Tender Vesak Day!!!

Last evening's beautiful full moon marked the celebration of  the Buddha: the cycle of his birth, enlightenment, passing and continuation.

Light plays a dominant role in the Vesak celebration festivities as a reminder of our own Buddha Nature--the seed of goodness within that if watered, grows throughout our lives and influences those around us.

This day's blessing is inspired by the light inside every living being:

Vesak
©Karla Johnston, InnerConstellation.com 

Seed of awakening
planted within,
Moon kissed.
Will you water it?

The importance of self care so we can care for others seems to perfectly encapsulate our May Inner Constellation theme of "tenderness." I've heard many laments this month about how difficult it can be to be tender towards ourselves. Tenderness is a daily practice--a commitment to mindfully attend to one's "Inner Constellation," take care of our sufferings and cultivate peace and understanding within. Mindfulness of one's body, mind, emotions and mental state is a vital part of the Buddha's teachings. When we are clear and without interferences, we are more fully present for our loved ones and our community. Mindfulness, gentle attending, practice, more mindfulness...thank you Buddha for your wisdom....

May you have a happy, full-moon, lighted up day with much love and care on this tender Vesak weekend!

Summer Mindfulness Retreat: July 17, 2016; theme "Harmony"

LTMC has expanded our seasonal retreat by one hour at suggestion of participants to enjoy more time together, three hours wasn't enough! On Sunday, July 17, please bring silverware, cup and plate for yummy victuals and light fare if you would like to share. We try to keep it simple and sustainable. Harmony is our theme--how lovely for the summer months. LTMC looks forward to practicing with you and restoring and nourishing ourselves, our loved ones, and our community. Peaceful steps....

Blanket of Tenderness...Ahhhhh....

"...Turn, every turn, Little Bud...."

Happy Spring and soon to be Mother's Day! I've been pondering a question--when something potentially challenging is coming up, is it possible to ease off the petal and nurture oneself in preparation? I believe this question prompted May's Inner Constellation theme of "tenderness." I have a challenging invitation coming up and I as I slow down to prepare another interesting question has surfaced: If I were to write inspiration to myself when I'm in the thick of it, what would I write? Well, a poem of course--a short, sweet reminder of the Eternal....

Spring Sermon

©2016 Karla Johnston, InnerConstellation.com

A blanket of tenderness covers,

receive its warmth.
Unfold as a new bud to sunshine
and provide an open surface
for rays to land.

Clouds, rain, sleet and snow;
yet, Eternal Light remains, warm and true.
Turn, ever turn, Little Bud:
Stop,
Notice,
Return,
Breathe. …
A blanket of tenderness covers.