Open Road Meditation & Mindfulness Dialogue

 

  October 15, 2021

 

Meditation is Not Solemn #291

 

“Meditation is to be aware of what is going on—- in our body, in our feelings, in our mind, and in the world. Each day, nine thousand children die of hunger. The superpowers have more than enough nuclear warheads to destroy our planet many times. Yet the sunrise is beautiful, and the rose that bloomed this morning along the wall is a miracle. Life is both dreadful and wonderful. To practice meditation is to be in touch with both aspects. Please do not think we must be solemn in order to meditate. In fact, to meditate well, we have to smile a lot.” –Thich Nhat Hanh, from Your True Home

 

And life is not solemn—-at least not all the time. Admittedly, I spend a fair amount of time worrying about the world—pandemic, the Taliban, voter suppression, Texas, climate, wildfire smoke…the neighbors’ barking dogs…

 

But invariably I get caught, snagged, by beauty:

 

My dog’s little fur body, impossibly soft and sweet-smelling.

The bouquet of sweet peas, smelling like my dear grandmother’s garden.

The moon gleaming in the black sky.

Erik Satie’s, Gymnopédie floating up from downstairs.

Garden tomatoes and golden raspberries heavy on their vines, red and gold.

 

And that’s all within a 100’ radius! And all right now, at this moment! Just think of what’s to come—fall leaves! snow on the mountain! pumpkin pie!

 

Beauty must trump pain, mustn’t it? I believe so. In meditation some of all these aspects of life, good and bad, float in and out, up and down. Just let them be. But beauty rises to the top.

 

—Jude Russell  (September 15)

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(Here are some excerpts from Michel’s meditation journal. The numbers refer to meditations from Your True Home by Thich Nhat Hanh.)

 

September 2, 2021  #171 PRECIOUS GIFTS

 

Being fully present: there was nothing I wanted more, as a child, from my father, but it wasn’t until I became an adult that I learned the language to identify my need. Now, I’m confined in a box and I always wonder: when will I lose him? I’m scheduled to be released when he is 102⅔….

 

I can do something for myself now—breathe, and learn to do what he didn’t know then….I can continue to practice the gift of being fully present whenever I get time with others: parents by phone, or friends in person.

 

It’s odd that as humans we forget how much we value and cherish someone until they are nearly gone. A rare exception, which I would not advise anyone to pursue, is the “near-death experience.” Yet, it is after these moments of being shook awake from our casual stupor in life that, for many of us, we finally begin to give our full attention—at least for a while.

 

Yet, all it requires of us to give “precious gifts” is to breathe on purpose, mindfully aware of each passing moment while we are in it. There’s nothing more to do. There’s nothing complicated about breathing. It can help one to practice this skill, the mindful part at least, so when the “important” moments do arrive I can be present and aware. They’re all important when we pay attention to them. I just hope that paying attention can help recall the sensation of a past moment with my dad, mother, uncle, or dear friends—when all are gone from my now. It can be nice to visit a moment or two, before the mind goes.

 

(I’m including the next meditation Michel talks about, because it’s short and sweet.)

 

# 175  Let Your Heart Bloom

 

In the Springtime, thousands of different kinds of flowers bloom. Your heart can also bloom. You can let your heart open up to the world. Love is possible—do not be afraid of it. Love is indispensable to life, and if in the past you have suffered because of love, you can learn how to love again.     —Thich Nhat Hanh

 

September 22, 2021  #175 LET YOUR HEART BLOOM

 

This is a challenging proposition in this setting—not impossible, just a challenge. So maybe the challenge becomes cultivating a safe haven—a garden of sorts. It is still many weeks away—seemingly an eternity—but, eventually, the few of us still remaining from Theatre and Dialogue groups will be allowed to assemble once again as a community of friends I rarely, if ever, see as I go about my cyclical movements. Once in a while I do see an old friend; we greet and pass along, as required. It’s pleasing to have those moments. I doubt things are any easier in the “free world.” So, until we can once again convene in our little haven at TRCI together, we’ll need to be “open”—letting our hearts bloom where we are—so when we do meet an old friend, or gather as a group, we can be ready with a heart open to the possibility of love, when ever and where ever it may happen upon us. I think I like this idea: being ready for life wherever it may happen. 

 

September 30, 2021  #176 TRAINING FOR HAPPINESS

 

This sounds like a fun training! Happiness is something I’ve learned, slowly, to be (mostly) a choice. At first the struggle was to identify when I was happy. It was a tough time for me and this seems to be over-simplified. Another truth about happiness I learned: it’s not dependent on anything or anyone outside of me. Happiness, (like love), when dependent on external causes will cease when the causes evaporate—they always do….I’ve also learned that a happy-sad balance exists along a continuum; also, that without other “negative” (so-called) emotions the enjoyment of happiness is less, because of lack of contrast.

 

(You may also find value at PositivePsychology.com. It is relevant and related. (M.D.))

