Here’s to the close of 2011!

I’m a long-time fan of Mr. Fred Rogers of the PBS series, Mister Roger’s Neighborhood. My good friend and neighbor gifted me with a book of his quotes for Christmas (thank you, Jen!). Even though it’s been years since I’ve seen a video episode displaying his magical, yet subtle educational ways, his words brought back many peaceful thoughts and good memories.

The quote I used in my design above caught my eye, so I’m sharing it with you as we enter this powerful year of 2012.

I like imagery of love as infinity. Endless. Infinite. I also sometimes think of love as a river, I can dip my toes in anytime, I can drink from it, and I can funnel that river of love to anyone in my midst. We all can. I believe this to be true.

In fact, I’m passing love to you as you read this, can you feel it?

While I’m not a “resolutionista” — I do enjoy setting an intention for the year to come. As 2012 breaks through the coming dawn, I will do all I can to live my life with the intention of love and basing my actions from a loving place.

I wish you all the best for the coming year and thank you for taking the time to read my words, always. Feel free to say hello in the comments, I’ve missed y’all.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Techie/Design Note:

About the design above, I photographed my lovely engraved stone sitting atop an imprinted journal I recently purchased. I then imported the image to my Mac and used Photoshop to apply a filter, then Illustrator to adjust the opacity, add the outerglow, background, colormatching, and text layer. If you’re intersted, here’s the original photo (below).

Much Love, Namasté,

Lori ~xo

Further Reading:

∞ Inspirational Design: Never Give Up
∞ Graphic Poetry, Haiga: Savor
∞ Graphic Poetry, Shape Poem: Your Shelter

[Fine Print: I offer to you free use of the designs at my site. Please use as you see fit. Link back to my site if you feel so moved or let me know you enjoyed my work (lori[@]janebenimble[dot]com). However, my policy is to create for all with no expectation. All images are either solely created by me or used within terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License when noted. I authored the text and designed the graphic in Adobe Illustrator®.]

I would be gratefully humbled if you chose to subscribe to receive updates from my blog. You can request new posts emailed to your inbox or receive updates via RSS. (The subscription has no costs associated, and I gave up SPAM when I switched to a plant-based diet, so no worries about receiving that in your inbox.)

The ten statements above have been lifesavers for me. I live by them.

When I was writing/designing the graphic above, it really hit me: these ideas are not that complicated—so why do we allow things in our lives that sap our energy? Really, think about it.

Having MS means that energy is no longer something I can take for granted. That pep in my step I’ve had for much of my life is no longer available like an open spigot, and when I feel it, I need to use it wisely. Rest is no longer optional. When I don’t get enough rest, my life becomes much more difficult.

And, that goes for the other things on my list, too. When something gets skipped, my life becomes no fun at all. No more wiggle room for me.

Maybe I see things through a lens that has become distorted, but it’s also helped me to appreciate things more deeply. I’m thankful for so many things in my life. There’s something about knowing a real probability exists that I could continue to loose function, so every day that I can design something new, smile at a stranger, tell a friend a joke, or walk across the street to give my neighbor a hug is the best day of my life.

As the holidays approach, I’m giving thanks for my life every day, moment by moment.

I give thanks for you. I’ve had this special spot of the internet landscape for a considerably long time, I appreciate you for taking time to read what I have to say. You make my experience here much more rich and I hope I’ve added to your days in a special way, too.

Enjoy your life, there’s no better time than this very moment. This human experience is a precious gift to be celebrated. Close your eyes and think of something right now for which you are thankful, take a deep breath, feel it though all your senses: smile.

Much Love, Namasté,

Lori ~xo

Further Reading:

∞ Inspirational Design: Never Give Up
∞ Graphic Poetry, Haiga: Savor
∞ Graphic Poetry, Shape Poem: Your Shelter

[Fine Print: I offer to you free use of the designs at my site. Please use as you see fit. Link back to my site if you feel so moved or let me know you enjoyed my work (lori[@]janebenimble[dot]com). However, my policy is to create for all with no expectation. All images are either solely created by me or used within terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License when noted. I authored the text and designed the graphic in Adobe Illustrator®.]

I would be gratefully humbled if you chose to subscribe to receive updates from my blog. You can request new posts emailed to your inbox or receive updates via RSS. (The subscription has no costs associated, and I gave up SPAM when I switched to a plant-based diet, so no worries about receiving that in your inbox.)

