This hot summer Sunday afternoon in Paris finds me at my desk, typing this post on the eve of our Heart of Life Retreat. Probably nowhere else I’d rather be at this moment.
Right now, this is my life. Right here, this is my practice.
In a Zen koan, a student asks a teacher:
« What is the constant activity of all the buddhas and bodhisattvas? »
The teacher replies: « Responding appropriately. »
During our retreat this week, we’ll look at what that means, « responding appropriately. » A good place to start is right here, right now, taking to heart the words of the graffiti artist in the picture above: It is all so new to me!
And if you haven’t signed up yet for the retreat and want to do so, or if you want more info, write to us here: info@wildflowerzen.org
it was a strange day or maybe the day was not strange but it wa only me ?
So many impressions of the lady of the market the friend passed by the fado music and the 1 glass of wine after that , Reading e mails and the book about Dakinies …this day was full of impressions of awareness thanks to this retreat right now I would not experience like now ,
Sleep well
Rita, Coimbra
[1. surprised] Today it was one of those days that despite how much I’m able to be fast at work in the design project Im responsible for, its never enough. Work is not done… not yet. It will need some more weeks, and it started some weeks ago. During the afternoon, while reading many of the comments in a proofread I should correct, I was laughing and smiling and somehow enjoying what it seems nonsense. Why? because time in this case might be on my side. Its about 900 corrections. The surprise was: my colleague at the office, looking at me in a funny way, said something like « some years ago you would turn quite irritated! good that its not like that anymore »… I thought, that in past circumstances, I was not so much irritated…
[2. touched and 3. inspired] As usual at the end of the day I walked home passing by Botanical Garden. The young bird on top of the wall near the apple trees, the empty nest, the sound and sight of the wind shaking the bamboos over my head, the late (last?) light of the sun across the different greens and all those smells… so fresh due to the soft rain and humidity, it felt like a renewal. They all continue growing and living. Singing and shaking. And how beautiful all this was, is.
Love to all.
Good day, Here I am in Lisbon (Portugal), along this week I intend to follow the retreat from my home, since I am retired. It’s raining outside, I like to look out through the window and see the rain. I think the retreat will be interesting for me, hope it will be for all of you too. Until later, friends …
Friends coming for lunch and just told they take there sun …fine but what a 10 year old boy will lake for lunch ?Go to the shop again ?No » I will not buy a hamburger for him not even a vegetarian one » wa my first thought.Is that an appropriate reaction ?
Look inside Elizaberh
Perth, Western Australia. Monday, 12:25 pm
Another week has started. A partly cloudy Monday after a weekend of rain.
We stayed at home and played outside under the carport. While having fun with my son bouncing balls, I slipped and hurt my ankle. The rest of the day was quiet with my foot elevated and watching movies with him. He was so brave when he saw me on the floor and responded appropriately: ‘Daddy don’t worry, I’m going to call mum.’ I’m touched by his appropriate response at 4 years of age.
My foot has rested, received ice and lots of love from my son and wife. So, I woke up feeling much better and able to put it down again. What a good surprise!
Now, I’m at work and it’s lunch time. The sounds and smells coming from the kitchen are creating an echo in my stomach, brain and taste buds.
To end this text, what inspires me? The challenges I’m facing now – at work, at home, in my community, in the world. They trouble me and excite me, at the same time. Does it make sense? As one of Pema Chodron’s compassion cards says: ‘Be grateful to everyone’. To everything.
Good morning. Here and now and more concentration before responding: good training for today!! In the portuguese countryside today. See you later. Good practice for each of you
Hello Fabienne, I am near you ( Lisbon ) and I am looking forward
to the following of the retreat.
Netherlands, region south
Touched by the nice warm wether and the power if the sun. I had the luxery to go to a beautiful lake this morning, for a quick swim, judt before a long working day. Got inspired by work made by human beings: big swan waterbikes
Too big for nature, but still they fitted well in the scenery and they will certainly provide a lot of joy fot people. Also touched by the sad ecpressiin of a collegue of mine. Wanted to be there for her, but it was during a meeting and i didn t dare to say anything..
Surprised by the energy the morning sun and swimm gave to me.
Modigliana, Italy
Being me and all the roles i have in my life are two aspects so new to me everyday and so old at the same time… and today i didn’t respond appropriately.
How do i appropriately respond to my nieces growing process? How can i be a help and not a source of more « dwelling »?
I wish all a good practice in the heart of life.
Gasshô