Ultimately, the crucible of day-to-day life, in which wisdom messes with reality —and vice versa — is where genuine integration of the teachings of those who came before us takes place. Sometimes it feels like one is being tested. Other times we may feel that blessings are floating down upon us like cherry blossoms. And other times, painful and challenging, we may feel swallowed up in turmoil without a rudder or compass at all.
In addition to amusing or stirring you with stories from my kaleidoscopic life, and freely sharing my opinions and observations on a variety of ethical, theatrical and spiritual topics, I hope to coax you, dear Reader, to spend time reflecting on your own realities.
My beloved cousin Fourgie gave me a delightful novel last year that I’m now re-reading with joy. It’s called The Dalai Lama’s Cat, (ghost-)written by David Michie. The book is narrated by a very special kitty-cat who was saved from peril by the Dalai Lama when still a kitten and now lives with him in Dharamsala. Her adventures are laced with her observations about the interactions between seekers and wise teachers.
I feel such affinity for the gentleness with which the monks pass on Buddhist wisdom, always at just the right moment and with a light touch. We are reminded that our happiness is not caused or taken away by people and circumstances, but by our response to what occurs.
Right now, sitting in an Adirondack chair on the big front porch, looking out over the green green fields and woods, Mt. Israel rising up along the western horizon, I begin to count my blessings. Before long their plentitude has me seeing these many blessings as the zillions of stars in the wide open night skies here, far from civilization. My thoughts drift back to last night’s cavalcade of astounding dreams. Why is it that I always dream so vividly up here amongst the stars?
Letting go of the counting, I am left to savor — my dear family, my beloved friends, my return to bountiful health, the creative work ahead, and the delicious sandwich my sweetheart just made for me. Join me in this spacious place where thoughts and dreams dance freely with every real part of your life, bringing air and light. This wondrous space is your birthright. Nothing and no one can take this away.
Thank you for scooping up my 99th message in a bottle, thrown out into the sea of the internet and picked up on your shore, wherever you may be.
Namasté, dear Reader.