Tag: Be fully present

Here, now

Karl Duffy1 Comment

raking leaves 777

Our conditioned mind tells us that we are missing something grand

Images of delightful experiences dance seductively in our heads

“If only we had the time” we sigh “life would be so good and happy”.

And then our attention returns to the fullness of the moment

and we realize we are here, and there is nothing else to do and nowhere else to be.

All the tastes and textures of life are here to be experienced now.

There is no other time.

There is no other place.

William and Nancy Martin,  The Caregivers Tao Te Ching

Open for surprises today

Karl Duffy1 Comment

bagenalstown

Gorgeous, amazing things come into our lives when we are paying attention: mangoes, grandnieces, Bach, ponds. This happens more often when we have as little expectation as possible. If you say, “Well, that’s pretty much what I thought I’d see,” you are in trouble. At that point you have to ask yourself why you are even here. […] Astonishing material and revelation appear in our lives all the time. Let it be. Unto us, so much is given. We just have to be open for business.

Anne Lamott, Help Thanks Wow: Three Essential Prayers

Early morning on the River Barrow at Bagenalstown, Co. Carlow

Sunday Quote: Where happiness lies

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We carry inside us the wonders we seek outside us.

Sir Thomas Browne, 1605 – 1682, Religio Medici 15

photo from judesphotography.wordpress.com

An unhelpful way of using the mind

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IMG_20140918_131122

Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow,

it empties today of its strength

Corrie ten Boom, Clippings from my Notebook

with thanks to Laura Syrat for the photo of cat sleeping in Nice, France.

Let go

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File:Bee Holme in autumn mist - geograph.org.uk - 761379.jpg

The forest is peaceful, why aren’t you?

You hold on to things,  causing your confusion.

Let nature teach you. Hear the bird’s song then let go.

If you know nature, you’ll know the Way. If you know the Way, you’ll know nature.

Ajahn Chah

photo Phil Champion

Sunday Quote: The basis for wisdom

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File:Falling Leaves (Tectona grandis) I IMG 3427.jpg

Whatever is subject to arising, 

is also subject to passing away

Collection of Middle-length Discourses,  56

photo jm garg