Thich Nhat Hanh (Thay) is 94 today! This Zen master continues to inspire the world with his simplicity and devotion. Such teaching is especially important in this time as we continue to safely reopen businesses.
“ Learning to live each moment of our daily life deeply, in mindfulness and concentration, is the practice.” That’s words ring true today, and everyday.
How mindful are you in your daily life? Are you learning to concentrate in the present? Ki to Happiness practices deeply.
Soft rain is falling. This season reminds us to let go. Release the past. Appreciate the present. Especially as we continue to observe the restrictions in our areas, so businesses can slowly reopen. Letting go of other autumns, this one offers striking beauty.
The shiny streets, green leaves, some redorangegold all refreshed, clean air, hungry birds, soft Earth, blanketed with fallen foliage all signal the senses. The cycle is upon us! Flow with the soft rain.
Have you gathered all your nuts? Where’s your raincoat? Ki to Happiness delights in the seasonal shifts.
Continuing to observe the guidelines in our area, there’s been quite a bit of new activity. New openings, along with plenty of closures, even as we continue to persevere as we are. Our commercial building is starting to fill up with new renters. Space has become available as others have left.
In our alley, there has been a homeless woman living for over a year. I have been friendly to her, leaving her little practical gifts. Just two days ago I saw her, on another corner, attempting to sell her artwork. Now, she’s gone. Her tent and pallet are removed.
How are you with the new comings? And the goings? Ki to Happiness remains steadfast while change swirls about.
We continue observing the requirements in our areas as Thich Nhat Hanh finds his way back to eating! The world leader, and Zen master, has begun again. Soon, it will be his 94th birthday. Looks like he’s going to make it.
I share this good news, so it can multiply. Yesterday, those of us who read this blog post, also considered beginning again. I certainly made every effort. This day offers that invitation, too. As does each dawn.
How has your day started? Can you open to the invitation to beginning again? Ki to Happiness welcomes each dawn.
In this environment of slowly re-opening businesses, yesterday I hit a wall. The credit card hack of last week has rippled through my automatic accounts requiring that I track them down and straighten them out. That revealed further problems which got the best of me.
Today I begin again. Recognizing much progress was made, I focus on that, and let go of the rest. I am able to see that these challenges have been necessary. Ultimately, there is movement forward.
Have you hit any walls? How gracefully can you begin again? Ki to Happiness starts fresh.
As we continue to respect our local guidelines, elsewhere a brave monk awaits his exit. Loved by millions, Thich Nhat Hanh showed the way to enlightenment through forgiveness. The atrocities of the Vietnam war left an enormous wound between our countries as well as elsewhere. His simple and deep guidance has shown the way for many.
His followers lovingly referred to him as Tai. He has had his last meal. He prepares for the exit, surrounded by loving appreciation and respect. He may last until his 94th birthday, 11/11. Or not. His well lived life is an example for us all.
How prepared are you for your exit? What needs to be healed so that your rest will be in peace? Ki to Happiness sends loving appreciation to Tai for all the encouragement and guidance, inspiring generations.
As we continue to slowly re-opening, staying home and healthy, observing guidelines in our particular areas, many old issues are perhaps resolving themselves. New issues take their places. This is progress.
Coming to peace with one’s life requires our embracing the issues. Where there’s life, there’s evolution. Our issues are evolving us. Once we have found peace with one set, another presents itself. Confidence in one’s ability to handle, move through, learn and grow, may be increased along the way.
Are you noticing old issues falling away? What new issues are taking their place? Ki to Happiness embraces Divine evolution.
Today, we continue to slowly re-open as the air quality improves. And it’s the feast day of one the most well beloved saints: St. Francis, The patron saint of Italy, as well as environmentalists, and those who work on behalf of animals. All animal rights activists as well as climate change scientists and politicians involved in securing rights for the environment and for animals are all uplifted today.
Yoga honors both the physical form, and the right relationship to its environment. In this way yoga practices can be seen activism, especially as is related to the yamas and niyamas… the principles underlying the path. Ahimsa necessitates non-violence to all. This simple and direct rule encompasses St. Francis’s domain. In Italy, and everywhere.
Do you love animals? And the environment? Ki to Happiness loves “all creatures, great or small”, (Aitareya Upanishad).
In this environment, as we slowly reopen our businesses, it’s hard to believe any of the headlines we read. Our prudence, and conservative approach to respecting science and guidance protects us in this uncertain environment. Continuing to proceed onward in this way, more will be revealed.
Karma has its own timing. There are many things I am not in charge of… so I patiently observe. Listening to guidance, I refuse judgment, and will continue with my practices. Finding serenity at this time it is it’s own reward.
How did you do with yesterday’s headlines? Were you able to find your serenity with your reactions? Ki to Happiness responds with patience, perseverance and practices.
In the lingering light of this full moon, today we are remembered to the guardian angels. A couple of days ago we were celebrating the archangels, who preside over these personal assistants. Learning how to pray, to stay connected to a higher power, and be guided safely, we benefit from their presence, whether we know it or not.
I remember as a small child hearing about my guardian angel during bedtime prayers. In the slumber of my spiritual life during my adolescence, I forgot. In my 20s, during my initiations into awakening, I became aware of others who embodied the spirit of the guardians for me, during my challenging years. Now, I happily share this awareness today with you. We have more help than we know, if we simply open up and ask.
Who taught you how to pray? What helps you stay connected to Spirit? Ki to Happiness remembers the Guardians on this day.