Open Mind, Open Heart discussion

Verse 16:

Become totaly empty. Let your heart be at peace.
Amidst the rush of worldly coming and goings,
observe how endings become beginnings.

Things flourish, each by each,
only to return to the Source...
to what is and what is to be.

To return to the root is to find peace.
To find peace is to fulfill one's destiny.
To fulfill one's destiny is to be constant.
To know the constant is called insight.
Not knowing this cycle
leads to eternal disaster.

Knowing the constant gives perspective.
This perspective is impartial.
Impartiality is the highest nobility;
the highest nobility is Divine.

Being Divine, you wll be at one with the Tao.
Being at one with the Tao is eternal.
This way is everlasting,
not endangered by physical death.

I think this is about the circle of life and that endings are just part of that circle. Loss of a job, for example, can mean other opportunities to explore, but this verse also addresses loss of a loved one; and that' my greatest fear; being widowed. Even that is part of the great circle of things, not to be feared but to be dealt with, and then realized that it's a necessary part of the circle.

Detachment is something I struggle with. Something I was reading (it could have been Good Life, Good Death or even Solemate) says that completely surrending to love requires detachment. It goes back to that saying, "if you love someone, let them go." At least that's how I saw it. The loss of a loved one brings new meaning to that.

Yeah, that's a toughy. Lately I'm working through my attachment to being comfortable - in all kinds of ways - and I really, really enjoy being comfortable. :)

But I know that even when I'm uncomfortable, there's still peace to be found there through accepting what is without trying to change it. I'm learning there's usually a lot to be gained from not immediately turning away from what scares or pains me. Instead, I've been practicing hanging out with my discomfort, acknowledging it, letting it be what it is, and trusting that it, too, will pass. And it always does. This practice is helping me become a braver person, I think.

I just finished reading Taking the Leap Freeing Ourselves from Old Habits and Fears by Pema Chodron, which offered a ton of invaluable insight on freeing ourselves from attachment and learning to be present with whatever comes. I can't wait to read more of her work.

Emily, I immediately put a hold on that book after reading this post! And I think I can strongly relate to your "attachment to being comfortable." I've had a relatively easy, blessed life. Never known hunger or homelessness or the threat thereof. Sometimes if I let FEAR and EGO get ahold of me, I "what if" myself to death, and reading these kinds of verses is very comforting. Even the "uncomfortable" parts of life....ESPECIALLY the uncomfortable parts of life...can give the spirit the most growth potential.

Agreed, Peni. I'm interested to hear what you think of the book when you get a chance to read it. :)