TEA AND ZEN - THREADS

THE SUMMER DAY

The Summer DayWho made the world?Who made the swan, and the black bear?Who made the grasshopper?This grasshopper, I meanthe one who has flung herself out of the grass,the one who is eating sugar out of my hand,who is moving her jaws back and forth instead of up and downwho is gazing around with her enormous and complicated eyes.Now she lifts her pale forearms and thoroughly washes her face.Now she snaps her wings open, and floats away.I don’t know exactly what a prayer is.I do know how to pay attention,how to fall down into the grass,how to kneel down in the grass,how to be idle and blessed,how to stroll through the fields,which is what I have been doing all day.Tell me, what else should I have done?Doesn’t everything die at last, and too soon?Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?~Mary OliverInspired By Daphne Sipes, The Happiness Practice Club 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

TENETS

COURAGE ~ FAITH ~ HUMILITY ~ COMPASSION ~ INTEGRITY ~ HONOR LOVE 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

ASPECTS OF FORGIVENESS

Forgiveness is often misunderstood as an obligation to excuse or condone the actions of others, but it is so much more profound and transformative than that. At its core, forgiveness is about opening your heart again—not necessarily to the actions of others, but to the individuals themselves. This distinction is crucial for true healing and personal peace.When we talk about forgiveness, it's important to understand that we are not required to forgive the act of wrongdoing. The nature of the offense, the hurt it caused, and the impact it had on our lives are valid and real. These aspects do not simply vanish with forgiveness. However, forgiving the person behind the act—essentially, the "actor"—is a gift you give yourself. As you create space within your own heart, you are also extending that same opportunity for healing to the person or persons who hurt you.Forgiving the actor is about releasing the emotional hold that resentment and anger have over you. It is about freeing your heart from the burdens of past grievances and choosing to move forward without being shackled by negative emotions. This act of opening your heart does not mean that you condone harmful behavior or that you are obliged to maintain a relationship with someone who continues to cause you pain. Rather, it means that you choose to release yourself from the emotional chains that tie you to that hurtful experience.The process of forgiving someone is deeply intertwined with self-healing. When you choose to forgive, you are essentially creating space within yourself for growth and renewal. This space allows you to reconnect with your own inner self, to heal wounds that may have been festering for years, and to embrace a more peaceful and balanced state of mind.Forgiveness is also a powerful act of self-love. It requires that you see beyond the hurtful actions and recognize the humanity in the other person. This recognition can lead to a profound realization: there is a fundamental oneness in our shared human experience. By forgiving, you acknowledge that everyone is on a journey, and that their actions, while painful, are often a reflection of their own struggles and suffering.Importantly, forgiveness does not mean you need to tolerate or accept behavior that is detrimental to your well-being. Setting boundaries and protecting yourself is crucial. However, even in the process of separating yourself from harmful behavior, you can still keep your heart open. This openness is a form of spiritual and emotional resilience that allows you to move forward without carrying the weight of past hurts.The world seems to cry out for forgiveness—a universal plea for healing and connection. By practicing forgiveness, you contribute to a collective wave of compassion and understanding that can transform not only your own life but also ripple out to others. In essence, forgiveness is an act of profound love—love for yourself and for the shared humanity that binds us all.In summary, forgiveness is not about forgetting or excusing the actions of others. It is about opening your heart to the process of healing, releasing the hold of past hurts, and embracing a broader, more compassionate view of our interconnectedness. It’s a personal journey that reflects a universal truth: love and understanding are powerful forces for change and healing in a world that is ever in need of both. Nigel Lott teaandzen.org 501 (C) Non Profit, Registered Charity 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

FORGIVENESS IS THE CASH

"Forgiveness is the cash you need. All other kinds of silver really buy just strange things. Everything has its music. Everything has the genes of God inside. But learn from those courageous addicted lovers of glands and gold -Look, they cannot jump high or chuckle long when they are whirling. And the moon and the stars became sad when their tender light is used for night wars. Forgiveness is part of the treasure you need to craft your falcon wingsAnd return to your true realm, our true realm of divine freedom. " 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

MAY YOU BE AT PEACE

In remembering the 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, to the heart of it, know that in the beginning, as in the end it is... "all that is or ever was or ever will be." Nigel Lott teaandzen.orgSit, meditate, surrender to LOVE….breathe. 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 Nature of Truth: A Journey Toward Love