G’day, greetings, and salutations. I hope as you view this post you find yourself smiling and content.

I gave myself a dose of art therapy today with photos I snapped of flowers that have been in my home this summer, all gifts from dear people in my life. I adore the text I placed below the photos—a favorite poem from Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind by Shunryu Suzuki.

The poem captures the notion that we can only truly see something when our perception is interrupted. As an example, we more fully experience the open, blue sky when clouds drift through, or perhaps the beauty of the expanse of ocean when waves form to break the ocean’s flat skin.

I’ve considered these words often in light of “bad” situations or even when I see something that I might not find beautiful or pleasing at the time. Thinking about this concept really does help me re-frame my perception and make certain aspects of life easier, lighter, or more bearable.

I like to think I more deeply appreciate events, things, physical sensations, and emotions these days because I am mindful of perceptions interrupted.

When I asked hubs if he had a favorite of my flower photos from the summer, I was a bit shocked that he picked the one that I initially didn’t like at all. The one on the center bottom of the collage. The one with the hunk of gunk in the bottom amongst the stems.

I looked again at the photo and now I agree with him. I think the small curled-up brown leaf actually drew my eye to the interesting part of the photo where light magically bends through the glass.

If you’ll allow me to offer something to you today, think of this notion when your world is interrupted. What can you see because of it?

As a post script, I’d like to thank all of you who are here today reading. I am thankful for you and hope you had a wonderful summer. Enjoy the last week of summer if you are in the northern hemisphere!

Namasté, friends. ~xo

[Fine Print: I offer to you free use of the designs at my site. Please use as you see fit. Link back to my site if you feel so moved or let me know you enjoyed my work (lori[@]janebenimble[dot]com). However, my policy is to create for all with no expectation. All images are either solely created by me or used within terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License when noted. I photographed the images above and designed the graphic in Adobe Illustrator®.]

I would be gratefully humbled if you chose to subscribe to receive updates from my blog. You can have new posts emailed to your inbox or receive updates via RSS. (The subscription has no costs associated, and I gave up SPAM when I switched to a plant-based diet, so no worries about receiving that in your inbox.)

Illustrated Poetry in the JBN stacks:

∞ Savor

∞ Your Shelter

∞ Tanka No. 130

∞ Silence

I wrote this recent Haiku during a stormy patch in my day. Vertigo had my head spinning, my mind filled with my typical MS fog. The more frustrated I became, the faster my head spun.

I moved to the floor, sat cross-legged, and sunk into meditation with Snatam Kaur on my stereo.

Taking deep controlled breaths, pausing at the top of the breath, I held the visual of a majestic mountain: steady and strong. In time, my mind-body relaxed. The vertigo and fog remained, but I felt steadfast while gently allowing my environment to swirl and tumble around me.

I reached up to the table and grabbed my notebook penning this Haiku to reflect that moment.

Short form poetry can be quite soothing and healing. Writing brief observations of the moment, infusing nature and the essence of the season, can focus your energy and bring you into the beauty of this gorgeous planet. It’s quite humbling to live here, truly.

My wish for you today is this: whether you’re new to Haiku, Tanka, Senryu and other forms of poetry or an experienced sage, write a poem today. Take a moment of your busy day—you need no more than five minutes—and settle your mind-body with a creative thought of the moment. Even better, take ten minutes in meditation to balance your mind-body before you begin.

Continue to honor the good, the not-so-good, and the space in between—being human and present in this time space harbors immense beauty.

Namasté, friends. ~xo

[Fine Print: I offer to you free use of the designs at my site. Please use as you see fit. Link back to my site if you feel so moved or let me know you enjoyed my work. However, my policy is to create for all with no expectation. All images are either solely created by me or used within terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License when noted. The stunning photo backdrop for today's image was gracefully donated by Mr. Chris Ezzy, a heartfelt thank you to you my friend _/|\_. I authored the Haiku, then designed the graphic in Adobe Illustrator®.]

I would be gratefully humbled if you chose to subscribe to receive updates from my blog. You can have new posts emailed to your inbox or receive updates via RSS. (The subscription has no costs associated, and I gave up SPAM when I switched to a plant-based diet, so no worries about receiving that in your inbox.)

Illustrated Poetry in the JBN stacks:

∞ Savor

∞ Your Shelter

∞ Tanka No. 130

∞ Silence

In a funk as the morning fog lingered into early afternoon, I sat wondering about life. The fog can seem a closet that won’t open. Claustrophobia. Haunting.

