We're learning a lot of same lessons, it seems. I come from a Christian upbringing and for the longest time I didn't grok what Jesus was saying about embodiment. Discovering I'm not just a human, but also a soul is just half the story. I got stuck in the soul/enlightenment/spirituality phase for awhile in an effort to escape my humanity. Now I know deeply that the truth is both/and. I'm fully spirit and fully human. And like you said, it must be lived out in the body--fully divine, fully human. The meeting place of heaven and earth. Thanks for such a vulnerable and enlightening piece.
Thank you for sharing your journey and reflections. It’s incredible how those deep realizations often come from our own lived experiences. It's a beautiful thing to witness and share.
Inspiring post, Mo, as I, too, recently thought, “I’m going to try to get in the best shape of my life at 55.” The point isn’t whether I succeed, only that I give it my all. May we both give it our all (and anyone reading this). Thank you for sharing what’s happening in your life.
I’m so grateful to have found you Mo. I will be reading your many essays. I started with this one. All I have to say is, it’s very clear you’re doing your work. I feel it. You know it. That embodied change is a beautiful gift to self, isn’t it? I just learned of the word “samadhi”. I was explaining experiences I have in meditation. A friend shared this word, which I hadn’t heard of. Naively, I thought everyone experienced that all the times. I couldn’t figure out why more people weren’t more enthusiastic about doing meditation. Haha. A wise teacher of mine said, that is the goal but it takes a lot of work to get there. I love this stage in my journey- reaping the benefits of SO MUCH inner work. My resilience is apparent and my connection is palpable. Such a comfort and pure joy.
Thank you so much for your kind words and for taking the time to share your reflections, Heidi! Samadhi is indeed a powerful concept, and your discovery of it through your meditation practice is a testament to the deep inner work you've been doing. I hope my future essays continue to resonate with you and support you on this path. I look forward to hearing more about your journey as you continue to explore and grow.
.“All things in the world are two: in our minds we are two- good and evil. With our eyes we see two things- things that are fair and things that are ugly. We have the right hand that strikes and makes for evil, and the left hand full of kindness, near the heart. One foot may lead us to an evil way, the other foot may lead us to good. So are all things two, all two.” Eagle Chief Pawnee
TWO WOLVES: There is an ancient story that derives from Native North American tradition where a grandfather is talking to his granddaughter. In it, the grandfather says to his granddaughter, ‘I have two wolves in my heart that are fighting each other. One wolf is vengeful, angry, and afraid, while the other wolf is kind, forgiving, and loving.’ After some time the little girl asks, ‘Grandfather, which wolf will win? He replies, ‘The one I feed the most.’
This inner journey is the heart and soul of the spiritual warrior. It is arduous and fraught with pain, suffering, and frustration, and it requires patience and perseverance.
This part resonated with me; I remember to be great means to do hard tasks that you don't like doing. To be mediocre is easy; just do nothing. And many of us are in the latter category. We don't want to pay the price. Thanks for this
embodying the spiritual life rather than explaining it is what I needed to hear today. I always feel the need to over-explain, and then am hurt when others don't understand. talk less, act more.
Thank you. That was an amazing read and inspirational to a man in my late forties at the start of my spiritual journey. The late bloomer in me resonated with you. I have much work to do, reading about your commitment to yourself and your journey feels like a nudge from the universe.
Great perspective, Mo. I, too, have taken a turn on the path of my spiritual journey by practicing acceptance of reality as it is (pain, suffering, flaws, and all) and by spending time in the heart zone each day. Getting out of our heads - mastering the mind - is the key as you’ve pointed out. It’s so cool that you were gifted with an image of yourself as a spiritual warrior! I wish you the very best in your pursuing of that vision!
We're learning a lot of same lessons, it seems. I come from a Christian upbringing and for the longest time I didn't grok what Jesus was saying about embodiment. Discovering I'm not just a human, but also a soul is just half the story. I got stuck in the soul/enlightenment/spirituality phase for awhile in an effort to escape my humanity. Now I know deeply that the truth is both/and. I'm fully spirit and fully human. And like you said, it must be lived out in the body--fully divine, fully human. The meeting place of heaven and earth. Thanks for such a vulnerable and enlightening piece.
