about being kind.
a note from jay and marilee, as we are 'elders' now, regarding care of the self -
what matters as much in a caring profession, over time,
as content retained, expertise acquired, professionalism, connections deepened experience refined,
is remaining committed to our ability to quiet ourselves,
develop focused awareness,
open-heartedness,
and maintain curiosity,
-
maintain a commitment to flexibility, increased growth and discipline, the ability to, essentially
"ride the Elephant"
by staying with individual Practice - inner work - every day.
"(S)he who mounts the wild Elephant goes where the wild Elephant goes . . . ."
so, "Tame the Elephant." step by step.
we learn things as we journey - to keep-on-being on course, be more open, more courageous,
to be sturdier, steadier, to watch for others, be more grateful, patient, and kind,
and "more at home in life's rich and muddy water, "
where something exquisite may emerge.
sesshin.
(meaning "Practice")
"may you be at home in the muddy water."
just sit still.
and let the mud sink to the bottom.
your life rises up on a sturdy stalk
and blooms on the surface like a lotus flower.
sesshin.
your life, here and now."
Excerpted from Karen M. Miller, Lion's Roar, 8.2015
a note from jay and marilee, as we are 'elders' now, regarding care of the self -
what matters as much in a caring profession, over time,
as content retained, expertise acquired, professionalism, connections deepened experience refined,
is remaining committed to our ability to quiet ourselves,
develop focused awareness,
open-heartedness,
and maintain curiosity,
-
maintain a commitment to flexibility, increased growth and discipline, the ability to, essentially
"ride the Elephant"
by staying with individual Practice - inner work - every day.
"(S)he who mounts the wild Elephant goes where the wild Elephant goes . . . ."
so, "Tame the Elephant." step by step.
we learn things as we journey - to keep-on-being on course, be more open, more courageous,
to be sturdier, steadier, to watch for others, be more grateful, patient, and kind,
and "more at home in life's rich and muddy water, "
where something exquisite may emerge.
sesshin.
(meaning "Practice")
"may you be at home in the muddy water."
just sit still.
and let the mud sink to the bottom.
your life rises up on a sturdy stalk
and blooms on the surface like a lotus flower.
sesshin.
your life, here and now."
Excerpted from Karen M. Miller, Lion's Roar, 8.2015
You, who are on the road Must have a code
That you can live by.
And so -- Become Yourself
Because the past Is just a good-bye
Teach your children well
Your father's hell did slowly go by
And feed them on your Dreams
The one they pick The one you'll know by
Don't you ever ask them why
If they told you you would cry
So just look at them and sigh
And know they love you.
And you of tender years Can't know the fears
That your elders grew by
And so please help them with your youth
They seek the truth before they can die
Teach your parents well.
The children's hell will slowly go by
And feed them on your dreams
The one they pick The one you'll know by
Don't you ever ask them why -
If they told you you would cry
So just look at them and sigh And know they love you.
Teach Your Children, Crosby, Stills, and Nash. Released, 19
That you can live by.
And so -- Become Yourself
Because the past Is just a good-bye
Teach your children well
Your father's hell did slowly go by
And feed them on your Dreams
The one they pick The one you'll know by
Don't you ever ask them why
If they told you you would cry
So just look at them and sigh
And know they love you.
And you of tender years Can't know the fears
That your elders grew by
And so please help them with your youth
They seek the truth before they can die
Teach your parents well.
The children's hell will slowly go by
And feed them on your dreams
The one they pick The one you'll know by
Don't you ever ask them why -
If they told you you would cry
So just look at them and sigh And know they love you.
Teach Your Children, Crosby, Stills, and Nash. Released, 19