Insights for November 2014
Kona, Margaret Gervais
“In fact, it is very difficult to be truly honest with ourselves, especially since we can simultaneously have both positive and negative self images on board and may not recognize the inconsistencies. This is due to the fact that we all wear blinders—a psychological defense that doesn’t allow one part of ourselves to see another part. For example, if we need to see ourselves as nice, we may ignore all of our harmful or self-centered qualities. Or, if we need to see ourselves as unworthy, we’ll ignore all positive data. This is actually quite common.” No One Special To Be, Escaping the Prison of Your Own Self-image, Ezra Bayda, Tricycle, Fall 2014, pg. 36.
"Actually it doesn’t really matter whether our identities make sense; what matters is how attached to them we are in are in our need to defend ourselves.” ibid, pg. 36.
“On the long path of practice we move from living from our self-images and our many stories to living more from our deepest values, our most authentic self. When I reflect on the teachers I have most admired, the values to stand out the most are honesty in looking at one’s life; not settling for complacency; living with presence, inner quiet, and inner strength; and living with appreciation and kindness–– all of which contribute to true contentment. What gets in the way of this movement toward our authentic, more than anything, is our insistence on identifying with the small self––preserving our narrow world of being special, of needing to look and feel a particular way.” ibid, pages 37 and 94.
Meditate at the office. Yes, I love this article and plan. Book a quiet room, treat it like an important meeting, and go there to meditate. Keep it simple and just do it. Ihttp://www.bbc.com/capital/story/20141107-is-this-the-cure-for-work-stress“If you cannot forgive and forget, pick one.” ~Robert Brault.
I just started to read this book, Unlimiting Mind: The Radically Experiential Psychology of Buddhism, by Andrew Olendzki. Andrew Olendzki writes about psychology and Buddhism with brilliant clear insight. http://www.amazon.com/Unlimiting-Mind-Radically-Experiential-Psychology/dp/0861716205/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1416060331&sr=8-1&keywords=unlimiting+MindHere are a few quotes from the first chapter:
“Buddhist thought considers consciousness to arise and pass away moment after moment, each episode of cognition grasping first one object, then another in a flowing stream of experience.” Unlimiting Mind, The Radical Experiential Psychology of Buddhism, Andrew Olenski, pg. 5.
“Buddhist thought and practice is pointing in the other direction, toward befriending change rather than regarding it as an adversary. … With every change something is lost, but something is also gained. When something slips from our grasp, it makes room for something else to come within reach.” ibid, pg. 5.
“Instead of mourning what is lost, when alteration occurs, we can open to the opportunities each new moment brings. Meditation is a form of training for this: each moment’s experience must be relinquished in order to be mindful of the next.” ibid, p. 5.
And here is some wisdom Andrew Olendzki shared in a recent article in Tricycle:
“My suggestion is simply this: As we walk the path, let us not look up so much at the destination, high above in the mist, but carefully place one foot in front of the other.” A Tough But Not Impossible Act To Follow, Andrew Olendizki, PhD, Tricycle, Winter, 2014, pg. 87.
“A path keeps us centered, guiding us from veering right or left into dangerous territory. It may also deliver us to the summit, but only if each step is well taken.” ibid, pg. 87.
“Every mindful moment in which generosity displaces greed, compassion takes the place of hatred, and insight dislodges delusion, is a moment in which we are awake. “ ibid, pg. 87.
“If we can manage one moment of wisdom, why not another?” ibid, page 87.
Mark Epstein is an excellent scholar, teacher and writer and I'm eager to read his latest book about trauma. I am hopeful this book sheds light on various methods of dealing with trauma. I believe when we experience trauma, (and haven't we all experienced it at some level?); residue remains in our psyche, body and cells (ptsd on so many levels), and needs to be cleared for us to be well and move forward in our lives. http://www.amazon.com/Trauma-Everyday-Life-Mark-Epstein/dp/0143125745/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1416164898&sr=8-3&keywords=mark+epstein
"Inquiry sets the motion of the chi. Ask the questions." Sandra Brooks
“The birth chart is a symbol or mandala of our potential, and the transits and progressions reflect the unfolding of that potential over time [in reference to what Dane Rudhyar believed].” The Legacy of Dane Rudhyar (1895-1985), by Candy Hillenbrand, The Mountain Astrologer, Dec. 2014/Jan. 2015, page 44.
“…[Dane] Rudhyar maintains that what happens to us needs to happen to us. Every crisis is a challenge, and every transit or progression presents ‘an opportunity for transformation, expansion or purification.’ Dane Rudhyar, The Practice of Astrology, Penguin Books, Inc. 1971, p. 26. As quoted in The Legacy of Dane Rudhyar (1895-1985), by Candy Hillenbrand, The Mountain Astrologer, Dec. 2014/Jan. 2015, and page 44.
“The value of astrology is to help clients to accept themselves and to understand what is happening, or has already happened, in their lives.” Dane Rudhyar, The Practice of Astrology, Penguin Books, Inc. 1971, pp. 98-102. As quoted in The Legacy of Dane Rudhyar (1895-1985), by Candy Hillenbrand, The Mountain Astrologer, Dec. 2014/Jan. 2015, page 44.
“Rudhyar defines free will as ‘the will not to conform to the past, or the measure of a man’s capacity to be and act as an individual.’” Dane Rudhyar, The Lunation Cycle, Shambhala, 1971, pp. 124-125; Aurora Press, 1986. As quoted in The Legacy of Dane Rudhyar (1895-1985), by Candy Hillenbrand, The Mountain Astrologer, Dec. 2014/Jan. 2015, page 44.
“Fate is ‘the measure of his dependence upon collective and generic standards as determining structures.’ “ Dane Rudhyar, The Practice of Astrology, Penguin Books, Inc. 1971, p. 16. As quoted in The Legacy of Dane Rudhyar (1895-1985), by Candy Hillenbrand, The Mountain Astrologer, Dec. 2014/Jan. 2015, page 44.
"Learn to watch your drama unfold while at the same time knowing you are more than your drama." Ram Dass, Love Serve Remember.“The shock of grief needs both honor and time.” Sea of Sorrow, by Rhonda Kabatznick, Tricycle, Winter 2014, pp. 72-73.