Lakota Voices - Arlette Loud Hawk: Part 1

The simplicity of her message is so profound. We all have to live together and co-exist in harmony. Remember your dreams, you have choices, make the choice that will allow you to live a meaningful life.
She is speaking about the massacre at Wounded Knee in 1973.
( AIM is American Indian Movement )

I also encourage you to watch part 2.

High Noon Crisis

Acedia. Acedia. Acedia.

You are feeling bummed? I mean really, really, depressed to the point where you feel that life is pointless and there is nothing you can do that will make a difference. Do you care? If, you don't care. Or if you don't even know that you don’t care? This is acedia, apathy, indifference, isolation, depression.

You don’t have to be a monk, hermit, or someone who lives a solitary life to experience acedia.

Ever since I heard the interview on CBC’s Tapestry with Kathleen Norris speaking about her book on the subject I’ve been thinking about the meaning of acedia. It is an uncommon word but it likely describes accurately how some people at some point in their life have felt. I’ve had conversations where this was definitely a state of mind for some people. A feeling of absolute apathy, and irrelevance. What do you do when this happens and how do you support people who are experiencing acedia?

Kathleen Norris says that action, like going out, visiting friends or some activity you enjoy will take you out of acedia. It is imperative that even if we feel this action is meaningless, we should force ourselves to do it in spite of those feelings. By our acttions, we find a conduit, which leads us out of the this dangerous fog. She further says an extreme case of acedia will only lead to suicide. If this is how you are felling please get some help.

Another interesting article on the subject worth reading, you may also enjoy this blog.

And yet another interesting read Noonday Demon.

What is your Story

In the wonderful city of twittervile I came across this blog. It is an inspirational blog and speaks to humanity's spirit. Moreover, you will meet many people interviewed in this blog who will inspire you with their courage and strength. Awesome!

I recommend you grab your favorite beverage and enjoy the dialogue between Phil and his subjects.

Zen Master Sosan's Hsin Hsin Ming

Watch this video with an open mind. No judgment. The practice of non-duality.

The path is clear and it is not. Taking a deep breath and listening to this poem again. "Cease attachment from talking and thinking is to be awaken." "To have a narrow mind and to be attached to getting enlightened is to lose ones center..."

I listen to this first with a thinking mind and was further from the center. I listen to this again with a non thinking, non judgmental mind and just was.

Practicing non-duality - takes practice - and no practice

#1 use for my ipod

"Oh, I see you have been listening to your ipod. What are you listening to? " asks my husband.

"Nothing" I reply.

huh?

"Yes. I am literally listening to silence." I added.

He looked surprised, so I continued "I am listening to a podcast from Treeleaf which has a 20 minute, 30 minutes, and one hour silent meditation segments."

"You're the only person I know who has over a thousand songs and uses their ipod to listen to silence." He says shaking his head.

How To Meditate III - Walking Meditation

I have been asked about walking meditation, but found this video which explains it beautifully. If you find this helpful and want to know more about yuttadhammo .

Enjoy the earth as you walk, and remember to watch your breath and smile.

To be a Spiritual Leader

Do you

1. Think of how your actions will impact others before doing (Right thought/Right speech / Right action)
   
2. Catch yourself when judging others, including yourself (non-judgmental/ compassion/ love)
   
3. Release your attachment to be right (open mindedness)
   
4. Smile and look into the eyes of the person you're with (Being Present)
   
5. Walk your talk (lead by example)