Bows, Ralf

Of course, this opportunity may very well lead to yet more contraction in which we watch the social, political, economic and “spiritual” centers of gravity bring everything into a tighter orbit with fixation and small self reactions to what is being offered.

Let’s hope that all beings can be mindful of their clinging; that all beings can remember that a kiss and the love behind it is what moves us.

San Francisco Bay from the Berkeley Hills

St. Helena, CA

Not a bad way to spend the moment.

It’s also not a bad setting for sitting.

This was an amazing weekend for us. The quiet. The great food. The shuso ceremony. And the rain.

All of  it reminded us that shifts, seasonal and otherwise, occur outside as well as within each of us. Allowing for this shift encourages us to live with open minds and open hearts. It is here that we can truly live large.

Mt. Maddonna Center, Santa Cruz, CA

Open hearts & open minds.
Truly living large.

Muir Woods

Peaceful day,

Peaceful mind.

Forest,

Sun-flecked pathway and leaves crackling beneath the stroller wheels.

The kids stair skyward.

Where’s the top of the sky, Dad?

Wife reaches for my hand.

Just this is enough.

Morning on the Russian River, Guerneville, CA

This is interesting. I’ve always thought that a commitment to social justice was at the core of Christian (as well as other) spiritual teaching. At least that’s what Thomas Aquinas seems to point out in his writing.

Perhaps Beck has something on Aquinas.

Money quote:

On his radio program, Fox News’ Glenn Beck encouraged listeners to leave their church if it proclaims a concern for social justice:

I’m begging you, your right to religion and freedom to exercise religion and read all of the passages of the Bible as you want to read them and as your church wants to preach them . . . are going to come under the ropes in the next year. If it lasts that long it will be the next year. I beg you, look for the words ’social justice’ or ‘economic justice’ on your church Web site. If you find it, run as fast as you can. Social justice and economic justice, they are code words. Now, am I advising people to leave their church? Yes!”

You can listen for yourself here.

Big Sky Mind

Originally uploaded by Michael G. McAlister

This brilliant, almost-too-subtle (just a line at bottom) ad campaign was created by UNCLE Grey A/S Denmark. It vividly reminds us that in getting up off the couch, in working our butts off for the benefit of others, no matter the setbacks…it’s all worth it.

Even if we don’t amount to half or 1/100th of Mandela, Gandhi, or the Dalai Lama, at least it won’t be for a lack of trying, and a surfeit of surfing, skiing and barbecuing!

Get your twitter mosaic here.

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Book Talk

Originally uploaded by Michael G. McAlister

No Self

Originally uploaded by Michael G. McAlister

Awakened Exemplar

Originally uploaded by Michael G. McAlister

Cushion Commanderring

Originally uploaded by Michael G. McAlister

Cade and Grandpa Don navigating moments on stairs. Nirvana.

Infinite Smiles
An amazing weekend by any measure. Committed practitioners, natural beauty, stillness. It all worked together to offer an open expanse.
Bows.

This shot was taken about twenty minutes before an amazing rain washed over the Santa Cruz mountains, as well as the rest of the Bay Area. Cool environment in which to meditate.

Morning visitors through my window…

While the screen gets in the way here, after our second morning meditation, about fifteen deer came through the grounds browsing for food. We invited them to sit with us but they declined. The alpha male of the group mentioned something about lent.

… enjoying some kombucha in the cafe.

“Convictions are more dangerous foes of truth than lies.”

-from the Nietzsche Family Circus

Or, as other bodhisattvas might just as easily say: certitude leads to war.

Bows, The Daily Dish

This list cracked me up. Be sure to check it out and scroll down,

(Bows to the worst horse)

It was a beautiful day for an intensive at San Damiano Monastery.

The flame burns brighter when a Buddha meets a Buddha.

It’s worth the wait to expand this picture.

70 years young. Keep inspiring, Dad.

Love,

Michael