absentminded. Someone sober
Will worry about things going badly.
Let the lover be.

I would love to kiss you.
The price of kissing is your life.
Now my loving is running toward my life shouting,
What a bargain, let’s buy it.

When I am with you, we stay up all night.
When you’re not here, I can’t go to sleep.
Praise God for these two insomnias!
And the difference between them.

You that came to birth and bring the mysteries,
your voice-thunder makes us very happy.
Roar, lion of the heart,
and tear me open.

Out beyond ideas of right doing and wrong doing, there is a field. 
I'll meet you there.


- Rumi 

Like Crazy

I watched this movie on the plane ride leaving India. Out of the whole list of movies available this one was by far the best, most real, and intriguing. I kinda felt like a voyeur in this young couple's life. A great film, well acted, intimate, relatable . . . recommended to those who haven't seen it yet. 

Give Love

Happy Valentines Day. Whether you think it's a cheesy holiday or not, a reminder to give love is a good thing in my book. 

Love Is . . .

Love is
being happy for the other person
when they are happy
being sad for the other person when they are sad
being together in good times
and being together in bad times
Love is the source of strength

Love is
being honest with yourself at all times
being honest with the other person at all times
telling, listening, respecting the truth
and never pretending
Love is the source of reality

Love is
an understanding that is so complete that
you feel as if you are a part of the other person
accepting the other person just the way they are
and not trying to change them to be something else
Love is the source of unity

Love is
the freedom to pursue your own desires
while sharing your experiences with the other person
the growth of one individual alongside of
and together with the growth of another individual
Love is the source of success

Love is
the excitement of planning things together
the excitement of doing things together
Love is the source of the future

Love is
the fury of the storm
the calm of the rainbow
Love is the source of passion

Love is
giving and taking in a daily situation
being patient with each other’s needs and desires
Love is the source of sharing

Love is
knowing that the other person
will always be with you regardless of what happens
missing the other person when they are away
but remaining near in heart at all times
Love is the source of security

- Susan Polis Schutz

Make Love

Happy Valentine's Day! Yes, I know it's one of those consumer holidays where we feel pressure to extend a little extra to those close to us, but what the hell, why not? What's wrong with spreading a little cheer? I've always loved Valentines. Always. Something about the chocolate (duh!), the color red (sizzle!), and hearts galore. It feels good. Not in a relationship? Ah-ha! Another reason to be reminded of the beauty of extending yourself a bit of self-love too! You deserve it. We all do! Enjoy everyone! Hugs all around. XOXO.

Infinite Love

Chaos Order - Order Chaos

 

"At the touch of love, everyone becomes a poet."

 (Plato)

When first flying off to Iceland I had the pains of separation.  From my partner in life. To my practice partner. I soon realized how connected I felt to my boyfriend. Two months can feel like a long time. Being separated for long periods before, we are able to manage the distance with as much grace as possible. With a job that takes me far and away from time to time, it becomes a practice in deep appreciation for someone that has affected my life in a beautiful way. When that person is no longer beside me, there is space to reflect. One of the profound ways to see and feel gratitude even though it isn't always easy to be apart. Though, in the same breath, there's a comfortableness within the separation, a common bond of faith and value in how we see the world beyond time and space. No matter where, I feel closely held, and comforted. This I cherish.

What makes it easier is work I enjoy. I couldn't be happier and more appreciative to have followed my heart into doing what I feel passionate about. From pains of insecurity, to being broke and penniless, I've been pushed into the practice of trust and faith. Not always an easy feet, with boundless opportunities to learn and heal, I guess I wouldn't have had it any other way. Though, I wipe my head with relief I somehow survived the crazy chaos of following my heart.

There is still much uncertainty, regarding everything. When finally accepting that uncertainty will always reside in the here and now, somehow brings comfort. Security blankets can be as illusory as anything else. Change is always happening. No matter what.

With the tides of life I'm not sure I'll always be prepared to handle the ride, but I know what's important for me today. It's the best I can do. I've had special opportunities to look around with wonder.

I may not be writing the story, but I can surly stand in glorious honor and reflection of what's been revealed and what is yet to be known. Truly living has a way of exposing the light even in the darkest of times.

Can I be crazy in saying that those dark times have been just as important as the light? Those moments where I was brought down to my knees. Everything broken. Thank God for those cracks. Finally to be free of the hard shell weighing me down. 

Already, the vast landscape of being in a new land has brought me into moments of sacred contemplation. If feels good to enter into this space and feel the beauty of ALL life experience.

Thoughts on Love

To attract love three qualities must be cultivated: attention, affection, appreciation.

There is nothing more attractive than a person who has no social masks and radiates a simple unaffected humanity.

We are repelled by people who have qualities that we deny in ourselves.

We are attracted to people who have qualities we have but that we want more of.

Falling in love is an act of the soul.

People who attract love respond to the gestures of love from others.

People who attract love know how to give. They are generous of spirit.

People who attract love are not dependent on anyone to know they are lovable.

People who attract love are comfortable with their own and other people's weaknesses.

People who attract love are comfortable with ambiguity and are non-judgmental.

People who attract love believe they are lovable.

Any relationship based on need is doomed for failure, but a relationship based on playfulness will lead to ecstasy.

Intimacy in love is a state of timelessness, loss of ego, naturalness, surrender, communion, defenselessness and vulnerability.

To commune with another soul, see them as equal, be sensitive to paradoxical feelings, have integrity, and don't project.

(Deepak Chopra)

Learn a Little about Love from an Angel

Oh. How I love French film. Got the following clip from my good friend Tiffany. Love this. Now I wanna see the entire film, Angel-A.

Thanks Tiffy!!!

♥

“There are millions of people in this world, but in the end it all comes down to one. I still panic sometimes, forget to breathe, but I know that there’s something beautiful in my imperfections; the beauty that he held up for me to see. The strength that I will never be able to say.”

(Crazy/Beautiful)

Ah. Yes. What a lovely experience. To be shown love in all it's beauty, to then have it begin to dissolve those dark places still held inside. Enraptured to a place that heals. That ultimately sets me free. Defenses, walls, come crumbling down. Old patterns cease in the face of genuine, heartfelt love. Nothing is more true. Nothing is more real. Nothing is more worth living than that.

♥

Love & Fear

"There are only two seeming realities in this world and one of them is an illusion. There is either fear or love. Where there is fear there can be no love. Where there is love there can be no fear. Love cannot co-exist with fear. Fear cannot co-exist with love. They are mutually exclusive. There is at any given moment all fear or all love. There cannot be a fearful love or a loving fear."

(Take Me To Truth: Undoing the Ego, by Nouk Sanchez & Tomas Vieira)

I absolutely love the above the excerpt from the book I'm currently reading/studying. One thing I can appreciate is when a book of this nature cuts through the frilly bullshit and gets straight to the point in a fairly gentle way. Why sugar coat it?

There really isn't much to say beyond what has already been said above ...