2012.05.11 _ 31

Tao Ch 2

'Therefore the master
acts without doing anything
and teaches without saying anything.
Things arise and she lets them come;
things disappear and she lets them go.
She has but doesn't possess,
Acts but doesn't expect.
When her work is done, she forgets it.
That is why it lasts for ever.'

Doesn't this sound passive in our grabbing, controlling world? But there is such a feeling of someone being completely at ease in the events of her day, just giving a little nudge here and there like someone in judo; letting the energy of events play themselves out as they will. edited 22:18, 11 May 2012

This is wonderful Zen, thank you.
To me it reads something like 'just be where you are.'

Yesterday I happened upon a Talk of the Nation NPR radio interview with a military couple. They were sharing about their many years marriage and the effect of his long absences on the marriage and family. I was really impressed with his ability to see that part of what happened for himself, was that he could not switch gears, and that there amidst the family life when his wife or daughters were sharing or making plans, he found himself viewing them negatively, in his head thinking something akin to "people are in combat across the world and you are making a big deal about the color of paint for the walls..., etc" He couldn't see that he wasn't there with them, when he was there. He eloquently described keeping on guard all the time, and keeping the 'big tools' out of the toolbox all the time, when really not appropriate and very counter-productive... distancing him. If interested: http://n.pr/J6hKy2 edited 00:27, 12 May 2012

"Where I Hide: Ordinary Space, Available Light"

I've never seen so many wild blackberry blossoms as we have this year. The berries normally ripen the last week in July, but maybe this year it will be earlier.

http://hermitdog.com/99-Days/blackberries.jpg edited 01:45, 12 May 2012

Aches and pains... When the body is so much in disrepair, even a little maintenance can overstress what was previously fine. Having to take things slowly and ease my way to fitness, rather than expecting things to happen as fast as it used to. This could take weeks!

Spent an inordinate amount of time choosing new phones today! My AARP card arrived - I guess I'm officially "old"! - and with it a good offer to save lots of money with a change of phone service. Also, at the same time, the opportunity to bring the Nordwind household kicking and screaming into the 21st century. By the time I'd researched everything that was available - watching videos, dissecting specifications, comparing misleading coverage maps, and - finally - placing an order for two new phones, a transfer of numbers and a new-to-us bare-bones but extensible service, five whole hours had passed. OK so I'm ignoring the consumption of leftover pizza in that time, but still ... five hours?! Put it down to "due diligence". Now... to what other things ought I to be applying such diligent due diligence? :)

Posted a newly invented, very quick to make, but amazingly tasty sauce recipe to the PaB Cafe. You're welcome! ;-)

Arriving at the Lokeshvara temple this evening, the rose had blanched and so the voice was muted. I dripped fresh lifeblood into the rose's bowl and thus restored the sound. When it was time for difficult people, I saw them all together in a small crowd. I hope they enjoyed their camaraderie, drawn together to a common cause to be difficult about! edited 03:56, 12 May 2012