We are, as a people, a sentimental breed. Come anniversaries, it seems we cannot help ourselves but look back over our shoulder, and we do. The good anniversaries, the bad ones, the ugly ones, it doesn't seem to matter. The latter seem to hit especially hard, triggering unresolved resentment, anger, guilt and a large dollop of "if only" and "should."
Seemingly further estranged from life as we'd hoped to be living it by now, we do well to "go gently" into the day, maybe even "lowering the bar." I am reminded of the story about the journeyman who asked a fellow traveler, "How can I reach Mt. Olympus?" to which Socrates replied: "Just make every step you take go in that direction."
This year, as America faces the 10th anniversary of the largest attack on its own soil, we need to ask ourselves, "Are we going in the direction of peace, deepened cross-cultural understanding and compassion?" Are we changing our lives for the good? Let's not lose ourselves in myriad interviews, resurrected footage of that fateful day or speculation of what might happen next without a scrutiny that promotes something better.
One thing is for sure: We are always lost when we forget who we are. Maybe there are one or two of you out there who wish to remember who we are and what we must reclaim to build a better future. This begins with a few questions for those willing to play. Let's bravely ask ourselves the following:
How much have we grown since 9/11, as individuals, as a country and as a world? What seed have we been cultivating since then: more fear, or something more constructive, more illuminating? What have we planted in our hearts since that September day? Maya Angelou once told me: " ... You look a fool if you plant a tomato seed and when it's time to harvest go out and expect to find oranges ... Ask for what you want and then give it away, because you're going to get so much more of it back ... Don't die before you've done something wonderful for humanity."
So I am asking you and me: "What is the something wonderful we are doing for humanity over this last decade, and more importantly, today?" When we note our heart's desire, do we implement it? Or do we listen to our own inner terrorist, getting swept up with conformity to the prevailing attitude, "It's a dog eat dog world"? How much are we still playing "us vs. them" in our own lives? Do our choices advance growth or stunt it? Indulge me, if you will, and let me know where you are. Here's an example as a warm up.
It doesn't interest me what George W. Bush was thinking on 9/11, when the U.S. was attacked by those who believed their superiority in their god's eyes. What I want to know is, what do you believe today?
It doesn't interest me whether Dick Cheney still justifies torture to secure information from the imprisoned. The ends do not justify crimes against humanity. What I want to know is, what fear captures you, tortures you, in the middle of the night? What I want to know is, what would help you find rest?
It doesn't interest me to travel down memory lane with an effort to resurrect, to sensationalize what is no longer, without learning how to build a better world based on peace, collaboration, even if such a thing strikes the cynical as foolish. What I want to know is, what returns you to life this second, and are you willing to treasure the moment before us in the name of those who cannot?
It doesn't interest me to get caught up in the political power grabbing and mud-slinging web of the wanna-bes for leadership. What I want to know is, what are you doing today to take the helm of your own ship through recent unexpected and turbulent seas in this shared life of ours?
It doesn't interest me to weigh in on who's right and who's wrong about the economic crisis. What I want to know is, what are you and I doing to invest in creating a better day before bed tonight?
It doesn't interest me to speculate on the next breach of Homeland Security, Wikileaks or terrorist threat. What I want to know is, what are you doing to secure the care, feeding and expression of the human heart?
What are we doing to bring about a world of collaborative action for our children and our children's children, seeded today in our thinking and actions and harvested tomorrow?
It doesn't interest me to lament what we've lost as individuals, countries and planet in the past 10 years. What I want to know is, are we willing to be found? Are we willing to find the best we can be at work in the world? Are we willing to find the best in those we call our enemies?
Are we willing to enter into the unfamiliar together and discover threads uniting us as brothers and sisters of one source of life? Are we willing to get better at finding the good in those with whom we disagree or have suffered injury?
Are we willing to share a seat at the table with a stranger? Are we willing to extend a helping hand more than yesterday?
Are we willing to find that naysayer inside our own head and "out" him when he gets in the way of living more gratefully, more spontaneously?
Are we wiling to say "Please forgive me," when harsh words escape our lips? Or, are we stagnating at the same level of understanding, as in years gone by?
Are we willing to step up, take a stand, use our voice when witnessing injustice, prejudice, intolerance, rather than hide in the shadows muttering "It's none of my business," or "It's not my fault"? Are we willing to get involved?
The real question is, are we willing to grow trust in our hearts and do what we must to repair situations of mistrust?
It doesn't interest me what you are against this September 11th, regardless where you live. What I want to know is, what are you for? What have you learned? What is your truth? What would unify us more and tear us apart less?
