June 5, 2006
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MONDAY READING
if the Buddha got stuck
by Charlotte Kasl
I’m a self-confessed, self-help book finder and keeper, my current read
being this book, which appealed to me because: (1) I feel stuck
myself spiritually at the moment, (2) I lean towards Buddhism as a
source for balanced precepts, and (3) I liked the catchy title.
Charlotte Kasl is prolific, and I’ve read some of her other books in the
past. As this bio
says, she “has been a practicing psychotherapist, workshop
leader, Quaker, and Reiki healer for twenty years.” I’ve read
about two-thirds of
the
way through the book now, and I did find a very valuable little piece
of focus that I’ve been using daily since I read it. Being the
kind of person who tends to label myself and others (often in negative
ways) to try to make sense of what the hell is going on, I often find
myself “stuck” there, unable to move on. Kasl says:You are
born. You are a Zen baby because you live totally in the
present–the world of “I Am”…The “I Am” is that place of simply
being. It is spontaneous, creative, receptive, and open,
unhindered by rigid shoulds, rules, concepts, and fixed
beliefs… It is the place where most people long to return when
they embark on a spiritual journey… Throughout the day,…if thoughts
of I Am…clumsy, stupid, smart, or talented arise in your mind, gently
disconnect them, take a breath, and say to yourself “I Am.”
This doesn’t mean to me that I have to regress to literally being a
child who doesn’t get up and go to work or clean the house or keep
commitments. It just means when I start down that trail of
negative labeling (or even arrogant labeling, like “I’m smarter than
you are”), I can stop, take a deep breath, and snap myself back into
being fully in the appreciative present by saying, “I AM.”
Period. Neat trick. I think it’s a keeper for me.
Deep Thought: “In
all the time I was growing up, I only saw Dad cry two times. After the
first time, I didn’t say anything. But after the second time I left a
note on his dresser that said “See a psychiatrist.” I don’t know if he
ever did, but at least I didn’t see him cry again.”
Today I am grateful for: Leaning and learning.
Guess the Movie: “As long as the roots are not severed, all is well. And all will be well in the garden.” Answer: Being There, 1979.
Preserving the Sanctity of Marriage
by Missy Comley Beattie
Pandering to his faithful, core, conservative base, George Bush is
again talking sanctity of marriage. Sanctity, of course, means holy.
Thus, sanctity of marriage translates to holiness of matrimony. It
sounds perfectly wonderful—as perfectly wonderful as sanctity of life.
And we all remember Bush’s rush from Crawford to DC in an attempt to
save Terri Schiavo because he values all life—believes in its holiness.
Except, of course, when that ethic involves the lives of Iraqi men,
women, and children. Better add Iranian and Afghan to the column of
expendables. (Rest of article here.)
Comments (26)
Hahaha I love that “Deep Thought” very…uhh…moving.
If you see the Buddha on the road? Kill him.
This is wonderful advice. I hope you will not mind me subbing to your site I am a 41 year-old mother of two (one a teenager!)and I need all the insight I can get. I really enjoy your writing. I hope to have some time soon to come back and read your other works.
Peace & Love
Nice bit of advice! Thanks for sharing! Dunno the movie today…but I sure do like that quote!
I was doing some laundry today and Terri S popped into my head. I thought about all the $$$ spent on her life and so little for Africa. I have no idea why it came to mind and now I see your post..
Great post. I can go for that, “I am”. Neat!
I love the movie quote but don’t know the movie.
Ah, the propsoal for an amendment to ban gay marriage. Are people from the religious right so stupid that they don’t realize they are being manipulated with this whole idiotic proposal?
I am so done with this administration and the insanity that has come with it.
part of the generation. that must have been interesting.
and thank you.
I love Charlotte Kasl. I’ve read “If the Buddha Dated” a couple of times and have found it very helpful and thought provoking, and I’ve even managed to integrate some of her teaching. This gem above is wonderful too. I AM. Indeed.
Thanks for your comments last night too. Helped me some to let go of feeling so bad. I AM.
I am. What hard work.
“Being” was on my mind today. Being, I am. Don’t know which I like better. Maybe the verb thing. But then, I shouldn’t get too attached.
I heard today that Bush jumped on the marriage thing again because he has to win the evangelicals back or the polls will be dim for the R’s in November. What’s frightening is the agenda setting that seems to be accepted by masses of people. We have to educate our children to think critically.
Hell yes yes yes to your words on the sanctify of marriage and all that you said up there about George Bush. He’s so stupid, I just can’t believe him on this stuff. I had just said something about all the commotion going on right now with all the big political people, and how all this yelling about a constitutional amendment is getting everyone all excited. I’m heterosexual, so what. What’s it going to hurt us for the gays to be happy and be married if they want to. What are they scared of, all the gays reproducing and spawning little gay children. It’s so damn stupid. Anyway, now I need to settle down, lol. ~~~ Well, you are an amazing person, Lionne, as I also read your comment to RHC and am impressed as usual of you. YOU lived in the Haight during the 60s? WOW and add a big ‘nother FAR OUT!! You must have many tales to tell, and I want to hear them every one. Love ya, Lea
I needed this today!
Is the movie The Secret Garden?
seems like these are the hardest words to remember sometimes
Do you ever wonder what we did to deserve Bush?
The Secret Garden is a good guess, but not right. Think British comedian.
RYC: Erik/spleen was considering a summer job but between summer school and driver’s ed – he’s going to be really busy. He’s taking history over summer to lighten up his academic load during junior year. He will fill the opening with Intro to art and Intro to black & white photography, courses he wouldn’t have had room for otherwise.
“Being the kind of person who tends to label myself and others (often in negative ways) to try to make sense of what the hell is going on, I often find myself “stuck” there, unable to move on.”
Something I also struggle with. “I am”, yes I like it!
I think I’ve read everything she’s written; now I’m gonna need to borrow that from you when you’re done!
Yeah sure. He’s so dedicated to life that he rushed right back to DC to do what he could to save Katrina victims …..
Let’s hope divorce doesn’t become illegal. I could see this admin taking that approach….just to stir the pot a little more.
Nice blog….I’ve enjoyed reading it. I saw your name over at DancingSun’s blog. Have a good day. ~Colleen
I’ve been.
Zen is handy that way.
*wave*
I tend to drift toward Buddhism, too. The book sounds very interesting. I will have to explore it further. The only problem I have with self help books is that I tend to believe I have the symptoms, qualities, etc. of every one I read. I must be easily swayed. Take care…Carmen
i will share this with rose. she’s going into an assisted living facility for now, but she’s made so much progress that as soon as she takes what she can over the next couple of years from the “system” i want to have her here, ealier, if necessary. she’s been in various non-home settings since she was 15 – it takes its toll.
thank you very much for your comments.