Mar's Zazen: December 2008

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Some Photos from Dina's mini-SHS Reunion!

These photographs were originally posted on Facebook by some of Dina's classmates who turned out to be some of the most down-to-earth, kind and cool people you could ever hang out with. Hopefully, as time continues to unfold, we'll have many more opportunities to duplicate that vibe;)In the meantime, may all remain well!

Monday, December 1, 2008

Getting Out Of Head

One of the things I cherish is a little book I was recently given by my Auntie Lynn. The book is entitled, "50 Truths Worth Knowing." One of the authors, Hugh O'Neill wrote an essay called "Take Time to Stop and Taste the Chocolate," and in his piece, he wrote something simple yet so profound. Anyone who knows me knows I am a person of many dimensions, a sort of onion with many layers to peel if time is taken to do so. Because I can be a pretty analytical creature, I tend to think deeply and while this is a not a negative character trait overall, it has potential to stifle the free spirited, spontaneous soul that resides at my onion's core. Because the evolution of character over time interests me and because I am committed to progression as opposed to stagnation, I open myself to blog today to share this statement that really spoke to me. In a world rife with vicissitudes, the beautiful simplicity of Hugh O'Neill's sage urgings shake me to my core as I reflect on his thoughts. He writes, "...stay in the moment...notice all the small enchantments along the way...of course, habit will overcome us as we move through our obligations. And nobody can pay attention all the time - it's exhausting. We actually need a little automatic-pilot time in our lives...that even through travails, a person can pay attention and savor the chocolaty sweetness of the world." And everybody knows I love chocolate.

During our times of good and bad, may we all have strength at some point, to try to stay in the moment, ignore those humongous pebbles riddling our journey's pathways and detours, and, as my Uncle Glenn would say, notice the beautiful scenery of our sojourn. --Marla