PSA - SNL

The Power of Authenticity

I have been discovering lately the freedom that comes with radical acceptance. As I grow older (now 70!) I realize more and more that it is not healthy to ignore or sidestep authenticity in favor of taking care of the other persons prercieved feelings, ideas, or individual perspective on any given topic. This does not mean running roughshod over another persons individual take on the world such as challenging it or judging it. It simply means looking deeply into my own truth and responding (possibly) rather than reacting. Often the response is increasingly the position of not responding. Just listening and reflecting privately can lead to a more fruitful and positive interchange and mutual understanding. A simple response such as "That's interesting!" rather than launching into my own take on an issue or position can diffuse the confrontational nature of reacting where each party tends to shift into defensive postures. Is it authentic to not react? In today's hyper divisive world reacting seems to be the go to response, the quicker the better! But these quick reactions often seem to lead to unsatisfying, if not catastrophic, results. There can be a quieter contemplative authenticity that is very powerful that can shift the energy towards a more positive place. For me at least, the failure to respond authentically has sometimes been linked to fear of exposing my truth; my authentic self. Contrary to what is seen culturally as being powerful, especially for a man, namely a sort of hardened emotional aloofness, authenticity involves revealing vulnerabilities, typically seen as weak for men. I have been extremely lucky to be a part of a long standing group of men dedicated to opening up pathways toward being more authentic, and this has certainly helped me to grow emotionally. I can say without a doubt that these men have helped me claim my authentic self without fear. And every time I respond from that place of authenticity, it feels powerful and liberating!

Silence

 

I am not sure if any other animal is capable of smiling. Certainly other animals can indicate they are content such as when a dog wags its tail or a cat purrs. But the human smile is really a standout form of letting the other know they are happy. Cosette is just now beginning to connect by smiling and it has tremendous attractive power. The connection is direct and palpable and long lasting, engendering strong emotional bonding. She gifted us today with her brilliant smile which awed us, as it was one of the first clear, unmistakable signals of recognition. 

 

 A very beautiful meditation on the nature of birth and death. 

 

Cosette Mai Piland

On December 4th, 2021 our second granddaughter was born in Asheville, North Carolina. She was eagerly awaited and came a week early, much to mom's general happiness. She was 8.5 pounds and 21 inches long, so running out of space for sure. Her sister Willa was overjoyed, but had to wait a little longer before meeting her to give her parents, Sam and Claire, time to recuperate. We were happy to have Willa here at our house a few doors down from her house for 4 days. This was the longest she had been separated from her family, but she handled it with no problem at all! We were very impressed and believe this was a testament to her great sense of self esteem and confidence in the love that surrounds her. 

Thay's passing into the cloudland

 A poem to commemorate the passing of Thich Nhat Hahn on January 22, 2022 at midnight.

The winds blow with no coming and no going

The waves roll but do not move

The mountain sits firmly on shifting ground

What is essential remains in that groundless expanse

I first met Thich Nhat Hahn in 2009 when I went to Omega Institute in New York. I was expecting there to be about 50 people, as it was billed as a small gathering for a weekend meditation. It turned out to be an overflow of 500 people crammed into the main hall. At first I was disappointed thinking the experience would be dimmed by the numbers. In fact I couldn't have been more wrong. Being in the presence of Thay with 500 other people of single mind and purpose only served to magnify his peaceful presence and spiritual power. Have you ever been with 500 people and could hear a pin drop? Very moving. I especially remember the walking meditation. Thay gathered the children around him, They had the choice position, some even holding his hand. I was just beautiful to see how deeply they were connected. Thay knew that the idea of Interbeing was most fully appreciated by young childre who didn't need much convincing to believe in their connection to everything and everyone, especially children lucky enough to have parents that would bring them to Omega for a meditation retreat!