At the beginning and at the end
In the morning when you wake up, reflect on the day ahead and aspire to use it to keep a wide-open heart and mind. At the end of the day, before you go to sleep, think over what you've done. If you fulfilled your aspiration, even once, rejoice in that. If you went against your aspiration, rejoice that you are able to see what you did and are no longer living in ignorance. This way you will be inspired to go forward with increasing clarity, confidence, and compassion.
Pema is the resident teacher at Gampo Abbey, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, the first Tibetan monastery for Westerners. She has written several books: "The Wisdom of No Escape", "Start Where You Are", "When Things Fall Apart", "The Places that Scare You", "No Time to Lose" and "Practicing Peace in Times of War" 
A couple of photos I took when we visited Gampo Abbey in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. I hope to return there in 2012 or 13 and stay awhile.
Pagan Sphinx Photo 2009 © All Rights Reserved
I felt so in tune with this post and so much enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteI noticed, too, that Pema Chödrön has written a book 'Places that scare you.' If you look at my Sunday Snippet, The author there is writing of fears to be faced in 'The Forest of the Night.'
Perhaps this is why I felt so in tune, as I am reading your post having just pulished my own.
Thank you for sharing.
Aguja Word Stitcher - Oh, how I love serendipity!
ReplyDeleteI'll have to go over and check out your post. Seems we are in tune, doesn't it?
Simply learning about Buddhism has helped me be a better person. :-)
Nice pix,and good thoughts.
ReplyDeleteCheers!
Jzb
Magical post.
ReplyDeleteAloha from Waikiki
Comfort Spiral
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It's cool to hear about this place, and even cooler to hear that you're planning on getting back there.
ReplyDeleteGreat pictures, too!
I imagine the place as remote and beautiful with wild storms blowing inside and out right now. It's that time of the season.
ReplyDeleteLovely thoughts. We met a Tibetian yesterday who helped us greatly at the NY State Museum. I want to call and find out her name today to thank her. She helped Bill see that kindness is real in the world where you least expect it. Gin
ReplyDeletewhat a special and lovely post...the photos are stunning...loved the four red poles over the ocean...symbolic of much in Buddhism...thank you for this, i needed it lots. xoxoxo
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