Thank you.🙏🏼 I have been practicing Tibetan Buddhism for over 20 years, but am having a very hard time having boundless compassion for those running our country. I know karma will eventually do her job. I am being a “gentle” activist, donating, posting, and writing letters. Nothing is working. I didn’t survive ovarian cancer, to now actually live in the hell realm.
If you happen to be able to communicate again with Joseph while he’s on retreat, please send my great appreciation for his talents. And thank you, Dan Harris for speaking the words that help us connect with each other.
Thank you for this essay. I wake up every morning reminding myself not to go down the rabbit hole. There is much to be done, at home, every day. Breathe.
Dan, thank you. You must have woken up in the middle of the night and thought - “I bet Bob is really having a hard time right now. I’ll write something to help him get his shit together”. I posted yesterday on my Facebook account to friends and family that I was taking a week off from politics. I was reminded this past week that even after almost 50 years of meditation, I can still experience rage and anger. I need to chill a bit. So this morning I did a double sitting practice with an emphasis on loving-kindness. It helped. And now reading your post. It helped. I’m taking some time away from all my political Substack posts and podcasts. Putting a focus on my community service with the homeless population here in Bellingham. And reminding myself that I live on this little spec of dust to make a difference for those in need. And that everyone that I love, and all that is dear to me, is of the nature to change. My mom’s favorite saying: “This too shall pass”. Thanks Dan. You’ve made a difference for me today. With love and appreciation. -Bob
Yes!! Love this reflection and I cannot underscore enough how much taking action and volunteering helps remind me that there are good people in this world and you can make an impact!
I am inspired by my team of “bright lights in the world” and it helps keep me level in these insane times.
Thank you Dan and team!! I really enjoyed the content and information you provide every week! It has been amazing! Being part of this community is something I am truly grateful this year! 🫶
I went to a meditation class recently in Toronto. After doing a loving kindness mediation we were asked to reflect and almost everyone, when asked to picture someone who we struggle with, pictured Trump. (We’re a little miffed here that he wants to make us a state.) The woman beside me said “I have to remind myself that I don’t hate Trump. I hate his ego.” I found that helpful. Much love to everyone living with his nonsense right now.
Thank you. I often look to the night sky for perspective, reflecting on the billions and billions of beings who have lived and died and done the best they could. I try to look to my intentions as I act each day.
Reading this after yet another sleepless, anxious night is soothing - and a sensible reminder.
I often go to poetry for this very reason. Thanks Dan for all you have on offer here, I really (really) appreciate it. P.S. Is there a specific version of The Diamond Sutra or Dhammpadda that you or anyone here would especially recommend? Thanks!!
That was a wonderful poem by Joseph Goldstein and an insightful commentary by you, Dan. I am a retired psychologist and am using all of my learned skills, education, and personal experience to get me through the *earth-bound madness”. I am also utilizing meditation and mindfulness (Mindful Wellness and Mindful News) as well as donating to multiple causes to cope without succumbing to depression and despair. It’s still going to be a long 4 years, so keep up the good work of helping us all survive with some hope and sanity intact.
Good read during this time. One of the things I have kept in mind, Dan, is your suggestion that we review history. This shows us that our country has gone through bumps and hiccups. Also watching Sly Lives really resonated with me when scenes from the civil rights era showed the protests, violence, and resilience of our nation. It feels like it is worse in this time. Pretty certain in the past, those living through those times felt the same way. Joseph finding a talent as an older man gives us a lesson that we can learn new things and discover new gifts in ourselves.
Thank you.🙏🏼 I have been practicing Tibetan Buddhism for over 20 years, but am having a very hard time having boundless compassion for those running our country. I know karma will eventually do her job. I am being a “gentle” activist, donating, posting, and writing letters. Nothing is working. I didn’t survive ovarian cancer, to now actually live in the hell realm.
If you happen to be able to communicate again with Joseph while he’s on retreat, please send my great appreciation for his talents. And thank you, Dan Harris for speaking the words that help us connect with each other.
I love “action absorbs anxiety.”
I wish I could just remember this all the time! Going to write it on a post it note now!
I repeated it to a friend yesterday — but I forgot about it until I read your reply. 🤣
"We're all just walking each other home." I love that. Thank you Dan.
Thank you for this essay. I wake up every morning reminding myself not to go down the rabbit hole. There is much to be done, at home, every day. Breathe.
Hit the spot this morning. Thank you
Dan, thank you. You must have woken up in the middle of the night and thought - “I bet Bob is really having a hard time right now. I’ll write something to help him get his shit together”. I posted yesterday on my Facebook account to friends and family that I was taking a week off from politics. I was reminded this past week that even after almost 50 years of meditation, I can still experience rage and anger. I need to chill a bit. So this morning I did a double sitting practice with an emphasis on loving-kindness. It helped. And now reading your post. It helped. I’m taking some time away from all my political Substack posts and podcasts. Putting a focus on my community service with the homeless population here in Bellingham. And reminding myself that I live on this little spec of dust to make a difference for those in need. And that everyone that I love, and all that is dear to me, is of the nature to change. My mom’s favorite saying: “This too shall pass”. Thanks Dan. You’ve made a difference for me today. With love and appreciation. -Bob
Yes!! Love this reflection and I cannot underscore enough how much taking action and volunteering helps remind me that there are good people in this world and you can make an impact!
I am inspired by my team of “bright lights in the world” and it helps keep me level in these insane times.
Thank you Dan and team!! I really enjoyed the content and information you provide every week! It has been amazing! Being part of this community is something I am truly grateful this year! 🫶
I went to a meditation class recently in Toronto. After doing a loving kindness mediation we were asked to reflect and almost everyone, when asked to picture someone who we struggle with, pictured Trump. (We’re a little miffed here that he wants to make us a state.) The woman beside me said “I have to remind myself that I don’t hate Trump. I hate his ego.” I found that helpful. Much love to everyone living with his nonsense right now.
A wonderfully balanced and compassionate read. Thx
Thank you. I often look to the night sky for perspective, reflecting on the billions and billions of beings who have lived and died and done the best they could. I try to look to my intentions as I act each day.
Reading this after yet another sleepless, anxious night is soothing - and a sensible reminder.
I often go to poetry for this very reason. Thanks Dan for all you have on offer here, I really (really) appreciate it. P.S. Is there a specific version of The Diamond Sutra or Dhammpadda that you or anyone here would especially recommend? Thanks!!
A deep breath of perspective. Thank you.
That was a wonderful poem by Joseph Goldstein and an insightful commentary by you, Dan. I am a retired psychologist and am using all of my learned skills, education, and personal experience to get me through the *earth-bound madness”. I am also utilizing meditation and mindfulness (Mindful Wellness and Mindful News) as well as donating to multiple causes to cope without succumbing to depression and despair. It’s still going to be a long 4 years, so keep up the good work of helping us all survive with some hope and sanity intact.
Good read during this time. One of the things I have kept in mind, Dan, is your suggestion that we review history. This shows us that our country has gone through bumps and hiccups. Also watching Sly Lives really resonated with me when scenes from the civil rights era showed the protests, violence, and resilience of our nation. It feels like it is worse in this time. Pretty certain in the past, those living through those times felt the same way. Joseph finding a talent as an older man gives us a lesson that we can learn new things and discover new gifts in ourselves.
Dang the is a long blab. 🤣🤣🤣🤣
"We're all just walking each other home" gosh I love that. Thank you for the calming perspective Dan (as always).