Our lives are largely dictated by the forces of repulsion and attraction. This is only natural. However, we do have some control over how much we allow them to be controlled by one or the other. (more…)

Sometimes, my emotional state has been like the crazy swings of the spring weather, going through cold spells and warms spells, rainy days followed by crystal clear skies. As with many other people, I often feel at a loss on how to stabilize this turbulence, but find that appreciating those everyday things which I often take for granted inevitably brings some serenity to the soul.
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How we relate to each other shapes the world which we make around us. When we treat those close to us kindly, lending an ear for them to freely express their joys and sorrows, and equally are able to do the same, we create an environment of connecting and sharing. And when we close up, keeping these feelings inside to deal with on our own, refusing to open up to others, we trap ourselves without nourishing the strings of relationship which are so essential to our existence. (more…)

Spring has returned, with nature beckoning us to learn from her ways. She is the epitome of patience and uncomplaining movement towards growth – the kind of growth which, in the end, benefits the earth’s environment. Each of us has the potential to progress constructively, by choosing “the middle way.” (more…)

Spring has returned, with nature beckoning us to learn from her ways. She is the epitome of patience and uncomplaining movement towards growth – the kind of growth which, in the end, benefits the earth’s environment. Each of us has the potential to progress constructively, by choosing “the middle way.” (more…)

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Going Out and Showing Up – That’s the first step! So simple, and yet how difficult many of us find it to do so. It’s so much more comfortable in the warmth of our homes filled with a host of devices to entertain us – with the end of the day, we feel like our time has been wasted. Or to blame someone else for the problems in the world, refusing to take part in any of the mess which is causing them or our own contribution to them.

Recently, there’s been a lot of news about Ric O’Barry, the dolphin trainer for the world-famous “Flipper,” and main director of the award-winning documentary “The Cove,” about the dolphin slaughter in Taiji, Japan and the plight of the dolphins. While reluctant to take on the role of “chief adversary,” he saw that keeping dolphins captive was a crime and stated “I don’t know how I free these dolphins – but I know that if I didn’t show up, it would never happen.” Living his talk, he’s now been an inspiration to millions of people around the world.

One thing for sure – by staying home and not reaching out to others in nature and human society, nothing will change and our own spirits wither as well. Each of us has a unique ability to have a positive effect, and this capability can often only be found in relation to others. Just like this cherry tree, having the courage to open up even in the cold of February, being the first to shed its beauty on a world weary of the bareness of winter and show the hope of renewed life in the upcoming spring, so all of us can do the same. It begins with the first step!
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Going Out and Showing Up – That’s the first step! So simple, and yet how difficult many of us find it to do so. It’s so much more comfortable in the warmth of our homes filled with a host of devices to entertain us – with the end of the day, we feel like our time has been wasted. Or to blame someone else for the problems in the world, refusing to take part in any of the mess which is causing them or our own contribution to them. (more…)