This week has been crazy, and I’m determined to be kinder to myself when I don’t get everything done I want to do. I haven’t written a post this week, but I have come across some absolutely stunning insights on the power of connection from other sources. I hope you’ll take a few minutes to let their wisdom and beauty sink into your soul.
Connecting with Others: Love vs. Attachment by Jack Kornfield
Jack Kornfield, author of A Path with Heart: A Guide Through The Perils and Promises of Spiritual Life, is a much beloved teacher of contemporary Buddhist principles, and he has been credited with introducing mindfulness and vipassana meditation to the West. I enjoy his writings, and this piece “Love vs. Attachment” is an important reminder that these two emotions can actually be quite antagonistic to each other. “The near enemy of love is attachment. Attachment masquerades as love. It says, ‘I will love you if you’ll love me back. I’ll love you, but only if you will be the way I want.’ That isn’t love at all—it is attachment—and attachment is rigid, it is very different from love. Where there is attachment, there is clinging and fear…Love embraces all beings without exception, and discards ill will.” CLICK HERE to read the rest of post. [Excerpt from Bringing Home the Dharma: Awakening Right Where You Are.]
Connecting with Self and God: Jimmy Carter’s press conference about his cancer
President Carter speaks with humor and candor about his cancer diagnosis, his faith, his life, and his roots in Plains, Georgia.
As a lovely postscript to Jimmy Carter’s announcement, Pastor Rick Wilcox recalled Jimmy Carter’s warmth and friendliness to Rick’s 11-year-old son at a book signing event: “What I Learned From Jimmy Carter.”
Connecting with Others and Self: How To Age Gracefully
You may have seen this when I posted it on my Facebook page, but if not, you’ll love this delightful and poignant 4-1/2 minute video that consists of advice from folks ranging from 7 to 93.
WireTap: How to Age Gracefully
CBC Radio’s WireTap is saying farewell. In this special video message, people of all ages offer words of wisdom to their younger counterparts.
Posted by CBC Radio on Wednesday, August 19, 2015
Connect with Nature: Nature, Beauty, Gratitude with Louie Schwartzberg
Nature’s beauty can be easily missed — but not through Louie Schwartzberg’s lens. His stunning time-lapse photography, accompanied by powerful words from Benedictine monk Brother David Steindl-Rast, serves as a meditation on being grateful for every day. (Filmed at TEDxSF.)
Today is a gift. Unwrap it and enjoy it. And when you’re able, pass on the blessings to others…
Why I’m Ditching Facebook: Reflections on Connection by Rick Wilcox
I’m sure I’ve seen Schwartzberg before, but I never associated that name with time-lapse. Beautiful video and comments…I was especially moved by the old man. Thank you for sharing this here.
I too was impressed with Jack Kornfield & his thoughts on “Love vs Attachment”. Very thought provoking & a clear explanation of how these two elements of certain relationships can be problematic. For instance, the relationship with a congregation & their Priest, Pastor, etc. It’s always been a mystery to me how folks expect their Spiritual Leader to be all things to each & everyone of them. Where is “the love”??
I can’t wait to read more of Mr. Kornfield’s work.
Thanks for this great comment, Trudy, and the example you gave is a terrific one. That’s why an interim period between pastors can be healthy for a church — to help them realize they can manage without any particular individual at the helm and that, at least for the Christian churches, Christ is the only constant, not the minister/pastor.