Your turn. I have missed you this past month. Let me know your answers. I'm listening and learning from you, my teachers.
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I have posted comments like the one below today, and choose to repost it here. Perhaps, someone may benefit. If not, the post is for me. In my heart, I want so much better for us all. I believe strongly that meaningful change begins in the heart of each us, then begins to reach out, like a ripple in the water. In this case, however, the ripple will not end, it will continue reaching, stretching itself, until every heart has been touched.
Here is the repost: What is a shame is that we are no closer to addressing the root causes of "terrorism" today than we were 10 years ago. The greatest and best tribute to the lost, be it the lost here or the lost overseas, civilian and soldier, would be to do just that.
Rather than live in the past, let us live in the moment today and do something to correct the wrongs that led us here. Let us take our patriotism for country and love for the ones lost and still sacrificing and seek the truth, then speak it, holding those in "power" accountable.
Peace & comfort to those who lost someone on that fateful day & continue to sacrifice their all. But, yes, let us move on courageously & shine a light on the truth.
Your post is well worth the restatement. It is what we are doing here. Your heart is very clear, my dear. So is your truth. As for the best memorial, yes, we must choose how we go on. To let the opportunity slip through our fingers is as great a tragedy as those planes into towers and Pentagon, into the field, as well.
Your Voice is moving and inspiring to the human Spirit. Keep on, from one of your fans!
Cara
Yet I know for myself if it happened again 2 days from now I'd still want revenge. I couldn't tolerate that feeling that nothing could make it right. So I haven't learned.
My dream was that somehow in all the brokenness we'd come out new, bright, stronger.That we'd rebuild, better. It seems we went the other way.
You know, I've shared the same thoughts. With all that went with 9/11, there was plenty trauma to go around. Perhaps this is why the repeating imagery is troublesome for me, because trauma is logged into our cellular structure. Just repeating the imagery on the anniversary, or any other time, is particularly difficult for those who suffered immediate, direct losses, and it seems the media down not consider this. Sometimes, it is anything for a story, a rating. Alas.
Do not feel like the Lone Ranger, my friend. We are all still learning. In my experience personally, and professionally, it seems to be that we only learn out of the borkenness. Surely, we wish it were not this way. But, it seems to be so. The hope is that more of us, like you, will hold fast to the vision of rebuilding, call out those who are blocking this endeavor, and move forward holding hands.
You do touch my heart, today, and each time I hear from you. So many blessings, GAP,
Cara
I live in the Midwest. While I was in awe that we had been attacked by terrorists, I can't say that I felt fear. My thought is this was a small cell and were unlikely to do us further harm. I may be wrong, but I think that is what has happened and would have happened even if we had not spent billions on "securing the homeland."
"What I want to know is, what would help you find rest?"
Seeing some justice. I am not sure what that would look like, but for me, it would include the world and this country realizing that it was the behavior of the Bush administration toward the Mideast and Palestine in particular that brought this tragic event upon us. The elimination of OBL was only half of the equation. Great sadness because a whole war was started because of this terrorist event.
I would like the troops to come home, be whole again - as whole as most are anyway - and find jobs.
I am interested in your description of visiting Ground Zero. ttI remember that fence well, myself, when I visited, along with the scrawled, hand-written notes, prayers, and one sunflower woven into the mesh. It humanized an inhuman act, leaving me to feel connected to what holds such pain for so many, and the love that is at our foundation, even if we forget it too often.
How I love your wish. I agree completely. The tragedy is compounded by our disregard for human life and the cost of power games. Time for a substantial homecoming.
Many thanks, lynettema, for your heart, your perspective, and your Voice. You are a pleasure.
May this weekend, and everyday, find you surrounded in all that makes life worth living,
Cara
Your question is causing me to pause and contemplate a very important question like Plato's "an unexamined life is hardly worth living" which is a favorite of mine.
I know that I appreciate my friends and family more and I'm more considerate and "patient" which is a biggie for me.
I see that our government has lost all the treasures that brought this country together now and it's all discord and greed and yes, hate in capitol letters HATE. What an opportunity the government has to take control and lead but within weeks they were back to the same old action.
I'm not optimistic about the further of this country and find that it does take a lot of time on the meditation pillow to keep one's head above the water which watching our great nation disintegrate into ashes. The Buddhists talk about the Dharma Ending Age which is exactly what I see happening right before my eyes.
However, with people like you and so many of your followers the pain eases a bit and I just want to hug and smile at everyone here and especially you Cara. You are a ray of hope.
You too have a joyful and peaceful weekend Cara.
