This was written on June 13, 2005 after a five day silent retreat.


How slow can you go? even slower?
How silent can you be? even more?
How present are we now? Still further?
Can you be a little bit more…gentle; kind; loving?

What is it that makes your heart sing?

I write this now, but tomorrow, when it is read, it will be different.
This is OK. Just the way it is.

Do not try to fix. Do not cling or hold, like a monkey.
But instead, feel. It is OK to feel.

And then, this too shall pass, like all things.

Only through feeling comes understanding;
Transcending concept; shattering illusion.

Do you know? Something? In your brain?
Fingers? Body? Mind? Heart? Where?

I grow weary. And then, a simple act touches me.

I need not comfort or security;
Certificates, credit cards, cars or condominiums;
But only occasional reminders; glimpses of truth;
Compassion; wisdom; smiles.

What else is there?

When you see a monastic, stop, clasp your palms together and smile.
What more is there to do or attain than this? Nothing.

I grow weary. I want to give up; often.
And then, a miraculous event occurs; saves my ass from certain disaster; again.

With all my heart, I am grateful;
For birds that sing; for wisdom that sings;
For silence and for smiles.

How simple. How easy. How familiar.

And then, this too shall pass, like all things.

What is the difference between attaching and cherishing?
I believe this is an important distinction for me; maybe for others.

Now I’m confused. I grow weary; again.

Practice. Return to the breath. The present moment.
This wonderful moment.

What was it I was confused about?

I think the important thing I learned (or was reminded of)
is to not go dancing with ghosts. There is no time for this.
This is not an intellectual concept; a metaphysical revelation.

Stop. Bow. Smile. Let your eyes shine bright.
What greater than this present joy?

Nothing.

And then, this too shall pass, like all things.


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