TEA AND ZEN - THREADS

EMILY DICKINSON

If I can stop one Heart from breakingI shall not live in vainIf I can ease one Lifethe Aching,Or cool one PainOr help one fainting RobinUnto his nest again,I shall not live in vain. Get full access to Tea and Zen - Threads at teaandzen.substack.com/subscribe
In the quiet between heartbeats a whisper calls you home, you are not broken you are becoming. These threads of silence and sound are letters from the threshold, offerings from the edge of stillness. Nigel  TEA AND ZEN - MAIN LIBRARY                                                                                                                                                                  DONATE

HUMILITY

Humility is the grounding force that keeps us aligned with our true nature, ensuring an open and receptive heart. It is the profound understanding that we are vessels of a greater wisdom and power, and that no achievement or possession can ever define our true worth. Humility calls us to surrender to this boundless wisdom….always present within us…..and to its infinite love, a love that transcends all measure.It is the quiet strength that arises from the awareness that we are all interconnected, equal in the eyes of the Divine. Humility is the willingness to serve others without seeking recognition, to listen with an open heart and without agenda, and to learn from every experience, whether joyous or challenging. In this surrender, we are freed, and in our freedom, we come to know the true power of love. Nigel Lott teaandzen.orgMay All Love Become You Get full access to Tea and Zen - Threads at teaandzen.substack.com/subscribe
In the quiet between heartbeats a whisper calls you home, you are not broken you are becoming. These threads of silence and sound are letters from the threshold, offerings from the edge of stillness. Nigel  TEA AND ZEN - MAIN LIBRARY                                                                                                                                                                  DONATE

THE LISTENING HEART

In the stillness of a deep, attentive ear lies an ancient and sacred form of connection. To be truly listened to….without judgment, distraction, or the need to fix…..is one of the most profound gifts we can offer and receive in this lifetime. It is not just a form of communication; it is a recognition of the soul, a moment of pure presence that transcends the surface level of words.When we are deeply listened to, we experience a profound sense of being seen. Not merely our actions or our words, but our essence. In this space, there is a rare opportunity for the layers of the ego to dissolve, and our true selves—our vulnerabilities, dreams, and struggles—can surface. This act of being heard creates a mirror for our spirit, affirming that we are not alone in this vast universe. We are seen. We are known. We are enough.In spiritual traditions across the world, listening is seen as a sacred practice. The concept of being present…..truly present…..in another’s moment is an embodiment of unconditional love. To listen deeply is to offer our full attention as a prayer, an acknowledgment that the other’s experience, however fleeting or transient, is sacred.This kind of listening is transformative. It opens us up to the divine in one another. It creates space for healing and grace to flow. When we are deeply heard, we are allowed to release the burden of carrying our struggles alone. We feel seen not only by others but by the Universe itself….affirmed in our humanity and divinity.In turn, when we offer this deep listening to others, we invite them into a space of safety and trust, allowing them to express their truths without fear of judgment. It is in this exchange….of being heard and of hearing….that the fabric of our interconnectedness is woven more tightly. It is a reminder that we are all part of the same spiritual journey, and in being present for one another, we honor the divine within us all.Ultimately, being truly listened to is a spiritual act of being known. It is a sacred moment where we are not just seen in our struggles, but in our fullest potential. It is a reminder that, in a world full of noise, the deepest truth we can share is often simply being heard, heart to heart.Nigel Lott teaandzen.org Get full access to Tea and Zen - Threads at teaandzen.substack.com/subscribe
In the quiet between heartbeats a whisper calls you home, you are not broken you are becoming. These threads of silence and sound are letters from the threshold, offerings from the edge of stillness. Nigel  TEA AND ZEN - MAIN LIBRARY                                                                                                                                                                  DONATE

ST FRANCIS OF ASSISI PRAYER

Make me a channel of peace,that where there is hatred, I may bring love;that where there is harm, I may bring healing;that where there is conflict, I may bring harmony;that where there is falsehood, I may bring truth;that where there is doubt, I may bring trust;that where there is despair, I may bring hope;that where there is darkness, I may bring light;that where there is sorrow, I may bring joy.Grant that I may seek not to be comforted, but to comfort;not to be understood, but to understand;not to be loved, but to love.For it is in giving with an open heart that we receive,it is in pardoning that we are pardoned, forgiven,and it is in selflessness that we find our true selves.It is in letting go that we awaken to what truly matters.Nigel Lott teaandzen.org Get full access to Tea and Zen - Threads at teaandzen.substack.com/subscribe
In the quiet between heartbeats a whisper calls you home, you are not broken you are becoming. These threads of silence and sound are letters from the threshold, offerings from the edge of stillness. Nigel  TEA AND ZEN - MAIN LIBRARY                                                                                                                                                                  DONATE

Make Me a Channel of Your Peace

A Universal Prayer for Healing and Unity"Make Me a Channel of Your Peace" is a timeless prayer that transcends religious boundaries, calling all people…..regardless of faith or background, to become instruments of peace, healing, and love in a world that often seems fractured and divided, even at times seemingly torn asunder. While traditionally attributed to St. Francis of Assisi, the message of this prayer resonates with anyone seeking to embody compassion and offer light in the midst of darkness.At its heart, the prayer is a call for spiritual transformation. It begins with the simple yet powerful request: “Make me an instrument of Your peace.” This plea speaks to the deep human longing for connection and harmony. It recognizes that true peace is not merely the absence of conflict, but the active presence of love, understanding, and compassion. To be an "instrument of peace" is to allow oneself to be a channel through which these qualities flow, to be a conduit for healing energy that brings unity to individuals, communities, and the world.Nigel Lott teaandzen.org Get full access to Tea and Zen - Threads at teaandzen.substack.com/subscribe
In the quiet between heartbeats a whisper calls you home, you are not broken you are becoming. These threads of silence and sound are letters from the threshold, offerings from the edge of stillness. Nigel  TEA AND ZEN - MAIN LIBRARY                                                                                                                                                                  DONATE

