It can be very inspiring and supportive to learn from wise ancestors. To recognize you are connected and there is wisdom and so much we can learn. And specifically reading and learning from Saints, Bodhisatvas, Teachers, etc- The many people who have connected so deeply and brought for work that we can learn from. And everyone is a teacher and has a lot to offer. Great conversations will keep showing us that. If you ask “what am I learning here?” too, that is a great question that helps us slow down and just understand- then take action- a new response to change it.
Here are just a few of the lessons and teachings I’ve learned and continue learning. Great reminders and I know you’ll get benefit from them…
St. Therese of Liseiux
I love the story of St. Therese of Liseaux- and her “Little Way”. It’s so powerful you’ll grow a lot from practicing it. From my understanding, she was in a convent and didn’t think she was capable of being as strong and beneficial as other nuns around her. Due to her age and I believe health condition? So she began doing what became known as her “Little Way”, which was seemingly little things each day to honor G-d and her connection with the Divine. Just finding ways to honor- setting yourself to that. These seemingly little things might actually be much bigger- smiling and asking how someone’s day is- might be the greatest gift to them ever. Sharing a book recommendation. Giving a strong powerful word to encourage someone, recognizing an amazing quality, solving a problem- giving remedy or insights, your work or art. A project, business, product. These can all be part of your Way. And you can do them with intention, mindfulness- when we do that, the seemingly little things have much more power. So seemingly small or big benefit. Short term goals, long term- all is helpful, all is valuable. You are capable of amazing things.
Thich Naht Hanh
This is a special, absolutely amazing teacher in the Buddhist Tradition. Listening to him speak or reading his books will show you a lot. From his work I was able to work on mindful walking and mindfulness overall. Technology Fasting which I learned from his book “Silence”– a practice that is crucial for you. The more you do it, the more you’ll see the benefits. Imagine a light bulb next to you and each time you are on tech and it’s not necessary- the light bulb goes off to remind you to put it away, get present, get physical and move. Just shift. The more you let that light bulb go off and you turn off the screen- the better you’ll feel. Another great lesson of his is on Interbeing- he has us inquire if we can see the cloud in the paper of the book you read? Meaning that the cloud is water, which waters the tree, which then becomes paper- so the cloud, the earth, the tree, the lumberjack, the maker of the paper, and so on… are ALL in the page of the book. It’s looking deeper and understanding interconnection. Wow.
Pema Chodron
Here is another amazing teacher in the Buddhist Tradition. Through reading her books and hearing her teach, I have improved in many areas including learning to stay with difficult moments and emotion. Just bringing awareness to it, calming and through that having way, way more understanding and then seeing solutions. All from staying and not reacting as much… this is something we can practice and it is very beneficial. I hope you get the same from it.
David Reindl-Stast
A Benedictine Monk who practiced, learned and taught with Buddhist Monks. You can read the book “Grateful Heart” which is a recorded talk, and “Way of Silence”– These are books (just like the above teacher’s books) you’ll want to reference and learn deeply from often. His words and understanding on Gratitude will change your life. My acronym for GRATITUDE is “Gifts Really Are There It’s Truly an Understanding and Daily Expression”– which is a reminder to practice Gratitude more and more, and shift into it as often as possible- or let it be your foundation, which it is already naturally. Gratitude.
The Buddhist Story of Chenrezig or Avalokitesvara
Learning this story on Compassion showed me a lot. Really our innate quality of Compassion and how having an intent or aspiration to benefit can change a lot. Having Compassion and then taking Compassionate Action or Karuna. The story may be different in different lineages but what I got from it was that the Chenrezig (this is not the exact story, just how I’ve come to know it) vowed to help and alleviate suffering of all beings and not to rest until it’s done. After a lot of effort he realized how many more needed assistance and the realization was so overwhelming that he broke into many pieces. The Buddha came to aid and gave him many heads and arms- in order to listen and hear what is needed and be able to better offer aid. This can show us that as we wish to be of service and benefit, we develop qualities that allow us to do just that. Atleast that’s how I understand it. And also knowing that Wisdom is the other wing along with Compassion- so knowing how to help, when, and how to do it wisely when it’s right. You’re never obligated to help when your cup is not filled and even then, you choose. There are no “shoulds” or expectations. No manipulation. You choose if, how and when. Simple.
It also reminds me of passages I came across from two texts- one right after the other… one from the Tibetan Book Of Living And Dying as well as another from a Christian Text: One was “The blessing to be a blessing”, The other is “Bless me into usefulness”. Both prayers or aspiration to be useful and beneficial- WITH proper balance. That’s a big one. Set that as your intent and you’ll find and see opportunities to give your gift and skill- you will grow a lot.
Sri Anandamayi Ma
Her teachings will remind you we are all aspects of the same source, the Most High. Eternal. Different words used, but same source. Through meditation, prayer, silence, we connect and remember that. Without any other words, just sit with that for some time.
I am on retreat for a short while and continuing with my work. I’m wishing you the best. Hope you can benefit from this and feel some support from these teachers of ours and so many others… also a lot of growth and progress. Tap into something greater- it’s in you. As you step, you feel supported and strengthened. DO YOUR THING.
“Walk with me, if you will, let’s take a moment and just sit still. Feel what you feel without analyzing, relax your body in Calm Abiding. Thoughts start firing, just breathe them out, Let each go with ease no doubt, they might- feel like they scream and shout. Let them all pass and let them re route… to a better place”.
Wishing you health and strength,
Peace
Ryan
Rejuvenate This
