Transitions.....

It has been over a year since my last posting. A lot has happened: some wonderful experiences and some sobering reminders of life's lessons. Regardless, life is an accretion model and, as I have learned, it is truly a matter of "three-steps-forward, two-steps-back" experiences.

For the last year or so, I dabbled deeply into political discussions and current-event debates; a frequent presence on online sites and in the comment sections of newspapers...until I realized that such folderol was toxic and, really, of no value. Would anything I posit, argue, rant, rail, or expound upon change anyone else's firmly held views? Of course not. Likewise, their arguments and positions only hardened my own. I had devolved into a true "you/me" and "us/them" binary.

I found that I was falling into the usual dichotomy of competition and the idea that for me to be right the other must be logically and irrefutably proven wrong. I had rationalized this approach by citing two my heroes: Martin Luther King, Jr. and Gandhi. Their 'radicalism' changed the world and involved getting out into the streets and strongly - though peacefully - expressing their views. What I neglected was the peaceful and non-attachment perspectives that informed their actions.

To be sure, both debated passionately and articulately their views. Yet, there wasn't the "hook" or shenpa (wonderful Tibetan Buddhist concept) that I had infused into - and polluted - my thinking. I had forgotten that I could have my views on guns, war, and the sometimes horrific actions of others without it hardening my own heart.

It took a while, but I finally remembered Pema Chodron's comment in her wonderful book Practicing Peace in Times of War where she said the solution to such us/them thinking (among other ills) was: "Softening what is rigid in your heart." Once, I remembered that - and actually incorporated that into my thinking - the false binary of conflict fell away.

So I returned to my Zen roots, the peaceful non-attachment practices, and the writings of Zen monks, hermits, and others who lived fully and yet found a path to peace in thought and action. It is not easy...not by a long shot. But the balance I have found (albeit three-steps-forward, two-steps back!) has been wonderful.

To that end, I am slowing down and will still write on my love of the tropics and other pleasures. But I will not engage in the us/them, you/me binaries that have proven so calamitous to my spirit.

Namaste'....