No dear blog readers, do not call the guys in the white coats. (As if our country has the resources to even EMPLOY guys in white coats any more ...)
Buddhism isn't optimistic or pessimistic, it's realistic.
I like to be funny and irreverent, but reality is harsh for a lot of us right now. I've blogged through some fears in recent weeks. Hopefully it helps others know they're not alone. (I find that incredibly comforting.)
And hopefully it helps those whose lives are more secure appreciate their homes and families.
This is from my favorite book, "Awakening the Buddha Within" by Lama Surya Das.
http://www.amazon.com/Awakening-Buddha-Within-Tibetan-Western/dp/0767901576/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1246991173&sr=8-1
"Depression typically carries an overwhelming sense of feeling abandoned, alone, exhausted and disconnected - profoundly weary from the difficult business of living. If this ever happens to you - and it happens to many of us at one time or another - self inquiry needs to be directed at ways in which you have abandoned or lost touch with yourself.
When you're working on depression and other difficult life situations, it's important to summon your faith, fall back on soulful inner practices and go for refuge where you can find spiritual solace.
Try to remember to have faith in your own Buddha-nature, your own inner light, and seek guidance from a reliable teacher ... who inspires spiritual wisdom and energy. Go for refuge to the Dharma by staying true to yourself and your sense that you are on the right path. And look to your friends and your sangha, or spiritual group of any denomination, for support."
Harry sent me an email like he thought I was sitting on the toilet with a gun in my mouth. Bless your heart Harry, I don't have a gun and if I did, I would never have the balls (or desire) to off myself.
Who would feed the dogs???
Buddhism isn't optimistic or pessimistic, it's realistic.
I like to be funny and irreverent, but reality is harsh for a lot of us right now. I've blogged through some fears in recent weeks. Hopefully it helps others know they're not alone. (I find that incredibly comforting.)
And hopefully it helps those whose lives are more secure appreciate their homes and families.
This is from my favorite book, "Awakening the Buddha Within" by Lama Surya Das.
http://www.amazon.com/Awakening-Buddha-Within-Tibetan-Western/dp/0767901576/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1246991173&sr=8-1
"Depression typically carries an overwhelming sense of feeling abandoned, alone, exhausted and disconnected - profoundly weary from the difficult business of living. If this ever happens to you - and it happens to many of us at one time or another - self inquiry needs to be directed at ways in which you have abandoned or lost touch with yourself.
When you're working on depression and other difficult life situations, it's important to summon your faith, fall back on soulful inner practices and go for refuge where you can find spiritual solace.
Try to remember to have faith in your own Buddha-nature, your own inner light, and seek guidance from a reliable teacher ... who inspires spiritual wisdom and energy. Go for refuge to the Dharma by staying true to yourself and your sense that you are on the right path. And look to your friends and your sangha, or spiritual group of any denomination, for support."
Harry sent me an email like he thought I was sitting on the toilet with a gun in my mouth. Bless your heart Harry, I don't have a gun and if I did, I would never have the balls (or desire) to off myself.
Who would feed the dogs???
My "reliable teachers" are my books - like the one the quote above was taken from; also the Tibetan monk who's coming to Health & Harmony next Saturday! He's the one who says the whole of Buddhism can be boiled down to three key teachings. "Be generous/compassionate with others, do no harm and tame the mind."
My "sangha" (spiritual community) is the Health & Harmony yoga center where we stretch and sweat and laugh like children.
Next Saturday will be an amazing day where - after yoga with Sondra - we stay in the same room to learn "Four Thoughts That Turn the Mind to Enlightenment" w Venerable Konchok Tharchin.
http://www.meetup.com/Health-and-Harmony-Center-in-South-Fort-Myers/calendar/10770231/
No, life is good right now. There is joy and hope. Some challenges, yeah, but they seem manageable. Especially when one begins approaching all tasks as if they were sacred.
http://www.meetup.com/Health-and-Harmony-Center-in-South-Fort-Myers/calendar/10770231/
No, life is good right now. There is joy and hope. Some challenges, yeah, but they seem manageable. Especially when one begins approaching all tasks as if they were sacred.
Namaste.
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