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"a minor-league imposter" - oh that phrase resonates with me. and i LOVE the idea of giving yourself an invitation to try again - beautiful!

Renewal and Spring...

"Who the hell am I to sit here in my blogdom and expound about the universe? After all, I really don't know that much about anything."

But, that's just it... aren't we all just trying to figure this universe out? By putting those ponderings out there, we can all muddle through together. :c) I love your view and vision on the world and have gained so much by the sharing of your untying of that ribbon over and over again... for, what you put out into the world is true, loving, and kind.

Thank you for your honesty and vulnerability. I, too, pray that what I read and think and feel here in 'blogdom' will more easily translate into real world experience on a consistent basis. Your words here help encourage me to do so...

Pick yourself up, the letter says, dust your ass off, you're here to learn, this isn't meditation perfection, it's meditation practice. Come back. Sit. Try again. Try as many times as it takes ~ there is no quota for starting over again.

not meditation perfection, but meditation practice. Thank you for the reminder. *smile* Susan, your blog is one of the places I come for inspiration to deeper peace.

blessed be and thank you.

I can't say I am enamoured with the whole "Eastern" meditation thing, but we all find our own paths through this messy thing we call life. If that is yours, then so be it.

All I can say is that I have bookmarked your site for a reason. It is an oasis of peace in a very noisy world.

Your poems, your pictures, your insight, all provide a moment of respite from a hectic and busy life. That you often allow your vulnerabilities to peek through merely emphasises to me you are human too, and occsionally in need of the same peace you so freely share with others.

May you find it.

Thanks, Arthur. All seekers seem to find a way which works for them. I have discovered east and west have much more in common than many christians (myself included) think... especially if we break down the barrier of interpretting religion as a set of rules to be followed, and move forward into the truly powerful and profound metaphorical truths both disciplines share. Someday I may write about this... perhaps soon. I have tucked your comment in my pocket to take out and visit at a later date.

Susan,

I used to belong to a "cult." Their doctrine may be faulty, but their love and support for each other remains inspirational to me. "Mainline" Christianity would do well to emulate that part of their experience.

I don't hold that "Eastern" meditation is bad in and of itself. Christianity is, after all, an "Eastern" religion, although "religion" isn't perhaps the best word to describe it. "Relationship" is better. That is what Christianity offers, isn't it? A relationship with our God through His Son?

What concerns me is the FOCUS of the meditation practiced by some Eastern religions. I don't know enough about many of these religions to comment authoritatively, but in my opinion, the focus should be on God and His Son and less on ourselves and finding our own path to enlightenment. God has provided for us "The Way." What more do we need?

Having said that however, we in the Western World can learn a lot from other peoples and their disciplines. Meditation is encouraged in our Scriptures. We seem to have unlearned the practice. Maybe learning HOW to meditate again, even from a culture/religion that doesn't hold the same truths we do, isn't such a bad idea. So, don't throw out the baby along with the bathwater! Find those kernels of truth wherever you can, and incorporate them into your knowledge and practices. Whatever works for you.

I wouldn't make a very good pastor of a conventional Christian church, would I? Thank God that isn't my calling.

Have a wonderful day!

Arthur said it well. We can either learn to listen for that "still small voice inside" or maybe end up hit upside the head with one of His clue x fours.

"The intuitive mind is a sacred gift and the rational mind is a faithful servant. We have created a society that honors the servant and has forgotten the gift."~~Albert Einstein

Offended a friend when you were in need. How often that happens in the world of relationships. True friendship, that deep trust between two people who care about each other, has open communication and honesty. When speaking to each other the friends must be secure enough with the friendship to say, "Hey, I am hurting and in need here." If the other person is also in dire need the best thing to say is, "I'll talk later." We all hurt each other at one time or another and it is usually during times of stress. And who do we lash out to? Family or best friends. Why do we lash out? To be HEARD and COMFORTED. Sometimes we have to say a prayer to get over the rough spots in life. I have a marble in my pocket that I finger quietly when under pressure while saying a small prayer asking for help. And saying out loud that you just cannot talk right now because it has been a HECTIC day just might be the smartest thing you could ever do for a relationship. But then that friend has to understand and not be hurt. Friendship is a two way street.