Then…

I feel a shift.

This fog, my supposed nemesis, is merely sky reaching down to me. She’s nature giving me an ethereal kiss on the cheek.

Again, a lesson I need to play on repeat—it’s all in how we frame our thoughts. Our experiences are merely illusions interpreted by our senses, translated by our mental apparatus. That pesky brain of ours. (Oh, behave, you wild and wooly brain.)

I sink into meditation once again, find the stillness, and savor the sky.

Thank you for sharing this Haiga* with me. Continue not only to look, but to see—you can choose the lens through which you see your life experiences.

I dedicate this Haiga to the people of Japan. My love hugs your shores and courageous souls. Read this beautiful post for thoughts regarding what you can do for Japan during this tragic time.

Oh, and wrap your arms around yourself and give you a hug from me, too.

*The combo of art and short form poetry is called “Haiga.”

This post is also my contribution for One Shot Wednesday. Please visit One Stop Poetry: One Shot Wednesday for a collection of savory poetry. This is week #38, thanks to all contributing to this wonderful community.

____________________________________________________________

Post Script: Many thanks to Petteri for allowing me to use his gorgeous travel photography as a backdrop for this Haiga. Thanks to everyone reading today, whether you comment or not. Your presence is a gift.

To learn more about the art of Tanka and Haiga, please visit Aha Poetry, Tanka Online, or One Stop Poetry’s Tanka Feature.

Illustrated Poetry in the JBN stacks:

∞ Your Shelter

∞ Tanka No. 130

∞ Silence

[Fine Print: I offer to you free use of the designs at my site. Please use as you see fit. Link back to my site if you feel so moved, however, my policy is to create for all with no expectation. All images are either solely created by me or used within terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License when noted.]

I would be gratefully humbled if you chose to subscribe to receive updates from my blog. You can have new posts emailed to your inbox or receive updates via RSS. (The subscription has no costs associated, and I gave up SPAM when I became a vegetarian, so no worries about receiving that in your inbox.)
~Namasté friends. _/|\_

Our lives become richer by our willingness to traverse walls.

If our daily experiences were all rainbows and smiling faces, imagine how dull our lives would be. Really. Difficulty may not be fun or enjoyable at the time, but think back to the most challenging times in your life and put into perspective how those times enriched your life.

I’ve been writing poetry for most of my life and tend to lean toward short form poetry such as Tanka, Senryu, and Haiku because of the play between brevity and the focus on life as is. It’s like speaking from a part of the self through a kaleidoscope or monocle.

The graphic and poem above may not be uplifting, but it’s a simple expression of a moment in life. Don’t get me wrong, I love silence. I love the siren of nothingness. Some of the most beautiful moments in my life occur during utter darkness and silence.

But, as life is life, sometimes silence can be a bone-crushing, painful experience. This Tanka poem written in the shasei style (a sketch from nature and life) is an expression of those days where silence is not golden and walls must be climbed.

Continue climbing those walls, my brothers and sisters. I’m right behind you.

______________________________________________________

Post Script: Many thanks to Petteri for allowing me to use his gorgeous travel photography as a backdrop for this Haiga (the combo of art and short form poetry is called “Haiga”). The kindness and generosity in the blogosphere is blowing my mind. Thanks to everyone reading today, whether you comment or not. Your presence is a gift.

Please visit One Shot Poetry Wednesday, hosted by the awesome people behind One Stop Poetry, an online meeting place for creatives like poets and photographers. Rock on, master poets!

To learn more about the art of Tanka, please visit Aha Poetry, Tanka Online, or One Stop Poetry’s Tanka Feature.

Illustrated Poetry in the JBN stacks:

∞ Your Shelter

∞ Tanka No. 130

[Fine Print: I offer to you free use of the designs at my site. Please use as you see fit. Link back to my site if you feel so moved, however, my policy is to create for all with no expectation. All images are either solely created by me or used within terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License when noted.]

I would be gratefully humbled if you chose to subscribe to receive updates from my blog. You can have new posts emailed to your inbox or receive updates via RSS. (The subscription has no costs associated, and I gave up SPAM when I became a vegetarian, so no worries about receiving that in your inbox.)
~Namasté friends. _/|\_

Sandra at Always Well Within posted an intriguing message recently. This is no surprise—she often writes about topics that leave me thoughtful for weeks or months. (Visit her often to expand your mind, you won’t be sorry.) Thank you for inspiring me once again, Sandra.

