It’s hard to accept that the maps in our heads rarely match the sky above us, but there is such a relief in finally letting go of the static image and just moving with the wind.
Yes we should resist while being joyful in this world! Sometimes I think that alone might send the present administration into a tailspin. They don't want us to be happy, they function best if the opposition is agitated.
This despotic administration is one of hundreds throughout history. Our mission is to do the right thing and to stay joyful to encourage the resisters through this period. We shall overcome compassionately, Dawn. 😎🙏🏻🕊️
I really loved this post, Manuel. From here, the country that was his and forced him into exile for more than 30 years, for his devotion to peace and reconciliation during the " American War" in Vietnam, the writings of Thich Nhat Hahn take on a deeper meaning.
You reminded me how I lost my best friend from college to the MAGA movement. She does not believe in climate change. There are climate cycles, not changes. She argued with me when I used the word "adapt" in any context because she does not like change. We spent years not talking to each other until her daughter died and she needed me to care. Of course I mourn the woman I saw grow from an infant to become a mother herself. But after a year or so of a renewed but fragile relationship she again realizes I have grown, adapted and changed since college. What I stand for upsets her. This only proves that somthings never change.
I identify with your situation 100%, Judith. Friendships and family relations are strained and even severed— this is the human condition today. We are all suffering through it. I have come to understand that fear is at the heart of this— fear of the other and the unknown. Some can bear the normal uncertainties of life and others cannot and reach for the false certainty offered by demagogues seeking to manipulate us to their benefit. I send you peace and no fear. 🙏🏻
Thank you, Manuel. Your words help. Adaptation has been my survival mode. That's probably why I can resist the demagogues while also learning from them. When I was studying Psychology one presenter said that when she felt lost, she always read Freud. The audience gasped. She continued - because she disagreed with him so much it got her back on track.
lovely thoughts, as usual, Manuel. The resistance to change that we see with MAGA and the aptly-named Epstein Class, is one that always reminds me of the King Midas - one of monstrous greed - mine, mine, mine - you can't take my stuff - and your stuff is now my stuff - which, of course, led to his fatal 'golden' touch which was the end of him and his world except for the story that lives on. It's hard not to see Trump as Midas-come-again.
Well done Manuel. Thanks.
Thank you, Dave. Much work ahead. 😎🙏🏻
Love the cloud analogy. Very thought provoking.
Thank you , Scott. Onwards and upwards!😎🙏🏻
Great analogy, Manuel. They're throwing anything at the wall and nothing is sticking, like a cloud in the wind.
Thanks, Lorraine. We press on!😎🙏🏻
It’s hard to accept that the maps in our heads rarely match the sky above us, but there is such a relief in finally letting go of the static image and just moving with the wind.
Yes we should resist while being joyful in this world! Sometimes I think that alone might send the present administration into a tailspin. They don't want us to be happy, they function best if the opposition is agitated.
This despotic administration is one of hundreds throughout history. Our mission is to do the right thing and to stay joyful to encourage the resisters through this period. We shall overcome compassionately, Dawn. 😎🙏🏻🕊️
I really loved this post, Manuel. From here, the country that was his and forced him into exile for more than 30 years, for his devotion to peace and reconciliation during the " American War" in Vietnam, the writings of Thich Nhat Hahn take on a deeper meaning.
I am glad that you liked it, Verónica. Compassion without mushiness— Thay is a gift to the world.
Have muchoo tiempo sin comunicarnos. Desgraciadamente, tengo problems de salud. Te aprecio mucho. Un abrazo cálido, Vee
Siento que no estés bien, Verónica. ¿Que te agobia, Amiga?
You reminded me how I lost my best friend from college to the MAGA movement. She does not believe in climate change. There are climate cycles, not changes. She argued with me when I used the word "adapt" in any context because she does not like change. We spent years not talking to each other until her daughter died and she needed me to care. Of course I mourn the woman I saw grow from an infant to become a mother herself. But after a year or so of a renewed but fragile relationship she again realizes I have grown, adapted and changed since college. What I stand for upsets her. This only proves that somthings never change.
I identify with your situation 100%, Judith. Friendships and family relations are strained and even severed— this is the human condition today. We are all suffering through it. I have come to understand that fear is at the heart of this— fear of the other and the unknown. Some can bear the normal uncertainties of life and others cannot and reach for the false certainty offered by demagogues seeking to manipulate us to their benefit. I send you peace and no fear. 🙏🏻
Thank you, Manuel. Your words help. Adaptation has been my survival mode. That's probably why I can resist the demagogues while also learning from them. When I was studying Psychology one presenter said that when she felt lost, she always read Freud. The audience gasped. She continued - because she disagreed with him so much it got her back on track.
Words to ponder...I like them. 😎
lovely thoughts, as usual, Manuel. The resistance to change that we see with MAGA and the aptly-named Epstein Class, is one that always reminds me of the King Midas - one of monstrous greed - mine, mine, mine - you can't take my stuff - and your stuff is now my stuff - which, of course, led to his fatal 'golden' touch which was the end of him and his world except for the story that lives on. It's hard not to see Trump as Midas-come-again.
Here's another take on clouds i learned some time ago from Sufi stories and wrote up my version here: https://comeuppance.blogspot.com/search?q=clouds#:~:text=Chris%20cavanagh%20at-,3%3A50%20pm,-1%20comment%3A
Your take on clouds is as powerful as the water cycle. Kudos to you, Chris. Thanks for your kind words. 🙏🏻
Ever changing, all...
“eternal transformation.”
May for better, us?
It is up to us to receive the message and act accordingly, compassionately. 🙏🏻