TEA AND ZEN - THREADS

MAY THE GREAT SPIRIT - watch over you.

As the sun sets and the stars awaken, may you find peace in the quiet of the night. May the Great Spirit watch over you, guiding your dreams and filling your heart with love. As you rest, may you be wrapped in the warmth of the earth and the wisdom of your ancestors. Sleep well, and may tomorrow bring you strength and joy. Nigel Lott teaandzen.orgPlease donate and support my work at meditationsansfrontiere.com 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

EMBRACING THE UNKNOWN

We often cling to the illusion of control, believing we can dictate the outcomes of our experiences and relationships. However, as I reflect tonight—something that has become a recurring theme for me—it's clear that we truly have no control over the outcomes of any person, place, or thing. We can set our intentions with all our hearts, but once those intentions are voiced, it becomes essential to let them go and allow the natural course of events to unfold.This notion can be particularly challenging. Many of us harbor strong preferences for how we want things to be in order to feel happy, or conversely, how we wish to avoid situations that might lead to unhappiness. Yet, regardless of our desires, the fundamental truth remains: we do not control outcomes.When we articulate our intentions, it's important to direct our will toward them, while also recognizing that the Universe, God—or Love, as I prefer to refer to it—will ultimately determine the path forward. This acknowledgment requires a deep acceptance of the present moment and an understanding of a larger picture of existence in which we play a vital role. Our heartfelt intentions are heard; the universal love, or God, is listening.Yet, there is a deeper dynamic at play that often escapes our perception. Our senses are limited, and while personal growth can enhance our understanding, only a few truly comprehend the profound intricacies of life. The journey toward Love, whether on an individual or collective level, frequently necessitates navigating through shadows and challenges.I firmly believe that intentions grounded in love and kindness will eventually manifest, though the timeline may not align with our expectations. It's vital to remember that, in the vast cosmos, our perception of time is merely a human construct. A year on Earth might translate to a mere millisecond in a broader universe, emphasizing how limited our understanding truly is.Ultimately, if our intentions are anchored in compassion and love, I trust they will harmonize with the universe's will. My goal is to embody these values in every action I take.Embracing the unknown and letting go can be liberating, allowing us to experience life in its fullness, free from the burdens of control.Nigel Lott teaandzen.orgPlease donate and support my work at meditationsansfrontiere.com 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

MEDITATION ON GRACE

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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 Interwoven Dynamics of Mind and Heart......A Collective Journey.

Life is governed by intricate patterns, dynamics, and laws that shape our experiences, guiding us through the interplay between our thinking minds and the wisdom of our hearts. These forces are not just personal; they resonate collectively, influencing how we connect with ourselves and each other.At the individual level, our thoughts and emotions create a tapestry of understanding and response. The mind seeks logic and clarity, while the heart brings intuition and empathy into the equation. When these two aspects work harmoniously, we navigate life with greater awareness and authenticity, making choices that align with our true selves.Collectively, these dynamics manifest in our communities and societies. Shared beliefs, cultural narratives, and collective experiences create a common framework that guides how we relate to one another. This interconnection highlights the importance of empathy and understanding, as the patterns that govern our interactions can lead to unity or division.Recognizing the interplay between our thinking minds and hearts opens pathways for deeper connection. It encourages us to cultivate emotional intelligence and foster open dialogue, both within ourselves and in our communities. By honoring the wisdom of our hearts while engaging our minds, we can create a more harmonious existence, enriching our lives and those of others.In essence, the patterns and laws that govern us remind us that we are part of a larger tapestry, intricately woven together by our thoughts, emotions, and shared experiences. Embracing this interconnectedness empowers us to navigate life with greater compassion and insight, fostering a sense of belonging in a complex world. Nigel Lott teaandzen.orgThanks for reading Tea and Zen - Meditation Sans Frontieres! This post is public so feel free to share it. 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 EVENING CONTEMPLATION

“I have lived on the lip of insanity, wanting to know reasons, knocking on a door.  It opens. I've been knocking from the inside."   Jalāl al-Dīn Muḥammad Rūmī          Show me anger and I'll show you hurt, show me hurt and I'll show you love….. care to peel the layers? 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

UNENDING LOVE - Rabindranath Tagore

I seem to have loved you in numberless forms, numberless times...In life after life, in age after age, forever.My spellbound heart has made and remade the necklace of songs,That you take as a gift, wear round your neck in your many forms,In life after life, in age after age, forever.Whenever I hear old chronicles of love, it's age old pain,It's ancient tale of being apart or together.As I stare on and on into the past, in the end you emerge,Clad in the light of a pole-star, piercing the darkness of time.You become an image of what is remembered forever.You and I have floated here on the stream that brings from the fount.At the heart of time, love of one for another.We have played along side millions of lovers,Shared in the same shy sweetness of meeting,the distressful tears of farewell,Old love but in shapes that renew and renew forever. 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

A PRAYER AND BLESSING

One earth, one mother,One sky, one beginning, one future, one destiny,One broken heart,One God.We pray to You:Grant us a vision of unity.May we see the many in the one and the one in the many.May you, Life of All the Worlds,Source of All Amazing DifferencesHelp us to see clearly.Guide us gently and firmly toward each other,Toward peace. 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 BUDDHAS LAST INSTRUCTION - Mary Oliver

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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 LAW OF RECIPROCITY...turning the other cheek.

Throughout history, many spiritual and philosophical traditions have emphasized a profound truth: when we harm another sentient being, we inevitably harm ourselves. This principle, often referred to as the Law of Reciprocity, underscores the interconnectedness of all life and the moral imperative to act with compassion.Therefore at its core, this law suggests that our actions, particularly those rooted in negativity or malice, reverberate beyond their immediate effects. When we inflict pain….whether through words, actions, or neglect….we create a cycle of suffering that returns to us tenfold. This is not merely a cosmic punishment; rather, it reflects the natural consequences of our choices within a web of relationships.Consider the implications of this law in everyday life. When someone wrongs us, the instinctual response may be to retaliate. However, this knee-jerk reaction can escalate conflict, perpetuating a cycle of hurt and resentment. Instead, choosing compassion—understanding the pain behind someone’s actions—can foster healing, not only for the victim but also for the perpetrator.Furthermore, the Law of Reciprocity extends to our thoughts and intentions. Holding onto anger or resentment poisons our own well-being, while cultivating empathy and forgiveness liberates us from that burden. It’s a reminder that we hold the power to shape our emotional landscape and, consequently, our reality.In a world rife with division and conflict, embracing this principle can transform our interactions. By recognizing that our well-being is intrinsically linked to the well-being of others, we can cultivate a culture of compassion. Ultimately, healing begins with understanding that every act of kindness we extend not only uplifts another but also enriches our own lives tenfold.I appreciate that this is a hard truth to swallow, I believe true nonetheless.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

THE MORNING POEM - Keeping Watch

In the morningWhen I began to wake,It happened again—That feelingThat you, Beloved,Had stood over me all nightKeeping watch,That feelingThat as soon as I began to stirYou put Your lips on my foreheadAnd lit a Holy LampInside my heartHafiz. 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