Wandering Along the Path: Right Speech

We saw "The Post" yesterday, and the film won me over, because it focused on a woman and her struggle to come out from under the shadow of the patriarchy.  Meryl Streep was extraordinary, and Tom Hanks was convincing as Ben Bradley.  It was a wake up about what is at stake with freedom of the press, namely that they can and should act as our watchdogs to the power of government.  Currently, most of the mainstream press is focused on Trump's tweets, instead of informing and enlightening us.  They are being led by the nose by those in power, and are neglecting the task of illuminating the dark corners of government.  Hopefully, the powers that be are shaken by the rising up of voices in the "Me, too" movement, and will attempt more transparency.  There are no secrets in 2018.  The internet has made certain of that.  But wading through the ocean of bits and details is beyond any of us.  We need watchdogs more than ever.  Let's give them biscuits and pats on the head.  They make our checks and balances work and keep us, the voters, in the loop. 

Wandering Along the Path: Right Speech

I feel renewed from a Buddhist retreat I participated in this weekend, and also from seeing my husband sing in his chorus.  I am reminded of my vows, and my resolve to expand my compassion and love for all sentient beings.  I also am determined to look inside myself more deeply and discover the dark places which are inside all beings.  Finding my humanity, in fact.  Instead of judging others, I will feel their suffering.  When we are unaware, our own suffering touches others, and so I am struggling to be awake and aware with my words and deeds.  It might seem like the retreat and concert were opposites, but the chanting and singing we did in the retreat expanded into chorus and orchestra in the concert.  They sang pieces from Rachmonioff, and the passion and power of the music sent chills up and down my spine, especially the selections from "Romeo and Julliet".  It was as if the soul was singing.

Wandering Along the Path: Right Speech

It was raining today, for which we are grateful, but it meant I could not take my grandson out for a stroll or to the park as usual.  He was happy enough inside, trying out his walking, and going from toy to book to toy.  He is saying words:  birdie, dump (for dump truck), and granp.  He converses in very realistic sounding baby talk as well.  Sound effects he has mastered.  He likes reading the same book over and over and over again.  He loves blueberries and pickles.  So I can snack him if I need him to stay still a minute.  We played upstairs, we played downstairs.  We listened to the Wiggles and danced.  I'm exhausted, but in the best possible way.  I intend to settle down with a snack and a book myself soon.  And probably fall asleep tonight before ten.  A day well spent!

Wandering Along the Path: Right Speech

We were awoken before dawn by an earthquake.  I checked downstairs and nothing was broken.  Our daughter texted and I replied.  I lay down again, my mind racing.  Nothing to do, really.  I fell asleep and got up over five hours later.  The epicenter was extremely close, and since a couple of weeks ago, when we went to a party and earthquakes came up in the conversation, disturbing.  Though what we fear is the fire that might result from a big quake.  We have our supplies in our garage on the street, and I was wondering if that was a good place, and realizing again the need to refill our water container.  I'm not super prepared.  I admit it.  And currently I have absolutely no cash, as is the norm.  I end up spending it.  Yesterday I was so happy it was raining, today I worry about another quirk of nature.  All the expenditure of energy is wasted:  what will happen will happen, and not a doggone thing to do about it.  I'm going to the movies today and even that creeps me out.  Will a quake trap me in the building?  Stay tuned.

Wandering Along the Path: Right Speech

It did rain today, not enough, not much, but still.  The earth here is so parched every drop helps.  I signed up for a retreat this weekend.  It's within walking distance and seemed like an opportunity that should not be passed up.  I realize I would like to do more and different retreats this year.  Nothing fancy or far away, but just maybe hearing different voices.  My Buddhist swim buddy listens online, and although I do it occasionally, I don't have a study group like she does anymore, and I'm missing the group.  I left for sound healthy reasons, but there may be other things to try.  I also could go back to my teacher's temple more often.  It seems like I'm making a new year's resolution as I write this.  And not a bad one at that.

Wandering Along the Path: Right Speech

It's cloudy today and we're all praying for rain in our drought ridden state.  The endless sunny weather is disconcerting at this time of year.  Strange days.  We watched an old movie last night for the new year, but one with heartfelt sentiments:  "Jack and Sarah".  Richard E. Grant plays a man with a wife he adores, a baby on the way, a great job and a house being remodeled.  Suddenly, life reverses itself and his wife has died in childbirth, and he has no interest in the baby girl.  We watch him grieve and fall apart, come to life, grow up and finally embrace love again after learning it from his baby.  Yes, life throws twists and sometimes daggers, but love makes it all worth it.  Old fashioned, but still true.  We couldn't watch some of the unsafe handling of the baby.  Very outdated and scary to watch now:  no one is holding her head and neck, bumpers in the crib, bouncy chairs on counters, leaning way out in a snuggli type carrier.  Good grief!  But she survives, meaning the baby actors, and anyway it's always a bit of a risk, this raising children thing.  You've got to have the luck with you.

Wandering Along the Path: Right Speech

I began the New Year at my daughter's house, babysitting, and when I woke up at home this morning my dear husband had saved the Rose Bowl Parade for me to watch, and we settled down with raisin bran and cheerios to ooh and aah, with my husband skipping every break, so I didn't have to watch any commercials.  Then we showered and went for a walk, enjoying the exercise and the greetings of strangers.  Simple is best.  I am happy that the days are getting longer, the moon was extraordinary last night, I have nice plans this week.  Yesterday morning I listened to my teacher's dharma talk and his wise advice has stuck with me:  more love, more compassion, more meditation, and risk looking inside myself at the darkness present.  I feel guided by the right resolutions, namely, my vows.  I look forward to enjoying my wonderful family and friends, learning about new things, being in nature, and just treasuring each precious moment.  Simple is best.