Sandra’s post moved me to reflect about the place imagery holds in my daily life. As a collegial response to honor Sandra, I’ve chosen three to share that will hopefully also inspire you, too.

Immediately, this came to mind: the image of a panther.

To me, panthers represent confidence, grace, and nature’s instinct while harboring innate feline playfulness. I’ve always loved big cats and now I live 24/7 with an image of her on my body.

Not long ago, I “free wrote” a post that was partially inspired by the fact that I have a tattoo of a panther. I had a blast writing The Woman with A Panther Tattoo and literally wrote it in about 15 minutes. Please read this post to be inspired to free write and use it as an example if you’d like. Free your mind, folks. You can do it! Also, The Exception posted her version of free writing her life, packed with awesomeness.

Really, truly, go forth now and try this yourself—then return when you’re ready. (I’m not going anywhere…)

Next: the infinity symbol

I love the inherent truth represented by mathematical equations as well as pure, simple prime numbers. Using a symbol from mathematics as a representation of life to convey the infinite, the vast unknown, the expanse of the universe, well, it’s difficult to put into words the power this symbol holds for me. Can words ever really convey the infinite?

I’ll let you sit with that thought…

Last but not least

Nature, nature, nature! Images of nature in any form can inspire and change my mood almost immediately. Next time you feel stuck, uninspired, or down, seek the imagery of nature in person or via photographs.

I’d also like to offer a huge shout out and thank you to Sue from Inspired Type for inspiring me with her imagery. We have similar tastes and talents, but I love her fresh approach and admire her clean, provoking style. Please stop by to bathe your soul in inspiration with her delicious designs.

The Essence

Sandra invited us to think about a few images that hold a special place in our lives.

What a valuable exercise to ponder this topic and evaluate whether the images you’re choosing are truly making you a better you. Also, have you considered collecting images which inspire for the next time you fall into an emotional or spiritual well? When already in the well it’s not the time to be searching for a rope, if you get my drift.

Please discuss anything you’d like to share in the comments. I honor your presence and remarks.

Wishing you a peaceful day and a balanced heart,

~Lori

[Fine Print: I offer to you free use of the designs at my site. Please use as you see fit. Link back to my site if you feel so moved, but my policy is to create for all with no expectation. All images are either solely created by me or used within terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License when noted. I offer my gratitude to cheekyneedle, via Creative Commons license, for allowing use of the waterfall image as inspiration to apply the illustration of my words.]

I would be gratefully humbled if you chose to subscribe to receive updates from my blog. You can have new posts emailed to your inbox or receive updates via RSS. (The subscription has no costs associated, and I gave up SPAM when I became a vegetarian, so no worries about receiving that in your inbox.)
~Namaste, friends. _/|\_

I could go into the details of why I haven’t posted for two weeks, what makes things difficult at times, or rant about this crappy disease, but instead I thought it may be more helpful (for me AND you) to tell you about some of the tools that have helped me make it to another gorgeous sunrise.

Sound good?

Climb aboard!

My tool box components listed below are in no particular order.

1. Meditation/Mindfullness

Meditation is my life saver. Many tools and techniques are available to learn how to meditate if you’re new to the practice. If you’re a pro, I encourage you to deepen your practice. An abundance of books, MP3s, and such are available at your fingertips.

A Few Favorites

∞  Sandra writes about meditation on occasion, providing excellent tips and discussion. I enjoy her site overall and she draws a lively, interactive community. She’s simply one soulful, beautiful, amazing woman. Pop over to her site, have a lookie-see, and say hello.

∞  Engage this two-minute video to stop you in your tracks and help you hit the mental “reset” button: click here for two minutes of bliss.

∞  Chanting is a powerful form of meditation. As a musician, maybe I’m naturally drawn to vocalization and vibrational healing, but the vocal chord involvement and the natural control of the breath that ensues adds power to a beautiful practice. Here is a gorgeous video that always brings peace to my heart and is a good place to start if you’re interested in this practice.

2. Friends/Connection

If you know someone is going through a tough time, please connect with him or her.

From my perspective, I can’t always respond or interact, but letting a person know that you’re popping by to say hello and that a response is not expected or needed, you’re adding bright light to a life. There’s something about receiving emails, cards, real letters, and even txts that can brighten my day. (Heartfelt thanks to those who’ve done this for me, I can’t thank you enough.)

