It's so true, isn't it, Beth? We know that "all life is suffering," and that "this, too, will pass." I find these 2 phrases somehow comforting, and your encouraging instruction to accept, move through, and see what can be learned from, the present moment, to be very helpful. It's not always "calm seas and a prosperous voyage," but sometimes there is wisdom, insight, and solace in the deeper waves. 💖
Thank you, Rayna. Yes, indeed, suffering is a universal condition, something I came to appreciate as I studied and taught Buddhism over the years. The idea that suffering can be experienced without resistance is a core Buddhist teaching, one that I see mirrored in Christ's acceptance of his passion and death. If we can't live in a world of rainbows and unicorns, then we need a way to make sense of suffering, our own and that of others. If my words are helpful, I'm grateful. Blessings!
You wrote, "the present moment can still be a pretty hard place to live in." True. But as you also write, "In the face of suffering and failure it is a terrifying and necessary act of faith to open the heart to the eternal force of love that abides and forgives and releases. And that opening can only happen in this, the present, moment. " So, we are left with no choice but to embrace the present, as unpleasant as it sometimes can be, and take the blind leap of faith that love will also embrace us and outweigh the suffering and help to soothe the rough spots along the way. - John Roger Barrie
This is lovely - the surface waves and the deep ocean is a wonderful visual reminder of the now I try to be in. Thank you for sharing so much from your heart. You are brave to do this writing.
It's so true, isn't it, Beth? We know that "all life is suffering," and that "this, too, will pass." I find these 2 phrases somehow comforting, and your encouraging instruction to accept, move through, and see what can be learned from, the present moment, to be very helpful. It's not always "calm seas and a prosperous voyage," but sometimes there is wisdom, insight, and solace in the deeper waves. 💖
Thank you, Rayna. Yes, indeed, suffering is a universal condition, something I came to appreciate as I studied and taught Buddhism over the years. The idea that suffering can be experienced without resistance is a core Buddhist teaching, one that I see mirrored in Christ's acceptance of his passion and death. If we can't live in a world of rainbows and unicorns, then we need a way to make sense of suffering, our own and that of others. If my words are helpful, I'm grateful. Blessings!
You wrote, "the present moment can still be a pretty hard place to live in." True. But as you also write, "In the face of suffering and failure it is a terrifying and necessary act of faith to open the heart to the eternal force of love that abides and forgives and releases. And that opening can only happen in this, the present, moment. " So, we are left with no choice but to embrace the present, as unpleasant as it sometimes can be, and take the blind leap of faith that love will also embrace us and outweigh the suffering and help to soothe the rough spots along the way. - John Roger Barrie
So very true, John. If only that leap of faith weren't quite so daunting!!
This is lovely - the surface waves and the deep ocean is a wonderful visual reminder of the now I try to be in. Thank you for sharing so much from your heart. You are brave to do this writing.
Thank you, Cindy. Being near the ocean always brings me back to a sense of peace.
Brilliant!