COURAGE

Courage, has a profound deeply spiritual dimension. In many spiritual traditions, courage is not just about confronting external challenges, but also about the inner strength to confront the unknown within ourselves. It is the willingness to step into the unknown and trust in a higher purpose, even when the path ahead is unclear or fraught with difficulties.From a spiritual point of view, courage is deeply tied to faith. It is the ability to surrender one's fears and doubts and place trust in something greater than oneself…..whether that be God, the universe, or the inner wisdom that guides us. This type of courage is not about the absence of fear, but about choosing to move forward in spite of it, with our hearts open wide.In many spiritual teachings, courage is seen as an essential quality for personal growth and transformation. It takes courage to confront our shadows, our darkness to face our limiting beliefs, and to let go of old patterns that no longer serve us. It also takes courage to live authentically, with loving kindness and compassion, and in doing so giving expression to our true selves, even when doing so goes against societal expectations or challenges our comfort zones.In the face of suffering or hardship, our courage enables us to see the deeper meaning in our experiences. It allows us to hold onto hope, even when circumstances seem bleak. It is through the exercise of courage that we transcend the egoic defenses and open ourselves to an ever deeper connection with the divine, trusting that every challenge is an opportunity for spiritual growth and awakening.Ultimately, spiritual courage is about embracing life with an open heart, knowing that even in moments of fear or uncertainty, we are never alone. It is the courage to live with love, to forgive, to heal, and to walk the path of truth, no matter how daunting it may seem at times.Nigel Lott teaandzen.org Get full access to Tea and Zen - Threads at teaandzen.substack.com/subscribe
In the quiet between heartbeats a whisper calls you home, you are not broken you are becoming. These threads of silence and sound are letters from the threshold, offerings from the edge of stillness. Nigel  TEA AND ZEN - MAIN LIBRARY                                                                                                                                                                  DONATE

DO NOT STAND AT MY GRAVE AND WEEP

Do not stand at my grave and weepI am not there. I do not sleep.I am a thousand winds that blow.I am the diamond glints on snow.I am the sunlight on ripened grain.I am the gentle autumn rain. When you awaken in the morning'shush I am the swift uplifting rushOf quiet birds in circled flight. I am the soft stars that shine atnight.Do not stand at my grave and cry;I am not there. I did not die. Get full access to Tea and Zen - Threads at teaandzen.substack.com/subscribe
In the quiet between heartbeats a whisper calls you home, you are not broken you are becoming. These threads of silence and sound are letters from the threshold, offerings from the edge of stillness. Nigel  TEA AND ZEN - MAIN LIBRARY                                                                                                                                                                  DONATE

HOPE

I HOPE this inspires.In the depths of despair, when the weight of the world seems unbearable, the concept of hope can feel distant…..perhaps like a flickering flame in a storm. Yet, from a spiritual perspective, hope is not just a fleeting emotion; it is a vital force that with courage can transcend our circumstances, a divine gift that connects us to a higher purpose.Hope, in its purest form, is not about wishful thinking or naive optimism. It is rooted in the belief that, despite appearances, there is a greater plan unfolding. In many spiritual traditions, this belief in divine providence, in the existence of a guiding force greater than ourselves, offers comfort during life’s darkest moments.It is the spiritual strength to face the present with courage, knowing that we are held in a love that transcends time, space, and circumstance. Nigel Lott teaandzen.org. 501 (C) 3 NON PROFIT CHARITY TAX EIN 81-3411835 Get full access to Tea and Zen - Threads at teaandzen.substack.com/subscribe
In the quiet between heartbeats a whisper calls you home, you are not broken you are becoming. These threads of silence and sound are letters from the threshold, offerings from the edge of stillness. Nigel  TEA AND ZEN - MAIN LIBRARY                                                                                                                                                                  DONATE

GOOD - NIGHT

“There are infinite possibilities that are born of knowing that all love surrounds you, lives within you and that all life including yours is so very, very precious, there is not a moment to lose. So love now all that you can, surrender to its power within you, to the heart of it, and know that in the beginning, as in the end, it is....all that is or ever was or ever will be.”  Nigel Lott teaandzen.org Get full access to Tea and Zen - Threads at teaandzen.substack.com/subscribe
In the quiet between heartbeats a whisper calls you home, you are not broken you are becoming. These threads of silence and sound are letters from the threshold, offerings from the edge of stillness. Nigel  TEA AND ZEN - MAIN LIBRARY                                                                                                                                                                  DONATE

YOU ARE LOVE

You are the letter written by God, you are the mirror that reflects the divine, seek inside for all you want is all you are, there is nothing above or beyond...Rumi Get full access to Tea and Zen - Threads at teaandzen.substack.com/subscribe
In the quiet between heartbeats a whisper calls you home, you are not broken you are becoming. These threads of silence and sound are letters from the threshold, offerings from the edge of stillness. Nigel  TEA AND ZEN - MAIN LIBRARY                                                                                                                                                                  DONATE