Dear Joan, I was sitting at home still processing my painful experiences at the recent nondual retreat I just came back from 3 days ago. For the first time after many years of silent retreats (I even sat a 6 week silent retreat at IMS with Joseph Goldstein) where I came home feeling nourished and eager to continue my meditation practice, this first nondual retreat left me feeling lost and very confused. Everybody else seemed to be very good with all the right nondual words.No effort needed, ignorance is your problem, you still think you're a person! I've realized now that all those years of Zen and Vipassana practice were necessary and I love the structure of a formal practice, of right effort and devotion to me is important. "Presence, Awareness, Here-Now, God" as you write, is something I experience in my heart, not something I can understand with my mind. Thank you for being so brilliantly clear, warm, honest in everything you write. Your words uplifted my spirit today.I won't give up.I'll read again and again."God" bless you, Joan!
I used to think a lot about nonduality because I unconsciously hoped that realization would help me not feel whatever I was feeling. Allowing myself to feel and allowing the feelings to flow without acting them out has been for me the "meditation that is not meditation" that you wrote Jean Klein recommended we find. "You're already there," he said.
I greatly appreciated your sharing the ups and downs, the ins and outs, and the different directions in your spiritual journey, because, like most of us I imagine, I too have had my doubts and confusions and bumps along the way. I love that you continuously point out that it all leads to here/now - then it all seems worthwhile and makes sense. The comparison to those that appear to be further along toward realization can be difficult because, indeed, most paths and teachers talk about stages on the path, and some are further along and get to wear special robes etc. I often wonder how lay people, like myself, can find his way through the gateless gate, when it seems that those who do have pretty much devoted their entire lives to it. Thanks as always.
Speaking of now-here, this landed in just the space that seemed needy and perhaps too actively searching. A gentle balancing and ease, recognition and letting go, temper a too-strict Nothing To Do.
Clear as a bell. Thank you, Joan. I almost started a substack the other day. I was going to call it "No Way," because those are usually the first two words out of somebody's mouth when I answer their questions about nonduality. Also, "no way" is a very succinct description of the pathless path. Fortunately, you rule. Also you have given me time to realize that just because they both begin with "p," "Pandora's box" and "peace" are very different. I am a dowser's wand for peace. You are the nondual queen of substack.
Joan, reading this entry was so refreshing and just what I needed to hear today. Thank you for writing honestly about your process and for sharing it with all of us. Much gratitude.
Your eloquence and honesty are always inspiring Joan. You are almost unique among non-dual teachers and speakers in admitting your garden isn’t ‘roses, roses’, all of the time. I’ve been reading your posts and books for many years now, and I’d say you are without doubt the most gifted communicator in the non-dual firmament. May the light of wisdom continue to express through you, and shine on the pathless path, right up to the gateless gate, and beyond.
On the mark as usual dear Joan. Thank you for being there Here & Now. I teach acting and one of my favorite things to say to my students is there’s a little bit of Jesus and a little bit of Hitler in everyone. Hopefully there’s more Jesus than Hitler.
Reading this article brought me back to center which I needed today. I'm going to post those words--Right Now, Just As It Is-- where I can be reminded of them often. Coming back to Presence, being reminded even the slipping away Is It.
Thanks for the compassion and insight with which you write.
Dear Joan, I was sitting at home still processing my painful experiences at the recent nondual retreat I just came back from 3 days ago. For the first time after many years of silent retreats (I even sat a 6 week silent retreat at IMS with Joseph Goldstein) where I came home feeling nourished and eager to continue my meditation practice, this first nondual retreat left me feeling lost and very confused. Everybody else seemed to be very good with all the right nondual words.No effort needed, ignorance is your problem, you still think you're a person! I've realized now that all those years of Zen and Vipassana practice were necessary and I love the structure of a formal practice, of right effort and devotion to me is important. "Presence, Awareness, Here-Now, God" as you write, is something I experience in my heart, not something I can understand with my mind. Thank you for being so brilliantly clear, warm, honest in everything you write. Your words uplifted my spirit today.I won't give up.I'll read again and again."God" bless you, Joan!
Good article about a slippery subject.
Enjoy your time offline, Joan.
I used to think a lot about nonduality because I unconsciously hoped that realization would help me not feel whatever I was feeling. Allowing myself to feel and allowing the feelings to flow without acting them out has been for me the "meditation that is not meditation" that you wrote Jean Klein recommended we find. "You're already there," he said.
I greatly appreciated your sharing the ups and downs, the ins and outs, and the different directions in your spiritual journey, because, like most of us I imagine, I too have had my doubts and confusions and bumps along the way. I love that you continuously point out that it all leads to here/now - then it all seems worthwhile and makes sense. The comparison to those that appear to be further along toward realization can be difficult because, indeed, most paths and teachers talk about stages on the path, and some are further along and get to wear special robes etc. I often wonder how lay people, like myself, can find his way through the gateless gate, when it seems that those who do have pretty much devoted their entire lives to it. Thanks as always.
Speaking of now-here, this landed in just the space that seemed needy and perhaps too actively searching. A gentle balancing and ease, recognition and letting go, temper a too-strict Nothing To Do.
Joan
You are this ordinary person’s clear invitation to not give up. Thank you for sharing the ups and downs.
Laurie
Clear as a bell. Thank you, Joan. I almost started a substack the other day. I was going to call it "No Way," because those are usually the first two words out of somebody's mouth when I answer their questions about nonduality. Also, "no way" is a very succinct description of the pathless path. Fortunately, you rule. Also you have given me time to realize that just because they both begin with "p," "Pandora's box" and "peace" are very different. I am a dowser's wand for peace. You are the nondual queen of substack.
Joan, reading this entry was so refreshing and just what I needed to hear today. Thank you for writing honestly about your process and for sharing it with all of us. Much gratitude.
Honesty and clarity. And a wide-ranging all-encompassing compassion born of personal experience.
And humility. Your writing is The Great Encouragement, Joan! It is also The Great Joy of Now.
Thank you!
Thank you and good luck with the new tech.
Your eloquence and honesty are always inspiring Joan. You are almost unique among non-dual teachers and speakers in admitting your garden isn’t ‘roses, roses’, all of the time. I’ve been reading your posts and books for many years now, and I’d say you are without doubt the most gifted communicator in the non-dual firmament. May the light of wisdom continue to express through you, and shine on the pathless path, right up to the gateless gate, and beyond.
dear joan,
thank you for this. beautiful as always!
love
myq
I amazed how reading your writing... the understanding just happens The Now reveals...the spaciousness, love , peace...
Embracing everything... muchas gracias Dear Joan ,love to All
On the mark as usual dear Joan. Thank you for being there Here & Now. I teach acting and one of my favorite things to say to my students is there’s a little bit of Jesus and a little bit of Hitler in everyone. Hopefully there’s more Jesus than Hitler.
Thank You, Joan, for the friendly clarity and encouragement. Good Health to you!
Reading this article brought me back to center which I needed today. I'm going to post those words--Right Now, Just As It Is-- where I can be reminded of them often. Coming back to Presence, being reminded even the slipping away Is It.
Thanks for the compassion and insight with which you write.