 

Once again, I suspect, this training brings me back to recall that I will be of more constant states when I resume deliberate, daily breathing practices—meditation…. Happiness, as a practice, is going to require some practice from me, if for no other reason than that I will know I’m happy when it happens! This sounds really silly to my mind’s ear, but I think the breathing practice and, possibly, a focus on things I am happy about or happy to see and do. Maybe others have ideas for how to “TRAIN FOR HAPPINESS.” It could be a great value to those of us struggling with finding it. How do you TRAIN FOR HAPPINESS? Do you just prepare to “be” happy? Or is there a deliberate mantra or slogan you practice with? How does one TRAIN FOR HAPPINESS? I’d like to know.

 

—Michel Deforge

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(Michael’s last question is a good one to ponder. John Paisley once asked some of his friends to write about happiness. I wrote the poem “Eudæmanology.” It’s not the final or definitive word on the subject, but might (I hope) provide some clues for our ongoing quest. (J.S.))

 

Eudæmonology* 

 

well, right off I’d better say 

happiness is an art, not a science 

 

it helps if you start out deliriously happy 

some kids hesitate 

others run right at life, full-speed, with wide-open arms 

if they trip and fall flat on their face 

they get up and keep charging 

 

if you weren’t one of those kids 

I don’t know what to tell you 

maybe you’ll always hesitate 

 

and if you were one of those wildly happy ones 

you already know the secret 

learned it without being taught 

knew it before you knew you knew it 

no anamnesis required 

because you never forgot who you are 

 

of course between then and now something could have happened 

something relentless like family, school, television, job 

duties, obligations, commitments, tragedies even 

the car accident, the cancer 

 

there are parts of the world—big parts—where tragedy is the dirty air you can’t avoid breathing

places where food is scarce and machine guns are plentiful 

if you don’t live in one of those places you’re damn lucky 

 

so, the conclusion so far seems to be that happiness is a matter of luck 

 

but there’s more to it 

 

where I live many young women could easily go to the store and get food 

but instead they get so thin they look scary 

 

um, so the question is: what is required for happiness? 

well, it starts with the basics: food, shelter, clean water to drink 

then, other stuff comes into it: love, affection, friendship 

 

and the art of not making yourself miserable 

 

the Buddha said craving is the source of suffering 

and cessation of craving is liberation 

 

bear that in mind 

 

I think a big problem is that people forget that thoughts are just thoughts 

it’s as if all the ideas, opinions, beliefs they have accumulated are the world in which they live 

rather than the filter through which they see the world 

 

so, the secret of happiness? 

maybe something like this… 

seeing through the spell of thought and language 

coming again and again 

wide awake 

to the silence 

that knows 

nothing 

 

* A neglected branch of Philosophy, the study of happiness. 

 

—Johnny Stallings

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Weary of those who come with words, words but no language,

I make my way to the snow-covered island.

The untamed has no words.

Its blank pages spread out in all directions.

I come across the tracks of some deer in the snow—

Language, but no words.

 

—Tomas Tranströmer   (March, 1979), from Bill Faricy

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#3  Miracles

 

Life and all that it is , is a miracle. Our very decision to take a path can be a miracle, or it could be a curse, but even a curse could be a miracle. So many of life’s mishaps or follies turn out to be miracles in disguise. A good one to consider is Prometheus’ plight: he bequeathed the fire of the gods to man. Man got fire and the big bird got his liver for a meal every day. Prometheus will never die. There are three miracles in that story.

 

Those of us within the walls of a prison can choose to be miracles to those we love and for those who are lost—because they need love, too. We can, with a full heart of humbleness, help them to find their path. I ask many the same question that a great man once asked me when I needed it most: “Who are you, really?”

 

Most people want to do good and be good and I’ve noticed that most just want to live a simple life—a job, wife, home, car, etc.—to accomplish that, to them would be a miracle. To walk away from the life that put us in prison and reform ourselves is a miracle. To say “no” to addiction and “yes” to life is a miracle.

 

So, I call you to be the miracle for yourself and then look to your left and to your right and tell each person that they are a miracle too. Hug, touch, laugh, glow in the light of inner love you have. Radiate the light of goodness inside, for that is the spark that is a beacon to all who need a focal point to see that the miracle of change is real.

 

—Rocky Hutchinson

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(Thich Nhat Hanh turned 95 on October 11th. He is known as Thây, which means “teacher,” by many people. In 1982, he established the Plum Village Monastery in the south of France. In November of 2014, he had a major stroke, and has been unable to speak since that time. In November of 2018, he returned to Vietnam. Katie has been to Plum Village many times. She sent us this newsletter, which I’ve edited a bit:) (J.S.)

 

Dear Beloved Community, 

 

Warm greetings from Plum Village, France 

 

Peaceful dwelling 

 

As we approach Thầy’s 95th birthday this week, we would like to share with our international community how Thầy and our sangha at Từ Hiếu Temple in Huế, Vietnam have been doing…..We are deeply grateful for the love and dedication of the team of people taking care of our teacher. 