Thank you for sharing your journey and reflections. It’s incredible how those deep realizations often come from our own lived experiences. It's a beautiful thing to witness and share.
Inspiring post, Mo, as I, too, recently thought, “I’m going to try to get in the best shape of my life at 55.” The point isn’t whether I succeed, only that I give it my all. May we both give it our all (and anyone reading this). Thank you for sharing what’s happening in your life.
Thanks, Ryan. Hope you keep on track.
Makes two of us. :)
I’m so grateful to have found you Mo. I will be reading your many essays. I started with this one. All I have to say is, it’s very clear you’re doing your work. I feel it. You know it. That embodied change is a beautiful gift to self, isn’t it? I just learned of the word “samadhi”. I was explaining experiences I have in meditation. A friend shared this word, which I hadn’t heard of. Naively, I thought everyone experienced that all the times. I couldn’t figure out why more people weren’t more enthusiastic about doing meditation. Haha. A wise teacher of mine said, that is the goal but it takes a lot of work to get there. I love this stage in my journey- reaping the benefits of SO MUCH inner work. My resilience is apparent and my connection is palpable. Such a comfort and pure joy.
Can’t wait to read more of your essays!
Thank you so much for your kind words and for taking the time to share your reflections, Heidi! Samadhi is indeed a powerful concept, and your discovery of it through your meditation practice is a testament to the deep inner work you've been doing. I hope my future essays continue to resonate with you and support you on this path. I look forward to hearing more about your journey as you continue to explore and grow.
You’re so kind. Thank you 🙏
Thank-you very much.
CREE PROPHECY
When all the trees are cut down
When all the animals have been hunted-
When all the waters are polluted
When all the air is unsafe to breathe
Only then will you discover that you cannot eat money.
.“All things in the world are two: in our minds we are two- good and evil. With our eyes we see two things- things that are fair and things that are ugly. We have the right hand that strikes and makes for evil, and the left hand full of kindness, near the heart. One foot may lead us to an evil way, the other foot may lead us to good. So are all things two, all two.” Eagle Chief Pawnee
TWO WOLVES: There is an ancient story that derives from Native North American tradition where a grandfather is talking to his granddaughter. In it, the grandfather says to his granddaughter, ‘I have two wolves in my heart that are fighting each other. One wolf is vengeful, angry, and afraid, while the other wolf is kind, forgiving, and loving.’ After some time the little girl asks, ‘Grandfather, which wolf will win? He replies, ‘The one I feed the most.’
Thanks Colin.Great story with the two wolves.
This inner journey is the heart and soul of the spiritual warrior. It is arduous and fraught with pain, suffering, and frustration, and it requires patience and perseverance.
This part resonated with me; I remember to be great means to do hard tasks that you don't like doing. To be mediocre is easy; just do nothing. And many of us are in the latter category. We don't want to pay the price. Thanks for this
Thank you, Edwin! I appreciate your comment and I'm glad it resonated with you.
embodying the spiritual life rather than explaining it is what I needed to hear today. I always feel the need to over-explain, and then am hurt when others don't understand. talk less, act more.
Thank you, Elizabeth! I'm glad it resonated with you.
Thank you. That was an amazing read and inspirational to a man in my late forties at the start of my spiritual journey. The late bloomer in me resonated with you. I have much work to do, reading about your commitment to yourself and your journey feels like a nudge from the universe.
Thanks Mark! I’m so happy it resonated.
Great perspective, Mo. I, too, have taken a turn on the path of my spiritual journey by practicing acceptance of reality as it is (pain, suffering, flaws, and all) and by spending time in the heart zone each day. Getting out of our heads - mastering the mind - is the key as you’ve pointed out. It’s so cool that you were gifted with an image of yourself as a spiritual warrior! I wish you the very best in your pursuing of that vision!