I only got 40% of the way through. I MUST now get some rest, at 10:25pm here in California.But this essay is one I promise to turn back to repeatedly - it is so comprehensive, clear, and well written. Lord knows you have lived, Joan, but what a teacher it has molded you into.
Thank you again Joan you do certainly cover the big issues or concerns that many of us have.
The big one for me is also balancing the Non dual reality with all the suffering that goes on in the world and what part to play in it all. I totally agree it's an ongoing, moment to moment presence that's required with no simple one off answer. I have learnt to step back with a sense of acceptance for how life is and then engage where I think I can make some difference. I certainly avoid the worst of the polarisation on social media... But life is still a challenge knowing on the deepest level everything is exactly as it has to be and wanting to do more....
But I never hate and any frustrations don't control me so I've slowly learnt something in the here and now. My ongoing meditation practice does really help as do your honest words Joan. Your words have helped me from first of your books I read many years ago.
Yes, me too. Years ago, I was full of self-righteous anger over injustices in the world, and even a few years ago, I still got pretty worked up about a few things, although I was also by then listening more openly to diverse opinions and views, and lately I find a new equanimity. Outward events seem (to my eye) worse than ever, and I care very much about the suffering and injustices, and I pay attention to what's going on, but I no longer find myself full of distress and upset, and there is no hatred anymore for those doing the things I find atrocious. I no longer feel called to outward activism, but I'm glad others are, and I hope people find a way to do that in a spirit of love rather than in a spirit of self-righteousness and putting down the people on "the other side," realizing instead that we're not really separate and not really different at our core. Thanks for your comment. 🙏
😄 Yes. Although I do see positive changes and evolutionary development, along with periodic setbacks and seemingly "wrong" turns, but the world of apparent form will always include polarity and ultimately, it will all disappear. 🙏😎
I'm with the 40% guy. This is a veritable feast and I'm taking it one sizable plate at a time. Rich and juicy, a festive (and sobering) nondual Holiday meal.
Dearest Joan another eloquent expression like no other, I feel very grateful for your insights, I especially like the sentence Zen Master Dogen said practice isn’t about becoming enlightened; practice is enlightenment, Your words are so inspiring and profound as we make our way through this one life Much Love June
Wow. You touched on so much. 2 years ago in my kitchen i saw there is only one of us here. It was a most joyful homecoming, hysterical laughter and sobbing tears too.
Arriving home having found I’d never actually gone anywhere. I’ve been here the whole time.
Aye, but a day or so later mind identification and the sense of the separate self quickly regrouped bringing nihilism, hopelessness, helplessness, futility and the rest of the hell realm demons.
I certainly feel less alone reading your post. The “me” does anyway.
Wars and factory farms and all the horrific things seen and heard. I have no place to put those atrocities. Im lost as to what to do with it all.
I cry very real tears and feel very real pain in witnessing this worlds horrors.
Im so grateful to have read this today. I know despair, depression, hopelessness and the like. They are my lifetime companions.
I don’t know what im saying now or where i was going so ill just end with thank you.
Sean, the factory farm issue is why I became vegan many years ago. Every time I practice in a group and the teacher says at the end the dedication of the merit of our practice "may all beings be safe and free from suffering" etc. I can't help but imagine all the sentient tortured beings. Joan is the first person who has mentioned them that I have read.
May I just say ‘thank you’, Joan? Not just for this timely piece but for all your writing. You are beautiful and what you do brightens the world.I am very grateful.
It's taken me decades to actually realize that I have a moment to moment choice to either let go and let things be or to hold on and make myself feel crazy about things over which I have absolutely no control.
What lands most for me is the way this brings the absolute and the human into the same frame without collapsing one into the other. To hear nonduality described without bypassing the grit of lived experience, and without pretending that presence erases pain, grief, or injustice.
I only got 40% of the way through. I MUST now get some rest, at 10:25pm here in California.But this essay is one I promise to turn back to repeatedly - it is so comprehensive, clear, and well written. Lord knows you have lived, Joan, but what a teacher it has molded you into.
Thank you.
Thank you again Joan you do certainly cover the big issues or concerns that many of us have.
The big one for me is also balancing the Non dual reality with all the suffering that goes on in the world and what part to play in it all. I totally agree it's an ongoing, moment to moment presence that's required with no simple one off answer. I have learnt to step back with a sense of acceptance for how life is and then engage where I think I can make some difference. I certainly avoid the worst of the polarisation on social media... But life is still a challenge knowing on the deepest level everything is exactly as it has to be and wanting to do more....
