2012.05.22 _ 42

I watched a political philosopher called Michael Sandel being interviewed today about his new book "What Money Can't Buy." He argues that markets have a positive impact in their correct sphere, but that market values have spread into the moral sphere. He cites many examples in the book such as "an Israeli daycare centre, which responded to a problem with parents turning up late to collect their children by introducing fines. The result? Late pick-ups increased. Parents turned up late, paid the fine, and thought no more of it; the fine had turned into a fee.....The daycare centre went back to the old system, but parents kept turning up late, because the introduction of market values had killed the old ideas of collective responsibility. Once the old "norm" of turning up on time had been marketised, it was impossible to change back."

Some people in England have been selling their Olympic torches on eBay already. The commercial value of things is becoming their only value.

Great story Zen. Reminds me of my ex-brother and sister in law, who changed religions because their new church had a better day care center, :-/

This morning, a revelation during karuna-metta. During one statement of "May you be free from suffering. May you experience joy and ease," I found myself physically pointing to the person I was only visualizing. "May YOU be free from suffering. May YOU experience joy and ease." This suddenly became so specific, so real, and SO much more powerful. It also worked to some extent pointing to oneself: "May I be free from suffering. May I experience joy and ease." Incorporating this regularly now.

Thank you Zen and Storm... real food for thought and practice.

Today has been quite a full day but it is *nice* to check in. :) Mantras and many pauses ... deep deep deep breaths. edited 02:24, 23 May 2012