Hello Africa
If you've been reading the blog lately, you'll notice I've been suffering from looking at myself. Most people spend their whole lives looking at themselves inside -- and they repackage and reexamine the things that they already know so they seem new and interesting. They cling to their identities and expectations and to the things that look and feel familiar. Even the things that seem new and exciting are usually familiar in certain ways. But they don't know that they are doing it. [And if that describes you, my reader, don't worry -- you can look away too, once you know how to do it. ]
But really, looking at ourselves just causes us more suffering. Why? Because it generates a kind grasping clinging to things we can not possibly maintain. It causes us to feel separate and alone, and it causes us to fail to understand the plight of others, even the most wise of us.
And so in order to stop our own suffering we must look away from ourselves, from the mental, philosophic or spiritual examination of our own internal state. And we must look to something greater, something more virtuous than ourselves. In looking away from ourselves and connecting with greater purpose, higher principal, virtuous objects, we begin to feel whole, balanced and capable. We are no longer feel alone even if we are separate from others. And often we find that developing great compassion (not sentimental compassion) is the doorway to connecting with this higher principal.
So here I have been, Africa, these past six weeks. Just sitting on my tush staring at myself. And I have been in terrible pain. And others have been suffering because they know I am suffering. And every once in a while, I open my eyes for a moment and think of you. And I open up to hold space for you in your journey, that you succeed. And for a moment, the window opens for me. I can breathe again and I remember what it is like to live in the moment. And I can love again in the way I know love best.
So finally Africa, since I am not currently navel gazing, here is my prayer for you. Its not about helping those beings where you are, although that in itself is profound. It is about realizing that the thing which you seek in Africa does not exist there -- it is my wish that you realize that the thing you seek in Africa exists in you. That is why you found it there, and why you remember it, and perhaps why you have carried it there again.
So please do not despair over highly politicized NGO's or any separatism you experience. The flame exists in you, and in my eyes to be the very thing you wish for others is the goal. Tend the flame, dear one, and the compassion of Africa will exist wherever you go. Tend the flame, dear one, and the hope of Africa will exist wherever you go. Tend the flame, my friend, and you can grow and love, be juicy and benefit others anywhere. You can be the one anywhere. And if you get to do that in Africa, then the ones in Africa will be very lucky.
The best thing about that flame you have is that it can light other flames without being diminshed. I wish you a wonderful and beneficial journey. I know the ones there are benefitting greatly from your work. I look forward to seeing you when our paths cross again. And thank you for your help. My flame is bright and I can breathe again.
But really, looking at ourselves just causes us more suffering. Why? Because it generates a kind grasping clinging to things we can not possibly maintain. It causes us to feel separate and alone, and it causes us to fail to understand the plight of others, even the most wise of us.
And so in order to stop our own suffering we must look away from ourselves, from the mental, philosophic or spiritual examination of our own internal state. And we must look to something greater, something more virtuous than ourselves. In looking away from ourselves and connecting with greater purpose, higher principal, virtuous objects, we begin to feel whole, balanced and capable. We are no longer feel alone even if we are separate from others. And often we find that developing great compassion (not sentimental compassion) is the doorway to connecting with this higher principal.
So here I have been, Africa, these past six weeks. Just sitting on my tush staring at myself. And I have been in terrible pain. And others have been suffering because they know I am suffering. And every once in a while, I open my eyes for a moment and think of you. And I open up to hold space for you in your journey, that you succeed. And for a moment, the window opens for me. I can breathe again and I remember what it is like to live in the moment. And I can love again in the way I know love best.
So finally Africa, since I am not currently navel gazing, here is my prayer for you. Its not about helping those beings where you are, although that in itself is profound. It is about realizing that the thing which you seek in Africa does not exist there -- it is my wish that you realize that the thing you seek in Africa exists in you. That is why you found it there, and why you remember it, and perhaps why you have carried it there again.
So please do not despair over highly politicized NGO's or any separatism you experience. The flame exists in you, and in my eyes to be the very thing you wish for others is the goal. Tend the flame, dear one, and the compassion of Africa will exist wherever you go. Tend the flame, dear one, and the hope of Africa will exist wherever you go. Tend the flame, my friend, and you can grow and love, be juicy and benefit others anywhere. You can be the one anywhere. And if you get to do that in Africa, then the ones in Africa will be very lucky.
The best thing about that flame you have is that it can light other flames without being diminshed. I wish you a wonderful and beneficial journey. I know the ones there are benefitting greatly from your work. I look forward to seeing you when our paths cross again. And thank you for your help. My flame is bright and I can breathe again.
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