But I never hate and any frustrations don't control me so I've slowly learnt something in the here and now. My ongoing meditation practice does really help as do your honest words Joan. Your words have helped me from first of your books I read many years ago.
Thanks Kev
From Sedgley the UK 🙏
Yes, me too. Years ago, I was full of self-righteous anger over injustices in the world, and even a few years ago, I still got pretty worked up about a few things, although I was also by then listening more openly to diverse opinions and views, and lately I find a new equanimity. Outward events seem (to my eye) worse than ever, and I care very much about the suffering and injustices, and I pay attention to what's going on, but I no longer find myself full of distress and upset, and there is no hatred anymore for those doing the things I find atrocious. I no longer feel called to outward activism, but I'm glad others are, and I hope people find a way to do that in a spirit of love rather than in a spirit of self-righteousness and putting down the people on "the other side," realizing instead that we're not really separate and not really different at our core. Thanks for your comment. 🙏
Infinitas gracias querida amiga. Una brisa fresca en un mundo que cada vez va más rápido. Gracias. Gracias. Gracias. 🙏🏼
❤️❤️❤️
A spiritual version of the Myth of Sisyphus. We are running an endless marathon heading for the No Finish Line.
😄 Yes. Although I do see positive changes and evolutionary development, along with periodic setbacks and seemingly "wrong" turns, but the world of apparent form will always include polarity and ultimately, it will all disappear. 🙏😎
Hey Joan, how about doing that podcast we talked about doing last year? Somehow it feels like the time is right.
Send me and email and we'll find a time.
falkgw@hotmail.com. It's gonna be great! I've been looking forward to do a podcast with you since last Holiday season.
I'll be in touch soon.
Fantastic!
I'm with the 40% guy. This is a veritable feast and I'm taking it one sizable plate at a time. Rich and juicy, a festive (and sobering) nondual Holiday meal.
Well put. ❤️ But who or what's the 40% guy?
RapmasterD. His is the first post on this thread.
Ah yes, I read that beautiful comment last night so it wasn't fresh in my memory this morning. 🙏
I absolutely love this post. Your insight and writing skills are brilliant.
Long time fan
Profoundly insightful and inspiring
Dearest Joan another eloquent expression like no other, I feel very grateful for your insights, I especially like the sentence Zen Master Dogen said practice isn’t about becoming enlightened; practice is enlightenment, Your words are so inspiring and profound as we make our way through this one life Much Love June
Your writing is fresh air for my sometimes bleary and constricted heart that then flows through bringing some clarity and, always, love. 🙏
Wow. You touched on so much. 2 years ago in my kitchen i saw there is only one of us here. It was a most joyful homecoming, hysterical laughter and sobbing tears too.
Arriving home having found I’d never actually gone anywhere. I’ve been here the whole time.
Aye, but a day or so later mind identification and the sense of the separate self quickly regrouped bringing nihilism, hopelessness, helplessness, futility and the rest of the hell realm demons.
I certainly feel less alone reading your post. The “me” does anyway.
Wars and factory farms and all the horrific things seen and heard. I have no place to put those atrocities. Im lost as to what to do with it all.
I cry very real tears and feel very real pain in witnessing this worlds horrors.
Im so grateful to have read this today. I know despair, depression, hopelessness and the like. They are my lifetime companions.
I don’t know what im saying now or where i was going so ill just end with thank you.
🙏
Sean, the factory farm issue is why I became vegan many years ago. Every time I practice in a group and the teacher says at the end the dedication of the merit of our practice "may all beings be safe and free from suffering" etc. I can't help but imagine all the sentient tortured beings. Joan is the first person who has mentioned them that I have read.
Agreed. I went vegetarian 11 years ago after getting sober. Or rather, vegetarian happened. Depends on one’s view.
I’d never really thought about how “food” got to the store.
I used to go hunting with my dad as a kid. It only took once for me to cause harm to a living being and i was done with that.
That 12 year old boy (me) cried my eyes out.
Anyway, we do what we can as best we can with what we know at the time i suppose.
I thank you, the animals certainly do.
Peace be with you Marilyn.
May I just say ‘thank you’, Joan? Not just for this timely piece but for all your writing. You are beautiful and what you do brightens the world.I am very grateful.
It's taken me decades to actually realize that I have a moment to moment choice to either let go and let things be or to hold on and make myself feel crazy about things over which I have absolutely no control.
What a gift! Thank you Joan🫶.
What lands most for me is the way this brings the absolute and the human into the same frame without collapsing one into the other. To hear nonduality described without bypassing the grit of lived experience, and without pretending that presence erases pain, grief, or injustice.
Thank you, Joan. What a gift to receive this whole chapter. I am so grateful for these words.