SIGN OF THE TIMES

     The array of objects shown in this photo hangs on the wall of the Circle office, adjacent to the main entryway to our house. The key-shaped sign reads:  "There is no key to happiness. The door is always open." Good words. We pass by this sign every time we enter or leave our home. It's right next to an old rusty clock and a statue of Quan Yin, the Chinese Bodhisattva/Goddess of Compassion, nestled on the hand-painted heart altar that Zet created for her. We put this collage there as a reminder of how we aspire to live our lives: there is always time to live with love, compassion, peace and happiness.

 

STANDING STILL

     Occasionally, I'll do what I'm doing right now: pause at that corner and take a moment to breathe into the beauty of the sight and reflect on those noble aspirations. It's wonderful to stand here, perched at the threshold between the safe harbor of our peaceful home and the Big Wide World outside, consciously choosing to enter the "open door" to quiet happiness in the center of my heart, feeling peace, love and compassion for myself and All Beings...And, then go about my comings and goings. 

     But way more often than not, I tend to rush by without noticing these potent images, hurrying to get into the house or out to the driveway. That's just the way it is. Would it be helpful to notice them more often? Of course. Is it hypocritical to leave these meaningful words and images hanging there, knowing that I usually don't pay much attention to them? Maybe. Should I take them down, and not bother with those aspirations? Absolutely not.

 

STANDING UP

     In the words of the late writer and cultural activist, Keshavan Nair, "Most of us look at our ideals, see how far we are from them, and get depressed. But it is powerful simply to say, 'Here are my ideals,' state them before the world, and then spend your life trying to live up to them."

     At a time when voices of anger, hatred and division seem to be louder and more ubiquitous than ever, it's mighty easy to forget our ideals and join in with the chaotic chorus of voices resounding all around us. So it goes. But that's all the more reason to return again and again to our aspirations. To do what we can to get in touch with that inner space of peace, love, and compassion - and then go back out into the world and do what is ours to do with as much of that peace, love and compassion as we can muster. At least, that's my story, and I'm sticking to it.

With gratitude and blessings,

     Rudi

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