Daily offerings of flowers in Bali
This week I changed my world. I made a leap and left my job. I turned all my attention towards the part of me, of all of us, that is unchanging and realised that I can allow anything else in my life to change without fear.
Karen Maezen Millar reminded me that attention is a concrete expression of love, and that what I pay attention to will thrive. So I'm paying attention to my dreams, to my lover, to my family and friends, to the possibility of peace. I'm paying attention to silence and stillness, to joy and love.
My teacher also reminded me this week that attention, that state of awareness that is unchanging despite the shifting moods of our body, mind and heart, is also a refuge. Sometimes we call it "being present" as though it is possible to be anywhere else. But really it is as simple as being. A space in which I need no ideas, no plans, no title, no past and no future.
Many people this week have told me that they think I am brave to have left a steady job in the midst of a recession. I don't feel brave. It's easy to move towards what fills your heart with joy.
PS: I'm feeling humbled and grateful to be included in this list of the best blogs for zen living alongside Karen, who is another of my teachers, albeit from afar.
Well done.
Did you know that I gave you a 'one lovely blog' award on my blog http://www.luchairblog.blogspot.com?
Posted by: Elizabeth Rimmer | July 04, 2009 at 04:05 AM
Congrats again for not being *brave*, but for following your heart and creating a life of bliss. Best wishes on this new path of life you'll be walking...
PS LOVE the pic yet again. Makes me wants to create an alter in my home and leave daily offerings to it!
Posted by: Andi | July 04, 2009 at 07:33 AM
Good luck with..not having a job!
That picture is sweet. I love the idea of "releasing" something beautiful like that, whether via altars, gift-giving..
Recently, it was the final cricket match for the World Cup, and the whole day I'd spent in "releasing karma" ...through good deeds, and "gifts to the universe."
We kept feeding all the stray cats meat and milk, all day.
A bit selfishly, with prayers in our heads (in return for this, please let Pakistan win, please please please). But our wish came true! :)
Posted by: [a} | July 04, 2009 at 11:14 AM
Thank you for the words on my blog, I appreciate - deeply - your love.
For inspiration on taking leaps, I have this placed close to my desk:
I said to the wanting-creature inside me:
What is this river you want to cross?
There are no travelers on the river-road, and no road.
Do you see anyone moving about on that bank, or nesting?
There is no river at all, and no boat, and no boatman.
There is no tow rope either, and no one to pull it.
There is no ground, no sky, no time, no bank, no ford!
And there is no body, and no mind!
Do you believe there is some place that will make the
soul less thirsty?
In that great absence you will find nothing.
Be strong then, and enter into your own body;
there you have a solid place for your feet.
Think about it carefully!
Don't go off somewhere else!
Kabir says this: just throw away all thoughts of
imaginary things,
and stand firm in that which you are.
- Kabir
Posted by: Lindsay | July 04, 2009 at 02:48 PM
Oh, I so get this post. My husband elected to leave his job (much to the warnings of everyone around him) to study full time for his MBA. Best decision!
Posted by: Yvonne | July 05, 2009 at 06:51 PM
Sorry for my delay, love, on coming here to say that I am freaking proud of you! You never cease to amaze me with your authenticity and strength. I'm walking by your side. Always. xoxx
Posted by: Alex | July 12, 2009 at 12:50 PM