"Wherever you go for the rest of your life, you're always in the middle of the universe and the circle is always around you. Everyone who walks up to you has entered that sacred space, and it's not an accident. Whatever comes into the space is there to teach you." Pema Chödrön - 'The Wisdom of No Escape'
I love that we have begun our Sunday Morning meditations. I am being reintroduced to the books by Pema Chödrön that I read many years ago. The validation that the teachings around spiritual evolution is timeless is at once a source of peace and frustration. Humanity has consciously been seeking wisdom and clarity since we have been able to document our thoughts and beliefs. Ultimately, our journey is uniquely personal, but how long will it take Humanity to get it right!? Our own thoughts, actions, and conclusions are much of what stands in the way of being free of suffering, but not getting shot at or blown up...is also quite helpful! If the end goal is bliss or enlightenment, we have to be somewhat clear on how we achieve this state. I'll take a great deal of personal responsibility, but geez "governments of the planet"...can we get a little help from the guys in charge! Can we at least conceive of a world without war; with an understanding of how precious all life is? I will end with a quote from David Michie (Substack contributor and author of 'The Dalai Lama's Cat'): "In summary, enlightenment is a transcendent state in which we experience ever-increasing bliss and through limitless physical manifestations, work for the welfare of all living beings - most impactfully on those with whom we have shared karmic bonds. If this is the first time you’ve read such a description or you’re finding it all a bit mind-blowing, well, join the club!"