3. Art

Creative endeavors can trigger powerful healing experiences. Seeing—or creating if you feel up to it—amazing photography, design, and the like can change one’s world in unexpected ways. It absolutely does for me.

A Few Favorites

∞  Caroline of Constantly Evolving blows my mind in so many ways. She posts a new photo almost every day and I love her style, both writing and photographic composition.

∞  Ken Kaminesky shoots travel photography. The images are ethereal, unique, and downright yummy. I miss traveling, and he brings adventure to my screen, places I wanted to visit, and reminds me of trips I’ve taken. One of his photos recently graced the cover of National Geographic (yowza!), but I love this photo of the “Wall for Peace” that N.G. had to pass over due to graphic/cover design constraints. Oh la la.

∞  Hugh Macleod is a cartoonist and the author of his blog Gaping Void. He employs an interesting “doodle” style (my term) to create fascinating art joined with meaningful thoughts.

4. Humor

At times, no amount of colorful imagery, chanting, compassion, or the like can bring me out of the “Well of Lost Hope.” It’s then I need to laugh! Bring it on like Donkey Kong!

A Few Favorites

∞  Just this morning, I happened across this video. I’m not usually into “cute animal stuff” and not especially for the purpose of making me laugh, but this one make me giggle in just the right way. Plus, it’s really well done, unique, and just plain cute! Trust me on this one.

Playful Kitten in Slo Mo (click here to go directly to YouTube if having trouble viewing via my blog)

∞  I am a sucker for stand-up comedy. Taking a few moments to troll through some of your favorites can completely shift your energy, and might make all the difference. I recently watched the brilliant comedian Maz Jobraini, I laugh out loud watching his comedy.

Here’s a sample (click here to watch directly via You Tube):

∞  Purchase an old-fashioned hard copy of comics from your favorite cartoonist. I have a few of Gary Larson’s collections. I always find something to make me laugh.

A Final Thought

I am aware all these techniques are simply different types of distractions. However, when the mind is pulled from a darker place into the light, with each pull the soul becomes aware that suffering is a state of mind.

This awareness may not change the fact that you physically feel like you were ran over by a truck, that you feel you haven’t slept in three days (but you woke up only moments prior), or that you are longing to participate in activities which formerly brought joy into your heart.

But, each two-minute respite can slowly, over time, rebuild our frame of mind regarding how we perceive our challenges.

The sun greeted me this morning with a smile. And, I pass that smile to you today. ~xo

**Post Script, head over to Tim’s blog today and check out the goofy way people “save” (i.e., dibs) shoveled parking spots over in Chicago, IL. Pretty funny and awesome, too. A mini preview:

Share your thoughts about anything and everything, if you’re so inclined. What’s your idea of a powerful way to bring joy into your day? Have a two-minute tip to share?

Also, I would be gratefully humbled if you chose to subscribe to receive updates from my blog. You can have new posts emailed to your inbox or receive updates via RSS. (The subscription has no costs associated, and I gave up SPAM when I became a vegetarian, so no worries about receiving that in your inbox.)
~Namaste, friends. _/|\_

As I mentioned I would in my latest post, I did, indeed, choose a winner at random on Sunday to receive a crisp new copy of Rebel Buddha from yours truly.

I apologize for my delay in sharing the results. Feel free to send Ms. MS a letter expressing your grievances regarding me not adhering to the expressed rules of the contest. In fact, I’ll give you a direct line to her Customer Service department if you Contact Me. However, I think a significant backlog exists, so don’t get your undies in a bundle if she doesn’t respond in a timely manner. (I apologize on her behalf.)

*wink*

Thank you from my heart to everyone who comments to my posts and to those who expressed interest in receiving Dzochen Ponlop’s words. I appreciate you very much. You bring much light to my life.

Without further ado, the recipient, chosen by an online random-number generator, is Patty, author of the blog: If Not Now, When? (Patty, you have an email from me in your inbox regarding next steps.)

Speaking of Patty, I want to tell you that if you’re not following her blog, you’re missing out on reading excellent prose, amazing insights, and some of the most creative ideas I’ve seen in quite some time. Plus, she’s a downright all-around groovy chick.

In addition to being a blogger, Patty, is also a counseling professional and coach. And get ready for this gem, she soon will be hosting a very cool thing: Living Life’s Second Half: SUNDAY NIGHT AT THE MOVIES, starting February 27th. Check it out and please consider joining the (virtual) group.