In a world where questions abound about the nature of existence and the essence of truth, many seek clarity on what is real and what is not. People often ponder the truth of this or that, hoping to uncover the deeper meaning behind life’s complexities. At the heart of this exploration lies a profound understanding: Love is the ultimate truth, only Love.If you believe that your God or higher power embodies love and seeks to manifest kindness and compassion, then let that belief guide your journey through life. Embracing this perspective invites you to navigate existence with an open heart, seeking to understand the world through the lens of love, from deep within YOU!The Essence of LoveIt is crucial to recognize that any thought, word, or deed that is not rooted in love cannot hold the truth. When we act or think from a place of fear, anger, or selfishness, we stray from the essence of what is genuine and real. Instead, we end up creating thoughts , words and deeds that are seemingly real, ultimately illusions however that may appear real, significant in our lives but ultimately lack the truth, the reality that Love provides.Consider the moments when we feel sad, disconnected, or lost; these feelings often arise when we stray from Love’s guiding principle. In contrast, when we engage in acts of kindness, compassion, and understanding, we tap into a deeper truth that resonates with our core being, and we connect.The Illusion of RealityWhile the world presents itself with tangible experiences and seemingly concrete realities, it is essential to remember that what we perceive may not always reflect the underlying truth. Love stands as the only absolute, ultimate reality, transcending the fleeting nature of our perceptions. Everything else we encounter—conflict, division, suffering—ultimately fades in the light of Love. Love conquers all, and all in the end returns to Love.This perspective invites us to challenge our perceptions and question the validity of our experiences. When faced with adversity or confusion, we can return to the guiding principle of love, reminding ourselves that these challenges are often illusions, masking the true nature of existence.Conclusion: Choosing Love as TruthIn our quest for understanding and truth, we must consistently choose love as our compass. By grounding our thoughts, words, and deeds in love, we align ourselves with the ultimate reality that transcends the transient nature of the world. As we embrace love, we cultivate a deeper understanding of life and our place within it, transforming our journey into one filled with purpose and connection.Ultimately, the truth of it all can be summarized in a simple yet profound realization: Love is the key to unlocking the deeper meanings of existence, guiding us toward a reality that is richer and more fulfilling than any illusions we often encounter to the contrary. 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

TEA AND ZEN

To achieve true freedom, to harmonize our will with that of the Universe and its creative essence, there inevitably comes a pivotal moment in every life. It demands great courage—regardless of the consequences—where we must align with the truth residing solely within the spiritual heart and its innate Love and Wisdom. It calls us to take a firm stand with feet grounded firmly on Mother Earth, may you find your way there, may you find your way home!Every thought, word, and action must then be guided by kindness and compassion—in the name of Love—for the sake of peace on earth. How else can we attain genuine liberation?Could this be that moment? I sincerely hope so. 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

RETURN TO LOVE - Less than a blink of an eye away in any given moment.

Sit with yourself for a moment or two in a quiet space, and remember Love. Circumstances would have it at times, that Love appears to have been forgotten in our grief. In those moments know that it has not forgotten you, its truth forever your guide and friend. It waits patiently for your return, and yes it really is only a blink of an eye away. Nigel LottMusic ‘Somewhere in Between’ by Epidemic Sound.“ 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

SOUL SPARK -Harmony of Heart and Soul: Embracing Light and Darkness in Humanity

The patterns, dynamics, and laws that govern our lives weave between our thinking minds and the wisdom of our hearts. These principles apply both individually and collectively within humanity.Recognizing that every individual consciousness contributes significantly to the energy of our world and the universe, influencing the balance between light and darkness, is crucial. We hold responsibility for the presence of light or darkness in any given moment.Thus, it becomes our personal responsibility to seek truth within our own hearts, uncovering the love that unites us all and liberates us from darkness, By sharing our experiences of light, we uplift one another and transcend the shadows, to the point there is no awareness of other, only the ONE love that sets us all free.Supporting each other in our personal growth and alignment with the universe's will, guided by love, is essential. Through humility and grace, we extend this understanding to all sentient beings, fostering harmony and enlightenment everywhere.Ask not what your country can do for you-Ask what you can do for your country. JFK.Ask not what others can do for you -Ask what you can do with others.NBL. 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

SOUL SPARK

You come to us from another world,from beyond the stars and void of space,transcendent,pure,of unimaginable beauty,bringing with you the essence of love.You transform all who are touched by you.Mundane concerns,troubles and sorrows dissolve in your presence,bringing joy to ruler and ruled,to peasant and king.You bewilder us with your grace.All evils transform into goodness.You are the master alchemist.You light the fire of love in earth and sky, in heart and soul of every being.Through your love, existence and nonexistence merge.All opposites unite.All that is profane becomes sacred again. 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