I am on my way to a neighborhood reunion, a gathering of kindred souls from our past neighborhood who has made the commitment to deepening our connection with one another, regardless where we live. Wishing you were there with us! After all, you are my neighbors in this neighborhood.
Your Plato quote, and sentiment is one of my favorites, as well. In fact, it prompted me to Zurich for post-doctoral work, because I knew, after the death of my son, that I must examine much, much more. In a sense, therefore, this was a stepping stone to finding myself here with you.
As for 'lost opportunity,' I had the same thought at the time: that this was an even bigger tragedy, for those lives were lost in vain.
As for the meditation cushion, what would we do without it? I have no idea.
Your words of thanks are deeply touching. And, yet, I can take no credit. We each do what we do, to the best we can, knowing there is something beyond us, Life Force Itself, pushing to express through the human heart.
you are in my heart, my friend,
Cara
Have a safe and joy-filled weekend, meanwhile,
Cara
You have very safe weekend..XOXO..Gypsy
Hugs all around,
Cara
Blessings your way, Arithrianos,
Cara
I have missed you so very much these last weeks - I've been very worried about you! I'm glad you're posting again!
...I, for my part, haven't had the greatest time of late - fire in the workshop, injured my right eye, etc - not that I'm complaining, mind you, just commenting on all the fun. -smile-
And, unfortunately, I haven't a lot of time right now...
I send my love - and hope you are as well as you appear to be,
Richard
I have missed you, too. No worries, my friend. Lots to attend, and hence, on 7/26 posting, on my way out of town, I knew I would not be back until now. Actually, I was back a few days ago, but the responses seem to be lost. Those of us who come by for a virtual cup of coffee/tea at this cafe notice, don't we, when someone seems missing. Be reassured, you are ever in my heart.
Sounds like these past few weeks have kept you busy, too. True for many of us. During the preamble to big leaps in consciousness, chaos always comes to the door.
BTW, I am a happy recipient of all good thoughts my way! Keep 'em coming!
So much love to you and yours,
Cara
Yes, indeedie-do. You are so right. This is a fact so abundantly clear that it makes the blood pressure rise up against denial. Keep speaking up, stumped! We surely need to gain critical mass awareness around this, for otherwise, the corporate 'puppeteer' continues pulling the strings.
Peace and blessings,
Cara
I am so grateful for you showing up and speaking up. You have my salute.
Cara
I missed you while you were gone.
I think that many of us have chosen to grow with compassion and tolerance over the last decade. The scared/loud/ greedy ones were in control for a while and they did a lot of harm. They usually do. The last mid-terms brought them back to the table and as usual, they only want what is good for them and theirs (the haves). From what I've seen and heard a lot more lately than previously is a confidence from the compassionate crowd that we can overcome our fear-based mistakes as a country and live with a more positive approach to our brothers and sisters in different parts of the world. I'll be celebrating life this Sunday.
Love,
little brother
Know that I, with you, will be celebrating life, on Sunday, today, tomorrow. This is the beginning of a foundation which sustains new life, more compassion, real awareness that we are in this puppy together. It's the ole Golden Rule gig. What I do, or fail to do for you, returns to me. Call it the Golden Rule, the way we treat our brothers and sisters/ or call it karma, the Law of Creation applies. What we think about we bring about. Compassion is a mighty powerful first step.
You are its steward. I am so blessed to call you friend, to see you here, to know your impact.
Cara
What am I going to "invest in creating a better day before bed tonight?" Hmmm. Having a couple more cups of tea sounds like a good idea.
But I'm not worried. We're going to find those threads that unite us as brothers. Well, not with the germs maybe, but their brothers will be doing just fine.
Frankly, I do not believe you are alone. The symbolism of what you describe regarding that cold and lost voice do not escape me. So often, colds present themselves related to loss. As for voice, when losses are so profound, we do lose our words, don't we?
And, hey, what would be like if we all took time for cups of tea? I'm serious. When I do likewise, it is a time to become still, time for contemplative practice, time to turn from the craziness of the world, and find what is enduring. We need refreshment, sorely. The threads that unite are already here. You are a bright and shining example.
I am raising my cup to you as we speak. Literally!
Love,
Cara
P.S. what is your favorite kind of tea, DoA?
Which fits nicely with the subject of your post, thinking of the ultimate anti-horror brought about by the marshmallow men in Ghostbusters.
:-)
We simply cannot afford to stay deaf to those war drums, and must, must, must stay vigilant to protect and encourage what honors life, bringing it forward.
For your service then, and today ORAXX, I am grateful beyond what I can express.
