The Gift of Freedom…

You may have experienced, as I have, that sometimes we scare away the very thing we seek – simply by the desperation or clinging in our longing, or perhaps because it's obvious we're only giving in order to receive.

But the greatest gift we can give one another is Freedom. The practice of Anapanasati (mindfulness with breathing, as taught by the Buddha), leads us here, as it culminates in "letting go." As we arrive, finally, in surrender, there arises great joy.

It is immediately apparent how much joy this letting go gives others. When we release our clinging, allowing others and life to be simply as it is, they unfold like a flower blossom – breathing freely in the space we have given them, and joy awakens in them also.

Awakening joy in others through letting them go – what could bring me greater joy?! Once we see the true nature of clinging and release, letting go becomes easy, natural, and liberating to all.

This is where Love lives.

Birthday Resolutions...

I wrote this list of resolutions in the midst of a meditation on my birthday...

• Purify the ego, releasing attachment and aversion - leaving more room for receiving, and for selfless giving ~ a softening of the heart...

• Practice ardently, letting go, surrendering to Dharma (rightness, goodness...)

• Remember "first things first" - what's really important?! - and weed out the distractions...

• Give more, Fearlessly!!

• Experience Abundance within, remembering how blessed I am - with humility and gratitude for all those who have given to this abundance ~ my friends and family, clients, this sweet earth...

• Honor and tend to my inner innocence when I have trouble believing in all these good things, with trusting. May I treat myself with tenderness, allowing a gentle humbleness to be alright.

• Practice opening the shy parts of myself to others!!

• May my ego trust in the joy, connection (to others, to Source), inherent goodness, fullness and peace that is the essence of life.

• May I live in Love - and when I forget, may that forgetful part of me be flooded with Love!

• May my life be a blessing ~ for the Earth, for all beings.