Wow! Thanks for this - it captures exactly and beautifully the heightened senses and inner exploration of your thoughts that happens in a meditation class - 'wanting nothing so much as not wanting'.
Apparently, there's a saying in Zen Buddhism that the only way to understand it is to 'enter the cave yourself and face the dragon'. I tried to, several years back and going through a rough patch of life. It was one of the few things that helped but, try as I might, I could never entirely let go of wanting to know where my thoughts were leading. In the end I guess it was enough to be given time and space and someone saying it's okay to just be. The thought of the experience still makes a connection and helps when things get too frantic.
Your shop window experience (if this was you) resonated too - I'm a teacher and the other day had to order a singing bowl for a lesson on Buddhism. I was ridiculously happy when it arrived, nestled on its cushion, to find out it had travelled all the way from Nepal (with many exotic stamps to prove it). I spent the rest of the day ringing it at various intervals just to enjoy the sound and the memories of peacefulness. Did you buy anything I wonder?
Thanks for the wonderful comment Sue. Yes, this poem is autobiographical. The setting for the first part is the Zen Mountain Monastery (Mt. Tremper NY), where I lived for 9 months after college. A previous version ended with me buying the singing bowl (which I did, and still have). I understand your ridiculous happiness. They're magical things.
Loved hearing this tonight.... Think it’s what I was looking for when I came over here and started reading, when i really need to go to sleep. Glad you’re doing this, and was very glad to hear you at the Towne Crier tonight. Enjoy the rest of the tour.
Whoops. Was accidentally signed in on my spouse’s account. That was actually my comment--I was the one at the Towne Crier tonight with our neighbors--he’s off at his 50th HS reunion.
Lovely. The poem all encompassing for me this week, “grief, regret, joy”. Te lo agradezco
"slightly winded older now" am I
Bless your imagination!
So lovely to read your words each week. Thank you.
Another shared experience and I’m grateful. Thanks, Richard.
Really like the picture. Did you take it?
Yes, and I threw the pebble too!
Great. I really like the composition.
Thanks Robert. Much appreciated.
We hold so much in and could all take the time to really breath. I know I could really use some lessons in meaningful breathing.
Beautiful. A new favorite of mine among your poems.
The photo, as always, is a perfect match for the post and the poem.
What a great mind you have sir, not only an amazing lyricist
Wow! Thanks for this - it captures exactly and beautifully the heightened senses and inner exploration of your thoughts that happens in a meditation class - 'wanting nothing so much as not wanting'.
Apparently, there's a saying in Zen Buddhism that the only way to understand it is to 'enter the cave yourself and face the dragon'. I tried to, several years back and going through a rough patch of life. It was one of the few things that helped but, try as I might, I could never entirely let go of wanting to know where my thoughts were leading. In the end I guess it was enough to be given time and space and someone saying it's okay to just be. The thought of the experience still makes a connection and helps when things get too frantic.
Your shop window experience (if this was you) resonated too - I'm a teacher and the other day had to order a singing bowl for a lesson on Buddhism. I was ridiculously happy when it arrived, nestled on its cushion, to find out it had travelled all the way from Nepal (with many exotic stamps to prove it). I spent the rest of the day ringing it at various intervals just to enjoy the sound and the memories of peacefulness. Did you buy anything I wonder?
Thanks for the wonderful comment Sue. Yes, this poem is autobiographical. The setting for the first part is the Zen Mountain Monastery (Mt. Tremper NY), where I lived for 9 months after college. A previous version ended with me buying the singing bowl (which I did, and still have). I understand your ridiculous happiness. They're magical things.
9 months in a Zen monastery sounds like an amazing experience.
It was. And I should do it again.
Beautiful.
Thanks Rose.
Beautiful poem, beautifully read.
Loved hearing this tonight.... Think it’s what I was looking for when I came over here and started reading, when i really need to go to sleep. Glad you’re doing this, and was very glad to hear you at the Towne Crier tonight. Enjoy the rest of the tour.
Whoops. Was accidentally signed in on my spouse’s account. That was actually my comment--I was the one at the Towne Crier tonight with our neighbors--he’s off at his 50th HS reunion.