Welcome!
I am torn whether to say a little about myself, or not!I have no desire to be a stranger -
quite the opposite - but if you wish to
read what I have to say, I would like our friendship to grow on the basis of
our discussion and our ideas. It is my belief that poetry and
exploratory writing of all kinds, should be the basis for conversation and a relationship.
My portion of truth, if shared with many may become a Truth.
I seek those
Truths, but have found them to be few indeed!
I have the feeling that anything I say about myself may give rise to preconceptions that
have the power to taint the purity of the concepts that are the reason for
this site; that is all the many meanings of our search for 'spirituality'.
On the other hand, to say nothing seems unfriendly! So, since my heart is for love, I will say a little more...
It also
seems to me that 'suffering' comes in many forms, but that habit, addiction and other apparently 'negative' traits may well be outward signs of a deeply searching soul - and that what we need is mindfulness
to identify and challenge our own behaviour, seeking insight as to the core of our beings, through love
and compassion, with joy, grace and humour.
For me,
this knowledge is of profound significance. I have learned to be grateful for
the opportunities to understand, that 'suffering' has given to me.
Much of
my writing represents considerable pain in my own journey. Feedback indicates
that some people find the intensity of the work engaging; but some find the
pain of introspection more difficult. This, I understand; but I would ask
anyone who finds themselves in this situation to consider where that pain is
coming from.
Some
pain may be good, in terms of the potential for what may happen next. In the
west, we say it is always 'darkest before the dawn'; in the east, the Chinese
word for crisis is 'wei-ji', meaning 'danger-opportunity'. What wonderful
philosophies! Think of this: at any time, any one of us may be standing at a threshold of dawning opportunity. This
can be exciting; but it may also provoke anxiety.
Anxiety may lead us to compulsion and fear, which is the antithesis of
the compassionate freedom, for ourselves and others, that I believe to be our heritage, our right
and our responsibility to seek.
If I
may be so bold as to reach out to you in friendship, I would encourage you
not to shy away from the inward journey. The way is often dark, but the core
is forever light. I believe with all my heart that you are loved beyond
measure and that you are never truly alone.