Thank you, Patty, for your beautiful words and your bright presence in all our lives. You are loved.

As an extended post script, I’d also like to mention that over my past ~eighteen months of blogging, I’ve become enamored by the name, “Jane.” When I created this domain and blog name, I wanted something catchy and something with spunk. Also, to me, “Jane” inspires thoughts of Jane Goodall, one of my heroines. And to be honest, I feel bad when people mistake me for being “Jane” due to my blog’s name. So, I am taking on the name Jane here and in general online, too.

Honestly, I don’t mind if you call me Lori, I don’t mind if you call me Jane, (you can even call me James or Jimbo) just don’t stop talking to me, okay?

I’m off for the remainder of the day for a delightful afternoon (i.e., checkup) with my neurologist. She’s a wonderful physician and I am filled with gratitude for those who care for others as a way of life. To devote one’s life to caring for others, what more is there?

I hope to be back soon to read and interact with you at your blogs and also to provide another dose of mental nutrition for you, the lovely people who read this blog and who give me so much hope and inspiration. Create a beautiful day, and give thanks for your body electric. It is beautiful (even when it is not working on all cylinders).

To bid you farewell, I want to share with you a performance by one of my favorite musicians, Andy McKee. Enjoy (click here if you are having trouble viewing).

♦ Want to read more about caring for your body electric? Read my Your Body is a Fortress series.

Also, I would be gratefully humbled if you chose to subscribe to receive updates from my blog. You can have new posts emailed to your inbox or receive updates via RSS.
~Namaste, friends. _/|\_

Any book with “Rebel” in the title makes me want to give it a chance.

When I write about books that I love, I tend to infuse a lot of my personal life that might make you roll your eyes. So, to save ticking minutes, you may want to skip my meanderings and read a “proper” review instead. I’d suggest The Guardian writer Ed Hallywell, who recently wrote an excellent article about Rebel Buddha.

Still here? Super! I was delighted to read Rebel Buddha: On the Road to Freedom, by Dzochen Ponlop Rinpoche and am happy to share my reflections about the book.

First, a truth moment:
I smoked cigarettes* when I was a teenager into my early 20s. I hid it from my parents by smoking on my way to work, or so I thought, until my Mom found cigarette butts in the bed of my beat-up, red-n-rust pick-up truck. I forgot about the fact that the butts might be sucked into the bed from the aerodynamics of throwing them out the window while driving. Was I book smart? Yes. Was I intuitively smart? Um, not so much. Did I also constantly question everything, with a rebel attitude? You know it, sister.

Let’s fast forward a couple of decades, shall we?

I am a recovering ingrate** and have cleaned-up my act—at least I’m working on it.

Over time I have discovered responsibility, compassion, and awareness about my body/mind and environment. I continue to have a “seeking” mind. I’ve studied world religions extensively and am interested in any and all spiritual teachings as well. The element of the rebel in me also propels me forward.

I have a hunch you feel elements of the rebel in your soul, too: that seeking voice, a voice that actively searches for answers, a voice that resists the status quo.

As I mentioned recently while responding to Evita’s questions, I resonate most closely with Buddhist practices when it comes to spirituality and have been studying Buddhism for a few years now. I enjoy practicing Buddhist principles because to me, it is not a religion per se, but “method” or a way of life—a way to live with compassion and a path to the peace of emptiness. I’m an infant along the journey to awakening. (Can someone please send me a teething ring?)

But, here’s the rub: I’ve never been to India or Tibet, probably will never physically be able to travel there, and I feel distant from any possible moment that would allow me to partake of an authentic Buddhist experience, other than to experience the essence in the Western world. It’s always seemed to me that the stretch might be too far. What am I trying to prove, saying “namaste” and meditating, then five minutes later I’m dorking around on You Tube and doodling with my iPad. Wha???

Living in the West while employing the principles of Buddhism can sometimes pose a challenging dichotomy for me.

Drum roll please: allow me to introduce you to Dzogchen Ponlop (a.k.a. @ponlop at Twitter), author of Rebel Buddha.

Lovely Leyane kindly sent me this book with no expectations to post about it here, but I felt compelled to share my thoughts about the book with you. (I rarely provide reviews here, fyi. FCC note: I’m not making any coins from this.)

