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Spiritual Practice for Difficult Times
Zen, Meditation, Mindfulness Robert Althouse Zen, Meditation, Mindfulness Robert Althouse

Spiritual Practice for Difficult Times

So here's the strange thing about this. I know that bag is still there though I can no longer see it and something about that breaks my heart. It's like the sickness of this planet. I know the planet is unwell, though I can not always see it. So when I open to that my heart breaks open. And what follows after that is tenderness. I don't have to try and be good or kind. That is already here in full measure. I just have to be willing to not look away. It may be the bag in the tree. It may be a homeless person on the street. It may be bleached and dead coral reefs. It may be a brutal war in Ukraine.

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Dragon of Inscrutability – Part 4 of Four–Series
Buddhism, Art Robert Althouse Buddhism, Art Robert Althouse

Dragon of Inscrutability – Part 4 of Four–Series

Inscrutability is an expression of confidence. You are settled within your experience so you have no hesitation or fear. You can be noncommittal, yet follow through. You don't have to spell everything out because you can be with uncertainty. Truth arises from the situation. You don't need any confirmation so you also don't have to be the center of attention. You are not in any great rush, so you can begin with the basics. You are not calculating according to some idea of gain or loss. You work with the situation, bearing witness to whatever arises, and doing so with sympathy and compassion for those around you. This unconditional confidence comes from giving and extending yourself and overcoming timidity.

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Garuda of Outrageousness – Part 3 of Four-Part Series
Buddhism, Art Robert Althouse Buddhism, Art Robert Althouse

Garuda of Outrageousness – Part 3 of Four-Part Series

The warrior of outrageous is free from negative emotions so she is able to face whatever arises skillfully and fearlessly. This kind of confidence operates on an even-keel. This kind of equanimity is free from picking and choosing and treats everyone with respect and care. The warrior trusts in the basic goodness of human beings which is unconditional and free of dualistic polarizations. As a result her actions are skillful and in proportion to whatever context she finds herself.

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