Grounded and Calm

For so many reasons, 🍂 Autumn has got me practicing “awareness of death.” If you’re curious about it, this practice can lead to a feeling of gratitude for the moment you are in just as it is.
More about maranasati here:

The Life-Changing Practice of Death Awareness Why you might take up the Buddhist practice of maranasati, or mindfulness of death — even if you really, really don’t want to.

One of the best instructions I’ve heard for meditation practice was given by Thai Buddhist teacher Ajahn Buddhadasa: “Do not do anything that takes you away from your body.”

The body lives in the present. When you are aware of the body, you are connected with living presence—the one place where you can see reality, see what is actually happening. Awareness of the body is our gateway into the truth of what is.

TR, Ch. 6, P. 80

May we continue to create the world we believe in together, and may the blessings of loving awareness extend endlessly in all directions.

As we move through each day, may we remember the power of collective intention and the quiet strength of presence. When we meet the world with loving awareness, we become part of the healing.
Let’s keep walking this path—together. 💛

Being in the present moment is the best place to be right now. It’s the only place to rest and be!

After all the election excitement and emotions, it’s good to pause, sit quietly and take a few deep breaths. You can trust what emerges from being still.

Breath by breath, moment by moment, as the mental dust settles, where you want to focus your energies next will become clear.

Repost Octavia Raheem

As Indigenous Peoples, we are far too familiar with resisting corruption, colonialism, and extractivism- our resilience runs deep, never wavering in our fight to protect and defend our lands, communities, and Mother Earth. While the shock of yesterday’s election starts to settle in, let us be reminded of the generations of resistance before us, and the many generations of resistance to come after us. We will never stop fighting for balance, equity, peace, justice, and the respect of our ways of life! Today we mourn. Tomorrow we fight!

Like so many of you, I am carrying the profound weight of this moment—mourning the loss and reflecting on the impact this presidency may have on the health, happiness, equity, and well-being of so many, including those I hold closest to my heart.

Though I’m heartbroken and deeply disappointed, I’m not without hope. My commitment to justice, raising awareness, and advocating for our collective liberation remains unwavering. I’ll continue to use my platform and voice to call out injustice, express dissent with integrity, and find ways forward that are grounded in compassion and resilience. I draw strength and comfort in knowing that you, too, will continue to contribute in your own unique and powerful ways.

In this time of intense heaviness, I recognize the importance of pausing—to resist reactive impulses and to nurture the tender, vulnerable parts of ourselves. I hope you’re finding ways to care for yourselves, to check in on one another, and to offer support where it’s most needed.

I’m also taking a moment to exhale, allowing myself to be fully present with my complex emotions, and to care for those around me who need my support, solidarity, and love.

Amidst the weight of this time, life has also gifted me a moment of true joy and connection. Right now, I’m in India, celebrating the marriage of my beloved stepson, Clyde, and his wonderful partner, Hayley. Apart from sharing the occasional picture, I’m going to step back from social media for the next two weeks so that I can fully immerse myself with family.

Please remember to care for your own tender hearts. Breathe deeply, be gentle with yourselves, and trust that we will find our way forward. I love you all.

I also want to extend a heartfelt thank you to Vice President Kamala Harris for her unwavering dedication, courage, and leadership. Your voice, strength, and steadfast commitment to the principles of equity and justice have inspired and empowered so many. Your trailblazing spirit lights the path ahead, and we are deeply grateful for all you have done and continue to do. Thank you. 🙏🏼

Tell me who "your kind of people" are.
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