In short, the writings in Rebel Buddha address the concerns of connecting the two worlds, while also giving us a Western road map of the Buddha’s teachings. I think of this book as my personal Buddhist road trip down the Pacific Coast Highway. We’re hugging the Cali coastline, the top is down, and the sun is warming our skin.

Namaste, girlfriends—shaka that.

I applied a flag-sticky-thingy to mark a section of almost every page. It’s that good.

Here’s proof:

Dzogchen Ponlop was born in 1965 (as member of my generational peeps) in northeast India and was trained in the meditative and intellectual disciplines under masters in the discipline of Indian and Tibetan Buddhism. He has lived in the US for over two decades, now a US citizen, and is considered by many to be a conduit of Buddhism to Western culture.

In the introduction, he talks about his Seattle basement apartment, beginning the day with a cup of coffee and ending it with the Colbert Report in the evening—early on I notice two interests we already have in common (coffee and Colbert, that is).

The fact is that I am a Generation Xer, according to some, and a loyal BlackBerry subject, but the truth is I am a rebel without any culture on my way to finding the buddha I know is within me. ~ Dzochen Ponlop

Dzogchen Ponlop’s ability to speak about his connection between the West experience and Buddhist’s teachings touched me. I am grateful for his insights.

The wise words in Rebel Buddha shines through, page after page, like the lighthouse showing me the way home. I don’t foresee myself parting with this book. If a friend would want to read my copy, I’d make the investment to purchase a copy for him or her because I can’t part with this. It will have a permanent part in my home library.

The Ponlop Quote Garden: quotes from Rebel Buddha hand-selected by me with love

Compassion or altruism, then, is not about being perfect or just doing good; it’s about this daring heart that cherishes others and life itself.

At some point, you’ll be certain that you have reached a full understanding of your question. You’ll recognize it because it’s not someone else’s answer—it’s your own.

…when you see the reality of your true self, you see it nakedly—stripped of all concepts. It’s one thing to say, ‘The emperor has no clothes,’ and another thing to declare that and be the emperor yourself.

When we meet suffering in person…we can look at it directly and say, ‘I’ve seen you before, and here you are again. I’ve avoided this moment, but now it’s time to face you straight on and clear up a few things. I know you’ve been helping me, so thank you for that. But, now I’d like to say good-bye. I’m walking toward the path of liberation.’

The terms emptiness and selflessness are meant to convey a sense of totality or fullness, which is actually experienced as a sense of openness and spaciousness. So this emptiness is not like the emptiness of an unfilled cup, a vacant room, or worse, and empty pocket. It’s not like that. When we have a genuine experience of emptiness, it actually feels good…It’s as if…we’re suddenly freed from our bondage, we feel so good, so much more relaxed and happy.

To read an example of Dzogchen Ponlop’s unique ability to relate Buddhism to the Western world, read his article at the Huffington Post. Or this article, “How is meditation like a Snicker’s Bar?”

I express my gratitude to Leyane at FSB Media for gifting me with this book. Visit FSB to find several ways (e.g., via Amazon, Kindke, Borders, etc.) to purchase Rebel Buddha for your own home library.

♦ Book reviews from the archives: The Harvard Psychedelic Club, Naked in Eden, What Should I do with the Rest of My Life

Please comment if you have a question about the book or a thought you’d like to share about your own spiritual/emotional journey.

Special Goodie Alert: On Sunday, January 16th (Pacific Time), I will randomly select a person from the comment section and will personally purchase a copy of Rebel Buddha and have it sent to you. I would love to gift Dzochen Ponlop’s teachings to you if you feel you’re ready to receive the messages from this book, but realize you’ll have to provide me with your home address if you are selected. Please indicate in your comment you would like to be added to the drawing.

[Photo credit {top} courtesy Robert Aichinger, center photo credit to me. ]

Also, I would be gratefully humbled if you choose to subscribe to receive updates from my blog. You can have new posts emailed to your inbox or receive updates via RSS.

~Namaste, friends. _/|\_

*Cigarette smokers have a higher risk of developing Multiple Sclerosis. Sure, smoking might kill you and you’ll die at some point anyway, but smoking might also make for a pretty crappy quality of life, on and off, for a very long time. Trust me. Please don’t smoke.

**My definition of an ingrate is someone who, basically, thinks she owns the world, is annoyingly over-confident, ungrateful, and tends to overlook the very people who have provided her shoulders on which to stand. To remedy ingrates in your life, please love them unconditionally.