 

Over the last year, Thầy’s health has weakened. The autumn rains have always been challenging for Thầy’s lungs and health, and continue to be so. This spring Thầy was not able to go outside to visit the temple grounds as much as he could last year. Nevertheless, the sangha was delighted that, when the Từ Hiếu Temple renovation was finished, Thầy was well enough to make a tour of the temple to visit the completed works. In recent months, Thầy has been resting for most of the day with his eyes closed, yet he is often very alert, present and at peace. When the weather is fine, the attendants help Thầy to go out onto the veranda of the Deep Listening Hut to enjoy the sun.  

 

We are here for you 

 

With the great challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic in Vietnam, both Từ Hiếu Root Temple and our Diệu Trạm nunnery have been mostly closed to visitors. Fortunately, Huế has been spared the major outbreak that Ho Chi Minh City has endured….Many people in Vietnam have been without food or work. With the help of our international sangha friends, as part of our Love and Understanding social work program, our monastics in Vietnam have been doing their best to supply oxygen, food, medicine and donations at the roadside food banks helping those most in need. 

 

We are deeply aware that the pandemic has brought great suffering to countless people all around the world. We continue to do our best to practice diligently with stability and compassion, so we can be a refuge for you all, now and in the future. It is our deep wish to open Plum Village in France again as soon as possible. 

 

New ways to practice together 

 

….Finding ways to support one another as we integrate mindfulness practice more deeply into daily life has been a powerful collective journey. 

 

This month, a small delegation of monastics representing Thầy will be traveling from Plum Village to Scotland to participate in the TED Countdown conference ahead of the COP26 climate talks. They will be sharing Thầy’s teachings on ethics and awakening with leaders, scientists, activists and businesspeople; and they will also teach practices of mindful walking, mindful breathing, mindful eating, and the art of deep listening. Thầy always hoped that mindfulness retreats could be organized ahead of political summits, and it’s wonderful to have the chance to contribute towards his vision. 

 

The gift of listening 

 

For Thầy’s birthday this year, we’re inviting our whole community to offer Thầy the gift of our practice: in particular, the collective practice of deep listening to ourselves, our loved ones, and the Earth. Our own practice of mindfulness is the most powerful gift we can offer to continue Thầy’s teachings and legacy in the world.  

 

Thank you for being there, and for walking this path with us. We are deeply grateful for your continued support and generosity for our monastic community as we carry Thầy’s legacy forward into the future. 

 

With love, gratitude, and trust,  

 

The Monks and Nuns of Plum Village 

 

—Katie Radditz

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72

 

All my errors made me who I am—

that set-back quickened my epiphany,

that detour brought me to the way,

catastrophe was cradle to awakening,

disaster kindled the great shazam.

 

You young folks, take a lesson

from one humbled by attrition:

may you relish revelation born

of every kink in your intention

as required by your formation.

 

Very Local Weather

 

The forecast is moderate, but significant—

at least to me: the little storm my body builds

passing through this world. Light breezes

of the breath inhaled become variable winds,

enough to stir a drifting feather, or puff some

thistledown, my sigh slight, but bold, compared

to a bird’s whisper stirring a thicket, or wisplet

of the butterfly, flaring wings through golden light.

A warming trend imbues the damp stump I sit on,

then I disturb the air by stepping the stony path.

And don’t forget the spate of yellow rain spent

from my cloudy soul onto dry leaves. And

don’t forget how my habits change the climate,

my light, my speed, my hurricane of acquisition

melting ice, raising seas, burning mountains—

I and you and all of our tornado transformations.

 

—Kim Stafford

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Today is a happy day: Josh Underhill got out of prison this morning. Christine Darnell forwarded me a picture from Josh’s mom. He has a big smile on his face. Christine informed me that “he finished off his chicken fried steak, hash browns and gravy with no problem.” I’m looking forward to having pizza with Josh on Sunday, in two days.

 

I met Josh on a Wednesday evening, June 3, 2009, and spent three hours with him every week for six years. And then, Nancy and I saw him once a month for five more years. We did a lot of plays together: A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Twelfth Night, Twelve Angry Men, King Lear, Winter’s Tale, Hamlet. We have a lot of shared memories, a lot of the same friends.

 

Nancy and I had the good fortune to watch Josh grow up—become wiser, and more self-confident. He has always been very thoughtful of others. A gentle soul.

 

Yesterday was overcast and rainy. Today the sky is bright blue. I can’t imagine what it must feel like for Josh today—not surrounded by concrete walls, seeing so much, experiencing so much, getting to spend the day with his loved ones. Might be a bit of a “sensory overload,” and somewhat overwhelming emotionally. There will be challenges ahead, but he’s going to do well. He’s been on a good trajectory for a long time. I’m grateful to have him as my friend.

 

Dear Josh: 

A lot of people love you and wish you well.

 

—Johnny Stallings

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(Note to readers: Please contribute to our dialogue as writers as well as readers.)