We know the world only through the window of our mind. When our mind is noisy, the world is as well. And when our mind is peaceful, the world is, too. Knowing our minds is just as important as trying to change the world.
Haemin Sunim, The Things you can see only when you Slow Down
Don’t base your identity on your imperfection.
You aren’t your imperfections,
you are the being that is aware of your imperfections.
Haemin Sunim
Put your ear down close to your soul and listen hard.
Anne Sexton, from Letter Written on a Ferry.
Once we have learned to discern the real, disguised nature of both good and evil, we recognize that everything is broken and fallen, weak and poor, while still being the dwelling place of God — you and me, your country, your children, your churches, even your marriage. That is not a put-down, but finally a freedom to love imperfect things! In this, you may have been given the greatest recipe for happiness for the rest of your life. You cannot wait for things to be totally perfect to fall in love with them or you will never love anything. Now, instead, you can love everything.
Richard Rohr, The Spiral of Violence: The World, the Flesh, and the Devil
What a wonderful life I’ve had! I only wish I’d realized it sooner
Collette, French Author, 1873 – 1954
Just yesterday I watched an ant crossing a path, through the
tumbled pine needles she toiled.
And I thought: she will never live another life but this one.
And I thought: if she lives her life with all her strength
is she not wonderful and wise?
And I continued this up the miraculous pyramid of everything
until I came to myself.
Mary Oliver, Reckless Poem (extract)
