34 Comments
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David Kelley's avatar

Maybe it's a few days old, but it certainly isn't stale! How many times I hear you, Joan, and many other teachers, too, invite simple awaring now? I find myself chuckling out loud at fresh recognition, at forgetting, remembering, again and again. Let go the ideal of never ever forgetting again. Acknowledge deep gratitude for the reminder of what I already knew, know, knowing now. Blessings, dear Joan.

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Stephen Grundy's avatar

Aye - the realisation that it is ALL about perspective, and the ability to recall this (from time to time at least) is perhaps one of the most profound shifts in view that arise from a prolonged daily silent practice. This of itself leads to less attachment and investment in named concepts....

Be content Joan. Deep bows.

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Chris Roy's avatar

this post is 🎯. it describes my personal suffering so well. it explains the right attitude. now if i could somehow develop that attitude. i don’t know how to live day to day in this world without hope. it’s a cool concept but i’ll need a little more time …

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Joan Tollifson's avatar

Thanks, Chris. And actually, you don't need time. Hope creates the illusion of future time (as does hopelessness), both of which are thought-created. As Joko said, "none of us wants to abandon our hope. And to be honest, none of us is going to abandon it all at once. But we can have periods when for a few minutes or a few hours, there is just what is, just this flow. And we are more in touch with the only thing we’ll ever have, which is our life." And those "periods" she refers to are always NOW. 😊

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Tom Dietvorst's avatar

I don't know how much time you've given it. I've given it 73 years. I'm "hoping" that's long enough. This post actually gives me hope I can let it go. ❤️

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bill r's avatar

So good!!❣️knowing/experiencing that ALL is interconnected and interdependent is the peace..the light.. the love WE All ARE!

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Diana Richardson's avatar

David said it for both of us! Still, I want to chime in with my gratitude. And...Good old Ikkyu!

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Manuel's avatar

I love how you talk about your feelings and also about your doubts. I thank you writings from your seeker experience and especially from your life perspective.

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Moksavdini's avatar

Thank you, that was lovely to read.

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Debby's avatar

Such warmth, love and appreciation for you and your offerings, Joan. Will be with you in the Silent/Stillness.

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John Tyrrell's avatar

Thank you again Joan. Your ability to speak so clearly and honestly about what cannot be spoken of is, excuse the term, “miraculous”. I am deeply grateful. Looking forward to watching the video with Robert Saltzman later today. Someone who’s books I discovered thru you on your booklist. Much Love to all.

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Keith Harvey's avatar

No end to seeming problems, nor to seeming joys, reliably vacillating and flowing, never graspable. It's always what is, and it's alright. Thank you so much Joan.

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Eddie Graham's avatar

Keeping it real! I really appreciate your perspective, Joan!

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celeste onorati's avatar

Awaring, awaring, awaring! Brilliant. :) ♥️

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Tina_4Love's avatar

Soothed by arrows of truth. I am so grateful to have found your voice Joan. It matters here. 💚

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Rae Mystic Moon's avatar

Thank you - just what I needed!

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Gaye's avatar

I love your words Joan, and I love our shared silence. Thank you 🙏❤️

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