Greetings beloved friends,



             This Sunday we will welcome Om Rashan as our guest speaker. His talk title is Love Beyond Borders, which speaks to an inclusive, expansive, powerful love, whether it is geographical, cultural or the emotional walls we build around our hearts! Buddhist teachings emphasize the importance of practicing non-attachment to assist with loving unconditionally. Letting go of conditions (walls, borders) allows acceptance and love to blossom...this is a freeing experience!

 

            Haven't we all experienced in our relationships those times when differences seemed to rise up and threaten to overwhelm us, even shut us down? And yet, once we have stepped back to look at these differences objectively, we realize (by distancing ourselves from egoic attachment) that it really doesn't matter. Only Love is Real.

 

            We do not own anyone or anything. This experience of Life and everything we have ever had or enjoyed is a gift. When we align with this truth, it is easy to 'witness' what we really are and why we are here, and allow ourselves to do what we do in gratitude and peace. It is easy to see that our connection with others is what really matters. We need each other. To remember that peace is our goal. Non-attachment is the way to get there. 

 

            Susan Fabro shared a fascinating video with some of us prayer partners; a man named Robin sharing his story of extreme non-attachment. Over a period of ten years, he gave away everything he owned including his pants. True story! Someone handed him a blanket. He did this to see how he could change his life in a way that lined up with his values. Could he let go of consumerism and embrace the essential self that a human being is with everything taken away. Could he survive? He also wanted to make a statement about the precarious position our planet is in because of consumerism. He wanted to make a change.

 

           He found freedom and joy and true love. And he learned so much. Dumpster diving became fine dining as he learned to cook over fire and provide for himself. He became self-sufficient as he learned to forage for himself in Nature. It was and still is an incredible journey that has also had a fair share of hardships (of course), and he is navigating his life without fear. He knows he doesn't own anything so he isn't afraid of losing it. Amazing! Now, I want to clear the clutter! I was captivated and meditated on his example. I ask the question of myself. "How can I align with my value of non-attachment today?"

 

Hope you enjoyed these ponderings,

Mariette

 

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