Solidarité

I've spent the last few days mindfully attending to the sadness that I felt watching the attacks in Paris over the weekend. I was reminded of Thich Nhat Hanh's insight that understanding is necessary in the midst of violence. How can we understand such acts?

I posted to my larger OI community, who support me in my mentoring process for lay ordination (in Thich Nhat Hanh's Plum Village tradition). I received much calm and steady support, and these resources are shared on the Lake Tahoe Mindfulness Community Facebook page. Then, as is my deepest practice, I began to write--my way of gaining understanding. This blog article and this week's Inner Constellation Blessings* are the start. Before I began my writing practice, I consulted Hafiz (remember my love affair with this poet began a few weeks ago). Here's what he had to say about the events in Paris:

I Have Learned So Much

I
Have
Learned
So much from God
That I can no longer
Call
Myself

A Christian, a Hindu, a Muslim,
A Buddhist, a Jew.

The Truth has shared so much of Itself
With me

That I can no longer call myself
A man, a woman, an angel,
Or even pure
Soul.

Love has
Befriended Hafiz so completely
It has turned to ash
And freed
Me

Of every concept and image
My mind has ever known.


Beautiful Hafiz, you are nectar to my sadness, and it transforms as all things do. Now it's time for skillful action. I look forward to continuing the discussion in Lake Tahoe Mindfulness Community, a group that meets weekly, dedicated to practicing understanding and love within ourselves and with our loved ones. The writings will continue...for now, today's Inner Constellation Blessing:


11/16 Inner Constellation Blessing: Solidarité
©2015 Karla Johnston, InnerConstellation.com
Fixed views have the potential for much violence and intolerance. True peace and understanding is born when we relinquish our claims to the truth and listen deeply to the suffering and joy of others. Daily, constantly--let go and listen. 


*If you would like to receive the IC blessing gift, a short blip of inspiration sent to your inbox M-F, please contact me.