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If you struggle with keeping focused and moving forward in a pleasingly orderly way you are not alone. This Mindmap, which came in a long letter received well over a month ago, caught my attention as I prepared to responding to it. But that I had been more orderly in my work habits I’d have answered the letter much sooner!
Efficiency isn’t everything of course and I for one find myself oppressed if I get too populated with ‘to do’ lists. The part of the map which speaks of creating rituals and habits is good. Yes and up there top right is Morning Quiet and part of that is….meditation. A very good way to start a day.
Out on a beach or walking a path we pick up something that catches our eye. I’ve a pine cone on my altar which I picked up beside the river Dee in Scotland last year when out for a walk there. One of these fine days I will take it off for a walk and leave it beside a path.
It has been eight years since I started writing regularly here. Much water has passed under the bridge since then and very many posts have passed down the page. Now in a few days I’ll be taking a couple of week to sit still and reflect on these past years and contemplate what might be ahead. It will be a time for looking within and a time of reflection. In the next few days I will be working on pre publishing posts which will appear each day at 4.00 p.m. GMT. I’d like to invite you to help suggest posts from the past that are worthy to be republished. I’ll be going through old posts as a lead into retreat reflections.
Do you recall a posts which had particular significant to you? Memorable ones which perhaps helped you to see and understand something at greater depth. Or a photograph you simply love to bits which says it all with no, or few, words? Like shells on the beach, stones on the path the posts can be picked up, appreciated anew and then set aside. If you have something to say about the post(s) you choose, then let me know that too. If you left a comment to the post I will republish that as well.
On days of sorrow I live in complete sorrow
On days of happiness I live in absolute happiness
I have walked step by step with simplicity and diligence
so now a hint of truth is in my view
Nobody lends a hand if you do not find it by yourself
This travel on a narrow path has been difficult but
I have a glimpse of an unbroken world.
With gratitude Jukich Yagi
Last evening at the Lancaster Meditation Group the donation was wrapped up in a sheet of paper. This morning taking the offering out of the Alms Bowl and unwrapping it I found this translation of a poem.
The unknown translator of this poem from the original Japanese wrote the following notes: The lecturer (on Philosophy of Education) told us that it was necessary to concentrate on the sadness/sorrow and it was important not to change it into grumbling or hatred or any other emotion. Without realizing it, when we are sad, we might end up complaining bitterly about something which actually should not be the issue. Nobody will be able to cure your soreness in your heart however at least you can give a cry. You can express yourself. The best thing is that you remain ‘clean’ and ‘pure’ in your own heart, which in itself might move someone. Keep your mind concentrated. Don’t (allow yourself to) be bothered by what your other emotions are saying. The most wonderful thing you can do for people is to really be one in yourself.
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