Thank you Joan. I understand sciatica, back pain and sinking into that psychological/emotional suffering well. I have been on that roundabout too many times over the years. A few weeks ago, I tore a ligament in my knee while working on the land on the permaculture project I maintain with my partner and was hobbling around with a crutch unable to do much. So much needing to be done particularly at this time of year! Just had to let go of that project and that one..Then I had an extremely painful operation on my hand; so had one arm in a sling and a crutch under my other arm. I was in excruciating pain and unable to function. The situation in the world seemed overwhelmingly distressing and it wasn't surprising that familiar dark thoughts/feelings were present. Breathing. Presence. Breathing Presence. This is Life etc. After one trip to the hospital, we went to a supermarket and I waited for my partner as he went for a pee. I turned my head and an instant, the beatific vision engulfed me. Never been a single separate entity. All the apparent people present, only One Empty Open Presence living all being. Utter Freedom. Utter perfection. Beyond/before Time. Beyond/before Space. The vision disappeared as quickly as it appeared, but somehow traces of divine humour remained and re-established the deep sense that despite all appearances, all is well. Be well! Love, Stef
I thank God for love, wisdom and friendship. How awesome it is that the universe is manifest in so may ways to remind me. I might attempt a list of these ways, but as I open to their names or categories, intuition says "What's NOT on the list? Eh?" Then, open silence.
Anyway, with respect to this specific message and friend, I say, "Thank you again and again, dear Joan."
I like this a lot: "Each of us is a light. A unique expression of light. The world needs all the light it can get. And that doesn’t mean ignoring the darkness or papering it over with spiritual platitudes and facile ideas. Indeed, in my experience, it is a lifelong, moment to moment, always THIS moment work of seeing through delusion and not sinking into cynicism, despair, self-pity, hopelessness or rage—and instead, finding the light, again and again. The light is always right here, closer than close, most intimate, in our very heart, and also everywhere once we see everything from wholeness and love rather than from separation and encapsulation. This “work” I speak of, which could also be called deep play, is not accomplished by straining. It is accomplished by relaxing, letting go, opening, dissolving."
Today the darkness came for me and reading your words helps me know I'm not alone. And yes, all the practice and the wisdom I think I ought to have by now doesn't help. The body hurts so much sometimes and the heart aches deep. Thankful from the bottom of my heart.
So much to value in this Joan...the urge towards multitasking (the practice of doing more than one thing - badly); the merits of really listening (even when we do mean listening with the ears, we're often just waiting for the next opportunity to speak)...
Two key messages though - doesn't matter how long we may have "practiced", or how many times we may have experienced clear seeing, NOT seeing clearly will inevitability be a part of our lives whether we like it or not...and that the core of skilful being is attention (or listening).
Nice, Joan. I always enjoy your wonderful writing.
Great to see you here on Substack. ❤️
Yes it's really great. Just started and liking it a lot. Much love to you, Joan.
Thank you for your love as always. It penetrates deep into my heart.
I love how you turn to, not away from, distress and suffering. I get great comfort from that.
Thank you Joan. I understand sciatica, back pain and sinking into that psychological/emotional suffering well. I have been on that roundabout too many times over the years. A few weeks ago, I tore a ligament in my knee while working on the land on the permaculture project I maintain with my partner and was hobbling around with a crutch unable to do much. So much needing to be done particularly at this time of year! Just had to let go of that project and that one..Then I had an extremely painful operation on my hand; so had one arm in a sling and a crutch under my other arm. I was in excruciating pain and unable to function. The situation in the world seemed overwhelmingly distressing and it wasn't surprising that familiar dark thoughts/feelings were present. Breathing. Presence. Breathing Presence. This is Life etc. After one trip to the hospital, we went to a supermarket and I waited for my partner as he went for a pee. I turned my head and an instant, the beatific vision engulfed me. Never been a single separate entity. All the apparent people present, only One Empty Open Presence living all being. Utter Freedom. Utter perfection. Beyond/before Time. Beyond/before Space. The vision disappeared as quickly as it appeared, but somehow traces of divine humour remained and re-established the deep sense that despite all appearances, all is well. Be well! Love, Stef
Another great piece. It feels like the notes to a tune I hear are slowly and gently being reorded into a more coherent piece.
💝🙏🌈 all ways here/Home..
I thank God for love, wisdom and friendship. How awesome it is that the universe is manifest in so may ways to remind me. I might attempt a list of these ways, but as I open to their names or categories, intuition says "What's NOT on the list? Eh?" Then, open silence.
Anyway, with respect to this specific message and friend, I say, "Thank you again and again, dear Joan."
I love "'What's NOT on the list? Eh?' Then, open silence." 🤗
Dear Joan,
Beautiful piece.
I like this a lot: "Each of us is a light. A unique expression of light. The world needs all the light it can get. And that doesn’t mean ignoring the darkness or papering it over with spiritual platitudes and facile ideas. Indeed, in my experience, it is a lifelong, moment to moment, always THIS moment work of seeing through delusion and not sinking into cynicism, despair, self-pity, hopelessness or rage—and instead, finding the light, again and again. The light is always right here, closer than close, most intimate, in our very heart, and also everywhere once we see everything from wholeness and love rather than from separation and encapsulation. This “work” I speak of, which could also be called deep play, is not accomplished by straining. It is accomplished by relaxing, letting go, opening, dissolving."
Thank you for sharing as always!
Love
Myq
Thank you Joan and Fu🙏❤️🙏
Thank you Joan and be well🙏
Thank you for addressing mental illness.
Thank you for sharing your clear and helpful insights as well as your teachers’ wisdom. Such valuable support for all of us right now!
Today the darkness came for me and reading your words helps me know I'm not alone. And yes, all the practice and the wisdom I think I ought to have by now doesn't help. The body hurts so much sometimes and the heart aches deep. Thankful from the bottom of my heart.
So much to value in this Joan...the urge towards multitasking (the practice of doing more than one thing - badly); the merits of really listening (even when we do mean listening with the ears, we're often just waiting for the next opportunity to speak)...
Two key messages though - doesn't matter how long we may have "practiced", or how many times we may have experienced clear seeing, NOT seeing clearly will inevitability be a part of our lives whether we like it or not...and that the core of skilful being is attention (or listening).
I wish you all well. 🈚️
Yes! 🙏
…and a 🙏 right back at ya! Much love.
Unsparing yet full of care. Honest without being pious.
Another note of quiet beauty.
Thanks
(Hoping some 'deep play' finds your sciatica.)
thank you for your honest insightful reflection, it helps me process my own darkness I'm struggling through 🙏