I just started this course. The Christ Path with Andrew Harvey-- there is an intro talk from a couple of weeks ago available to listen to here. I was in on that call and immediately wanted to take the course. If it resonates it's worth checking it out. I majored in Religion and Christianity at UC Berkeley so this stuff is highly archetypically appropriate for me...but all sorts seem to be drawn to it. … [click on title to read the rest]
This is a very sophisticated treatment that looks at many of the questions people have when contemplating the forgiveness of those who've harmed us, sometimes very badly. … [click on title to read the rest]
By Rick Belden -- Forgiveness requires an end to the cycle of wounding -- Sometimes the only viable path to forgiveness is to remove ourselves from those who continue to cause us harm despite our best efforts to communicate our needs clearly and maintain healthy boundaries. By taking care of ourselves and ending the cycle of wounding, we can establish a safe distance from those who have injured us, allowing ourselves to move through the old hurts and toward greater understanding and forgiveness without constantly being re-injured by new hurts that feel just like the old ones. ... [click title to read the whole article]
"Trust the moment. It might not be what you thought, but it is what it is."
Your brightness is my darkness. I know nothing of You and, by myself, I cannot even imagine how to go about knowing You. If I imagine You, I am mistaken. If I understand You, I am deluded. If I am conscious and certain I know You, I am crazy. The darkness is enough.
I'm learning that life does, indeed, conspire to support us. It can still be a rough ride and not look anything like we might want or expect. So it's okay to think it sucks sometimes too...because it can. Breaking down old habits and beliefs is hard work. Being able to see the wonder even in the midst of hell is a good thing, however. With practice that, too, is possible.
The path of conscious awareness is no bed of roses... It is difficult for everybody; that is something we have to face. We may not always be willing to receive the kindness that is there; we cannot always experience what happens in our practice as compassion. When we are in the middle of learning a... Continue Reading →
Unconditional Willing to experience aloneness, I discover connection everywhere; Turning to face my fear, I meet the warrior who lives within; Opening to my loss, I gain the embrace of the universe; Surrendering into emptiness, I find fullness without end. Each condition I flee from pursues me, Each condition I welcome transforms me And becomes... Continue Reading →
I'm sharing some Christian contemplatives today. I generally share information from Eastern traditions or that which is largely influenced by Eastern tradition, but the fact is I've been greatly influenced by the Christian mystics too and the contemplative practice in the Christian tradition is deeply meaningful as well. Modern Western mystics have largely abandoned the... Continue Reading →
I've put together a post with a list of teachers or otherwise inspirational people I often quote or refer to on Beyond Meds. Here below many of them are listed with a distinctive quote from their work and a link to the posts on this blog where more of their work is shared. This post... Continue Reading →
Meditation is the PRACTICE of learning to PAY ATTENTION. That is all.