Bless you,
Cara
A few days ago, while driving along the coastline (Pacific Ocean), we passed a forest that had been 'burned out' some years ago. At first, the ground appeared to be the site of a forest massacre. Yet, upon closer inspection, I noticed that the charred remains of many have now become nursing logs for new life. The cycle continues. Let us not forget this is so. Let us remember what we have today, and do what we can to ensue its well-being
Peace and blessings to you, khanti,
Cara
Such thoughtful questions ..... such a rich invitation to look within...to rest there in inquiry and exploration to source resolution 'out there'.
That brings me to 'what I am for': I am for that ..... for our individual and collective commitment to exploring who we are at the levels and layers below what we see. I am for this because I have learned the power that we each are will lead us not only to our own truth but also to the truth of what we are together.
For mySelf, my truth is that we each are genuine leaders and each one of us has an authentic contribution to make.... not a contribution that we can make up from what we KNOW but rather, a contribution available as we explore the mystery.... a contribution for which we are designed ....for which we were made .... for which the world is waiting. I believe that IS our unity and our exquisite opportunity to realize our individual and collective potential.
I just got back from a long clinic day, and wish to respond to you after I have rested and given your great response it's due. Hang in there with me, won't you? Oh, how glad I am to find you here.
Hugs,
Cara
Good morning. Isn't it amazing how some good 'shut-eye' can transform the world! Ah, that it were that easy in political land!
You are, Lady K, a stellar example of living for commitment to consciousness, for the search in the depths for what matters and truly sustains. You are a commitment and devotion to the bringing forward of what runs deepest in the soul, translating it into your every day life. Your lamp is lit, and we are blessed for it.
So many thanks and wishes for joy your way,
Cara
Your questions address how we have changed to foment change for the better both within ourselves and others. For me, the list continues to expand.
The ideas of “should have” and “what if” play a lesser role now that I realize their futility beyond potential lessons learned.
My tolerance increased because I see it being driven by empathy and understanding, entwined with the realization that my moments share time and space with those of others, and that their moments are as fleeting as mine, plus their intersection is commonly brief. Besides, to allow the benign acts of others to draw criticism or stir anger is to give up dominion over myself.
There is more, but I wanted to address another question asked: “What seed have we been cultivating since then: more fear, or something more constructive, more illuminating?” As reflective of my micro-bio, ”Plant in your kids, the seeds of greatness!” the seeds we plant will produce a failed crop if we do not attend to the beliefs and attitudes of our children. Sensationalism and media slant can only be balanced by the actions, behaviors, and examples of adults… kids are always watching… they always see… always learn.
As for Socrates, he also said, “Let him that would move the world, first move himself.” So if we wish change, we must do more than wish… it is too often folly to expect change in others without changing ourselves.
In a state of flux…
Lawson
Lawson, empathy and understanding are your middle name. I'm going to mull your response with some sleep time, too, and will get back to you in the morning. Your expansion on good ole Socrates are spot on.
Oh, how I have missed you, and wondered how you are. You are a candle in the darkness.
Love,
Cara
And, yet, we cannot go back, can we? Heraclitus was correct. Socrates, knew well, as do you, that we must move ourselves. Lawson, honestly, you are the poster boy of Socrates wisdom. What an impressive way you have of taking responsibility for the seeds you plant, attending them, and reflecting upon current needs for growth. You tend the garden, my friend. You remain present.
In this, there is no need for shoulds or what if's. There is only room for life, not sensationalism. The latter is a sham, after all.
To life, even through this state of flux,
Cara
I had to review the parameters of that Philosopher of Ephesus’ thoughts on flux. Of particular interest: the interpretation supporting the concept saying in order to remain the same one must change, therefore change is necessary for constancy due to the ongoing internal and external influence of physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and material "flux." You might say we are "fluxified" in order to remain the same: reflective of his interconnectedness of opposites I reckon.
The deep and wide application: How many people slip into the abyss of economic, relational, spiritual, artistic, educational, professional, and other types of stagnation because they did not or would not continue to change (grow, improve, adapt); they apparently believed in the stability of a static existence rather than a dynamic one: treading water is not the same as swimming for the shore.
I also ran across a favorite quote from Heraclitus with which he nailed another concept: “The character of man is his guardian spirit.” Thanks for the memory bump.
Would that more could realize the utility and pragmatism in releasing, as you said, the ‘sham’ of dependency on ‘should have’ and ‘what if’ thinking, and opt instead for that single present... the present... in which they could focus and begin to plant, nurture, grow, and eventually harvest a truly beneficial crop; as always with me, particularly if that crop encompasses their children's character.
Doing the fluxification dance... :)
Lawson