2014.12.14 _ 16

From the pavilion: appreciating this time to be quiet in mid morning

Have you ever seen something that has given you an "Aha!" moment? Something that, were it in an old Zen story, would be followed by words such as, "At this, the student became enlightened." The snowman picture I attach is one such something. It's snowing here today, and I thought I'd share it with you.

I have been holding several ideas (things like detachment, compassion, commitment) lightly, considering various angles, for what seems like a long time, though it hasn't been. What we deem insight can be maturing into an understanding that is more whole... like the way that detachment is compassion is commitment... that to commit to loving others/ourselves can't be separated from doing the appropriate things at the appropriate times, as one accepts the way things are in a greater sense than needs or agenda. Thus detachment becomes revealed as deep attachment, like the note that remains after a bow pulls away from a string. Such mystery. The departure was never other than the arrival. edited 20:46, 14 Dec 2014

Love it, Storm! I get you. :)

Delicately holding a butterfly moment, pure joy
Do we truly let go of the past? There are shapes in the shadows

Found Beatrix Potter’s "Christmas tales of Peter Rabbit" in French for a 2 year old grandnephew who lives in Ontario, speaks English at home and in day care, but French with his grandad my brother. Oh! the pleasure of reading these delightful vintage tales before I wrap the kid’s present!

I am grateful for "butterfly moments" -- whether I can "hold" them or not. I had one of those today, while watching this wonderful video (made entirely and beautifully in Second Life) - which I've just sent out to friends as my 2014 Christmas card, alas: http://vimeo.com/109180780

Thought for the day:
Funny how some people feel I am somehow resisting Christmas by not participating in the "celebration" when, in fact, is it just someone else's holiday to me. I am grateful for this. It appears for many Christmas is a seasonal madness.

Had a wonderful experience today: Two separate, potential clients I met with today, The first , an indian couple who requested an addition that conforms to the design science of Vastu. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vastu_shastra , for those interested)

And a Chinese gentleman who requested that a house be designed using the principles of Fung Shui
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feng_shui)

Each would make for a very interesting spring... for this I am grateful.

My video of the day is here: http://www.ted.com/talks/antonio_damasio_the_quest_to_understand_consciousness#t-196597

to flutter here

finding no one
so still

your traces
so moving

Found this chart from the 80's-90's
Which I found helpful at the time.
Using it for school presently.

Stevenaia - Damasio has opened windows and doors for me. Thank you for another open window.